Search for the Best Burger Joint in Austin: Mighty Fine Burgers

I’m a huge burger fan. Anyone who knows me knows that burgers are one of my all-time favorite foods. If my metabolism weren’t so darn slow, I’d eat them four days a week. I’m always looking for that next great burger joint.

When I first started blogging in Austin, I wanted to do a series on the best burgers in town, so I started actively looking for recommendations on places to go from friends and colleagues.

I was pleased to find that there were no shortage of recommendations. All the posts in the series will start with “Search for the Best Burger Joint in Austin” in the title. Since this is the first post in the series, be patient. More will come. Next time you are in the mood for a burger, just remember to come back to The Austinot and do a search for that term in our search bar. You’ll get an honest take on the burger joints that I’ve visited.

Mighty Fine Burgers Austin First Impression

Just looking around when I stepped into the doors of Mighty Fine Burgers, the first thing that came to mind was Five Guys Burgers. At first glance, the concept of the place seemed nearly identical. If you’ve never been to Five Guys that won’t mean anything to you. But if you have been, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.

There’s basically one large open room with sharp signs, a main counter with uniformed workers behind it, and boxes of things that would normally be in a storage room, neatly arranged out in the open to provide decor.

I was a little disappointed in the ambiance of the joint. I had heard so much about this Austin-area burger joint being so unique. I mean, come on guys, it’s just not what I expected from an Austin “original.”

Austinot Eric’s Burger Review Criteria

I rate burger joints using a 1-10 scale, with 5 being Average. (Don’t be a hater. If I rate you a 5, that means you were average.)

Roughly speaking, a score of 1 translates to “worst ever,” while 10 translates to “God handcrafted this himself.” Remember, you are free to disagree with me. This is just my honest take.

When reviewing a burger joint, these are my categories:

1. Burger Patties
2. Bun
3. Cheese
4. Messiness
5. Garnish
6. Burger Taste
7. Fries
8. Atmosphere
9. Cleanliness
10. Other Factors

Mighty Fine Burger Review

1. Burger Patties = 9  Mighty Fine uses all-natural, hormone free ground chuck that they grind and form into patties on site. Tough to beat.
2. Bun = 6 The bun was better than average, but not too much better. Right size bun for the burger gives it above average marks.
3. Cheese = 7 Real American cheese, what’s not to love? Melted just right.
4. Messiness = 5 No overflowing toppings or terrible mess. (I like a messy burger, where everything just drips down your arm.)
5. Garnish = 7 All garnish was fresh and crisp, and complimented the burger nicely
6. Taste = 8. Mighty Fine makes a mean burger that won’t disappoint. Juicy and rich meat, fresh garnish and real cheese. A classic.
7. Fries = 6 They get one extra point for having the only fresh-cut crinkled fries around. But they are too thin and salty, and need more substance.
8. Atmosphere = 6 The employees are nice and the atmosphere is inviting, but I just can’t get over the similarities with Five Guys. I like the concept, it’s just not original.
9. Cleanliness = 8 The place was really clean when we were there. Considering how busy it was, it was actually rather remarkable. Kudos!
10. Other Factors = 7 Great Blue Bell ice cream shakes. They use the terms red, yeller, and white instead of ketchup, mustard and mayo. Burgers are a bit pricey, but worth it.

Bottom Line on Mighty Fine Burgers in Austin: 6.9 out of 10

Overall Score = 6.9. The overall score is the average of the 10 categories.

The burger itself is fantastic and you won’t be disappointed. If you are looking for a classic American burger with great taste, Mighty Fine Burgers will fill that need. Garnish was fresh and the meal was filling. A bit pricey, but worth the price for the taste. The fries left something to be desired, but the shakes were great. The place was really clean, the employees nice and the crowds there were obviously happy. I’d recommend you give Mighty Fine a shot.

Search for the Best Burger Joint in Austin Continues

So far, of burger joints in Austin reviewed on The Austinot, here is the scorecard:

#1 – score 8.1 – The Tavern

#2 – score 8.0 – Your Mom’s Burger Bar

#3 – score 7.6 – Phil’s Icehouse

#4 – score 7.2 – Casino El Camino

#5 – score 7.1 – Crown & Anchor Pub

#6 – score 7.0 – Billy’s on Burnet

#6 – score 7.0 – Moonie’s Burger House

#7 – score 6.9 – Mighty Fine Burgers

#8 – score 6.7 – Wholly Cow Burgers

#9 – score 6.4 – Nau’s Enfield Drug

Other places that have been suggested to review: Old School Bar and Grill, The Loop on Palmer, Cover 3, Burger Tex 2 on Guadalupe, Flat Top, Counter Cafe, Austin Java, Hopdoddy, 24 Diner, Fran’s/Dan’s, Dirty Martins, Hideout Pub, Dart Bowl, Hat Creek, Hill’s, Opel Divine’s, Collie’s, III Forks, Roaring Fork, Lambert’s, Black Sheep Lodge, Foreign and Domestic, Hoovers, and Spec’s on William Cannon.

@EricHighland asks:

What do you think of Mighty Fine Burgers? Do you agree or disagree with my review? Do you know of any other burger joints that should be on my list?