Growing up in the suburbs of Houston, features editor Chris Hughes found an ideal classroom for his eventual career in food journalism in the city’s diverse dining scene. He was introduced early on to dishes like banh mi and Vietnamese spring rolls by his classmates, and in high school, he’d sneak out and eat tortas and tacos at a nearby taquería. On weekends, he and his friends often drove to the original Ragin’ Cajun or the Montrose area to soak up Houston culture.
After attending the University of Texas, Hughes did a brief stint at Random House in New York before hightailing it back to Texas after realizing the city wasn’t for him. He eventually broke into food journalism, writing and working for publications including the Boston Globe, Coastal Living, Food & Wine, and Austin Monthly. In the past year at Texas Highways, he’s brought an incredible depth of flavor to our food and dining coverage. This month, he took on the monumental task of compiling a list of 50 standout burgers across the state.
Enjoying this article?Hughes worked with four writers he knew were passionate about burgers and had a firm grasp of certain regions to divide and conquer, eating their way through Texas. It took about four months to whittle down the list. “All of us had our favorites,” he says, “but we also asked other food journalists across the state for their input.” As for Hughes’ favorite, he’s partial to the type of smoked burgers being introduced at barbecue restaurants. “I think pitmasters are doing the most exciting things with burgers,” he explains, citing the verde burger at Reese Bros. Barbecue in San Antonio. “I love the fact that Nick Reese was inspired by the EZ’s bean burger from his childhood, but he’s done such interesting things with that regional style. Plus, he’s procuring and smoking some of the best beef you’ll find in Texas.”
Don’t see your preferred burger joint on the list? Please share your pick with us at [email protected].
Emily Roberts Stone
Editor in Chief
