Tucked on a quiet Midtown corner, Lankford’s Grocery & Market serves the kind of burger that makes you plan your next bite before you finish the first. The old-school diner charm hits instantly, and the prices stay friendly while flavors go big. You feel the legacy in every toasted bun, seared patty, and friendly check-in from the staff.
If a true Texas burger is on your list, this is where you cross it off with a grin.
1. The Classic Cheeseburger
You sit down, unwrap the paper, and the aroma already says you picked right. Lankford’s Classic Cheeseburger nails the balance of a hand-pressed patty, toasted bun, and a melty blanket of American cheese. Lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion deliver that crisp snap you expect from a true Texas staple.
Nothing here is fussy, just dialed-in technique. The patty is juicy without sliding apart, and the bun stays sturdy. Grab fries or tots, add a little mustard, and it turns into a simple, happy moment you will remember later.
Locals swear by it for a reason. If you judge a spot by the classic, start here. It is the litmus test that Lankford’s passes easily.
2. The Firehouse Burger
Heat seekers, this one waits with a grin. The Firehouse Burger layers a juicy patty with bacon, cheddar, and that signature habanero mustard, giving smoky depth alongside a bold, clean burn. Each bite hits sweet, tangy, and spicy without getting messy for no reason.
Grab napkins, but do not fear. The toasted bun holds together, and the toppings actually make sense rather than shout. Pair with a cold drink on the patio and watch Midtown roll by while you wipe happy tears.
Staff will warn you about the mustard’s kick, and they are right. If you chase flavor with fire, this delivers. It is the burger you keep thinking about on the drive home.
3. The Grim Burger
When TikTok pushed you here, the Grim Burger probably did the convincing. It is unapologetically huge, layered with cheese, bacon, and grilled onions, then crowned like a dare. The sear locks in juice, and the stack stays surprisingly manageable if you commit with both hands.
Expect that first bite to silence the table. Salty, smoky, cheesy, and a little sweet from caramelized onions, it is a greatest hits playlist in burger form. Pace yourself, because fries still deserve love.
Half now, half later works fine. The leftovers reheat better than expected, thanks to that hearty bun. If you measure value by satisfaction per bite, the Grim sets the bar sky high.
4. Fried Green Tomatoes
Before the burger lands, start with fried green tomatoes. These arrive hot, crisp, and seasoned so the tangy tomato shines under a crunchy coat. Dip into the house sauce and you get a little zip that wakes up your palate without stealing the show.
They set the tone for Lankford’s vibe: simple, unfussy, and confident. Every batch tastes freshly fried, not tired or greasy. If you are splitting plates, plan on ordering two because the table gets quiet fast.
They pair well with a cold drink and even better with a cheeseburger on deck. Locals talk about them like an open secret. Consider this your green light to join the club.
5. Loaded Fries and Tots
Whether you are team fries or team tots, Lankford’s treats both like main characters. Expect golden edges, steam inside, and toppings that do more than look pretty. Cheddar melt, scallions, maybe jalapenos, and on lucky days, brisket bits that bring Smoky City energy to your table.
Sharing sounds polite, but the fork in your hand will disagree. Every scoop carries crunch, creaminess, and a quick bite of heat. Order with extra napkins and the house ranch for a knockout pairing.
They complement any burger but can hold their own as a snack with cold beer. If you want comfort you can customize, this side becomes your playground. Prepare to defend your corner of the basket.
6. Patty Melt and Sandwich Classics
When a burger mood shifts toward diner nostalgia, the patty melt steps in. Toasted rye, Swiss, and caramelized onions turn the same great beef into a buttery, savory stack. Each bite delivers crisp edges, molten cheese, and that sweet onion finish that makes you nod yes.
Lankford’s does not stop there. The BLT stacks thick-cut bacon and fresh tomatoes, while the club sandwich offers layered comfort that travels well. If your group wants variety, this board easily pleases everyone.
Pro tip: tots alongside the patty melt make a killer duo. The old grocery roots show in these classics, honest and unfussy. You leave full and kind of nostalgic for reasons you cannot quite name.
7. Atmosphere, Hours, and Tips
This spot feels like stepping into a friendly pocket of Houston history. Kitsch on the walls, clean tables, and a covered patio that stays peaceful even near Midtown buzz. Staff keep it warm and personal, the kind of service that makes regulars out of first timers.
Hours run Monday to Thursday 9 AM to 8 PM, Friday 9 AM to 10 PM, Saturday 7 AM to 10 PM, and Sunday 9 AM to 8 PM. Street parking exists, so arrive a bit early during rush.
Call +1 713-522-9555 or check midtown.lankfordsburgers.com for updates. Prices stay friendly, portions generous. Come hungry, order confidently, and leave with a new favorite tradition.
8. What To Order On Your First Visit
First time in. Start with fried green tomatoes to set the mood, then go Classic Cheeseburger if you want the pure experience. Feeling bold.
Split the Firehouse for heat or the Grim for drama, then round it out with loaded fries or tots.
Ask your server for sauce pointers and do not skip a shake if you have room. The menu is wide, but you cannot miss with standards that locals praise daily. Portion sizes lean generous, so sharing works great.
Weekends get busy, yet the vibe stays relaxed. Sit outside if weather cooperates and watch the neighborhood hum by. You will leave plotting that next visit before the last bite disappears.