3.11.2005

Review #13: Bubba's Texas Burger Shack - Houston, Texas

One way I can tell that a burger joint is awesome is I hear lots of good things about it from friends and readers. About a month before I made the trip I heard about Bubba's. A few weeks went by then I heard from a close friend that I had to go there. Then another. And another. I started looking around the internet to see if the local newspaper or TV stations had been to Bubba's. I found that Fox Channel 26 had indeed been there. All of the reviews and word of mouth recommendations for Bubba's was too much for me to take. I went to Bubba's despite having strep throat. Even my illness wasn't enough to keep me from this place. When Bubba's came into sight - I knew I was in for a good experience. This place is Texas to the bone. Plain and simple. And Bubba's burgers met and even exceeded my expectations.

IMPORTANT: If you haven't already, please read the Texas Burger Guy terminology post. That will help you understand this review.

Bubba's Cheeseburger Review
There was nothing typical about Bubba's. The building itself is quite literally a shack. The interior creatively decorated. (more on this later) Bubba is a very kind and easy to speak to man. The menu was a little different. Namely - there were NO fries, O-rings, or tots on the menu. This kindof threw me for a loop. All over the place are references to the buffalo burger and the buffalo meat in general. I was getting concerned that maybe Bubba's was a little off the wall for me. BUT - after getting my cheeseburger - all those worries subsided. This was a truly mean looking burger. And it was VERY tasty. Here is how I see the Bubba's Cheeseburger ranking in the TexasBurgerGuy categories:

Oooze Factor
Oh my friends - this burger is a big ol' messy burger. Upon taking my first bite a lot of stuff fell out and ran all over my fingers. That to me is a good thing. The patty was plenty greasy... good oooze. Bubba loaded me up with ketchup. He also gave me some mustard to go with it.. so it created a pretty unique - although very good flavor. Very greasy. Very moist. Excellent flavor.
Oooze Factor Rating: 8


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Herd Killer
When I think of the Bubba's cheeseburger - a huge and meaty patty is not what I think of. Don't get me wrong - the meat on this burger was big enough to fill me up - but it just wasn't a Kincaid's type burger where the patty is an inch deep in the middle of the burger. I'm learning that chemistry is an important part of a tasty burger. Chemistry in the burger world is the way all of the flavors come together. The lettuce, tomato, meat, bun, and mayo/mustard. This where Bubba's excelled. The chemistry was FANtastic! Excellent flavor in the bun. Excellent seasoning on the meat. Overall - an excellent although not a huge patty.
Herd Killer Rating: 6

Handling
Definitely a 2 hander.. No one handers here. This burger was big and bulky. It was a lick your fingers after you bite into it type burger as well. Really good.
Handling Rating: 8

Bling Bling
The cheeseburger was $5.43. The Bubba's burger left me feeling very full and very satisfied so I'd say it is well worth the money. I have had burgers before that didn't quite fill me up and I paid a lot more for them. Nothing worse than paying a lot of money and still be hungry. I already mentioned that Bubba's doesn't have fries, O-rings, or tots. I could take my pick of chips or jalapeno potato salad. I opted for the jalapeno potato salad. MAN that was awesome! Highly recommended.
Bling Bling Rating: 7

Overall Bubba's Cheeseburger Rating: 7



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Restaurant Review
Bubba's menu is very unusual. You'll find LOTS of dishes with buffalo in them. Bubba's was the second burger joint I have been to that served an Buffalo burger. The buffalo meat is much leaner and better for you than even turkey. While you should take care of your heart and ensure that you are eating good foods - that wasn't the intent of my visit to Bubba's. I wanted to clog an artery or two. Buffalo meat probably doesn't have the same oooze factor as the beef counterpart. Mrs. TexasBurgerGuy tried the Buffalo Salad which was a good looking salad with a buffalo patty parked on top of it. I tried the meat and it was great. The jalopeno potato salad was definitely awesome. Gotta try that!


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Restaurant/Atmosphere
Bubba's Texas Burger Shack is not just a clever name. This place is definitely a shack. It is great though. There is a wooden deck out on the front. There are 2 or 3 tables inside the actual place - guess most people eat outside. Bubba is a very nice guy. Do yourself a favor and strike up a conversation with him. The interior of Bubba's is also very memorable. Not sure quite how to explain it other than to say Bubba is PROUD to be an American. Lots and lots of American decorum in this place. Some very humorous signs including my favorite... "I love animals... with potatoes and gravy." There are several autographed pictures of various musicians and models that have eaten at Bubba's. I am not doing this place justice. You really need to see it to know what I am talking about. It is great!!!

Directions
Bubba's is located literally under the Westpark Tollway. We went North on 59 towards the loop and exited Chimney Rock. Go south on Chimney Rock to Westpark and take a left. You will see Bubba's just past South Rice road. Can't miss it. It is the only place out there.

Address/Phone:
5230 Westpark Dr
Houston Texas 77056
713.661.1622

Map: Map to Bubba's Texas Burger Shack

TBG Overall Rating
Eating at Bubba's is quite an experience. You get to meet a nice and genuine man. You will see one of the most creatively decorated burger joints out there. You will get to try buffalo if you want to. And you are guaranteed a VERY quality burger. I will add Bubba's to my "will definitely return again" list.

Overall TBG Rating for Bubba's: 8

Other Reviews of Bubba's:
B4-U-Eat.com Reviews