Symon’s Burger Joint is the brainchild of chef Michael Symon, who is famous for being an Iron Chef and his many appearances on Food Network shows. He owns many restaurants across the country ranging in style from fine dining to casual.

In 2015, Symon opened his burger joint next to the University of Texas campus on The Drag. It’s in a great location getting a lot of foot traffic and customers from UT, providing a collegiate feel.

Symon’s Burger Joint differs from the average burger spot like a Whataburger. The food is always good but the orders can come out greasy and sometimes sloppy. This one aims to please it’s customers. The presentation of the food is professional instead of that rushed look you get when at a fast food place. You get the feel of being a judge on one of those cooking shows, because the food is so fresh and well put together.

In terms of recommendations on what to order, I’d say keep it simple and try the cheeseburger. Honestly, you can never go wrong with a cheeseburger. It comes with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickled red onion (optional). I personally did not have the onion on my burger, and last –but not least – their famous Symon’s sauce. Now, that will cost around $6.99, and $1.99 to add bacon — just because a burger isn’t a burger without bacon. That in total is around $9 and some change.

The atmosphere there is very urban. It’s a place where you can walk up to the window and order your food. Then you sit and wait on the patio outside and enjoy your burger, or your sausage.