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"Opening its first Houston-area outpost at The Grid in Stafford on November 22, this California-born chain keeps a deliberately simple menu of burgers, fries, and shakes while cultivating a cultlike secret menu. The double cheeseburger “protein-style” is a top recommendation for a juicy, lower-carb bite—the crisp lettuce replaces the bun and adds a pleasant crunch—whereas the “Animal-style” burger (mustard-grilled patties, caramelized onions, a heap of veggies and the chain’s mayo-based “spread”) is delicious but tends to get messy and make the bun soggy. A smarter way to enjoy those Animal-style flavors is on the fries: grilled onions and spread transform otherwise bland fries into the real standout. Skip the basic shakes if you want something more memorable, and vegetarians or lighter-lunch seekers should try the grilled cheese (butter bun, spread, veggies)—ask for grilled onions." - Amy McCarthy