Champ Burger
Hamburger restaurant · Second Ward
304 Sampson St, Houston, TX 77003
Highlights
Old-school burger shack serving breakfast & lunch classics.
Old-school burger shack serving breakfast & lunch classics.
"Home to the original “Texas Size Steak Sandwich,” this no-frills, old-fashioned walk-up burger institution in East End has served Houstonians for over 50 years with third-pound patties made from prime ground chuck. Order your burger how you like it, and that’s just what they’ll serve. Prices start at around $7 and go up to $11 for double meat and double cheese patties. For those who prefer meatless burgers, Champs offers vegan black bean and falafel burgers for $9, and a $13 Impossible burger. While diners can stick with the standard but no less delicious french fries, this burger joint also serves salads, beer-battered onion rings, chili cheese fries, hot apple turnovers, and hash browns. Know before you go: Locals who visit Champ on the second Saturday of the month will encounter a celebration, with special Champ Burger-themed face-painting and complimentary beer from 8th Wonder Brewery while supplies last." - Brittany Britto Garley
"A local favorite since 1963, this old-school burger shack has remained a breakfast and lunch favorite for Houstonians looking for a hearty bite, especially when on a budget. Its Texas-sized steak sandwich is pound-for-pound one of the best deals in town, as this monstrous, beef-stuffed sandwich rings in just under $8. The burgers and breakfast sandwiches are no slouch, either. The Champ burger, loaded with bacon and cheese, and its classic sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich, are both staples. Vegetarian? Opt for the black bean or falafel burger." - Brianna Griff
"The only thing that’s changed about Champ Burger in the last 60 years is that the place now accepts credit cards. Champ Burger, an old-school hamburger shack in the East End right off the Metro greenline, usually has a small line of people waiting for a cheeseburger or steak sandwich clustered near the order window. The classic-style burgers are juicy but not greasy and will keep you feeling full most of the day. You should also order an orange milkshake and chili cheese fries and make it a true Champ Burger meal." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
"Run by Travis Wilshire and Sterling Houghton, this pop-up-turned-cart developed a cult following after launching in 2023 and is opening its first permanent cart at Away Days Brewing Co. in the next month (updated Nov. 12, 2024, to clarify the opening timeline). The daily driver at the cart will be the eponymous Champ burger, available as a single or a double; the burger is made with dry-aged beef and topped with American cheese, onions, pickles, and a special sauce. Expect additional rotating specials, which include thick pub-style patties and smash burgers prepared on the flattop and charbroiled. In addition to its high-quality meat, what sets the operation apart are the pillowy buns made in-house. The cart will also offer rotating cookies with flavors like chopped chocolate chips, s’mores, salted honey, and milk corn." - Rebecca Roland
"The only thing that’s changed about Champ Burger in the last 60 years is that the place accepts credit cards now. The old-school hamburger shack usually has a small line of people clustered near the order window waiting for a cheeseburger or steak sandwich. The burgers are juicy, but not greasy, and the thinly breaded and crispy “Texas-sized” steak sandwich will put you in a food-induced stupor for the rest of the day. Regardless, you should order an orange milkshake and chili cheese fries." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene
