Lankford's Grocery & Market — Restaurant in Houston

This had been on my list of places to go for quite a while, and I finally made the trip for a business lunch. Open since 1937 on the edge of Midtown and Montrose, first as a grocery store, then an ice house, and now a burger-centric restaurant, the quaint structure evokes an older Houston in a rapidly changing neighborhood where townhomes have quickly replaced historic buildings like this one.

The place was packed when we entered, but we were luckily able to be seated at one of the only open tables inside. While the burgers are the main attraction here, the menu boasts an array of options of primarily Southern-flavored items such as appetizers like fried green tomatoes, various sandwiches like the buffalo chicken sandwich, sides like fully loaded fries / tater tots with chili cheese and jalapenos, limited salads, a stacked Tex-Mex-influenced breakfast menu as well as a number of beer and wine options (happy hour is Thursday and Friday from 4-6pm).

We started off with fried pickles for the appetizers, which were downright delicious, and in my mind ended up being the best-tasting part of the meal. We then moved on to the obligatory burgers with myself ordering the house favorite Grim Burger (mac & cheese, jalapeno, bacon, cheddar cheese, and sunny side up egg) and my colleagues opting for the firehouse burger (habanero sauce, cayenne butter, jalapenos, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and onion). The Grim Burger was solid, though not as juicy and bursting with flavor as I would have expected given the hype and the ingredients of the burger. The habanero sauce of the Firehouse Burger was tasty, but my colleagues found the burger overall to be a bit dry. At the very least, the spice level was not lacking as one colleague only finished half and was visibly sweating at the table. One thing we did all note was the waitress didn't ask how we wanted our burgers cooked, which was strange for a burger-focused menu. Further to that point, we did wish that the patties had been a bit less well-done so as to have preserved more moisture and flavor.

Given the reputation and Diner's, Drive-ins, and Dives fame of Lankfords, I honestly was a bit underwhelmed in regards to the burgers. That's not to say the burgers were bad, just not quite as spectacular as I was expecting. All in all, still a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and a good place to...

Nestled in the heart of Houston, Lankford's has earned its reputation as an institution for authentic, mouthwatering cuisine. Boasting an incredible menu with the finest hamburgers in town and featuring the delightful Poncho Villa Beer, this restaurant promises an unforgettable dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

Upon entering Lankford's, you are greeted with an inviting and laid-back atmosphere, immediately making you feel at home. The place has a timeless charm, and the friendly staff adds to the welcoming ambiance. It's not just a restaurant; it's a place where you can savor the essence of Houston's culinary history.

The menu at Lankford's is a tribute to classic American comfort food, with the hamburgers reigning supreme. The patties are crafted to perfection, juicy and full of flavor, served on freshly baked buns that add an extra touch of deliciousness. Whether you prefer a classic cheeseburger or desire to venture into unique flavor combinations, Lankford's has you covered.

Accompanying the delectable hamburgers is the Poncho Villa Beer, which takes the taste experience to a whole new level. This locally brewed beer perfectly complements the rich and hearty flavors of the burgers. Its refreshing taste and smooth texture make it an ideal pairing, elevating your dining experience to the next level.

Beyond the burgers and beer, Lankford's offers a range of other scrumptious options. From crispy chicken sandwiches to mouthwatering salads, there's something to please every palate. And don't forget to save room for dessert! Their sweet treats are just as delightful, the perfect way to end a satisfying meal.

What truly sets Lankford's apart is its deep-rooted connection to the local community. Having been around for years, it has become a beloved spot for generations of Houstonians. The restaurant's commitment to preserving its traditions and serving genuine, high-quality food is evident in every aspect of the dining experience.

Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Lankford's is a go-to destination for foodies seeking the true taste of Houston. The combination of the best hamburgers in town and the refreshing Poncho Villa Beer make this place a must-visit. So, if you find yourself in Houston, do yourself a favor and pay a visit to Lankford's - you won't be...

I heard Lankford Grocery had one of the top burgers in the city of Houston, so I knew I had to try it. I finally had the opportunity to go with a few of my colleagues for lunch. When we arrived, we saw the restaurant was tucked in a residential area, so there was very limited parking, but you can find street parking nearby. As we walked closer, we saw that they had an outdoor patio with plenty of picnic tables. The Lankford Grocery sign stated that they have been around since 1939. The place looks kind of old and run down, but it has a certain charm to it.

Lankford Grocery is run by head cook, Eydie Prior. Her parents first opened it as a legitimate grocery store in 1939, but through the years, it evolved into a restaurant with hamburgers and comfort food. I wanted to try a simple burger, so I went with their Old Fashion Hamburger with cheese, mayonnaise, mustard, lettuce, tomato, pickle, & onion for $6.49. I also ordered the French Fries for $3.00. When it arrived, the hamburger was folded up in aluminum foil, and I had to flip it to get it upright before unwrapping. The burger was seriously huge. I had to cut it in half!

Immediately, I noticed how thick the bun was for the burger. The bread was too large, and it was also kind of dry. The other ingredients looked super cheap, and it was glazed with a lot mayonnaise. The meat itself was also dry, and I felt like it had no flavor biting into it. Oh no! The French Fries were good, but nothing special. To be perfectly honest, I was really let down! I had built this place up in my mind as "one of the top burger places" in Houston from word of mouth, but to be completely honest, the food was a huge fail for me.

Overall, I feel Lankford Market is a gem in Houston just because it's been around for 80+ years. It's unique, and it's located in the middle of a residential area of Houston. However, if we're talking strictly about their burgers, they're simply not good. There's no ifs, ands, or buts about it. I would never see myself craving the hamburgers here. The prices are cheap, and the quality of food reflects that. If you're looking for a great burger, definitely look elsewhere. If you want to experience an 80-year-old restaurant located in the middle of a residential area, just grab a beer...