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I haven't eaten a truly great burger around here in years. There used to be a couple of local Sugar Land burger joints, but that was before the mall was put in, and we became a haven for franchised mediocrity.

I agree. Never understood the big deal with In-N-Out. Five guys is good, but not great. For my money, the best fast food burger is Whataburger (no onion, no mustard, add mayo) with Onion rings.

My favorite burgers of old are both from the pre-franchise days.
Fuddruckers pre-franchise original location on Chimney Rock. You would build your own and then sit under those tents outside to eat.
Chili's pre-franchise, when the only items on the menu were Chili, the Oldtimer, The Trip, and those soft tacos. I'm a "Chili's Trip" girl, but they took it off the menu years ago, so now I have to explain how to MAKE the darned thing. It's a pre-formed commercial patty, and they send out a few grilled onions and a ramekin with a couple of tablespoons of chili. Oh, and remember those hand-cut fries seasoned with cracked black pepper? Those were the days.

Nowadays, my favorite burger takes a long drive, or a flight. Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville has wonderful burgers. Mr. Shasta and the little Coogs like the Cheeseburger in Paradise. I'm a fan of the Al-vacado Burger made with a beef patty. Really perfectly seasoned meat, and they load it with chunky guacamole and an onion ring. Close to perfect.