Best Burger in LaGrange: Murphy's Steakhouse

Just about halfway between Houston and Austin, you'll find the city of LaGrange. It's a small town; a city in Fayette County, Texas, United States, near the Colorado River. La Grange is in the center of the Texas-German belt. When I'm driving for work from Houston to Austin, I will follow I-10 for about 70 miles and make a right onto Interstate 71. Twenty minutes after that, I'll find myself in La Grange. And if you love hamburgers and you're driving through LaGrange, there's one key spot you need to try - Murphy's Steakhouse.

The environment is very homey and cozy, if a bit on the dark side. You might call it intimate. At the time I visited in late summer, tables were still spaced for pandemic distancing, but since then, dining has tightened up over time. Things are back to normal now.

And I will say the burgers here are awesome! They are huge and thick and the buns they use are delicious. Their fries are so-so, but the onion rings are big and crunchy and tasty. If you order a meal you get a salad bar trip, and it's always fresh and lots of tasty choices.

First of all - the meals are GINORMOUS, and--compared to Austin prices--really, REALLY inexpensive. And good! You don't give up any quality. Sides were also very tasty, too. And, while you don't ever doubt you're in 'a fancy-ish restaurant,' the desserts are visible for display, much like an old-fashioned Texas diner would do. This small town steakhouse offers great food and service at a really good value and that's why people keep coming back over and over again. The atmosphere is pleasant and very welcoming. The staff is very friendly and the food is delicious. Here's the truth - Great food takes time, so be prepared to wait a little while for a wonderful meal.

During my first visit, I came here for date night suggested by my fiancé, super cute place in Winchester. We came HANGRY and glad we did because these portions were LARGE. The burgers were enormous and I ate TWO of them. Yes, TWO. Food came out good and hot crispy and ready to eat. I took left overs home as well as a slice of banana nut cake and let me tell you that was so delicious perfect small pieces of dessert for yourself! Service was great, drinks are large too. We are definitely coming back again to feed these hungry bellies!

But...remember, I love hamburgers and I'm a serious burger guy. I have been to all the top burger places in Texas and I have found this gem that belongs in the top 5. Let me start with the building, it was built in 1913 and has great character. The service is top notch and the burger was outstanding ! It was 1/2 lb of well seasoned beef caramelized on both sides to hold the juices in. The lettuce was crisp leaves, not shredded, red juicy tomatoes, tasty red onions, and firm dill pickles all on a giant soft bun that held together right to the end. And it was under $7.00 !

A little history - I found this place two years ago when I was on a mission to hit every Steakhouse in Texas and I passed this spot while I was driving through LaGrange, Texas. Everyone online was stating that the steaks were grilled well, lightly seasoned with a good diamond patter marks...and I love that. One review said that the food was made in-house not heated up off a Sisco truck, which is a big plus for me. So, I came back again....and again...and again.

During my most recent experience, I found that the service was fine enough but there is a little bit of a wait for the main course which should be expected at good and rural restaurants. It's an asset, not a liability. The wait isn't bad they do have a serve yourself salad bar to hold you over. The salad bar also has a fresh pot of pinto beans which was unexpected and very Texas item. And then I said, 'I need to come back yet again and write a blog about this spot.'

Service was good and the server was friendly. The place is dark and nostalgic and you feel like your in Texas. As a still somewhat operating Post Office, it lends to a quirky vibe but, love taking visitors there.

Definitely worth the scenic drive there and always enough to take home for lunch the next day!

204 Thomas St, Winchester, TX 78945

(979) 242-3433

https://www.eatatmurphys.com/