History

The Cowtown burger traces directly to Kincaid's Hamburgers on Camp Bowie Boulevard, which began life as a grocery store butcher shop in 1946. When supermarkets made grocery-butcher shops obsolete, the Kincaid family pivoted to selling burgers from the same butcher block, grinding fresh beef daily and pressing patties on a flat-top behind the counter. The result became one of Texas Monthly's best burgers in the state, drawing visitors who came specifically for a simple half-pounder with no frills beyond mustard, onion, and pickles.

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Common allergens: Gluten, Dairy

Make it at home

Yield 4Hands-on 20 minTotal 30 minDifficulty Easy

Ingredients

  • 700 g fresh-ground beef chuck, 80/20 fat ratio
  • 4 soft hamburger buns
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • Yellow mustard
  • White onion, sliced into thin rings
  • Dill pickle slices
  • Salt and coarse black pepper

Method

  1. Divide the ground beef into four 175 g portions. Form loosely into balls without compressing the meat.
  2. Heat a cast-iron flat-top or heavy skillet over high heat until very hot. Add no oil; the fat in the beef is sufficient.
  3. Season each ball on one side with salt and pepper, then place seasoned-side down on the skillet.
  4. Immediately press down firmly with a heavy spatula to a thickness of about 1 cm. Season the top side.
  5. Cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are brown halfway up the side and a crust has formed underneath.
  6. Flip once, lay a slice of American cheese on top, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes for medium doneness.
  7. Toast the buns cut-side down in the same pan for 30 seconds.
  8. Assemble: bottom bun, mustard, patty with cheese, white onion rings, pickles, and top bun. Serve immediately.

Tip from the editors. Do not form patties ahead and let them sit compressed. Press them directly on the hot grill for a better crust.

Where to eat fort worth cowtown burger

Fort Worth Cowtown burger in Fort Worth

Kincaid's Hamburgers ★ 4.5

$ Burgers

Kincaid's Hamburgers on Camp Bowie Blvd in Fort Worth has served award-winning hand-formed beef burgers from a converted grocery store building since 1946.

OrderClassic cheeseburger with house spread on a buttered bun; chili cheese fries.

TipThe original Camp Bowie location keeps a small seating area; arrive before noon on weekends.

Directions

Fred's Texas Cafe ★ 4.1

$ Burgers

Fred's Texas Cafe on Camp Bowie W in Fort Worth is an order-at-the-window burger bar known for the Diablo burger and hand-battered fried sides.

OrderDiablo burger with house-made hot pepper topping; fried jalapeño slices.

TipThe Diablo burger is genuinely spicy; the kitchen can dial down the heat on request.

Directions

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