HOUReview
Cream Burger
On the corner of Elgin and Adair Street in the Third Ward, Cream Burger follows one of our favorite golden rules: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This small red and white building has been serving up tasty burgers, chili cheese hotdogs, hand-cut fries, and incredible pineapple milkshakes since 1961. Cream Burger isn’t in the virtual age—they’re cash-only, take and serve orders on brown paper bags, and list items on old-school white menu boards that you’d only see here and maybe at a local high school football game. While there are only a couple round tables underneath the metal awning where you can eat, the bacon cheeseburger and overflowing fries will taste just as delicious in your car. This is the kind of place that’ll make you start keeping extra cash on hand just in case you’re ever nearby. Since the TDECU stadium is right down the street, Cream Burger can get overrun when U of H has football games, but the line usually moves quickly.
photo credit: Vivian Leba
Food Rundown
photo credit: Vivian Leba
Cheeseburger
Some of the most dependable cheeseburgers in the Third Ward, the slender patties here are chargrilled and full of flavor. You should order yours all the way (lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard, and onions) with a side of golden french fries.
photo credit: Vivian Leba
Frito Pie
Crunchy frito chips get topped with warm chili and crisp raw onions to make Cream Burger’s frito pie. The chili has a subtle kick and every available frito should be used to ensure that no bean gets left behind.
photo credit: Vivian Leba
Chili Cheese Hot Dog
The same chili and onions from the frito pie also make an appearance alongside melted american cheese on top of the chili cheese hot dogs, for a hearty (and somewhat messy) frank.
photo credit: Vivian Leba
Pineapple Milkshake
Not only is Cream Burger’s pineapple milkshake light and refreshing, it’s also the perfect consistency for easily sipping through a straw. The milkshake has little chunks of pineapple, but we suspect a little sunshine is mixed in, too.
