Your Guide to Authentic Regional Eats
Sign In | Register for Free!
Restaurants Recipes Forums Eating Tours Merchandise FAQ Maps Insider

Chris Madrid's

1900 Blanco Rd., San Antonio, TX - (210) 735-3552
Posted By Michael Stern on 7/4/2010 10:04:00 AM
Chris Madrid's hamburgers are broad and beautiful, not too thick, but juicy enough to ooze the moment finger pressure is applied to the big-domed bun that holds them. A normal quarter-pound version is hearty enough; the macho burger, twice the size, is laughably wide, extending far beyond its bun. All sorts of variations are available, including a flaming jalapeno burger, a porky's delight layered with bacon, and a super-goopy cheddar cheezy; but the house specialty, not to be missed, is a tostada burger. Silky refried beans and massive amounts of cheddar cheese crown the big hamburger, also layered with a sheaf of tortilla chips that offer earthy corn flavor and intriguing chewy crunch. The great condiment for this one is salsa, to which customers help themselves near the pickup window. French fries are fresh-cut and delicious. Margaritas, wine, beer and cocktails are available.

Dining at Chris Madrid's is like a frat party and a family reunion, decor a riot of neon beer signs and signed t-shirts. A newcomer will be confused upon entering because there is no table service. The procedure is to crush yourself in a line to get to the cash register, where you order, pay and get a vibrating pager that will signal for you to return and pick up your food. While waiting for the good vibration, it is your job to find a seat indoors or on a broad patio. When it's really crowded (and it usually is), strangers share tables.

8 out of 8 people found the review helpful. Was it helpful to you?

No Yes

Scorecard

5 - Overall: Legendary - Worth driving from anyplace
Overall: Legendary - Worth driving from anyplace
Tostada Burger (macho)
French Fries
Porky's Delight
Rate this place

Reviewers Photos [Upload Your Photos]

All hamburgers are available regular-size and macho. This is the latter -- a half pound of beef extending far beyond its oversized bun. Chris Madrid's does not skimp on cheese.
"All hamburgers are available regular-size and macho. This is the latter -- a half pound of beef extending far beyond its oversized bun. Chris Madrid's does not skimp on cheese."
Michael Stern





I pulled my tostada burger into halves to try to show its multiple ingredients. Note how tender the bun is, as indicated by the big indentation in its top, where my thumb squeezed. The flavors and textures of refried beans and tortilla chips are more pronounced than this photo indicates.
"I pulled my tostada burger into halves to try to show its multiple ingredients. Note how tender the bun is, as indicated by the big indentation in its top, where my thumb squeezed. The flavors and textures of refried beans and tortilla chips are more pronounced than this photo indicates."
Michael Stern


Porky's Delight is a hamburger decked out with plenty of bacon as well as lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayonnaise, plus, of course, cheddar cheese.
"Porky's Delight is a hamburger decked out with plenty of bacon as well as lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayonnaise, plus, of course, cheddar cheese."
Michael Stern


This photo of one of Chris Madrid's dining rooms gives a sense of the restaurant's boisterous nature.
"This photo of one of Chris Madrid's dining rooms gives a sense of the restaurant's boisterous nature."
Michael Stern


French fries are available in normal and macho sizes. This is the former, more than enough for two.
"French fries are available in normal and macho sizes. This is the former, more than enough for two."
Michael Stern


If you are looking for a great hamburger in San Antonio, Chris Madrid's must be at the top of your hit list.
"If you are looking for a great hamburger in San Antonio, Chris Madrid's must be at the top of your hit list."
Michael Stern



What is Roadfood?  |   Submit Content  |   Privacy Policy  |   Contact Roadfood.com   Copyright 2011 - Roadfood.com