Eating a lot of burgers recently, and, on a such beautiful day, I decided to travel to the East End and grab a burger at the outside-only Champ Burger. The old school burger was quite enjoyable, quite messy and fine value. I liked the place in the past having recommended it in my Houston Dining on the Cheap guidebooks. Below is what I wrote about it in 2007. Not much has changed since then other than the prices and a somewhat expanded menu, and my somewhat expanded waistline. You might want to give it a try.
Champ Burger is a tidy oasis in the East End that has been serving more-than-satisfying hamburgers and other easy-to-eat foods since 1963. Under a large awning, there are usually a number of patrons waiting to place or pickup an order, which are dispensed in brown bags. Champ’s has a friendly egalitarian atmosphere. Takeaway is popular with the mostly working class clientele who might not have much time for lunch. This is aided by the fact that the only seating at Champ Burger is around the side from the counters, outside on concrete tables under large umbrellas. Even during the hot and humid summer months, there will be folks eating here. Though there is not much in the way of offerings at Champ Burger, it is still very busy during each lunchtime weekdays.
With a name like Champ Burger, you can expect that the burgers are popular, and these are the biggest draw. The menu advertises that they use one-third prime ground chuck for their hamburgers. These are properly cooked with a crust around the juicy patties, and are available with cheese, bacon, and chili. Of course, unadorned is quite good, too. Also popular at Champ Burger is the Texas Size Steak Sandwich, which is basically a hamburger with a patty that is breaded and served like a chicken fried steak. There are hamburgers, several hot sandwiches, hot dogs, baskets with fried chicken, breaded and deep-fried steak fingers and fish, and a couple salads for the afternoon, and breakfast tacos and breakfast sandwiches for the morning. For sides, the pre-cut fries are served hot and crispy, but nothing special. Much better for an additional fifty cents are the thick, deep golden-hued, and very tasty onion rings. To finish or complement a meal there are also shakes and a hot apple turnover.
Champ Burger
304 Sampson (north of Harrisburg), 77003, (713), 227-7737
champburger.net
Champ Burger is a tidy oasis in the East End that has been serving more-than-satisfying hamburgers and other easy-to-eat foods since 1963. Under a large awning, there are usually a number of patrons waiting to place or pickup an order, which are dispensed in brown bags. Champ’s has a friendly egalitarian atmosphere. Takeaway is popular with the mostly working class clientele who might not have much time for lunch. This is aided by the fact that the only seating at Champ Burger is around the side from the counters, outside on concrete tables under large umbrellas. Even during the hot and humid summer months, there will be folks eating here. Though there is not much in the way of offerings at Champ Burger, it is still very busy during each lunchtime weekdays.
With a name like Champ Burger, you can expect that the burgers are popular, and these are the biggest draw. The menu advertises that they use one-third prime ground chuck for their hamburgers. These are properly cooked with a crust around the juicy patties, and are available with cheese, bacon, and chili. Of course, unadorned is quite good, too. Also popular at Champ Burger is the Texas Size Steak Sandwich, which is basically a hamburger with a patty that is breaded and served like a chicken fried steak. There are hamburgers, several hot sandwiches, hot dogs, baskets with fried chicken, breaded and deep-fried steak fingers and fish, and a couple salads for the afternoon, and breakfast tacos and breakfast sandwiches for the morning. For sides, the pre-cut fries are served hot and crispy, but nothing special. Much better for an additional fifty cents are the thick, deep golden-hued, and very tasty onion rings. To finish or complement a meal there are also shakes and a hot apple turnover.
Champ Burger
304 Sampson (north of Harrisburg), 77003, (713), 227-7737
champburger.net
