Best Vegetarian Burgers In DFW

For being in a state that's known for its barbecue, the Dallas/Fort Worth area actually has a lot of vegetarian burgers to choose from. Not all veggie burgers are the same though, and it's those not-so-great patties that give the rest a bad name. There are a variety of bases like beans, vegetables or rice that typically create these patties, and a number of ways to spice them up. When a restaurant makes its own fresh veggie patty, you are usually on the right path. The right toppings and specialty sauces can also make a perfect overall sandwich. The best vegetarian burgers don't try to be a substitute for meat. They stand on their own as not only a healthier option, but also a delicious one. Vegetarian or not, diners will enjoy these locales that made this list of the best vegetarian burgers in DFW.

Hunky's
3930 Cedar Springs Road
Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 522-1212
www.hunkys.com

This 50s-style diner is located in the heart of Oak Lawn. Hunky's menu actually has two vegetarian burgers to choose from; the spicy black bean or the veggie burger. The black bean has a lot of flavor, so it is the one that wins the spot on this list. The black bean burger comes topped with lettuce, tomato, Jack cheese and creamy guacamole. It's good for lunch, dinner or as a late-night snack since Hunky's is open until midnight on weekends. Tator tots are a popular (and delicious) choice for a side.

Twisted Root Burger Company
310 E. Abram St., Suite 100
Arlington, TX 76010
(817) 201-9669
www.twistedrootburgerco.com

Twisted Root Burger Company is famous around Dallas for its hamburgers and shakes. The hamburgers come any way you like them, but few people know that means they can be vegetarian too. Twisted Root's black bean burger is served just like the rest – on a whole wheat bun with tomato, lettuce and onion on the side. You can then add toppings like garlic mushrooms or Cheez Whiz if you so desire. Your black bean burger can even be served in a bowl, which essentially means it is served on top of a salad.

Related: Best Burgers In DFW

Spiral Diner
1314 W. Magnolia Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76104
(817) 332-8834
www.spiraldiner.com

Spiral Diner has to make the list because the menu has three meatless burgers. All three are not only vegetarian, but also vegan, as is everything at the diner. One is soy-based, one is made of nuts and the other consists of mushrooms. There are also four ways to have them fixed. One style that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else on a vegan burger is the cowboy burger. It includes "bacon," bbq sauce, "mayo," mustard, onions, pickles and lettuce. You can also add "cheese," avocado or guacamole if you like.

The Pour House
1919 Skillman St.
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 824-1170
www.pourhousedallas.com

The Pour House looks like any other unassuming sports bar, and at first glance, has a menu to match. The veggie burger is not what you would expect from a typical sports bar though. It comes on a huge brioche roll, which could be a meal in itself if that was allowed. The tator tots are just the right amount of crisp, and along with a cold beer, make the perfect happy hour meal after a long day at work.

Hopdoddy
6030 Luther Lane, Suite 100
Dallas, TX 75225
(214) 363-2337
www.hopdoddy.com

This Austin-based burger joint had a lot of hype surrounding the opening, and the veggie burger on the menu had some hype of its own. The dressing and toppings are what put this burger on this list. There is a black bean and corn patty dressed with a chipotle mayo and cilantro pesto, and topped with goat cheese, avocado and arugula. It is all placed on a whole wheat bun that is made from scratch and baked fresh in house.

Related: Best Brewpubs Serving Seasonal Beer In DFW

Emilie DesJardins currently works in Dallas television and worked with KRLD Restaurant Week for several years before that. She is always trying new places around the Metroplex to find the best food and unique things to do. See her work at Examiner.com.