Date Visited: 10/07/2023
Website: https://www.tastybunz.com/menu
Bunz Handcrafted Burgers is a fun, bright, cheery burger joint that takes your staple American hand-patted burger and offers multiple customization options, from the classic to the eclectic. There are 2 locations, and they do have different menus, providing 2 unique experiences. So far, we’ve only been to this location, and it was such a great experience that we’ll definitely be making the trip downtown to the other!
Two culinary geniuses, Thierry and Edwin, came together to found Bunz Handcrafted Burgers. We’re not sure when, but their Facebook page was created in August of 2020 and their YouTube video was published 3 months later. Their website mentions culinary training, which leads us to assume that at least one of them graduated from San Antonio’s very own Culinary Institute of America, but we’re not sure about that, either. We wouldn’t doubt it though!
Located along the access road of 1604 just west of La Cantera shopping area. It shares a parking lot with fuel station and other casual restaurants. There is plenty of free parking, standard shared strip mall style, with standard handicap accommodations.
The entrance is fairly clearly marked, with excellent signage all around.
The ordering counter is located right inside the front door under glaring fluorescent light. The menu is a busy chalkboard handwritten menu that boasts a wide variety of options. For closer, easier visibility, there are also little menus on podium on a more level field of view.
The decor is refreshingly fun. Light neutral tones of the furniture set the stage, with brightly colored artwork to make it fun, while the ambient lighting prevents overwhelm. Wooden rafters augment the warm, soft color of the light.
There are indoor and outdoor seating options. Indoor seating is a combination of comfortably cushioned booths and high tables with hard-surface stools.
Rolls of paper towels and ketchup are set on every table, and a thinly-stocked condiments is set up right next to the soda fountain hiding in an obscure corner.
The menu is extensive an impressive. They offer gluten-free buns, goat cheese and vegan cheese, and a wide variety of Fixin‘s. The Fixin‘s themselves are fairly priced, but they can add up, so watch closely. Meat is cooked to order, and they will ask you. The default is medium well but they are happy to do medium.
Lynn chose the Mercedez Bunz, quite likely the best burger he’d ever had.
The burger meat was cooked to perfection and properly seasoned – something he’s found to be a rarity.
The chipotle mayo has an ample amount of chipotle with a slight spice.
The goat cheese is not overbearing and is creamy and texture as soft goat should be.
The egg is cooked well with just a little bit of the char outside and a runny yolk.
The bacon is cooked to perfection also is not too hard and it’s not over done.
The roasted poblano is spot-on as well. Refried beans and are seasoned correctly too.
The gluten-free bun is toasted to perfection, soft and tender on the inside, with none of the graininess that is common in gluten-free bread. Everything comes together cohesively in one bite!
Laina went for the Cheek Burger.
The bun is nice and soft with a slightly crispy outside, not doughy, hard, or too in-your-face. It’s also not too thick so as to steal the show.
The meat is cooked to perfection and very tasty and well seasoned. It’s juicy and top-notch quality, and cooked very consistently throughout. (Laina ordered hers medium.)
The bacon is cooked just right with plenty of flavor, not slightly crispy but not over done.
The arugula is fresh and crunchy and very peppery!
The Bourdin cheese is creamy, melted perfectly with incredible flavor, almost like a ranch or blue cheese.
All in all, excellent to the last bite!
We also opted to share a side of fries. They come in a basket with no frills. They have a crispy exterior, a soft and tender interior, and are well-seasoned. They come thick, with a unique curvy shape.
Operating Hours (1604/UTSA location only; downtown is different!)
- Mon-Sat: 11a-11p
- Sun: closed
Other Information:
- Friendly service, and our food came fast! They deliver it to your table
- Their website is attractive and informative!
- They offer catering through their website
- Gift cards are available
- Their menu is published on their website, and they offer click-through online ordering.
- They provide a drive-thru with late-night hours, from 11a-2a
- Neither of us used the bathrooms, so we can’t comment on those
Verdict: an absolute must-visit, if you’re in the mood for a juicy burger with unusual options! A very satisfying meal, and quite likely our favorite burger experience thus far. It’s sure to please any visitor from out of town. Also the perfect place for a celebratory gathering, a casual and relaxed date, or just a fun night with family or friends! We can’t wait to try their original downtown location.
Texas Bite & Sip 