Burger Brawl presented by optimum

Let's brawl!

What food do you turn to when you’re craving a hearty American meal? For most of America, it’s the hamburger – devouring nearly 50 billion burgers each year. 

Paying tribute to our love for the classic cuisine – the Downtown Abilene Initiative is pleased to bring to the Abilene community the annual Downtown Abilene Burger Brawl. 

DETAILS

The Downtown Abilene Burger Brawl presented by Optimum is back! Starting Thursday, Jan. 15, seven downtown eateries will compete for the title of Downtown Abilene Burger Brawl Champion for 2025. Locals and visitors can sample their burger creations and vote for the best one. To learn how you can vote for the best burger, follow the steps below:

  1. Pick up a stamp card at any participating location, the Chamber of Commerce, or the Convention & Visitors Bureau (1101 N 1st St). Hold onto that card for the duration of the Burger Brawl or until you’re satisfied with your entry!
  2. Try some burgers! Visit the competing restaurants, try their featured burger, and have a restaurant employee stamp your card. One Burger = One Stamp. You must try a minimum of two burgers to be eligible to vote.
  3. Turn in your card by Monday, Feb. 16, by 5:00 p.m. Cards can be submitted at participating restaurants, the Chamber, or the Convention & Visitors Bureau. To be eligible, your card must be filled out and have at least two stamps.

Point System for Entries:

  • 2 stamps – the restaurant you voted for receives 2 points
  • 3 stamps – the restaurant you voted for receives 3 points
  • 4 stamps – the restaurant you voted for receives 4 points
  • 5 stamps – the restaurant you voted for receives 5 points
  • 6 stamps – the restaurant you voted for receives 6 points
  • 7 stamps – the restaurant you voted for receives 7 points

Winners will be announced on the Downtown Abilene social media pages so make sure you’re following along! Enjoy the delicious competition and may the best burger win!

participating restaurants

Bogie's Downtown Deli

Great O’Malley

Served on a King Hawaiian bun, this burger comes with two 6 oz patties, both cheddar and jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, and your choice of dressing.

Price: $12.99

Address: 241 Cypress Street

Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 2:00 pm, but the burger will only be available 10:30 – 2:00 pm

Caitie Pies

The Big Poppa

This hamburger spin on a hand pie is filled with ground beef, fire-roasted jalapenos, roasted garlic cream cheese, and bacon. Served with a side of house-made garlic ranch.

Price: $8.50

Address: 244 Pine Street

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM – 2 PM

Cypress Street Station

Stockyard Smasher

Brioche Bun, 1/4 Pound Beef Smash Burger, Cypress Fondue made with 6666 Lager and Smoked Gouda, Pulled Pork, and a Fried Onion Ring

Price: $15

Address: 158 Cypress Street

Hours: Monday – Saturday 11 AM – 9 PM

Gloria's Grill

Chili Cheeseburger

90/10 hamburger patty with two slices of American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles. Finished with a scoop of chili and mustard for dressing.

Price: $10.25

Address: 228 Chestnut Street

Hours: Monday – Friday 10:30AM – 2 PM

Grain Theory

Jalapeño Ranch Burger

 All-beef patty, served on a toasted brioche bun with pickles, pepper jack cheese, crispy jalapeño coins, and jalapeño ranch.

Price: $15.00

Address: 202 Pine Street #201

Hours: Monday – Thursday 9 AM – 9 PM  and Friday – Saturday 9 AM – 10 PM

The Ice House at LSDG

Peanut Butter Smash

A great mash-up between a PB&J and a burger! This burger includes a wagyu beef patty, applewood smoked bacon, house strawberry jam, peanut butter, and pepper jack cheese all on a potato bun.

Price: $17.00

Address: 173 Walnut Street

Hours: Monday – Wednesday 11 AM – 9 PM, Thursday 11 AM – 10 PM and Friday – Saturday 11 AM – 12 AM 

Smokehouse Abilene

Big John Burger

8oz angus beef patty, smoked brisket, lettuce, aged white cheddar, fried onions, garlic aioli, pickles, house BBQ sauce, tomato on a brioche bun.

Price: $30.00

Address: 500 Cypress Street

Hours: Monday – Sunday 11 AM – 2 PM, 5:00 – 10 PM

For questions about the Burger Brawl, email Cameron Sloan at cameron@abilenechamber.com