The Ketchup Region
(2) In-N-Out, 7940 North Central Expressway, Dallas vs. (7) Grumps, 108 S. Main St., Burleson
This matchup -- small-town mini-chain (Grumps also has locations in Granbury and Stephenville) vs. interloping fast-food behemoth -- might very well have been the biggest surprise of round one. In-N-Out has drawn monster lines and weepy disciples to its three North Texas locations (more, including an outpost in Fort Worth, will open over the summer), thanks to near-legendary offerings like the Double-Double, served animal-style (naturally), two slender beef patties caked with cheese and piled high with fresh lettuce and tomato, caramelized onions and fried -- yes, fried -- mustard. As fast-food burgers go, it resides near the top end of the spectrum. Yet, all that Cali-bred goodness couldn't topple a Texan. Grumps' bacon cheeseburger, a stout offering on a pleasing bun with a balanced blend of not-quite-all-the-way-melted cheese and perfectly cooked bacon, was twice as thick as In-N-Out's burger offering and a fair bit juicier.
The winner: Grumps
