An Inside Look at the Iconic Frisco Eatery, Kenny’s Burger Joint, Blending Quality and Casual Charm
By Ashli Urano
Burgers have long been a staple of American cuisine, celebrated for their simplicity and satisfying flavor. Kenny’s Burger Joint, located at 1377 Legacy Dr. in Stonebriar Commons shopping center, features a variety of creative burger combinations with a Texas twist. Founded by chef Kenny Bowers and Bob Stegall, this popular eatery has been a fixture of Frisco’s dining scene since 2008. Kenny’s Burger Joint combines the quality of an upscale burger bar with the welcoming atmosphere of a neighborhood hangout.
My friend from Fort Worth was playing tennis nearby and suggested having lunch afterward. We dine together a few times each month, exploring different restaurants in the area. She treats each dish and cocktail like an investigation, analyzing every ingredient down to its core. As someone who loves culinary arts, she makes our time together a foodie adventure. Her understanding of taste is similar to that of culinary school graduate’s, and her great sense of humor is a bonus. We agree that where we sit, and the quality of service are as important as the food. The experience is a package that includes all three components.
Arriving early to secure the perfect seat, I followed the hostess across the polished concrete floor. The restaurant’s vibrant and eclectic design skillfully blends nostalgia with modern flair. Bold red walls serve as an energetic backdrop throughout the space, adorned with an engaging mix of framed photographs, vintage signs, and witty quotes. This eclectic decor brings personality and humor into the space while recessed lighting and hanging amber pendant fixtures cast a soft glow, enhancing the warmth of the design.
At the heart of the restaurant stands a long wooden bar with a polished surface, inviting guests to relax and unwind. Behind it, an impressive collection of liquor lines the wall. Multiple flat-screen TVs provide entertainment, while a chalkboard menu showcases an ever-changing selection of craft beers.
The dining area combines comfort and style with red vinyl booths, black leather benches, and freestanding tables with sleek metal chairs. An open kitchen takes center stage, separated from diners by a stainless-steel counter that offers a glimpse into the culinary action. Large menu boards on both sides of the counter highlight daily specials, adding to the casual, diner-style ambiance.
A standout feature is the Wall of Fame, celebrating those who have conquered the El Jefe Grande burger challenge. Diners successfully eating the seven-pound, 7,000-calorie burger will earn a spot on the wall. They will also receive a T-shirt, a $100 gift card, and a $50 burger for free. Those failing the challenge will find their framed photos in the lighthearted Hall of Shame.
After being seated at a corner table near the open kitchen, the lunch crowd began to fill the dining room. I called my friend to see if her tennis match had ended early. She is a top singles player in Texas, so it seemed likely. With all the background noise, I could hardly hear her when she answered the phone. We both started laughing when we realized she was at Kenny’s Plano location, sitting in a booth drinking a cocktail, instead of the Frisco location with me.
The situation was funnier than it should have been because we made the same mistake a few weeks earlier when we were meeting for dinner in Dallas. While she made the ten-minute drive to the Frisco location, I studied the cocktail menu searching for the perfect specialty drink.
Our server, Ethan, gently tossed two beverage napkins onto the table before introducing himself. He stood tableside with an effortless kind of cool, wearing crisp denim jeans and a starched black button-up shirt. His relaxed confidence made it clear that nothing would fluster him during lunch service. I felt both lucky and relieved, realizing we were going to have excellent service that day.
Ethan recently turned 21 and had not yet tasted any cocktails himself, so he recommended several guest favorites based on top sellers. The Frenchie stood out, reminding me of the quirky character from the movie Grease. This specialty cocktail featured Chambord, which added a sweet, berry flavor to the Grey Goose vodka, while pineapple juice balanced the sweetness. Prosecco gave the drink a refreshing, bubbly finish that made me smile.
Shortly after Ethan delivered the Frenchie, my friend walked in, wasting no time ordering the Leisure Time cocktail. She loves margaritas, so it was not surprising to hear the main ingredient was tequila. Ethan carefully placed a fresh beverage napkin on the table as he delivered her drink. Since we share everything, she slid the martini glass across the table, offering a sip. Featuring Cazadores tequila, orange and lime juices added a zesty touch, with a hint of agave sweetness. The tropical flavors of mango and pineapple contributed to the cocktail’s refreshing summertime feel.
Ethan returned to discuss appetizers, recommending Kenny’s Loaded Cheese Fries. We wanted something somewhat lighter, so we shared the Bacon-Wrapped Jalapenos instead. Six plump jalapenos were filled with shredded pepper Jack cheese and wrapped in thick-cut bacon. The slow baking process rendered the bacon’s smoky juices into each pepper. The dish balanced heat, richness, and smokiness in each bite.
The jalapenos were served with ranch and barbecue sauces, letting us experiment with different flavor combinations. Not wanting to get too full before entrees, we asked for a to-go box for the remaining peppers. We then focused our attention on the burger section, as well as the rest of the menu’s entrees.
The menu centers around half-pound patties cooked on a hickory wood-burning grill. Choices range from traditional to more elaborate burgers. The Jucy Lucy, a nod to the famous Minneapolis creation, comes stuffed with white American cheese, while the Black & Blue features Cajun spices and blue cheese. The Kenny’s Smoke House BBQ is topped with brisket, bacon, cheddar, barbecue sauce, and jalapenos. For vegetarians and those seeking lighter options, a veggie or turkey patty can be substituted at no extra charge.
Kenny’s Burger Joint offers a variety of sandwiches and salads to complement its burger selection. Sandwiches include the Bacon & Eggs on sourdough and Southern Fried Chicken with chipotle ranch. The menu also features the Smoked Brisket Melt and Kenny’s Steak Bomb, a hoagie filled with shaved ribeye, vegetables, white American cheese, and provolone. Salads include Greek, Chopped Wedge, and Asian, with an option to add chicken, a burger patty, or ahi tuna.
With two of my favorite ingredients being featured, ordering the Mushroom Brie Burger was a no-brainer. A juicy patty, cooked medium, was placed inside a soft, lightly toasted bun. Sauteed mushrooms were piled on top, then covered with creamy, melted brie cheese. Crisp lettuce, a thick slice of ripe tomato, and a few rings of red onion finished the burger. I ordered another one to-go after tasting it. The burger was simply that good.
When the Southwest Cheddar Burger arrived, we instantly knew we needed more napkins. A half-pound patty was topped with a thick layer of melted cheddar cheese. A medley of colorful peppers, sautéed mushrooms, and onions created a delicious mess with the help of avocado slices and shredded lettuce. Chipotle barbecue ranch tied the ingredients together, along with a bun sturdy enough to handle the heavy toppings.
We ordered Kenny’s Onion Rings and Truffle Parmesan Fries to share with our burgers. I have often found truffle oil to be hit or miss (mostly miss), with its flavor sometimes overpowering dishes. Surprisingly, the truffle oil’s presence was subtle, complementing the Parmesan and fries beautifully, rather than overwhelming the plate. Served with basil pesto aioli, these fries became a memorable part of our meal.
Kenny’s Onion Rings dominated the plate in a good way. Five golden-brown onion rings arrived, stacked high in the shape of a pyramid. Using seasoned batter, these thick-cut rings maintained a tender, sweet interior while providing a satisfying crunch. There was not an overpoweringly greasy aftertaste, a characteristic of a well-executed onion ring. Along with ketchup, Ethan offered ranch dressing as well.
After eating most of our burgers and sides, we agreed to share a milkshake for dessert. We had briefly been tempted by Kenny’s selection of “adult” milkshakes, like the Easy Rider with Jim Beam bourbon and caramel, or the Attitude Changer with Godiva chocolate liqueur. We ultimately decided to order the alcohol-free milkshake after Ethan mentioned Oreo cookies.
Since we were sharing, Ethan divided the Oreo milkshake into two cups, which was thoughtful. The rich, chocolate shake was topped with a swirl of whipped cream, crumbled Oreos, and a bright red maraschino cherry. Throughout the shake, tiny pieces of Oreo cookies added a burst of cookie crumb texture and taste with each sip. It was the perfect ending to a fantastic lunch.
Kenny’s Burger Joint continues to be successful in the competitive world of burger restaurants. The creative menu, featuring a range of unique burger combinations and toppings, offers something for everyone. The restaurant’s genuine approach to dining makes it an ideal spot for a casual meal with family and friends. Kenny’s Burger Joint is a place where you come for the burgers but stay for the unforgettable experience.
Ashli Urano is a freelance writer obsessed with competitive tennis, true crime, and her Golden-doodle named Sadie Kirenia.
