I hate to start off my food writing with a chain restaurant, but how can you expect me to not try a place with the name “Back Yard Burgers”. Sounds awesome. And I’m happy to support an independent chain that’s not part of Tricon Global. It’s on my way to work, on the 75 service road just south of Royal on the northbound side. Just exit Royal if you’re going north and it’s right there. This is currently the only location in Dallas, and the 4th to open in the state.

I won’t leave you hanging: I think the burgers are great. They really do live up to their name. It just looks and tastes more like a burger you made in you back yard. They also have veggie burgers (!!), chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, baked potatoes, and salads.

But dude, I was so disappointed that they didn’t have sides that fit in with the “back yard” concept. When have you ever cooked fries in your back yard? I was totally expecting to have baked beans and potato salad as an option (and I wrote them an email to this effect, since I like to waste time doing this sort of thing).

UPDATE: The owner of the Dallas franchise location wrote back and said he agrees about the more legit backyard sides and is talking to the corporate office about adding baked beans and potato salad for the Dallas location. Very cool.