You’re walking across the uneven bricks of the McKinney downtown square, the sun is hitting those old-growth trees just right, and honestly, you're starving. There is a specific kind of pressure when you're choosing where to eat in one of the most famous historic districts in Texas. You don't want a chain. You want something that feels like the wood-and-brick surroundings.
That’s where Square Burger comes in. It sits right there on Louisiana Street, looking exactly like the kind of place that’s been there forever, even though it’s actually a modern staple of the local food scene. If you've been looking at the Square Burger McKinney menu online, you’ve probably noticed it’s not just a "burger and fries" joint. It’s a bit more elevated than that. Or "bougie," if we’re being real, but in a way that actually tastes good.
The place has this vibe—high ceilings, exposed brick, and a bar that feels like it belongs in a much bigger city. But the food? The food is the reason people fight for a table on a Saturday afternoon.
The Burger Breakdown: It's Not Just Beef
Most people walk in and think they’re getting a standard quarter-pounder. Wrong. The Square Burger McKinney menu is built on the foundation of 7-ounce patties. That’s a hefty chunk of meat. They use a proprietary blend of brisket and chuck, which gives the burgers a fat content that actually carries flavor instead of just making the bun soggy.
The "Square Burger" itself is the flagship. It’s got that aged cheddar, some thick-cut bacon, and their signature Square sauce. It’s reliable. It’s the safe bet. But if you’re actually trying to experience what makes this place different, you have to look at the stuff that sounds a little weird on paper.
Take the Lamb Burger. It comes with feta, pickled red onions, and a tzatziki-style sauce. In a town known for BBQ and traditional Tex-Mex, a lamb burger is a bit of a gamble. But here, the game pays off because they don't overcook the meat. It stays juicy. Then there’s the Salmon Burger, which isn't some frozen patty pulled out of a box. It’s fresh, topped with an avocado spread that actually tastes like real avocados, not that green goop from a squeeze bottle.
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You also have to consider the "Lola." It's got blue cheese and caramelized onions. Now, blue cheese is polarizing—I get it. Some people think it tastes like socks. But when you pair that sharp, funky bite with the sweetness of onions that have been cooked down for hours, something happens. It’s a flavor profile that hits every part of your tongue.
The Side Dish Situation (Don't Skip the Sweet Potato Fries)
If you order a burger and skip the sides, you’ve basically done half the work for none of the reward.
The sweet potato fries at Square Burger are arguably more famous than the burgers. They’re skinny. They’re crispy. They aren't those thick, mushy wedges you get at most places. They serve them with a marshmallow dipping sauce. Yes, marshmallow. It sounds like a dessert. It feels like it should be wrong. But the salt from the fries hits that sugar, and suddenly you’ve finished the whole basket before your burger even arrives.
If you aren't into the sugar rush, the truffle fries are the move. They don't skimp on the truffle oil, and they top them with a dusting of parmesan that actually sticks to the fries.
- Onion Rings: Massive. Hand-battered. They use a beer batter that actually has some crunch to it.
- Side Salad: For the people who are trying to be "healthy" while eating a half-pound of beef. It’s fine. It’s a salad.
- Brussels Sprouts: These are often on the seasonal or updated menu sections. They’re charred, usually with some kind of balsamic reduction or bacon bits. Get these.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Menu
One of the biggest misconceptions about the Square Burger McKinney menu is that it’s strictly for meat-eaters. McKinney has a lot of diverse palates moving in, and the kitchen has adapted. Their veggie burger isn't an afterthought. It’s a house-made black bean patty that actually holds its shape when you bite into it.
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Also, the bar.
People forget this is one of the best spots for craft beer on the square. They have a rotating tap list that usually features local North Texas breweries like TUPPS or Manhattan Project. If you aren't looking at the chalkboard for the daily drafts, you're missing the best part of the meal. The cocktails are surprisingly sophisticated too. We're talking real bitters, fresh-squeezed citrus, and bartenders who actually know how to stir a drink without bruising the spirits.
The "Adult" Shakes
You can't talk about Square Burger without talking about the shakes. They have regular shakes for the kids, sure. Vanilla, chocolate, the basics. But the "Adult" shakes are where the magic happens.
They take high-quality ice cream and blend it with various liqueurs. The Bourbon Caramel shake is a heavy hitter. It’s thick. It’s boozy. It’s basically a liquid dessert that will make you want to take a nap immediately afterward. It’s the kind of thing you share with someone else because finishing one solo is a brave, dangerous choice.
Nuance and Pricing
Let's be honest: this isn't a $5 value meal.
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When you look at the Square Burger McKinney menu, you’re going to see prices that reflect the location and the quality of ingredients. A meal for two, with drinks and sides, is easily going to run you $50 or $60. For some, that’s a lot for a "burger joint." But you aren't just paying for the meat; you're paying for a seat on the square, the atmosphere, and the fact that the chef isn't cutting corners on the sourcing.
Wait times can be a beast. On a Friday night or during the Dickens of a Christmas festival, expect a wait. They don't always take reservations for small groups, so you might end up standing on the sidewalk for 45 minutes. Pro tip: put your name in, then go walk around the shops like Mom and Popcorn or the various boutiques nearby. They'll text you when your table is ready.
The Atmosphere Factor
The lighting is dim. The noise level is high.
It’s not the place for a quiet, whispered conversation about your taxes. It’s a place for laughing, clinking glasses, and getting grease on your napkins. The service is generally fast, but they can get slammed. The staff is mostly local kids or career servers who know the menu backward and forward. Ask them for a recommendation—they’ll usually steer you toward the "A-Ha" burger (it has goat cheese and fig jam) if you want something unique.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning to head down to the McKinney square, here is how you handle Square Burger like a local:
- Timing is everything: If you can get there at 11:30 AM on a weekday, you'll slide right in. After 12:15 PM, you're fighting the lunch crowd from the nearby courthouse and tech offices.
- The "Secret" Substitution: You can usually swap the bun for a lettuce wrap or a gluten-free bun if you’re watching the carbs or have an allergy. They’re pretty cool about modifications as long as it’s not slammed.
- Parking: Don't even try to park on Louisiana Street. You'll circle for an hour. Go two blocks east to the parking garage or look for the public lots behind the shops. It’s a 3-minute walk and will save your sanity.
- Check the Specials: They often have a "Burger of the Month" or a seasonal soup. Last time I checked, they had a Texas Chili that was thick enough to stand a spoon in.
- Split the Sides: The portions for fries and onion rings are huge. Unless you're a competitive eater, one order is plenty for two people.
Square Burger is a cornerstone of McKinney for a reason. It bridges the gap between a casual lunch spot and a "nice" dinner out. Whether you're there for the lamb, the bourbon shakes, or just a really well-executed classic cheeseburger, you're getting a slice of what makes downtown McKinney actually feel like a destination.
Don't leave without walking through the back of the restaurant to see the kitchen in action—it’s a well-oiled machine that handles hundreds of burgers a day without breaking a sweat. Grab a menu, find a seat by the window if you can, and just watch the world go by on the square.