Heavenly Burgers

You probably would never stop at this little burger shack down by the railroad track. In the first place, you wouldn’t know where to find it, because it’s not in a nicer part of town. It’s not an “upscale” eatery, and face it, it doesn’t look like much.

It’s called RJ’s Old Fashion Homemade Burgers. While it might look like a hole in the wall, the food is what draws people inside. Not just the heavenly burgers that are the best in Denton or anywhere else; R.J.’s has sumptuous breakfasts and on Saturday and Sunday, soul food is on the menu.

Though it might give you the impression that it would be a dirty little place, it’s far from it. It has an impeccable record with the city health department. However, this tiny eatery has nothing in the way of ambiance. Believe me, no one cares! People drive for hours just to taste that good down home cooking. This is my stepson’s favorite place to eat, and we have had two birthday parties there at his request.

The room is dominated by a grill on which the meals are cooked and the 100 megawatt smile of Roger “RJ” Johnson. It must be hotter than Hell on that side of the counter, because that grill works overtime, but RJ is always beaming. There are only three booths shoved against the walls. Those walls are plastered with yellowed newspaper clippings, a sign that warns there is no cussing in this establishment, framed awards given to the owner by the various civic organizations, and pictures of people trying to consume the enormous RJ’s World Burger.

This culinary taste treat (seasoned with a concoction of spices that are from a secret family recipe) costs $14.00 and is big enough to feed a hungry nation for a week. Eat that 5 pound burger in 15 minutes and it’s free. I don’t know anybody who has ever been able to eat the whole thing. Whether you hanker for a burger, fried chicken, a catfish fillet or a porkchop you would find that tasty item on the menu at RJ’s.

I took this picture weeks ago and have been meaning to tell you about the place.

I waited a heartbeat too late.

I’m sorry that you aren’t ever going to get to taste one of RJ’s delicious burgers in this life. Earlier this week, RJ collapsed at the restaurant and died later in the day. He’s going to be missed. Not just for the burgers (though, Lordy, I’m gonna miss those!). This man was a wonderful community leader who gave of his time, his resources, and his talents in every way he could.

I think I hear a choir of Heavenly Angels singing. They must be eating good up there tonight. And, RJ is probably standing at the grill just a-grinning as those angels try to eat a five pound burger.

Other posts you might enjoy:

1. Mahalo for Sweet Hawaiian Mini Burgers
2. Chip’s Old Fashioned Hamburger is a Top 10
3. How Quickly They Change
4. Where The Locals Eat

Tagged as: Denton, grief, review, RJ's Burgers, Talkin' 'bout Texas