Tucked inside a modest strip center in McKinney, Texas, One and Only Burgers and Fries has quietly built one of the most loyal followings in the entire DFW area. With a 4.6-star rating from over 2,400 reviews, this humble spot proves you don’t need fancy decor or a trendy name to serve an unforgettable burger.
From hand-formed smashed patties to a bag of fries so generous it barely fits, every detail here is designed to wow. Here’s a closer look at exactly what makes this no-frills gem worth the drive.
The Legendary Cheeseburger That Started It All
One self-described burger snob rated this cheeseburger a jaw-dropping 9.5 out of 10 — putting it in the same league as some of the most celebrated burger joints in the entire country. That kind of praise from a harsh critic says a lot about what’s happening between those toasted buns.
The patties are hand-formed, smashed on an open grill, and seasoned to perfection. Customers can watch every step of the cooking process right from the counter, which adds a satisfying layer of transparency you rarely get elsewhere.
Old-fashioned diner vibes meet serious burger craftsmanship here. The bun is toasted on both sides, the cheese melts just right, and the overall bite is clean, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
No gimmicks, no pretension — just a genuinely great cheeseburger that keeps people coming back week after week.
Free Toppings Bar That Blows Customers Away
Most burger spots charge extra for premium toppings — avocado alone can cost you $2 or more at other places. At One and Only Burgers and Fries, avocado, grilled mushrooms, grilled pineapple, shredded veggies, and more are all included in the price of your burger, no upcharge whatsoever.
Regulars absolutely rave about this policy. One reviewer specifically called out the joy of stacking on “extra pickles” with zero skimping, while another praised the unlimited topping freedom as a major reason they keep returning.
The topping selection leans into a fun Mexican-American flavor profile that sets this spot apart from typical burger chains. Whether you’re a minimalist who just wants cheese and ketchup or someone who piles on everything available, the choice is entirely yours.
That kind of customization at a budget price point is genuinely rare and worth celebrating.
The Signature Sauce Everyone Is Obsessed With
“What is in the signature sauce? I know you can’t tell us but it’s simply addictive!” — that quote from a real customer review says everything you need to know about this mysterious condiment.
People leave genuinely frustrated that they can’t replicate it at home.
The sauce lands somewhere between mild and medium heat, with a slightly tangy, creamy kick that pairs perfectly with the smashed beef patty. Some reviewers describe it as a unique Mexican-American flavor blend that you won’t find anywhere else in McKinney.
Ordering your burger without it would honestly be a mistake. Staff are happy to add it on, and many regulars ask for extra on the side for dipping their fries.
It’s one of those little restaurant secrets that becomes a big reason people drive out of their way just to eat here again.
Natural-Cut Fries Served in Ridiculously Generous Portions
One reviewer shared a photo of their fries and clarified it was only half of what they actually received. Half.
That detail alone tells you everything about the portion sizes at One and Only Burgers and Fries.
The fries are hand-cut and natural, giving them a hearty, rustic texture that feels a world away from the limp frozen variety at fast food chains. They come in a paper bag dropped right inside your order bag, so if you’re getting takeout, be warned — the grease will eventually work its way through the paper.
For the best fry experience, ask for them crispy and zesty. Multiple reviewers upgraded their star ratings specifically after discovering this tip.
The zesty seasoning has a chili-lime salt quality that makes the fries genuinely addictive on their own. It’s a small customization that delivers a seriously big flavor payoff.
Asking for Crispy Fries — The Game-Changing Tip
Here’s a pro tip that has literally changed reviewers’ opinions of this place: always ask for your fries “crispy.” One customer updated their original 4-star review to a full 5 stars after a cashier shared this simple suggestion, calling it a “game changer.”
By default, the fries come out soft and a little floppy — tasty, but not exactly what everyone is looking for. Requesting crispy fries tells the kitchen to cook them a bit longer, resulting in a satisfying crunch that holds up even if you’re driving home with them.
Pair that with the “zesty” seasoning option and you’ve unlocked what many regulars consider the perfect side dish. The fact that a single staff member’s casual recommendation turned a disappointed customer into a loyal fan says a lot about both the food’s potential and the team’s genuine desire to make your meal great.
Unbeatable Prices That Make Every Visit Feel Like a Win
At a time when a mediocre fast food combo can easily run you $15 to $18, One and Only Burgers and Fries feels like a time machine back to when eating out was actually affordable. A full meal — burger, a mountain of fries, and a drink — can come in around $13 to $14 total.
The bacon cheeseburger, which several reviewers call the star of the menu, was listed at just $6.99. For a hand-formed, freshly cooked patty with free premium toppings, that price is almost hard to believe in today’s economy.
One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “A decent burger for a fair price is an excellent combo in my book.” Many others echoed that sentiment, pointing out that other spots charge more for a far less satisfying result. Value like this is a big reason the loyal crowd keeps growing steadily.
The Open Grill Setup That Builds Trust With Diners
Watching your food get made right in front of you is one of those small details that builds enormous trust. At One and Only Burgers and Fries, the grill is completely open to the dining area, letting customers see every smash, flip, and toast happen in real time.
That transparency is something burger enthusiasts genuinely appreciate. One passionate reviewer specifically listed “open grill from everyone to see the cooking area” as one of the key checkboxes this restaurant nails that most competitors miss entirely.
Seeing the buns get toasted on both sides, the patties get hand-formed and pressed, and the toppings get layered with care makes the food taste even better before it reaches your table. It’s a simple concept, but it creates a sense of connection between the kitchen and the customer that chain restaurants almost never manage to replicate.
A Spot That Reminds You of Five Guys in Its Prime
“Reminds me a lot of Five Guys back in the mid-2000s, but so much better!” That comparison from a longtime customer carries real weight, because Five Guys in its early days had a cult following built on fresh ingredients, generous portions, and honest prices.
One and Only Burgers and Fries hits all those same notes. The setting is simple and bright — no frills, no Instagram-bait neon signs, no gimmicky menu items.
Just a clean counter, a cheerful staff, and food that speaks entirely for itself.
For anyone who misses the era when a great burger joint was a neighborhood staple rather than a corporate experience, this McKinney spot scratches that itch perfectly. Several reviewers mentioned it as their go-to in the entire area, not just their go-to burger spot — which is about as high a compliment as a restaurant can receive.
Friendly Staff Who Actually Improve Your Order
Great food is only half the equation — the people serving it matter just as much. At One and Only Burgers and Fries, the staff consistently earns shoutouts in reviews for being warm, helpful, and genuinely engaged with customers.
One of the most heartwarming examples came from a reviewer who mentioned soggy fries on a previous visit. The cashier, rather than brushing it off, suggested ordering them crispy and zesty — a tip that completely turned the experience around and earned the restaurant an updated 5-star rating.
That’s not just good customer service; that’s the kind of thoughtful interaction that builds real loyalty. Multiple other reviewers mentioned friendly service as a highlight alongside the food itself.
In an era when counter service often feels rushed and robotic, having staff who actually care about your meal is a refreshing and meaningful difference.
The Bacon Double Cheeseburger Worth Every Bite
If you’re visiting for the first time and can’t decide what to order, the bacon double cheeseburger is the move. It’s the menu item that shows up most often in glowing reviews, and for good reason — double the patties means double the flavor from those perfectly seasoned, hand-formed smash-style rounds.
The bacon adds a salty, crispy contrast to the soft, juicy beef, and with the free topping options piled on top, every bite is a little different and a lot delicious. Ask for the signature sauce and you’ve got yourself a near-perfect burger experience.
One reviewer who tried the bacon double with crispy fries described getting “a boatload” of fries alongside a well-portioned, well-cooked burger — and still had leftovers. For a meal that comes in well under $15, the value-to-quality ratio here is genuinely hard to beat anywhere in the McKinney area.
Hot Dogs and More — Beyond the Burger Menu
Burgers get all the glory, but One and Only Burgers and Fries also serves hot dogs and a handful of sandwiches for anyone who wants something a little different. The menu stays simple and focused, which is part of what makes the kitchen so consistent.
The cheese dog has sparked a bit of conversation in reviews — it’s a butterflied dog topped with a slice of cheese rather than a cheese-stuffed sausage, so knowing that ahead of time helps set the right expectations. Hot dog fans who enjoy a classic, no-fuss preparation will likely appreciate the straightforward approach.
Keeping the menu tight is actually a smart strategy. When a restaurant tries to do everything, it often excels at nothing.
By staying focused on burgers, hot dogs, and fries, One and Only ensures that every item it does serve gets the attention and quality it deserves. Simplicity, done well, always wins.
Convenient Hours and Easy Counter-Service Setup
One and Only Burgers and Fries keeps things refreshingly straightforward when it comes to how you order and when you can show up. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM, giving you plenty of time to catch lunch or an early dinner without rushing.
Ordering happens at the counter, and your food is brought directly to your table — a setup that’s fast, efficient, and eliminates any awkward waiting around. There’s both indoor and some outdoor seating available, so you’ve got options depending on the weather and your mood.
Online ordering is also available for those who want to plan ahead, though one reviewer noted it would be helpful to have a dedicated pickup area for pre-orders during busy rushes. Even with that small hiccup, the overall service flow is smooth, quick, and well-suited for both solo lunches and casual family dinners.
Why Locals and Out-of-Towners Keep Making the Drive
Some restaurants earn a visit once. One and Only Burgers and Fries earns a ritual.
Reviewers mention driving 45 minutes specifically to eat here. Others say it’s their top pick any time they’re in McKinney.
One customer called it “the One and Only Burger place anyone should be going to in this town or any surrounding” — and that sentiment shows up again and again.
Located at 1330 N McDonald St near the intersection of Highway 380 and Highway 5, the spot is easy enough to find once you know where to look. Just note that GPS sometimes directs people behind the building, so approach from the front of the strip center.
With a 4.6-star rating across more than 2,400 reviews, the consensus is clear. This is not a hidden gem anymore — it’s a McKinney institution, and every first-time visitor quickly understands why the regulars are so fiercely devoted.