When a new burger restaurant opens in Dallas, it usually has to fight through serious competition. This is a city where burgers aren’t just food—they’re practically a religion. But in mid-August 2025, one place changed the game overnight: Not a Damn Chance Burger (NADC Burger).
Just days after opening at 2809 McKinney Ave. in Uptown Dallas, this tiny restaurant is drawing hour-long lines. Customers, influencers, and food critics all agree: the buzz is real. But what exactly makes NADC Burger so special? Let’s break it down.
NADC Burger at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Name | Not a Damn Chance Burger (NADC Burger) |
| Opened | August 15, 2025 |
| Location | 2809 McKinney Ave., Dallas, TX |
| Founders | Neen Williams (skateboarder) + Phillip Frankland Lee (Michelin-star chef) |
| Menu | Burger, fries, cookie, drinks |
| Star Ingredient | Texas Wagyu beef |
| Wait Times | Up to 1 hour |
The Origins: From Skateboarding and Fine Dining to Burgers
Unlike most new food spots, NADC Burger wasn’t born from a business plan or a big restaurant group.
- Neen Williams, a professional skateboarder, wanted the perfect burger.
- Phillip Frankland Lee, a chef with a Michelin star on his résumé, had the culinary precision to build it.
At first, they made the burger just for themselves and friends. The reaction was immediate—people told them they had to start selling it. So, they did.
This accidental beginning is part of the magic: the burger wasn’t designed for trends or fast profit. It was built with one goal in mind—perfection in every bite.
The Star of the Show: The NADC Burger
The restaurant’s menu is almost shockingly small, but that’s the point. At the center of it all is the burger that Dallas can’t stop lining up for.
What’s in the Burger?
Here’s the full breakdown of ingredients:
| Ingredient | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Texas Wagyu Beef | Premium marbling and rich flavor, raised locally. |
| Cheese | Melted for balance, not excess—just enough to tie flavors together. |
| Special Sauce | House-made, unique but subtle. |
| Jalapeños | Adds a Texas kick with heat and freshness. |
| Onions & Pickles | Crunch, tang, and balance without overcomplicating the bite. |
| Soft Bun | Holds everything without overpowering the flavor. |
That’s it. No lettuce. No tomato. No gimmicks.
The philosophy is simple: the fewer the ingredients, the more each one has to shine.
#NADCBurger (Not A Damn Chance Burger)… double wagyu cheeseburger made with premium Texas wagyu. // #fabfoodchicago // Neighborhood: Wicker Park // FAB TIP: Upgrade your fries to Beast Mode Fries. // Sound: Hip Hop – Pavel pic.twitter.com/E5zJsmBHkS
— Fab Food Chicago (@fabfoodchicago) April 25, 2025
The Menu: Four Items Only
NADC Burger challenges the idea that a successful restaurant needs a big menu. Instead, it offers only four things:
- The Burger
- French Fries
- A Cookie
- Drinks
That’s it. No chicken sandwiches. No milkshakes. No endless add-ons. Just a tight, disciplined menu built around doing one thing better than anyone else.
Why Simplicity Works
At first glance, offering just a burger, fries, and a cookie might sound risky. But it’s actually what makes NADC Burger stand out in Dallas’s crowded food scene.
Key Advantages of Simplicity
- Consistency: Fewer menu items mean every burger is made with total precision.
- Speed (in theory): A smaller menu should allow for faster service, though lines show demand is outpacing speed.
- Quality focus: No spreading resources thin—only the best ingredients for the star items.
- Brand clarity: When people think “NADC,” they think one thing: the burger.
This “less is more” mindset is resonating. It feels like an antidote to overcomplicated menus with 20+ burger variations.
The Dallas Food Scene: Why This Hit Matters
Dallas is one of the most competitive burger markets in the U.S. National chains test concepts here, local chefs push boundaries, and fans have endless options. To break through in this city, you need something special.
NADC Burger is proving that simplicity sells. While other spots chase “innovation” with extreme toppings or Instagram gimmicks, NADC bets on restraint. Customers seem to appreciate the purity of the concept.
The Experience: More Than Just a Meal
Standing in line for close to an hour might sound miserable—unless what’s waiting is worth it. At NADC, the crowd itself has become part of the appeal.
- Lines out the door: A sign of quality and scarcity.
- Social media buzz: Fans post photos and reviews, making it go viral.
- Word of mouth: Early customers are spreading the hype.
This creates an atmosphere where eating the burger feels like being part of an exclusive experience.
The Secret Sauce: Michelin Craft Meets Texas Culture
Chef Phillip Frankland Lee isn’t new to high culinary standards. He’s run fine dining restaurants before, and that training shows in the details:
- Every element of the burger is balanced.
- Nothing overwhelms the beef’s flavor.
- Even the fries and cookie show care, not filler.
Pairing that Michelin discipline with Texas’s bold flavors (like jalapeños and Wagyu beef) is what makes this burger both refined and rooted in local culture.
Early Customer Reactions
Food critics and everyday burger lovers are already sharing feedback:
- Many call it “the best burger in Texas”—a big claim in a state known for beef.
- Social media posts highlight the perfect simplicity.
- Some point out the long wait times, but most say it’s worth it.
The buzz hasn’t slowed down since opening week, which suggests this isn’t just a fad—it could be the start of a new Dallas institution.
Why NADC Is More Than Just a Burger Spot
The rise of NADC Burger highlights some bigger food trends:
- Minimalist menus are becoming a powerful branding move.
- Local sourcing (like Texas Wagyu) gives restaurants an edge in flavor and authenticity.
- Experience-driven dining—lines, hype, exclusivity—matters as much as the food.
It’s not just about what you eat, but how it feels to eat it.
How NADC Compares to Other Dallas Burger Icons
Dallas has no shortage of famous burger joints. So how does NADC stack up?
| Burger Spot | Signature Style | Why People Love It |
|---|---|---|
| NADC Burger | Minimalist, Wagyu-based | Purity, balance, Michelin-level craft |
| Keller’s Drive-In | Old-school, drive-in | Nostalgia, affordable classics |
| Twisted Root | Creative toppings | Playful menus, adventurous options |
| Hopdoddy Burger Bar | Craft burger chain | Trendy vibe, variety |
| Knife Dallas | Chef-driven, upscale | Gourmet meats, high-end experience |
NADC’s extreme focus on one perfect burger is what separates it. While other spots thrive on choice, NADC thrives on restraint.
The Big Question: Is It Worth the Wait?
If you’re hungry and see a line around the block, you might hesitate. But according to early fans, the burger is worth it:
- The beef is juicy and flavorful without being greasy.
- The toppings enhance instead of distract.
- The portion size feels right—satisfying, not overwhelming.
Whether it’s “the best in Texas” is up for debate, but it’s already among the most talked-about.
The Beauty of Simplicity
Not a Damn Chance Burger shows that sometimes, the smartest move isn’t adding more—it’s stripping things back. By focusing on one burger, they’ve created a product that’s cult-worthy, viral, and unforgettable.
In Dallas, where every corner claims to have a revolutionary concept, NADC proves that the real revolution might be returning to basics—and doing them flawlessly.
