In January 1977, with the encouragement of family and friends, Chris Madrid, a University of Texas marketing major, opened Chris Madrids Tacos and Burgers, in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood of San Antonio. Originally housed in the small building near the registers (and with only outdoor seating available), the restaurant eventually expanded to include the Alpine Ice House (where back bar no
w stands). In the late 1990s, the two buildings were connected, creating the large middle dining room. Since then the legendary burgers have become a fixture in the San Antonio community, serving customers from all over the city and all over the world. Today, Chris Madrids provides a unique dining experience. It is a quaint, friendly restaurant offering personal attention, quality food, and a genuine concern for customer satisfaction. Tex-Mex decor and old t-shirts adorn the old gas station and cantina. The cantina is a full service bar featuring iced down longnecks and frozen margaritas. Chris Madrids has a fun, family-friendly atmosphere where all of San Antonio comes together to enjoy a good meal, good conversation, and a few good laughs. In addition to features in Texas Monthly and numerous awards over the years, Chris Madrids was one of the few San Antonio restaurants chosen to participate at the Kumamoto, Japan-San Antonio, Texas, Sister City Fair in October, 1988. One Japanese businessman was quoted as saying "Chris Madrid's hamburgers are the Best Burgers in the World”. Chris passed away in March of 2012, leaving behind not only an historic restaurant, but also many friends throughout San Antonio made over the years. He is deeply missed by those who knew him well, but his legacy of warmth, friendship, and service continues to define this place that bears his name.
