Old school buses go for cheap. At least they do at bus graveyards in the outer reaches of Houston. Gutting the inside and installing a working kitchen is another story, but judging from the inspiration chef Justin Turner garnered from his big, yellow burger mobile, it was the right choice.

Bernie’s Burger Bus has been impressing Houston burger lovers for months with its school-themed menu items like the Principal – a patty of Black Angus beef topped with roasted tomatoes, bread and butter pickles and house-made condiments – and the Bully, which is the same but with two patties. The beef had an excellent char on the outside while remaining pink and juicy on the inside. Even better was the Substitute, which gets a treatment of blue cheese, caramelized onions, mushrooms and thick-cut bacon. The “electives” manage to highlight the smokiness of the meat without overpowering the beef flavor. The fries options are also superb; both the white and sweet potato fries come out perfectly crispy. Turner’s burgers are extremely drippy, so it’s useful to keep consumption technique in mind. Tucking the wrapper around the bottom end of the sandwich will help at least a little in keeping your hands clean. Other than that, be grateful for the mess-friendly patio setting that has also been an exhilarating place for burgers during these sunny and cool weeks of spring.

The bus is open for business, with few exceptions, from 11 am to 2 pm at Inversion Coffee House (1953 Montrose) every Monday and Wednesday and 5 to 9 pm at Lizard’s Pub (2715 Sackett, near Lamar High School) Wednesday through Friday. Check @berniesburgers on Twitter for more up-to-date information.