Looks like something called Burger 21 coming to the Arboretum. National chain started by the Melting Pot people. They proclaim to have “crafted burgers” and “crafted signature shakes”, whatever that might mean. Fresh Angus beef sounds promising. Fries appear to be frozen from pix on website. So looks like ho hum offering, but we’ll see.
Popped in to All Star Burger during a rare trip to that neck of the woods.
Like most new burger places these days, they tout fresh hormone-free beef, never frozen, etc. Burger was ok, nothing spectacular. The size was good, seemed a bit thicker than the standard thin-patty, and was cooked well (some pink inside). Veggies were fresh, cheddar was “Tillamook”. Bun was a bit of a distraction–too thick, too interesting in its own right. A proper bun should just do its job of holding the burger, and get out of the way. But a nice presentation, reminded me a bit of Smashburger.
Not bad
The real killer was the fries–boring frozen fries. As I’ve said before, I don’t see the point of having a fresh burger and fresh bun and fresh this and hormone-free that, and not serving fresh house-made fries. Especially in Austin, where we are drowning in real french fries. And they are so much better than the afterthought frozen french fry.
So overall a nice place, nice presentation, decent enough burger, but the weak fries really leave a bad impression.
Nice digs
Tried the new Twisted Root on Burnet Road, which took over the old Hilbert’s spot. It’s only been open a couple of days. Still some construction work going on outside, but the rest seems “done”. Overall, not that impressed. They only have one size of burger–giant. It’s 8oz, half a pound. In my younger days, that was fine. These days, prefer smaller patties. There should be an option at least for something smaller, but that’s the only choice. Also no kid burgers, so if your kid wants a burger, they get a half-pound burger. Burger tasted fine, was cooked well with pink interior, but wasn’t anything mind-blowing. Fries very sub-par–seasoning-salt-doused frozen fries. Shake machine broken, which we can chalk up to opening hiccups.
The other annoying feature is that after you order, they hand you a celebrity name as your order name that they will call when your food is ready. And when that moment arrives, the person at the mic attempts to regale the helpless diners by making some bad jokes and impersonations related to the name they gave you. E.g., we got Monty Python, so the guy calling our order said something non-funny in a British accent, then called out the name “Monty Python”. This got very annoying very quickly, as we got to listen to numerous bad puns, bad singing (eg Bob Marley), bad jokes about Michael Jackson, Kim Kardashian, etc. Seems like a cute idea on the surface, but after 45 minutes of listening to bad jokes and impersonations over the loudspeaker every minute or so (they were pretty busy, so orders were coming up fast), it got old. Any conversation you are having at your table has to stop while the bad jokes blare.
Overall pretty disappointing. Forgot to take pix…. 😐
Hey, ABN, thanks for the good, reliable reviews. I really look forward to your reviews of In-N-Out, Burger Fi, Five Guys, and others! I know you’re oriented toward north Austin, but for your consideration you might undertake to review Jim’s burgers (Rob Balon swears by them FWIW), Evangeline Cafe (good roadside East Texas/Western Louisiana greasy burger), Magnolia Cafe, Spec’s, Short Stop, or even maybe the Big Ass Burger at Roaring Fork downtown. Now that I think of it there are also Sandy’s at Barton Springs and Dirty’s on the drag. In any event thanks for the good work!
I forgot to add Jack Allen’s kitchen, where they drive a steak knife through the burger when they serve it.
Oldish news, but I have confirmed, first hand, that “secret menu” frings are indeed available (i.e., they don’t appear on the posted menu). And so so damn good.
Frings!
Due to the temporary closure of our company cafeteria, The Bistro, lovingly referred to by some employees as “The Shitstro,” there are food trucks coming in daily to nourish us hungry knowledge workers. We were graced today by Svante’s Stuffed Burger Truck, and it did not disappoint. Fresh fries, cooked well (not limp or soggy), nice size burger patty (grass-fed of course), good toppings (I got the All-American Burger). Only complaint was the slighty herby taste to the burger, which I think can be attributed to the bun. Could do without that distraction.
They offer several fancy-pants burgers, which I shun, so can’t comment on the bacon-onion jam or jalapeño havarti options.
Also, I saw no evidence of any “stuffage” on my burger (no molten cheese center, eg), so not sure why the name is “stuffed burgers.” Regardless, quality food truck burger.
The Truck
Good Fries
Still good despite Topping Inversion
All-American
Cross Section
From Fb post, looks like Mighty Fine adding onion rings to the menu. This is great news!
They’ve had onion rings on the menu for months.
I don’t get out much Carl
What’s weird is that this site is called Austin Burger News even though I can think of three other sites off the top of my head (two of which are not burger-focused) that provide far more Austin burger news than this one.
I don’t get out much, Mike
Checked out the new Smashburger up at Lakeline today, second day of business. Wasn’t sure what to expect as a Smashburger virgin. There is one way south in Austin, but I never get down that way.
The space is somewhat small–not quite enough seating methinks for the inevitable lunch crowds. Booths are not very comfortable either–backs are vertical, so feels strange sitting in one.
No combo meals offered. I got the Classic Smash cheeseburger, substituting cheddar for American. YES, they have cheddar! Added regular fries (not the “smashfries” variety, with rosemary, which does not sound appealing). Burger was quite delicious. Is 1/3 lb–a good size for a lunchtime burger–and griddled of course. Beef tasted fresh, and…beefy. Veggies good. Bun good. Fries are frozen unfortunately, but they give you an ample supply, and they are actually pretty tasty for frozen–very thin and crusty.
Overall pleased with the food. Agree with AHT assessment. Good addition to the lunch options here up north.
Classic Smash
Crustage detail
I want to try here next time. This site is pretty cool!
Several signs of chain activity. In-n-Out coming to 45th/Airport area.
Looks like Smashburger coming to 183/Lakeline.
BurgerFi coming to south and central Austin.
California chain opening up north, Parmer & I35, this month, first Texas location for them. Had never heard of them. They boast fresh beef and fresh-cut fries, so sounds promising, even for a chain. Cheddar is an option.
Thanks for the useful website! I read each update as it comes in, and your site has longevity.
FWIW you might consider trying the burger at Jack Allen’s Kitchen; also the burger at Evangeline–it’s like the burger of my northeast Texas childhood. I’m amazed that these burgers are never mentioned in comprehensive lists.
Cheers,
Sam Lander
PS: I am not affiliated with any restaurant whatsoever.
Thanks for the tips, will have to check those out.
Made another annual stop at Alamo Springs Cafe, south of Fredericksburg. Much better experience this time that the previous trip, where we waited for 2 hrs for food to arrive at our table, as we watched angry patrons get up and leave after similar waits. The lax attitude is expected here, but the 2hr marathon wait was a bit much.
This time, we found a table immediatley, were greeted by the friendly nose-ringed waitress and got our food within about 20 minutes. And it was as good as ever. Can’t say I’ve had a burger of this sort in Austin. It’s a half pound at least of griddled beef that stays on the well-seasoned griddle long enough to form a very nice crust. This is the proper way to cook a griddle burger. None of the griddle-burger places in Austin that I frequent achieve this kind of crust. Hopdoddy should be taking notes.
My burger was a bit overcooked, but even then, it was still very very juicy and delicious.
Recommend a visit if you’re out Fredericksburg way.
Competent Sides
Green Chile Cheeseburger
Crusty!
Where the Magic Happens
are you on twitter? great site, would love to follow you
The patties sure looks crusty and yummy very mouth watering
rl reeves jr 3:42 pm on October 26, 2015 Permalink |
He’s alive!
Chris 3:46 pm on October 26, 2015 Permalink |
Thank you for noticing, rl.