When I travel, I always get a huge cravings for a juicy burger. While I was visiting Austin, I found a spot that looked really good. It was about 15 – 20 min walk from my hotel, so I decided to walk over, before realizing how hot it really was out there… The exterior was quite modern, simple, all covered in windows. With it being a corner lot, they get tons and tons of natural light coming in from wall to ceiling windows. Great thing is that most of the windows are lightly covered so that customers are not under the direct, strong sunlight, while it still allows light to come through.
They had a parking spot right next to it for those who drive. Always nice to have a designated parking spot! And you won’t miss it with their super bright sign, welcoming you and your car.
When I walked in, a staff who was carrying food to a customer quickly spotted me and asked me if I have ever been there. I responded “no” and he said “welcome!” and told me how it is done there. What you need to do first is to go to the back, and get in line (unless there is no line). Second, place your order at the counter. Third, you will be assigned a table during the ordering process, so go find your table with the corresponding number. Each table has a number card hanging front the paper towel holder. When the food is ready, a staff will bring them over to you. When I first got there, it was pretty busy with locals and like, seems like a popular joint. It was a fun atmosphere with lots of music legend photos. Music was playing but not too loud, which is nice.
Since I was alone and the staff told me that the bar would be quicker, I took a seat at the bar. A female bartender greeted me. She was friendly and polite. It was all about “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am” out here. And for juicy and possibly messy burger lovers, rolls of paper towels could be found everywhere for customers convenience.
And they are serious about burgers. They had total of 13 burger offerings! The menu had burger, sides, and salad. Yes, there is only one star under the spot light here, everything else is just an extra. Out of all the awesome sounding burgers, one caught my eye, called “Impossible Burger.” I decided to go with that without really reading the menu. The bartender asked if I wanted some fries, and she recommended Sweet Potato Fries. I went with that. But then, within a minute, I wanted to see if I can change it to Parmesan Truffle Fries. She talked to a staff and got the order changed…or so we thought. A staff brought out Parmesan Truffle Fries ($6.95) first, and I was shocked how big the portion was!!! It was HUGE!!!
It seems like they mix the fries in this mixing bow, and serve them in the bowl. I saw people sharing this fries among two or three people… Well, I do love Parmesan Truffle Fries…and this one even comes with Truffle Aioli…!!! And It was super delicious! Soft and potato-y, generous amount of Parmesan, which was awesome. The aroma and flavor of truffle was definitely there and was so addicting…. This much delicious fries at this low price tag should be a crime!
When my burger arrived, my bartender and I looked at each other…it came with Sweet Potato Fries! I was overloaded with fries… They didn’t charge me for the Sweet Potato Fries ($3.75), and the bartender told me just to keep them. Thanks! They were great too, crunchy exterior with soft interior, high quality and just the right amount of seasoning.
Now, let me talk about their burger. Again, I ordered Impossible Burger ($14), which I realized later that it was the most expensive burger they have. Most of their burgers are around $8 – $10. This burger is made entirely from plants for people who love the taste of meat. Comes with Tillamook Cheddar, Sassy Sauce, Lettuce, Tomato, and Onion. I love how it has “sassy” sauce… The burger was super tasty, with fluffy bun, fresh veggies, melted cheese lovingly hugging the patty. It was simply amazing, if I didn’t know it was “plant based” burger, I would’ve beloved that it was made with meat! Juicy and packed with flavor. How in the work did they do that??? I could have this every day…
It was super filling and satisfying. I was so full, I only managed to finish the burger, and maybe third of the truffle fries. I took back the rest of truffle fries and sweet potato fries back to the hotel. Now, I had to walk about 20 min in the heat under the sun, both ways, but it was totally worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat for their burgers and fries!!! The staffs were efficient, polite and nice. They were all wearing a T-shirt that said “Fries with Benefits”…how awesome and funny is that! So glad I tried them out, I sent my co-workers to this place too since I didn’t have time to go back the second time… If I see another one of Hopdoddy spot while I am traveling, you I will be going straight there!
Hopdoddy Burger Bar – 1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704