Get weird at these old-school haunts.
In Austin , it can be really easy to get caught up in what ’s new . Between the surge of startups , the droves of people cluster here and the ever - expound new build neighbourhood , the metropolis is flush with evidence of its current moment as a lightning rod for development .
Those who have been here for a while can separate you how much things have changed , especially in the last X or so , and the jury is still out on how much of it ’s genuinely for the better . But , fortunately for those in search of some classical Austin weirdness , there are still plenty of older - school joint fall around that helped make the city ’s undeniable vibe in the first place .
So , whether you ’re feeling a little nostalgic or just desire a glimpse into the Austin that used to be , you’re able to bug out by hitting up some of the spots that have digest the run of time . From dive bars to push - thrus , these souvenir still serve up some of Austin ’s most unique and authentic experiences , and we do n’t expect them to go anywhere anytime soon .
Cisco’s|Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery & Bar
Avenue B Grocery & Market
Hyde ParkOpened : 1909Avenue B complex Grocery has been around for over 100 years , but its doors were shuttered until very recently with an extended COVID - induct rift . It hold the claim of Austin ’s longest - running grocery store , but the material showstopper here is the sandwiches . You honestly ca n’t go wrong with the whole menu , but the King Combo and the Veggie Wonder are two of our favorite . How to book : Stop by for first - derive , first - service service .
Quality Seafood
North LoopOpened : 1938From its base beginnings in 1938 as a mere sales booth on Congress , Quality Seafood Market has evolved and changed hands a clustering of sentence yet it still churn out some of Austin ’s best Gulf - born menu items . With 10 unlike type of polonium ’ boys to a wide variety of oysters , you might quickly forget that Austin is landlocked . How to book : Call in for reservations ; finish by for first - come , first - serve seating ; or arrange takeout viaToast .
Matt’s El Rancho
South LamarOpened : 1952Matt ’s is a South Lamar staple , and its monumental arena - esque parking plenty is almost always near capacitance . open up by the Martinez family , who in the beginning fake canonic blue denture specials until their Mexican looker started to enamour on , Matt ’s has pull together a wide roll of sports fan over the years from Lyndon B. Johnson to the Food connection . The menu is massive , so if you get overwhelmed feel devoid to play it safe with the award - bring home the bacon Asadero Tacos . How to reserve : kibosh by for first - number , first - serve seats or order takeout viaToast .
Sandy’s Hamburgers
Barton Springs RdOpened : 1946The kitschy yellowed - and - brown edifice at the intersection of Barton Springs and Riverside has served its mustard- and pickle - heavy burgers and flash-frozen custard to multiple generations . Miraculously , it ’s kept its old - school prices . Former Governor Rick Perry is a fan , so there ’s that . How to book : Stop by for counter or drive - through service .
Cisco’s
East SixthOpened : 1943Solely a breakfast and lunch spot , Cisco ’s has long been the group meeting place for Austin ’s politically inclined . The eating place recently went on the market for cut-rate sale , so whether the Cisco ’s blade will persist or be put to repose is unknown . But what we do make out is that you should get in there and have the legendary migas breakfast plate aright now . How to book : Stop by for first - issue forth , first serve service ; or order takeout viaToast .
Nau’s Enfield Drug
ClarkvilleOpened : 1951Located in historic Clarksville , Nau ’s is a pleasant reminder of foregone days , having hold the feel of a small - townspeople malted shop . This previous - school spot still operate as a pharmacy and natural endowment shop , so you’re able to sprout up on necessity after you eat . Take a seat at the counter , and order a hand - whirl shiver or malt and one of its noted burgers — and always add 1st Baron Verulam . How to reserve : discontinue by for first - come , first - service service .
The Tavern
West EndOpened : 1933Erected in 1916 to mime classic German architecture , The Tavern as we lie with it now was originally a grocery store ( bruit to have go as a private speakeasy and brothel ) . When Prohibition end in 1933 , The Tavern was born . Today , it sport 46 high-definition television , cold bill of exchange beer , and a menu of classic bar solid food . How to reserve : terminate by for first - come , first serve service ; or call for pickup .
Hoffbrau Steaks
West SixthOpened : 1934This old - schoolhouse restaurant open up its door in 1934 at the same time Prohibition was repealed . Brothers Robert and Tom Hamby started serving cold cut and keg beer for a Ni , as most people could n’t afford to run through steak during the Depression . tight - forrad 82 old age , the Hoffbrau is still serving vast steaks with a no - frill vibration , and has add together classic cocktails to its menu . How to reserve : Stop by for first - amount , first serve service .
Dirty Martin’s
CampusOpened : 1926Dirty Martin’s — in the first place named Martin ’s Kum - Bak — got its current sobriquet on story of the original shite floor . This Warren Earl Burger joint has long been a part of campus culture . On any fall in mean solar day , you may discover both hard-core regulars and T - shirt and twitch dud - tog students eating one of its legendary beefburger . render the well - selling " O.T. Special " , a dual - meat Sir Francis Bacon cheeseburger with mayo , moolah , and tomato , serve with ridiculously delicious tots . How to reserve : halt by for first - come , first dish up service ; or order takeout viaToast .
Scholz Garten
DowntownOpened : 1866Scholz Garten , the oldest operating business in Texas , was founded by Civil War veteran and German immigrant August Scholz in 1866 . It was a gathering space for the newly arrived Germans in Austin at the prison term , and serve traditional German food and beer , both of which can still be plant here today . Order the elephantine Bavarian pretzel , the bratwurst , and murphy salad , and lave it down with an meth - stale draft “ bier ” ( our favorite is the Spaten Optimator).How to book : hold back by for first - total , first dish out service .
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Chad Rafferty is a Thrillist contributor .
Quality Seafood Market
Matt’s El Rancho
Cisco’s Restaurant Bakery & Bar
The Tavern
Dirty Martin’s
Scholz Garten