ATXReview
photo credit: Leon Alesi
P. Terry's
In-N-Out is no longer exclusive to the West Coast, but there was a time when this wasn’t the case. The fast food market of Austin lacked a burger joint run by fry cooks wearing adorable little paper hats and matching aprons, serving a small menu that is simple and consistently delicious. Patrick Terry started with one drive-thru location at Barton Springs and South Lamar. It didn’t take long for its sparse menu and bright color scheme to create major traffic jams because it couldn’t keep up with demand. Now, there are dozens (OK, just one dozen) around town offering sit-down experiences as well.
The menu is lean and mean: a couple of burger varieties and fries. Our main complaint is that, compared with other fast food around, the food is noticeably expensive for how small the portions are. If you’re very hungry, be ready to double up on burger patties.
Most all other corporate burger chains aren't great and Austinites know it. There are maybe two McDonald’s in the downtown vicinity, but chances are you’re within a mile radius of any P. Terry’s location at all times in the Austin metro area. It’s become the easy, quick option when you forgot to buy groceries or in need of late-night food (most are open until at least 1am).