The things I said upon visiting: "Awww" - every time I read one of their personal stories about how a local Austinite got started. I love that they are so dedicated to our community and go out of their way to help the homeless. Sweethearts! "Oooo"- they have homemade cherry limeade! They have Blue Bell vanilla shakes! They have actual salads! Grilled onions for FREE! Finally! "Yumm"- every time I took a bite or sip. "Wow'" -great quality/hormone free ingredients that aren't overpriced. You don't say. DEFINITELY going back. I was hesitant to try after the hype of another local fast-food style burger joint (start's with a P) that turned out to be totally overpriced and tasteless. I wish I had found Hat Creek sooner. RUN, don't walk, to Hat Creek! You will love it. read more

We had a fantastic time as a family here! The burgers were delicious and the toppings were all very fresh. The people that worked there were welcoming and so friendly. The atmosphere is kid forward and the food is top notch! read more

I've only had the Big Hat w/cheese, but I've ordered it all three times I've eaten here. The burgers are very juicy and tasted just like the ones I've had at Mighty Fine. Pricey for the amount of food, but I'll probably go back because it's within walking distance of home and the food is dependably tasty. read more

While I don't personally think the burgers from this little trailer are worth some of the raves I've heard, they're certainly decent. It's definitely worth a try if you're down on W 6th, especially if you're on your way to or from a few beers at Little Woodrow's. I have strongly mixed feelings about the fries. They're thin-cut and cooked dark brown, which gives them a lot of great flavor when they're hot, but they're super greasy and quickly become soggy and bitter as they cool. I normally eat my fries first for this very reason, but I recommend being double-quick about it here. To each his own favorite burger though, so if you're reading this, it's important you know where my tastes lie: My favorite burgers in Austin have long been Players and Dirty Martin's, both near UT. (Casino El Camino on 6th used to be top, but the infamous hour-long wait and a mediocre recent visit have displaced it for now.) read more

In our continuing search some of Austin's more well known burgers we finally made our way to Hat Creek. We tried to mix it up and got a Big Hat Burger with pepper jack, a 4 piece chicken flashers and fries. Saturday afternoon around 2, no line at the Burnet location so we got the food plenty quick. First the chicken, which we both loved. We would say they are slightly larger than nuggets but are nice large pieces of white meat, not to heavily breaded and taste great with one of their signature dipping sauces (our favorite being the Idaho one?). For the burger we opted for the big hat with pepper-jack which to our pleasant surprise meant two patties. The burgers have red onion which is different than most the popular burger joints and the sauce is only mustard. The burger was nothing special but it was a solid quick burger. We would rather come here than Shake Shack but it is no In-N-Out burger. The fries however are fantastic - much better than In-N-Out. They are shoestring style and have a similar flavor profile of Five guys. The story with both the fries and the burger is that they both improve with one of the sauces. We will definitely come back when in the area. read more

The latest in the "hey we're just a simple burger joint" category around town. Thanks, 5 Guys, for sparking a national trend. Burger was good Fries were good Service was good None of it was great, but it was totally acceptable. read more

Great kids spot with their playground. They have gluten free chicken nuggets which I love. Burgers also really great and can customize your soda with different flavor options just like at my movie theatre. The staff is very friendly and good with kids. My 6 yo ordered on her own and they were so sweet to her. read more

I first tried their burger when they had a food truck outside Starbar, way back then it was one of the best burgers I've had in Austin. About a year ago I tried this location and thought it was still pretty dang good, right there with In n' Out and Mighty Fine, very similar burger as well. They do so many things right: - Sonic style ice - Bag o' fries - Balanced ratios of meat, veggies and bread. - Good ingredients - Great service, prompt and with a smile. So, why 3 stars? It wasn't very good today. The fries were more grease than potato, soggy, limp and borderline burnt. The burger was ok, but a placid unrip tomato kind of ruined it. I thought, ok, well, 4 stars then, but by the end of the meal I didn't even really want to finish the last bite and I threw most of the fries away. I'm sure they are just having a bad day, tomorrow, 4 stars, maybe 5, but the single most important thing in fast food is consistency, it has to be the same every time, and today, they failed. read more

My burger was dry, cold, and overpriced... I ordered fried pickles and got fries instead. Was a to go order so didn't have time to correct my food. It was 23$ for fries and a cold burger. So dissatisfied. read more

I really have to hand to these folks on integrating veggie and GF option into the standard menu without the meat eating population aware of them! We cannot wait to try more of their homemade pickles and shakes. We have tried their grain burger several times (of course with grilled opinions and jalapenos) and cannot say enough good things about their taste and texture. I even saw meat eating patrons chowing down on grain burgers and loving it. Go figure! Two other things that you should try are their salads and onion chips. Their salads are fresh, large and tasty. Burger joints are not know for their salads but this place makes wonderful salads with a range of extras you can add like half an avocado, grain patties and more. And the onion chips are great. They are GF, innovative and tasty. Best way to eat onion rings without the ring. Oh yes do forget to try their breakfast tacos. They have been a big hit with us. They come very hot and fast via the drive through. We've been happy with all their combinations so far especially with grilled opinions and jalapenos. The one menu item I didn't find that wonderful was the breakfast hat. Basically, eggs, kraut and cheese. It lacks something maybe a sauce would help. Parking is a bit tight. Might have to walk up there from now on. But I am sure parking it tight because the place is becoming very popular. I am sure happy to have them in the 'hood. read more

One word: Meh. Got a veggie burger. Bland, un-tasteful patty. French fries were a greasy pile of cold potatoes. My boyfriend got the Big Hat and he was also unimpressed. read more

Cute, fun place to take my 2 grandsons to last weekend! Tables are right next to the play area, so I can relax but still see them while they run around and have a blast! Burgers are great! The Round Rock location is bigger and nicer, but I expected that since it's in an older area of town. Will be back! read more

The burger was very good, especially with grilled onions. The meat was delicious, the vegetables were nice and very fresh. The bread was soft and tasty. The fries were a little greasy, but were great with ketchup, most fries are only so-so, these we really good. I do like the little patio that only has a few benches, I ate out there on this nice warm winter day. I really do wish there was a little bit more covering/shade from the sun on the patio though. Also, vegans, please stick to your vegan places, this is a fast food burger joint. MEAAAT. I mean come on... really?! read more

Went back to use my second Groupon and now fully agree with my 4-star rating. The fries were again amazing and totally worth the visit on their own. Had a mushroom, grilled onion, and swiss single burger that was VERY tasty. Even though I liked their bacon on my last visit, this concoction was even more delicious. I think they put fresh-ground pepper on their burger, which I noticed more this time around and truly enjoyed. NOTE: A single and fries is definitely filling (and I can eat a lot). Only go for a double and fries if you're sharing the fries or haven't had food that day. Will be visiting again someday, and hopefully I'll try one of their Blue Bell shakes :P read more

These guys do it right: great customer service, always friendly, great loyalty program, and awesome food. Their fried pickles are the best in town! I'm a big eater so the big hat is my burger of choice...lettuce bun (gluten free), jalapeño, bacon...fries, boom!! So tasty and delicious. Oh and thanks Hat Creek for your half price burger night every Tuesday, it's a great deal. And parents, all locations at every kid friendly. Pets can chill with you outside at the Burnet location. read more

Meat: bland, bland, bland. I tried salting it and it still wasn't good. Rest of burger: tasty (I got all the standard condiments) Fries: Fresh and fairly thinly cut. They had a nice bit of crispiness to them. Choc shake: Solid. Can't go wrong with Blue Bell. read more

I liked the burgers here! Very friendly staff and fast service. If you haven't tried the burger here.. try it! They make em pretty good. I would def. come back here if i wanted a simple burger. No fancy/ stuff here. Straight up cheeseburger. i enjoyed the fries here too! read more

The dining scene on the revitalized Burnet Road gets more awe-inspiring every day. From Blue Star Cafeteria to Hang Town Grill to Hey Cupcake there's something to satisfy every craving imaginable it would appear. Now, in the slot formerly occupied by Arby's we have the newest location of Hat Creek Burger Company. Right off the top I want to say it was really smart of the powers-that-be to maintain the old Arby's sign and use that as part of their own aesthetic. That makes it easier to get used to the new eatery while still respecting Arby's ten-gallon kitsch. The food has certain aspects going for it. For one thing, there are numerous soft drinks and varieties of tea to whet your whistle. Also, the 1960s music piped in overhead contributes to a fun atmosphere. However, and this is no small matter to consider given my taste for cool/cold air, when I walked into the place it was freezing. Were it not noticeably humid outside I'd have found this to be a turnoff. Other patrons might not be so understanding. Their Big Hat Burger ($4.29) was a tender, chewy mouth-pleaser. I appreciate the bun-to topping ratio. How dispiriting is it when you're chowing down lustfully only to find that towards the end you're stuck with only a trace of the bun and a towering slab of beef pooching out from under it. The toppings are lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, and mustard. For sure it wasn't awe-inspiringly huge but if you desire a comforting eat and run this is a worthy choice. I'd asked the cashier what the difference was between a Big Hat Burger and a Little Hat Burger. He cheerfully explained that while the former has two patties, the latter has just the one. For $.70 more your Big Hat Burger can be prepped with American cheese. The Little Hat Burger is $2.99 without cheese, $3.49 with. The bun was just the right size to accommodate the meat and toppings. Didn't take long to polish off either. Their fresh-cut fries ($1.99), while delectably crisp and eye-appealing (skins left on), suffered from the problem of way too much salt added. It's not that I'm worried about cholesterol. I'd more that I rather be able to taste the spud cleanly. The salt regrettably masked the flavor. When I could break free from it I found myself liking their no-frills presentation (white bag tied in a knot and generously portioned) and taste not murdered by canola oil (you listening Elevation Burger?). A small container of ketchup is included to allow what for a great many is mandatory dipping. It's true I like my fries a little beefier but the crispness and flavor easily made up for that. I couldn't resist trying one of their mini-sized vanilla shakes which are made with home state fave Blue Bell Ice Cream($2.39). It proved to be a luscious, rewarding conclusion to the meal. The counter crew was buzzing with activity and not short on friendliness. Service was reasonably prompt. Is Hat Creek Burger Company offering the best burger in town? No. Does it provide classic relaxation food done right. You betcha. It's a good stop on the drive home for people who ask for little more than the familiarity of a homestyle beef sandwich. If the folks at the helm pay attention to their thermostat people who come to try might be more tempted to stick around. Limited outside seating is available for al fresco diners. Hat Creek Burger Company has the potential to be a winning feather in Burnet Road's cap. read more

Meh, tasty fries. But, other than that, I don't really see how they differentiate themselves from any other fast-food burger chain. I did enjoy their pictures on the walls though. My friend and I were a bit amused at some the places that were featured in said pictures. I'd go back again, if I was hungry and in the neighborhood. read more

I was SO Happy that someone moved there and saved the old Arby's sign! When they first started painting it blue though, I was scared, but it turned out great. Living just down the street, that sign is not only a neighborhood icon, but one of the landmarks I use when I give directions to my house. Of course, now I could also use the out of place monster condos (rant...). This WAS an Arby's and it still mostly looks like an Arby's except for the paint on the sign and the little cedar post porch (that blocks my view when I pull out of the street onto Burnet Rd - along with those awful condos they are building that I can't imagine anyone would want to live in... oops let that condo hatred slip out again...). The building is painfully stark inside. Needs MUCH better atmosphere. Maybe play off some of the other colors in the sign instead of white. I thought they might remodel the outside a little less Arbys-ish too. This is the place where the old folks from the apartments across the street used to go to drink coffee. I suppose that's one of the reasons Arby's went down, no real business - I know I never ate there. I wonder where those old folks go have coffee now? On to the food. I say 2, but maayybe 3, I'll check back on them one more time in the future. But all-in-all, pretty simple - not so impressed. I have my 3 test items for a burger joint and I try pretty much every new place I come across. The big three are: Burger with cheese, fries, chocolate shake. I loved the menu offerings, by looks it would be wonderful. I got the Big Hat w/ cheese and thought it was small for what it cost. The bun was soft squashy white bread and didn't hold together, it just squashed into the rest of the burger. The meat patties, though they tasted good, were a bit greasy and were the size of what I would call ONE patty, not a double. The stuff on it tomatoes, lettuce...were good enough. Cheddar cheese was good enough too. The fries: a limp glob. They tasted OK -sorta- but would have been so much better were they a little more crispy, and separated. They could have given me less fries and more burger. So what I'm saying is there were plenty of fries in the order, I just didn't really like them, The shake was pricey but good. It's kind of hard to mess up a chocolate shake, but I definitely have had some awful ones in my lifetime. (Storm's in Lampasas has awful shakes but good burgers.) I was glad to see they used Blue Bell ice cream - buy local...and it's a tasty product. So all in all, I give it a two because, Meh. I've experienced better. If I want to have a burger in my 'hood, I'd prefer one from Billy's on Burnet. I'm not a fan of Hangtown Grill (at all) or Phil's. Top Notch is OK but way up the road. I would say this is in the same category as P.Terrys ingredients (kind of) - which I don't like much either, yet somewhat like Mighty Fine, which I prefer, but MF is way to far away unless I'm going to Home Depot anyway. For the record, Mighty Fine does have great shakes (and Lemonade) and their burgers and fries are on the good side of OK, too (better than Meh.). read more

Frist time ever going to this place, drove by it a couple of times. Seems deserted most of the time I drive by. Decided to stop and and try it out. Price was decent for a Toco/burger joint. Their sausage was a bit too salty. Food is ok,but not the best. Has a clean environment, but then again. I went like at 9am in them morning when it was not too busy. I give it 2 stars. Didn't impress me much. Don't think I will come back again. read more

Their burgers are good, but I come here for their breakfast tacos! Very few places offer freshly sliced avocado on their tacos, but Hat Creek satisfies my avocado fix! Sausage egg and avocado taco FTW! read more

I I was shocked when I asked my coworker where her amazing salad with a ton of grilled chicken was from and she said "Hat Creek." This is certainly not a "health food" restaurant, but they have a ton of healthy and great tasting options. I like that any burger can be made into a turkey burger. I am a drive thru fanatic and there are so few places with healthy options and a drive thru. I also love meeting up with friends who have kids here because we can have beers while the kids play on the playground. They have consistently friendly customer service and go the extra mile to make your experience great. read more

I was shocked when my beloved Arby's closed down and Hat Creek Burger took over the building. But I decided to give them a shot and their burgers blew my mind. Their meat was well cooked and seasoned...I'm talking juicy and flavorful. On top of that they slightly grilled the buns, which is a plus one for me. The price for a big satisfying burger is decent (The Big Hat). I know they're remodeling right now, and I can't wait to go back when they reopen. read more

While ordering the guy working the counter apologized for his hoarse voice. He said, "they made me clean up after a sick kid earlier and now I'm sick." Okay, add that to the list of things never to say to a customer. I've never waited so long for a burger in my whole life. Apparently, they must go out and slaughter the cow and grind the beef before putting it on the grill. Finally, after waiting 45 minutes the food was ready. It was fine. The small hat was small. Not much meat, a lot of lettuce. Well, been there done that. Won't be back. read more

I had tried a slider from Hat Creek Burger Co. when they had a trailer set up for something at Auditorium Shores a while back. It was good. I thought the spices they use with the burgers was good. This did not transfer over when I went to their brick and morter store on Burnet. Portions are good, but the burger just had too much of their spice blend on it. Way too overpowering. If you are in this hood, I suggest continuing north to Top Notch. The fries were good, but let's be honest, it's not "Hat Creek French Fry Co." read more

The food isn't bad, the issue is they consistently mess up the order. Whether its not putting the burger on the right bun, forgetting the drinks, or wrong condiments (plain should be very easy) - at least 50% of the time something will be wrong with your order. read more

As good as a fast food burger gets. You can tell that they give their food the care that comes from a local company, not a big chain. Very tasty. Similar flavor to Whataburger, I think. I've not tried the Blue Bell shakes, but dang, they look good. read more

Finally had a chance to check out Hat Creek and I have to say...they make a tasty burger! I got the smaller #2 combo instead of going for the large #1 and unlike others who seem to be commenting on how tiny it is, I think it's just right for an ok sized burger. If you're starving or just eat a lot, definitely go for the #1. The burger itself was a well done thin patty...nice crispy edges but not completely dry throughout and not super greasy. The bun was properly toasted...not a ton of butter/grease making it soggy, just a good toasting. The toppings tasted fresh and they have options for cheddar, pepper jack, etc. if you don't want good ol' American cheese. Also free jalepenos and grilled onions if you want any of that. I didn't think I was going to like the Hat Creek fries from the photos I'd seen online. They looked soggy and limp, but I figured I'd give them a chance. I'd definitely say they far exceeded my expectations. They're not the best ever, but they're very tasty...seemingly fresh cut, thin, and have a nice, slight crispness to them. Good job! The Hat Creek restaurant, as has been stated in other reviews, is fairly sterile and blast white inside. I don't think this is a bad thing, but they could definitely mix in a little color here and there. I like it though...much better than being filthy. As an overall review, I'd definitely go back to Hat Creek if I'm in the area and want a solid burger, but there are SO MANY places to get a really good burger in Austin that I probably won't be craving it anytime soon. I hope it lasts in the area though...it's a good burger at a good price! read more

Oh ma lord. With cheese burgers this juicy, I can't resist this place. Plus they set up a trailer during the UT baseball games-- delish at the ballpark too. The drive thru always moves really fast and every employee I've come into contact with has been super friendly and on their game. I always Grab a chocolate shake while I'm there because let's be honest--I deserve it. (plus I'm already eating a burger, so why the hell not?!) Hat Creek doesn't break the bank and The portion size is plenty. Thus, I dont walk away feeling cheated. **cough cough. P. Terrys. read more

I find it hilarious that Hat Creek hung onto, and then refurbished the Arby's sign. Hopefully Arby's is ok with that :) Anyhow, onto the review. I'd been waiting for Hat Creek to open for a few weeks now. It joins what is turning into the "Burger Corridor" on Burnet Road. There are SO many choices for burgers it will be interesting to see how they all do. Ordered a Little Hat Combo with bacon and cheese. The burger is a super thin patty, grilled up fresh. The bacon was tasty and everything on the burger tasted great. Good bun to meat ratio (as other reviewers have commented on) Yummy pickles. It all came neatly tucked into a red and white checkered wax paper. It tasted fresh - and while it didn't totally blow me away - I did enjoy it. The fries were served fresh - LOTS of them in the order that came on the side. They were definitely fresh cut, and nicely salted with a little ketchup on the side. The people working there were super nice and seemed eager to please. I definitely plan to go back - maybe next time I'll try the grilled onions or jalapenos on the burger (free of charge) to spice it up a bit! Welcome to the neighborhood Hat Creek! read more

This place is inexpensive and tastier than most other popular burger joints in Austin. Quality Angus makes yummy burgers! I love good crunchy fries that still have some potato peel on them. Awesome!! Can't wait to bring friends! read more

This is my first time here. Okay, first of all, let me say that this burger was really tasty. I went thru the drive-thru and got a small bacon cheeseburger with fries and a drink. But...I almost never got it. The wait in the drive thru was ATROCIOUS! Granted, the cutie at the window apologized for the wait, multiple times, which I greatly appreciated. But...JEEZE!! I kept telling myself that folks like this place, to just hang tight, I'll get to the window eventually. Then I started doubting myself--hell, I could have gotten Sonic and left by now; what if this food isn't worth the wait, etc. Well, I'm glad I waited. I'll definitely get a burger from here again. Not a great big fan of the fries. And I did like the cherry limeade. So...although I was irritated in line, the food was tasty. read more

Nice outdoor seating. Dollar beer Thursdays boast a nice selection to complement delicious burgers. Three great dipping sauces. Good food, although it definitely feels loaded with calories. read more

I had their signature burger and fries. The burger was a bit dry and not worth the price point. The fries were good and the fry sauce options were great and the sauces had great flavor. I'd eat here again but wouldn't be in my top 3 choices. read more

This place is awful...and the pricing is a complete sham. I've been three times and every time, they have managed to screw up my order...I will not visit again. $2.86 for a 'little' burger (1/5 lb) that apparently comes with american cheese, that is unless you specifically ask for cheese, and then they leave it off completely...without taking any money off the price of the burger. The food quality is average at best, but the competency of the staff is abysmal. Save yourself the headaches and go somewhere else, you will get a better burger at a better price. read more

I really like this place. Good service with great malts, shakes, burgers, and fries. Just a solid burger house. read more

I took my daughters for dinner a few weeks ago. The service was good, and I really liked the fries, but everything else was just so-so. My burger was over done, and it took too long for our order to come out, even though it was a slow night for business. I'm a big 5 Guys fans, so that is my point of comparison for this similar chain. My girls weren't impressed either. One of the even said 5 Guys is better. Also, the bathroom is in serious need of a remodel. read more

Terrible wait inside for a burger. 20+ minutes on at Saturday at 3:00. They are getting the drive thru served in less than 5 minutes. Bad way to run a store. read more

It's a decent hamburger joint. The main reason to come here is the 2 story playescape for the kids. You can have a beer with dinner, so that's good. The big hat is the same as a little hat with just an additional hamburger patty. For me the little hat and eating my kids extra fries is enough. The parking lot is often full, but you might be able to find street parking. If not you can keep on driving down the road. read more