Top Notch Burgers Is an Austin Icon and It’s Easy to See Why

I recently visited Austin for a few days and I tried to fit in as many restaurants as I could. Thanks to intense planning, my travel companion and I were able to dine together at no fewer than 10 different spots in this foodie paradise over a three day period -- and we enjoyed each and every one. He had to leave a bit before I did, though, and after dropping him off at the airport, I was able to fit in one more restaurant, just for me: Top Notch Hamburgers.

This place was quite far from all the other places we ate and also from where we were staying near the airport, so it had been a bit out of the way for most of our trip. However, on that day I committed to getting there. I had extra time before my flight, and we'd already checked out of the hotel, so I decided to make it happen.

Long ago, I'd seen Top Notch Burgers in 1993's "Dazed and Confused" -- one of my favorite movies for years. Even though that movie is decades old now, it put Top Notch Burgers on the map for many. It fit right into the film, really: Top Notch opened in 1971, and "Dazed and Confused" is set in Austin in 1976. Its overall look certainly hasn't changed much since its early days. I had never really planned to go to a restaurant simply for a movie connection, but when I saw it still existed, I added it to the list.

When I got off the highway and headed toward Top Notch, its tall and very recognizable sign came into view long before the restaurant itself did. As I turned into the parking lot, I was charmed by the vintage vibes of this old-school drive-in.

Today, drive-in restaurants are few and far between, and I always enjoy checking them out. Even if these restaurants have an indoor seating area -- which Top Notch does -- I always opt to order from my car. I pulled into a spot and perused the menu. I found it to be larger than the menus at similar establishments, but I knew before even looking that I'd be getting a burger. After all, they're billed as top notch.

I love ordering though the speaker and the person who took my order was friendly and enthusiastic. He asked if I was paying by cash or card and I noticed there was no place to swipe a card; this place was truly old-school. I told him I'd pay with cash. When he delivered my meal, he came with the exact change for my $20 bill in hand.

At first glance, the burger looked like a standard burger and the fries didn't look particularly special either, but when dove in, I immediately understood why this place has been open for over 50 years. I found both the flavor of this cheeseburger + toppings and the crispness of the fries to be absolutely perfect in every way. No notes. Honestly, I'd include the burger in my personal list of Top 10 Burgers (a very competitive list) I've ever had. It was great!

I was glad to learn that the food at Top Notch Burgers was just as impressive as the setting. The vibes here are awesome: classic and certainly Texas to a T.

Although I ate in my car, I had to check out the indoor dining room at Top Notch Burgers. It was pleasant, clean, comfortable, bustling with diners, even late in the afternoon. Next time around, I might choose to dine inside instead, just for a different Top Notch experience.

I'll come out and say it: my visit to Top Notch Burgers in Austin was top notch - no exaggeration! Over the past 54 years, Top Notch has been owned by only two different families, and that consistent ownership and commitment to quality has certainly paid off. The recipes used for all items are the same ones diners enjoyed in the 1970s. I guess it's no wonder this place has been successful for so long. Surely, many local families have been coming here for generations already, and that sort of tradition will just continue on and on into the future.

I highly recommend Top Notch Hamburgers to anyone visiting Austin. Or, if you live in the area and haven't been yet, what are you waiting for? Enjoy a great meal at an iconic restaurant from the comfort of your car -- it doesn't get more classic Americana than that.