108 E 7th St
Austin TX
479-6424
Overall Rating:
Downtown Austin burger institution.
Greasy and Dingy
Reviewer: Chris
Original Review Date: 05/16/2006
Rating: +1/+3(Not bad)
This is a downtown institution that's been around a long time, as the layers of grime and grease will attest to. Entrance is kind of through a parking garage area. In fact, the entire restaurant is housed in a parking garage. They only serve hamburgers and the like (hot dogs, frito pies, etc.). And beer. Seating consists of one row of booths along a wall with a bar and barstools running alongside.
Burgers are griddle-cooked thin patties. Bun is toasted white bread. Fries are thick and homemade. No cheddar available--swiss & american are the only cheese options. $6 for the combo--fries, burger, drink. They don't take credit cards.
Add your own condiments at a sad-sack version of the Fuddruckers condiment bar, replete with a giant pump-top jug of Miracle Whip.
Nothing outstanding, but a nice old Austin institution worth preserving, and a decent grease-bomb combo meal at a fair price.
Good burgers, but other factors detract from the experience
Reviewer: Jason 168.39.77.204
Review Date: 06/21/2006 11:01AM
Rating: +1/+3(Not bad)
I had no clue that this place was there until some co-workers recommeded it. A small place tucked into the parking garage behind the Stephen F. Ausitn Intercontinental Hotel, Mikes serves good thin-style burgers. As Chris says, the fixin's bar is not like Fuddrucker's, but at least they have something. The problem, at least at lunch, is the very limited seating, so you need to get there early or you wait for a table. They also, very annoyingly, charge for soda refills. While the burgers at Mike's are good, other "Austin institution" places like Dan's or Fran's are usually better, and have more seating.