When asking yourself about something to do near me in Austin with a group of friends or family, consider
Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road
Why Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road is a vibrant and casual neighborhood gathering place, perfect for meeting up with friends or family in Austin. Established in 1976, the Waterloo Ice House has grown into a beloved local institution known for its Texas-style atmosphere, freshly made hearty meals, and a welcoming environment that appeals to a diverse crowd including business people, students, artists, and musicians. This location features spacious outdoor patios, large flat-screen TVs for sports viewing, and a full bar that serves up ice-cold beers and refreshing drinks. Highlights include tasty burgers, generous breakfast portions, and a menu filled with homemade dishes made from fresh ingredients. The relaxed ambiance coupled with friendly service makes it an inviting spot for casual dining, lively conversations, and watching games with friends. The family-friendly touches such as play areas and game rooms further enhance the appeal, making Waterloo Ice House a great destination for get-togethers that can accommodate all ages and interests. With its distinctive Hill Country spirit of community and comfort, the Burnet Road location continues to be a place where neighbors meet, friends gather, and memorable moments are made.
Here's what people think of Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road
As of recent, Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road holds a 4.3-star rating based on 1708 reviews.
Guest reviews of Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road generally praise the spot for its solid food quality and inviting atmosphere. Positive reviews frequently highlight the flavorful burgers and hearty breakfast options, emphasizing the generous portion sizes and the casual, Texas-style vibe that makes dining here enjoyable. Customers also appreciate the extensive selection of cold beers and the lively environment created by multiple big-screen TVs showcasing various sports events. Many mention the spacious patio and friendly staff, which contribute to a welcoming setting for groups and families alike. On the other hand, some negative feedback focuses on inconsistent service experiences; a few patrons describe servers as merely "functional" rather than friendly or attentive, which can detract from an otherwise pleasant visit. Occasional complaints also note seating arrangements, such as being placed near frequently opening doors, which impacts comfort during dining. Despite these criticisms, many reviewers express a willingness to return thanks to the good food and the engaging atmosphere. Overall, the reviews reflect a generally positive consensus about Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road as a reliable and enjoyable neighborhood hub for good food, drinks, and social connections in Austin.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Violet Photo
$5 frozen margaritas ALL DAY, EVERY DAY! I thought it was just for happy hour, but was pleasantly mistaken! Tried a regular frozen margarita and a blackberry one (for ,only 75 cents more! Definitely worth it!) Very good and strong. Also got the fried mushrooms (delicious! Hot, juicy, and flavorful, crispy breading ) and a build your own breakfast taco, which was honestly impeccably made so that each bite had the perfect ratio of ingredients! Definitely coming back, this was a great meal and the prices were fantastic! đ
Maddy T
Went in for a Sunday brunch with my family and absolutely loved everything about it! The fun bar atmosphere for the adults combined with the comforting vibes for the kids blended together so perfectly for my family. Our waiter, Chelsea was very attentive and created a homely environment, making it easy to talk to her and ask for anything we needed. I ordered the Santa Monica Burrito and although Iâm not a huge fan of avocados, this burrito wouldnât be the same without it! The ranchero sauce was so rich and brought out all the flavors within the burrito. Overall an amazing experience, and Iâd love to come again for another Sunday brunch!!
Jordan
Honestly this place has pretty bad food. The chicken was dry and the mash potatoes had a weird kind of fishy after taste to them. The green beans were not seasoned. My wife got the fish and chips. Way more breading than fish, breading was not seasoned and the fries were cold. The server was nice. But will definitely not return.
Josh
Fun bar and cafe with an extensive menu of drinks and Southwest comfort food. I love their nachos grande with roasted vegetables and happy hour drink specials. This location has a couple large rooms of tables and a large shaded patio on its north side. It also has a large parking lot and is at an intersection with a traffic light making it easy to turn out of.
Tony Jaramillo
This place has been around for years and I hope it stays that way. The food is great, you want a fat burger come here for one...you'll thank me later. The breakfast is great too along with the chicken fried steak...it's made just right. I'm there every Friday after work to enjoy a good meal and the atmosphere...very nice. The staff is friendly kinda like the show Cheers when you walk in they greet you. Place is always in clean shape too. Keep up the good work, see yall Friday.
How to reach Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road
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Why Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road with your friends?
If youâre looking for a lively and welcoming spot to gather with your friends or family, Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road is an excellent choice. This restaurant and bar combines a casual Texas atmosphere with hearty, comforting food that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Its 4.3-star rating based on over 1,700 reviews speaks to its popularity and consistent quality. Whether youâre planning a relaxed weekend brunch or a fun evening hangout, the large portions and friendly service ensure everyone leaves satisfied. The space is designed to accommodate groups comfortably, making it easy to share a meal or enjoy drinks together without feeling rushed or cramped. The accompanying big-screen TVs also add to the vibrant environment, making it perfect for cheering on sports games or just enjoying the background buzz with your crew. Plus, with frequent happy hour specials and a broad menu, Waterloo Ice House offers great value and variety, ensuring that every friend group can find something to enjoy together. This combination of atmosphere, food, and accommodating service is exactly why itâs a top contender for your next get-together on Burnet Road.
What kinds of food and drinks can we expect at Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road?
Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road offers a diverse menu that mixes classic Texas comfort food with a modern twist. The portions are described as generous, ideal for sharing with friends or splitting among a group. Popular dishes include their big, juicy cheeseburgers, often praised alongside crispy onion rings or tater tots, which add the perfect crispy complement. Breakfast enthusiasts wonât be disappointed either, as their menu features fluffy pancakes, savory breakfast tacos, and customizable omelets â perfect for any group meetup that starts early. The kitchenâs willingness to accommodate special requests, such as ingredient substitutions, ensures that everyone can enjoy their meal exactly how they like it. On the beverage front, the bar serves a wide selection of fun cocktails alongside well-priced beers and wines, particularly during their happy hours. Mondayâs specials offer $2 wines, wells, and beers, making it an affordable place to raise your glass with friends. All these factors combine to create a food and drink experience thatâs both satisfying and budget-friendly for groups.
What activities make Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road ideal for meetups?
The atmosphere at Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road is built for social gatherings, making it more than just a place to eat and drink. Large groups can comfortably hang out in an environment that balances casual with energetic, featuring big-screen TVs that allow you to watch sports or major events together, turning your meal into an interactive and shared experience. This makes it particularly popular among sports fans who want to rally friends for games or broadcasted events. Additionally, the restaurantâs layout, with ample indoor seating and an inviting bar area, encourages mingling and group conversations, while the staff is attentive and friendlyâfostering a welcoming vibe that makes guests feel valued. The venueâs dedication to customer service is evident in the personal greetings and thank-yous, creating a community feel. With a menu that accommodates different tastes and dietary needs, plus engaging entertainment options, Waterloo Ice House is a natural choice for anything from casual friend meetups to celebratory outings.
How does the location on Burnet Road enhance the experience?
Being situated on Burnet Road, one of Austinâs vibrant corridors, Waterloo Ice House benefits from a neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of bars, shops, and eateries, adding to the overall convenience and appeal. This makes it easy for groups coming from different parts of the city to meet up without hassle. Burnet Roadâs energetic vibe complements the restaurantâs Texas-style atmosphere, reinforcing a laid-back yet lively setting for social occasions. Parking accessibility in this area helps groups avoid the frustration often associated with busy urban hotspots. The neighborhood is pedestrian-friendly too, so friends can combine a visit here with a stroll to nearby establishments or after-dinner activities. Plus, its location means youâre never far from other entertainment options, offering flexibility if your group wants to extend their outing beyond the meal. The surrounding scene adds to the sense that Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road is a hub for connection and conviviality.
What makes Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road stand out compared to other meetup spots?
Several factors elevate Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road above typical restaurants and bars when it comes to group meetups. Its community-oriented Texas theme delivers a genuine and friendly hospitality style that resonates with locals and visitors alike. The extensive menu caters to diverse preferences in a way that many casual eateries donât, making it easy to please mixed groups with various dietary desires. The palpable focus on service qualityâfrom customer greetings to accommodating special ordersâcreates a relaxed atmosphere where guests feel well cared for. Moreover, the combination of large portions, affordable prices, and regular drink specials such as happy hour deals presents excellent value, encouraging longer stays and repeat visits. The casual yet energetic ambiance fueled by big-screen TVs and engaging staff helps transform a simple meal into a memorable social event. These qualities collectively position Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road as a premier gathering spot for friends and family wanting to enjoy good food, drinks, and company without the pretentiousness or hustle of high-end venues.
How accessible and welcoming is Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road for families and larger groups?
Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road is notably family-friendly, making it a great venue for meetups that include kids alongside adults. The menu has options that appeal to children and adults alike, from flavorful burgers to breakfast favorites, ensuring nobodyâs appetite is left behind. Plenty of space allows larger parties to sit together comfortably, which is essential for family gatherings or meetups involving multiple friend groups. Reviews highlight the staffâs accommodating nature â happy to customize meals and provide attentive service â which relaxes parents juggling meal preferences and helps groups feel right at home. The welcoming vibe extends from the decor to the interactions, fostering an inclusive environment that doesnât turn away parties large or small. This accessibility makes Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road a reliable choice for anyone wanting a hassle-free, enjoyable experience for all ages under one roof.
What should you know about the service and ambiance when planning a meetup here?
Expect friendly and attentive service that enhances your group meetup from the moment you walk in. Guests frequently mention how welcoming the staff are, greeting customers warmly and offering personal attention that helps feel like a valued local patron rather than just another table. This contributes greatly to the overall positive vibe and comfort level in the restaurant. The ambiance is casual with authentic Texas charmâthink rustic elements paired with modern comfortâwhich encourages relaxation and good conversation. Large-format TVs enhance the atmosphere without overwhelming it, perfect for those who want background entertainment or to turn a meetup into a viewing party. The mix of indoor dining space and a lively bar area provides options depending on your groupâs mood and size. Overall, the service and ambiance come together to create a friendly, inclusive setting ideal for everything from casual catch-ups to special occasions. This makes planning your event here stress-free and enjoyable.
What is the best time to visit Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road for a group meetup?
Timing your visit can elevate your group experience at Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road. For brunch or breakfast meetups, coming early ensures you experience some of their highly rated morning dishes like breakfast tacos and fluffy pancakes with attentive service in a relaxed setting. For those wanting a livelier evening atmosphere, visiting during happy hourâespecially on Mondays with their $2 drink specialsâis ideal for affordable drinks and a bustling bar vibe. Weekends tend to be busier, so calling ahead or arriving early can help secure sufficient seating for larger groups. Lunchtime offers another good window when the restaurant is energetic but not overwhelming. Planning around big sporting events can add to the fun if your group enjoys watching games, with the big screens providing a perfect rally point. Choosing your time based on your groupâs prioritiesâwhether food, drinks, or entertainmentâwill guarantee the best experience.
How can Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road accommodate special occasions or celebrations?
Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road understands the importance of making celebrations memorable whether itâs a birthday, reunion, or casual milestone. The restaurantâs spacious layout allows groups to gather with ease, and the accommodating staff are known for their friendly, flexible approach to special requests, helping customize your meal or setup to the occasion. The Texas-themed decor and energetic atmosphere give your gathering a festive backdrop without the formality of upscale venues, keeping things fun and relaxed. Their menu versatility means you can plan everything from a brunch party to an evening toast with delicious food and drinks to match. Occasionally, the venueâs big screen TVs and lively bar environment contribute an extra dose of celebration ambiance. If youâre planning something larger, reaching out to the restaurant in advance can ensure your groupâs needs are fully met with seating arrangements, any special menus, or drink selections. This makes Waterloo Ice House not just a restaurant, but a partner in your event planning.
Why do guests keep returning to Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road?
The consistent positive reviews and strong repeat patronage reveal why Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road enjoys a loyal following. Patrons often highlight the combination of quality food, generous portions, and friendly staff that make them feel like part of a community rather than just customers. The dependable welcoming atmosphere means visitors feel comfortable bringing friends and family again and again. Updates to the menu and the ability to customize orders keep the experience fresh and accommodating to individual preferences. Regularly offered drink specials and casual, fun environment make it an appealing choice for a wide range of occasionsâwhether everyday meals or special group events. This blend of elements creates a strong reputation for reliability and enjoyment that motivates guests to return and recommend the spot to others.
In summary, Waterloo Ice House Burnet Road is an outstanding venue for hosting group meetups thanks to its inviting Texas atmosphere, diverse and generous menu, accommodating service, and an environment designed to foster connection through food, drinks, and entertainment.