Family life is busy most of the time, and that can mean that fast food is somewhat of a necessity. Lucky for us Austinites, “fast food” doesn’t always mean we have to sacrifice quality. Hat Creek Burger Company uses hormone-free beef that is raised without antibiotics, their nuggets are gluten-free and their milkshakes are THE BEST. Pair that with a fun venue where kids and adults can relax and you’ve got a Feature Family Restaurant of the Week! Do512 Family editor, Jamie Jett, visited with her family, here’s what she thought….

 The second we walked into Hat Creek Burgers newly renovated Burnet Rd. location, my son was given Hat Creek armbands. Anytime your child immediately receives a gift, you’re off to a pretty solid start. I had been eyeing Hat Creek for a couple of years but never made it out. When we noticed that the Burnet location had been redone, we decided it was time.

There is a huge patio with lots of tables, all next to a giant slide and some astroturf that’s perfect for the kids to let out some energy. There were a couple of kids kicking a ball around while the younger ones were fully entertained with the slide. The patio has a few TVs as well if you want to relax for a minute and watch a game.

 

The Burnet Rd. location has added breakfast to their menu as well, which will be served from 7 – 10:30 am every morning. You can get organic eggs, pancakes, tacos and other options. They’re giving coupons out right now for a free, 2-item breakfast taco with your purchase!

We got our drinks from their futuristic soda machine, where you could probably craft any flavor combination imaginable.

 The food is what sets this joint apart from from other fast food. There was actually a decent portion of lettuce, onion, tomatoes, cheese and sauce. AND THE PICKLES! Hat Creek Burger Co. is also host to Hat Creek Pickling Co., and I would like to take this opportunity to vouch for their deliciousness. All of their pickles are craft-fermented in small batches to preserve the probiotics and other vitamins. They use brine instead of vinegar an you won’t find any squishy pickles in their sandwiches. They’re all super crisp and I’m totally going to buy a jar next time I’m there.

Another bonus was the sauce choice for the fries. They have four homemade sauces – Honey Mustard, Happy Sauce, Idaho Fry Sauce or Hat Sauce. All of them were great and a nice change of pace from the usual ketchup.

My son ordered the Chicken Flashers, Hat Creek’s gluten-free nuggets, and he was satisfied with the flavor. We don’t have any gluten allergies in our family, but I know families that do and what a feat it can be to find something for picky eaters. There is also a fruit cup option as a side so you can pass on the fries if need be.

But, seriously, more about those pickles….

We finished up with a milkshake, and I’ll quote my significant other here because I think he summed it up nicely.

“That was the best milkshake I’ve ever had,” he said.

He ordered the Peanut Butter, just so you know.

We would all eat there again and we recommend it for your family!

They also have a North Endzone location, a Westlake location and a Georgetown location. Check out hatcreekburgers.com for more information.