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Billy's on Burnet
Categories: Restaurants American (Traditional) Nightlife Bars Pubs American (Traditional), Pubs [Edit]
2105 Hancock DrAustin, TX 78756
Neighborhood: Rosedale
(512) 407-9305
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 12 am
Sat 11 am - 1 am
Sun 12 pm - 12 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
We specialize in American Comfort Food: great burgers, hand cut steaks, and the famous Nighthawk Chop't Steaks. Also serving breakfast all day! We have… read more »
172 reviews for Billy's on Burnet
Review Highlights
"My mister man loves the fried green tomatoes."
(in 13 reviews)
"great beer selection, cheap, and damn good food."
(in 31 reviews)
"You want to go to HAPPIEST hour at Billy's."
(in 14 reviews)
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172 reviews in English
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Review from Jenny L.
When I think to myself, "Hey, I want to go to Billy's," I want to believe I am going over to a friend's house to hang out for the evening.
Then I remember I don't have friends, so I go to a bar and drown my sorrows.
I've been going to Billy's for years, and it's always the same - and that is a good thing. There are a nice selection of vegan (or can easily be made vegan) food-stuffs, and there is beer. Lone Star is two bucks. They have other beers, but I don't really care about those.
Billy's is one of those places with a silly crowd. Sometimes, it's filled with sport-people, and I don't understand that. Sometimes its's filled with guys dressed in black, with studs, that look like they belong is some kind of bad 80's punk band. Sometimes, families are there, with babies and stuff. I like babies. But not when I'm trying to knock back a pitcher. Really, I need space to flail my short arms around when I'm telling a story to my invisible friends or strangers, and I don't want a little tiny baby's face to get in the way of my stumpy, spazzy arms.
The inside is uncomfortable to me. The patio is where it's at. In the summer, it's warm and sunny, and the picnic tables and cold beer are perfect. In the winter, the patio heaters come on, and I make sure to practically sit on one to keep warm.
Happy Hour is nice and it's like 2-7pm. And then Happiest Hour is 4-5, and domestic pints are a buck fifty. What's also nice is Billy's opens at 11am, just in case you like beer for breakfast.
And who doesn't? -
Review from Ben C.
Austin, TX
12/23/2011
You wouldn't look at this place and think it would be great for vegetarians, but you'd be wrong. They do some great things with veggie chili, have nice fried okra, and a tasty veggie philly using pieces of a veggie burger patty, peppers, onions, and lots of melted cheese. I love that the tables have two or three different kinds of hot sauce, and you can get your food with their tasty shoestring-style fries.
The kitchen closes a few hours before the bar, so it's not the best place for late-evening snacks, but their outside seating and drinks are great for catching up with friends, even without the food.Listed in: Vegetarian-Friendly in North…
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Review from Kendall S.
Austin, TX
11/27/2011
If you're looking for a great neighborhood dive bar with the best burgers and fries in town, Billy's is your place. Hands down, a better burger than anywhere else in north Austin, P. Terry's/Hat Creek included. The Ends (blue cheese and hot sauce) and The Schultz (loaded with bacon) are our favs. Plus, they've got heaters on the patio in the winter, sports games on their flatscreens 24/7, pool tables, arcade games, and darts. And Billy, the owner, always seems to be around... most likely sitting at a crowded table enjoying himself with his friends and checking in on the kitchen every now and then. The mark of a great business--owners that actually enjoy being there!
The 4-5pm happiest hour is a great deal if you can make it. Always $2 Lonestar pints and a good number of TX microbrews on tap (which is especially great if you go on Texas Tuesdays, $2.75 drafts). We've been going to Billy's for HH pretty regularly for the past year and a half since moving to north Austin and have never particularly felt a huge hipster vibe... just a chill, neighborhood bar kind of vibe. The bartenders are all really nice too! If you live in the area, ride your bikes down to Billy's sometime and stop in for a burger--you won't be sorry! -
Review from Renee S.
Austin, TX
1/18/2012
Always friendly! Food is always great! And a great place to watch the Packer Game!
Thanks Billy! -
Review from Kristina F.
Austin, TX
1/6/2012
The mushroom swiss burger with a side of fried okra is my favorite! mmmm... burger... (drooling commences)
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Review from Erika S.
Austin, TX
1/6/2012
All I can really comment on is the veggie burger. Sprouts, avocado... its just right. Worth every penny.
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Review from Ashley S.
"You want to go to HAPPIEST hour at Billy's?"
"There's a happier hour than happy hour? Who's Billy?"
From 4-5 at Billy's, which is technically on Hancock Dr, (which I find mildly entertaining) boasts even cheaper booze than they do during regular happy hour which lasts til 7. You go here for the pitchers though, which are cheap cheap with a side of cheap. Tons of local brews, mediocre beers, and $2 Lonestars all the time. Good thing I live/work nearby and get outta there at 4:30. Count me in on any Wednesday where ALL pints are $2.75. Sure they have other drinks here, but I wouldn't suggest ever ordering wine at a place like this. For this place, I put my wine glass away, tuck the pinky in, and pull out my beer hat.
Burnet Road has a lot of fantastic bars, if you weren't already aware then please keep this one the downlow - I don't need my favorite digs over run by meat heads, skinny jean wearing tools who think they look cool, or girls wearing peacock feather hair extensions. Sure, there are regulars here, old men who stare at my ass while my drinking companion continuously reminds me this which makes me all the more flustered.
"I want Torchy's queso! Look I can probably check in from here!"
"That Torchy's sucks, get Billy's queso."
Good bar food, with a full menu. I was surprised to see over a dozen veggie options on the menu. We went with snacking food. Queso and fried pickles served with chipolte ranch. Yum! Can I say that?
I also appreciate the fact that Billy values their customer's cars. There are TONS of signs everywhere telling you where you WILL get towed if you park there. No worries, this isn't south Austin. There will always be parking with not much hassle. Cuz me no likey hassle-rific parking.
Did I mention pet friendly?!Listed in: Burnet Rd. has a lot to offer, Pet friendly patios, Sportin' it
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Review from Solomon W.
Austin, TX
10/28/2011
Billy's on Burnet is an institution for those hipsters who look to patronize the rather industrial-feeling Burnet Blvd. In fact, the new title could easily be Penta-B's--Billy's Burgers and Beers on Burnet Boulevard. That is just what they specialize in. Grub and booze on a busy road.
The prices are a little higher than preferable, but the service and offerings are awesome. The "El Jefe" burger looked tempting: fritos, chili, jalapenos, and the like. I was just there to imbibe.
During beer week, the selection was pretty fantastic. I wonder how the menu is during regular weeks? To go with some good alcohol beverages, the service stands out quite well.
My selections were some new kids on the block: Midnight "Rye-der" by the brand spankin' new Hops and Grain brewery and the Nightlight Irish Stout by Circle. The Rye was crisp in texture, but malty in flavor. The Irish stout was light on the mouth but had a bold flavor. Sort of like a decaf coffee. Both were solid beers.
BoB is no doubt a place where people need to drive to (and in turn, drive drunk--not encouraged), and I would recommend is as a stop when driving home on MoPac. Or Lamar. Whatever your commute, Billy's deserves a stop. -
Review from Anna s.
Austin, TX
10/10/2011
I like this place. I like it.
I've seen moms with iphones sitting near jersey'd meaty guys who make fun of the hipsters that try the place. I think someone made fun of me, once, but it's ok. I like it.
Anyhoo. Food is palatable. Their vegetarian Philly cheese steak is underwhelming. The components by themselves are nice but the ratio of bread to faux meat and veggies is a bit much.
The veggie chili dog is nice. Can't tell all the veggi hot dog chemicals apart from a real hot dog chemicals. i.e. it tastes just like a real-boy hot dog. Chili is excellent.
I've had a real burger there before. Like i said, it's underwhelming. Just there. Nothing to write yelp about. It's a nice local person spot.
It's animal friendly but my cat isn't so I cant bring her. -
Review from Daniel J.
7/28/2011
On the way to Billy's after an agreement to keep the evening rolling I had a sudden thought: "The last thing Burnet needs is another neighborhood hole-in-the-wall." I walked in and it was pretty much what I expected: fairly empty on a weekday evening, dark wooden tables and chairs, and a menu with some familiar favourites in the way of food and beverage.
Having skipped two meals for the day and wanting something with a little meat, I decided to go with the chili. My hesitation with ordering chili is the result of me perfecting my homemade spicy chili recipe. To put it simply, I can't really appreciate too much chili I order out in public any more as mine is pretty unbeatable. Nevertheless, everything I read had the word "fried" or "burger" in it, and I wasn't havin' it, so with the chili I went. While it wasn't up to par in terms of spiciness, the flavour was stupendous, and the various hot sauces on the table at least helped with the spicy factor.
So, yeah, if we are looking at Billy's as just another spot in the neighborhood, then I guess you could say it's the house with the kid you wanna hang out with because he's got video games, cool tunes to listen to, and is happy to lend you two dollars in cash if you want to crank the jams on the jukebox. All in all, not a bad stop at all. -
Review from John D.
Stamford, CT
I've got to say, this place perplexes me. In a good way.
Cheap (local) beer and good burgers. No table service, so don't expect it. From what I hear, they have fried mushrooms which are pretty killer.
This place is a dive, and a good one at that. No hipsters, just normal people drinking beer in an unpretentious environment. -
Review from Chris B.
6/3/2011 2 Check-ins Here
You can't go wrong with Billy's. Solid food, good beer selection, and a cook that looks like Jack Sparrow. What's not to like?
They have an extensive menu, but I don't think I have ever had anything but the burger. They are well prepared, with fresh toppings, and the fries that come with it are pretty good. Throw in a Jester King, or some other rad brew, and that is a recipe for happiness.
Nothing more to add that the 100+ other reviewers haven't typed already. If you like neighborhood dive bars with decent food and good beer, you will like Billy's. If you don't like Billy's, then you don't like those things. Simple as that.
Pros: Great Divey Feel, Good Beer Selection, Nice Deck, Good Burgers
Cons: The Parking Lot is TINY -
Review from Matt A.
7/22/2011
Few places tug at my heart strings. Few places have me drooling to come back. This just happens to be one of those places. Neighborhood establishments are a dime in a dozen, and very few truly capture the essence of a neighborhood bar. Billy's on Burnet doesn't win you over with fancy food, fancy wine, or fancy service. No, this place wins you over on good beer, good food, and great company. It's a place to wind down over a pint and a burger.
With over 20 drafts, many of them being local selections, I would highly recommend this place. Tuesdays and Wednesdays feature $2.75 pints. You can't beat that, considering pints at other places can cost up to $6. Try their Cobra burger, it may just wake you up out of your Monday coma. Come to Billy's, grab a pint, relax, and enjoy a truly unique neighborhood vibe.Listed in: Best Burgers, Best Place to find Beer
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Review from Tara D.
Hutto, TX
10/9/2011
This place is a little slice of Wisconsin heaven deep in the heart of Texas! If you are a Green Bay Packer fan, this place is the closest thing you will find to Wisconsin in Austin. I felt like I was back home...even if only for a few hours! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this place on game day! GO PACK GO!
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Review from Anna B.
5/16/2011
Cobra burger bites.
Pear cider eases the sting.
Next time, more peppers.
Good grub and a beer,
picnic tables on the deck,
and not too much cool. -
Review from Sydney T.
9/26/2011
I'm already planning my Friday afternoon work escape so I can make it back to happiest hour. $2.75 for a Guiness? $2 for a Live Oak Heffe? Count me in! Also, last time I was there the patio didn't have the little shade tarps, so I'm thankful they've put those up. This is a great place to meet friends and pre-party, or just chill and have dinner.
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Review from Michael G.
Austin, TX
4/25/2011
Lately Billy's on Burnet has been my go to for Sunday patio beers. Extensive beer selection and a menu that will/should accommodate all the picky eaters out there. I like that it has pool tables, jukebox, dart boards and several video games in the back. And it all fits into a building big enough for large groups or flying solo.
This last Sunday I had the patty melt, which I have not had in a long time. It was soooo good, the way I was eating it you would think there would be Barry White or Marvin Gaye playing in the background....
Parking can be a pain since the parking lot holds maybe 10 cars, so you may have to hoof it's during lunch/dinner prime hours. Especially if you live in the area, it's a must to eat and drink. -
Review from Steve S.
Austin, TX
5/15/2011
Philly Cheese Steak sucked, cheese fries with huge strips of bacon was disgusting, soda by the can....really? To boot it took them almost 25 minutes to prepare our food and people after us were getting their food before us.
Also, I have to pay up at the counter, go pick up my food, AND dump my plate? Why is there a spot for a tip on my reciept or a tip jar for this lack of service? Am I giving the tip to the girl running the register and handing me my food? Im just trying to figure out why a tip is warranted at this place? I can get better service at a McDonalds.
Overpriced as well. -
Review from Kelly R.
Austin, TX
7/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
We are lucky enough to live in the Brentwood neighborhood, and it's a very easy walk to Billy's. Which works out great, since their tiny parking lot is really the only downside to this little neighborhood jewel.
Billy's is a dive, no question. They strive to be a dive. And they're great at it. There's nothing pretentious or even hipster-y about it. It's always clean, and they have enough interesting things on the walls and plenty of big screen TV's to keep your mind busy while you wait for your delicious food.
We order the fried green tomatoes every time we go--they are done perfectly, crispy, deliciously. My favorite sandwich is the avocado reuben, so insanely rich with all that avocado, warmed up by the heaps of sauerkraut and russian dressing and cheese. Mmmm....cheeeeeeeese.... My husband loves their burgers, and orders a different one every time we go.
Oh, and did I mention that Billy's has about 7000 beers on tap? Good beers! Local beers! AND great Sangria! So go. Be nice to them, and be a dear and don't park anywhere you're not supposed to. They know their lots is small, but the businesses around them will most definitely tow your car. -
Review from T T.
Austin, TX
6/29/2011
Ptui. Ugh. Bleeeccch. I just can't wrap my head around what happened between everyone else's burgers and my party's. You all claim the burgers are tasty, but ours all tasted like they were served in a crappy hospital cafeteria. They tasted for all the world like the patties were precooked, maybe even precooked and frozen, and just heated for service. Ugh. Blech.
The fries were OK and plentiful, but not really that good. The veg with the burger - lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion ... were fine. Good, even. But the patty? Yeccch. -
Review from Heather J.
DeFuniak Springs, FL
3/14/2011
I used to live biking distance from Billy's they're a great neighborhood restaurant bar. I even have friends that drive from South Congress and Blanco, Texas to come here for dinner. They have a great burger selection. I have never been disappointed- even when I feel like going light and eating the veggie burger it is suburb. The onion rings, fries, and fried okra are always plentiful and perfect.
Also, try to make it there for the "Happiest Hour" from 4-5pm I think, when the beers are even more on special. They have a great selection of local Texas and specialty drafts to quench your thirst. -
Review from doug m.
Austin, TX
12/11/2011
OK...this has absolutely become my FAVORITE place for Guinness and just hanging. Food is good (at least the hamburgers) and plenty of beers on tap. A ton of specials which I have yet to figure out. Great atmosphere. Lots of regulars including families. WIFI. I can have a cigar on the patio. It really doesn't get much better....
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Review from Marcella P.
Pflugerville, TX
12/29/2010
I work really close to Billy's but hadn't actually eaten here until yesterday. After having my heart broken numerous times by a Sandwich Joint that shall remain nameless...I was desperate for a turnaround:
I got the burger lunch special (burger, fries and tea) for pretty cheap. Instead of fries I got the fried okra because I'm female AND southern. The meal was delicious. I heard all the hype around this place and I was skeptical...but after my meal I knew that all those afternoons spent longingly looking out the door at Billy's was not in vain.
Also, they have arcade games. So I get my Galaga kicks. -
Review from Maxine C.
1/28/2011
After working up an appetite playing DDR at Pinballz, I wandered over to Billy's because I was in a junk food and beer kind of mood.
I had the veggie dog and a Real Ale Coffee Porter (yum). The food was out super quick and I ate it equally as quick. The fries are coated in some kind of delicious seasoning, they didn't even need ketchup (the love of my life).
It's a cute little place that I might visit more often if I were still living in the neighborhood. -
Review from Loren S.
Austin, TX
9/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Billy's is a great local pub. No frills, no trendy hip kids, just normal people drinking normal beer. I enjoy the patio and the loads of vegetarian options on the menu.
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Review from Kristina H.
Austin, TX
9/23/2010 1 Check-in Here
** The rating that I'm giving this place is purely for the trivia. Maybe that's unfair, but since I went here last night FOR the trivia I feel like my review should be ABOUT the trivia.
To quote my friend "this is like playing trivia underwater". That's exactly what it was like. All night all we heard was "what mumble mumble zabatoo thumbs dattdooo from?" from the guy reading the questions. We couldn't figure out if the mic was messed up, if the speakers were messed up or if is was the guy reading the questions that was messed up. Turns out it was all of the above.
We originally sat inside at a table in the backroom. There was a speaker over our heads and after my last bad trivia hearing experience elsewhere, I thought this was a good sign. Nothing. Oh, other than "what mumble mumble zabatoo thumbs dattdooo from?" over and over and over again. Halfway through we finally decided to try a table outside. Second mistake. Not only was it still hard to hear on the speakers outside, he'd be in the middle of reading a question and it's as if someone just took hold of that volume button and turned it from "4" to "1" and his voice turned into a slight whisper. Several times we went up to him to let him know and he'd just mumble something as we walked out.
We have no idea what we scored in the end. No idea, really, what the hell we were doing on the last two rounds.
If they can get a guy who speaks clearly, and a better PA system, I could really fall in love with this trivia because the pace and topics were right up my alley.
I'll probably try this place again in the distant future, but first, I must dig the cotton out of my ears. -
Review from Cameron K.
Austin, TX
10/11/2010
I'm going to quote a great man:
"You take the fangs out of a cobra and what do you get? You get a, a belt." ~ Glen Quagmire
That's how I feel about their allegedly famous Cobra burger. I've been hearing the ads on the radio about how they are calling their shots for the Best Burger in Austin contest for 2011 and the Cobra burger would be it. There's not too many people who call their shots and back it up. Babe Ruth. Joe Namath. And uh, yeah. Those guys were legends, Billy's not so much.
Discourse aside, this burger is just there. True, the bacon and jalapenos are good. The cheese is meh and the chipotle mayo is invisible.
But how about the actual BURGER itself, the meat, the basis of the thing? You can't build a pyramid without the foundation of the first level, right? Yeah, this was just there. No real taste by itself. It could have been cardboard. And it was overcooked. The onion rings too were just empty fried batter.
I was going to give this place a three, but hearing such gushing expectations and falling way short, I have to dock them to two stars. If there is a "most overrated burger" category, I'd put a bet on these guys. Anything else though would just be flushing money away.Listed in: Burgertown
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Review from des c.
Austin, TX
7/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
We love Billy's so much, we went there for our Anniversary! The burgers are damn good! The local beers on tap are a plus, and the fries are out of this world. The menu is HUGE.
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Review from J K.
Austin, TX
2/15/2011
Billy"s is a great beer bar where you can get some really good food. The patio is a nice size and it is fun to hang out on.
If you are a Packer Fan then you have to come to watch the games in the fall.
J. -
Review from Guillermo R.
Austin, TX
11/21/2011
great beer selection...as in GREAT
parking sucks and he lets his employees use 3 of the 15 spots.
food is hit and miss.
wings are tiny but tasty.
philly sucks
burgers are pretty good
good place to meet friends for a beer (if u can park) but eat elsewhere -
Review from Koko D.
Austin, TX
7/26/2011
When I lived nearby this was a regular stop for me. The dog-friendly patio rules, Billy is awesome, and the food is fantastic and inexpensive. The vegetarian options here are plentiful, not like at most places where they just have a veggie burger. Billy's has veggie dogs, veggie chili, and this one veg sandwich that is to die for, covered in melty gouda... want one right now! They have great happy hours too, so get there early!
Listed in: Vegetarians and Omnivores in…
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Review from Christopher G.
Austin, TX
11/18/2011
billys is your classic been there forever neighborhood bar and grill.. rock solid burgers, great wings, excellent draft beer selection and dog friendly patio. been there a dozen plus times and it's always good.
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Review from Lauren W.
Austin, TX
9/15/2010
I was pumped about making Billy's a weekly tradition when we moved into the hood recently. And then the evil bartender had to go ruin it. Perhaps THE rudest, most unhappy woman I have ever encountered works here. She was so unnecessarily rude to me and my friends that we won't be back. Ever.
Sorry Billy.
(In fact, I came out of Yelp retirement for this one. THAT's how mad she made me.) -
Review from Shane K.
Round Rock, TX
7/9/2011
The best place in Austin to watch the Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers! A Packer bar in Austin, TX? You bet! We(cheeseheads) are everywhere! Food is great and beer selection solid.
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Review from Cynthia M.
Austin, TX
6/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great place to watch sports w friends. Beers and hamburgers! Great selections of beers including dogfish.
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Review from David R.
Austin, TX
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite places for lunch. I've had 2 different burgers there on several occasions. The "Ends" Burger and
The "Cobra" Burger.
The Cobra Burger is not "on the menu", but on a "life preserver chalkboard" to the right of the bar near the water and tea. If you don't pay attention, you might miss it.
I ordered the 1/3 lb. version. It comes with cheddar, bacon and grilled jalapeños. Pretty much the standard order when trying new places...well, except for the "grilled" part.
Anyway, this burger is AWESOME! Juicy, cheddary, spicy. The bread is soft and tasty. Fries have a little seasoning on them that is tasty as well. You can sub a few other items, but I haven't done that yet.
The other burger I've had (and will again) is The "Ends" Burger.
Their description: "Named for our favorite Austin punk rock band, this one's served with fire sauce, bleu cheese, and attitude."
It actually may be better than The Cobra. I'm just sayin'. This burger comes pretty close to Casino El Camino's Buffalo Burger, flavor-wise. A little smaller and not quite as HOT!!!! Don't get me wrong, it's HOT, just not AS hot. I really can't wait to go there again...although my arteries may have something to say about that. -
Review from Heidi H.
Austin, TX
4/16/2011
I used to like going to Billy's for a cold beer, but had a horrible experience last night.
I was there with my dog and she got into it with another dog, but there was no contact, just a lot of noise. Both dogs were at fault, but I knew it wasn't a good idea to keep my dog in that situation, so I was trying to get my keys so I could walk my dog home (I live less than a block away). It was pretty obvious I was trying to get out of there and I had just told the table next to me to let my friend, who was getting our drinks, to let her know that I would be right back.
The owner approaches me and yells "YOU NEED TO GET THAT DOG OUT OF HERE" and just glares at me. Had he approached me politely and asked or even told me that I need to leave, then I would have been fine, but no business owner needs to scream and glare at their customers like he did. The owners of the other dog even admitted that their dog was just as at fault as mine yet he had no problem with them.
So in conclusion, the owner is unprofessional, intimidating and a complete A-Hole who doesn't treat his customers with any respect. -
Review from Christian K.
Austin, TX
8/14/2011
Great veggie menu, i had the Hoss, which was hands down the best veggie burger i have had in quite some time. Awesome selection of local brews. We will return! Do yourself a solid and have the 512 IPA.
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Review from Mark B.
Austin, TX
8/10/2011
Your standard hole in the wall bar with a kitchen in the back. My work buddies and I each lunch here on a regular basis because it's close and the burgers aren't half bad. I typically get a Cobra Burger. The sides come in giant quantities, and the Lone Star is cheap, so its a solid choice, but nothing to write home about.
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Review from Sebastian G.
Austin, TX
4/17/2011
Billy's on Burnet is out-fucking-standing! They have a kick-ass beer selection, awesome menu (which is veggie-friendly) and the food is amazing! Who knew a dive bar could make such great food? My favorites are the Avocado Reuben, the Veggie Chili Cheese Dog, Veggie El Jefe. The thought of avocado replacing corned beef on a reuben seems strange, but the flavor combination is really nice. IMHO Billy's veggie dog kick's Frank's veggie dog in the nuts, and their veggie chili is the best I've had. The El Jefe (in meat or veggie versions) is new, and completely wrong. It is basically a burger topped with Frito pie, grilled jalapeños, lettuce, tomato & onions and decadently delicious! I've brought several friends here and they've all become fans of the food. My meat-eater friends all love the burgers, the chili, the reuben and the cheesesteak. Guy Fieri would totally loose his shit over this place.
For a dive bar you'd expect Bud, Miller, Lone Star & PBR. But the beer selection is totally not what you expect. They have a huge selection of international beers, craft brews and local favorites like 512, LIve Oak, Shiner and Real Ale. I take that back, it's totally what you'd expect from a dive bar in Austin, just not the rest of Texas. Rounding the place out there's a couple pool tables & dart boards some video games and a patio. There's also a jukebox loaded with some excellent punk rock and country records.
On the downside, Billy's does one thing I absolutely hate; they have a single bartender who works a single register and takes your food & drink order, pours your drinks and serves your food. This is moronic. Billy' s is a popular lunch spot and gets crowded fast. This causes the line to stretch out the door on to the patio almost daily.
