07/12/06

One of the best mom and pop joints anywhere!

by sxylnghrngrly

Top Notch is amazing! I have never had anyone go there and not fall in love with the food and the atmosphere! The chocolate shakes are to die for and I'm pretty partial to the grilled cheese and french fries too!

• Pros: fun relaxed atmosphere and great, inexpensive food
• Cons: they don't take credit or debit cards, but there's an ATM inside

11/11/08

Awesome Burgers and Chicken for Little $$$

by dp777

Top Notch is without a doubt a place that is stuck in the past. From the old school decor and building to the cash only business model to the food prep. That is what makes this place so great, the burgers are cooked on an honest to goodness indoor grill right behind the register. It should be noted that they serve the thin patty burgers, so if you want to a thicker burger just add on an extra patty. The burgers were cooked to perfection, nice grill flavor with a hint of seasoning served on a lightly toasted bun. Normally I'm not much of a chicken fan, but the fried chicken literally falls off the bone and features a wonderfully seasoned flaky crust. This place is a must visit, but please note it is cash only (ATM is inside) and it closes at 8!

• Pros: Incredible burgers, fried chicken, fast, plentiful parking
• Cons: Cash only, only open till 8 PM

08/11/08

good veggie burger

by veggielaura

love this place!! the veggie burgers are good, they put mustard on it. just a good old school place to eat. my husband loves the burgers. and the fries are good too. can't beat it as far as a burger joint goes. and it's right up the street from me.

This old-school drive-in has been serving up Austin's best burgers for over three decades.

by Contributor

This locals-only restaurant has not changed with the times. Embrace the flashback décor and see why Richard Linklater's 1970's period piece, Dazed and Confused, was shot on the doorstep of this famous Austin burger joint. Dine in, take out, or order up from the car. Renowned for their fried chicken as well as burgers like the Top Pick with hickory sauce, they have been serving up what hungry Austinites crave for over thirty years.

03/14/06

Its above a "Top Notch"

by chrisdanger

When you drive up to the Top Notch, its like going back to the early 1970's. No wonder Richard Linklater chose this place for "Dazed and Confused". Its a great little mom and pop joint where you see the cook chargrilling up burgers(love that smell!) and frying bird. The two piece ($4.89),with Texas Toast, Fries and Slaw is one of the best deals in a town that consistantly gets more expensive to eat out in. Only drawback is to this place is no credit cards are taken.

• Pros: Fried Chicken, Cool 70's Atmosphere
• Cons: No Credit Cards

03/14/06

Top Notch = The best

by andtheballrolls

Top Notch is by far the best burger joint not only in Austin, but in the WORLD! It has been family owned since it began, and the owners are the nicest people in the world. Everything about the drive-in or sit-in burger place is authentic (meaning: Old School). The grill is heated by charcoal, so the burgers and grilled chicken are charcoal grilled not fakely charbroiled. The fries and other fried foods are also delicious. Get the Longhorn with fries and a soda or shake. It'll fill you up with grilled burger goodness. It's also featured in the movie "Dazed and Confused." Austin is Awesome.

• Pros: Charcoal, Inexpensive, Amazing!
• Cons: Cash only

09/14/05

User review by gostephi

by gostephi

awesome food, great chicken, burgers & fries...the kids love it. it's family owned & operated. food is cooked to order. great family dining

• Pros: decor, kid friendly, flame grilled burgers
• Cons: accept cash ONLY, a bit expensive

03/16/05

Best milkshakes in town

by karens353

Top Notchs milk shakes are legendary. Their menu is simple and consistent.

This restaurant is Austin at its best. Great food in a great locale.

09/21/03

Overall, very good

by exlnghrn

VERY good burger. I was impressed to see the cook bringing in another bag of charcoal to grill the burgers with. I loved the chargrilled taste and the contrast that the hickory sauce provided.

I doubt the decor has changed one iota from when they opened in 1971.

However, almost $6 for a single burger, small fries, and medium tea does seem a bit steep.

• Pros: charcoaled meat, hickory sauce
• Cons: price

02/10/03

Just to tasty for word's

by Cherry_drops

Fresh off the grill very juicy tasty hambuger's in town.. They make them anyway you like and, the fried chicken is to die for. Homemade onion ring are great!!.. You can dine inside or you can just drive in and order outside and eat in your car. just like the old day's.

• Pros: great, very juicy, chicken to die for