In Austin, even our drive-thrus are a point of culinary pride.
We really are spoiled, aren't we? While folks living in some other cities have to settle for less-than-decent fast food, we've got the option to visit drive-thrus that are both speedy and delicious. Indeed, Austin is chock full of places you can roll through and afterward feel like you ate at an honest-to-goodness brick-and-mortar restaurant. See our favorite Drive-Thru restaurants below.
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photo via instagram
5532 Menchaca Rd
One of Jo's newest locations, at the corner of Menchaca and Stassney, features a drive-through, providing South Austinites with a quick, local coffee option for their morning commute. There's no need to go inside, even if you're craving some food! They offer a selection of breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, and more. There might be a line, so give yourself a few extra minutes!
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photo via facebook
Various Locations
When you want something quick for lunch but not necessarily fast food, grab a sub from ThunderCloud. This neighborhood sub shop, with multiple locations around town, focuses on using the best ingredients, including bread baked at a local bakery and delivered to each location every morning. They also slice all of their meats, cheeses, and produce and make all of their spreads from scratch. With two convenient drive-thru locations on Rutland Road and Burnet Road, it's perfect for on-the-go or a quick meal on your lunch break.
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Photo Credit: Roger Ho
603 Barton Springs Rd
Going to Sandy's Hamburgers is like taking a time machine back to 1963, from the old-school neon sign that proudly advertises frozen custard and root beer to the menu that offers corn dogs, hamburgers, french fries, and milkshakes. Even the prices feel comparatively cheap to other fast food joints. The only thing missing to complete the picture would be a bunch of teenagers hanging out in muscle cars listening to the radio hits of yesteryear. Sandy's Hamburgers is an Austin gem, and we hope to see it around for many years to come.
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PHOTO CREDIT: Fresa's Facebook
915 N. Lamar Blvd
Fresa's inclusion here was a no-brainer. This North Lamar drive-thru is primarily known for their mouth-watering Mexican-style Chicken Al Carbon. It also has the advantage of feeding several hungry people. While their chicken is no doubt exceptional, it's Fresa's side items that really seal the deal. Mexican Street Corn, Grilled Beets, and Grilled Cauliflower make Fresa's an experience worth both driving to and thru.
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Photo Credit: JuiceLand
Various Locations
You didn't think all the food on this whole page was going to be greasy, did you? Everyone should treat their body to something healthy now and again, and in this case, JuiceLand is just what the doctor ordered. In addition to the kinds of energizing smoothies and juices for which they are well-known, JuiceLand's Brodie, Westgate, Southwest Pkwy & Mopac, and Oak Hill locations have drive-thrus that offer scrumptious choices like the Frijole Roller Burrito, Spring Roll Bowl, and Mannawich.
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Photo Credit: hatcreekburgers.com
Various Locations
You can't have a list of fast food and not include someplace that serves cheeseburgers. To that same point, you can't have a list of fast food in Austin and not mention Hat Creek Burger Company. This drive-thru eatery specializes in straightforward, nothin'-too-complicated cheeseburgers. The most out-there topping you'll find on their menu is spicy sauerkraut, which is always worth getting. They're also open in the early hours of the day for breakfast, making Hat Creek an ideal spot to stop on your way to work.
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Photo Credit: torchystacos.com
4211 Spicewood Springs Rd.
Considering their beloved status reputation in town, we probably don't need to extoll the virtues of Torchy's, but we'll do so anyway. The Austin-born taco chain started off as a food trailer on South 1st, but quickly found success on the strength and creativity of their menu, which boasts a multitude of worthy choices. Having the option to enjoy Torchy's Tacos without ever leaving your vehicle makes visiting their Spicewood location worth the drive.
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PHOTO Credit: bill miller bbq FACEBOOK
Various Locations
Drive-thru BBQ? Now we're talkin'. For decades now, Bill Miller Bar-B-Q has been the go-to option for those who want some killer brisket without having to stand in a line. Of course, that's not all Bill Miller has on their menu. Like any good BBQ place, they've got pulled pork sandwiches, fried chicken, bar-b-q plates, sausage, ham, pork spare ribs, breakfast tacos, and everything in between. God Bless Texas.
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Photo Credit: 30daysoftexmex.blogspot.com
Various Locations
Guess what? We love El Taccorido. We love its breakfast tacos. We love its tortas. We love its gorditas and its quesadillas. We love its salsas and we love its desserts. Most of all, though, we love that it's a drive-thru and we can enjoy it without having to get out of our cars. Should you find yourself near one with an appetite, try El Taccorido. As for what you should order? Anything. It's all good.
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Photo Crecit: P. Terry's Facebook
Various Locations
Loyal P. Terry's fans - don't worry. We didn't forget about you. We'd be remiss if we failed to honor what has, in two short decades, become an Austin drive-thru institution. It's hard to put your finger on what the secret sauce is behind the success of P. Terry's. For now, we'll go with their commitment to using the best ingredients. Real Idaho potatoes, 100% pure beef, and things like all-natural ketchup have put P. Terry's one step ahead of the competition and earned them legions of ride-or-die customers. We have to admit, we get it.
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Photo via Yelp
6818 Westgate Blvd
Local favorite Bamboo Bistro offers Asian-style cuisine with a Texan Twist. Equipped with a speedy drive-thru, the bistro is convenient, affordable, and always delicious. But, of course, Bamboo Bistro's drive-thru isn't the restaurant's main attraction; their menu boasts a wide array of classic and creative Asian dishes like Kung Pao Chicken, Thai Yellow Curry, and Cantonese Crispy Noodles, a delectable blend of egg noodles, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, and garlic soy sauce. Next time you're in a hurry and craving delicious Chinese food, head to Bamboo Bistro.
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OTHER GREAT DRIVE-THRUS IN AUSTIN:
Various Locations
5811 Berkman Dr
3021 W Anderson Ln
Various Locations
3842 S Congress Ave
1801 E Riverside Dr
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Got a favorite Drive-Thru place in Austin? Let us know! [email protected]
