Sandy's Hamburgers in Austin, Texas, is a true old-school treasure that's been serving up delicious meals for decades. Conveniently located near Zilker Park, this iconic spot is perfect for a post-park treat or a casual bite while soaking in the Austin vibe. Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch or a snack on your way to Barton Springs, Sandy's is a reliable go-to for simple, satisfying comfort food. The menu keeps it straightforward, and that's part of its charm. Their burgers are fresh, juicy, and cooked to perfection--no frills, just classic goodness. Sandy's fries deserve special recognition. They're hot, crispy, and irresistibly tasty, offering just the right balance of crunch and flavor. While they may not be gourmet, they're undeniably satisfying and pair perfectly with any burger or hot dog. Another highlight is their rich and creamy frozen custards and milkshakes. Whether you go for a classic vanilla cone or a decadent sundae, it's the perfect way to cool off on a warm Austin day. Sandy's also offers a laid-back, retro vibe with outdoor seating that invites you to relax and enjoy your meal under the Texas sky. They did get part of our order wrong, so some of us had to eat out of sync with everyone else as it was busy. With its proximity to Zilker Park, Sandy's is an ideal spot to fuel up before exploring Austin's green spaces or to cap off an afternoon of outdoor fun. Affordable prices, friendly service, and a nostalgic charm make Sandy's Hamburgers a must-visit for anyone craving classic American fast food in the city's heart.
Solid fast food. Eating area out back. I usually get the hot dog with all the fixings, but the burgers are good also. I haven't had the shakes, but it's what they are known for. Locally owned. Good staff. I do recommend.
You don't go to Sandy's to have a good old-fashioned hamburger, crispy fries, and a shake. You don't go here to see or be seen. You're going to sit outside or take it home, and in summer in Austin that can be quite miserable if you choose the former. So far as ambiance you get the great outdoors along Barton Springs Road. Service is at the window and you place and pick up your own order. Pretty much the way the fast food industry rolls. They do have a drive-thru and service is pretty fast considering everything is made to order and not stored under a heat lamp. Their speed of service actually amazes me most days. So what's special about this place? I think the thing that makes Sandy so special is its a survivor in an Austin that places like this are getting shoved out of daily. And it goes back to a simpler day and time when places like this were basic yet novel and families would go for a break from the mundane, possibly scraping together every penny they had to do it. Go on a Thursday or Saturday and get a good deal because their combo is specially priced. Then don't pass up any of the ice cream items like their shakes, sundaes, or bowl. Best Burger in Austin? Probably not. Best of old Austin? Most definitely!
My family and I decided to go for a cold sweet at night. We decided to get some ice cream at Sandy's. We drove up and went through the drive thru. They repeated our order back to us and we drove up to the window. At the window they started giving us our cold treats. Unfortunately they heard my order wrong. I ordered a strawberry sundae with nuts. For some reason they thought I ordered a strawberry sundae malt with nuts. When the guy at the window repeated what it was my husband corrected him and he said it would be a few minutes. Not long after he came back with my strawberry sundae. Despite the fact that they got one thing on the order wrong they fixed it quickly. The whole process was positive. Overall it was a positive experience for a night time cold treat. I should mention that they have a walk up window also and the line for that was long but moving fast.
4 stars for the nostalgia and the ability to keep going as an Austin staple since the 1940s. Started by Austin transplants, Sandy's (named after the couple's daughter) continues to stand as the original drive thru for burgers, malt sodas, and soft serve custard. You get exactly what you can expect, and it's reminiscent of quick summer fast-food. For $6, the burger can satisfy (but don't expect the hip smash burgers that are selling for $20+ these days), and on days over 95, the custard WILL melt quick. May have to ask for extra napkins. Caution - there will be flies and grackles, but again, it's a part of the ambiance.
Located just south of the river, Sandy's Old Fashioned Hamburgers is a neighborhood institution famous for its burgers, fries, and ice cream treats. Open since May 1946, generations of Austinites have cooled down on a hot summer day with Sandy's frozen custard. The last time I came to this establishment was a few weeks ago with The Things. This burger spot has been a 'go-to' for the Things and I for a while. There's nothing like biting into a juicy, tender cheeseburger where the meat is perfectly flavorful, and all your favorite toppings are on it! Good burgers feature hot, juicy, well-seasoned meat. Great burgers go one step further, consisting of fresh, never frozen beef, and seasoned to perfection. What's served at this ATX staple are great burgers. Am I a burger expert? Maybe not quite yet, but I'm definitely getting close! The burgers made here are fresh and flavorful, and as such, those who come here shouldn't expect to place an order and it be ready in minutes. The only disappointment was the ice cream sundae, if you can call it that. A sundae is a type of ice cream dessert made up of ice cream with sweet sauce and a range of toppings such as whipped cream, sprinkles, fruit, and nuts. The classic ice cream sundae consists of vanilla ice cream with chocolate topping, whipped cream, and a maraschino cherry. The 'sundae' I received here was soft serve ice cream with a butterscotch drizzle. I paid almost $4 for this, which is not worth the price point as it isn't a sundae. If you are looking for homemade burgers, this is your place. If you are seeking custard or sundaes, look elsewhere.
If you're looking for a good, old-school burger joint then this diner is for you. Seasoned well with fresh ingredients. Big portions, it's Texas after all. Friendly service. Great burger diner vibe.
Sandys Late Post 23' 3.5/5 Sandy's is ok, unfortunately they only have outside seating which was odd because the tables were located near the drive thru, don't know about you but I didn't want to enjoy my burger with a side of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and Nitrogen oxides. They just didn't offer anything that was signature, no secret sauce, homemade ranch (no ranch), no peppers nothing that stood out. It was like going to a friend for a bbq with burgers on the menu, the fries were good but dunno. I probably would've preferred Whataburger since we don't get either in Los Angeles! Outside seating, dog friendly