P. Terry’s - Review - Zilker - Austin - The Infatuation

"P. Terry’s is Austin’s answer to In-N-Out, if the drive-thru burger chain got lost in a Jetsons rerun and decided to model its buildings after a 1960s version of the future. This original location—right near Zilker Park—is a bit of an exception. It’s less stylized, with a walk-up window that’s perfect for grabbing a quick bite after a round of frisbee golf or a plunge into Barton Springs. The menu is straightforward: burgers, fries, shakes, cookies, plus a few vegetarian and chicken options. The burger is exactly what you want from a fast food spot—juicy, griddled, and stacked with a thick layer of iceberg lettuce that provides its iconic combination of crunch and cool. The fries are a bit more divisive. Whether you love them or hate them mostly depends on how fast you eat them. Fresh from the window to your passenger seat, they’re warm, crispy, and well-seasoned. Give them 10 minutes, though, and they start to lean soggy and sad. Think of it as a reminder that sometimes patience doesn’t pay off. You’re probably not planning your night around a trip to P. Terry’s—and if you are, you’ve got a very specific vision we deeply respect. For everyone else, it’s a solid burger with local charm and a welcome upgrade from the usual fast food options. photo credit: P. Terry's" - Nicolai McCrary