Texas sunset at Hill’s Cafe (Credit: Jessica Pino)
Editor’s Note: It’s the end of an era. The last day of service for Hill’s Cafe is Sept. 12, 2018.
As the sun sets, the string lights wrapped around the majestic oak trees seem to burn brighter. You know you’ve come to a special place in Austin: Hill’s Cafe.
Hill’s Cafe has been a prominent part of south Austin since 1947. Over the years, it has provided the backdrop for many musical nights and has given locals a place to get Texas comfort food.
Here are the reasons Hill’s Cafe might become your new favorite spot.
Hill’s Cafe Food
Let’s be honest with each other for a moment. Sometimes, at the end of a long day, all we want is to indulge in good, old fashioned Texas comfort food. Hill’s Cafe offers just that. If you want meat, you’ll find it here, from BBQ and chicken fried steak to their famous Sizzler plate (a 14-ounce rib eye). Everything is bigger in Texas!
Classic chicken fried steak at Hill’s Cafe (Credit: Jessica Pino)
Hill’s Cafe is where I tried chicken fried steak for the first time ever! And it.was.amazing! Who thought I’d be a gravy girl? And the quintessential ice cream scoop of mashed potatoes really took me back to my childhood years. Everything about this meal hit the (guilty) spot. And I loved every minute of it.
Texas-sized burger and fries at Hill’s Cafe (Credit: Jessica Pino)
If you prefer a different kind of carb-loading, the burger and fries are always a safe bet. The Hill’s Cafe traditional burger is served on a sweet kolache bun with a side of Texas-sized fries…or potato wedges, as some may call them.
And if you have room for dessert, don’t miss out on the cobbler!
Hill’s Cafe Drinks
The fact that the drink menu says “Free Drinks Tomorrow” implies a sense of humor, but their drinks are no joke. In addition to traditional Texas beers, there are plenty of spiked sweet teas and lemonades to quench your thirst.
Enjoy shuffleboard inside (Credit: Jessica Pino)
If you’re wanting more of a bar setting rather than a restaurant setting, Hill’s Cafe has it. You can play shuffleboard and catch the latest sports event within the bar area.
Hill’s Cafe Live Music and Outdoor Patio
The Hill’s Cafe stage lit up with a piece of history: the Skyline Club sign (Credit: Jessica Pino)
Not only does Hill’s Cafe give Austinites a taste of Texas comfort food, but it also sets the stage for a taste of Texas music. On Friday and Saturday nights from 7-9 p.m., the restaurant turns on the overhead lights so local artists can perform.
Even without music, their back patio area is not only Texas-themed, but Texas-sized. The beautiful oak trees cover the majority of the patio, providing shade to all. This is a great place to unwind from a hectic week. And if you really fancy the space, you can rent it out for your private party.
Hill’s Cafe back patio at sunset (Credit: Jessica Pino)
If you’ve never made a trip to Hill’s Cafe, grab a friend, put on your boots and get ready to enjoy a South Austin night.
4700 S. Congress Ave. – Website
@jpino9 wants to know:
What’s your go-to dish at Hill’s Cafe?
- Hiking in Austin – 9 Best Hike Trails & Hiking Spots - August 13, 2021
- Guide to Austin’s East Sixth Street - February 25, 2020
- Austin’s Best Bazaars, Fairs, and Markets for Your Holiday Shopping - November 26, 2019
how much did the shady new ownership pay you to publish this? Service and quality are beyond compromised. sad that these guys are hell bent on driving this place into the ground.
@cassadybourbon:disqus, 1,348 articles and we’ve never been paid to write one. Our all-volunteer team has kept The Austinot going for the past six years because we love the city. We write about the things we like, Hill’s Cafe included.