Why should kids get to have all the fun? This year, “adult happy meals” became a trend, with three local restaurants offering deals riffing on the iconic fast-food staple. All are available on Wednesdays only, and each offers something different, though the basic concept remains the same: a burger, fries, and a beverage for one low price. (Sometimes there’s even a surprise!) The best news? You don’t have to ask your parents to drive you to snag these sensational specials around town.
Hank’s
Photo by Bryan C. Parker
This neighborhood cafe in Northeast Austin is the most recent spot to offer a happy meal, and they’ve fully leaned into the fun. The combo costs $23 and is served in a specially designed cardboard box that comes with a surprise inside. Usually that trinket is a koozie, but in September the restaurant hid eight $150 gift cards in select containers. Topped with Bibb lettuce, red onion, and cheddar cheese, the burger comes with fries and your choice of frozen cocktail, including frosé or a paloma. 5811 Berkman Drive
Holiday on 7th
Photo by Matt Conant
Fifteen minutes after opening their doors, this East Austin restaurant already begins to fill up. It’s easy to see why: Chef Peter Klein’s scrumptious wagyu smashburger comes topped with gooey American cheese, grilled jalapeños, house-made pickles, and special sauce that uses dehydrated onion, garlic flakes, and morita chile. It’s paired with herb-dusted, crispy fries and your choice of a mini Cosmopolitan or spaghett, all for 15 bucks. They’ve got our vote for king of Austin burger meals. 5020 E. Seventh St.
Hillside Farmacy
Photo by Carli Rene
Adult happy meals may be trending, but they’re nothing new for Hillside Farmacy, which has offered a weekly special since it first opened over a decade ago. Their wagyu patty is topped with cheddar cheese, dill pickles, diced red onions, and lettuce and is served on a sesame seed bun. Accompanied by a heap of thick-cut fries and an Old Fashioned made with local Still Austin Whiskey, the whole thing rings in at an even $20. With prices like that, it’s no wonder they call it a happy meal. 1209 E. 11th St.