About
Idle Hands is the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night for sure! The food is good and affordable, while the vibe is laid back.
There’s live music, and some great bands show up to perform here. But, to be honest, most people come for cool drinks, some that I have not found anywhere else, like the Mezcal Old Fashioned.
The bar’s owners have traveled a lot and put together a menu of specialty drinks inspired by those travels. They’ve been to Latin America, the Caribbean, and other locations. Every drink feels like a bit of paradise, and it’s always refreshing on a hot day in Austin.
The burgers here were designed with the goal of creating the perfect “backyard dad burger.” I think they did that and more.
Neen Williams, who is a professional skateboarder, along with Michelin Starred Chef Phillip Frankland Lee, designed the burger. It’s super tender and packed with flavor, which makes this location to be the best place in the area to go when you want a great burger.
Vibe
A laidback location is the best way to describe Idle Hands. You’ll see people meeting friends here and cute couples spending time together. The music gets loud, and people dance, which can make this an interesting evening.
Since they are open until 2 AM, it’s easy enough to find some time to hang out, even if it is well into the evening. It always feels like home when you visit; the staff remembers and welcomes you like family.
The interior is dim and cozy, with booths and tables that offer plenty of privacy.
Outdoors, though, is fun. It’s a big deck that offers coaches and lounges, along with some nice greenery to make the location feel like you’re just out on the back patio of your home.
Idle Hands: Menu & Drinks
The menu here is pretty straightforward. It’s easy enough to think of Idle Hands as just a bar, but the food is great. In fact, there’s a nifty window in the side hallway where you order your food.
Choose any of their “Not a Damn Chance Burgers” that fit your liking. I like burgers because they’re made of Texas Wagyu beef from Iron Table Wagyu in Gatesville. The secret sauce has just enough flavor, but the jalapenos take it over the top.
The menu also offers grilled cheese, which is fantastic, and a build-your-own version. Choose fries or “Beast Mode Fries,” which are loaded when you want something even more filling. Those fries are perfect when you have had a couple of drinks and need to eat something filling.
When it comes to drinks, you’ll find some cool options.
Check out the Painkiller. It uses Treaty Oak rum may by Idle Hands with pineapple, orange, nutmeg, and cream of coconut. Another option is the Rosa Mexicano which goes well with the burgers. It’s Altos reposado tequila with some lime and raspberry sorbet. It works so well to quench your thirst after that burger.
Local Tips
- You just have to check out their merch. A great thing about them is that all of their gear is either organic or sustainable, so you don’t feel bad about picking up one of them.
- I learned that you can book an event here and have the space all to yourself (or a part of it). There are times when there are a lot of bachelor parties happening.
- If you’re on a date or want some quiet space, head around the side to one of the tables against the building, as they are a bit more remote.
- This is an over 21 location, so you cannot bring the kids in, but you can buy burgers to go if you really want to do so.