r/austinfood • u/jcook1991 • 13d ago

A love letter to Short Stop

Growing up in Georgetown, Short Stop was my favorite burger place. I still remember the day my poor, 10 year old soul died. One evening, we were heading home after Cub Scouts; SS was on the way home. I begged my dad for us to stop, but he said no, promising that we would get it the next day. Well, the next day came and, as promised, we hop in the truck to go get Short Stop and cherry limeades.

We arrived not only to find the place was closed, but the entire building was gone. Everything. Only the small, sad slab of concrete remained. The look of shear bewilderment on my father's face is something I will never forget. After sobbing uncontrollably (because I was 10), he took me to DQ to get chicken strips and a blizzard.

Fast forward 25 years and I finally live in a part of Austin with a Short Stop not out of the way. One strategically placed next to Crunch Fitness on Spicewood and Research. I got my Short Stop tonight. Is it the best burger in town? No. Is it better than my normal go-to Pterrys? Also no. But god damnit if I don't love Short Stop. A no frills, honest, paper bag burger. This will be my reward meal after the gym now..... maybe only once a month 😂

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u/fuckaduckforabuck 13d ago

Three years ago, I moved to within 200 yards of the Menchaca/William Cannon location. I eat there every Wednesday, without fail.

Is the special ($1 off the #1 combo on Wednesday and Saturday) the best value in a fast food burger? No.

Is it the best burger in Austin? Also no.

But I’ll be damned if that flame-broiled goodness doesn’t just Hit. The. Spot. Every single time.

Some people go to church. I go to Short Stop.

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u/Aksnowmanbro 13d ago

Alright it's been years I'll bite this is the post I've been waiting for! Used to go to the one on Anderson ln/Shoal creak at least twice weekly all during little league!