9 Delightful Retro Photos of Mid-Century Austin Restaurants

Though Austin is still characterized as a music city, both its residents and the culinary world at large know that the most exciting part of living in Austin today is its burgeoning food scene. But what did dining out in Austin look like in a more bygone era?

Customers Standing Outside Youngblood's Fried Chicken Restaurant, 1958

You think those 45 minutes in line for Barley Swine or Ramen Tatsu-Ya were bad? This fried chicken place on South Lamar was in DEMAND. (ND-58-149-01, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library)

La Fiesta Mexican Food, 1962

Dying over that signage and the cars. It's crazy when you realize the '50s and '60s really did look like that and Mad Men didn't make it all up. (ND-62-163-01, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library)

Exterior of the 2-J Hamburger Store, 1954

Located on North Lamar and 41st Street (where EZ's Grill now stands), 2-J Hamburgers sold hamburgers for 19 cents and fries for 10 cents. Siiiigh. (ND-54-261-01, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library)

Hickory House Bar, 1957

Men sit inside the Hickory House, a tiny Austin joint. The menu above the bar lists chopped beef for 26 cents, french fries and potato salad for 15 cents, sliced meats for 35 cents, and a barbecue plate for 85 cents. (ND-57-284-01, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library)

Kentucky Fried Chicken Stand, 1960

Customers stand in line for a KFC stand. Some real good sartorial choices being made here, especially by the kiddos. (ND-60-394-02, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library)

Randy's Circle R Food Truck, 1955

Proving Austin's been on that food truck game for decades now. (ND-55-206-02, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library)

Stallion Drive-Inn Restaurant

Night view of Stallion Drive-Inn Restaurant, which was located on North Lamar. (ND-50-235-01, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library)

Counter at Holiday House Restaurant, 1956

Customers packed in like sardines on barstools at the Holiday House restaurant on Barton Springs Road. (ND-56-A001-02, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library)

H.E.B. Food Store at Allandale Village, 1950

Not a restaurant, but I couldn't resist this glimpse at the original Allandale Village HEB (my old shopping spot!) just days before its grand opening—you can see guys on the roof working on the sign. (ND-50-A127-03, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library)

