South Lamar In-N-Out

New In-N-Out could turn South Lamar into "Burger Boulevard"

South Lamar Blvd. could be the setting of the ultimate showdown in Austin's ongoing Burger Wars.

Rumors are swirling that In-N-Out, the California chain with a cult following and growing local presence, will set up shop at 3701 South Lamar Blvd. This comes from a new site plan submitted to the city of Austin on March 14 that is still currently under review. The location, just down the road from the Broken Spoke, is currently occupied by Wendy’s.

If approved, it would be In-N-Out’s second location inside Austin proper, and its fourth in the area (there are locations in Cedar Park and Round Rock). More importantly, with the South Lamar location, In-N-Out will face stiff competition from nearby burger joints that have already staked their claim in Austin.

Just a few blocks north on 2901 S. Lamar Blvd. is Phil’s Icehouse, an Austin establishment whose burger names (such as the Allandale and the Violet Crown) reflect the chain’s ties to the city. With possibly the best buns, along with backup from neighboring Amy’s Ice Creams, Phil’s is ready for the West Coast burgers encroaching on its turf. Head north on Lamar Blvd. and you reach the spot where Shake Shack will open in late 2014. Shake Shack is, essentially, the East Coast’s answer to the cult of In-N-Out, so expect a coast-to-coast war to heat up when the beloved burger joint finally opens.

When you pass Barton Springs Road, you come across Austin’s most popular homegrown burger spot, P. Terry’s. P. Terry’s has an automatic leg up on In-N-Out by offering a breakfast menu, catering to Austin’s hungover demographic. There's one more dark horse in this grilled beef race: Wholly Cow Burgers' original location near the Zen Food Mart. This local spot may not have the brand recognition of the others, but the grass-fed burgers speak louder than words.

If In-N-Out stakes its claim on one of Austin’s most popular streets, South Lamar’s burger scene will undoubtedly become "Burger Boulevard." You can either choose a side in the ever-growing battle, or just be thankful to have one more option for fast dining after a night of two-steppin’ at the Spoke.

Don't expect P. Terry's to sweat the competition too much as long as they keep their burgers this tasty.

P. Terry's Burger Stand Facebook

Don't expect P. Terry's to sweat the competition too much as long as they keep their burgers this tasty.

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Games on the Go

This outdoorsy mountain trolley is now a vintage arcade in Austin

Photo courtesy of the Austin Arcade Trolley

The trolley still bears most of the markings from its past life in Tennessee.

Some classic arcade games are now on the go in Austin with the launch of the Austin Arcade Trolley. Housed in a renovated trolley car, this new mobile arcade shows off eight vintage 80s and 90s games, while keeping some of the transportation nostalgia intact, too.

Austin Arcade Trolley owner and ex-corporate salesman Trey Tschoepe said in a press release that the idea came about after attending birthday parties with his 6-year-old daughter. The parties inspired a desire to "keep Austinites young at heart." It wasn't intended as a business, but Austinites can now book it for their own events.

The vintage games include:

NBA Jam
Golden Tee
Ms. Pacman
Atari
The Simpsons
NFL Blitz
Mortal Kombat
Street Fighter II

Austin Arcade Trolley interior Even though the aesthetics are different, both halves of this bus are very retro.Photo courtesy of the Austin Arcade Trolley

It's not just limited to those classics, though; a 55-inch screen will let guests play more than 30,000 other games. Minecraft, Roblox, and Tetris are a few of those offerings.

“Not only are we delivering nostalgic fun that accessible to all ages, but we’re also doing it in style with a vintage trolley car converted into a mobile arcade," said Tschoepe. "There’s truly nothing else like this in Texas or anywhere else.”

There certainly are other mobile arcades, but the trolley is unique not just for its vintage selection but a delightfully outdoorsy look. The back of the vehicle looks like an arcade, but the front and exterior sidestep the expected design elements — neon colors, envisionings of cyberspace — by keeping everything as-is.

Austin Arcade Trolley interior This part of the trolley basically looks like any other mobile arcade.Photo courtesy of the Austin Arcade Trolley

The wooden interior still has some passenger benches, and the outside even displays its original affiliation: the Tennessee town of Pigeon Forge, where it was designated a "Fun Time Trolley."

Tschoepe did put some work in, even though he kept the aesthetic intact. He purchased the decommissioned car in May 2024 and spent six months implementing custom woodwork and other design updates.

Now it can fit 15 guests in the arcade section, with space for 7 more in the seating section. There's also wifi and air-conditioning, and guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks onboard.

Austin Arcade Trolley interior This part of the trolley brings light to an airier side of gaming.Photo courtesy of the Austin Arcade Trolley

The trolley is available for hourly booking every day. The case price is $375 including delivery, setup, and unlimited play within the booking time, which happens in two-hour increments. It can travel around Austin as well as to Round Rock, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Leander, Dripping Springs, Bee Cave, Buda, Kyle, and Lakeway.

Tschoepe welcomes kids and adults for birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, weddings, corporate and team-building events, and anywhere else it's needed.

“We’re excited to spread the fun throughout Central Texas," he said.

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