This Is Juicy

Famed Austin joint debuts impossible veggie burger with meaty taste

This meatless burger is on the menu at Hopdoddy.

Photo courtesy of Impossible Foods

Austin's Hopdoddy Burger Bar is going meatless. Starting Friday, June 23, Hopdoddy is adding Impossible Foods' plant-based patty to the menu at all Austin locations. The homegrown chain is among the first in the U.S. to offer the meatless wonder.

The patty, which hit the scene in 2016, is lauded for being one of the most convincing imitations of ground beef. Developed by scientist and physician Patrick Brown, the Impossible Burger is made from a mix of wheat; coconut oil; potato protein; and heme, a plant-based protein described as the "magic ingredient" that gives the burger its meaty taste and signature look.

Hopdoddy will feature the plant-based patty in its new Impossible Burger, a version of the restaurant's Classic Burger. It is served with Tillamook cheddar, lettuce, onion, tomatoes, and "Sassy Sauce."

"We are proud to partner with a brand that aligns perfectly with the pillars that Hopdoddy was founded on: a unique and honest product made the right way, with the freshest and best available ingredients." says Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler in a release.

Impossible Foods strives to craft the tastiest, most authentic "meats" made entirely of plants. The California-based company aims to grow production to over 4 million patties per month, partner with more restaurants, and eventually expand its offerings. Targeting Texas is essential to that plan.

"While this isn't our first restaurant launch, Texas is crucial to Impossible Foods' expansion and mission," a spokesperson tells CultureMap. "Texas has some of the most discerning burger experts and meat lovers on the planet, and this will be the ultimate test for the Impossible Burger. If the Impossible Burger is a hit here, we are confident it will be everywhere."

The Impossible Burger will be available at all of Hopdoddy's Texas locations. The patty is also available at Underbelly and The Hay Merchant in Houston.

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Election Day Dealas

Election deals and parties in Austin to make November 5 go by faster

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Save that sticker.

Whether voting fills you with emotion or a sense of mundane obligation, there are immediate rewards after the ballot box.

Austin bars and restaurants who either want to inspire civic feelings or capitalize on the newsy moment have prepared treats for voters — or just people who want to watch the outcome be announced together. They know you might have voted early, so stickers aren't always required.

Voters don't need to feel passionate about the president to get out there, either. If a free slice of pizza, a chance to choose a mayor, or a pick for railroad commissioner (who oversees the oil and gas industries) are enough motivation, Tuesday, November 5 is the last day to head to the polls and follow this list to the deals.

An interactive map of Travis County polling places can be found here. Voters can visit any location in the county where they are registered.

Aloft Hotels
109 E 7th St.
This is one of the few election events that actually don't address the race; this "No Watch Pawty" invites people to escape the election madness with a local animal shelter (this national brand under Marriott doesn't mention which) for some free stress relief starting at 5 pm.

Bambino
979 Springdale Rd. Ste. 153
Folks who can stand to witness the full scope of reactions in person as results start rolling in can get that experience at pizza joint Bambino, which will be offering $1 slushy shots each time a state is called. For Kamala Harris, the deal will be for piña colada shots; for Donald Trump, it'll be for orange dreamsicle shots. (Do these choices feel personal? Absolutely.) A tenth of the night's proceeds will benefit TX Gun Sense and the Lilith Fund.

Black Star Co-op
7020 Easy Wind Dr #100
Black Star Co-op has been in the watch party game for years, and has even had a busy cycle of hosting debate watch parties, too. It promises "Food & Beer Specials all night. Good people. Good vibes."

Cheer Up Charlies
900 Red River St
Organized by (and benefitting) civic engagement platform Democrasexy, this "carnival of care" from 6 pm to midnight includes performances by drag artists, burlesque dancers, comedians, and more, plus an acknowledgment that regardless of the outcome, there's work to do at the state legislature in January.

Home Slice Pizza
1415 & 1421 S. Congress Ave., 501 E. 53rd St.
One of Austin's most popular pizzerias is bringing back its longtime election incentive, where customers can wear their “I Voted” sticker for a free slice. The promotion started with early voting on October 21 and is running through Election Day.

Hotel Vegas and Volstead
1502 E 6th St.
These music venus are famous for their South by Southwest parties, but this time they're steeping into politics with a watch party starting at 5 pm. They'll show analysis inside, with a DJ on the patio, themed cocktails, games, and tacos throughout the night.

Kerbey Lane Cafe
All locations, including 3003 S. Lamar Blvd. and 13435 US-183 Ste. 415
Austinites in need of comfort food can get some at Kerbey Lane Cafe, which is giving out a free pancake to anyone who brings their "I Voted" sticker; it can be saved from early voting. This deal is for dine-in only.

Rosen's Bagel Co.
11101 Burnet Rd. Ste. A100
The first 100 people in line at the Burnet location of Rosen's Bagel Co. will get a free bagel with Violife coconut-based cream cheese in two flavor choices: Texas Pecan Pie or roasted lime, poblano and scallion. "I Voted" stickers are not required, but an openness to trying vegan cream cheese is.

Star Bar
600 W 6th St.
Star Bar has endorsed its candidates: UT Longhorns Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. Guests can pick up some merch declaring their support (buttons for $3, hats for $20), plus enjoy $3 red and blue jello shots all day.

Tillery Street Plant Company
801 Tillery St.
Austinites with the compulsion to nurture something after the election can present their "I Voted" sticker at Tillery Street Plant Company for a freebie: either a four-inch herb or vegetable starter (excluding lavender) or a two-inch succulent. Both come with a Tillery sticker.