A casual neighborhood gathering spot serving hot, handmade meals and ice cold beer for an eclectic mix of Austin business people, students, artists and musicians. The first Waterloo Ice House opened its doors on Congress Avenue in 1976. Not much has changed since our opening over 40 years ago. Waterloo Ice House still embodies that Hill Country spirit of gathering with friends and family for a cold beer and spending time together eating, laughing and talking. Not only the perfect dining destination, Waterloo Ice House has also become a legendary live music venue, giving artists like Lyle Lovett and Uncle Walt’s Band their start.

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This place is awesome! Down home cooking and service with a smile. Still have yet to be disappointed when ordering anything on the menu. If you’re from the east coast and you want wings, this is the place… everyone works hard and cares that’s all I can ask.
Patrick M. , 8 years ago
My husband and I have eaten at Waterloo Ice House twice now for breakfast. Our last day was on Feb. 8th. Our server was MJ and she was fantastic. Very good server and hopefully we get her the next time we go in to eat. The food was delicious also. Our only suggestion is and we told MJ they need to package and sell their coffee. Really good!!!! Elaine Gernert Austin, TX. 78757.
Elaine G. , 8 years ago
Judging by the other reviews, I should have tried the BBQ. I didn’t, but was still very pleased.

My date and I were on our way to a party and, unfortunately, realized we planned our arrival to be a little early. Rather than being the awkward first ones through the door for a bit before anyone else got there, we scooted over to Waterloo Ice House for a quick drink.

We anticipated walking into a bar, but instead found a more counter-service style seating. We ordered our drinks not anticipating ordering food. The frozen margarita was strong – which was surprising considering it came from a machine mixing them. My beer was tasty. The bartender/server pretty quickly convinced us to check out the menu.

We ended up ordering a couple tacos and a baked potato. All were delicious. I think we’ll definitely be back, next time to try the BBQ!
Sarah R. , 8 years ago
Great food and great people. My first time here, just wanted to pick up something quick to eat. Even though it was a to go order, Ivan was very pleasant and smiled the whole time. I’m still not sure if kindness is an Austin thing our companies picking good people. Ivan is a good addition to Waterloo. Oh yeah, the food! It’s a comfort food kinda night and I got the chili cheeseburger and chili cheese fries (don’t judge me), they were delicious! Better than any burger joint!
Robert P. , 8 years ago
This is a favorite place for our Sunday breakfasts. Great service and scrumptious vegetarian options. Sometimes it gets a little loud in the place due to the layout; but that’s also a plus when I’m feeling a lively spot.
Breathe J. , 8 years ago
good food the service is good too you order at the counter from 11-2 in the afternoon for lunch and they do have Daily Specials for 7.95 The Best Special is the Chicken Fried Chicken it is served with 2 slices of Toast and Mixed Vegetables and Fries it is delicious and they do have a good Breakfast and they also have Breakfast Specials 7.95 as well.
Gregory S. , 8 years ago
Love the breakfast if your someone w&would gets cold easily bring a light jacket. All kinds of beer on tap. great dinner too
Briananddiane G. , 9 years ago
All in all I had a fantastic time here, but not without a few quirks. There was no music playing… Honestly, it was just awkward. The manager gave us a hard time about moving tables when you’re supposed to seat yourself. Then, he gave us a hard time about getting the music on so I wasn’t sitting in silence with the 7 other people I brought with me. The drinks were pretty solid and cheap too. My country fried steak was quite delicious, just like
home cooking. Our server was absolutely
Phenomenal.
Curt K. , 9 years ago
We had a 40th birthday party here last night and from beginning to end it was so perfectly handled. Kelsey, our lovely waitress, was so friendly and helpful. She handled a large group of us (20+), including 6 children, with grace and ease. She worked her tail off and was extremely positive and calm ….and we were loud and moving around talking etc. some may say obnoxious!

She was patient and amazing. We walked in an hour early to set up and the tables were all put together with menus and silverware. They asked if we needed anything and even gave us tape to hang a happy birthday banner.

We have been here many times to eat and just appreciate good business. Definitely if you are looking for some place to throw a comfortable accommodating fun gathering – consider this!
Laura A. , 9 years ago
Great for football Saturday’s and Sunday. The food is good bar food and reasonably priced, as is the beer. Great outdoor patio. All around solid sports bar
Jaime P. , 9 years ago
As always this place never ceases to amaze me! The food is awesome! I like to call it 21st century comfort food with a Texas twist. The sandwiches and burgers are huge and the sides are a plenty. Bring your appetite because you’re gonna need it. Beer is on tap or bottles and is very reasonably priced. If I owned this place I’d have charged more for the food because it’s that good! But they don’t! And that’s what’s awesome about this place! Great food and drinks at a very reasonable price! Location is great and the staff here is wonderful and good natured!
I will definitely be back every chance I get!
Shelby T. , 9 years ago

HeyAustin

With a tent stake planted firmly in the underbelly of Austin's downtown life.

Waterloo Ice House – Burnet Road

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Live Music at Waterloo Escarpment featuring Joseph Deeb and the VooDudes

Live Music Series at Waterloo Southpark Meadows

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Live Music at Waterloo Escarpment featuring The Jazz Door

Live Music Series at Waterloo Southpark Meadows

Live Music at Waterloo Escarpment featuring Joseph Deeb and the VooDudes

Verified Listing

Waterloo Ice House – Burnet Road

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