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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Awesome food, big selection of brunch items. Food was presented nicely and our server Joey was friendly attentive and just a great guy. Well done.
Tamina J. , 8 years ago
I’ve been a Waterloo Ice House fan since there was only one location on S. Lamar, so I was happy to see one near my new neighborhood in SW Austin. This location is a lot smaller than the one on 360N x 2222 and fairly rustic with that old-Austin vibe. It has a bar in the front, an indoor table area, a covered patio table area in back, and a small playscape out the back door. Families eat there on weekends and some evenings, so it gets loud in there; otherwise, it’s a good place for professionals to meet during the day for lunch or meetings or happy hour.

The Waterloo menu has an array of burgers, salads, soups, tacos, and a full breakfast menu. The food I’ve ordered has been well-prepared and fresh. I’m addicted to their onion rings and will probably gain weight ordering them every time I eat there, but at this point, I don’t care. Comfort food rules.

They have happy hour drink specials each day of the week, including various tap beers and top-shelf liquor. The wait staff is extremely efficient and friendly. I’ve been impressed with every server I’ve met over the past month.

It’s a low-key, affordable place to grab a bite with a friend or the family or even by yourself, so yeah, I do that, too. As often as possible.
Karol M. , 9 years ago
Love this Waterloo in Circle C. : ) They have the yummiest breakfast tacos I’ve ever tasted. The tortillas are home-made and are soft and so delicious. They are also extremely generous with helping out with community functions and schools and are a family friendly, fun place. They also happen to be next door to Austin Scoops Ice Cream so you can wander over there for dessert if you still have room in your tummy after lunch or dinner.
Nic r. , 9 years ago
I love this location because it doesn’t get too busy and it has that neighborhood feel. You can’t go wrong with their burger and they have a great selection of beers. Independence is my go to! Tuesday’s are Texas beer special, so $3 Shiner 😉
Oh, they also do pretty good breakfast! I go for the Migas and Cinnamon Pecan pancakes!
Melissa C. , 9 years ago
You can count on the food to be consistently good day in and day out. A great variety of beers and many of them local. Great fish tacos, chicken fried steak and even salads that hold up.
This is the place you can stop in for a bite without it taking a big bite out of your wallet.
Ron U. , 9 years ago
Great place to catch LHN sport games. The food is good and the waitstaff is attentive. Prefer the south locations over the location on Burnet Road. The food is good, the staff is attentive, and the atmosphere is great. This place is so so versital: grab a quick breakfast , celebrate a birthday, watch a game, or bring in guests from out of town–Waterloo can do it all. I love eating here and I think you will too!
Michael S. , 9 years ago
Great food and friends…if you haven’t been you need to put it on your calendar sooner than later. Great group of customers as well as staff.
Tammi G. , 9 years ago
Waterloo Ice House has gone from a place to eat to a place to meet. Both family and friends, and many of the friends are friends made from going to “The Loo” over the years. The food is always good as is the service. Both extremely consistent. From simple Queso to great burgers and chicken sandwiches to Emily’s Pan-Roasted Chicken (yum). Great breakfasts too. From the top to the bottom of the menu…ALL GOOD. Get thee to Waterloo.
Ted A. , 9 years ago
My family and I like going because it has my two year olds two favorite things, a great playground and a giant waffle.

If you’re going for breakfast the waffle is a winner but so are the breakfast tacos. Lunch and dinner have pretty good options. Their burgers are great but their chicken sandwiches are perfect!

Great family place for sure.
Adriana C. , 9 years ago
My husband and I love this place! We have 2 YO twins, and they play in the fenced-in playscape while we have a beer. The food is excellent – I love the Hippie salad. We’ve always had great service.
R. G. , 9 years ago
Went to Waterloo for breakfast and it was great. I ordered The Classic which is two eggs, hash brown, bacon and biscuits. The food was good with regular portion sizes. The atmosphere is casual and the service is quick and friendly. The prices are reasonable. Had a good overall experience.
Marissa G. , 9 years ago
Was there last night as part of a Painting With A Twist group and got there early so I could eat before we started. Was seated on the patio (per the hostess’ suggestion) and it ended up being the perfect spot.
Audra got my drink and food order quickly, and then Javier took over. The food came out quickly and CORRECT (my food restrictions often result in mess-ups) and my glass of tea was never empty.

Once the painting class started, it looked like Javier handled the food and drink orders very well over the easels and paint palettes.

Not the first time I’ve been, and certainly won’t be the last!
Jennifer W. , 9 years ago

HeyAustin

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

Waterloo Ice House – Escarpment

Live Music at Waterloo Escarpment featuring Joseph Deeb and the VooDudes

Live Music Series at Waterloo Southpark Meadows

Live Music Series at Waterloo Burnet Road

Live Music at Waterloo Escarpment featuring Rick McRae

Live Music at Waterloo Escarpment featuring Joseph Deeb and the VooDudes

Live Music Series at Waterloo Southpark Meadows

Live Music Series at Waterloo Burnet Road

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 – Escarpment

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