Gourdough’s Public House

Maybe it’s because we came on a Saturday at 8:30pm, but the service here was horrible straight from the get-​go. We found parking easily and saw empty tables through the window on our way in, but as soon as we asked the hostess to be seated we were informed that it would be a 45-​minute wait for 2 people. On any other day I would have been fine with this… but it seemed as though we were lied to because they didn’t want us there :/​there was no one on the hostess’ list when she wrote down our names :(Needless to say, we did not stay. This was my first and will probably be my last visit to this location.

This place is crazy. You can get anything — burger, chicken fried steak, even a SALAD — either on a donut, or with a side of donut. We were not adventurous or hungry enough or ready enough for a heart attack to try a burger, though, so we settled on the dessert menu and for watching jealously as folks at neighboring tables eat theirs.
I ordered the Salty Peanut Balls (or something to that effect). When the waiter brought them to the table he told me I was in for something true spectacular and that they were his favorite thing off the menu. His review was completely accurate — these donut holes, served in a tiny cast iron cauldron of frosting and peanuts, were an exquisite combination of sweet and salty that really cannot be put into words.
Best part is, I got to enjoy them with a side of ice cold beer.
Beware though, this stuff is rich — had to pack up about half the bowl to do. Not the worst predicament to find yourself in, though.

I am impressed every time I try one of their innovative dishes. At the recommendation of my server I tried a mountain of delicious called The Country Clucker. With a fresh, delicious donut at the base, this dish features a moist, fluffy potato pancake, and a perfectly fried chicken breast topped with creamed corn and candied jalapeños. It’s like having a full chicken dinner and dessert all on one plate. Amazing!

I didn’t feel that my burger was that fantastic but the desserts! Oh, that just takes it all to a new level! I would go back just for the desserts. My wife said «It was super yummy and I would totally go back again!» Be forewarned that if your digestive tract is not used to fried dough, it will thank you for the yummy goodness on the way down but may be rebellious later in the evening when it is trying to digest it in bed.
We were there on trivia night so it was a little rowdy. We were also sat at a long table that we shared with another party. There was still enough room that we didn’t feel like we were together with them but if you don’t like that kind of thing, this may be someplace to avoid. We were also sitting in front of the big screen TV and the bottom of the projection was shining on half of our party. Again, not a game changer but beware if they try to seat you near the screen.

We came here on New Year’s eve after the lines at the food trucks at Auditorium Shores were 30 deep. I loved the lodge like feel. On a cold winter night it felt just right. We brought 2 of our kids with us and we got a Ron Burgundy, cubano, plain burger, and a mother clicker. The Ron Burgundy was definitely the highlight although everything was pretty good. The chicken on the mother clucker was nothing to speak of, but the sides that came piled on top of the chicken were delicious. Overall it was a great evening and we were happy to come across it on New Year’s eve.

First time to try this place and it was great! Think this is our new weekend brunch spot. We went around 11:30, not too crowded. We were greeted and seated very quickly. The tables were nice and spacious I didn’t feel crowded. They have tons of creative options on the menu. I wasn’t sure about a burger made with donuts but its genious the el camino was delicious. Also tried the flying pig which has maple icing and bacon on a donut, and the black betty which had blackberry jelly and honey butter, so good! Our waitress was attentive and we didn’t have to wait long for drinks or food. The music and the whole vibe of the place was also really good. The restrooms were super clean and well stocked too which is always a plus for me! Can’t believe I grew up in Austin and have never been here before. Looking forward to going back and trying some new flavors!

Unfortunately my family and I did not experience the great service that everybody on here has, due to one particular waitress with long curly red hair.
We went to a table that was dirty and she told us that she’d be with us in a moment (obviously this is fine!) But my mom didn’t hear her and proceeded to sit down, to which the waitress very sarcastically said «Just kidding» and walked away.
My sister asked if she would like us to wait in the front while the table was cleaned, but instead of listening to the question, the waitress walked away, while my sister was mid sentence, and very rudely stated with a smirk «we will be with you in one moment.»
Now, believe me I understand that things can get chaotic, as I have worked in the industry before. But never have I once been treated so rudely. And I get that this may seem like such a petty complaint but today’s experience did compel me to write a review.
To say it left a very bad taste in my mouth is an understatement. Maybe it was because she was so rude with my mom, or maybe because she was so snooty with my sister. Either way, I won’t be making my way down to Gourdough’s.

Had a great experience my first time at Gordough’s! My sister and I split the El Camino with a veggie patty and the Glory Daze donut. This is different than say Voodoo or Hypnotic in Denton in that the donuts are enormous and made to share. The Glory Daze had cream cheese icing, spiced apples, and a slice of cheddar melted on top. It was the most delicious combination and not too heavy, for a brunch donut. :) Their cream cheese icing is different than most I’ve had before, and better. It was hard choosing just one to try, so I’ll definitely be back for the others! Others dining with us got the brunch specials, one with candied jalapeños and jalapeño sausage and the other with fried chicken. Both looked super yummy! Their craft bloody mary’s were also top notch. Goes perfectly with all the sweetness of the donuts.

I’ve been to Gourdough’s on many occasions. Most late at night for dessert and once in the morning for brunch since I had a craving for donuts. The venue has a dark bar-​like atmosphere and some outdoor sections if you want to smoke or enjoy the fresh air. There are screen if you want to watch a football game too. You either wait to be seated or on one occassion I just walked in and sat down on a busy night (I think it says to do that on one of the signs).
Here is what I’ve ordered with ice cream (minus the gourdough):
Southern Belle: Lots of big pecans. Be prepared to cut it hard. Still good though.
Freebird: You can’t go wrong with graham crackers and fruit. Delicious.
Flying Pig: Chopped up strips of curled bacon on a donut. The bacon goes very well with the sugar and tastes of perfection. I still have yet to try everything, but this is one of the best donuts I’ve tasted. You have to try this…
The Gourdogh: A Sunday Brunch Donut sandwich that tastes really good.
What I like about the dessert donuts is that the amount of sugar is just right. Some places overwhelm you or have too little. This is why Gourdough’s is so good. You can definitely gain over 9000 lbs here if you come here too often (I limit myself to a few times a month), but I suppose it’s worth it for a piece of heaven.

I ordered the chili burger (yes, donut bun, one on top and one on the bottom) and needed a fork and knife to eat although I suspect the donuts would have held up to being picked up. This was a very good burger: patty perfectly cooked, tasty meaty chilly, and condiments. And filling.
But it did not stop me from getting a dessert donut: the maple bacon glazed one.
I’m stuffed.
PS: good beers on tap, and good cocktails: I enjoyed the 512 IPA with my burger.

Seriously, this place is PUT IT ON A DONUT WITH A SIDE OF DONUT, BY THE WAY, DO YOU LIKE DONUTS? HERE IS A DONUT.
So how could I not love it?
I’ve been to the Gourdough’s trailer before and gotten some delicious donuts to go, but I’d never been here. SWEET JESUS IT’S AMAZING.
I could have ordered one of everything on the menu– and next time, I might! My husband was sick when we went, but he even enjoyed his food over a sinus infection, which is saying something.
Service was good and the place is open late, so extra bonus points!
Parking is scarce (hello, Austin) and it was a little dark inside (I’m old and can’t read the menu sometimes without using my phone).
I will absolutely come back and increase my cholesterol. I highly suggest you do the same!

OK. I died and went to heaven! I was in town just for the day and I simply had to see and eat here. They opened at 11am but they were kind enough to let me in 10 minutes early so I could check out this landmark.
The service was excellent and the attention given to us was simply impeccable.
We both ordered the «Double D’s» which was the picture of gluttony but I was glad that God is a forgiving God. I mean look at the ingredients: Angus beef, chipotle cheese blend, blue cheese crumbles, buffalo sauce, red onions, chipotle mayonnaise. All of this between a light donut!!! They also brought an oder of the best home made fries.
I was more than stuff and was glad that I wasn’t doing the driving back to La Porte.
I must, must, must find another reason to go back to Austin and visit this palate pleasing place!

We’ve been back to Gourdough’s a number of times since I first left a review, but I felt I really needed to add to my earlier comments.
We have a toddler, and eating with her can sometimes be miserable, stressful and generally embarrassing for us and occasionally the people seated near us. Despite being a bar atmosphere, the wait staff at Gourdough’s has been totally cool with our mini monster. And more than once they’ve actually gone out of their way to distract and entertain her while we ate. That is the sign of a good group of servers and hosts/​hostesses.

«Doughnut sandwiches? That’s sounds too indulgent for me! Sweet doughnuts will certainly taste terrible with savory sandwich fillings!» Or so I thought — how wrong I was!
The concept behind the food at Gourdough’s is simple and genius. First: create a plain, unglazed, barely sweet, yeast-​raised doughnut. Second: top it with all kinds of crazy stuff.
This concept works well. The saussy cock (buffalo chicken) sandwich was spicy, delightfully funky, fried perfectly, and the best sandwich I’ve eaten this year. The ODB doughnut holes were chewy, creamy, chocolaty, with a hint of coconut. It was an explosion of wonderful sensations and tastes.
Did I only eat a quarter of the food? Yes. Was the food so delicious and exciting that I gobbled up the leftovers for breakfast the next day? Yes.
Also awesome: the Bloody Mary. Only $ 5 (WHATTTT), spicy, fresh tomato flavor, and it comes with bacon. And there’s a ping pong table with a HUUUUGE lovely patio!
Service — Friendly, and a little slow. Honestly, they could have spit on me and I still would have given a 4 star review: the food is that amazing.
You need to go here if you like sandwiches, doughnuts, Bloody Marys, or ping pong. Definitely will come back if I’m in the area!

Visited this deliciousness for lunch during Labor Day weekend.
Apparently this was where the old Kerbey Lane used to be. The décor is dark, pub-​like, with lots of wood and some exposed piping and a lovely bar. There’s some nice open windows on one side of the restaurant and a patio where you can play ping pong.
The menu was much more extensive than I thought it would be and I appreciated the different choices. There are savory donuts and dessert donuts. Of course I had to order one of each. For my savory, I ordered the Ron Burgundy without mayo and it was so yummy. The combo just worked perfectly-​zesty guac, juicy patty, gooey fried egg. Food is served on a silver galvanized tray and if you order a donut sandwich or burger, your meal comes with hand cut potato chips. Crispy and delicious! I also tasted The Cuban – thumbs up.
For my dessert, I ordered Grandma’s pie. It was a fried donut of gigantic proportions, topped with cream cheese icing, sliced bananas, pecans, and crushed graham crackers. Extra yummy and I wished I’d had a glass of cold milk to go with it!
Our wait was reasonable, and our server was attentive and helpful.
Loved it and would definitely go back!

Good God Gourdough’s! I don’t even like doughnuts, but I’ve never had them as my burger bun before! WTF, who was the genius behind this culinary concoction of fabulousness? I want to kiss your face!
First off, I was worried as hell when I came in here, but as always Austin never disappoints when it comes to my vegetarian needs — even in a burger joint! They have an AmAzInG black bean burger — even if you eat meat — try it! And then to load that baby up with delicious toppings and place it ever so nicely between two delightful doughnut ‘buns’. Oh my my! And, less than $ 15 bucks peoples … It’s true — you can have a nice cold local brew and burger for less than 20 — so tip you waiter!
They only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars … our dessert doughnut was just OK. Instead of a nice fine dusting of powered sugar, it was more like dump that shit right out of the box — chunks and all over that doughy bastard! Come on… I know you got a sifter back there!

In the past month, I have been granted the heavenly pass of eating gluten to see if I in fact CAN eat gluten again. I have heard many wonderful things about Gourdough’s and had to see just how wonderful it is.
Let’s just say there’s a «GO» in the name for a reason-​YOU MUST GO.
If you’re looking for something to hit your sweet, savory, comfort, happy bone, you found the place! There’s doughnuts galore in every way for your tasting.
There was a 30 minute wait for Sunday brunch and there was plenty of waiting room which makes waiting not so bad. We grabbed a great, bubbly mimosa from the bar and sat in the backyard when our name was called.
The yard is fenced off so it feels like you’re tucked away from the busy-​ness of SoLa. It’s full of picnic tables and is super chill.
I ordered the El Diablo and my husband ordered the Dirty Plucker. We enjoyed a carafe of mimosas while we waited and it didn’t take long on a busy brunch day to get our food! It came out piping hot as the menu describes, and looked even more delicious than we could have imagined.
The El Diablo is an amazing, fresh donut topped with a fried egg, jalapeño-​goodness, and a long, hot sausage ;). The Dirty Plucker was the most beautiful, golden brown chicken topped donut with a maple drizzle. One word– YUM!
Our waitress was super sweet and very attentive. One better, our bill was only $ 32 for the two entrees and carafe. Um, what?
Needless to say, we will be back. Can I ever go back to gluten free if need be? I’m not sure after this.

We came a few minutes after opening time on Sunday for brunch and we were afraid that there was going to be a long wait. Lucky for us they seated the 7 of us right away. The atmosphere was laid back and the staff was pretty nice. Now, onto the food… there was quite a large amount of entrees to choose including donut sandwiches, brunch items, and dessert donuts.
I ordered El Diablo and the Dirty Harry which was more than enough to feed my sister and I. El Diablo reminded me of a somewhat spicy egg benedict dish. The donut was really fluffy and my sister thought it was spicy (I couldn’t tell). The flavours of the dish didn’t leave an impression on me except for the fluffy donut. As a coconut lover, I was super excited to try the Dirty Harry. However, I couldn’t take more than one bite because the sweetness was overwhelming. The donut holes were fluffy though.
I sampled a few of the other dishes and I did like the chicken fried steak one. The meat was tasty and juicy so if I come here next time, I would probably stick to this part of the menu. With the Freedird and donut pudding, they were also quite sweet and I couldn’t eat it. So, if you have a sweet tooth and really like donut, this would be a great place for you.

It didn’t blow me away.
Cute set up, very hopdoddy with a little country. I very much like their clever t-​shirts. The booboo ordered Ron Burgundy. I got the queso. What I really wanted was the Country Clucker, but I was wise enough to order slowly. Food, as it arrived, was filling. My boo boo has a proclivity towards burgers, so of course he was satisfied. I was not. Ok. The idea’s unique, & I like the creativity of options, but I don’t think this type of establishment is productive to the health of an American. Got a great idea going on, and it was tasty, but I can’t keep going back with a clear conscience.
We ended the night with a ring o fire. Well, just the perimeter of the ring.

I sat meself down on a dusty bench in the patio. I waited and waited, and no one showed.
I waited some more, till I could barely see, then I yelled «help me, or I will scream, please!!!»
A lad came by, and brought us our ales. We waited some more for the Ron Burgundy, to no avail.
It finally arrived, steaming on a plate, my patience rewarded, happily I ate.
Twas over too soon, and I couldn’t comprehend– how could a donut and burger become best friends?
Happy I was, till the check arrived. $ 60 for 4 donuts ??! I lost my mind.
Overpriced you may be for our party of four,
With service as slow as a drunk hippo
You may be bad for our arteries and bums
But despite all this, we are now lifelong chums.