Lebowski’s Grill

I’m not gonna lie, I was a little let down by this place. Granted, my expectations were very high based on the reviews. I was expecting the most amazing food in the least expected place. However, the food was just good for bowling alley food.

Great food options. Mushroom Swiss burger was yummy. Best philly in Austin.
Tots!
Next time I’ll bowl.
Is the bar area closed?

My wife read a good review on this place and decided she wanted to give it a try. It’s inside a bowling alley. We asked Gabriel what was on the menu that would make me come back again. He said he wouldn’t put anything on the menu that wasn’t good enough to come back for. I became an instant fan. My wife got the Chicken Mushroom and Swiss. I got the Philly cheesesteak. We both were quite impressed, and kept trading plates back and forth. Gabriel and Brandon love what they do, and it shows. Quick order chef with culinary experience. Tasty, creative menu, and great service. Also got to sample the funnel cake. Good stuff. I’ll be back, even without a bowling ball.

GO. Relaxed atmosphere. Excellent food. How good? I would go there EVEN IF I wasn’t bowling. The hamburger buns were fresh and the meat was juicy. I had the very tasty Inferno Burger with tots. My daughter had the chicken strips which were FRESH. The crunchy skin was light and flavorful. The staff was very friendly. I’ll be back!

«I just really want a philly cheese steak sandwich» «I know just the bowling alley» «what?! yes I’m down» this conversation happened and that is exactly what we did, went and had lunch at a bowling alley. Didn’t even bowl. After we ordered food right next to the concession stand there is a bar. How am I not a regular here?! Philly Cheese steak– spicy and seasoned. I liked it! I ate every last bit to the soothing sounds of rolling balls and pins falling. Also the music is ok. would totally have random lunches here.

Pros:
–The toasted sweet buns are just right and bigger than Shake Shack buns!
–I highly recommend the inferno burger, poblano burger, or chicken fried sandwich, which is everything I’ve had so far. Every time I pass Highland lanes, I have cravings for more!
–the fries are always hot and seasoned right
–Ask for their house sauce on the side to dip your fries in. First one is on them!
Cons:
–drinks are ordered separately, but refills are 50 cents
–tables will only seat up to four people, thus, not ideal for big groups.
This is perfect food to satisfy your hunger after a few games of bowling!

My brother said that the burgers at Lebowski’s were getting awesome reviews, so we decided to try it out. I’ve got to say the cheeseburger I had was delicious. The bun wasn’t your typical burger bun. My brother said it looked like a potato bun. It was great, slightly sweet, light and airy (like a cloud). The meat was well cooked, maybe a tad over salted. The service was Grade A+. The guy behind the counter was really friendly and didn’t mind my questions. He even let me sample their housemade salsa and chips. The salsa, while not spicy (not even a little) was very tasty and the chips were the best I’ve had in a long time. The only drawbacks in my book were: no Coke products, (but they did have DP), the fries were not handcut, but were from a bag and a little over seasoned.
According to the guys behind the counter, about 90% of the food they serve is made there, which is something I like to hear. I would go back again and try another of their offerings. The dude behind the counter said that their cheesesteak is really good. No, not THAT Dude. :)

I think the reviews were a bit misleading for me. I understand Lebowski’s Grill is just a food counter in a bowling alley, and yes, being such I agree it is quite impressive, but I wouldn’t say the food is worth 4 or 5 stars.
I had the poblano chicken sandwich, and my friend had the Mushroom, Swiss burger. We also ordered the wings. All three items came with a side of fries or tator tots. Everything was well made, but it was also what could be expected for a burger or wings. And keep in mind the ambiance is that of a bowling alley. It’s interesting — I’ve never seen a food establishment listed on Unilocal (and so highly rated) that is located within a bowling alley. I suppose if you are going to be here to go bowling, then I would certainly recommend eating here, but I would not recommend going out of your way to eat here.

The Good: only been here once but was in the area and saw the great reviews so had to try. Ordered the Pablano burger with sweet potato fries. OMG it was good! Their buns were soft and fresh, patty meat was seasoned and prefectly prepared and fries were thick and crispy. What more can you ask for in a burger?!
The Bad: I wish this place wasn’t in a bowling alley, or at least a old bowling alley filled with running kids.
I can’t wait to go back and try other things off their menu!

8.18.15 I was on the hunt for eats as usual. I did my normal vetting via Unilocal.After seeing the photos and coming to grips with the whole bowling alley dive I figured wth.
I’m not so much a germaphobe as it was the photos and reviews having me in shock. The food looked so good and the reviews seemed genuine enough. I realize food is served in bowling alleys but I don’t believe I hear folks raving about it.
I pulled up and at that time of day there were several cars. I still landed me a spot up front to be able to get out quickly. The bowling alley was really clean and lebowskis is easy to find. They’re the first left after entering the doors. You could follow the smell right to them.
I got to the counter and a guy I was told was the owner helped me out. He was cool and explained the menu. I was rusty on my big lebowski history because I haven’t watched it in years. I ended up ordering a cheeseburger with tots. Man folks this was the real deal beef. It’s good quality and hits you right in the mouth.
I got sick later on that day. Here is where I explain my reason for the 4 stars. I eat out a lot because of work and being on the road. I had to use deduction and realized it was breakfast that got my stomach. I figured as much because I usually have 5 – 6 hours between my first 2 meals. As soon as I finished my burger it wasn’t good.
Anyway I went back 11.20.15 .to prove my theory correct. I had no issues at all so they were in the clear for me. My breakfast choice on the other hand is a gonner.
Give these guys a chance the food here is good for a grease spot.

The real shining star in a dark bowling alley.
The tots you’ve been eating… just stop now and try theirs. Out of this universe.
The poblano burger was spicy, tangy and cooked to perfection.
Get «The Dude» as well, and split with a friend. It’s a classic, simple burger.
I imagined this place may be sorta gimmicky. But it’s the real deal.
Great vibe and friendly service as well
A must in Austin.

We were at the Domain. I was thinking to try new burger join in there. But I looked at Unilocal reviews, not that good. Then I saw this place has an outstanding review. I want to try it! When we arrived, we only saw a small sign in outside of bowling alley. I was little bit confused. Ha we walked into the bowling alley, then Lebowski’s grill is there.
I had Inferno Burger, it was great. The homemade jalapeño pickles was delight, spicy but it won’t burn you. French fries with garlic flavor is very good too. I want to try other burger next time! :)

If I could give this place more than 5 stars I would!
Great experience, great guys running the place. Made us feel right at home, amazing food, excellent service.
I had the Dude Infusion Burger which was juicy, spicy, saucy, everything you want a burger to be. The grilled peppers and onions were perfect, the lime Chipotle mayo was smoky and rounded it off nicely. I thought it was going to be too messy but the sweet bun held up well and didn’t get soggy.
Brandon is the guy making the food and he’s a super nice guy. Got us napkins and extra ketchup when we needed it. The fries were crispy and seasoned well. He makes a jalapeño ranch from scratch that he told me I would get addicted to… and he was right. No ketchup needed.
You guys know how to make great food and better yet how to treat your guests. I’ve become a fan and I’ll be back soon. Hands down one of the best burgers in all of Austin. (And no lines) well, not yet at least.

People generally don’t go to a bowling alley just to get food… and not bowl. That would be weird, right? It was a Sunday and I let boyfriend pick the dinner venue. Needless to say, we ended up at a fast food restaurant in a bowling alley. Again, no bowling took place. Lebowski’s Grill is pretty much what you would expect. It’s delectably greasy food with super friendly staff located inside of Highland Lanes.
I ordered the patty melt, which I have to say, was pretty fantastic. Onions, cheese, and grilled beef patties atop toasty bread. What really set it apart though, was the garlic pepper spread. Next to Lebowski’s Grill inside Highland Lanes is a little bar, so we were able to get some adult beverages with our bowling alley meal. Goodie. Boyfriend ordered chicken strips and cheesy tater tots. The cheesy tots have that, oh so familiar, state fair/​movie theater/​carnival/​rodeo kind of yellow cheese sauce spread all over them.
Overall, it was kinda nice getting to eat a greasy meal and watch the bowlers bowl on a Sunday afternoon.

I stopped hanging at Highland Lanes at the end of the 90’s. Recently this little grill inside has been getting some rave reviews for their burgers and service. I finally made it back here to give the burger a try. Unilocalers are right. It is a damn good burger. 100% Angus. Fresh. Not frozen. Is it the best I’ve had? No.
Brandon was my grill man. What a nice and pleasant man. Wish we could have chatted more. He’s a certified chef and made it clear that he takes pride in his work here at Lebowski’s. I asked him if he was the dude people keep talking about on Unilocal and he was like «I dunno. I’m usually here all week during lunch».
I ordered a cheeseburger, medium, with onion, lettuce, tomato, pickle and mustard. My standard. I have two complaints. The first is the veggies. They dice and chop on the onion and lettuce, and, the tomatoes were cut a bit too thin. Also Brandon slightly overcooked my patty, but, it was still delicious.
I also got tater tots. They were nice and crunchy without the grease. Brandon suggested I try their house made jalapeño ranch for dipping. He was spot on! Perfect combo! Go here. Meet Brandon. Order a cheeseburger with tots and get the jalapeño ranch for dipping. You’ll be happy that you did. Oh and the combo deal is like $ 7 or so. A fucking real meal deal! Think fresh patty. Fresh patty!

So I visited this place 6 times now since July and I have to tell you I haven’t been disappointed! SERVICE and FOOD is WONDERFUL!
Burgers are Awesome!
Fries are perfect (Try them with Chili YUMMY)
Tater Tots are crunchy outside and soft inside perfectly salted!
Hot Wings perfect especially with the Jalapeño Ranch
Jalapeño Poppers Delicious
If your looking for that Old DAIRY BELL experience this is the spot to be! They have good music playing. Plenty of seating and TV to watch if you want to catch the games. And the food is addicting! Dont believe me look at the pictures I shared or posted It makes me want it more looking at them.

Look, this place isn’t fancy. It’s the snack bar of a bowling alley, it doesn’t have white tables cloths, waiters, or Foie Gras. You know what it does have? Tasty, tasty food. And tots.
So go to the snack bar, order some food (I recommend the Donny) go next door, get yourself a beer for less than $ 4, and eat some delicious food.
I guess you could bowl too.
I just ordered a White Russian.

I’m probably not the best person to review a place that just made the news for its burgers. However, my friend wanted to try it. So we did.
It’s the snack shop at Highland Lanes. The service was great. The guys were very nice & personable. We even got our drinks free bc it was our first visit (I think?). Anyway, it was cool.
My friend ordered a cheeseburger. I had a grilled cheese. No veggie burger. Oh wait, they checked & they did have a veggie burger (chipotle & black bean burger), but my heart was set on a grilled cheese at this point. We also had fries, fried pickles (chips, not spears) & he had chili cheese tots.
He said his burger was above average — great for an inexpensive burger. He said the bun was really good. My grilled cheese was fine, nothing special — just a grilled cheese. The fries were good, pickles were good and I think he liked the tots. We ordered the jalapeño ranch, but it needed a bit more kick.
I’d eat here again if I was bowling. For those who like burgers, this could probably be a destination. Good, cheap burgers. For this veggie girl, probably not. That’s not saying it wasn’t good — just not my thing.

I could not believe how good it was the first time and had to come back!
This tiny place in a bowling alley has excellent burgers! We stopped in to give it a try and it was really good so I came back again a month later to see if it was a one time deal. Nope! Just as good! I stopped by again, and found this small grill continues to churn out magic. I just had to have the same thing as I had before: A Poblano Burger with chili cheese tots. Watching the staff is like watching a carefully choreographed routine. Impressive! The buns are locally sourced. The meat is locally sourced. The sauces are made in house as are the cookies (I couldn’t eat a cookie this time as I was stuffed from another meal earlier.

When I first moved to Austin and searched for good burgers, I couldn’t believe one of the highest rated places was located in a bowling alley. That fact just didn’t compute in my brain, and I had to bookmark it to check it out for myself. Sure enough, Lebowski’s is a convenience food walk up and order counter located in the bowling alley. They also have a full bar located around the corner in a dark den.
When I asked the staff if they truly had the best burgers in town, they simply smiled at me, and profoundly stated, «Yep». After several games in, the smell of food drove me to check out the plastic menu. They actually have a good selection to choose from, and even have a couple of salad options. For little over $ 7 you can get a burger with fries/​tots included. The staff was friendly, and after taking my order and paying, I went back to my game and waited for my name to be called. My group of friends all ordered something different, and everything looked amazing. Even the shrimp and tots basket. Sure it’s not gourmet burgers like Hopdoddy’s, but for the price point these were some tasty burgers. Plus, they were not greasy like I was expecting them to be. The tots were perfect, and the sweet potato fries were delicious (also not greasy). While I can’t eat the bun, my friends loved them. The buns were lightly toasted with a hint of garlic. My friends patty melt was also declared to be a winner.
These are burgers definitely worthy of the Dude.