This Texas Hole in the Wall Restaurant Serves a Cheeseburger People Cannot Forget

Tucked along a stretch of Texas Highway 21 in the historic town of Bastrop sits a burger joint that’s earned itself a serious following.

Roadhouse Bastrop doesn’t need flashy signs or fancy décor to draw a crowd because word travels fast when you’re slinging one of the most memorable cheeseburgers in the Lone Star State.

Travelers cruising between Austin and Houston make this their pit stop, locals treat it like a second home, and anyone who’s taken a bite of that cream cheese burger knows exactly why this place has racked up thousands of glowing reviews and even caught the attention of Texas Monthly.

The Legendary Cream Cheese Burger

People drive from all corners of Texas just to wrap their hands around this beauty. Roadhouse Bastrop’s cream cheese burger isn’t your average patty situation.

Picture a thick, juicy beef burger cooked to perfection with a generous smear of tangy cream cheese melting into every crevice. The combination sounds wild at first, but one bite flips the script entirely.

Cream cheese adds this creamy richness that balances the smoky char of the beef in ways regular cheese just can’t match.

Reviewers can’t stop raving about it. One visitor declared it the best burger they’ve had in years, while another returned after six years and confirmed their original verdict still stood strong.

The secret lies in that unexpected pairing of flavors and textures that somehow makes total sense once it hits your taste buds.

You can customize your burger with different specialty buns too, like jalapeño cheese or sourdough, which takes the whole experience up another notch. Regulars swear by adding bacon or going full Western style with all the fixings.

Every single element works together like a perfectly rehearsed symphony, and you’ll understand why this burger has become the stuff of legend across Central Texas and beyond.

Specialty Bun Selection That Changes Everything

Forget plain sesame seed buns. Roadhouse Bastrop takes things to the next level with a lineup of specialty buns that turn a great burger into an unforgettable one.

Jalapeño cheese buns bring a spicy kick with pockets of melted cheese baked right in. Sourdough buns add a tangy depth and sturdier structure that holds up beautifully against all those juicy burger drippings.

One reviewer specifically called out the jalapeño cheese bun, saying it accentuated the whole burger experience in ways they didn’t expect. These aren’t gimmicks either.

Each bun type is carefully chosen to complement different burger styles and flavor profiles, giving diners the chance to truly personalize their meal.

The kitchen knows what they’re doing when it comes to pairing flavors. If you’re going for something bold like the Western burger, that jalapeño cheese bun adds another layer of Tex-Mex flair.

Prefer something more classic? The sourdough brings a rustic, artisan touch without overpowering the star of the show.

It’s these little details that separate a decent burger joint from one that people talk about for months after their visit and keep coming back to whenever they’re passing through town.

Sweet Potato Fries Worth the Upgrade

Regular fries are fine, but sweet potato fries at Roadhouse Bastrop have developed their own cult following. Mentioned dozens of times in customer reviews, these golden beauties come out hot, crispy on the outside, and perfectly tender on the inside.

They’re seasoned just right with a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory burgers and sandwiches.

Unlike some places where sweet potato fries arrive limp and sad, this kitchen knows how to get that ideal texture. Reviewers consistently praise how piping hot and crispy they come out, even during busy lunch and dinner rushes.

The upgrade cost is minimal compared to the satisfaction you get from each crunchy bite dipped in your favorite sauce.

Travelers appreciate having this option because it adds variety to the meal without straying too far from classic roadhouse comfort food territory. Families love them because even picky eaters tend to gobble them up.

One visitor mentioned ordering the sweet potato fries while waiting to decide on their burger, and they were so good it set high expectations for the rest of the meal. Spoiler alert: the burger delivered too.

These fries aren’t just a side dish, they’re a legitimate reason to visit all on their own.

The Roadhouse Atmosphere and Vibe

Walking into Roadhouse Bastrop feels like stepping into exactly what you’d hope a Texas roadhouse would be. It’s not fancy, and that’s entirely the point.

The décor leans into that classic Americana roadside diner aesthetic with a distinctly Texan twist. Indoor seating fills up fast, especially during peak hours, but the restaurant expanded by purchasing the building next door, so there’s plenty of room now for hungry travelers and loyal locals alike.

Outside seating offers a laid-back patio vibe where you can soak up some Texas sunshine while demolishing a burger.

Reviewers mention the welcoming atmosphere repeatedly, noting how the casual, homey setting makes everyone feel comfortable whether you’re rolling in after a long drive or meeting friends for a weekend lunch.

Service strikes that perfect balance between attentive and relaxed. Servers know the menu inside and out, offer helpful suggestions, and genuinely seem to care that you’re having a good time.

One visitor specifically praised their waitress for being sweet and accommodating, while another called out the friendly, informative staff. This isn’t some corporate chain where you’re just another ticket number.

It’s a real community spot where the team takes pride in what they serve and how they treat people.

Beyond Burgers: Menu Variety Surprises

Sure, burgers steal the spotlight, but Roadhouse Bastrop’s menu runs deeper than you’d expect from a roadside joint. Philly cheesesteaks earn serious praise from reviewers who appreciate the generous portions of meat, veggies, and cheese all working together in perfect harmony.

The avocado BLT shows up on the popular topics list, proving that sometimes simple classics executed well can hold their own against more adventurous options.

Ribeye steaks make appearances on plates throughout the dining room, catching the eye of burger eaters who make mental notes to try something different next time. Chicago-style hot dogs satisfy cravings for that Windy City flavor profile right here in the heart of Texas.

Vegetarian options ensure that everyone in your travel crew can find something satisfying, which matters when you’re road-tripping with diverse dietary preferences.

One reviewer mentioned the layered queso bean dip hitting the spot as a starter, while another couldn’t stop talking about the peanut butter chocolate milkshake. The menu diversity means you could visit multiple times and have completely different experiences.

That variety keeps locals coming back and gives travelers a reason to plan their route through Bastrop specifically to stop here for lunch or dinner on their way to wherever adventure calls next.

Bastrop: The Perfect Road Trip Stop

Bastrop itself deserves recognition as one of those Texas towns that travelers fall in love with unexpectedly. Situated about 30 miles southeast of Austin along Highway 21, this historic community offers a charming break from highway monotony.

The town survived devastating wildfires years back and rebuilt with resilience that locals wear as a badge of honor.

Downtown Bastrop features antique shops, local boutiques, and historic architecture that tells stories of Texas past. The Colorado River runs nearby, offering kayaking and fishing opportunities for anyone wanting to stretch their legs between meals.

Bastrop State Park provides hiking trails through distinctive Lost Pines forest, a unique ecosystem you won’t find anywhere else in Texas.

Roadhouse Bastrop fits perfectly into this community character. It’s not trying to be something it’s not, just like the town itself.

Visitors passing through on their way to Houston, San Antonio, or the Gulf Coast find themselves building extra time into their travel plans just to stop here. Some folks even plan entire day trips from Austin specifically to eat at this place and explore downtown Bastrop.

The restaurant has become part of the town’s identity, a destination that puts Bastrop on the culinary map for burger lovers across the state and beyond.

Award Recognition and Texas Monthly Fame

When Texas Monthly gives you a nod, you know you’re doing something right. This legendary publication has featured countless Texas eateries over the decades, and Roadhouse Bastrop earned its spot in that conversation.

Multiple reviewers mention the best burger award, confirming they understand exactly why this place received such recognition after tasting the goods themselves.

Awards aren’t handed out for mediocrity in Texas food culture. Competition runs fierce across the state, with every town claiming to have the best barbecue, Tex-Mex, or burgers around.

Making it onto Texas Monthly’s radar requires consistent quality, unique offerings, and that indefinable something special that makes people want to tell everyone they know about their meal.

Roadhouse Bastrop checks all those boxes. The cream cheese burger concept alone sets it apart from standard burger joints, but the execution seals the deal.

Visitors arrive with high expectations based on the buzz and awards, and reviews consistently show that the reality meets or exceeds the hype. That’s incredibly difficult to pull off, especially when dealing with the scrutiny that comes with recognition.

This place handles the pressure beautifully, serving up the same quality whether you’re a first-timer or a regular who’s been coming for years.

Handling the Crowds Like Champions

Popularity brings challenges, and Roadhouse Bastrop faces them head-on with expanded seating and a kitchen that works overtime during peak hours. Reviews paint an honest picture of what to expect.

Lunch and dinner rushes can mean waits, especially on weekends when both travelers and locals converge at the same time. One visitor tried arriving after 3pm to miss the lunch crowd but found the place still packed.

The kitchen prioritizes quality over speed, which means your burger might take a bit longer during busy times. Most reviewers express understanding about this, noting that good food is worth the wait.

Servers stay friendly and attentive even when tickets are piling up and tables are full, which speaks volumes about the team’s dedication and training.

Smart travelers plan accordingly. Arriving during off-peak hours like mid-afternoon weekdays can mean shorter waits and more relaxed service.

Online ordering is available, though one reviewer learned that Friday night rushes can overwhelm even that system. The restaurant’s response to feedback shows they’re constantly working to improve efficiency while maintaining the quality that made them famous.

They’ve expanded seating capacity, refined their processes, and continue to train staff to handle the volume that comes with being one of the most talked-about burger spots in Central Texas.