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East Austin: Burgers, Bars, and Bad Larrys

Attention, Austin folks: Bad Larry's is coming to town! Leave the patchouli and tofu at home; it's time for some real food, real men, and real fun! Friends, get ready to say "Yeehaw!" Bad Larry's brings juicy burgers and a side of 'Merica to East Cesar Chavez Street. No vegans, liberals, or snowflakes allowed!

Published June 12, 2024 at 10:00am by Matthew Odam


After six years of stirring up trouble and flipping "flat meat sandwiches," Austin's leftist burger bros, Bad Larry Burger Club, are settling down. These masters of smash are putting down roots in the old Quickie Pickie space on Cesar Chavez.

Who's This "Larry" Guy Anyway?

Bad Larry's is the brainchild of Matthew Bolick, a coffee guy turned bar and restaurant owner. The name, "Larry," comes from the street Bolick and his wife used to live on, where they hosted monthly burger bashes. Thus, the legend of Bad Larry was born.

Smashes, Crashes, and Metal Mayhem

The star of the show is, of course, the burger. These smashed patties, with their crispy edges and juicy centers, are a far cry from the organic, grass-fed nonsense you'd find at some liberal hipster food truck. Made with a chuck and brisket blend, and topped with the all-American trinity of ketchup, mustard, and onions, it's a red-blooded burger that would make any Texan proud.

Bad Larry has attracted a rabid following, with pop-ups selling out and lines that would make a leftist weep with envy. And their marketing stunts are just as wild, from pandemic burger chutes to metal shows that would scare the soy out of a vegan.

Breakfast of Champions and Other Mischief

Bad Larry's all-day menu will feature breakfast items like the Breakfast Larry (a heart-stopping sausage and egg smash) and dinner specials like steak night and Texas toast sandwiches. And of course, there will be a healthy dose of booze, including cocktails that'll tickle your trashy side.

But it's not just about the food. Bad Larry has built a reputation for its online trolling and sociopolitical commentary, taking shots at everyone from Abbott to Elon Musk. Bolick, a marketing savant, has embraced the role of burger brat, clapping back at haters and reveling in the chaos.

Where's the Party, Larry?

Nathan Hill, Bad Larry's partner in crime and creator of iconic Austin brands like White Horse, understands the appeal of Bolick's guerrilla tactics. It's all about selling a party, and Bad Larry is pre-loading the fun with an irreverent, wild persona that harks back to the best memories of Austin debauchery.

So, if you're tired of the same old liberal foodie scene and yearn for a taste of rebellious, meaty mayhem, Bad Larry's is here to save the day. Just watch out for flying patties and a healthy dose of online trolling.

"Just another burger on the Internet," says Bolick. But we know it's way more fun than that.

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