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    The Tendermaid

    4.4 (78 reviews)
    InexpensiveBurgers, Delis, Fast Food
    Closed 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

    The Tendermaid Photos

    THE TENDERMAID ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed

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    a hand holding a paper cup in front of a restaurant
    Su E. G.

    Their malt shakes are delicious! I got the bacon cheeseburger and banana malt shake. Their pricing is based on cash pricing so if you are paying with card, expect to pay 4% more. Their burger is chopped burger, so they serve it with a spoon. They have been around for 85 years!

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    Jingle M.

    Can't even tell you how long I've been eating at The Tendermaid . . Like maybe 40 years??? Family loved the burgers as kids and we still all go back if we're anywhere close by! The tendermaid sandwiches are still awesome (think crumbled sloppy joes without sauce). Add your choice of onions, cheese, mustard, ketchup, pickles and anything else you can think of! One big difference. I used to eat 2 or 3, so I ordered two. They are twice the size they used to be! Wowza . . my tummy . . . The tiny building looks exactly the same, but no counter seat sadly. Takeout only. Oh well, I'll still go again.

    Making my shake
    Mary T.

    I had completed my visit at the SPAM Museum. I asked Dave, a friendly and helpful SPAM-bassador, what recommendations he had for food in downtown Austin. I asked the right person! He has eaten his way around the city and gave me three suggestions. One of them was Tendermaid. He said that I could keep my car parked at the museum and walk over there. It's funny, but I actually saw this restaurant as I was heading over to the SPAM Museum. Google Maps got me to the museum's front entrance. I needed to find parking, so I drove around the block, as it's downtown and many streets are one-way. I had to do a full stop at an intersection and I was staring at Tendermaid. It reminded me of the small burger joints in Winnipeg. They are small, but mighty. Never knock a small burger joint. Anyway, I walked over to Tendermaid. There are two doors. Both work. Coming or going, just use whichever one works best. I was immediately greeted by a nice woman. I hung up my jacket and chose a stool in this cute diner that feels like I'm in the 50's or even earlier. I wouldn't know, as I'm not that old... haha! It was almost as if this woman knew that I like hearing about the history of a food joint and how the loose burger came into play. I loved all of that, including what I could order from the menus. This place is famous for its loose burger. It hasn't changed how it has made it for decades. Instead of a ground beef patty, you get loose ground beef that goes between the bun. It's like a sloppy Joe, but without it being drenched in sloppy sauce. There is an area where the loose ground beef keeps its temperature. This place had malts, shakes, and pop. I went with a black raspberry shake. It is made the way it was done back in the day. Cool! After going through the menu, I ordered a bacon cheeseburger, with jalapeno cheese, relish, and mayo. You can ask for whatever toppings you'd like. My black raspberry shake came out. I get moments where I am so floored by how good something tastes that I want to share how great it is with the world. It would have been odd to have told the man sitting three stools away from me about it. Instead, I told the woman who made it for me. She was delighted and didn't think I was crazy. The black raspberry had so much flavour. It was thick and creamy. It was excellent. My burger came out next. The woman gave it to me carefully wrapped up and said that I'll be needing a spoon. I love having such a different burger experience. I unwrapped by burger and took my first bite. It was awesome! The bacon was chopped into smaller bits, to complement the loose beef. I loved the jalapeno cheese that was in it. It was flavourful. I love relish and mayo in a burger. The bun was soft and perfect. I was elated! And, yes, you do need a spoon to scoop up the ground beef. It wasn't overcooked. It wasn't bland. It was yummy. I had another woman behind the counter ask where I was from. Not in a prying, nosy way. Just in a curious, friendly way. She told me that she loves Toronto and would love to visit again. This place accepts credit cards and cash. I paid with a credit card and I was good. You get mini Tootsie Rolls at the end of your meal. I liked the gesture. I got water in a plastic cup. I took it with me as I left. It was a nice touch. Part of me wanted another milkshake, but I didn't want to fall asleep driving away. It is worth coming here just for the shake alone. I thanked the two women there. They were so nice and friendly. Parking is at the back of the restaurant. There is plenty! You can also get Tendermaid t-shirts and more if you want a physical momento of your time here. I'd come back here again. I had a great lunch. Thanks to Dave back at the SPAM Museum for the recommendation. (24)

    Inside of diner
    Maria B.

    Loved it! Flew in from salt lake and drove straight to Austin for a couple Tendermaid's burgers. Totally worth waking up at 5 am, flying to Minnesota, not eating all day and rolling in for before they close at 4pm. Always delicious, we inhaled them in a couple minutes. The original with cheese or the one with thousand island sauce on it are the best. Get them with the pickles on them and don't forget a fabulous, smooth, best you've ever had chocolate shake! Love these folks may they stay open forever!

    Butterscotch shake
    Shan Z.

    Tendermaid is a nostalgic diner dating back to 1930's Austin. Pros: this place is just so cool. You walk in and feel transported back in time. The loose meat burgers are to be eaten with a spoon (they give you one when you order) and the super thick shakes are made the old fashioned way. The staff is friendly and will engage the entire restaurant in light hearted communal conversations. Cons: only stools around a counter, so obviously no high chairs. Also not the most accessible for people with physical disabilities. No AC and not open on Sundays. Overall, worth the stop through Austin to check this place out.

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    Photo of BA V.
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    6 days ago

    The Tendermaid is always great. This place has been in Austin for almost 90 years. We go every time we are in town.

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    2 years ago

    The loose meat burger was tasteless. The girls behind the counter were all very friendly. But I probably wouldn't go back.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    A classic! Sadly they are only to go since COVID but same old food. A great spot to stop :)

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Way too expensive and not even hot enough. It's a favorite of long time people whom delight in nostalgic rememberance.

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

    This is the old fashioned tender maid! You should have at least one in your life! This is my seven year old sons favorite restaurant! Enjoy!

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    5 years ago

    Looks can be deceiving but the food was excellent. A must if you are looking for something different but tasty.

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    10 years ago

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    Starboard Market - Hot Italian Sub...add pepperoncini to have it Vernon's way...

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    4.6(79 reviews)
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    This place has been open for about 25 years and I wish I had known it when I lived in the area. We…read morestopped through and ordered four sandwiches and a couple salads. All was made to order and the service was good. Definitely a local place. LOTS of great options in the menu and was difficult to decide. I had the chance to taste each of the four sandwiches and all were good - but only one of them was amazing. The other three were still very good and unique... but not as over the top as the The Dill (I think it was). I would easily recommend this place and plan to go back the next time I'm in town. In addition, this isn't a sit down place - you will need to leave with your drop What I could tell. There were some tables in the alley... but the lake is a close walk for a good view while eating. Finding this place was a pleasant surprise. Support local!

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    The Hungry Mind - This is just a portion of the menu, there are plenty of soups and salads and burgers available.

    The Hungry Mind

    3.7(24 reviews)
    37.6 mi
    $$

    The Hungry Mind is small locally owned and operated business. On the outside you may believe you're…read moreentering a pub but it's a sandwich shop. Immediately upon entering, our group of five was greeted and informed about their specials. I tried the half turkey and Swiss and soup of the day which was chicken and rice. Today was extremely cold so they weren't likely expecting a lot of foot traffic but they still delivered on the experience. It does take a little bit for the food but keep in mind it was one person doing it all. The food was delicious and everything was fresh. It is somewhat on the pricier side but the service and Ingredients make up for this. I would return if I pass this area again.

    I couldn't even eat here because the prices scared me off more. I was told before coming that the…read morequality of the sandwiches weren't the greatest so I didn't have high hopes. Boy. I get there and walk in, smells of musk. Sorry but dusting is a requirement if you're going to keep all those vintage knick knacks. Very small and full floor, it was hard to walk through just because everything was so close to each other. I walked out as soon as I saw the menu, $18 bucks for JUST the sandwich? No thank you, imma go to subway and get the whole combo for cheaper. Ridiculous pricing and sounds like for mediocre food

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    The Tendermaid - burgers - Updated May 2026

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