Top Notch Burgers is far more than an Austin staple, it’s also the birth place of “alright, alright, alright”. The Austin favorite opened in 1971 and hasn’t changed a bit and that’s a good thing.
Top Notch Hamburgers
7525 Burnet Road
In 1993 Matthew McConaughey was a junior at UT when he got offered the part in Dazed and Confused. What was originally set to be a small part, grew bigger as the actors onscreen presence captured director Richard Linklater’s attention. The iconic scene set at the Austin favorite Top Notch Hamburgers was actually a spontaneous addition to the film. They wanted more of McConaughey so they decided to add in this scene. The scene is now a widely used pop-culture reference, in addition to many other scenes in the movie. You can find “alright, alright, alright” written on everything from stickers, mugs, t-shirts, and more! It’s gone on to be Matthew McConaughey’s signature catchphrase.
Here’s the iconic scene set at Top Notch Burgers.
Dazed and Confused isn’t the only movie to take advantage of the Austin burger joint. The film Varsity Blues was set in West Canaan, Texas but for the most part filmed on location in Austin. The 1999 film starred James Van Der Beek, Paul Walker, Amy Smart, and even Friday Night Lights alum Jesse Plemons. They used Top Notch Hamburgers as the place where Jules Harbor (Amy Smart) worked. To see more of the Varsity Blues Austin filming locations, click here.
Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Top Notch Hamburgers isn’t just a famous Austin filming location. It’s worth a visit for the food and vintage atmosphere alone. There’s a reason it’s been going strong since 1971!
We suggest you follow them Top Notch on Instagram but be warned it will make you hungry!
