Mad Dogs — Restaurant in Austin

Stopped by this spot for the shared space item (“Midnight Cravingz” a HUGE disappointment go check out my review) and was convinced to try a loaded dog while there.

To my surprise, the hot dog was ABSOLUTELY delish. It’s also halal.

To start - the space itself is a crowded, chaotic mess. Limited seating inside and outside and diners can expect to be sat in heat regardless of whether they get a tiny table in or can get a spot on the table outside.

The menu had a decent selection of various items - we tried the brisket dog.

The sausage/hot link “dog” itself was DELICIOUS! Great snap, good heat. The toppings (brisket, bbq, fried onion, some pickled something) were also good and for sure a HUGE portion. Didn’t really know how to attack this beast.

Wait time for the food itself was quick but here’s what really ruined the experience - pick-up service was prioritized over in-person dining service. Staff members were frazzled and not super friendly. There is a kiosk for in-person diners to place their order but this was NOT clear at all upon entry. Price for our loaded dog was about $15 with tax. Kinda pricey for a hot dog but the portion was impressive.

The biggest issue I had beyond the space itself and service was that the hot dog bun was cold. It was a good bun - slightly sweet and fluffy but it was ice cold compared to the hot dog and filling so it created a less than ideal bite.

Overall, if I was looking for a SLOPPY Loaded hot dog late night I might come back but I wouldn’t go...

Ordered through Grubhub. Order #78112969-9526708 was placed at approximately 11:20 a.m. to the Austin location which had been open for nearly an hour. I noticed they got to work right away making the order, but a driver hadn't been summoned. My office is several blocks away but I have real trouble leaving my desk for much of anything. After about five minutes, I was notified that my order would be now not until around 12:40 p.m., but their still making the order. A driver was finally on the way to pick up my order around 12:10 or so. She made no stops on the way, and when she picked up the order, she made no stops on the way to me. I received my order at about 12:45 p.m. Ice cold. Apparently, Mad Dogs started making my order before they had a driver. So they continued to make the order and apparently let it sit on the counter (not even under a heat lamp). Ice cold hot dog here! Ice cold fries! Get 'em while they're ICE COLD. Grubhub was no help. Kept trying to give me less than half my money back ($7 out of $20 spent) in the form of a CREDIT. Why in the world would I ever want to spend money again at Mad Dogs or Grubhub. AND, Mad Dogs' Austin phone number is strangely out of service. Tired of taking...

If you’re looking for an outstanding dining experience, Mad Dogs is the place to be. From the moment you step inside, you can feel the welcoming atmosphere and the energy of a place that truly cares about its food and customers.

I had the pleasure of trying their smash burger, and let me tell you—it was absolutely exceptional. The patty was perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. The toppings were fresh, and everything came together in a perfect balance of flavors. It’s honestly one of the best burgers I’ve had in a long time.

But what truly made this experience stand out was Cook John. He was not only incredibly friendly and attentive, but he also went above and beyond to make our visit memorable. He hooked us up with some extra food that was just as amazing—each dish made with the same level of care and quality. It’s rare to see such passion for cooking, and Cook John really made us feel like valued guests.

Mad Dogs is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Great food, excellent service, and a vibe that keeps you coming back for more. Highly recommend this place if...