Hat Creek Burger Company — Restaurant in Dripping Springs

Quick Read: Bland burger taste and overpriced. Better tasting and more economical options across the street.

I think I tried this brand at some company picnic that was catered years ago. I don't think it was notable then and I guess I reaffirmed that today. See photos. For a combo with a regular size shake you are looking and $15+. While I don't necessarily have a problem paying that much for a burger lunch, it has to be delicious, and unfortunately I grade this meal at a C minus. The good: the food was at a good temperature, served quickly and the customer service was also good. The bad: The burger meat tastes bland and I mean unseasoned. Maybe they salt and pepper the outside as it's on the grill, but once you taste the inside of the meat patty, it is definitely unseasoned and could be any kind of hamburger meat at that point. Don't think too long about that. The burger was a bit messy. Either too much water left in the lettuce or they have the veggies on ice or something. By the time I got 3/4th the way through the thing, it was falling apart, so I just ended up ditching the bread and veggies and pulling out the meat and cheese to finish it off. The tater tots just seemed average, no real complaints there, but the size of their regular shake was pretty small. I asked the drive through clerk if that was a kid's size. He responded, no, we get that question a lot. Well, message to the owners, there's your clear and honest undercover boss moment. Time to upgrade the shake size. For $4, I could probably circle back to Baskin Robbins and get something a little better than soft serve for the same price. Maybe. I don't know. But why make me think that with your small shake size? Ha ha.

So overall: great playground for kids. Probably a festive family atmosphere. But the burger flavor just wasn't there. For my burger dollars, I think I'm going to have to stick with PTerry's or In-and-Out. Hope this feedback is helpful, no disrespect meant. I was hoping for better. That's why I came by in the first place,...

The food is consistent which is good. You always know what you’re going to get. The employees are nice. Most of our problems are in the bench seats where I notice many busy their knees on the benches, can’t get the seats out and sit on them without blocking others walking by, and they’re difficult to put back in. I’m glad though that they fix their gates quickly because it seems kids are always breaking them. Twice though I’ve noticed there being broken gates but no one had used other means to keep them closed. Toddlers were running into the street constantly on that day and with parents being unable to see around the playscape, it made it pretty scary. Heating is another issue. There’s heaters on cold days but it seems like they’re only in one spot. All of the parents were trying to find tables that had consistent heat so we all tried to find chairs at about three tables that had heat but didn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable. No chairs available inside and even if we went inside, we wouldn’t be able to see our kids outside. The trash cans are constantly overflowing with no employee able to break away to clean them out until the crowd has slowed down. Trash blowing in the wind, trash all over the ground, trash cans covered in ketchup. Needing more trash cans or someone designated to check constantly.

New Edit: They really need to take some effort in cleaning the gross grime buildup on the tables and chairs. You can see hand oil, food oils, and dirt in layers on the chairs....

The burgers are freaking amazing. All of them! The jalepeno cole slaw, the bacon, the shakes (try the Oreo dirt worm one for a touch of nostalgia). But Ben, one of the managers, is what allowed me to have the experience to try them ! I pulled up to the drive through looking for a cheap burger because all I had was $5 to my name. He paid for me to have a real meal when I said I couldn’t afford even the Little Hat. I stay out of my car but that night I had burger and fries with jalapeño cole slaw and I felt like the King of France watching my show and getting that itis’ from the burger. Now I got my first check and I can eat there like normal and know the burgers and sweet potato fries are with every penny. I might now have ever given the place a chance. Past the food the service and kindness of people like Ben make me a better person as I strive to make someone else as happy in my work and everyday life , as they made me. Cheers to Ben and all the staff over there that have helped me feel very welcome...