24 Diner-Austin’s Newest Late Night Restaurant-Will Make You Fat.
Chris chats with Niki, one of the waitresses at 24 Diner
For years, Austin’s Late-Night Restaurant scene has been controlled by a trifecta of tradition: Magnolia Cafe, Kirby Lane and Katz’s Deli. Everyone knows that Magnolia and Kirby have the queso and the pancakes, and Katz’s has fried pickles and a menu full of heartburn. Everyone has their favorite, and most people have grown set in their late-night eating ways.
As a Magnolia fan by birth (I inherited it from my mom and grandmother), I was actually offended by the thought of another diner coming into the market. After trying out 24 Diner on 6th and Lamar again-and again-and again, however, I’ve decided that change is good. In fact, the change at 24 is sooo good, that it’s making me fat.
This plate of Chili Cheese Fries got slaughtered!
From the collard greens with bacon to the massive challah bread French Toast to the Bananas Foster or Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshakes and thick azz burgers or the Pork Belly Sandwich, there’s enough comfort in that food to build a comfortable tire around my gut. But it’s Winter, and frankly, I’m ok with packing on the pounds-well at least until Lake Seasons starts in…ACK 5 weeks. Anyway, nothing tastes as good as being rolled out of a restaurant feels.
All joking aside, this may be my new post-bar destination. The Chili Cheese Fries are enough for a table of 8 drunks (see the video for proof!), and there isn’t the line that you might find at the more wider-known destinations. And while the menu may seem a little pricey at first, the portions are large enough that you’ll be able to take home half to help nurse your hangover the next day. And veggies harken: They’ve got a lot of healthy, farm fresh options on the menu.
These shakes are making Chris fat--esp the two he had that night.
24 Diner is still a new place. And while the food may be good, we did encounter a couple of problems, the biggest being consistency. Shakes don’t always taste the same, and it seems like recipes for simple dishes are constantly changing. Hopefully these kinks will work themselves out over time because I’m kinda starting to fall for this place.
Two more words before I go: Chicken and Waffles.
WATCH: In the 3-minute video below, Rachel and Chris hit up 24 Diner and try the Stuffed Swiss Chard and the Grilled Cheese. It gets rowdy when Chris invites their waitress to join them. Oh yeah, then there’s the flashback sequence of a drunken, late-night attack on a plate of Chili Cheese Fries. With its special “flashback” transition, it’s not to be missed!
DEETS ABOUT 24 DINER:
- WHERE: 600 N Lamar, 78703 (6th and Lamar-in the old Waterloo Ice House space), 512-472-5400
- WHEN: 24-7
- PRICE: Breakfast foods ($7-10), Burgers and Sandwiches ($9-12), Entrees ($10-20)
- OVERALL: B+ (super tasty, maybe a little pricey for diner food, problems with consistency over several visits)
SHARE: Have you been to 24 Diner? Tell us what you had. Did you like it?
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When you mention “lake season,” you bring joy to my cold, icey heart.
Love the video! You are giving me ideas for what I will order on my very first trip this Friday. Also, I hate cream gravy too! The drunken debauchery chili cheese fries segment was quite amusing.
Lake Season isn’t just a period of time, it’s a way of life. I’m already working on picking out the perfect thong.
I STRONGLY recommend the French Toast or the Pork Belly Sandwich. Other tops include: Roasted Swiss Chard and the Veggie Fritata. And don’t miss the milkshakes
Can’t wait to hear what you think!
Twitter Comment
REVIEW: 24 Diner Will Make You Fat. | Republic of Austin [link to post]
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Jebus, I’m getting fat just looking at that shake and chili and fries. Fortunately, I stop caring about calories at 3am.
“As a Magnolia fan by birth (I inherited it from my mom and grandmother), I was actually offended by the thought of another diner coming into the market.” Well said, Chris.
When I visited this place they had overpriced, marginal food and slow / inconsistent service. I could go into lots of silly complaints about this place, but that isn’t my style . I had high hopes for it, but I just don’t think I will go back.