Phil's Ice House

Phil's Ice House Restaurant Review:

Perched at the edge of busy Burnet Road, Phil’s Ice House is a beer and grill mecca for fatigued commuters and multi-sibling families. Inventive hamburgers include the Jardin, piled high with ham, bacon, mayonnaise, peppers and cheddar, and the Violet Crown, featuring layers of blue cheese and grilled onions on a jalapeño cheddar bun. Among the standard accompaniments offered, thick sweet potato fries are the best way to complete your burger basket. Chicken tenders, mini burgers, and an adjacent playground filled with colorful slides and plastic replica barnyard animals easily entertain tots; adults can watch and relax nearby with wines by the glass and a modest selection of domestic and imported beers. Both Phil’s locations are adjacent to the owners’ original venture, Amy’s Ice Creams, a longtime Austin staple. This compels most diners to at least attempt to save room for homemade ice cream, although the generous portions make it difficult to do so. Also located at 2901 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, 512-707-8704.