Austin loves its old burger counters, and plenty of folks head straight for the famous downtown names. But a few miles north, near the University of Texas campus, sits a grill that started flipping patties back in 1926.
It began with dirt floors, eight stools, and one flat-top grill. Nearly a century later, it still serves cheeseburgers to students, families, and grandparents who once went on dates there.
The nickname came from those old floors, and the stories have only piled up since. Keep reading to learn where it is, what to order, when to go, and why this little legend might deserve your next cheeseburger stop.
A Century-Old Grill on Guadalupe
The spot in question is Dirty Martin’s Place, found at 2808 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78705, in the United States. It sits in the West Campus area, a short stroll from the University of Texas.
The restaurant calls itself a hamburger joint, and it means it. Burgers, sides, and classic American plates run the show here.
Its location on Guadalupe, often called the Drag by locals, puts it right in the middle of student life. That makes it a natural meeting point for classmates, alumni, and families visiting campus.
The building keeps an old-school look that fits its long history. Nothing about the place tries to be sleek or trendy.
The overall mood suits the neighborhood, with plenty of school spirit floating around. Longhorn fans are right at home, though fans of rival schools have also been known to find a friendly welcome.
Despite the casual setup, this is far more than a quick lunch counter. It has become one of the oldest burger stops in the city.
So the address is easy, and the parking lot sits right beside the outdoor seating. The more interesting question is how a tiny grill from the 1920s ended up lasting this long, and that story starts with some very humble floors.
How Dirt Floors Earned a Famous Nickname
Back in 1926, John Martin opened a small burger stand called Martin’s Kum-Bak. The setup was simple: one flat-top grill, an eight-stool bar, and a small drive-thru.
The floors were plain dirt in those early days. People started calling the place Dirty’s, and the name stuck like cheese on a hot patty.
Concrete replaced the dirt in the early 1950s. The nickname, however, never left the building.
Today the full name, Dirty Martin’s Place, carries that bit of humor right on the sign. It is a fun reminder that this spot grew from very modest roots.
The original Kum-Bak name lives on too. The signature cheeseburger still carries it, which ties every order back to the opening year.
The 100-year mark arrives in 2026, a milestone very few burger joints anywhere ever reach. The restaurant has been celebrating that centennial, and longtime fans have been cheering it on.
There is even a bit of local lore about a planned railroad that once threatened the area. The restaurant stayed put anyway.
A century of survival is impressive on its own. Still, the real heart of the story belongs to the people who worked the grill, and one cook in particular left a very long mark.
The Cook Who Stayed 53 Years
Some employees stick around for a year or two. Wesley Hughes stayed at the grill from 1956 to 2009, a run of more than five decades.
He became a well-known figure in the community during that time. Generations of students and locals grew up with him behind the counter.
Local legend adds another twist. His brother, J.T., is said to have created Austin’s first bacon cheeseburger.
That creation later became the O.T. Special, which still sits on the menu today.
It is basically the classic Kum-Bak cheeseburger with bacon added.
Stories like these explain why the walls feel like a scrapbook. Photos line the dining room, and many guests enjoy browsing them while they wait.
Plenty of people arrive because a parent or grandparent once ate here. Some former students from nearly 50 years ago still remember Friday night dates in these booths.
That kind of loyalty is hard to build. It comes from staying consistent while the city around you changes again and again.
Of course, history alone does not fill a bun. The menu has to back it up, so it is time to meet the cheeseburger that started it all.
The Kum-Bak Cheeseburger and Its Cousins
Since this article is all about cheeseburgers, here is the main event. The Kum-Bak Cheeseburger has been the signature order since 1926.
It features a 100% Angus beef patty with American cheese, mayo, pickle, and tomato. Everything comes on a toasted sesame bun.
The patties are on the thinner side. Many regulars recommend the double meat option for a heartier meal.
Next comes the O.T. Special, which adds bacon to the classic formula.
Fans often stack extras on it, such as a fried egg, grilled onions, or jalapeños.
The D.H. Special takes a different route.
It is a double patty melt with grilled onions, pickle, and tomato on Texas toast instead of a bun.
Spice lovers can ask for the Habanero Burger, which comes with real habaneros. It is one of the most talked-about burgers on the menu.
Opinions do vary. Some guests call these burgers timeless and simple, while others find them fairly average and leaning greasy.
That split is part of the deal at any old-school burger counter. The style here is classic and unfussy, not fancy or gourmet.
A burger rarely travels alone, though. The sides at Dirty’s might be the real reason some people keep coming back.
Onion Rings, Tots, and Fried Pickle Fame
Ask a crowd what to order on the side, and onion rings will come up again and again. They are easily the most mentioned side on the menu.
Tater tots are a close favorite. They come plain or loaded with chili and cheese, and there is also a version topped with ground beef.
Fried Pickle Slices have their own loyal following. Many guests say they plan to order them on every return trip.
The list keeps going from there. Will’s Sweet Potato Fries, fried jalapeños, and corn nuggets all show up on tables.
Chips and queso are another popular starter for groups. Sharing a few sides is a smart way to sample more of the menu.
Not every basket wins every heart. Some find the onion rings a bit dry, while others feel the tot portions could be larger.
A salt shaker usually sits on the table, so adjusting is easy. Small fixes like that keep things relaxed.
Burgers and sides cover most of the ordering. Yet there is a sweeter corner of the menu that deserves its own moment.
Shakes, Lemonade, and Beyond the Bun
Milkshakes are a quiet star here. Some guests go so far as to call them the best they have had.
The Oreo shake gets especially strong praise. It pairs naturally with a cheeseburger and a basket of rings.
House-made lemonade is another favorite. A strawberry version is on offer too, along with a bluebonnet lemonade that nods to the Texas state flower.
The menu stretches beyond beef as well. Dirty’s Chicken Sandwich features fried chicken tenders, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle mayo on a toasted sesame bun.
That sandwich ranks among the big three best sellers, right beside the Kum-Bak and the D.H. Special.
It is a solid pick for anyone taking a burger break.
There are also a BLT, an egg sandwich, and buffalo wings. Thursdays bring a wing deal, though opinions on the wings are mixed.
Having options helps groups with different tastes. Nobody has to sit out because burgers are not their thing.
With the menu covered, the next question is about the space itself. Where do you actually sit, and what is the vibe once you do?
Old-School Rooms and a Patio Out Front
The indoor space is larger than many expect. There is a main dining room, a separate hall for private events, and a small seating area by the bar counter.
Signs and old photos fill the walls. TVs play sports games, news, and funny clips, which keeps the room lively.
Outside, a large seating area sits by the parking lot. It is a popular choice on pleasant Austin days.
The overall vibe is casual and unpolished in the best way. It feels made for hanging out rather than rushing through.
Families, old friends, and big student groups all fit comfortably. Large parties often move through quickly, and tables get cleared fast.
Music plays in the background, adding to the relaxed mood. Plenty of guests mention liking the playlist.
Game days bring extra energy, given the campus next door. Longhorn pride shows up in the crowd, and well-known Longhorn figures have stopped by over the years.
For anyone tired of trendy spots with matching furniture, this is a welcome change. Next, a look at the people who keep the whole operation running.
Friendly Faces Behind the Counter
Kindness tends to stand out at Dirty’s. The team often gets credit for staying polite even when the place is packed.
First-timers commonly mention staff patiently walking them through the burger options. That help matters when a menu has this much history packed into it.
Small gestures leave lasting impressions. Staff have been known to carry food to tables for guests who need a hand and to hold the door on the way out.
Big groups get handled with speed. Orders tend to arrive quickly with little waiting.
Experiences are not perfect every single time. Some guests have dealt with register hiccups or slower waits, though the staff usually works to fix things.
A few have found the energy at the bar more neutral than warm on quieter nights. Like any busy spot, the experience can shift from day to day.
Overall, though, the team earns a lot of goodwill. That shows in the strong 4.5-star average across about 1,690 Google ratings.
Friendly service is great, but practical details matter just as much. Here is what to know before heading over.
Hours, Costs, and a Fair Verdict
Timing a visit is simple. The doors open at 11 AM every day of the week.
From Sunday through Wednesday, closing time is 9 PM. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the kitchen stays open until 10 PM.
Most meals land in the $10 to $20 range per person. A burger, fries, and a drink can come close to the top of that range.
Some guests feel it runs a little high for what it is. Others happily pay for the history and the setting.
Since it sits in West Campus, expect a student crowd, especially during the school year. The parking lot beside the patio helps, though nearby streets can get busy.
A full menu is listed on the official website at dirtymartins.com. Checking it before arriving makes ordering easier.
So, is it worth skipping other famous names for this one? For anyone chasing a cheeseburger with real roots, Dirty Martin’s makes a strong case.
It may not be the fanciest burger in Texas. But very few grills can say they have been feeding Austin for a hundred years, and that kind of story is worth a seat at the counter.
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