Bailey’s Burgers

24801 I-35 (exit 210), Kyle, inside Central Texas Speedway; 512/585-0360
Thu.-Fri., 6-9pm; Sat., 1-4pm
www.baileysburgers.com

Another great burger can be found at Bailey’s Burgers, and since it is located at the Central Texas Speedway just south of Kyle, it’s a perfect fit for racing enthusiasts. It started as a conventional cafeteria-style burger and sandwich snack bar for the racetrack, but three years ago that all changed when it became Bailey’s Burgers. They get their custom meat mix freshly ground from Bon Ton Meat Market right up the road, the sourdough buns are baked locally, and they feature a whole menu of droolworthy specialty burgers, as well as some seriously good sandwiches and salads. The crispy, golden brown, fresh-fried potato chips are worth the trip alone, and if you’re hungry, the Kitchen Sink burger is the one for you: meat, cheddar, bacon, fried egg, avocado, red onion, ripe tomato, and local lettuce (mine had sweet, crispy Lolla Rossa red leaf). They will cook the patties to whatever doneness you prefer. A big draw is Friday Night Steak Night. Order your steak by Thursday (see the website for the email address), and it will be cut Friday afternoon at Bon Ton. Twenty bucks gets you a juicy, grilled 12-ounce rib eye, a pile of garlic mashed potatoes, a lush salad, dessert, fresh rolls, and drink. Look for the track entrance just north of the Yarrington Road overpass, on the east frontage road. If there is a race in progress, just tell the folks at the gate you are eating at Bailey’s. Look for the building just to the right of the gate. Cash only.

This article appears in November 15 • 2013.

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Mick Vann is a retired Austin chef who is a food writer and restaurant critic, cookbook author, restaurant consultant, and recipe developer. He moonlights as a University of Texas horticulturist with a propensity for ethnic eats and international food, particularly of the Asian persuasion, but he also knows his way around a plate of soul food or barbecue.