Movie road trip: A cinematic site per state for all 50 states

Top Notch Austin Texas, photo from company Facebook page

Texas: Dazed and Confused

Before playing the bongos and his signature “Alright, alright, alright,” Matthew McConaughey starred in Dazed and Confused. The low-budget film shot in Austin, Texas gained critical acclaim. Following a group of high schoolers on the last day of school, the kids live up to the slacker adjective. While some may not approve of the subject matter or choices, the movie gives good insight to a small Texas town.

Austin isn’t a small Texas town. Considered a very forward thinking, art-centric city, Austin is filled with music venues, highly-rated restaurants and eclectic sights. All around the city are references to various movies, television shows, or other pop culture references. But, for the Dazed and Confused fan, Austin has a few must visit places.

First on the list is Top Notch. This old school burger joint was featured in the movie. What sets this restaurant apart is the car hop experience. A car hop is where servers bring your food to your car and you eat in the car. The classic car hop is still available at Top Notch.

Food at Top Notch is classic, American fare. Don’t expect to get some gourmet burger or super healthy choices. The hamburgers and onion rings are always a good choice. Going here is like taking a trip back to the 1970s. Don’t overthink the experience.

Unfortunately, a few other classic sites from the movie have changed a little. The Poodle Dog Lounge, the Emporium Club in the movie, is now the Aristocrat Lounge. The new owners kept some of the dive bar feel, but it is a little more updated. It is a good place to play pool or grab a cocktail.

Even if you don’t make it to one of the exact locales from Dazed and Confused, a trip to Austin is always a great time. Plus, you might bump into Matthew McConaughey. It’s been known to happen.