The Chuckwagon Cafe

Reviews

• Rey B.

  star star star star star 31 May 2026

  Seldom is the day that I walk into the Winter's Building and not crave The Chuckwagon. The scent of breakfast greets (as well as assaults) your senses from beyond the parking lot. But it's upon crossing the threshold of its metallic gate (which shuts around 3p.m.) that one is treated to the friendliest folks this side of Central Austin.
  
  I'm not quite sure if there is actually a guy named Chuck, or if there was truly ever a wagon, but the crew of the chuckwagon knows how to cook a mean burger while still maintaining the kindest demeanor.
  
  When you aren't salivating at the beef stroganoff main course, you'll find yourself captivated by the little grill market on the side, where a delectably consistent menu of goodies (like a grilled cheese sandwhich made by the gods) is served daily.
  
  Sure, you have to have an access pass to enter this shrine of culinary excellence, but aren't some things in life just worth having an access pass?

• Kenneth B.

  star star star star star 28 May 2026

  If you love super exclusive, hard to find restaurants, with really specific hours, and lots of gravy, then The Chuckwagon Cafe (a.k.a Chuck's Wagon) is the place for you.
  
  Get in on the ground floor of the next underground "in the know" hangout in central Austin while it's still a secret. Just remember to bring your ID, not because they serve booze (they don't) but you literally need to have an ID to enter the building. A Texas state employee badge is preferable for fast-pass style service, but as long as you have a driver's license, the security desk will scan you in.
  
  Once inside Chuck's Wagon, you'll rub elbows with the state's elite over a plate of salisbury "steak," extra sloppy joes, cheeseburger macaroni (like Mom used to make when she was really tired), or smothered beef burritos (a favorite of the ladies). They also do breakfast, with a pretty decent taco Tuesday special for 99 cents.
  
  They have a nice selection of Maine Root softdrinks, and all the green or red salsa you can fit into those little cups.
  
  Prices are fair, with most lunch plates averaging $7. New price on muffins was $1.69 as I write this, just in case you were wondering.
  
  Service is where this place really shines. They always drain the grease off the meat when I get the nachos, without even having to ask, and there's a little bowl with pennies in case I need help making exact change. Whew! Chuck is especially cool. I have yet to meet the Wagon, though rumor has it he only comes out at night.
  
  The atmosphere really takes me back. To the 90's. In a small town cafeteria. Not quite like Furr's Cafeteria, but more like what a Furr's in 1990 wishes it could've been. I always wish I was brave enough to put flowers in a boot, but thankfully, Chuck's Wagon has me covered.
  
  So double check that they're open (see times below), grab your ID, check in with security, then walk, don't run (or security might tackle you) on over to Chuck's Wagon NOW, before it gets too popular. And tell em The Wagon sent ya!
  
  Hours of operation
  Monday through Friday: 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
  (Closed on state holidays when skeleton crew is not required.)
  
  Breakfast: 7-10:30 a.m.
  Hot Lunch Line and Tex-Mex: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  Grill: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Katie J.

  star star star star star_border 16 May 2026

  The Chuckwagon Cafe is located inside of the Winter's building, which houses several state agencies. It is open for breakfast and lunch and has a variety of options, including pre-packaged sandwiches, wraps and salads, grill and tex-mex menu items, and featured entrees  that change daily. For employees of the Winter's building, the Chuckwagon is a very convenient and affordable option. Employees are quick and friendly, providing great customer service. The biscuits and gravy are a favorite and a line forms out of the cafe on stuffed avocado day. My coworkers and I affectionately refer to it as Le Chuck. 'You don't have any lunch plans? Le Chuck it is!'