Sights & SEANWICHES: Not A Damn Chance you don't love this burger in Austin

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My social media feeds are a relentless barrage of food bloggers and chefs flaunting their latest culinary conquests, which only stokes the fire for my next adventure. It's no secret that my travel plans are centered around food, especially sandwiches. You don’t come up with a name like SEANWICHES without obsessing over the perfect combination of ingredients between two slices of bread. But every now and then, I find myself in a city where the sandwich scene doesn’t exactly ignite my passion. That’s when I turn to my reliable backups—tacos and burgers, the close cousins of the sandwich. Occasionally, they sneak into a Sights & SEANWICHES blog, like that time I stumbled upon a burger joint in Austin, Texas that demanded attention.

Austin, the capital of Texas, is a city where the scent of smoked brisket fills the air and the barbecue pits are revered like temples. It’s a place where history and innovation collide, where old-school Texan pride meets a fresh, eclectic spirit. Founded in 1839 and originally named Waterloo, Austin has evolved from a small frontier outpost into a cultural mecca. It’s a city where live music, tech startups, and, of course, food reign supreme. And in this BBQ town, where brisket is king, I found myself chasing a burger with serious hype—NADC Burger, short for Not A Damn Chance.

NADC is the brainchild of Professional Skateboarder Neen Williams and Michelin-starred Chef Phillip Frankland Lee. The concept was born from their shared passions for skateboarding and cooking. Lee, known for his acclaimed Sushi by Scratch Restaurants, would often hit the skatepark with Williams, and after a session, they'd reward themselves with their favorite treat—burgers. This sparked an idea: to perfect and elevate the “backyard dad burger” they both grew up loving.

The place was buzzing, a hive of energy—lines out the door, seating as scarce as a parking spot in Manhattan, and an atmosphere that screamed California skate shop. The NADC logo was splashed across the brick wall, bold and unapologetic, letting you know you were in the right spot. Skate videos looped on every screen, capturing the raw beauty of each trick and the inevitable wipeouts, keeping your eyes glued while your stomach growled. The open kitchen was the heart of it all, where the real magic happened—burgers hitting the griddle with a sizzle that made your mouth water. The smell of seared Wagyu beef mingled with the beats of '90s hip-hop, A Tribe Called Quest providing the rhythm for this culinary dance. This wasn’t just a place to grab a bite—it was a full-on experience.

We lucked out and snagged a couple of seats at the small bar, right in the thick of it. From there, we had a front-row view of the kitchen’s organized chaos and the bartender’s flawless drink-shaking performance. Normally, I’d grab my food to go and hunt down the perfect spot to savor it, but the vibe here was too electric to walk away from. This was where our 'Sights & SEANWICHES' moment had to unfold.

And the burger? It lived up to every bit of the hype. The first bite was pure magic—meat seared to a perfect crust, onions caramelized until they whispered sweetness, and pickles with just the right crunch, all nestled in a bun that was nothing short of perfection. The sauce? Sheer brilliance, pulling every flavor into a harmonious blend. When a meal makes you want to dance, you know it’s something special—and this burger was exactly that. Easily one of the best I’ve ever tasted.

Austin may be a city known for its barbecue, but that day, at that moment, it was a burger town. NADC Burger isn’t just serving food; they’re serving an experience, one that stays with you long after the last bite.

I stayed inside for this one—no sunset or outdoor oasis—but the experience still haunts me in the best way. It wasn’t cheap, sure, but some things are worth the extra coin. This was one of them. A solid 9 out of 10, no question.

buy the sandwich, take the walk

@Seanwiches_