AUSTIN, Texas — One of Austin's oldest hamburger joints is celebrating 98 years in business.
On Thursday, Dirty Martin's is hosting an all-day birthday event starting at 11 a.m., with cake-cutting and free miniature milkshakes offered at 7 p.m.
The commemoration will be held on-site at 2808 Guadalupe St. in Downtown Austin, near the University of Texas campus, honoring nearly 100 years of serving Central Texas customers.
"We are especially excited about this celebration because things are starting to look more positive with the city. Heck, we might even be able to celebrate our 100th year here in a couple more years!" the restaurant posted to Facebook.
Attendees can enjoy happy hour specials all day, and a raffle will also be included during the celebration.
The history of Dirty Martin's
Dirty Martin's has an extensive history – and not long ago, it was at risk for being torn down.
Back in the fall of 2021, restaurant owner Mark Nemir learned of a new light rail system called Project Connect that, once completed, would run directly through his property.
The city of Austin, CapMetro and the Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) joined together for the project, and its Orange Line was the main cause for concern.
In response to the project, a petition was started in 2022 to help keep the restaurant alive. It garnered nearly 25,000 signatures.
Then, in late 2023, Dirty Martin's partnered with a former Texas senator, former council member and current county commissioner to sue the organizations behind Project Connect after its original plan was updated by the Austin City Council that same year.
In February 2024, ATP shared its plans to adjust the light rail path, allowing Dirty Martin's and other spots along Guadalupe Street to remain untouched.
Still, Nemir expressed his desire for ATP to declare an official statement ensuring his historic restaurant would be saved.
Since then, the iconic spot has continued serving up its well-known Kumbak burgers, French fries, Longhorn Chips and everything else that makes it a unique part of Austin's history.