Willie's Grill & Icehouse

Willie's Grill & Icehouse is a classic Texas icehouse, harmoniously combining the atmosphere of a grill bar with a cozy family restaurant. Located in College Station, USA, this establishment is famous for its hospitality and authentic interior, created with the help of local artists and craftsmen.

Founded in 1993, the Willie's chain has grown from a small burger joint into an iconic destination for relaxation. The spirit of old Texas reigns here: open garage doors, live music, and ice-cold beer traditionally served in special ice troughs. A standout feature of the establishment is its scratch kitchen — all dishes and sauces are prepared daily from fresh ingredients.

The menu offers a rich selection: from massive burgers and Tex-Mex classics to traditional Southern Cajun-style snacks. Willie's Grill & Icehouse is also known for its active support of the local community, regularly organizing charity nights and sponsoring school and sports teams, making it an important part of the region's social life.

For more details or to book a table for a large group, you can contact the establishment directly. The staff at Willie's Grill & Icehouse are always ready to help organize your visit.

At Willie's Grill & Icehouse, everyone will find something to enjoy. The main ritual here is tasting ice-cold beer from the famous ice troughs on the spacious terrace. It's the perfect place to relax after a hot day, enjoying the fresh air and live music, which is often played in the evenings.

Food lovers should check out the signature burgers, Tex-Mex style tacos, and fresh seafood. Since the kitchen operates on a "made from scratch" principle, you can appreciate the taste of dishes prepared to order. Be sure to try the homemade sauces, which the chefs make by hand every morning.

For families with children, there is special entertainment, while sports fans will appreciate the large screens for watching matches. Don't forget to take a close look at the decor: the walls are decorated with unique murals, and the furniture is made from eco-friendly, recycled materials, giving the place a special character and coziness.

Willie's Grill & Icehouse is located at 940 University Dr E, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. If you are traveling by car, head toward University Drive — one of the city's main arteries, passing right by the Texas A&M University campus. Free parking is available on-site.

For those who prefer public transport, the Aggie Transit buses, which serve the university area, stop nearby. You can also use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft; a trip from the central part of the city will take no more than 5–10 minutes.

If you are on the Texas A&M campus, the restaurant is within walking or cycling distance — about 1–2 kilometers away. From the nearest airport, Easterwood Airport (CLL), the drive takes approximately 15–20 minutes, which is convenient for tourists just arriving in the city.

The history of Willie's Grill & Icehouse began in 1993 in Houston. Initially a modest burger joint, it quickly won the hearts of locals with its relaxed atmosphere and quality food. Over time, the project grew into a popular chain while maintaining the spirit of a traditional Texas "icehouse."

One of the key features of the chain is the individual approach to the design of each location. In College Station, the restaurant's interior includes elements created by local artisans from recycled materials and unique murals. This emphasizes the establishment's connection to the local community and its culture.

The icehouse tradition in Texas dates back to a time when such places served as ice distribution points and social hubs. Willie's Grill & Icehouse has successfully adapted this concept for modern times, evolving from a simple burger spot into a place where generations of Texans meet to enjoy each other's company in the open air.

Typically, a visit to Willie's Grill & Icehouse takes about 1.5 to 3 hours. This is plenty of time to explore the menu at your leisure, enjoy the main courses, and spend time on the outdoor terrace listening to music or watching sports broadcasts.

If you are planning a visit with a large group or with children, it's worth setting aside about 4 hours. The presence of play areas for children and the relaxed atmosphere encourage long stays, especially in the evening or on weekends when the place becomes particularly lively.

Willie's Grill & Icehouse is open to visitors daily, offering a convenient schedule for both an early lunch and a late dinner. On Friday and Saturday, the restaurant stays open an hour longer, allowing guests to fully enjoy the weekend evening atmosphere.

Current opening hours:\n

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• Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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• Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
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• Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
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A visit to Willie's Grill & Icehouse can easily be combined with exploring other interesting places in the city. Its location near the university campus opens up many opportunities for walks and cultural leisure, allowing you to see both historical monuments and modern entertainment centers in one day.

The surrounding area is rich in attractions related to state history and student life. Exploring these locations will help you better feel the spirit of Texas and make your trip more fulfilling.