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Restaurant · Local · American · Seafood

Willie's Grill & Icehouse

ClosedGoogle: 4.3★ (249)
WORTH IT

Long-running Texas chain for brews, burgers, chicken & seafood in a family-friendly setting.

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Your call, Leander

Willie's Grill & Icehouse

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Anthony's take

By Anthony Martinez, The Leander Local · Updated June 2026

The service model had me scratching my head. You order at the counter, pour your own beverage, sit down, and ten or fifteen minutes later a waiter materializes while a runner's already dropped your food. I never quite cracked the logic. What I did crack: the seafood, which is where this Texas chain earns its keep. Shrimp tacos, brisket mac and cheese balls, and pickle chips that I kept reaching for.

The chicken tenders came out moist, the caesar was a clean palate-reset, and the chipotle brisket tacos were messy but worth the napkins. Katie and Channing both worked the floor with real warmth, checking in without hovering. It's a big bar, big groups fit easy, and it's a good thing to have more food options landing in Leander.

The Order

Shrimp tacos, the brisket mac and cheese balls, and a side of pickle chips.

⚠ Gotcha

It's order-at-the-counter, get-your-own-drinks, but a server still comes by. Don't wait around for someone to take your order.

Locals say

Local reviews