Take The Cameron Road Challenge!

Recently, we've become increasingly frustrated with the eating choices in Austin. As chic restaurants rush to accommodate equally chic new residents, it seems like no one's building shitty old, often carpeted, fast-food joints anymore. Our search for an affordable yet filling meal has led us to three neon lights peeking out over a quiet East Austin road.

Far from First Thursday or 2nd Street, the new place to park and walk is Cameron Road. More specifically, the stretch between Highway 290 and Hillcrest Road, across the road from Reagan Square Plaza. Be it an error in zoning laws, clever developing, or just the grace of the almighty, Cameron Road hosts three fast food chains within one football field's length:

Sonic, America's Drive-In, famous for tater tots, cherry limeades and bite-sized ice. The only of the three with outside seating, but don't expect the waitresses to bust out the roller skates at this one.

Whataburger, a Corpus Christi creation that has cheap taquitos, toast with gravy and the only of these three open 24-hours. What's more, this building is one of the last remaining old school Whataburgers in Texas.

Fran's, an Austin original that needs no introduction, picks up on everything the other two lack: the best butter-saturated burgers, crispy fries in generous portions and amazing shakes and malts.

Representing an odd balance of local, statewide and national businesses, the aforementioned eateries are placed in such a convenient way that, a couple of weeks ago, a few drunk guys thought it'd be a reasonable idea to stuff their faces with three different hamburgers in three different restaurants. Now a tradition is born, and we'd like to pass this challenge along. We double dog dare you.