Austin’s burger scene has a new, unlikely critic: Jackson Rathbone. Best known for his role as the brooding vampire Jasper Hale in the Twilight saga, Rathbone has embraced a decidedly more down-to-earth pastime since relocating to the Texas capital less than a year ago. He’s documenting his culinary explorations, one greasy, cheese-laden burger at a time, on Instagram, offering candid reviews to his 1 million followers. But the burger reviews, it turns out, are just a symptom of a larger shift for the actor – a move toward radical honesty, both online and in his personal life.
Sitting in a booth at Dan’s Hamburgers on Menchaca during the lunch rush, Rathbone carefully assesses a classic Dan’s burger: a beef patty, melted cheese, tomatoes, and pickles on a toasted brioche bun. “At the end of a long work day, I’m always like — What am I doing for dinner?” he said, eyeing the burger. “It’s always burgers. They’re straightforward and consistent… It’s a perfect little meal.” This simple pleasure, he explains, became a focal point as he navigated the evolving demands of being an actor in the age of social media.
Rathbone found himself increasingly pressured to maintain an active online presence to secure roles. Unsure of what to share beyond carefully curated publicity shots, he turned to something genuine: his love for hamburgers. He began snapping photos and posting short reviews, a ritual he repeats at every new burger joint he visits. On Tuesday, he shared his seize on Dan’s with his followers, stating, “I always order the burger the way it comes,” before adding, “Suffice to say… it was too much mayo for me… This is a decent cafe burger, but nothing to really ‘seek out’ in terms of the incredible burger scene here in Austin.” The post garnered hundreds of comments, a testament to the unexpected appeal of a vampire reviewing burgers.
From West Texas Football to the Stage
Despite his fame as a vampire, Rathbone’s roots are firmly planted in West Texas. Growing up in Midland, he initially tried to follow the path of many teenage boys in the region: playing football. But it wasn’t a good fit. “The coach is like, ‘Bone, stop smiling. What’s wrong with you? This isn’t party time,’” Rathbone recalled with a laugh. “But I was like, ‘Dude, we’re just having fun, man.’ I never really took it seriously—whereas I took being an actor seriously and making music seriously. That was my passion.”
A pair of concussions, sustained in the fifth and eighth grades, further solidified his decision to leave the sport. At 13, he discovered DJing, navigating the local scene with the help of older friends, and simultaneously joined the Midland Community Theater. “As opposed to just being a weird wallflower, I was like—I’ll be the centerpiece,” Rathbone said. “I’ll develop myself known, and I’ll be a jester. In that, I covered up a lot of truth.” This early embrace of performance, he admits, was a way to mask insecurities and escape a lack of self-love.
Facing Demons and Finding Sobriety
Rathbone moved to Los Angeles at 18 to pursue acting, quickly landing roles in films like The Last Airbender and, of course, Twilight. While the blockbuster success brought recognition, he found himself increasingly drawn to smaller, independent productions and his music. He also began attending fan expos, where he openly shares his journey with sobriety, crediting his wife, Sheila, for her unwavering support.
“I chased acting because I wanted to be something different,” Rathbone confessed. “I didn’t really have a lot of self-love, and being other people was a way for me to escape that feeling.” He attributes his past struggles with alcohol to anxiety, depression, and a desire to numb his emotions. “There were nights I found myself so drunk that I would have been useless in a house fire,” he said, reflecting on a dark period in his life. “It took me a long time to really realize that, and there was a guilt and shame spiral.”
Now 41, Rathbone is actively pursuing what he calls “radical honesty.” This commitment to authenticity is at the heart of his forthcoming album with his band, STARMOTHER, titled Disco Punk Is Dead. “This album is rudely honest about how my brain works,” he explained. “There’s songs about my sobriety and how the demon on my shoulder is always chasing me about it. How much easier would it be to give up.” He emphasized that the album isn’t about seeking external validation, but rather a personal exploration of his inner struggles.
Austin as a Creative Haven
After years of moving around the U.S., Rathbone and his family settled in Austin, drawn to the city’s vibrant arts and music scene. “I love this city so much,” he said. “It was that shining beacon in the distance when I was growing up in Midland. It’s a city where weirdness, art, music and culture are celebrated. That’s where I want to be.” He plans to become deeply involved in the local music community, while continuing his burger reviews and, most importantly, spending time with his wife and children, whom he calls “the greatest thing” he’s ever done.
Rathbone’s journey, from a smiling football player to a brooding vampire to a burger-loving musician, is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the courage to embrace vulnerability. He’s found a sense of belonging in Austin, a place where he can be authentically himself, one honest review and one heartfelt song at a time. The band STARMOTHER is scheduled to release Disco Punk Is Dead later this year, with tour dates to be announced. Fans can follow Rathbone’s burger adventures and musical updates on his Instagram account.
Disclaimer: This article discusses themes of addiction and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues, please reach out for help. Resources are available at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit https://www.samhsa.gov/.
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