Austin’s vibrant food scene extends beyond traditional restaurants, with food trucks playing a starring role in the city’s culinary landscape. These mobile eateries offer diverse and innovative cuisine, often at affordable prices. From tacos and barbecue to international flavors and unique fusion concepts, Austin’s food trucks cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
The best food trucks in Austin combine quality ingredients, creative recipes, and a dedication to flavor that rivals many brick-and-mortar establishments. These mobile kitchens have become local institutions, drawing both residents and tourists alike to sample their offerings. Whether parked in bustling downtown areas or tucked away in neighborhood corners, Austin’s top food trucks consistently deliver memorable dining experiences.
1) The Peached Tortilla
The Peached Tortilla stands out as a beloved food truck in Austin’s culinary scene. Founded in 2010, it offers a unique fusion of Southern comfort food and Asian flavors.
The truck’s menu features innovative dishes like BBQ Brisket Tacos and Crispy Umami Chicken Wings. These creative combinations have earned The Peached Tortilla a loyal following among Austin locals and visitors alike.
In addition to their regular service, The Peached Tortilla caters private events. They offer a variety of options, including appetizers, their original street-to-table menu, desserts, and late-night snacks.
The Peached Tortilla has expanded beyond its food truck roots. It now operates multiple locations, showcasing the popularity and success of its distinctive culinary approach.
Contact:
Website: www.thepeachedtortilla.com
Multiple locations in Austin, TX (Check website for specific addresses)
Phone: (512) 330-4439
2) Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ has been a beloved Austin food truck since 2013. Founded by husband-and-wife team Miguel and Modesty Vidal, it quickly gained popularity for its unique fusion of Texas barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine.
The food truck moved around Austin over the years, including stints on West Sixth Street and far south Austin on Menchaca Road. Valentina’s became known for its mouthwatering combination of smoked meats and Mexican-inspired flavors.
In 2024, Valentina’s faced unexpected challenges. The restaurant closed abruptly in April, surprising many loyal customers. Despite the closure, Valentina’s left a lasting impact on Austin’s food scene with its innovative approach to barbecue.
During its operation, Valentina’s served high-quality meats from Hartley Ranch, a Texas family business known for top-of-the-line beef and pork products. This commitment to quality ingredients contributed to the truck’s popularity and success.
Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
Website: valentinastexmexbbq.com
Note: As of December 2024, Valentina’s is temporarily closed. Check their social media for updates.
3) Micklethwait Craft Meats
Micklethwait Craft Meats stands out as a beloved food truck in Austin’s barbecue scene. Located in East Austin, this trailer offers a mouth-watering array of smoked meats and sides.
The menu features classic Texas barbecue staples like brisket, beef ribs, and sausage. Visitors can also enjoy pulled pork, smoked turkey, and barbacoa. Scratch-made sides complement the meats, with options like jalapeño cheese grits and lemon poppy slaw.
The food truck’s popularity has earned it recognition from Food Network as one of “America’s 25 Best Food Trucks.” Patrons can dine at picnic tables under shade trees, taking in the aroma of the barbecue pits.
Micklethwait Craft Meats is expanding its presence in Austin. The team recently purchased a building on Tanney Street, which will become their new restaurant in early winter 2024.
Micklethwait Craft Meats
Address: 1309 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702
Website: craftmeatsaustin.com
4) East Side King
East Side King is a beloved Austin food truck that serves up innovative Asian-fusion cuisine. Founded by renowned chef Paul Qui, it blends Japanese, Thai, and other Asian flavors with a unique Texas twist.
The menu features bold and creative dishes that have earned East Side King a loyal following. Popular items include their crispy beet home fries, Thai chicken karaage, and pork belly buns.
East Side King started as a single food truck but has since expanded to multiple locations around Austin. Their success has even led to the opening of brick-and-mortar restaurants.
Visitors can expect vibrant flavors, generous portions, and a casual, laid-back atmosphere typical of Austin’s food truck scene. East Side King’s commitment to quality ingredients and inventive recipes has made it a staple of the city’s culinary landscape.
East Side King
Multiple locations in Austin, TX
Website: www.eastsideking.com
5) Chi’Lantro BBQ
Chi’Lantro BBQ has become an Austin favorite, blending Korean and Mexican cuisines to create unique flavor combinations. The food truck’s success led to multiple brick-and-mortar locations across the city.
Their signature dish is the kimchi fries, topped with caramelized kimchi, choice of protein, and a variety of sauces. The Korean BBQ tacos are another popular menu item, featuring marinated meats wrapped in warm tortillas.
Chi’Lantro’s innovative fusion approach extends to their rice bowls and burgers, offering a diverse range of options for different tastes. The truck’s menu rotates seasonally, incorporating fresh, local ingredients.
Founded in 2010 as a single food truck, Chi’Lantro has grown into a local culinary icon. Its popularity stems from consistently delivering bold flavors and creative dishes that keep customers coming back for more.
Chi’Lantro BBQ
Address: 823 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701
Website: www.chilantrobbq.com
Phone: (512) 480-8400
6) Franklin Barbecue
Franklin Barbecue has achieved legendary status among Austin’s food trucks. This mobile barbecue joint has garnered national acclaim for its mouthwatering smoked meats, particularly the brisket.
Pitmaster Aaron Franklin’s dedication to his craft shines through in every bite. The brisket is tender, juicy, and boasts a perfect smoke ring and bark. Many consider it the best in Texas, if not the entire country.
While brisket steals the show, Franklin Barbecue also offers other delectable options. Their pork ribs, pulled pork, and turkey are equally impressive, showcasing the same attention to detail and flavor.
Be prepared for long lines, as Franklin Barbecue’s popularity means wait times can stretch for hours. Many barbecue enthusiasts consider the wait part of the experience and a testament to the quality.
Franklin Barbecue
900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 653-1187
Website: franklinbbq.com
7) La BBQ
La BBQ stands out as one of Austin’s premier barbecue food trucks. Known for its mouthwatering smoked meats, this popular spot often draws long lines of eager customers.
The truck’s brisket is a standout, with its perfectly rendered fat and flavorful bark. Pulled pork and sausages are also crowd favorites, showcasing the pit master’s skill and attention to detail.
La BBQ’s sides complement the meats well, with options like chipotle slaw and potato salad adding a zesty kick to the meal. The truck’s sauce selection allows diners to customize their barbecue experience.
Despite its food truck status, La BBQ maintains consistent quality that rivals many brick-and-mortar establishments. Its reputation has grown steadily since its inception, cementing its place in Austin’s competitive barbecue scene.
La BBQ
Address: 2027 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78702
Phone: (512) 605-9696
Website: www.labarbecue.com
8) Veracruz All Natural
Veracruz All Natural stands out as a beloved food truck serving authentic Mexican cuisine in Austin. Founded by sisters Reyna and Maritza Vazquez in 2010, it has become a local favorite.
The menu features homemade tortillas, fresh ingredients, and organic juices. Their migas tacos have gained widespread acclaim, even catching the attention of the Food Network.
Veracruz All Natural offers a variety of dishes including fish tacos, veggie tacos, homemade mole tacos, tortas, and quesadillas. They prioritize quality by shopping daily for the freshest ingredients.
The food truck’s success has led to multiple locations throughout the greater Austin area. Customers can enjoy their meals in casual, outdoor settings.
Veracruz All Natural combines traditional Mexican flavors with a commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. This approach has earned them a dedicated following among Austin’s food enthusiasts.
Contact: Multiple locations in Austin, TX
Website: veracruzallnatural.com
9) Via 313 Pizza
Via 313 Pizza brings Detroit-style pizza to the heart of Austin. This food truck serves up thick, rectangular pies with crispy edges and a chewy interior.
Their pizzas feature high-quality toppings and a generous layer of cheese that extends to the crust. The result is a indulgent, flavorful slice that has earned national recognition.
Via 313 offers both traditional and creative topping combinations. Gluten-free and dairy-free options are also available, catering to various dietary needs.
The food truck’s popularity has led to the opening of several brick-and-mortar locations across Austin. However, the original trailer continues to draw crowds.
Via 313 Pizza, Rainey Street, Austin, TX 78701
Website: www.via313.com
10) Hey Cupcake!
Hey Cupcake! has become an Austin institution since its inception. This beloved food truck specializes in delectable cupcakes that satisfy sweet cravings across the city.
Known for their moist cakes and creamy frostings, Hey Cupcake! offers a variety of classic and innovative flavors. Their signature red velvet and vanilla dream cupcakes are perennial favorites among locals and visitors alike.
The truck’s retro-style aesthetic adds to its charm, making it a recognizable fixture in Austin’s food scene. Its popularity has led to multiple locations throughout the city, including both mobile and stationary units.
Hey Cupcake! has garnered recognition beyond local fame. It has been featured in various “best of” lists, cementing its status as one of Austin’s top food truck destinations.
The truck’s success demonstrates the enduring appeal of well-crafted, simple desserts in a city known for culinary innovation.
Hey Cupcake!
Location: 4209 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78722
Website: www.heycupcake.com
Food Truck Culture in Austin
Austin’s food truck scene is a vibrant and integral part of the city’s culinary landscape. These mobile eateries offer diverse, innovative cuisine that reflects Austin’s eclectic tastes and entrepreneurial spirit.
History of Food Trucks in Austin
Food trucks in Austin gained popularity in the early 2000s. The city’s relatively mild climate and outdoor-friendly lifestyle provided an ideal environment for mobile dining. In 2006, the first food truck park opened, creating a hub for these culinary entrepreneurs.
As the trend grew, Austin’s government implemented regulations to support the industry. This included designated areas for food trucks and streamlined permitting processes. The South by Southwest festival played a crucial role in showcasing local food trucks to a global audience.
By 2010, food trucks had become a staple of Austin’s dining scene. They offered affordable, creative options for locals and tourists alike. Many successful brick-and-mortar restaurants in Austin started as food trucks, demonstrating the concept’s potential for growth.
Impact on Local Cuisine
Food trucks have significantly influenced Austin’s culinary landscape. They serve as incubators for innovative food concepts and fusion cuisines. Many trucks specialize in unique combinations, like Korean-Mexican tacos or gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
These mobile eateries have made diverse cuisines more accessible to Austin residents. They’ve introduced international flavors and cooking styles to the local palate. Food trucks have also fostered a culture of experimentation, encouraging chefs to take risks with their menus.
The competitive nature of the food truck scene has raised the bar for quality and creativity in Austin’s overall food industry. This has led to a more dynamic and diverse dining experience across the city, from street food to high-end restaurants.
Key Locations for Food Trucks
Austin’s food truck scene thrives in various parts of the city. Certain areas have become known as go-to spots for finding an array of delicious mobile eateries.
Downtown Hotspots
Congress Avenue and 2nd Street feature a concentration of food trucks, especially during lunchtime. The area around the Texas State Capitol draws hungry government workers and tourists alike. South Congress (SoCo) hosts several popular trucks, offering everything from tacos to gourmet grilled cheese. Rainey Street, known for its nightlife, transforms into a food truck haven in the evenings.
Some trucks rotate locations, so checking social media for current spots is advisable. Many downtown office buildings have designated food truck areas in their parking lots or nearby streets.
Popular Neighborhoods
East Austin has emerged as a food truck mecca. The East 6th Street area boasts numerous trucks serving diverse cuisines. Mueller neighborhood features a dedicated food truck park with rotating vendors.
South Austin’s food truck scene centers around South 1st Street and South Lamar Boulevard. These areas offer a mix of established favorites and up-and-coming concepts.
North Austin isn’t left out, with clusters of trucks found near The Domain and in the North Loop neighborhood. These spots cater to local residents and workers in the tech corridor.