7 Best Food Trucks in Austin for a Quick and Tasty Bite
A Local's Guide
In recent years, Austin has become a culinary hotspot, attracting food enthusiasts from all around the country. Food trucks, in particular, have taken the city by storm, offering diverse and flavorful options that cater to every palate. From traditional barbecue to innovative vegan dishes, Austin's food truck scene is bustling with choices.
Wondering where to find the best quick and tasty bites on wheels? With so many options available, it can be challenging to decide where to start. This article will guide you through some of the top food trucks in Austin, ensuring that each stop leaves you both satisfied and eager for more.
1) The Peached Tortilla
The Peached Tortilla brings a vibrant mix of Southern and Asian flavors to the streets of Austin. Known for their unique take on gourmet tacos and sliders, this food truck has become a local favorite. They offer a wide range of menu items from Szechuan veggie tacos to Banh Mi sliders, all crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
This food truck also excels in catering for various events, from weddings and corporate lunches to school functions and social gatherings. Each dish is made to order, ensuring a fresh and delicious experience every time.
For those traveling through Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, The Peached Tortilla has a location there as well, combining modern Asian comfort food with a Southern twist.
Contact:
Address: 1915 E Whitestone Blvd #105, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Phone: (512) 456-7120
Website: thepeachedtortilla.com
2) Chi'Lantro BBQ
Chi'Lantro BBQ began as a food truck in 2010, bringing Korean barbecue fusion to the streets of Austin. Known for their unique Kimchi Fries, this spot quickly gained a loyal following. Chi'Lantro has since expanded to multiple brick-and-mortar locations across the city.
The menu offers a range of options, including rice bowls, tacos, and the crowd-favorite B'bimbap with steak. The bold flavors and quality ingredients consistently deliver a satisfying meal.
Their Barbara Jordan Blvd location opens daily from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm, making it easy to grab a quick bite at almost any time. The ambiance is casual but inviting, perfect for a lunch break or a relaxed dinner.
Contact Details:
Address: 1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd, Ste 1460, Austin, TX 78723
Phone: (512) 428-5269
Website: Chi'Lantro BBQ
3) Gourdough's Big. Fat. Donuts.
Gourdough's Big. Fat. Donuts stands out in Austin for its unique and indulgent donut creations. Established originally as a food truck, it offers an array of sweet and savory delights crafted from fresh, fried dough.
Their menu features innovative toppings. The Mother Clucker, topped with fried chicken and honey butter, and the Funky Monkey, covered with grilled bananas and brown sugar, are just a few examples.
Housed in a charming vintage Airstream Trailer on South Lamar, Gourdough's has become a must-visit spot for donut enthusiasts. The popularity of the food truck inspired the opening of a brick-and-mortar location, Gourdough's Public House.
Both locations are known for their welcoming atmosphere and the exceptional quality of their donuts. Customers frequently praise the combination of flavors and the creativity behind each donut.
Address:
Gourdough's Food Trailer: 1503 S. 1st Street, Austin, TX
Gourdough's Public House: South Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX
Contact: 512-912-9070
Website: http://gourdoughs.com
4) Veracruz All Natural
Veracruz All Natural offers delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine. The food truck is known for its fresh ingredients and handmade tortillas. The migas tacos are a standout, featuring fluffy scrambled eggs, avocado, shredded cheese, and pico de gallo.
They also offer a variety of tacos, such as fish, veggie, and mole. All items are prepared with daily-shopped fresh produce.
Their popularity has led to multiple locations throughout Austin. Aside from their food trucks, they have brick-and-mortar spots for dine-in options. Each spot maintains the quality and taste that Veracruz All Natural is known for.
Contact Details:
Tarrytown Location: 2401 Winsted Lane Austin, TX 78703, Phone: (512) 665-9860
East Austin Location: 2505 Webberville Rd Austin, TX 78702
Line Hotel Location: 111 E Cesar Chavez Austin, TX 78701
South Austin Location: 4208 Manchaca Rd Austin, TX 78704
5) East Side King
East Side King offers globally-inspired Japanese street food with a distinct Austin twist. This popular food truck is known for its creative and vibrant menu items, which include everything from pork belly buns to beet home fries.
The founders, Paul Qui and Moto Utsunomiya, have infused their love for bold flavors into every dish. The menu often changes, reflecting seasonal ingredients and innovative ideas, keeping patrons excited to try new items.
East Side King provides dining options for various dietary preferences, making it a great choice whether you're a meat lover or a vegetarian. Their food is always cooked to perfection, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Having evolved from a food truck into multiple locations, they now operate in several spots, including brick-and-mortar establishments. This expansion has made their unique flavor combinations accessible to more people.
Contact details:
Address: Sola ATX 78704, Austin, TX
Phone: Not available
Website: East Side King
6) Hey Cupcake!
Hey Cupcake! is an iconic food truck in Austin known for its brightly colored Airstream trailer and delicious, whimsical cupcakes.
Located at 1511 S Congress Ave in the South Congress district, it draws both locals and tourists alike with its sweet offerings.
Classic flavors include Red Velvet, John Lemon, and Vanilla Dream, all baked fresh daily.
The truck emphasizes quality ingredients, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience.
Known for its friendly service and vibrant, fun atmosphere, Hey Cupcake! has become a staple in Austin's dessert scene.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just craving something sweet, Hey Cupcake! offers a convenient and tasty option.
Contact Details:
Address: 1511 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Phone: +1 512-472-5600
Website: heycupcake.com
7) Burro Cheese Kitchen
Burro Cheese Kitchen offers a gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich in Austin, TX. Known for its artisan grilled cheese creations, this food truck features high-quality ingredients and a variety of combinations that appeal to all taste buds.
Their menu includes sourdough grilled cheese sandwiches layered with options like smoked brisket. Each bite promises a blend of flavors and textures that are both comforting and adventurous.
Located on Rainey Street and in East Austin, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a late-night snack or a leisurely daytime meal. The truck operates from Wednesday to Sunday, ensuring there's always a chance to indulge in their cheesy offerings.
Contact: 972-741-5402
Address: 75 Rainey Street, Austin, TX, 78701
Website: Burro Cheese Kitchen
What to Expect from Austin's Food Truck Scene
Austin's food truck scene offers a diverse culinary experience with an emphasis on quality. Here's what makes it special.
Variety of Cuisines
Austin's food trucks showcase a wide array of cuisines, reflecting the city's multicultural influence. Visitors can find Tex-Mex delights, including tacos and enchiladas, at trucks like Veracruz All Natural. BBQ options are abundant, providing smoky brisket and pulled pork sandwiches.
Asian fusion and vegan dishes are also popular, available from food trucks specializing in Vietnamese, Japanese, and more. Nashville-style fried chicken from Tumble 22 exemplifies the city's embrace of regional variations. This wide culinary range ensures that everyone finds something to enjoy.
Quality and Fresh Ingredients
A commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients is a hallmark of Austin's food trucks. Many vendors source local, organic produce and free-range meats, ensuring each dish is fresh and flavorful. Handmade tortillas and freshly prepared salsas highlight the Tex-Mex offerings.
Even vegan options like those from the North Austin food truck run by Buddhist nuns emphasize fresh vegetables and herbs. The use of homemade components and locally sourced products underscores a dedication to quality. This approach guarantees a delightful and wholesome dining experience.
Tips for Finding the Best Food Trucks
Discovering the best food trucks in Austin can significantly elevate your dining experience. Leveraging technology and staying updated through social media play critical roles in this process.
Using Food Truck Apps
Food truck apps are indispensable tools. Popular platforms like Roaming Hunger and Street Food Finder provide real-time locations, operating hours, and even the menus of food trucks. These apps often include reviews and ratings, helping users choose the best options based on other diners' experiences.
For ease of use, many apps offer filter options. Users can search by cuisine type, dietary preferences, or even proximity. This functionality ensures that you find exactly what you’re craving quickly.
Furthermore, these apps sometimes feature exclusive promotions or discounts. Taking advantage of these can make your food truck adventures not only tasty but also economical.
Social Media and Real-Time Updates
Social media is another powerful tool for tracking your favorite food trucks. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter are popular among food truck operators for sharing their daily locations, special menus, and schedule changes.
By following your preferred food trucks on social media, you can receive real-time updates directly from the source. Many food trucks post their whereabouts and availability each day, accompanied by mouth-watering photos of their latest offerings.
Engaging with these posts can also present opportunities for joining in on food truck events or pop-ups. Additionally, keeping an eye on social media trends and hashtags can uncover new food trucks or hidden gems you might not have encountered otherwise.
