Top Food Trucks To Try in Austin TX
Hold onto your foodie hats, cowboys, because Austin's vibrant food truck park scene is about to take your taste buds by storm. Known for its diversity and innovation, Austin's food truck scene is a mosaic of mouth-watering delights waiting to be discovered, and that’s before you even branch out from brick-and-mortar restaurants to the wide, versatile world of food trucks.
From street-side Italian to crispy fried chicken, from New York pizza to boujee grilled cheese sandwiches, Austin has it all.
In this article, we're serving up a curated list of the top food trucks in Austin that you simply must try. Whether you're a local looking for a new lunch spot or a visitor eager to dive into the city's culinary culture, this guide is your golden ticket to gastronomic glory!
What Makes a Food Truck a Top Food Truck?
Now, you might be thinking, "How on earth did you compile this delicious list?" Well, darling, it's all about the flavor, flair, and fans!
First, we looked at the variety of cuisine. Austin is a melting pot of cultures, so it's only right that our list reflects this. From sizzling Tex-Mex to drool-worthy BBQ brisket and from palate-pleasing vegan offerings to innovative Asian fusion, our list spans a veritable world of flavor.
We’ve separated our recommendations into sections because, honestly, it’s hard to compare different types of food when they’re all so delicious. It’s like comparing apples and oranges or ice cream and chicken fingers…You know what we mean!
Next, we dug into customer reviews in addition to our own expert opinions. Because if there's one thing on this Earth you can trust more than a perfectly baked croissant, it's the verdict of fellow foodies. We scoured reviews to ensure each of our picks tickled the taste buds of the masses.
Accessability also played a key part in our selection. Because what good is a gourmet food truck if it’s tucked away in Timbuktu, right?
Even worse: There’s nothing more frustrating than a food truck that won’t tell you where or when it’ll be for you to visit. Our chosen trucks offer accessible locations across Austin.
What Are the Best Food Trucks in Austin?
Let's get down to business, shall we? Prepare your appetite for the greatest food truck adventure Austin has to offer.
To help make Austin’s thriving food truck scene a little easier to navigate, we’ve separated our favorite trucks by cuisine type, so you can get all the variety that an increasingly diverse city like Austin offers!
Mexican & Tex-Mex
Known for its breakfast tacos, El Primo is a South 1st Street staple is as authentically ATX as live music and Barton Springs. Their crispy barbacoa tacos are a symphony of flavor that’ll make your morning sing — and their tortillas are legendary!
Our other favorite Mexican food truck is Veracruz All Natural. Veracruz offers a fresh, natural take on Tex-Mex. Think healthy, hearty, and oh-so-yummy. Their migas tacos are a local legend, and the fresh aguas frescas are like a little sip of sunshine!
BBQ
Nestled in the heart of East Austin, Micklethwait Barbecue is the best BBQ joint. It’s true what they say: Good things really do come in small packages. This little BBQ gem boasts homemade sausages and sides that will make your heart leap with joy. Be sure to try their famed Moon Pie. It’s like a little slice of BBQ heaven.
Vegetarian & Vegan
The Vegan Nom is Texas' first all-vegan taco truck for all your veggie friends, and trust us; they're doing it right. While “vegan” might not be something you associate with Texas’s overall vibe, you can trust The Vegan Nom to deliver on all of those bold Texan flavors…just without the animal products!
With their mouthwatering array of plant-based tacos, The Vegan Nom on East Cesar Chavez is the ultimate spot for cruelty-free, flavor-full munching.
Asian & Asian Fusion
While Chi’Lantro does have brick-and-mortar locations, you can also get their Korean-BBQ-inspired fusion bites from their adorable food truck. Get ready for a flavor bomb, dear ones! Chi’Lantro serves up a delightful mix of Korean and Mexican cuisines. Think Kimchi Fries topped with bulgogi and a secret magic sauce.
East Side King was founded by a Top Chef winner, so you can go in expecting some top-notch nosh. East Side King offers a fun, eclectic menu that borrows from various Asian cuisines.
The Brussels Sprout Salad and the Thai Chicken Karaage are must-tries. You can find them in various locations — because delicious food, like love, knows no boundaries!
Serving Northern Thai street food, DEE DEE (which means "good good") lives up to its name. Their menu is small, but each dish is packed with flavors that are (you guessed it) good good! Make sure to try their OMG, a green papaya salad that’ll make your taste buds say, “OMG!”
Seafood
Listen up, seafood fans! Garbo’s delivers fresh, flavorful seafood with a side of New England charm right here in Austin. The lobster roll is a buttery piece of bliss worth every penny, and it’s our go-to stop for show-stopping food truck cuisine when we’re craving seafood.
Dessert
Strictly speaking, Gourdough’s doesn’t call themselves a food truck — they prefer food trailer, if you must know. No matter the specifics, this gleaming silver bullet of an afters-hour gem delivers when it comes to sweet treats.
The donuts here are not just a dessert; they're a lifestyle! Gourdough's serves up ginormous donuts with a side of whimsy. Try the "Mother Clucker," a donut topped with chicken strips and honey butter. Yes, you read that right!
If you want something a little more petite, try Little Lucy’s Mini Donuts. Situated in bustling Rainey Street, this little pink truck is hard to miss. Specializing in mini donuts with a wide range of dips, Little Lucy's brings a whole new meaning to the phrase good things come in small packages. Bigger isn’t always better, even in Texas.
Honorable Mentions
- The Mighty Cone
- Tommy Want Wingy
- Churro Co
- Bananarchy
- Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ
- Cuanto’s Tacos
Pro Tips for Getting the Most From Austin’s Food Truck Scene
Now that you're armed with our list of Austin's top food trucks, here are a few extra tips to get the most out of your culinary escapades.
Food Truck Tips and Tricks
- First, consider the timing of your visit. These trucks can get busy during lunch and dinner, so plan your visit to avoid the rush hour. If you have room in your schedule to eat dinner early or lunch late, you’ll find less of a wait.
- Also, check out their payment methods in advance. While many trucks now accept cards or mobile payments, some still operate on a cash-only basis.
- Finally, if you have dietary restrictions, don't worry! Many trucks offer gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan options. Always feel free to ask the vendors for suggestions. They know their menu best, after all.
- Don’t forget to follow these trucks on social media for the latest updates. You never know when a special menu item might pop up…or when a sudden location change might occur. You wouldn't want to miss out on that heavenly bite because you were a street too late, would you?
Make Your Meal a Main Event
If you thought we were done dishing out advice, think again. There’s more to getting the most out of your food truck tour than just getting the basics right! It’s also important to really embrace Austin’s fun, welcoming atmosphere and turn your trip to your favorite food truck into an event.
- Food trucks are all about the atmosphere, so why not make an event of it? Grab your friends and a blanket, and find a lovely patch of green to enjoy your food truck feast in the open air. After all, everything tastes better with a side of sunshine, don't you agree?
- Consider pairing your food with local craft beer or a refreshing agua fresca. Many food trucks are parked near bars that offer just the right drink to wash down your meal. So, while you're feeding your stomach, don't forget to quench your thirst too!
- Remember that food truck menus can change daily. So, if you spot something that tickles your fancy, don't hesitate! Seize the moment and your fork, and dive right in. Because, darlings, life is too short for food regrets.
The End of the Road
And there you have it, folks: the definitive guide to the top food trucks in Austin, TX! From Tex-Mex to BBQ and from vegan to seafood, we've covered it all. So whether you're a local or just visiting, make sure to give these fantastic food trucks a whirl. Trust us; your taste buds will thank you!
Don't forget Austin's food truck scene is ever-evolving, with new trucks hitting the streets every day. So keep your eyes, ears, and — most importantly — your stomach open to new culinary experiences. Because, darlings, the next big flavor might be just around the corner, waiting to be discovered in a truck down the street!
So what are you waiting for? Go forth, brave food explorers! Savor the sights, sounds, and flavors of Austin's amazing food trucks. And remember, in the world of street food, every bite is an adventure. Enjoy the journey!
Sources:
Census Data Reveals Texas' COVID Population Shift | AXIOS Austin
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