When you head to Austin, Texas, you might be surprised by how many food trucks you see around. But there’s a good reason for that.
This city is packed with creative chefs churning out unique dishes. That means you’ll find flavorful eats around nearly every corner.
Today, we’re highlighting seven of the most highly-rated food trucks around Austin so you’ll know which ones not to miss.
Let’s dig in!
Delight Your Taste Buds With Austin Food Trucks
Austin is the beloved black sheep of the Lonestar State. Quirky and eccentric, this destination is known for great music, a vibrant arts scene, and some of the best food in the South. In fact, Zagat, the authority on restaurant reviews, ranked the city’s culinary scene as the second most exciting in the US.
Los Angeles was the only city to score higher. And that’s no surprise since LA’s population is more than triple Austin’s.
You’ll find plenty of established parks dedicated to these portable vendors.
Places like Thicket Food Truck Park and South First Food Court give Austin proprietors a spot to settle in and hawk their eats. While a restaurant’s ability to move around might be convenient, knowing exactly where to find that shawarma you’re craving is even better. Plus, you can try several different cuisines at these locations.
Don’t Miss These 7 Delicious Austin Food Trucks
When you head to Austin, you won’t want to miss out on their fantastic food trucks. And there’s a lot to choose from! Here are seven top picks to help you narrow down your options.
#1 Veracruz All Natural
Whatever you do, don’t waste your time, money, or calories at a fast-food Mexican chain restaurant in Austin. You know which one we’re talking about.
If you want some of the best tacos on this side of the border, stop by Veracruz All Natural. And that shouldn’t be too hard since you’ll find seven locations throughout the metropolitan area.
When we say they’re the best, we mean it. The Food Network featured their Migas Taco, with egg, avocado, cheese, tomato, onion, and tortilla chips, as one of the best bites in the country. Other offerings include a range of veggie tacos, shrimp, fish, pork, and authentic barbacoa made with cow’s head.
Of their many locations, the one at Radio/East coffee shop might be the local favorite. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the kids can run around outside while you munch your lunch.
Discover 10 Amazing Experiences in Austin, Texas, for Under $20!
#2 Micklethwait Craft Meats
For years, hungry folks in Austin have flocked to Micklethwaite Craft Meats’ food truck for succulent barbecue. Located on the city’s east side, you can grab a seat at a picnic table and bask in the smell of smoked meats while you wait for your grub.
Grab a meat-and-three for a quick bite. You can choose from sides like mac and cheese and citrus beet salad. When feeding a crowd, you can pick up a family-style meal that includes brisket, sausage, and ribs. They also offer meats by the pound and catering if you’re hosting an event.
Heck, we wouldn’t judge you for ordering a boatload just to take home with you!
Texas Monthly included this spot in Texas’ top ten BBQ joints, so you know it’s good. Other publications, like Rolling Stone, Conde Nast, and The New York Times, have also featured it.
#3 Churro Co.
No meal is complete without dessert, and when it comes to sweet treats, Churro Co. is the place to be.
As their name implies, they whip up fresh homemade churro batter that they deep fry and top with an assortment of goodies. The Campfire includes two crispy logs with graham cracker sugar, Mexican chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and a perfectly toasted marshmallow. Others come with a scoop of ice cream and other creative accouterments.
In early 2023, the Austin-based owners opened a brick-and-mortar bakery in addition to their food truck. No matter which location you visit, you’ll taste unbeatable flavors and soak up good vibes.
Looking for something to do? Famous Movie Locations You Can Visit in Austin
#4 Patrizi’s
Patrizi’s is another neighborhood favorite in East Austin. This Italian establishment is family-owned and operated. They make pasta from scratch with local eggs and semolina flour. In fact, everything here is homemade, from infused oils to ricotta cheese.
You can get classic cacio e pepe, meatballs with a rich red sauce, or good old-fashioned buttered noodles with garlic and grana padano cheese. Sides include Marfa tomatoes, bruschetta, salads, and beyond.
If you have a party of six or more, you can make a reservation for a family-style meal. Everyone else is first come, first served. They’re open every day for dinner.
#5 Dee Dee
Dee Dee, which translates to “Good Good,” is an appropriate name for this beloved Thai food truck in South Austin. Lakana, a native of northeastern Thailand, and her husband, Justin, own this spot. Her love for food goes back to her childhood in the countryside when she’d help her mother and grandmother cook with veggies from their garden.
You can taste the love in every bite. Items include dishes like Som Tom, or spicy papaya salad, and Pad KaPow with minced pork, a fried egg, jasmine rice, and cucumber. We suggest washing down your meal with Thai Iced Tea and grabbing a mango sticky rice for dessert.
Dee Dee is at Radio Coffee and Beer, the sister establishment of Radio/East.
#6 Via 313
You might not expect to find Detroit-style pizza in Texas, but that’s Via 313’s specialty. These rectangular pies have a crunchy focaccia crust and sauce on top. It’s the ultimate snack after a night on the town.
The owners, Brandon and Zane Hunt, started the truck with the dream of bringing their hometown flavor to the South. And they sure succeeded.
They have two food trucks in Austin, one on Rainey Street and another on West 6th Street. But now you can visit their permanent establishments, too. They’re even expanding their reach outside of the Lonestar State.
In addition to classic toppings like pepperoni and sausage, they offer seasonal specials. In autumn, you can order pumpkin sticks with powdered sugar, pumpkin spice, and cream cheese icing to polish off your savory slice.
#7 Tommy Want Wingy
There’s no shortage of chicken wings in Austin, but this food truck has its recipe down to a science. Wings aren’t just one item they offer. They’re the heart of the menu.
However, that doesn’t mean you’ll get bored any time soon. They have a ton of flavors to choose from. For example, naked wings simply have salt and pepper as seasoning. Lemon pepper, sweet chili, and spicy pineapple are other popular flavors. If you want to test the limits of your taste buds, try the Holy Schnikes, which they warn are “dangerously hot.”
Every single wing starts as a drummette. Then they’re separated, so you get a little fried chicken lollipop with a bone for a handle.
But you can also get chicken tenders, tots, or fries when you aren’t craving wings. They even have thin-sliced pickle fries if you want a tangy crunch.
Want to explore more? Austin Food Crawls: Touring the Neighborhoods One Bite & Libation at a Time
A Thriving Food Truck Scene Awaits You in Austin
Well, there you have it. If you had any doubts about the food truck scene in Austin, you can lay them to rest. Whether you want American favorites or exotic flavors, you’ll find them somewhere around this lively city.
The next time you’re in the Austin area, we suggest getting at least one of your meals at a restaurant on wheels. These folks are serving up a whole lot of love!
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: