• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover the Best Things to Do in Austin, Food & Drink deals and more!

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Kids Events in Austin this Weekend
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

5 Places to Find East Side King in Austin

February 9, 2015 by Erin May Leave a Comment

East Side King street sign

Follow this strange creature to East Side King

East Side King was created by Paul Qui and Moto Utsunomiya as a side project when the chefs worked together at Uchi and Uchiko. Since that time, the number of East Side King food trucks has multiplied, and two brick and mortar locations have opened up as well.

Paul Qui is perhaps best known for winning Top Chef Texas in 2012. To the advantage of Austin foodies, he has continued to dig his creative roots deep into Austin’s food scene.

Additional media exposure has spread the word about East Side King, benefiting the business itself and Austin’s reputation as a foodie attraction. The trailer empire was featured on an episode of Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. One of the newest trailers, dubbed Thai-Kun after chef Thai Changthong, was ranked 8th on a national list of best new restaurants in 2014 by Bon Appetit.

However you heard of it, there are now 5 places in Austin to experience the Asian-inspired street food of East Side King.

#1 Thai-Kun Trailer

East Side King Thai Kun trailer

Even in the rain, the Thai-Kun trailer draws Austinites looking for good late night grub

Where: Whisler’s at 1816 E 6th Street

Hours: 4 PM- 1:45 AM, 7 days/week

Cabbage Two Ways at East Side King

Try the Cabbage Two Ways at the Thai-Kun trailer outside Whisler’s on East 6th

What to Get: The Thai-Kun trailer is the brainchild of chef Thai Changthong. The menu is entirely unique from the other East Side King locations, although it maintains a flavorful, creative style.

Try the Cabbage Two Ways: fried and pickled cabbage are featured as the dish’s namesake, and all your tastebuds will be stimulated by the multitude of herbs, peanuts, cucumber and “boom sauce” involved in the salad-esque snack. The symbiotic crunch of peanut and fried cabbage is delightful.

#2 The Liberty Trailer

First East Side King trailer at Liberty

The first East Side King trailer, still located in the outdoor sitting area of Liberty on East 6th

Where: In the back of Liberty bar on 1618 E 6th Street

Hours: 4 PM– 1:45 AM, 7 days/week

What to Get: Try the East Side King spin on chicken wings. Three up and coming chefs offer three different versions of an American classic, with Asian influences including flavor references to Filipino adobo and Korean BBQ . East Side King is unique, in that even its new chefs have room to grow and experiment.

#3 Hole in the Wall

East Side King at Hole in the Wall

One of the brick and mortar locations of East Side King, located in the back building of Hole in the Wall

Where: 2538 Guadalupe Street in the back building of Hole in the Wall

Hours: Mon-Fri from 11 AM–midnight, Saturday 2 PM–midnight, closed Sunday

What to Get: Try the Ramen here – Shiner Beer Miso Ramen brings the trending dish straight to the heart of Texas. This location is East Side King’s first venture into brick and mortar, although it’s still affiliated with the bar. At this location, 18 and up is allowed in.

#4 Pop Up Truck

Tori Meshi at East Side King

Tori Meshi from East Side King’s Pop Up truck: Thai chicken kar-age and Liberty rice

Where/Hours: This truck “pops up” all over Austin. Although it’s mostly used for catering, the Pop Up truck makes appearances across Austin. Check the website to learn when it might appear at Austin Beerworks and other sporadic locations. For now, you can find it at certain times at the north Austin spots below.

  • Wednesdays from 11 AM–2 PM @ The Domain, 3110 Esperanza Crossing
  • Thursdays from 5:30–10:30 PM @ Draught House Pub & Brewery, 4112 Medical Parkway

What to Get: As East Side King’s catering truck, the Pop Up offers cuisine most suited for its purpose. Try a lunch box for a nice sampler of classic East Side King dishes. One combination includes the Thai Chicken Karaage, Brussel Sprouts Salad, Jasmine Rice and a Pork Belly Bun.

#5 South Lamar Storefront

East Side King Storefront on South Lamar

East Side King’s first true storefront, opened in December 2013 and located on South Lamar

Where: 2310 South Lamar, Suite #101

Hours: Mon–Sat from 11 AM–10 PM, Sun from 11 AM–9 PM

What to Get: This is the only location where you can order sake, so take advantage of the $4 carafe. Also, fusion at its height: East Side King tacos. Seeing nori (seaweed) and guacamole (oh, heck yes) in the same phrase makes my heart sing. Try the Chasu Pork Taco, built on a white corn tortilla, for a new take on an old favorite.

East Side King Is Austin’s Food Truck Royalty

Avocado buns at East Side King

Avocado buns – the pork buns are the popular meat-lover version

Once a side project of local chefs, East Side King has transformed into a food truck empire with a growing legacy. Whether you’re in east Austin, south or north, seek the location near you to get your fix.

 

@erinmayyyy wants to know:

What is your favorite East Side King location and why?

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Erin May
Erin May
Erin May
Latest posts by Erin May (see all)
  • Austin’s Best Local Grocery Stores - January 6, 2021
  • Inside Books Project Works to Free Minds of Texas Prisoners - July 23, 2015
  • Expand Your Taste with These Funky Sweet Spots in Austin - July 9, 2015

Filed Under: Archives Tagged With: eastside, food trucks, south lamar

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Popular Right Now

4th of July Fireworks Austin

Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Austin (2025)

4th of July Deals Austin

Best 4th of July 2025 Deals Austin: Dining, Retail & More

What's Open on 4th of July Austin

What’s Open on the 4th of July in Austin (2025)

4th of July Events Austin

4th of July Events in Austin Area 2025 | Parades, Live Music & Family Fun

Recent Posts

  • Top Kids Events in Austin July 4 – July 6 include Star Spangled Fest, Kids Day, and More!
  • Best Fun Events in Austin this Weekend of July 4 Include Star Spangled Fest, Divine Carnival: Reimagining the Odyssey, and More!
  • Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Austin (2025)
  • Best 4th of July 2025 Deals Austin: Dining, Retail & More
  • What’s Open on the 4th of July in Austin (2025)

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Log in