Goodbye South Shore Eatery, former home to some of our favorite Austin food trucks
Austin is constantly changing, building, and growing. A business may be here today, but gone tomorrow. And with so many people relocating to Austin on a daily basis, it’s no surprise that more and more condos, apartment buildings, and homes are being built.
The South Shore District off Riverside Drive is not immune to Austin’s changes. With its prime location close to downtown and Ladybird Lake, South Shore is set to expand with more condos, shopping, and dining establishments. Home to a handful of small businesses, the area was also known for South Shore Eatery. You could find some of our favorite Austin food trucks there, including Churro Co., Cow Bells, Compass Coffee, and Salsa & Kimchi.
Due to plans to expand South Shore, South Shore Eatery has closed. Thankfully, most of the food trucks have moved and reopened in other Austin neighborhoods. We have all of the details for you.
1/ Churro Co. Austin
Campfire churro at Churro Co. is a fan favorite
Churro Co. was located at South Shore Eatery for three years, so moving to a new location was a scary notion. But the new South 1st Street location was an area owners David and Leo had eyed previously. Churro Co. is next to Flashback Vintage now, and the owners will be able to customize the space more to their liking. Nearby attractions include Polvos, Bouldin Creek Cafe, and Torchy’s Tacos.
I think Churro Co. will do well wherever it lands because there’s really nothing else like it in town. The creative menu changes seasonally, but favorites such as the Campfire are constant. I’m pretty sure I’ve tried just about everything on the menu, and there’s good reason Churro Co. has a lot of regular customers like me. David, Leo, and the team are friendly and inviting, and their churros are delicious!
With Churro Co. hoping to expand in the near future, Austin should be able to get its churro fix for a long while.
1906 S. 1st St. – Website
➡️ Keep reading: “Churro Co. Delivers Authentic Flavor With ATX Twist”
2/ Compass Coffee
Grab a cup from Compass Coffee before heading to Mueller Farmers’ Market
Compass Coffee was at South Shore Eatery for a mere two months before having to secure a new location. Since relocating to the Mueller Lake Park area, the coffee trailer is doing better than ever. Mueller is a growing area and the farmers’ market on Sunday draws a steady wave of customers throughout the day.
While Compass makes a great cup of coffee, co-owners Colin and David know it’s not about the transaction with the customer, but the relationship. The two love chatting with customers about their product and life in general. I know their attitude has made me a repeat customer.
The menu at Compass includes coffee and tea, both locally sourced. Plans to add food are in the works. Colin and David want to expand the trailer, adding a larger seating area to make the vintage Airstream have more of a coffee shop feel. Stay tuned for that in the near future.
4209 Airport Blvd.
➡️ Keep reading: “Harvest Local Goodness at Mueller Farmers’ Market”
3/ Cow Bells
Cow Bells makes some incredible burgers, making it a perfect lunch spot at South Shore Eatery for the past five years. When it came time for owner Daniel Oliveira to relocate, he didn’t have to move far. Cow Bells’ new location is right up the street in the American Bingo parking lot, right next to Rosita’s Al Pastor trailer.
With plenty of parking available now, Cow Bells will be able to accommodate an even larger crowd. Menu classics such as the Archetype, stand-outs like the Rise ‘N Shine, and crunchy good Japanese-style onion rings will leave you full, but wanting more.
To-go orders are still available; just shoot them a text message. Delivery is also available via Favor and Doordash.
1919 E. Riverside Dr. – Website
4/ Salsa & Kimchi
Salsa & Kimchi is one of those food trucks you wished you heard about long before you actually tried it. It’s that good. The new location has them parked next to another Austin favorite, Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ. Make sure you arrive hungry because Salsa & Kimchi serves up some healthy portions.
Try and head there on a Tuesday to try the rib eye bulgogi special. The chicken teriyaki and kotsu are both delicious, and the kimchi fries are a must-try.
11444 Manchaca Road – Yelp
What About the Other Trailers at South Shore Eatery?
Sadly, Rise Up ATX will not be continuing business in Austin, and Rockaway Beach has not yet secured a new location. We hope to see Rockaway Beach back up and running soon.
As for the rest of the South Shore gang, they are settling into their new homes. We all hope they continue to grow and keep sharing delicious food with the Austin community. Remember that moving a business is expensive and stressful. Support local by stopping by soon to say hello.
@theAustinot wants to know:
Which of the former South Shore Eatery food trucks is your personal favorite?
