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Beth cheesin’ in the window of The Great Y’all
The addition of several food trucks over the past year has made North Loop a serious contender in the city-wide ring of engined eateries. Nestled among suburban residencies, vintage clothing shops, a slow-filling gas station, and an explosive collection of street art are five locally-owned, locally-inspired food trucks.
Here’s a look at each one, collectively showing what makes the North Loop food truck scene such a special mix.
Mr. Toi in front of his Thai-Licious food truck
You know that ice breaker question, “What would be your last meal on earth?” My answer is always a Thai curry dish (and a brownie sundae). Everywhere I’ve lived–Boston, D.C, L.A., and NYC–I’ve had a go-to Thai restaurant to get my curry fix.
When I moved to Austin, I settled on the east side and went in search of a local Thai curry. While there are great Thai food trucks a few blocks away (Dee Dee, Thai Kun, East Side King), I wasn’t finding that central Thailand curry I’d become so accustomed to. [Read more…]
Chicken Lollypops, the namesake menu item at this east Austin food truck
I had heard about the food at Immie Shaikh’s Chicken Lollypop. Friends and strangers alike would tell me about this little Indian/Chinese fusion eatery in the back of an Austin grocery store on Braker Lane, and how I just had to try it. I wish I’d taken their advice sooner.
Chicken Lollypop began operating out of an understated food trailer in my east side neighborhood in early 2018, after moving from Braker Lane. Now I’m the one telling my friends, strangers, and Austinot readers: do yourself a favor and try this place as soon as you can. [Read more…]
Maria and Abdu welcome diners to The Flying Carpet
Editor’s Note: As of spring 2019, The Flying Carpet is closed until further notice.
“Love Wins.” The sign on the side of The Flying Carpet, a family-run Moroccan food truck, says it all. The Flying Carpet brings the rich cuisine of Morocco to south Austin with nothing but love.
Owners Abderrahim “Abdu” and Maria Souktori personally welcome diners as though they were guests entering their own home. The delicious food is sourced and prepped daily, and cooked to order on the spot. [Read more…]
Enjoy a cup of joe, hot or cold, indoors or out, at Vintage Heart Cafe
Vintage Heart Cafe has become many things to me. It’s where I can count on a delicious caffeine boost or find my productive side. On my less focused days, it’s a comfortable place to continue my quest to traverse the Internet’s outer limits. Recently, Vintage House Cafe has become something more to me and the Austin community at-large. It now includes a beautiful outdoor space, food options, and adult beverages.
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. [Read more…]
Armando Vazquez and Maria Rios Vega, owners of Granny’s Tacos
With all of the quality taco options within reach, we’re straight up spoiled here in Austin. It takes a lot to impress me now; you might say I’ve become a bit jaded. And after finding Granny’s Tacos, I wonder if I’ll ever be impressed by another taco again. It’s tough living in this city.
For delicious flavors and Insta-worthy meat pics, head to Rollin Smoke (Credit: Rollin Smoke BBQ Instagram)
In Austin, barbecue is religion. There are devotees of the Church of Franklin, disciples of La Barbecue, and followers of many other local barbecue faiths. The quality and quantity of smoked meat destinations in Austin are true highlights of our city. While this is great for Austin residents and visitors, all the options can make it difficult for a smaller operation to make a name for itself. Luckily, for every Goliath, there’s a brisket-smoking, pork-pulling David hoping to stand out.
Trucklandia founder Case Erickson awards the 2016 $10,000 grand prize to Saigon le Vendeur (Credit: Trucklandia)
Texas Trucklandia Fest, Austin’s food truck taste-off for charity and a sweet $10,000 prize, is holding its 5th annual competition Oct. 21, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Austin-American Statesman grounds. This time, they’re adding live music, a full bar, and a reality TV star’s truck.
The winner will walk with $10,000 and bragging rights for the next year, and local charity Keep Austin Fed takes home a portion of the ticket sale earnings. More than 24 food trucks have signed up for this year’s event.
Trucklandia has morphed over the years, but this year promises to be a full day of eating, drinking, dancing, and overall revelry.
Kebabalicious brick and mortar in east Austin
I’ll admit it: Kebabalicious is my most-frequented eatery in all of Austin. Yes, I love Austin staples like tacos, Tex-Mex, and BBQ. But the heart (stomach) wants what the heart (stomach) wants. Oh, Kebabalicious, you Turkish-inspired, east side restaurant with your charming décor, your fresh, flavorful food, your friendly employees. I just can’t quit you.
I recently met with co-founders Chris Childre and Kristian Ulloa to confess my love for their culinary creations and hear the full story of how Kebabalicious came to be. [Read more…]
