7 Austin food trucks you must try now

Besides being known as the place to get weird, Austin‘s also known for its revolutionary food truck scene, ready to satisfy a lot of bellies-on-the-go. We consulted with some trusted Austin insiders to offer some of the best can’t-miss options on four wheels.

Plus, check out 15 things never to say to an Austinite.

1. Luke’s Inside-Out (1109 S Lamar Blvd, 512-589-8883)

Masterminded by a former personal chef for jam bands like Widespread Panic, this fetchingly fusion-bent food truck sits in happy symbiosis adjacent to The Gibson, a fine cocktail establishment opposite the Alamo South Lamar theater complex. Though simply everything is delicious, the dishes you want to try offer zesty mash-ups of various Asian and Southern cuisines (Spicy Szechuan Fried Chicken with Sesame Slaw) and anything featuring rabbit.

2. Micklethwait Craft Meats (1309 Rosewood Ave, 512-791-5961)

This promising enterprise, housed in a 1960 Comet food trailer, already has Austin’s spoiled-rotten BBQ fans touting its wonders. Beast master Tom Micklethwait’s menu sprawls across the animal kingdom: there’s ribs and brisket, of course, but also pork loin, chicken and homemade sausage and don’t forget about mouthwatering side dishes like jalepeno cheese grits and ranch style pinto beans.

Photo credit: James Besser

3. East Side King at the Liberty Bar (1618 E. 6th St., 512-422-5884 )

With four locations at various east side bars, East Side King is beloved for eclectic fare that balances delicate flavors with inventive collusion between Southwestern and Asian styles. Most bars offer up sliders, but how many treat their patrons to Tongue Buns or Beet Home Fries? “It rocks my world every single time,” says our source. “Their brussels sprout salad thingy is dream-dream-dreamy…”

East Side King

4. Arlo’s at Cheer-Up Charlie’s (900 Red River St, 512-840-1600)Still hitched to one of Austin’s most welcome watering holes (but in a new location on Red River St), Arlo’s can seduce even the most ardent carnivore with the joys of vegan dining. Because, well…it’s vegan junk food! Eat those tacos and bac’n cheeze burgers without guilt! You’re making yourself healthy and saving the planet!

5. Taco-mania (everywhere)

Austin has way too many taco outlets to choose just one, and luckily one need not do so. Jarod Neece, a SXSW music featival programmer who knows his asada and barbacoa, also blogs about the Mexican food scene at Taco Journalism. He publishes a Taco Map annually, with capsule reviews of more than two dozen taco vendors. His first two rules:

“Everything tastes the same after six beers. Feel free to skimp on the quality.”

“If you have consumed less than six beers, walk the few extra blocks to eat the good stuff.”

6. Little Lucy’s Mini Donuts (74 Rainey St, 424-235-8297)

Remember those glaring pink Mary Key vehicles from when we were kids? You won’t miss the hot pink awesomeness of the truck that belongs to Little Lucy’s and you won’t want to miss her—she’s a canine mascotin case you’re wondering—little bites of deep-fried golden goodness in a variety of flavors including cinnamon sugar, pumpkin spice and sugar sugar.

7. Gourdough’s (1503 S 1st St, 502-707-1050)

Yeah, it’s another doughnut truck, but this one’s a little different. Not only are the flavors wildly inventive—the Fat Elvis is grilled bananas and bacon with with peanut butter icing and honey—, but each doughnut is made to order ensuring hot, gooey goodness upon arrival. Plus, Gordough’s is justly famous for more savory options like the Mother Clucker which includes a fried chicken strip with honey butter.

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