There are many reasons people love Austin, Texas. Music fans know it for its annual music and arts festivals. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking and biking in the canyons and limestone cliffs of the Texas hill country. But in the last two decades, Austin also rose to fame for its abundant and diverse food truck scene.
No one knew that mobile cuisine would turn Austin into a foodie destination when the first food trucks opened in the early 1990s. But as Austin sprouted from a sleepy, mid-sized city to the 11th largest metro area in the US, food trucks have become one of its defining features. Since then, many culinary entrepreneurs have opened mobile restaurants in Austin, showcasing everything from churros to New England lobster.
This is the story of how and why it happened, and where you can experience Austin’s food truck magic for yourself.
A Perfect Recipe: The Birth of Austin’s Mobile Dining Culture
Food trucks began offering mobile cuisine in Austin in the 1990s.
Before food trucks became popular, Austin’s University of Texas students, Latino and Asian communities, and new tech population had plenty of delicious menu options for every budget. Residents and visitors alike enjoyed Tex-Mex and southwestern cuisine, taquerias like El Patio, and iconic burger joints, like Top Notch, which was featured in the classic 1993 film Dazed and Confused.
Austin is also renowned for multiple annual arts, music, and cultural events. Since the 1970s, festivals such as Austin City Limits and the South by Southwest Conference and Festival have brought people from around the U.S. and the world to Austin. It’s also known for its laid-back culture and pleasant year-round weather.
Just like any delicious dish requires the right ingredients for success, Austin’s atmosphere and people provided the serendipitous recipe for the emergence of food truck culture.
In the 1990s, a group of new taco trucks opened on South Lamar Street, and Austin’s mobile cuisine culture was born.
Rapid Growth Set the Stage for Austin’s Food Truck Trend
Growing cities provide ample opportunity for restauranteurs to open successful businesses. In the 1980s, low taxes, business-friendly policies, and University of Texas programs prompted an influx of entrepreneurs and investment.
As Austin grew through the 90s and 2000s, Austin’s diverse student, tech, and new-resident diners were hungry for unique, affordable meals. Food truck parks began to pop up around the city. Mobile food courts like the East Side Food Park near Cesar Chavez Park created one-stop dining destinations throughout Austin. Entrepreneur chefs found that food trucks were a way to fast-track their careers by bringing their dishes directly to the dining public.
But it was the economic downturn in 2008 that really increased the number of food trucks in Austin. Culinary entrepreneurs may have found that starting a food truck restaurant was cheaper, easier, and less risky than starting a brick-and-mortar restaurant. As a result, food truck numbers surged in the 2010s.
U.S. Census data shows that the Austin metro area has grown by an astonishing 30% every year in the last decade. This has earned Austin the title of the fastest-growing city in the US, and this growth has certainly fueled the food truck industry.
How Food Trucks Went From New Trend to Core Austin Dining Experience
In the 2010s, many aspiring chefs tested their dreams by starting new mobile food trucks in Austin, and Austin-ites patronized them. University students gathered on their breaks from classes to enjoy a tasty lunch. Tech workers met there after work to enjoy an outdoor happy hour. When people started relying on social media like Facebook and Instagram to share reviews and opinions, the popularity of Austin’s food trucks really took off.
Food trucks also became an integral part of Austin’s festivals and events, with pop-up mobile food courts providing fun cuisine for the masses. Tech investors like Elon Musk and celebrities including Seth Rogan and Matthew McConaughey have made Austin their home as well. This influx of the rich and famous—as well as plenty of ordinary people—has fed the story that Austin is a hip place to be.
People love enjoying a savory meal outdoors when the weather is nice.
Austin currently has approximately 2,000 mobile food vendors, and hosts several food trailer courts. Creative menus like the Northeastern Thai cuisine at Dee Dee Thai, or the chicken lollipops at Tommy Want Wingy inspire people to try new things and keep diners coming back for more. The food truck buzz has made Austin’s mobile dining scene a reason for people to make the trip to Austin. With all this interest in food, it’s no surprise that a 2022 ranking of the top culinary schools in the country included one located in Austin!
3 Must-Try Food Trucks to Visit in Austin
With a multitude of choices, why not visit some food trucks on your own? You can browse Visit Austin’s list of favorites from 2023, or try out these three top-rated Austin food trucks.
Note: Double-check before setting out to visit, as their locations and hours may change due to special events or unexpected circumstances.
Micklethwait Craft Meats
In a city known for its barbecue, Micklethwait Craft Meats stands out. For meat enthusiasts, Micklethwait embodies the spirit of Central Texas barbecue with every meticulously crafted bite. From the moment you approach their food truck at 1309 Rosewood Ave., the aroma of woodsmoke and seasoned meats fills the air. The brisket, impeccably smoked to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, is nothing short of a revelation. The sausage, a star in its own right, showcases a harmonious blend of spices, delivering savory goodness with each bite. The simplicity of the accompaniments like pickles and onions allows the smoky flavors to take center stage. They’re open Thursdays through Sundays.
Veracruz All Natural
At several locations around Austin, including food trucks at 4208 Menchaca Rd., 2505 Webberville Rd., and 3504 Montopolis Dr., Veracruz All Natural stands as a testament to authentic Mexican cuisine. With a simple yet passionate approach to food, they serve up tacos enveloped in house-made tortillas, accompanied by vibrant, fresh salsa. Austin’s diners are drawn by the allure of flavors that have earned accolades from Austin residents and nods from the Food Network. Every Veracruz meal feels like a celebration of flavor. They’re open daily.
Patritzi’s
Nestled in the heart of Austin at 2307 Manor Rd., Patrizi’s is a hidden gem for lovers of authentic Italian cuisine. The star of the show at Patrizi’s is undoubtedly the handmade pasta. Crafted with care and precision, each dish showcases the owner’s dedication to preserving traditional Italian flavors. Whether you opt for the classic simplicity of Cacio e Pepe or the rich depth of Bolognese, the pasta dishes are a testament to the artistry and tradition. The ambiance adds to Patrizi’s charm. With communal seating and a relaxed outdoor setting, diners can enjoy their meals al fresco, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city. They’re open daily.
- East Side Food Park, located at East Cesar Chavez Park, 2209 E. Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX
- The Picnic Food Trailer Park, located at 1720 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX
- South Austin Trailer Park and Eatery, located at 1311 S. First St., Austin, TX
- South First Food Court, located at 601 W. Live Oak St., Austin, TX
- Thicket Food Truck Court, located at 7800 South 1st Street, Austin, TX
Explore Your Own Chef Entrepreneur Journey
Enjoying fusion tacos with your friends in a park on a warm Texas afternoon is part of what makes Austin wonderful. Thanks to Austin’s supportive business policies and a diverse food-curious public, food truck restaurants have turned Austin into a culinary destination. But none of this would be possible without the food truck owners themselves.
Have you ever dreamed of creating your own culinary venture on wheels? Austin, ranked as the 7th best city by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation for starting a food truck, offers a world of possibilities for aspiring chefs. The city’s dynamic food culture provides the perfect backdrop for launching a mobile cuisine career.
If the thought of starting your own food business inspires you, but you want to improve your culinary skills, consider furthering your education at an established institution. The culinary and pastry arts programs at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts’ Austin campus can equip you with the skills and knowledge to help you turn your dream into a reality. Your journey as a culinary entrepreneur could begin right here, in the heart of Austin’s thriving food truck scene.
