Austin’s Top 10 Street Food Wonders: A Local Foodie’s Comprehensive Roadmap to the Best Eats in Town

Austin, Texas, a city that values epicurean delights as much as its live music scene, has made a name for itself as a progressive street food city. Culinary adventurers who pace the streets of Austin at mealtimes will face an intoxicating whirlwind of aromas that tickle the senses, promising to make your taste buds dance with joy. In a city known for its character, quirky charm, and melting pot of influences, it’s no wonder that Austin’s top street food vendors reflect the city’s diverse cultural mix. To guide you through this culinary cornucopia, here is a comprehensive and local fresh guide to the top ten street food vendors in Austin. Now, let’s embark on this gastronomical journey!

1. Veracruz All Natural – Authentically crafted Tacos and Smoothies

In Austin, your hunt for the perfect taco ends at Veracruz All Natural. Born out of a food truck, Veracruz has quickly carved its niche with their heavenly handmade corn tortillas and fresh ingredients. Their prized tacos, like the rich, tender Michoacan-style Al Pastor, or lightly fried and crunchy Fish Tacos, are stuffed to the hilt and ultra-fresh. Their smoothies, a symphony of seasonal fruits, provide a refreshing counterpoint to the savories.

• Austin Foodie Fact: The “Migas Originales Taco” from Veracruz has been named one of Food Network’s top 5 tacos in America!
• Local’s Tip: There’s nothing like washing down a taco with their fresh Watermelon Agua Fresca.

2. Arlo’s – Vegan Comfort Food at its Best

Arlo’s could be your guilt-free ticket to gastronomic heaven, whether you’re a committed vegan or simply someone pursuing healthier meal choices. Their 100% plant-based offerings shatter the belief that vegan food can’t be hearty or indulgent. The Bac’n Cheeze Burger, a juicy, meatless patty crowned with soy-based seitan bacon and melted vegan cheese, could convert even the most stubborn carnivores.

• Austin Foodie Fact: Arlo’s is renowned for their signature Arlo’s Sauce which turns even a humble treat into a work of art.
• Local’s Tip: The food truck is parked at lively local bar venues, perfect for a fun night out with good food, music, and drinks.

3. East Side King – A Unique Asian-Texan Fusion

Celebrating Pan-Asian cuisine with an Austin twist, East Side King turns street food tailgating into a gourmet indulgence. Each dish is a spectacular riot of flavors, from the Garlic and Pepper Fried Chicken to their Poor Qui Buns. Vegetarians can revel in the Brussels Sprout Salad, which has won over countless veggie skeptics.

• Austin Foodie Fact: Celebrity Chef Paul Qui is the brains behind East Side King, so expect some clever and sophisticated flavors!
• Local’s Tip: The Avocado Bun is a refreshing palate cleanser or perfect accompaniment to a heavier meal.

4. Via 313 – Detroit-style Pizza in Texas

Believe us when we say Via 313’s pizzas are unforgettable. Acclaimed for their Detroit-style (thick-crust) pizzas, your cheese daydreams have just met their match. Via 313’s square, deep-dish pizzas are baked to perfection, characterized by their chewy, buttery crusts and high-quality toppings. Tuck into classics like “The Detroiter” or try the innovative “Rocket,” a pie adorned with arugula, prosciutto, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan.

• Austin Foodie Fact: Via 313’s authentic Detroit-style pizza has a crust characteristically crunchier and more buttery than a typical deep-dish.
• Local’s Tip: Pair your pizza with a locally brewed beer for the ultimate Austin experience.

5. Chi’Lantro – Korean BBQ meets Mexican Flavors

Chi’Lantro’s unique fusion of Korean BBQ and Mexican favorites has seen it explode in popularity among foodies. Their loaded Kimchi Fries, slathered with queso, stirred with caramelized kimchi, and crowned with stir-fried pork belly, are a mandatory pilgrimage for food lovers. And their Bulgogi Tacos? We’re pretty sure these are what dreams are made of.

• Austin Foodie Fact: Korean BBQ Beef + Kimchi + Cilantro = Chi’Lantro! An equation which has dynamized the trucks-to-table hype.
• Local’s Tip: Ask for extra Chi’Lantro sauce on the side – you can thank us later.

6. The Mighty Cone – Crunchy, Fun, and Unique

The Mighty Cone has made a name by serving up seriously creative eats. Their signature “Hot n Crunchy” cone, which stuffs fried chicken into a tortilla cone with an almond-chili crust, a mango-jalapeno slaw, and ancho-sauce – is an explosion of flavors and textures that you definitely don’t want to miss.

• Austin Foodie Fact: The Mighty Cone’s inception was at the Austin City Limits Music Festival on the request for “music lover’s food.”
• Local’s Tip: Snap a picture of your bright cone against Austin’s mural-strewn walls for a colorful Insta-moment!

7. Ms P’s Electric Cock – Southern Fried Chicken with a Twist

If you’re looking for some of Austin’s crispiest, most satisfying fried chicken, you can’t miss out on Ms P’s Electric Cock. Their chicken is all-natural, free-range, brined, and cooked to a perfect blend of crispiness and juiciness. Accompanied by tasty waffles, cool coleslaw, or comfort-loaded mac ‘n cheese, this food truck is southern-comfort on a plate.

• Austin Foodie Fact: Ms P’s Electric Cock represents the essence of Austin’s weirdness and deliciousness in each bite.
• Local’s Tip: Wash down the deliciousness with their Bottomless Iced Tea, an ideal southern complement.

8. Torchy’s Tacos – Boldly Flavored Tacos

What began as a local food trailer has evolved into a veritable gastronomic institution in Austin. Torchy’s audacious tacos, like the ‘Trailer Park’ or the ‘Dirty Sanchez,’ brim with flavor, color, and texture. Their creative approach to the humble taco and bold, innovative combinations will have you returning for more.

• Austin Foodie Fact: The “Trailer Park” taco has its slogan: “Make it Trashy,” removing the lettuce and replacing it with queso!
• Local’s Tip: Keep an eye on Torchy’s “Taco of the Month”- a specialty taco available for a limited time.

9. Micklethwait Craft Meats – Mouth-watering BBQ Meats

To experience Austin’s BBQ scene, stopping by Micklethwait Craft Meats is a must. This trailer-turned-BBQ-heaven turns out some of the finest smoked meats in Texas. Their succulent Brisket, Beef Ribs, homemade sausages, and southern-style sides will challenge your definition of a perfect BBQ.

• Austin Foodie Fact: The owner, Tom Micklethwait, introduced free-range meats and homemade sausages to the mainstream barbecue scene.
• Local’s Tip: Be prepared to wake up early or face the dreaded “sold out” sign

10. DEE DEE – Spellbindingly Delicious Thai Street Food

DEE DEE, meaning “good good” in Thai, is all about heat, flavors, and tradition. This northern Thai street food vendor makes no compromises with authenticity or flavor. The Papaya Salad, OMG Chicken, and sticky rice will transport your palate to the bustling streets of Thailand, encased in a wave of complex, satisfying flavors.

• Austin Foodie Fact: All ingredients are locally sourced, and you can taste that freshness in every bite you take!
• Local’s Tip: DEE DEE’s spice levels can get intense; don’t be shy to ask for less heat.

So, as you meander through the bustling street food scene of Austin, make sure to remember this convenient roadmap. Each of these food trucks has its own story, wrapped in the aroma and flavors of their food. These street food wonders of Austin will cater not only to your hunger but also your curiosity. Get ready to eat like a local, one bite at a time!