What are you planning on eating at SXSW? I know, you are there for the fun, the music and the events, but don't miss out on some of the best food trucks in the country while you are there. These trucks are sure to cure your hangovers and satisfy your hunger. Oh yeah, and you'll have tons of #FoodPorn photos for the Instagram, of course.
1. La BBQ
902 E Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78702
In this case, “La” is not a definite article referring to “Tex-Mex.” It's an abbreviation referring to the first name of the co-owner LeAnn Mueller, granddaughter of the founder of Louie Mueller Barbecue. The brisket here is cooked for 12 to 15 hours at about 275 degrees, and it has a smoke ring of perfection.
Like most BBQ trucks in Texas, it is open until it sells out. Get there at 11 am when it opens to guarantee yourself some lunch. Come on the weekend, and there is free beer Friday through Sunday.
The BBQ is amazing just the way it is, but try a little of the vinegar-based sauce as well. What did we order? We got 1 pound of lean brisket, beef ribs and the buttermilk bacon potato salad.
2. Gordough's
1503 S 1st Street, Austin, TX 78704
Gordough's specializes in made-to-order, decadent doughnuts with wild toppings. The owners have three locations now, but the trailer is our favorite. The line gets long after 10 am, so get there early.
If you prefer a sit-down, indoor location, their other two nearby spots have full bars and bigger menus. Head to the location on South Lamar and have a Country Clucker.
What did we order? The Mother Clucker and Granny's Pie are our top two choices. They all look delicious, and it is hard to choose. The Mother Clucker is a glazed donut, topped with chicken strips and honey butter. Granny's Pie is a glazed donut topped with caramel, pecans, bananas and graham cracker crumbs.
3. Torchy's Tacos
1311 S. 1st Street, Austin, TX 78704
Owner Michael Rypka left his fancy executive chef job to chase his dreams, and in 2006, Torchy's Tacos opened on Bouldin Creek at South 1st.
The menu was designed by the customers. Whenever Mike heard his customers holler, “Damn, these tacos are good!” they were added to the menu. Today, Torchy's Tacos operates over 30 stores and a trailer park.
What did we order? The taco of the month, which happened to be The Tipsy Chick, a grilled chicken and corn taco with green chiles, baby spinach, homemade maple bacon, bourbon marmalade, cheddar cheese and chipotle ranch sauce served on a flour tortilla. The Democrat is also a favorite of ours.
Don't forget the queso and chips, which weere recently voted the best in town by locals.
4. Hey!.. You Gonna Eat Or What?
1720 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704
Order from the 2013 Truck by Truckwest winner, and you'll get some snarky attitude on the side. But, that's all part of the experience.
What did we order? The Shiner Bock Monte Cristo, a Shiner Bock beer-battered Monte Cristo, with pit-smoked ham, mesquite-smoked turkey, cheddar and provolone cheese with a side of homemade cherry and fig jelly.
5. Ms P's Electric Cock
1101 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78704
Stop giggling at the name, and keep reading. This place is cooking up the best fried chicken in Austin. Open at 12 pm daily, it closes when it's out of farm fresh chicken.
Ms P's Electric Cock cooks with sustainable, top quality products that are locally sourced. The fried chicken is fresh (never frozen) and is antibiotic-free and hormone-free with no additives or preservatives. You might have seen it on season two of "Restaurant Startup" or season three of Food Network's "Eat St."
What did we order? The Hen Scratch Slider, boneless tenders with slaw on a sweet roll, and two pieces of fried chicken served with a roll and jalapeños.
6. Bananarchy
603 W Live Oak Street, Austin, TX 78704
Going here reminds us of hot days at the fair, waiting for a hand-dipped, chocolate-covered frozen banana. The only choices then were nuts or no nuts? (PS: Always nuts). At Bananarchy, there are endless topping choices on its menu, or you can create your own disaster concoction.
What did we order? Double dip chocolate with M&M's and chocolate dip with nuts and Oreos.
7. Cow Tipping Creamery
2512 Rio Grande Street, Austin, TX 78705
The menu is huge, and the possibilities are endless. Soft serve goes to another level with the ice cream trailer's stackers, which layer everything that makes sundaes delicious, including house-made ingredients and fresh fruit purees.
What did we order? The cara-Nutella popcorn stacker.
8. 40⁰ North
1502 S 1st Street, Austin, TX 78704
Clint, a New York lawyer-turned-chef opened this wood-fired pizza trailer specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza after moving to Austin in 2011. He left the law behind to study the craft of pizza making in Naples, Italy. He was also just listed on Thrillist's 10 Best Pizza Spots in Austin.
What did we order? The Margherita pizza, although it is famous for its Hot Honey pizza, which has San Marzano tomatoes, hot coppa, ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Mike's Hot Honey.
9. Chi'Lantro
This is one of the only trucks on this list that actually changes locations. The truck is the original home of the kimchi fries, although it now has two different restaurant locations.
The food is an Korean-Mexican fusion truck with some crazy combinations that are absolutely delicious. It serves hybrid tacos, burritos and bowls that meld Korean tastes and tradition with Texas' rich Hispanic culture.
What did we order? The kimchi fries, of course. Who could resist a tower of crispy fries topped with caramelized kimchi, cheddar, Monterey Jack, cilantro, onions, magic sauce, Sriracha and sesame seeds?
10. Luke's Inside Out
1109 S Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704
Luke Bibby and his wife Tracy run this French-inspired food trailer located next to the Gibson Bar. Every day, there are three specials on the menu in addition to the regular menu items. Head over on a Sunday from 11:30 am to 3 pm for an all you can eat, buffet brunch ($12) featuring all sorts of goodies.
What did we order? The Chicken, a grilled sandwich filled with spicy, Schezuan fried chicken topped with sesame slaw.
