Heading to SXSW this year? You know, that massive music, film, and interactive conference in Austin this coming March? Did you know that Austin, Texas is known to have one of the most prolific food truck communities in the United States? Before putting bad quick food in your mouth, check out our “must eat” list of food trucks at SXSW so you know exactly what to consume during your time in the Live Music Capital of the World.
East Side King
While making your way through the super popular, hipster-laden east side Austin bar scene, make sure to head to East Side King to get your Asian fusion grub on. Located in the official SXSW music venue Liberty Bar, you will have no excuse not to put this fab food in your pie hole. You may also be surprised at a new way to get your veggies in. Some of the most popular (and I personally suggest them myself) things to order is the fried brussel sprouts salad (nom-a-licious), fried beet fries (put them in my mouth now) with kewpie mayo (OH YES), and the tongue buns (Don’t hate. I love me some lengua.).
Torchy’s Tacos
I would consider this food truck to be a Austin TexMex taco institution. We take our tacos seriously here. But I give a word of warning – TexMex is NOT Mexican food. I wouldn’t even really put it in the same category. Expect a copious amount of fried, cheese, sour cream, and flour tortillas. If that sounds up your alley, you’ve come to the right place. With some of the best damn queso (melted cheesy goodness with green chilies) in town, making a taco decision is rather difficult. I like to get the Trailer Park ‘extra trashy’ (Fried Chicken, Green Chilies, Pico de Gallo, and Cheese on a Flour Tortilla with Poblano Sauce without Lettuce and plus Queso) but check out their Hidden Menu before heading out.
Gourdough’s Donuts
Did I mention we like fried things? Gourdough’s Donuts are not your ordinary doughnuts – they are the holy grail of fried awesomeness that may, in fact, give you a heart attack while eating it and sending you to the fried level of heaven we all aspire to go to. Fried up on the spot (none of this pre-made bullsh*t), you can experience savory, sweet, or a mix of the two. I’m a huge fan of the Son of a Peach (Peach Filling, Cinnamon, Sugar, and Cake Mix Topping) and Granny’s Pie (Caramel, Pecans, Bananas, and Graham Crackers). They take a while to make but they will be piping hot when you get them. If you get a chance, head to their brick-and-mortar restaurant Gourdough’s Public House and order a Ron Burgandy – or any of the other amazing hamburgers made with their doughnuts as the buns.
Ms. P’s Electric Cock
More fried! ALL THE THINGS! This locally sourced fried chicken establishment is freaking amazeballs. If you haven’t had southern fried chicken, for the love of all that is holy, you must try a couple of juicy bits of chicken over a bit of slaw. If you aren’t into bones, the chicken tender sliders are sublime. As they are made to order and fresh as can be, this isn’t a place to eat at if you’re in a rush. Take your time. Sit back. Watch all the gorgeous people walking down South Congress – because lord knows they will be watching you as you obscenely stuff your face with fried goodness.
Hey… You Gonna Eat or What?
This last trailer is listed as one of Austin’s Legendary Food Trucks – and for a good reason. These guys win almost every competition under the sun and offer… a fried sandwich. Their Shiner Bock Beer Battered Monte Cristo with homemade cherry and fig jelly will make you swoon. This ain’t no place for vegetarians (and they will let you know it!) so don’t expect anything without meat (sorry veggies!). Expect a visit from Chef Eric as he revels you in the delights you are about to consume. Some fab menu items include the Lonestar BLT (Fried green tomatoes and poblano pepper aioli? Yes please!) and the Smoked Ham and Brie.
It is no wonder I’ve been working out 5 days a week on a crazy diet! As I tell all my friends who visit, “Come to one of the fittest cities in America and expect to leave a few pounds heavier.”
Definitely great tips on staying fueled up to go the distance during SXSW
And we were just trying to decide which food truck to eat dinner at tonight! Mrs. P’s is definitely in the running!
Man, that all looks amazing. Especially the donuts. I won’t be in town for SXSW but I’m coming to Austin soon, I swear…
I have to admit the Gourdough’s Donuts look delicious, I don’t think I would be able to have the whole portion to myself though 🙂
Drool. Drool. Drool. Please have one of each for me! 🙂
Holy Cow! That looks sooooo yummy! The banana, nuts and caramel thing looks to die for! Do they deliver to Idaho?
So cruel! I would love to go to SXSW but it wasn’t in the cards this year, but it looks like I’m missing out on so much with just food alone!
I WANT EVERYTHING GIMME GIMMEE!!
Hope you have a blast at SXSW and meet some amazing people. ENJOY!
Why did I read this before lunch? And why did I read this when I am watching what I eat? All I want to do is eat those doughnut thingies. Mmmm. Oh, and attend SXSW!
How is anyone supposed to attend actual events at SXSW when these trucks are parked blocks away?! YUM CITY!
Fried Brussel Sprouts Salad?!?! Damn, that sounds so amazing.
Ok, next year we are coming to SXSW!! 🙂
I haven’t sampled Are You Gonna Eat Or What? but have only heard good things! A personal underrated ATX food truck favorite is Llama’s for Peruvian food.
I thought Electric Cock was going to be something else.
Want.To.Eat.All.The.Things.
I now somehow regret not going to SXSW 🙂 Looks delicious!
This is why you looked familiar! Haven’t hit Ms. P’s yet and I was too full for East Side King the other day, but I want to go back.
Gotta love food trucks. I kinda wish they were all over the world. So far, it’s the typical food carts seem to be universal. Okay… now I’m hungry 😀
…I would kill for some green mango with lime, salt, and pepper from Medellin.
Hey stranger! 😀
Get on it! But seriously. It is really amazing. Now that the SXSW crowds have died down you have no excuse.
Next year I can imagine that my apartment is going to be filled to the brim with bloggers.
Not. Hard. To. Do. Here.
This is why I work out so much lol!
Well, DUH.
OH MAN. I love Llama’s. That got the honorable mention as the 6th food truck. Shaun and I had a long discussion on whether or not to cut it.
Don’t play with my emotions!
I started realizing how much FRIED I included. OOPS. But really, they are yum melt in your mouth.
Next year? 😉
Yeah…. NO. Sorry guys. You need to visit us or something.
I’m totally about sharing when it comes to some of the food trucks. Shaun and I make sure to order different things so we can try everything we possibly can (without having to go back a gazillion times).
MMmmmmHmmm
Makes we want to come to the States purely for the food trucks. Awesome photo of you guys.
Man – I’m so hungry now. SF runs the ‘Off the grid’ events with tons of food trucks coming together every other Friday. But it’s hard to beat food from Austin 🙂
Btw just followed you on Twitter as well – great blog you have 🙂 Looking forward to connect!
Wow! delicious food! I always like to eat. Wish you have a boost at SXSW and fulfill some awesome individuals. ENJOY!
Drooling…. Love to try all of those.. 🙂
its look very nice, i wish i can try this :))
I always want to try going to South by Southwest (SXSW) but I keep on delaying my trip to Austin, Texas because of a hectic schedule of m husband. But reading about your experience there and looking at those yummy foods, I just can’t wait to be there soon. This time, nothing can stop me from going there. Thanks to this post!
While I love street food while traveling, there is something special about the trucks here.
I know I’m spoiled. Like, really. Living in Austin makes me the happiest eater in the world. There is just so much creativity!
Come on down! 😀
GET IT! But really, if you do come down and need some recommendations, shoot an email over and I can give you a few.
Those food looks really good.. Yummy.. definitely worth trying.. thanks for the share..
Its feeling hungry now 😛
Where these trucks are actually spoted?