Pablo's Austin Bucket List
Food scene / Bars
A must visit in South Austin.
Amazing food trucks:
- Veracruz All Natural for my favorite breakfast tacos & Dee Dee for spicy Thai Food
ATX Pro Tip: If you're in town on a Monday don't miss their Bluegrass Night (I'll probably be there), Wednesday trivia is also fun!
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Radio Coffee & Beer
4204 Menchaca RdA must visit in South Austin.
Amazing food trucks:
- Veracruz All Natural for my favorite breakfast tacos & Dee Dee for spicy Thai Food
ATX Pro Tip: If you're in town on a Monday don't miss their Bluegrass Night (I'll probably be there), Wednesday trivia is also fun!
Best Ramen in Town!
ATX Pro Tip: Get the Tsukemen, it's so good!
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Ramen Tatsu-Ya
1234 S Lamar BlvdBest Ramen in Town!
ATX Pro Tip: Get the Tsukemen, it's so good!
My favorite BBQ joint in Austin if you don't want to wait in line for hours at Franklin's...
ATX Pro Tip: If you're early you can get their Beef Ribs! They are amazing!
ATX Pro Tip 2: You can order pickup and enjoy your food at the house, reheat brisket and ribs in the oven at 125F for about 20 minutes (covered in aluminum foil)
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La Barbecue
2401 E Cesar Chavez StMy favorite BBQ joint in Austin if you don't want to wait in line for hours at Franklin's...
ATX Pro Tip: If you're early you can get their Beef Ribs! They are amazing!
ATX Pro Tip 2: You can order pickup and enjoy your food at the house, reheat brisket and ribs in the oven at 125F for about 20 minutes (covered in aluminum foil)
Texas / Japanese Fusion!
The owners of Frankin Barbecue and Uchi Sushi opened this restaurant in 2018 and it's become an Austin staple.
ATX Pro Tip: The salmon is amazing! Get the roasted potatoes to share
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Loro
2115 S Lamar BlvdTexas / Japanese Fusion!
The owners of Frankin Barbecue and Uchi Sushi opened this restaurant in 2018 and it's become an Austin staple.
ATX Pro Tip: The salmon is amazing! Get the roasted potatoes to share
Best Pizza in town!
ATX Pro Tip: When ordering your pie, ask for Fresh Mozzarella
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Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress AveBest Pizza in town!
ATX Pro Tip: When ordering your pie, ask for Fresh Mozzarella
Amazing sushi, but be prepared for a steep check!
ATX Pro Tip: The foie gras sushi is amazing as a last dish!
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Uchi
801 S Lamar BlvdAmazing sushi, but be prepared for a steep check!
ATX Pro Tip: The foie gras sushi is amazing as a last dish!
World famous Dirty Six! I recommend going to Maggie Mae's or the Dueling Piano Bar. After 12:30 am the party is at Barbarella's (Red River & 7th St)
ATX Pro Tip: If you're looking for 2:00am pizza don't stop at Roppolo's. Walk to 4th and Brazos to a place called 'The Onion'. It is well worth the walk!
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East 6th Street
East 6th StreetWorld famous Dirty Six! I recommend going to Maggie Mae's or the Dueling Piano Bar. After 12:30 am the party is at Barbarella's (Red River & 7th St)
ATX Pro Tip: If you're looking for 2:00am pizza don't stop at Roppolo's. Walk to 4th and Brazos to a place called 'The Onion'. It is well worth the walk!
Amazing no frills burgers next to Deep Eddy Pool! They're well known for their Tiki Drinks!
ATX Pro Tip: I always get their "Deep End" burger, but ask to have 2 patties instead of 3. They will lower your bill.
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Pool Burger
2315 Lake Austin BlvdAmazing no frills burgers next to Deep Eddy Pool! They're well known for their Tiki Drinks!
ATX Pro Tip: I always get their "Deep End" burger, but ask to have 2 patties instead of 3. They will lower your bill.
Great brewery on the East Side... Pet friendly and great food.
ATX Pro Tip: Get their pizza
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Central Machine Works
4824 E Cesar Chavez StGreat brewery on the East Side... Pet friendly and great food.
ATX Pro Tip: Get their pizza
Renovated houses turned into bungalow bars reign supreme on Rainey, you can go either day or night. Personal favorites are Lucille's, Craft Pride, & Icenhauers
ATX Pro Tip: If you're going to Rainey on a Sunday head to Icenhauers. Their live band on Sundays is amazing!
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Rainey Street
Rainey StreetRenovated houses turned into bungalow bars reign supreme on Rainey, you can go either day or night. Personal favorites are Lucille's, Craft Pride, & Icenhauers
ATX Pro Tip: If you're going to Rainey on a Sunday head to Icenhauers. Their live band on Sundays is amazing!
Great Icehouse / Daydrinking bar to go watch a game or play pickleball....
ATX Pro Tip: If you're playing pickleball make sure to book in advance, they fill up quickly! https://www.bouldinacres.com/pickleball/
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Bouldin Acres
2027 S Lamar BlvdGreat Icehouse / Daydrinking bar to go watch a game or play pickleball....
ATX Pro Tip: If you're playing pickleball make sure to book in advance, they fill up quickly! https://www.bouldinacres.com/pickleball/
Great brewery close to the house (Oltorf and S Lamar).
ATX Pro tip: Their meatball / pesto sub is amazing!
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The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
1305 W Oltorf StGreat brewery close to the house (Oltorf and S Lamar).
ATX Pro tip: Their meatball / pesto sub is amazing!
The hottest taco spot in East Austin right now... Worth waiting in line to enjoy these fancy / upscale tacos.
ATX Pro Tip: Get the Duck Carnitas and a Michelada. For vegetarian / vegan options the beet taco is also amazing
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Nixta Taqueria
2512 E 12th StThe hottest taco spot in East Austin right now... Worth waiting in line to enjoy these fancy / upscale tacos.
ATX Pro Tip: Get the Duck Carnitas and a Michelada. For vegetarian / vegan options the beet taco is also amazing
This isn’t your parent’s Thai restaurant where the menu consists of pad thai and fried rice with some weakly flavored glass noodles. This is contemporary Thai where it’s assumed that you know a thing or two about Thai food. With this expectation, guests do not decide the spice levels of their dishes. You get it hot, or not at all.
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Sway
1417 S 1st StThis isn’t your parent’s Thai restaurant where the menu consists of pad thai and fried rice with some weakly flavored glass noodles. This is contemporary Thai where it’s assumed that you know a thing or two about Thai food. With this expectation, guests do not decide the spice levels of their dishes. You get it hot, or not at all.
Very close to the house... This is hands down the best Ramen in town.
ATX Pro Tip: Spicy Edamame is amazing, and go for the Tsukemen Ramen (its not traditional ramen but it is the best on their menu).
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Ramen Tatsu-Ya
1234 S Lamar BlvdVery close to the house... This is hands down the best Ramen in town.
ATX Pro Tip: Spicy Edamame is amazing, and go for the Tsukemen Ramen (its not traditional ramen but it is the best on their menu).
Kemuri Tatsu-Ya in East Austin is a Japanese izakaya with a Central Texas barbecue twist. This is something that couldn’t really exist outside of Austin.
ATX Pro Tip: Hot Pocketz and Bento Boxes are amazing
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Kemuri Tatsu-Ya
2713 E 2nd StKemuri Tatsu-Ya in East Austin is a Japanese izakaya with a Central Texas barbecue twist. This is something that couldn’t really exist outside of Austin.
ATX Pro Tip: Hot Pocketz and Bento Boxes are amazing
Outdoorsy
Rent a canoe, kayak, or SUP and enjoy Lady Bird Lake.
ATX Pro Tip: They only take cash and will ask for some form of ID in order to rent
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Zilker Park Boat Rentals
2101 Andrew Zilker RdRent a canoe, kayak, or SUP and enjoy Lady Bird Lake.
ATX Pro Tip: They only take cash and will ask for some form of ID in order to rent
Swim on Barton Springs Pool! 10 minutes away from the house
ATX Pro Tip: If you visit during the summer months and want to go to BSP on the weekend try the entrance by "The Monkey Tree" (type that on Google Maps), you'll spend a lot less time to get in :)
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Barton Springs Municipal Pool
2201 William Barton DrSwim on Barton Springs Pool! 10 minutes away from the house
ATX Pro Tip: If you visit during the summer months and want to go to BSP on the weekend try the entrance by "The Monkey Tree" (type that on Google Maps), you'll spend a lot less time to get in :)
You can enter via 360 road (20 minute walk from the house) or at Barton Springs Pool. Great hiking!
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Barton Creek Greenbelt
3755 South Capital of Texas HighwayYou can enter via 360 road (20 minute walk from the house) or at Barton Springs Pool. Great hiking!
A Ski Lift in Texas? Yep! For Mountain Bike enthusiast this is the place to go!
Its about 1:15 away from the house but well worth it!
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Spider Mountain Bike Park
200 Greenwood Hills TrailA Ski Lift in Texas? Yep! For Mountain Bike enthusiast this is the place to go!
Its about 1:15 away from the house but well worth it!
Amazing views of Lake Austin.
ATX Pro Tip: Go for either sunrise or sunset :)
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Mount Bonnell
Amazing views of Lake Austin.
ATX Pro Tip: Go for either sunrise or sunset :)
Waterloo Park
500 E 12th StAmazing park in the heart of downtown!
Love Zilker Park and it's views.
ATX Pro Tip: The botanical garden is next to Zilker and is very peaceful
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Zilker Park
Love Zilker Park and it's views.
ATX Pro Tip: The botanical garden is next to Zilker and is very peaceful
Sculpture garden on Lake Austin, curated by the Austin Contemporary Museum...
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The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria
3809 W 35th StSculpture garden on Lake Austin, curated by the Austin Contemporary Museum...
Beautiful State Park 20 minutes away from the house...
ATX Pro Tip: If you're planning to go in the weekend in the Spring - Fall Months make sure to make a reservation months in advance. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls
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Iparke yaseMcKinney Falls
5808 McKinney Falls PkwyBeautiful State Park 20 minutes away from the house...
ATX Pro Tip: If you're planning to go in the weekend in the Spring - Fall Months make sure to make a reservation months in advance. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mckinney-falls
“Where flowers bloom, so does hope” - Lady Bird Johnson. Former first lady and environmentalist Lady Bird Johnson, and actress Helen Hayes envisioned a future where natural landscapes were restored and preserved. They founded the National Wildflower Research Center (later renamed, “Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center” to honor Mrs. Johnson). The center is located in South Austin and is internationally recognized for its conservation of native plants.
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I-Center ye-Wildflower ye-Lady Bird Johnson
4801 La Crosse Ave“Where flowers bloom, so does hope” - Lady Bird Johnson. Former first lady and environmentalist Lady Bird Johnson, and actress Helen Hayes envisioned a future where natural landscapes were restored and preserved. They founded the National Wildflower Research Center (later renamed, “Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center” to honor Mrs. Johnson). The center is located in South Austin and is internationally recognized for its conservation of native plants.
Groceries nearby
Target
2300 W Ben White Blvd
Wheatsville Food Co-Op
3101 Guadalupe StWalking distance from the house!
In my opinion it is far superior than Whole Foods and not as expensive!
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Central Market
4477 S Lamar BlvdIn my opinion it is far superior than Whole Foods and not as expensive!
Basic Brunch Guide
Gourmet New American fare served in a polished cafe space in a converted gas station/Laundromat.
ATX Pro Tip: Their buttermilk pancakes are amazing!
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Launderette
2115 Holly StGourmet New American fare served in a polished cafe space in a converted gas station/Laundromat.
ATX Pro Tip: Their buttermilk pancakes are amazing!
Fried Chicken Bennies FTW!
ATX Pro Tip: Reserve ASAP! Its hard to get a table
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Mattie's
901 W Live Oak StFried Chicken Bennies FTW!
ATX Pro Tip: Reserve ASAP! Its hard to get a table
Awesome Diner in Clarksville. There is a cool brewery next door so you can spend a full day there
ATX Pro Tip: Get their breakfast sandwich with hashbrowns and a fried egg.
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Better Half Coffee & Cocktails
406 Walsh StAwesome Diner in Clarksville. There is a cool brewery next door so you can spend a full day there
ATX Pro Tip: Get their breakfast sandwich with hashbrowns and a fried egg.
1600 S Congress used to be called 'South Congress Cafe' and served the best brunch in Austin. In 2021 they rebranded as 'Trudy's del Mar', fortunately they kept the brunch menu almost intact... This is a must visit for brunch.
ATX Pro Tip: Get the Chipotle Benedicts and save some space for the Carrot Cake French Toast for dessert. Trust me, you are going to want to try this.
Trudy’s Del Mar
1600 South Congress Avenue1600 S Congress used to be called 'South Congress Cafe' and served the best brunch in Austin. In 2021 they rebranded as 'Trudy's del Mar', fortunately they kept the brunch menu almost intact... This is a must visit for brunch.
ATX Pro Tip: Get the Chipotle Benedicts and save some space for the Carrot Cake French Toast for dessert. Trust me, you are going to want to try this.
One of the best Mexican restaurants in town is only 3 minutes away from the house... Brunch is amazing, you can't go wrong with either the Chilaquiles or the Enfrijoladas.
ATX Pro Tip: Get a Concha for dessert
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El Naranjo - South Lamar
2717 South Lamar BoulevardOne of the best Mexican restaurants in town is only 3 minutes away from the house... Brunch is amazing, you can't go wrong with either the Chilaquiles or the Enfrijoladas.
ATX Pro Tip: Get a Concha for dessert
Walking distance from the house
Brewery, Coffee and Bakery with a great outdoor patio overlooking the Green Belt.
ATX Pro Tip: Their breakfast pastries are amazing! Make sure to get there early because they run out! Also, their Avo Toast is (in my opinion) the best in town!
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Easy Tiger
1501 E 7th StBrewery, Coffee and Bakery with a great outdoor patio overlooking the Green Belt.
ATX Pro Tip: Their breakfast pastries are amazing! Make sure to get there early because they run out! Also, their Avo Toast is (in my opinion) the best in town!
A must visit in South Austin.
Amazing food trucks:
- Veracruz All Natural for my favorite breakfast tacos & Dee Dee for spicy Thai Food
ATX Pro Tip: If you're in town on a Monday don't miss their Bluegrass Night (I'll probably be there), Wednesday trivia is also fun!
435 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Radio Coffee & Beer
4204 Menchaca RdA must visit in South Austin.
Amazing food trucks:
- Veracruz All Natural for my favorite breakfast tacos & Dee Dee for spicy Thai Food
ATX Pro Tip: If you're in town on a Monday don't miss their Bluegrass Night (I'll probably be there), Wednesday trivia is also fun!
Grocery Store a couple of blocks away from the house.
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Wheatsville Food Co-Op
3101 Guadalupe StGrocery Store a couple of blocks away from the house.
Brewpub with good pizzas and outdoor seating.
ATX Pro Tip: Save some room for dessert, their brownie with Amy's Ice Cream is great!
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Pinthouse Pizza
4236 S Lamar BlvdBrewpub with good pizzas and outdoor seating.
ATX Pro Tip: Save some room for dessert, their brownie with Amy's Ice Cream is great!
The Park on South Lamar
4024 S Lamar BlvdGreat Burgers, no frills restaurant.
Live Music
The best place in Austin to see live music!
ATX Pro Tip: Wednesday nights at the continental gallery (upstairs of the continental club) you get to see the most talented jazz musicians
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The Continental Gallery
1313 S Congress AveThe best place in Austin to see live music!
ATX Pro Tip: Wednesday nights at the continental gallery (upstairs of the continental club) you get to see the most talented jazz musicians
Wednesdays at 5:00pm you get the Sun Radio live shows... they are a can't miss if you're in town, also a great excuse to grab a beer and some tacos
Guero's Oak Garden
1416 South Congress AvenueWednesdays at 5:00pm you get the Sun Radio live shows... they are a can't miss if you're in town, also a great excuse to grab a beer and some tacos
Monday Night = Epic Bluegrass Night at Radio. you don't want to miss it, trust me.
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Radio Coffee & Beer
4204 Menchaca RdMonday Night = Epic Bluegrass Night at Radio. you don't want to miss it, trust me.
Great Jazz Club in Congress Ave. rumour has it that Norah Jones has walked up and played at this place a couple times already
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Elephant Room
315 Congress AveGreat Jazz Club in Congress Ave. rumour has it that Norah Jones has walked up and played at this place a couple times already
this east Austin establishment is ideal to get your Honky Tonk on...
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The White Horse
500 Comal Stthis east Austin establishment is ideal to get your Honky Tonk on...
Wednesday nights is to listen to 80s rock with world famous band "The Spazmatics"
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Cedar Street Courtyard
208 W 4th StWednesday nights is to listen to 80s rock with world famous band "The Spazmatics"
Food Trucks!
The McKinney barbecue truck was named Eater Austin’s food truck of 2021 and one of Eater’s best new restaurants because of its ridiculously great smoked meats.
Great Barbecue with no frills!
Distant Relatives
3901 Promontory Point DriveThe McKinney barbecue truck was named Eater Austin’s food truck of 2021 and one of Eater’s best new restaurants because of its ridiculously great smoked meats.
Great Barbecue with no frills!
Every dish packs a lot of flavor and spice, from the laab to the soothing om gai. For sweets, the simple mango and sticky rice will do the trick when it’s in season. Pickup orders have to be placed online.
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DEE DEE - Northern Thai Street Food
4204 Menchaca RdEvery dish packs a lot of flavor and spice, from the laab to the soothing om gai. For sweets, the simple mango and sticky rice will do the trick when it’s in season. Pickup orders have to be placed online.
The South Lamar trailer offers all sorts of griddled sandwiches, like brisket banh mi, Sichuan chicken, and more. To-go orders can be placed over the phone or in person. Seating is available at next-door business Gibson Street Bar.
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Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant
506 West AveThe South Lamar trailer offers all sorts of griddled sandwiches, like brisket banh mi, Sichuan chicken, and more. To-go orders can be placed over the phone or in person. Seating is available at next-door business Gibson Street Bar.
For sweet tooths, Churros Co. is the spot for sweet tooths, where the fried dough is topped with fruit compote, apple pie, marshmallows, caramel, and more
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Churro Co.
1906 S 1st StFor sweet tooths, Churros Co. is the spot for sweet tooths, where the fried dough is topped with fruit compote, apple pie, marshmallows, caramel, and more
South Austin’s answer for breakfast tacos can be found at the updated trailer, and now it even takes advance online orders for pickups, but remains cash-only for in-person orders.
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El Primo
2101 S 1st StSouth Austin’s answer for breakfast tacos can be found at the updated trailer, and now it even takes advance online orders for pickups, but remains cash-only for in-person orders.
Amazing Grilled Cheese in the heart of rainey... Good for mid day, better for a late night snack after a night out!
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Burro Cheese Kitchen
730 Shady LaneAmazing Grilled Cheese in the heart of rainey... Good for mid day, better for a late night snack after a night out!
The Brazilian food truck is known for its South American dishes, from yucca fries to empanadas. The hearty picanha grelhada, which comes with a mess of tender steak, rice, beans, etc. isn’t to be missed.
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Boteco
1720 E 6th StThe Brazilian food truck is known for its South American dishes, from yucca fries to empanadas. The hearty picanha grelhada, which comes with a mess of tender steak, rice, beans, etc. isn’t to be missed.
Probably the closest thing to Mexico City Street Tacos in Austin. Trust me, I'm from Mexico City.
ATX Pro Tip: Get the carnitas tacos, or if you're feeling hungry get the Torta Cubana!
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Las Trancas Taco Stand
1210 E Cesar Chavez StProbably the closest thing to Mexico City Street Tacos in Austin. Trust me, I'm from Mexico City.
ATX Pro Tip: Get the carnitas tacos, or if you're feeling hungry get the Torta Cubana!
The Mexico City-style tacos from the Central East Austin food truck are just delightful, ranging from suadero to buche to champiñones
ATX Pro Tip: The real move is to get one of each
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Cuantos Tacos
1108 East 12th StreetThe Mexico City-style tacos from the Central East Austin food truck are just delightful, ranging from suadero to buche to champiñones
ATX Pro Tip: The real move is to get one of each
It isn’t an Austin food truck guide without a barbecue trailer, and both barbecue and barbecue-filled klobásníky can be found at the East Austin smoked meats truck.
ATX Pro Tip: Kolaches (a can't miss) are only available on Sundays.
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Kerlin BBQ
2207 E Cesar Chavez StIt isn’t an Austin food truck guide without a barbecue trailer, and both barbecue and barbecue-filled klobásníky can be found at the East Austin smoked meats truck.
ATX Pro Tip: Kolaches (a can't miss) are only available on Sundays.
This Peruvian truck serves up wonderful ceviche made with mahi mahi fish. There are also other South American dishes from lomo saltado to beef heart skewers to cans of Inka Kola.
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Ceviche7
502 W 30th StThis Peruvian truck serves up wonderful ceviche made with mahi mahi fish. There are also other South American dishes from lomo saltado to beef heart skewers to cans of Inka Kola.
The essence of Austin — Tex-Mex and barbecue — is found at Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, where smoked meats are made into sandwiches and tacos.
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Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ
308 Menchaca RdThe essence of Austin — Tex-Mex and barbecue — is found at Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ, where smoked meats are made into sandwiches and tacos.
Perhaps the city’s best cinnamon rolls are made at this South Austin truck
Teal House Coffee and Bakery
2304 S Congress AvePerhaps the city’s best cinnamon rolls are made at this South Austin truck