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Top 5 Challenges Food Truck Owners Face

Challenges Food Truck Owners Face

It’s estimated that 50% of small businesses fail in the first five years, and food trucks are no exception. The increasingly competitive market means vendors have more hurdles than ever to operate a successful business. Here are the top five challenges food truck owners face and how to overcome them.

Location

The real estate adage is location, location, location, and it also applies to food trucks. Vendors have to find a spot that consistently attracts diners without too many existing trucks. Some experts argue that choosing a proper location outweighs the importance of the menu.

Location Is Important

Street parking presents the most straightforward and cost-effective option for food truck owners. You can park in a business district and find hordes of hungry business-people on their lunch break. Other ways to optimize location include attending festivals, breweries, farmer’s markets, bars, nightclubs, sporting events, college campuses, and food truck parks.

Red Tape

Having a unique idea for a food truck and selling meals sounds like fun. The legalese can present enough hurdles that many prospective vendors give up before they start. Here are some of the regulations you’ll need to accommodate when you open a food truck:

  • A seller’s permit
  • Head department certification
  • Food safety training
  • Liability insurance
  • Mobile vending laws
  • Vehicle permit and license

Obtaining these qualifications isn’t difficult by themselves. They take time, though, which takes away from other pressing matters, like building a menu or hiring staff. Each city, county, and state has distinct regulations, so you’ll face red tape regardless of where you live in the United States.

Kitchen Space or Lack Thereof

Kitchen space provides a natural constraint for food truck vendors. Every section of the kitchen layout needs to drive the operation toward complete efficiency; otherwise, it risks slowing down business. Combine multiple tasks into one to get more done with less.

A robust food processor lets you perform multiple functions in a compact area. The small machine can make everything from salsas to soups and whipped cream to winter smoothies. Other ways to make your kitchen space more efficient include improving organization, building vertically instead of horizontally, and purchasing ingredient bins.

The Goldilocks Menu

Most people start food trucks because they have a new idea that no one else is doing. That could mean serving Korean-Italian cuisine or turning traditional upscale dining into fast, casual meals. Even if you have a novel and delicious idea, you need a consumer base willing to try your food.

A Goldilocks menu is neither too boring nor too adventurous. The food should sit in the middle ground between familiarity and novelty, making it just right for prospective customers. Striking a balance can be challenging for food truck owners, especially if you do not have a background in the restaurant industry or hospitality.

Inclement Weather

Some parts of food truck vending are out of your control, including the weather. While you can nail your food truck’s business plan, uncooperative weather can present a financial setback. No one wants to eat soggy sandwiches in a muddy park, even if they’re amazing. The same goes for eating ice cream during the winter or having spicy ramen during peak summer months.

Always Be Ready

Food truck owners face a myriad of challenges, from inclement weather to red tape. While some of these hurdles are beyond your control, some ingenuity and thoughtful planning can circumvent these common issues. If you’re ready to start conquering these hurdles, check out the About Us page to learn how Truckster can bolster your bottom line.

If you are not yet a food truck owner and thinking of taking the plunge, check out our Food Truck Resources Page to see how Truckster can get you started on your own food truck success story!

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Our Favorite Things to Do in Austin

Our Favorite Things To Do In Austin

Austin, Texas, has something for everyone, including nature lovers, art fans, romantics, and even the foodies. If you plan on visiting the city anytime soon, here are Truckster’s favorite things in Austin that you should give a try.

Visit the State Capitol

The State Capitol is Texas’s legislative center and one of the most impressive state legislative buildings in the US.

It has been around since 1888 and is a rich representation of Austin’s political history. The building itself is an architectural marvel that’s 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol in D.C. It has undergone a few renovations over the years, but still retains much of its original look.

Visiting the Capitol is a great opportunity to learn about Texas history and entry is free. But because the place can be a bit crowded at times, it’s best to plan and time your visit to avoid peak visit periods.

Sample the Food Trucks

In Austin, brick and mortar restaurants aren’t the only place to find fine dining. There are food trucks not far from most streets and they serve almost anything you want. Some serve Italian cuisine, while others offer Mexican, Middle Eastern, Asian, Tex-Mex, and their unique twists of traditional dishes.

The growing scene is an affordable way to get a tasty meal from anywhere in the world without having to travel. And if you have favorite food trucks, you can easily track them down when they move with the help of apps like Truckster’s Austin Food Trucks Map.

Watch Performers on Sixth Street

Fans of music can catch a live show at Sixth Street, which is celebrated as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Most of the performers are upcoming artists, but famous ones do show up from time to time.

You’ll find Sixth Street on the Dirty Sixth, which is between Congress Street and Interstate 35. Aside from music, the area also offers a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, and, of course, bars.

Hike Mount Bonnell

Austin has a lot of scenic views to offer and you can find some of the best ones at Covert Park’s Mount Bonnell. From the top of Mount Bonnell’s 775-foot-high outcrop, you get a panoramic view of the city and Lake Austin. That might seem tall, but many visitors describe the hike as easy and the view worthwhile.

The area is one of Texas’ historic landmarks and it’s also in the National Register of Historic Places, so be sure to treat it with respect by not littering.

Catch a Show at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater

Another favorite among music lovers, the Moody Center has hosted several artists, including some of your favorites. The venue can seat thousands of people and has great acoustics. When you are in Austin next, be sure to check out who’s performing at the Moody Center, because it just might be an artist that you’ve been dying to see live.

Visit SoCo District

Have you ever heard the saying, “keep Austin weird?” If you haven’t, the residents of SoCo District have and are committed to the message.
SoCo District is in downtown Austin and it plays a big part in keeping Austin’s weirdness alive and well. After soaking up some of the weird, you can browse and shop the diverse boutiques and stores in the area to find treasures.

You can also grab a bite or refreshments at one of the many food joints in the area. Taco, ice cream, and coffee joints are in abundance. The Continental Club is a favorite for grabbing drinks and enjoying live country music.

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake

Here’s another favorite hiking spot in Austin. It has a scenic 10-mile hike-and-bike trail in the middle of the city that takes you past the lake and by places where you can grab a bite. Whether you are running, cycling, or power walking, the gorgeous, yet quiet, view of the trail makes for great company.

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Best Places to Grab a Bite to Eat in Portland

Best Places To Grab A Bite To Eat In Portland Oregon

Portland, Oregon has a rich food scene that serves dishes from cultures around the globe. You can find original Asian, Italian, and other cuisines just like grandma makes them. Traditional favorites with modern twists are also popular.

Whichever you prefer, your food adventure in Portland won’t be complete without grabbing a bite at these best places to eat.

Toro Bravo

Spanish restaurants aren’t that common and eating at Toro Bravo will make you ask why not. The food is mostly traditional Spanish cuisine with a unique twist from the chef that takes the flavors to new heights.

Each dish delivers bold, drool-worthy flavors and, judging by the never-ending line at the restaurant, Toro Bravo is clearly doing everything right. Make sure to try out the exceptional Sangria and Spanish Tapas.

Food Carts and Trucks

Portland is one of the few places in the US where you can find five-star cuisine being served as street food. There are Portland food carts & trucks aplenty, serving remarkable cuisine at low prices. If you have a favorite food truck that’s always changing locations, you can easily track them down with apps like Truckster.

One of the most popular Portland food carts is Nong’s. It serves authentic Thai cuisine and people gravitate towards its specialty: Khao Man Gai. Khao Man Gai is poached chicken with a comforting soup, jasmine rice, and a sauce that goes POW in your mouth.

Tasty n Sons

The restaurant’s chef uses his travel experiences around the world to create dishes that sing. Eating here is almost like traveling around the world without leaving your seat. The menu has Moroccan chicken, shrimp tostadas, fried catfish bites, and more delectable dishes from various continents to amaze you.

Tasty n Alder

There’s nothing more American than a big juicy steak. Tasty n Alder makes perfect steaks and serves them to you at perfect prices, especially when you visit during happy hour.

The restaurant uses only quality meat cuts and heightens the flavor with its perfected recipe. The restaurant also has a nice ambiance and a fine selection of drinks for fantastic lunches and dinners.

Grassa Northwest Portland

Those who love Italian have to stop over at Grassa for its handmade pastas. One of the restaurant’s most popular dishes is its Cacio e Pepe. Its other popular dish has a strong American influence—pork belly mac and cheese.

You get big portions of food at affordable prices. Also, the restaurant is comfortable, service is quick, and you can eat there at any time of the day without having to dress upscale. It’s perfetto!

Tusk

Ever had Middle-Eastern food? The flavor depth will blow you away. The chefs at Tusk do a great job with a wide selection of Middle-Eastern cuisine that you can pair with drinks from the restaurant’s artistic cocktail menu.

The food is a bit pricey but worthwhile just for the restaurant’s ambiance and delicious dishes.

Afuri

Afuri is a popular Tokyo ramen chain with branches in Portland. Here, you’ll get various authentic ramen, sushi, tsukune, and other traditional Japanese dishes. The restaurant may be in the US, but customers are served with the same level of care, thoughtfulness, and hospitality that you can only find in a true Japanese restaurant.

Hat Yai

Hat Yai offers Thai food with a special Malaysian twist. The restaurant’s fried chicken with sticky rice is exceptional. But if you want to try something different from the usual fare, you can’t go wrong with the Malay-style curry and roti.

Pine Street Market

If you want one location where you can taste food from all over the world, drop in at Pine Street Market. It’s an open space that sets your stomach growling with aromas from the several restaurants within.

The best part about this location is you don’t have to choose where to eat. Simply try food from various places by hopping from one stall to the next. Just make sure you don’t skip Marukin Ramen.

Ready for your Portland food adventure? Be sure to bring a big appetite.

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What is Portland Known For?

Portland attractionsWhat’s Portland famous for? A lot! But because we don’t want to overwhelm you, we are going to limit our list to the city’s most famous attractions.

The Saturday Market

Portland is a hodgepodge of everything that’s hip in the US right now, and you can find it all at the Saturday Market. It’s a colorful event that runs on Saturdays and Sundays in Portland’s historic Chinatown. You’ll find everything from food and drinks to crafts and more from local artisans.

Food Truck Scene

Almost every city has a food truck scene, but the best food trucks in Portland, OR are totally unique. There are food trucks and carts offering five-star meals and desserts from countries around the world.

Are you craving Mexican, Japanese, Thai, Italian, or a mishmash of cultural flavors? There’s probably more options than you know what to do with. And to make finding the perfect truck to whet your appetite a breeze, there are apps like Truckster.

The Arboretum

If you love the outdoors, Portland is known for having fantastic trails, gorges, waterfalls, gorgeous parks, and more. But if you’d rather experience the beauty of the outdoors indoors, you need to try out the Hoyt Arboretum. It’s huge and contains various flora from different continents. Simply put, it’s Portland’s own Garden of Eden.

Thriving Art Scene

Portland is the origin of several talented creatives, like Matt Groening, Elliot Smith, Gus Van Sant, and others. More artists are being born in the city every day and it’s evident in the works that come out of the Oregon College of Art.

The school’s Centrum Gallery and Retail Craft Gallery showcase the works of various artists. You can also visit the Museum of Contemporary Craft or simply stroll through the Alberta Arts District to view its amazing murals.

Distillery Row

Portland is famous for its local breweries. Each brewery is different and offers something unique, from heady black beers to organic IPAs. Take a tour of the breweries and you are bound to find several with something special to please your taste buds.

But if beer is not your preferred poison, you should head to Distillery Row, just east of the Willamette River. It’s a neighborhood of distilleries and you’ll find everything from gin and vodka to whiskey and brandy from various brands.

Most of the distilleries are open to tours, which is the perfect opportunity to sample the unique craftsmanship of each distillery.

Coffee Like No Other

How do you like your coffee? If you are a fan of quality roasts, you should know that Portland’s coffee is some of the best in the US. Stumptown is probably the city’s most famous roaster, selling to people in New York and other states.

Other famous Portland roasters are Coava, Courier Coffee, Extracto Coffee, and Coffeehouse Northwest.

Foodie Paradise

Aside from the food trucks and carts, Portland also has regular brick-and-mortar establishments that feed the masses. Check out Laurelhurst Market for an epic meat dinner that even Vikings would envy, or visit Le Pigeon for something fancy.

And if you’re craving desserts, Voodoo Donuts, Crave Bake Shop, and many more are waiting to load you with enough tasty treats to keep you grinning all day.

As long as you are in Portland, going hungry or running out of cuisine options isn’t likely.

What Is Portland Known For - food

Bicycle Rides

Portland is one of the few cities committed to going green. Because of this, cycling is very popular. Since there are so many scenic bike trails, you’ll definitely have a great time exploring the city from behind handlebars. It’s also a great way to burn off some of the calories from sampling Portland’s numerous food trucks and foodie joints.

Liberal Politics

Portland is known for its vibrant culture, activism, and commitment to social justice. Liberal politics in Portland tend to prioritize issues like environmental sustainability, LGBTQ+ rights, racial justice, affordable housing, and healthcare access. The city has a strong tradition of grassroots activism and community engagement, with residents actively participating in protests, advocacy groups, and local politics to promote progressive policies and challenge systemic inequalities. Liberal politicians in Portland, both at the local and state levels, often champion policies that aim to create a more inclusive and equitable society, making the city a hub for progressive thought and action in the Pacific Northwest. So whether that is your particular cup of tea or not, it’s definitely something to consider, when considering Portland. 

Willamette Valley Wines

Portland is known for its micro-brewing and distilling scene, but the city has more than just beer and liquor. Portland sits right in the middle of one of the nation’s most famous wine countries- the Willamette Valley. The Willamette Valley houses a number of smaller microclimates, with differing elevations, temperatures, soil content, etc. These microclimates allow the winemakers to grow a huge variety of different types of grapes, making a seemingly endless menu of wines to try. Find tasting rooms right in town, or travel within an hour from the city and go explore the vineyards themselves. And don’t worry, this isn’t Napa Valley, you can leave the suit and tie at home. 

Voodoo Donuts

As self appointed foodie gurus, we of course have to mention Voodoo Donuts. Portland is where it all started. Since opening in a rented storefront back in 2003, Voodoo Donuts is now pushing their pink boxes of donuty-delight at 17 locations in six different states. They blew the doors off the donut making business with their unconventional flavors and quirky appeal. Bacon strips and maple icing on a donut? Who would have thunk it!  So even though Voodoo Donuts can be found all over the country now, they just hit different in their origin city of Portland. Maybe because they’re both a little…weird. 

Now that you know a few things that Portland is known for, head on over to experience these activities and more firsthand. And don’t forget to support the local food trucks!

Find Portland Food Trucks

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Why Should We “Keep Austin Weird?”

Why Should We Keep Austin Weird

Most visitors have no idea what keeping Austin weird means. We’ll try to explain it and why keeping the “weird” alive is important.

The History of Keeping Austin Weird

Before “Keep Austin Weird” became a famous slogan on signs, shirts, mugs, and more, it was a notion. In the ‘70s, Austin was where up-and-coming artists came to get their big break and where techies came to innovate.

By the ‘90s, Austin was hosting festivals like the Austin City Limits and legends like Willie Nelson. The tech scene was also booming thanks to the presence of Motorola, IBM, and other tech giants within the city.

Even though the area had become popular, it hadn’t become as popular as to erode the city’s core essence. But the more successful the city became, the more people and businesses began to pour in, remolding the look and sound of Austin.

From an economic standpoint, this was good. But from a cultural standpoint, not so great. The influx of new people, big businesses, and the constant changes were diluting and eroding a lot of the things that made Austin unique and famous.

To prevent industrial growth from wiping out Austin’s natural ecosystem and personality, the movement to maintain the city’s weirdness was born.

The Movement to Keep Austin Weird

Depending on who you ask, the term “keep Austin weird” was born on the radio when Red Wassenich called in to share his perspective on how a new culture of high-tech and luxury were eroding what makes Austin special.

When asked why he made his contribution, he replied, “I don’t know. It helps keep Austin weird.”

After he made the statement, Wassenich realized he’d struck a slogan goldmine. Not too long after, he and his wife began printing and sharing bumper stickers carrying the phrase.

Before long, Austin locals were chanting the motto. The slogan soon spread across Texas, and next thing you know, Portland had its variation: “Keep Portland Weird.”

Why Keep it Weird?

Austin is one of those few cities where various ingredients come together to make it whole and unique. According to Truckster, even the food scene is different, with best food trucks in Austin serving familiar dishes with a weird twist.

Changes in the economy, landscape, and the way people do business were gradually taking away the things that made Austin the place its locals knew and loved, which is what led to the “keep it weird movement.”

For example, many of the local creatives were of the opinion that the city’s expanding infrastructure was taking away key features that made the city ideal for artists to flourish.

Proof of this can be seen in 2003 when BookPeople, a famous local bookstore in the city and a landmark, was almost driven to extinction.
How?

The city government at the time was providing millions of dollars in government waivers to Borders Group, a national book chain, to facilitate their moving to Austin. If Borders Group were to open in Austin, the financial incentive, plus their larger resources, would have given them an edge over competing local businesses, like BookPeople.

To protect the city and local businesses, “keep Austin weird” once again became a battle cry. Eventually, the local government had no choice but to side with local businesses.

Failure to keep Austin weird may lead to short-term economic prosperity, but it could also result in the death of what makes Austin a Mecca for creatives and tourists. That doesn’t mean keeping the weirdness requires Austin to remain in the Stone Age. It simply means finding a balance between evolving and retaining the heart and soul of Austin.

By finding that balance, the unique quirks of Austin will still be there, setting the city apart from its neighbors. More importantly, the city will remain a haven for creatives and retain that magnetic attraction that keeps tourists coming back for more weirdness.

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Famous People from Portland, Oregon

Famous People From Portland, Oregon

Portland is famous for many things: food, sights, sounds, and more. It’s a wonderful city with a unique environment that’s responsible for molding some of our most beloved celebrities. That’s right! Some of your favorite celebrities are from Portland.

Want to find out who? Read on.

Chuck Palahniuk

Chuck Palahniuk is the literary genius that brought us Fight Club, the cult classic with some of the best performances from Edward Norton and Brad Pitt. I’d tell you more about Fight Club, but the first rule of Fight Club is don’t talk about Fight Club.

But I can tell you that Palahniuk wrote Fight Club in 1996, after which it was made into the famous movie that it now is. After Fight Club, Palahniuk wrote other famous books, such as Choke, Invisible Monsters, Survivor, Haunted, and more. Some were made into movies, but none have so far achieved the same level of box-office success as Fight Club.

Matt Groening

The Simpsons, Futurama, and Disenchanted wouldn’t exist without this genius. Matt Groening was born in 1954 in Portland and spent his early life there before moving to Olympia, WA, to attend college.

While Groening has done great work on many other TV shows, his most famous creation is The Simpsons, an animated sitcom that’s been on since 1989. The show has a global fan base and is a huge franchise.

James Beard

Where would American cuisine be without the influence of James Beard?

One of Portland’s greatest prides, James Beard was born in the city in 1903 and grew up to be one of the most famous chefs in the US. He’s also a world-famous food author.

He’s fondly remembered as the “the Dean of American cookery” thanks to his many outstanding achievements in the culinary world. There’s also a James Beard Foundation, which delivers awards and scholarships to talented young chefs with big dreams and other actors in the culinary world.

Aside from his foundation, the influence of James Beard touches many of food trucks in Portland, as well as restaurants.

Courtney Love

Courtney Love in her own right is a famous singer from the ‘90s. But she’s most famous for being married to Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of Nirvana. Love spent a lot of her formative years in Portland and other parts of Oregon.

Gus Van Sant

Good Will Hunting was an amazing movie that won several awards. The performances of Matt Damon and Robin Williams were key to the movie’s success, but Gus Van Sant’s directing is what brought it all together.

Aside from Good Will Hunting, other famous movies from Director Gus Van Sant include My Own Private Idaho, Drugstore Cowboy, Milk, and Paranoid Park, some of which was shot in Portland.

Elliot Smith

A talented, award-winning artist who died at the young age of 34, Elliot Smith was a versatile songwriter and musician. His song, Miss Misery, won an Oscar after appearing in the movie Good Will Hunting.

Smith was proud of his Portland heritage and mentioned his city a lot in his songs.

Beverly Cleary

She wasn’t born in Portland, but Beverly Cleary is still celebrated as one of the city’s icons. She wrote several young adult novels that went on to be bestsellers, especially her books with Ramona as the protagonist.

Beverly Cleary School is named in her honor and multiple events are held every year to celebrate her legacy.

Carrie Brownstein

Famous for her role on the hit TV series Portlandia, Carrie Brownstein is one of Portland’s talented actresses, musicians, and writers.
Do you know any other famous people from Portland? Share with us in the comments.

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#ServeTheIndustry Challenges Denver to Support Food Trucks and Workers Simultaneously

Servetheindustry Logo Min

Truckster is partnering with community members to build the #ServeTheIndustry movement. The movement’s mission is to aid the disrupted and displaced service industry community, starting here with local food trucks serving the Denver Metro area. We are pairing essential industry workers in need of a fresh, hot, meal with food trucks struggling to generate revenue, supported by funding from individuals and communities who are willing to give. Click Here to Give Now!

Servetheindustry

It all started on Saturday night March 21, when a group of neighbors got together and purchased meals from The Bamboo Skewer food truck to feed workers at their local King Soopers. Their generosity fed over 70 meals at two Denver Metro King Soopers locations. “After hearing my friend Mark’s story (owner of The Bamboo Skewer), I knew I needed to find a way to help” says Tim Fielding, who came up with the idea. “Listening to the small businesses who are watching years of hard work evaporate overnight just crushes me. Pair that with all of the workers who have been thrust into an essential role in the health and wellness of our communities like the grocery store workers stocking shelves, checking people out, and delivering food, I wanted to help out any way I could. This way we can help serve the people serving our communities while supporting small businesses.”

Connor Hollowell, Co-Founder of Truckster said, “When Tim and Mark reached out to us, it just felt like it was the answer we had been waiting for. So many of our trucks are reaching out to us in a panic. Nearly all, if not all, of their events are cancelled and they are looking for somewhere to go.”

Truckster is hosting a page on our website where the public can purchase a meal from a participating food truck (or multiple meals if they are willing and can afford it). With the help of sponsors like Tim and Kelly Fielding from Axe & Timber and in coordination with the grocers themselves, Truckster will then schedule food trucks to serve meals to the workers at local grocery store locations. The trucks will be individually packaging the food and serving in small groups, in order to comply with the Stay at Home Public Health Order issued on Monday.

In addition to serving the staff, trucks will also be open to the public at these locations for takeout service. Many trucks are offering takeout ordering through their websites, via text, and on the Truckster app. The public is asked to please adhere to Monday’s order, and keep distances of 6 feet or more between you and others when picking up your takeout orders.

The group is spreading the word through a social media challenge that launched on Wednesday, March 25th. Participants will purchase meals through the Truckster website (https://gotruckster.com/food-truck/co/denver/servetheindustry), change their social media profile pictures to the #ServeTheIndustry logo for the day, and create a social media post challenging three friends to do the same.

Truckster Co-Founder Molly Hollowell expanded, “It’s a great way to give with double the impact, and hopefully will add just a little sunshine to what can feel like really dark days ahead. It’s always incredible to see what we can do together, and how many people want to pitch in and be a part of it.”

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With Denver’s Stay-At-Home Order in Effect, Food Trucks Remain Open

Stay At Home Denver

The Stay-at-Home order, announced on March 23rd by Mayor Michael B. Hancock, has the city of Denver on edge. Denver is one of the hardest hit counties in Colorado. As of Tuesday March 24th, Colorado had 912 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 176 of which were in Denver County. In an effort to reverse the trend, the order went into effect on March 24th and continues through April 10th. Continue reading “With Denver’s Stay-At-Home Order in Effect, Food Trucks Remain Open”

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Tasty Places to Eat in Austin, Texas

Tasty Places To Eat In Austin

Austin is famous for its barbecue, but the city has far more to offer foodies than beautifully grilled meat. Whether you are hankering for Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, or anything else, you can find it here. You’ll find some of these options in a restaurant, others right on your street from the back of a food cart.

Let’s take a look at some of the tastiest places to pig out in Austin.

Din Ho Chinese BBQ

If you are a fan of Chinese, specifically Cantonese food, you have to check this spot out. It’s been around for over two decades and its fans still love the quality of its menu and service. Some of the restaurant’s popular sellers include its Peking duck and steamed buns, Singapore style rice noodles, salt and pepper squid, won ton soup, orange beef, and sautéed snow pea leaves.

Three Little Pigs

In Austin, the best food isn’t always found in a brick and mortar restaurant. The Three Little Pigs is proof of this with its unique twist on comfort food. Some of the biggest sellers at this meals-on-wheels are its bacon-wrapped meatloaf and Asian fried chicken.

Unlike many Austin food trucks, finding the Three Little Pigs is easy since you can always find the truck at the same spot behind the Aristocrat Lounge.

Franklin Barbecue

Hungry for an authentic Texan barbecue? Franklin Barbecue is the grill to feast at.

The only complaint about this barbecue joint is how long the lines can get. But considering how good the food at the end of the line is, it’s worth the wait.

The joint’s most popular dish is the brisket. It’s tender, moist, and, most importantly, packed with flavor. But Franklin Barbecue doesn’t stop there. You can also get pork ribs that are crisp on the outside yet tender enough to fall off the bone.

If you are a fan of sandwiches, you can’t go wrong with the Tipsy Texan and its chopped beef and sausage filling topped with coleslaw. You’ll make a mess while eating it, but you’ll love every bit of it.

Kreyol Korner Caribbean Cuisine

Caribbean Cuisine is something you probably didn’t think you could find in the city, but the local food truck scene is happy to prove you wrong.

The specialty of Kreyol Korner is Haitian dishes. Its biggest sellers are stewed red snapper, fried pork shoulders, stuffed plantain cups, and jerk chicken wings. You can also get special creations that merge American cuisine with Haitian flavors, like its burgers made with plantain buns and nachos.

Tâm Deli & Cafe

Vietnamese food, when cooked right, is super flavorful. That’s why people come to Tâm’s–they know it’s one of the best places in Austin for authentic Vietnamese. The Vietnamese ham, pâté, and roasted chicken combination sandwich are simply sublime.

There are several other items on the menu that are worth trying, but make sure not to overlook the bánh cuốn (steamed rice rolls). They’re fantastic.

Garbo’s Lobster Truck

If not for apps like Truckster, finding Garbo’s roaming food trucks would be a pain in the neck. With the app, you can easily hunt down this moving lobster master chef, regardless of where he’s hiding out in Austin.

The truck offers various lobster recipes with fresh Maine lobsters. Don’t hesitate to try out the Northeastern-style sandwiches with butter and a lobster-rich center.

The Backspace

If you’re in the mood for hot and fresh Neapolitan pies, the Backspace on 6th Street is the spot. While the pizzas aren’t the biggest, they make up for quantity with quality. Regardless of the type of toppings you choose, we guarantee your pizza will be awesome.

Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew

A completely casual barbecue joint where the food is far from casual. Be it the pork rib, turkey, or beef, the barbecue is awesome. Everything is grilled to perfection and tastes even better than it looks and smells. If you like it sweet and spicy with a nice cold brew to wash it down, Stiles Switch is where you need to be.

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Upcoming Events and Festivals in Austin

Upcoming Events & Festivals In Austin

Austin is a hub for various types of events, especially music festivals. Here’s your guide to the best ones to look forward to in 2020.

No Idea Festival

The No Idea Festival is an annual event that typically occurs in February. The festival brings together musical artists of different genres from around the world, including Japan, Europe, Mexico, and around the US to thrill music lovers in Austin.

The entire event takes two days and three nights and you’ll get to enjoy everything from fantastic performances to improvisation sets.

ROT Biker Rally

For those who prefer two wheels to four, the ROT Biker rally shows up in June to celebrate everything about bikes for four days. There will also be bike expeditions, races, live music, and more. If you get hungry, some of Austin’s top food trucks will be in attendance and you can find your favorites with apps like Truckster.

St. Patrick’s Day Festival

In mid-March, there’ll be the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, which, as you’ve guessed, is all about the Irish. Traditional Irish musical performances will be the main act of the day, alongside various displays of Irish culture and pride.

If you are a fan of green, authentic Irish cuisine, bagpipes, dancing, and more, you won’t want to miss this.

SXSW

Another big event in March is the 10 days of SXSW. The event occurs in various parts of Austin and showcases music, films, and more from around the world.

Rodeo Austin

If you are a fan of BBQ, the Rodeo Austin is a chance to get a taste of ranch life and real Texan barbeque. There’s also music and a carnival. The best part is you can shuttle between Rodeo Austin’s festivities and SXSW since some of their dates overlap.

HONK!TX Festival

It’s an April nonprofit event that showcases street and brass bands from within and outside the US. You can enjoy the performances for free on the streets of Austin, including a great show from the New Orleans second-line brass, Brazilian bands, West African bands, and more.

Fusebox Festival

This is one of Austin’s biggest art events. It’s held annually and this year’s festival will last for four days across over 20 different venues all over Austin. Artists from within and outside the US will be in attendance to perform.

The Lonestar Round-Up

Here’s a huge April outdoor car show for Texan gearheads. It’ll last for three days at the Travis County Expo Center and showcase everything from custom cars to vintage hot rods from all over the world.

Aside from the beautiful sound of roaring car engines, attendees will also be serenaded by the live music festival held alongside the car show.

Moontower Comedy Festival

Comedy lovers can get their laughs at the Moontower Comedy Festival at the Paramount Theatre. Comics from around the world congregate in Austin in April to crack up the audience with improv, comedy sketches, musical comedy, and more. Some of the nation’s biggest comedy stars will also be in attendance.

Kerrville Folk Festival

May is another big month for music festivals in Austin with the Kerrville Folk Festival that lasts for two weeks. It’s one of the longest nonstop music festivals in the US that brings singer-songwriters from various genres and continents to perform. Over 30,000 revelers are expected to attend.

ATX Television Festival

Fans of the small screen get to meet some of their favorite actors, writers, creators, and directors at this weekend event in June. There will be panels where the cast and crew of your favorite shows discuss the journey to creating a successful show and bringing it to the screen.

Bat Fest

When over a million Mexican free-tailed bats come out to fly in August, Bat Fest begins with live music on two stages. As the night progresses, there will be food and arts & crafts vendors, drinks, a bat costume contest, and more.

Wizard World

Wizard World is Austin’s equivalent of Comic-Con. Thousands of fans gather every year in September to partake at the Austin Convention Center, where booths and panels celebrating some of the biggest movie, comic, gaming, anime, and MMA franchises pop up. You won’t want to miss it.

Other major events in Austin are the Gruene Music & Wine Festival, Austin Film Festival, and the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest. Which are you looking forward to?