Holy mackerel! It's difficult not to use a few mild expletives when describing Kyoten's battera. It's that dang good. That perfect cuts of extraordinarily fresh, ecologically responsible fish can come out of a tiny kitchen is perhaps our town's best indication that we're not quite done with food trucks.
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In a town oversaturated with food trucks, Luke's has not only withstood the test of time, but sets itself apart. From sharable appetizers to an array of sandwiches – plus a hangover-curing brunch and daily specials like Cajun gumbo or duck confit – chef Luke Bibby definitely has it going on.
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photo by John Anderson
Deli food isn't a particularly hot topic on the Austin dining scene, but Melvin's is an example of why we should be paying closer attention. For a little over two years, Melinda and Kevin Ellis have mastered the art of the monster sandwich, from house-cured pastrami Reubens to delightfully gooey croque monsieurs. Wear your loosest pants for lunch.
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Not only did the little acorn-adorned trailer survive its 2nd anniversary, they've busted through Austin's barbecue clique barriers. Rumor has it this list-topper is luring the cognoscenti with mouthwatering brisket, specialty sausages, and jalapeño cheese grits. Plus, with occasional live music, craft beer, and sweet treats like house-made moonpies, it's a real good time.
1309 Rosewood
512/791-5961
craftmeatsaustin.com/
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John Anderson
Looking for some pasta baby this evening? There's no need to eat your heart out. Patrizi's rolls and cooks their semolina pasta to order, then tops it with gremolata, ricotta, or coddled egg. We like cacio e pepe the best. Those noodles don't need another thing.
2307 Manor Rd.
512/522-4834
www.patrizis.com
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Cheeky chef Erica Waksmunski gave the Austin restaurant scene an old-fashioned poke in the eye with the launch of Red Star. From quirky vegan renditions of meatloaf to fried chicken that would bring a tear to your mee-maw's eye, this Airstream transports you to the Southern upbringing you never had.
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photo by John Anderson
Most famous for their vegan Reuben, this all-vegetarian Jewish deli trailer is almost out of sight behind Farewell Books and Flat Track Coffee, but serves up some of the best falafel this side of the Mediterranean. Rotating varieties of homemade kombucha and an incredible vegan potato salad seal the deal for one of our favorite lunch spots.
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Thai-Kun's uncompromising cuisine should come with a warning. When they say "hot," they don't mean a deseeded jalapeño was chopped somewhere within a three-mile vicinity of the truck. They mean that they used enough heat to get your endorphins going. Few other Austin restaurants can get you that high.
1816 E. Sixth (at Whisler's)
512/422-5884
thaikun.com/
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The Detroit-style pizzeria has us hooked on their foccacia-style four-cornered crusts and caramelized-cheese edges. Combinations like prosciutto, fig, gorgonzola, and balsamic glaze have us lined up at this trailer, often 10 people deep, regardless if it's 40 degrees out or 100. A second trailer on Rainey Street now means more bar-hoppers get a piece of the pie.
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