Austin’s Top 9 Food Trucks: A Must-Have List for Food Truck Dreamers and Eaters
Each truck isn’t just a business — it’s a dream on wheels, built by hands that stir, grill, and serve with heart.
This Friday, June 27, marks National Food Truck Day—a moment to celebrate the small-but-mighty kitchens on wheels that fuel our cities with creativity, culture, and bold flavors. And there’s no better place to honor it than right here in Austin, where food trucks aren’t just a trend—they’re part of the city’s identity.
From smoky Texas barbecue to Vietnamese bánh mì, Sonoran hot dogs to street-style tacos, Austin’s food truck scene offers a culinary passport parked on nearly every corner. It's diverse, it’s dynamic, and above all—it’s deeply personal. Behind each truck is a story: of family, hustle, heritage, and often, one big dream.
In celebration of this day, we’ve rounded up Austin’s top 9 food trucks, according to Yelp, and gone beyond the menu to explore the people and passion behind them. Whether you're a longtime local or a curious foodie just passing through, these mobile kitchens offer a true taste of the city's heart and soul.
A Culinary Love Story from Huế to Austin: Viet Vibes
Loc, the owner of Viet Vibes, was born and raised in Huế — the ancient capital of Vietnam and the heart of its culinary heritage. In Huế, food is not just nourishment; it is memory, culture, and identity. The region’s cuisine is known for its delicate balance, bold spices, and time-honored techniques passed down through generations.
Now a father of a two-year-old son and expecting a baby girl, Loc pours his heart into every dish he serves. He and his wife — both Vietnamese immigrants who first settled in Houston — moved to Austin in search of better educational opportunities for their children and a fresh start for their family-run business.
With the help of his mother-in-law, Loc launched Viet Vibes, a food truck that brings the spirit of Huế’s street food to the heart of Austin.
The inspiration for the truck’s logo came from a cherished childhood image: women in Huế walking the streets with bamboo shoulder poles, carrying baskets filled with traditional dishes.
“They were storytellers,” Loc says. “Every bowl of soup, every bite of bánh mì — it was a piece of our history.”
That daily joy of street food — its smell, its color, its warmth — now lives on at 907 Kramer Ln, Austin, TX 78758, where Viet Vibes welcomes customers to experience the flavors of home.
Loc learned to cook from his family, just as they had from theirs. The food he creates — fragrant phở, crusty bánh mì, and soon, rich and spicy bún bò Huế — carries the soul of Central Vietnam and the legacy of generations.
Through Viet Vibes, Loc and his family offer more than just a taste of Vietnam. They offer a piece of their journey — of leaving home, chasing dreams, and building something meaningful for the next generation.
“We may be far from Huế, but every dish keeps us close,” Loc says. “This is our story — and it’s made with love.”
The Rise of Hippo Express: Where Prayer Meets the Wok
On a breezy Monday evening in northwest Austin, the scent of garlic and chili oil drifted through the air as customers lined up outside Hippo Express, a new Chinese food truck nestled at a gas station on 9741 N Lake Creek Parkway.
Inside, Leo handed a bowl of slow-braised beef and rice to his wife, Angela, before turning back to the wok. It was their soft opening, and by 7:00 p.m., they had sold out.
“We haven’t stopped since 10 a.m.,” Leo said, grinning. “Maybe one day, Hippo Express will be more popular than Panda Express.”
Since its grand opening on June 9, 2025, Hippo Express has won over Austinites with its bold flavors and heartfelt service. Dishes like Mala Xiang Guo — a spicy stir-fried hot pot — have drawn praise for their authenticity.
“Best Chinese food in Austin,” one customer declared.
But behind the food is a deeper story. Leo and Angela are immigrants, parents to a 9-year-old son, and committed Christians. Though not professionally trained, Leo treats cooking as a craft, obsessively perfecting recipes. Angela balances managing orders and caring for their family.
Hippo Express, they say, is their dream come true — built on love, prayer, and hard work.
Their dedication is paying off. After launching a second location, they are now planning a third.
“My dream?” Leo says. “Travel the world in an RV, open the window, and cook something unforgettable.”
For now, Austin is lucky to be the first stop.
Austinites Fuel a National Food Truck Phenomenon
Viet Vibes and Hippo Express are part of a powerful food truck culture that has taken root in Austin. What began as humble taco stands on South Lamar Street in the 1990s has exploded into a culinary movement that defines a city — and reshapes how America eats.
In Austin, food trucks are more than just meals on wheels — they are a symbol of creativity, culture, entrepreneurship, and community. With over 2,000 mobile vendors, the city now ranks among the top food truck hubs in the country.
“We’re not just selling hot dogs — we’re telling stories,” said Miguel Kaiser, Michelin-trained chef and founder of T-Loc’s Sonora Hot Dogs.
From Recession Response to $1.8 Billion Industry
The food truck industry’s rise is rooted in resilience. When the 2008 financial crisis made opening brick-and-mortar restaurants too costly, aspiring chefs turned to the streets.
“It was either abandon the dream or bring it to the curb,” said Mike Porcari, pitmaster of Mike’s BBQ 101.
Social media soon turned these curbside kitchens into viral sensations. In Austin, celebrity endorsements and tech influencers like Elon Musk and Matthew McConaughey helped elevate the city’s “cool factor,” fueling the food truck frenzy.
Austin’s Star Power: Nation-Leading Trucks and Venues
Austin boasts nine entries on Yelp’s 2025 “Top 100 Food Trucks in the U.S.” list — more than almost any other city.
Notable Highlights Include:
Jim’s Smokehouse (#2): Known for its 12-hour smoked Angus brisket and house-made bacon jam mac and cheese. Owner Brad Yerkes honors his grandfather’s legacy, one plate at a time.
T-Loc’s Sonora Hot Dogs (#8): Chef Miguel Kaiser brings Michelin-starred precision to Sonoran-style hot dogs with toppings like sautéed onions, jalapeño sauce, and mozzarella on a Mexican bolillo bun.
Paprika ATX (#19): A Latinx-owned taco truck spotlighted in The New York Times for its $4 suadero taco and rotating menu of top-tier offerings at 6519 N Lamar Blvd.
Bodhi Viet Vegan (#23): A Buddhist-run, nonprofit truck serving vegan Vietnamese cuisine for under $9, praised for its authenticity and value at 2301 W Parmer Ln.
Ceviche7 (#30): A fresh seafood truck specializing in ceviche, shrimp tacos, and fish tostadas, known for its bold, coastal flavors.
Buenos Sabores (#48): A family-run Mexican trailer celebrated for its Al Pastor Quesatacos, homemade horchata, and dog-friendly hospitality at 11416 N FM 620.
Granny’s Tacos (#58): An East Austin staple launched in a converted ambulance, famous for its breakfast tacos and shrimp tacos at 1401 E 7th St.
Flavia’s Kitchen (#68): A beloved South Lamar taco truck, mourned after the tragic passing of owner Flavia, remembered for her warmth and unforgettable tacos.
Boteco (#69): A Brazilian food truck serving pão de queijo and street-food favorites, bringing Rio de Janeiro's flavors to Barton Springs Rd.
Jim's Smokehouse (#2): A Tribute to Texas Barbecue and Family Legacy
Renowned for its 12-hour smoked Angus brisket and house-made bacon jam mac and cheese.
Owner Brad Yerkes said, “It’s about honoring my granddad’s craft—one plate at a time.”
At 6900 Ranch Rd 620 in Austin, Texas, the scent of oak-smoked brisket and bacon jam draws locals and visitors alike to Jim's Smokehouse, a food truck with a reputation that's anything but mobile. Run by owner and pitmaster Brad Yerkes, Jim's Smokehouse has become a community favorite and national standout, earning the #1 spot on Yelp's Top 10 Barbecue Spots in the USA and #5 on the 2023 Top 100 Best Places to Eat in Texas.
Brad doesn’t mind being called "Jim" — the truck is named after his grandfather, who ran a Texas barbecue joint in the 1970s. "Pawpaw would never let me mess with the barbecue," Brad recalls. "And he never wrote down a recipe." That didn’t stop Brad from trying to recreate the flavors of his childhood. "I probably smoked a brisket every week for five months," he says.
The result? A brisket that Yelpers consistently describe as "outstanding," "perfectly tender," and "sauced just right."
Jim's brisket, made from choice Black Angus, gets a 12-hour smoke treatment in the custom smoker stationed just behind the truck. "We start at 7:30 a.m. every day," Brad says. "It’s about patience and precision."
Beyond the brisket, Jim’s menu boasts a lineup of smoked favorites and inventive surprises: pulled pork sandwiches, jalapeno cheddar sausage, baby back ribs, and the celebrated "De Leon Taco," described by one reviewer as "gold — every flavor perfectly placed." Equally beloved are the sides. The mac and cheese is "creamy, rich, hot, and gooey," while the sriracha slaw and jicama slaw bring fresh, vibrant contrast to the smoked meats.
Then there’s the bacon jam: thick-cut bacon fried to a crisp, then slow-cooked with maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar until it becomes a sweet-savory topping that customers rave about.
As for dessert, Brad turns to family again. "Mimaw, my grandma, did write her recipes down," he laughs. Her banana cream and key lime pies are regular sell-outs.
Jim's operates in a relaxed, outdoor setting shared with other trucks and the Rock House Bar & Trailer Park. Picnic tables shaded by cedar elms offer the perfect perch for a plate of ribs and a cold beer. The friendly service, often described as "Southern charm," adds to the experience.
Jim’s Smokehouse now has two locations, with a second truck stationed at The Picnic food trailer park on Barton Springs Road near Zilker Park. Despite the expansion, Brad remains hands-on. He greets regulars by name, offers smoker tours to curious customers, and chats easily with Yelp Elite reviewers.
"What does it take to get from a solid 4-star to a 4.9?" asks one reviewer. "It takes passion, consistency, and ridiculously good food."
With 94% five-star reviews and a reputation built on family, flavor, and fire, Jim’s Smokehouse is setting a new standard for barbecue in Austin—and across the country.
T-Loc's Sonora Hot Dogs (#8): Where Street Food Meets Culinary Precision
Chef Kaiser redefines the Sonoran-style hot dog using fine-dining technique.
His “con todo” version wraps the wiener in bacon and loads it with toppings on a Mexican bolillo bun.
In the heart of Austin's bustling 5000 Burnet Food Truck Park, one food truck is redefining what a hot dog can be. T-Loc's Sonora Hot Dogs, led by owner and self-proclaimed "hot dog master" Miguel Kaiser, is earning national recognition for its creative yet deeply authentic take on the Sonoran-style hot dog.
With a resume that includes training at the three-Michelin-starred Per Se in New York, Miguel took an unconventional path from fine dining to food truck stardom. "It was pretty intense," he recalls of his time at Per Se, where there were no compromises and no room for error. Though the restaurant offered him a job after his culinary school externship, Miguel turned it down. Instead, he returned to Austin to pursue his dream: elevating street food without losing touch with its roots.
His mom thought he was crazy. Yelpers say he might be a genius.
At T-Loc's, Miguel continues the precision of Per Se, down to the artistic garnishing of every plate. The star of the menu is the Sonoran hot dog: a bacon-wrapped wiener nestled in a soft, slightly sweet Mexican bolillo bun flown in from Tucson. "It’s a combination of hot, cold, tangy, spicy, sweet and salty," Miguel explains.
The real magic, he adds, comes when you order it "con todo" — with pinto beans, sautéed onions, diced tomatoes, mayonnaise, mozzarella, jalapeño sauce, and a sprinkle of kosher salt. "That’s what gives it the pop," he says.
The flavor symphony has earned T-Loc's a 4.8-star rating from nearly 600 Yelp reviews and top spots on Yelp's lists of the "Top 25 Mexican Food Spots" and "Top 100 Texas Restaurants" in 2022.
Customers frequently describe the experience in rapturous terms. "The magic I found at T-Loc was the way they fused together every single ingredient into glorious bites of hot dog perfection," says reviewer Jason B.
But Miguel’s menu goes beyond hot dogs. The carne asada burritos are a surprise hit, described by customers as "phenomenal," "so juicy," and "full of meat." Tacos, the veggie dog, and creative items like the Yaqui Dog and Sonora Dip round out the diverse offerings.
Even the sides and drinks get rave reviews, with the Papas Bravas labeled "divine" and agua frescas like the orange-strawberry blend praised for their refreshing zing.
Equally memorable is the service. Miguel is often found personally delivering orders, chatting with customers, or even running curbside deliveries. "The team feels like family," one diner said. "Miguel shared insights about the business and his passion was clear."
Despite being a food truck, T-Loc's provides a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Outdoor tables sit under a canopy of trees with fans for cooling and insect repellents discreetly stationed to ensure comfort. Dogs are welcome, and music fills the air, creating a vibe that's relaxed yet refined.
Located at 5000 Burnet Rd, T-Loc's is open Tuesday through Sunday with both lunch and dinner hours. Hot dog prices start at $6, with burritos at $8.50, making it one of the more accessible gourmet experiences in town.
T-Loc's Sonora Hot Dogs is more than just a food truck — it’s a testament to how passion, precision, and bold flavors can transform even the humblest street food into a destination-worthy meal.
Other standouts include:
Paprika ATX (#19)
Paprika ATX – Austin’s Beloved Taco Destination 🌮
A Latinx-owned taco food truck at 6519 N Lamar Blvd, open Tuesday–Saturday, offering takeout and outdoor dining in a casual setting.
Earning a stellar 4.9-star average on Yelp and Google based on over 100 reviews, and recently earned a coveted spot in The New York Times’ Best Dishes of 2024 for its $4 suadero taco.
Features a rotating menu of top-tier tacos, including suadero, carnitas, al pastor (weekends), nopalitos, and shrimp. Tacos are praised for their charred, juicy meat, warm corn tortillas, and fresh salsas.
Standout Items:
Suadero taco: crisp-edged, beefy, nixtamalized tortilla — “Brisket boosted to another level” (NYT)
Carnitas & cactus tacos: flavorful with a clean balance
Quesitaco option: cheesy upgrade praised by fans
Service & Experience:
Friendly, attentive counter service; clean, shaded outdoor seating with fans and music enhances the relaxed, community vibe.
Recognition:
Garnered local awards like Yelp’s “Hot & Trendy” and national acclaim via NYT and Texas Monthly, cementing its status as an Austin favorite.
Bodhi Viet Vegan (#23)
Tucked behind a strip of businesses at 2301 W Parmer Ln, Austin, this nonprofit food truck operates Thursday–Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Offering a fully vegan Vietnamese menu, Bodhi Viet serves bánh mì, pho, vermicelli bowls, fresh spring rolls, golden fried rolls, and more. With nearly everything priced under $9, customers praise the food for capturing authentic flavors at exceptional value.
Notable Praise:
Flavor & Quality: Reviewers describe the dishes as “explosive in your mouth,” “authentic,” and “heavenly,” with items like the lemongrass seitan bánh mì, pineapple curry, and fresh spring rolls receiving special mention
Service & Atmosphere: The Buddhist volunteers are noted for being “so sweet,” “welcoming,” and providing a “spectacular” level of friendly service
Affordability: A major highlight is the pricing — generous vegan meals for about $6 to $9, with some diners remarking it kept their meals under $30 total
Recognition:
Featured in Austin Chronicle’s North Austin best-of list, Bodhi Viet stands out for its “delicious, nutritious, and mind-bogglingly cheap bánh mì, bao, and vermicelli bowls.”
Ceviche7 (#30)
Ceviche7 – Austin’s Premier Seafood Food Truck
Concept & Cuisine:
Specializing in fresh, coastal-style ceviche and seafood-forward dishes, Ceviche7 operates as a popular food truck offering light, flavorful meals made with high-quality seafood and vibrant salsas.
Menu Highlights:
Known for its namesake ceviche served with crisp tortilla chips, plus standout shrimp tacos, fish tostadas, and creative seafood bowls featuring citrus-marinated fish, crunchy veggies, and bright, herby garnishes.
Dining Experience:
Operating from a friendly outdoor truck lot, Ceviche7 provides casual seating with picnic tables and shade — perfect for enjoying fresh seafood in Austin’s warm climate.
Reputation:
Highly rated by diners for its clean, refreshing flavors, generous portions, and consistent freshness. Loyal customers frequently mention the bright, tangy taste profiles and attentive service.
Accessibility:
Conveniently positioned in a central food truck park, it offers quick takeout and top-notch casual dining without long waits — ideal for seafood lovers seeking a fast, healthy stop in the city.
Buenos Sabores (#48)
Buenos Sabores – Austin’s Family-Style Mexican Food Trailer 🌮
Location & Format:
A family-owned Mexican food truck and catering service at 11416 N FM 620, tucked behind Cedar Park, offering a cozy outdoor dining area under shady trees.
Ratings & Reputation:
Earns a stellar 4.9-star rating from over 250 reviews, praised for its warm hospitality and authentic, homemade-style dishes.
Menu Highlights:
Favorites include Al Pastor Quesatacos, Chicken Tinga Quesatacos, Poblano Chicken Bowl, and Deshebrada tacos.
Sides such as street corn, homemade chips & spicy queso, and homemade horchata are big hits.
Service & Ambiance:
Customers love the personalized experience—from samplers on first visits to dog-friendly treats. The friendly owner and crew create a welcoming, relaxed vibe.
Special Features:
Provides catering for events, with flexible options like taco bars for birthdays and office parties
Offers vegetarian and vegan options, earning accolades for inclusivity
Granny’s Tacos (#58)
Granny’s Tacos is a beloved East Austin staple, originally launched in 2016 by Maria Rios out of a converted ambulance — named in tribute to her grandmother and great-grandmother.
Stationed at 1401 E 7th St, the truck has gained fame for its hearty breakfast tacos, especially its chicken mole “Chilaquil” taco, and shrimp tacos praised for being “never over‑cooked.”
What makes it special?
Roots & Atmosphere:
Family-run by Rios, Granny’s maintains a down-to-earth vibe with a compact seating area featuring umbrellas and picnic tables.
Standout Dishes:
Reviewers rave about their breakfast tacos—particularly the mole chicken and chilaquiles versions—and shrimp tacos, hailed as exceptionally fresh.
Local Acclaim:
Featured on Yelp’s 2025 Top 100 U.S. food trucks at #58 — and #48 for sister truck Buenos Sabores — affirming its status among the nation's top mobile eats.
Community Buzz:
Redditors on r/austinfood share high praise:
“The shrimp tacos are freshest of all the taco trucks. Never over cooked like most shrimp taco fuck ups.”
“Granny’s remains one of, if not the best, breakfast taco joints in the city.”
Other loyal fans recommend:
“The chicken Molè taco is amazing!!”
“I’ve personally mentioned it two or three times here. … [Mole chilaquiles taco] rocks me.”
📍 Address: 1401 E 7th St, Austin, TX 78702
Flavia’s Kitchen (#68)
📍 Location & Rating
Situated at 1700 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704.
Boasts a stellar 4.8★ rating from 123 Yelp reviews, marking it as a local favorite.
🌮 Menu & Pricing
Popular for its $5 two-taco special, with a diverse lineup including al pastor, migas, tinga de pollo, birria, and vegetarian options — all served on scratch-made corn tortillas.
Reviewers have praised the food as “perfect in every way” and rate even its flour tortillas among the best in town.
🏆 Accolades & Recognition
Ranked #68 on Yelp’s 2025 list of top 100 U.S. food trucks, specifically highlighted for excellence among Austin’s mobile eateries.
Celebrated as a top women-owned and Michoacán-style Mexican food spot in the Austin scene.
🕊️ Legacy & Community Impact
Owned by Flavia, whose tragic death in a DUI accident deeply affected her loyal customer base. On r/austinfood, one follower shared:
“RIP Flavia, you made the BEST damn tacos in South Lamar.”
Many describe her as warm and attentive — “like my Mexican momma” — and mourn both her presence and her cooking dearly.
Boteco (#69)
Boteco is a vibrant Brazilian street-food truck parked at 1720 Barton Springs Rd in South Austin, serving up a taste of Brazil’s laid‑back, communal café culture.
🇧🇷 What to Try
Pão de queijo (cheese bread) and coxinha (crispy chicken croquettes) are popular grab‑and‑go bites.
Picanha plates feature grilled sirloin with rice, beans, yucca fries, and a fried egg — classic hearty comfort food.
🍹 Vibe & Experience
Designed like a cozy Brazilian boteco (casual bar/coffee spot), it offers a communal patio beside Revival Coffee and colorful hammocks for an inviting social space.
Staff aim for a friendly, relaxed feel; some Redditors note that without the original owner, consistency has dipped slightly, especially in the picanha portions.
🎉 Recognition & Community
Featured on Diners, Drive‑Ins and Dives, the truck received praise for its “Southern to South American” flavors, like the pão de queijo sandwich.
Yelp and Tripadvisor reviews are strong, spotlighting its authentic Brazilian cuisine and neighborhood charm.
🕰️ Hours & Info
Open Tue–Thu 12–8:15 PM, Fri–Sun similar hours; closed Mondays.
Located steps from Barton Springs — ideal for grabbing a quick, flavorful bite after a dip.
Local Legends
Austin’s signature venues like Veracruz All Natural, Micklethwait Craft Meats, and Patrizi’s have also become local legends, each known for everything from handmade tortillas to freshly kneaded pasta in outdoor food courts.
A Movement Fueled by Stories and Sizzle
From the smoky briskets of Jim’s Smokehouse to the bold spices of Hippo Express and the comforting bowls of Viet Vibes, Austin’s food truck scene is a testament to what happens when heritage meets hustle.
Each truck isn’t just a business — it’s a dream on wheels, built by hands that stir, grill, and serve with heart.
As Leo of Hippo Express puts it:
“We’re just getting started.”
Contact Texas Capital News for more details or to feature your truck: info@texascapitalnews.com | images from Yelp.com