The View from Austin: Brought to You by Pjbradshaw

Restaurant Trends- Austin, Texas November 30, 2009

Restaurant trends come and go, and often without most of Austin realizing there even was a trend going on.  However, airstream trailer restaurants have taken over much of South Austin within the last few years.  Savory meals can now be conveniently found curbside no matter what your taste buds prefer. From the Trailer Park Eatery on South First St. to the strip of restaurants on South Congress, they are thriving in the middle of a recession that would threaten the existence of any new restaurant popping up in Austin.

Let’s take a look at a few trailers around Austin that have either recently burst onto the Austin restaurant scene or are already established

1. Roppolo’s Pizzeria- this joint has been going strong for more than a few years now.  With locations on and off of Sixth Street, you are bound to stop here after last call to pick up a big ol’ tasty slice of pizza.  Toppings range from regular pepperoni to supreme to plain cheese.  Your alcohol-induced taste buds are sure to enjoy a slice whenever you are downtown or making your way home.

2. Torchy’s Tacos- Whether you have made it to the permanent location on South First or the trailer located in the Trailer ParkEatery, you have probably heard of Torchy’s Taco’s.  With a new special every month and plenty of taco choices, Torchy’s keeps everyone satisfied.  Just don’t expect to find a healthy option when you head to Torchy’s.  Deep fried chicken and avocado’s, jalapeño sausage, plenty of cheese and more than a few meat choices will be sure to take a few years off of your life.  But true to their slogan, Torchy’s promises “Damn Good Tacos,” and that is exactly what you get.

3. Mighty Cone- Located on South Congress in what is clearly a strip mall of trailer eateries. Mighty Cone offers a slightly odd take on food in a cone.  You choose between chicken and shrimp, fried almond batter or plain meals wrapped in a tortilla.  Or you can go for traditional sliders, but you are sure to receive everything (even fries) in small cones.  Try to go on a nice sunny day so you can sit on the red picnic tables and watch the pedestrian traffic on South Congress.

4. Flip Happy Crepes- This place could be called the mother of the satisfying trailer foods. Featured on the food network as part of Bobby Flay’s Throwdown the trailer located at 400 Jesse St., one block behind Romeo’s on Barton Springs Rd, serves up a variety of handmade crepes that will leave you craving more.From savory crepes with ingredients such as caramelized onions, chicken and goat cheese to classic sweets like Nutella and fruit, the ladies of Flip Happy, Andrea Day Boykin and Nessa Higgins, truly know how to make your taste buds Flippin’ Happy. Though the trailer is closed Monday’s and Tuesday’s check out their culinary success Wednesday through Sunday or call your order in to beat the line.

5. Lulu B’s- A slightly smaller trailer, yet with a lot to offer. Serving up Vietnamese sandwiches, spring rolls, salads, smoothies, coffee and bubble teas the trailer off of S. Lamar is a popular destination for those grabbing lunch on the go, or with time to spare to sit and enjoy a meal amongst the oak trees.  You can go light, with Shrimp and Avocado rolls complimented with a spicy peanut sauce, or really satisfy your hunger with sandwiches such as lemon grass chicken.   For under ten dollars you’ll be sure to treat yourself to yet another south Austin gem.