riacale
By Cate Latting
Things are about to heat up in Austin, Texas. And I'm not just talking about the weather. The month of March brings to town the now world-renowned SXSW festival (www.sxsw.com). Tens of thousands of visitors will descend on the Texas capital from March 9-18 to devour the latest in music, film, and interactive offerings (you can find your way around Austin's airport thanks to our friends at Airport Chatter).
The flavor of Austin extends far beyond the doors of downtown nightclubs and hipster cinemas. The true taste of Texas can be found in mouth-watering tacos all over the city. The fast, cheap, and tasty treats are perfect for a morning starter, an afternoon snack, or a late-night bite. The following are some of the best in town.
Photo Caption: Tacos from Torchy's Tacos in Austin, Texas.
What started as a taco trailer a few years' back is now one of the best taco joints in town. With homeruns like the Trailer Park (fried chicken, green chile, pico de gallo, cheese, and poblano sauce on a flour tortilla) and the Brush Fire (Jamaican Jerk chicken, grilled jalapeños, mango, sour cream, and cilantro served with Diablo sauce), ordering just one would be a Texas-size sin. Indulge. At Torchy's, you can always say,
The Vegetal taco has all the best veggies (zucchini, squash, mushrooms, peppers, and onions). The Cochinita Pibil taco tempts with braised, simmered pork with orange and achiote peppers. But our favorite here is the Puffy Taco, with beef or chicken, lettuce, and pico de gallo, all nested in the cloud-like perfection that is the puffy corn shell. Heaven.
Details: 2219 Manor Rd.; www.elchilito.com
Photo Caption: Carne Asada taco at El Chilito Tacos Y Cafe in Austin, Texas.
The handmade, thick-cut corn tortillas are what turn first-timers into regulars here. You'll never want a store-bought flour tortilla again. Whether you're ordering the tasty fish tacos or the traditional shredded chicken or beef, or even the rib tacos (!), Amaya's does them all right.
Details: 5804 N IH 35; tel. 512/458-2531; www.amayastacovillage.com
Photo Caption: Amaya's Taco Village in Austin, Texas.
For breakfast tacos piled high with ingredients and stuffed full of yum, Juan in a Million is the spot. The Don Juan is the most beloved item on the menu --
With drool-inducing Tacos al Pastor, and Tacos del Mar (fish tacos) that come battered and fried with a side of Baja cabbage salsa, Changos has savory choices for any palate. The bean and cheese tacos on the kids menu are flavorful enough for grown-ups, too. Grab a napkin, or two, or three.
Details: 3023 Guadalupe St.; tel. 512/480-8226; www.changos.com
Photo Caption: Changos Taqueria in Austin, Texas.
A bit more upscale than some of the other taco spots on the list, Garrido's prepares its delightful little dishes with fancier fare. Both the oyster and the snapper BLT tacos are served with habenero aioli and pico de gallo. And the one with ribeye steak marinated in coffee glams it up with queso asadero and chipotle horseradish aioli. They're still tacos, but you might want to hold out your pinky while you eat them.
Details: 360 Nueces St.; tel. 512/320-8226; www.garridosaustin.com
Photo Caption: A carnitas taco at Garrido's Restaurant in Austin, Texas.
Order anything from the taco section of the Maudie's menu and you won't be disappointed. The juicy Carne Guisada tacos and the savory Tacos al Pastor will certainly please your palate, and the traditional crispy and soft tacos are time tested sure-fire hits. A little less traditional, but equally yummy are Sissy's Chicken Tender Tacos served with rajas (roasted poblano peppers) and ranch dressing.
Details: Mulitple locations; www.maudies.com
Photo Caption: Beef fajita tacos at Maudie's Cafe in Austin, Texas.
The breakfast tacos at Mi Madres are worth getting up early for. A variety of combinations of egg, potatoes, beans, beef, chorizo, and cheese please nearly any palate. Have a couple of these beauties and you'll wonder why you ever settled for toast or pancakes.
Details: 2201 Manor Rd.; tel. 512/480-8441; www.mimadresrestaurant.com
Photo Caption: Mi Madre's Restaurant in Austin, Texas.
Things are about to heat up in Austin, Texas. And I'm not just talking about the weather. The month of March brings to town the now world-renowned SXSW festival (www.sxsw.com). Tens of thousands of visitors will descend on the Texas capital from March 9-18 to devour the latest in music, film, and interactive offerings (you can find your way around Austin's airport thanks to our friends at Airport Chatter).
The flavor of Austin extends far beyond the doors of downtown nightclubs and hipster cinemas. The true taste of Texas can be found in mouth-watering tacos all over the city. The fast, cheap, and tasty treats are perfect for a morning starter, an afternoon snack, or a late-night bite. The following are some of the best in town.
Photo Caption: Tacos from Torchy's Tacos in Austin, Texas.
Details: 2219 Manor Rd.; www.elchilito.com
Photo Caption: Carne Asada taco at El Chilito Tacos Y Cafe in Austin, Texas.
Details: 5804 N IH 35; tel. 512/458-2531; www.amayastacovillage.com
Photo Caption: Amaya's Taco Village in Austin, Texas.
Details: 3023 Guadalupe St.; tel. 512/480-8226; www.changos.com
Photo Caption: Changos Taqueria in Austin, Texas.
Details: 360 Nueces St.; tel. 512/320-8226; www.garridosaustin.com
Photo Caption: A carnitas taco at Garrido's Restaurant in Austin, Texas.
Details: Mulitple locations; www.maudies.com
Photo Caption: Beef fajita tacos at Maudie's Cafe in Austin, Texas.
Details: 2201 Manor Rd.; tel. 512/480-8441; www.mimadresrestaurant.com
Photo Caption: Mi Madre's Restaurant in Austin, Texas.