Looking for a quick bite at SXSW in Austin? Step away from the chains and try these unique eats that make Austin a true food destination. Here’s 7 food trailers you don’t want to miss.
7 Best SXSW Food Trailers in Austin
Gourdough’s
Biggest and fattest doughnuts like you’ve never seen them before. The doughnuts are fried up with a moist rich and butter interior with a crispy exterior. Fried to order and piled high with whatever goodies you choose.
What To Order: The Mother Clucker, fat doughnut with a two deep-fried chicken strip and honey butter.
SXSW Location: 1503 S 1st.
La Barbecue
Recently crowned one of GQ’s 25 best restaurants in America, La Barbecue serves up the best beef ribs that I’ve sank my teeth in. It’s melt-in-your-mouth tender with a crispy bark. Grab a free beer, jam out to the live music and get in line for some phenomenal barbecue. Photo credit: Hayden Walker
What To Order: Beef ribs and brisket.
SXSW Location: 1200 E 6th St.
Ms. P’s Electric Cock
The most flavorful, moist, crispy fried chicken that will ever pass your lips. Ms P only serves fresh, never frozen local free range chicken! Grab a 12 piece bucket of Ms. P’s spicy and juicy fried chicken made with electric love.
What To Order: Crispy fried chicken with waffles.
SXSW Location: South Bites & 1101 S. Congress Ave.
East Side King
Tucked behind the back of Austin’s Liberty Bar, East Side King serves up Pail’s Qui’s Japanese street bar snacks like Poor Qui Buns, beet fries, and crispy chicken karaage topped with lots of mint and basil.
What To Order: Chicken karaage & fried Brussels sprouts salad.
SXSW Location: South Bites & 1618 E. 6th St.
Burro Cheese Kitchen
America’s favorite sandwich is taken to the next level at Burro Cheese Kitchen. Justin Burrow serves up artisan grilled cheese sandwiches with creative cheese choices like the Grilled Glory with peanut butter, balsamic apricot fig and chocolate sauce.
What To Order: Waylon & Willie, beer bread with redneck cheese, gruyere, caramelized onions, pepperocinis and spicy maple bacon.
SXSW Location: South Bites & 1221 S Congress Ave.
Coolhaus
Modernist designed, artisan ice creams sandwiched between homemade cookies and presented in an edible wrapper.
Pro Tip: Coolhaus will be slinging out free ice cream sammies on March 10 at 96 Red River, thanks to Yodle!
What To Order: Salted caramel ice cream with butterscotch and potato chip cookie.
SXSW Location: Austin Convention Center
Torchy’s Tacos
Must try trailer in Austin if you’re here for SXSW. This Austin-born taco chain has a cult-like following with the best tacos in Austin. The hardest decision you’ll have to make is The Republican (grilled jalapeno sausage) or The Democrat (shredded barbacoa). Feeling wild? Try the Trailer Park, a massive battered and fried hunk of chicken breast, topped with sautéed green chilies, lettuce, pico de gallo, and shredded mixed cheese on a flour tortilla. Ask to ‘get it trashy’ and they’ll replace the lettuce with cheese sauce.
What To Order: Baja Shrimp and The Democrat, shredded beef barbacoa topped with fresh avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, onions & a wedge of lime.
SXSW Location: 1311 S 1st St.
Looking for a fine dining spot at SXSW? Check out the Best SXSW Food Trucks and Best SXSW Free Food!
