I’ve already written extensively about the local shopping scene in Austin, specifically in South Congress. But in order to truly experience this city, you should plan on eating your way around Austin’s food truck parks.
Austin is the fastest growing food truck industry in the U.S. There are over 1,000 food trucks throughout the city, which can make it seen a bit overwhelming.
Luckily, many of the best food trucks are grouped together into “food truck parks”. Each park offers a range of vendors and cuisine so you can try a little of everything. Also, it definitely simplifies deciding where to eat with friends, as everyone has plenty of options!
Here are the best Austin food truck parks
The Picnic
You can’t go wrong with The Picnic Food Park in the heart of Austin. The Picnic is dedicated to supporting local businesses thrive here, and as one of the most popular food truck parks in Austin, they do a good job!
This park is open almost all year-round, with outdoor seating, a pavilion, restrooms, and a large parking lot.
Here are the vendors you’ll find here:
Four Brothers: Venezuelan Food. Definitely try the Arepa and Yuca fries! Almost everything here is also gluten free.
Acai Hut: Acai bowls, fruit bowls, and smoothies
Coat & Thai: Spicy noodles, fried rice and spring rolls.
Hey Cupcake!: Famous Austin Cupcake food truck. Try the red velvet or carrot cupcake.
New Orleans Po-Boy and Gumbo Shop: Creole Cajun food, including beignets, gumbo soup, and shrimp.
The Mighty Cone: Fried chicken and spicy meats in tortilla cones.
Cucina Italiana: Pizza, pasta, and subs.
South Congress Ave Food Trucks
There are a variety of food trucks along the legendary South Congress Ave. Before you go, make sure you check out my guide to South Congress.
Here are the vendors you’ll find here:
Burro Cheese Kitchen: A variety of grilled cheese sandwiches.
Amy’s Ice Cream: Legendary ice cream, milkshakes, and smoothies.
Hey Cupcake!: Same delicious cupcakes, different trailer.
Pitalicious: Mediterranean, halal food, including pita wraps, bowls, and baklava.
Thicket Food Park
The Thicket Food Park is a “community gathering place” that offers more than just food. You’ll also find live music, yoga, and a community, organic garden. You’ll find many of the trendiest food trucks here, and a great place for family gatherings. They also do a “gospel brunch” during sometimes of the year.
Here are the vendors you’ll find here:
Revolution Vegan Kitchen: Vegan and gluten free comfort food. Try the GF mozzarella sticks!
Blue Corn Shack: Tex Mex fusion using blue corn tortillas
The Perfect Bite: Burgers and sandwiches
Liberty Coffee: Specialty grade coffee
Grace Tamale House: Tamales, quesadillas, and tacos with your choice of meat.
Artipasta: All things Italian pasta, including lasagna, penne, and ravioli.
Sarm Pun Mile: Assortment of Thai and Asian cuisine, including classic pad thai, chow mein and egg rolls.
The Tiny Barber: NOT a food truck, but a barber shop truck.
Rainey Street Food Trucks
Located in the historic Rainy Street district along the river, this food truck park has something for every craving. Grab a gyro or a slice of pizza and walk over to the park along the river. Alternatively, you can also get some grub before hitting up the many bars and pubs in the area.
Here are the vendors you’ll find here:
Glory Hole: Gourmet hot dogs
Google Home Mini: Donut and pastry shop
Four Brothers: Same delicious Venezuelan food, different location.
Hardwood Pizza: Wood-fire oven pizza
Lamba’s: Indian cusine and wraps, including chicken tikka wrap and paneer masala.
Happy Lobster Lunch: All things lobster, including lobster grilled cheese, tacos, and mac n’cheese bites.
Burro Grilled Cheese: Same artisan grilled cheese, different location.
Dawn’s Thai Chicken: Thai and Asian Cuisine, from orange chicken to Pad Thai.
Via 313 Pizza: Detroit style pizza with gluten free options. A short walk away from
Rainy Creek Food Park, but an absolute must while in Austin!
5000 Burnet
Considered the “food truck paradise” of the East Side of Austin, the food truck park at 5000 Burnet is full of comfort food and flavors from around the globe. The park has been featured on The Travel Channel for being a “must-visit” in Austin. You’ll also find live music here in the evenings and during brunch hour on the weekends.
Here is a list of current vendors:
Wat Zab Thai Food: Named 2nd best Thai food in Austin. Known for the pineapple fried rice and tom Kha Soup.
The Grip Coffee Company: Specialty coffees in a variety of blends.
Taco Sweets Austin: Ice cream taco sandwiches.
T-Locs: Hot dogs and tex-mex comfort food.
Jewboy Burgers: Freshly ground-beef burgers, and also meatless Latkes burgers.
TGIF: Authentic Hawaiian shaved Ice
Afia: Mediterranean Cuisine, specializing in falafel.
Budare’s: Venezuelan cuisine, including empanadas, Cachapas, and arepas.
South Austin Trailer Park and Eatery
On the Southern side of the Colorado River and not far from the Picnic, you’ll find this legendary trailer park. Most people come here for Torchy’s Tacos, but then find an abundance of other crave-worthy options. It’s a great place to escape the heat with both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Here are the vendors you’ll find here:
Torchy’s Tacos: Austin’s legendary taco trailer, including breakfast tacos, fajitas, and fried avocado.
Holy Cacao: Shakes and hot chocolate (vegan too!)
Phreds: Smokehouse with chicken, ribs, and sausage.
Conscious Cravings: popular vegetarian food truck, with smoothies, veggie bowls, and salads.
Austin is absolutely one of the best cities for foodies, and the thriving food truck industry has become an integral part of the local culture. Help “keep Austin weird” by supporting local businesses!
