Review: Fierce Flavors at Austin's Top 100 BBQ Tucked into a…read morequintessential corner lot, this Austin food truck isn't just serving barbecue; it's serving a certified experience. As a recipient of the prestigious Texas Monthly Top 100 BBQ Award, the expectations were high--and for the most part, they were met. The venue itself provides a fantastic, relaxed vibe, complete with plenty of TVs and a music stage, making it the perfect spot for chilling out on a lazy afternoon or settling in for an evening hang. The Main Event: Pitmaster Excellence The true test of a Texas BBQ joint is the holy trinity, and here, they nailed the fundamentals: * Brisket: This was Texas BBQ as it should be. The brisket was super juicy, delivered a profound, deep flavor, and possessed a flawless, great bark that spoke to hours of skillful smoking * Spare Ribs: A study in contrast and texture. The ribs offered a satisfying "good pull"--firm enough to bite but still falling cleanly off the bone. The thick, peppery bark was beautifully balanced by a slight sweetness from a pepper jelly glaze, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor you don't always find. * Pork Belly Burnt Ends: These were pure decadence. Each bite provided a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth experience with a distinct and welcome hint of Fierce Whiskers bourbon woven into the smoky, fatty flavor. They are so rich and irresistible, you know you shouldn't eat too many, but good luck stopping. * Jalapeño and Cheese Sausage: This locally sourced link brought the heat with a good level of spice. The flavor was excellent, though the texture leaned slightly toward the processed side, which was the only minor drawback among the meats. The Supporting Cast: Sides A great plate of BBQ requires sides that stand up to the meat, and while two of these were stars, one needs a little work. * Mac & Cheese: An absolute winner. It was cheesy, creamy, and featured an excellent smoked flavor that permeated the dish. The slightly charred edges added a delightful textural counterpoint. * Hash Brown Casserole: This was a surprisingly strong contender, offering a nice assembly of savory flavors. The secret weapon was the corn flake topping, providing an unexpected but welcome crunch, complemented by a satisfying hint of bacon. * Creamed Corn: Unfortunately, this side was the weakest link. It tasted primarily bland, despite a slight peppery note. It desperately needs some fresh jalapeños mixed in to cut through the creaminess and add the essential Texas kick. Final Verdict The meat selection here is truly Top 100 worthy, excelling in technique, flavor, and execution (especially the Brisket and Burnt Ends). The atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed gathering. While the Creamed Corn missed the mark, the stellar Hash Brown Casserole and Smoked Mac & Cheese prove that their side game is usually strong. Come for the high-quality, authentic Texas barbecue, stay for the great outdoor patio.

After my tastebuds were disrespected last week, I decided to reward them with a proper lite…read moreafternoon snack at Rollin Smoke BBQ, located in the Chalmers Bar, and they did not disappoint. I wanted to order Moist Beef Brisket and Pork Spareribs but the Ribs were not going to be ready for another 30 minutes. The Prime Pork Belly Burnt Ends were suggested as an alternative and my side was the smoke tomato and okra. The Moist Beef Brisket was exceptionally juicy and flavorful with a bark that had my attention. The Prime Pork Belly Burnt Ends were definitely an excellent choice. They were slow-smoked and then tossed in Fierce Whiskers Bourbon Sauce .and smoked again to create a very nice glaze and it was not overly sweet. I ordered the smoked Okra and Tomatoes that more than satisfied my veggie requirement. I am definitely returning to Rollin Smoke for a lite afternoon snack consisting of Pork Spareribs, Beef Brisket, Pork Belly Burnt Ends and the Smoked Mac and Cheese which I am told is beyond measure.

I had the OG chicken slider and it exceeded my expectations by a mile! It was crispy on the outside…read moreand juicy on the inside. The slaw and sauce they put on it...man, I could eat this all day. I'm craving it as I'm writing this The bun was nice and soft like good ol southern comfort bread. The fries with special sauce were indeed special. I don't drink anymore so I know it didn't just taste this good because I was drunk I am definitely going to swing by again and I saw they were on door dash also they're open late so perfect for the late night craving also. The prices are really good too!

Best smash burger I have had Fresh & flavorful…read more Chicken tenders were dry though Would come back for the smash burger every time -

Good selection of food and desserts places! One Thai place, one gelato place, and one bbq place…read morewith a restroom. Overall a good experience!

Gordeli is amazing! Great food and exceptional service. They really go above and beyond.read more

My best friend strongly recommended this taco shop to try if I'm ever in Austin, stating it's her…read morefav taco place so of course I had high expectations. The place is tucked behind a bar and the seating area is in an outdoor area. It didn't take a long time for the tacos to be ready, less than ten minutes. The tacos were delicious! I loved the beef taco, the meat was well seasoned and the tortilla was fresh. Normally I really don't like pulled pork anything so I was worried of the carnitas but my friend insisted I try it and I'm glad that I did. It was chopped enough that I didn't notice it's pulled pork and it has some nice crunch in it as well. I liked the beef taco so much that I came back for another. While the tacos are on the pricier end, I feel it's worth it. I'd definitely recommend this taco shop :)

There is a mandatory 20% tip if you spend $10+, but they had the best chicken tacos I've ever had…read more I liked the atmosphere -- there's a patio in the back, perfect for large groups.

I have been frequenting Gourdough's original food trailer on South 1st for a long time. I got a…read morecraving for one of their donuts and decided to make a trip. Gordough's is one of those places that fully commits to indulgence. I was able to place my order online and schedule for pick up. The order was ready when I arrived. Parking was a bit challenging and the lot was full and they charge for parking. Service was quick, casual, just good energy and fast turnaround. I ordered my tried and true Miss Shortcake with their famous cake donut with cream cheese icing and fresh cut strawberries. The donut is so indulgent and was served warm with the most delectable flavor combinations. Tried the Son of a Peach with cream cheese icing, spiced peach filling, cake mix topping, cinnamon and sugar with honey butter. This one was a bit too overindulgent and sweet for my liking but was definitely worth a try. Portions are huge and can be shared as the donut is not as good warmed over. If you're in the mood for dessert and not think about calorie count, then this is the place.

When in Austin TX this is a must try place.... Great service & our donuts were AMAZING!! We even…read moretold them they should open up a spot in San Diego, CA. * Mini Funky Monkey * Mini Naughty & Nice #DiningWithTheAndersons #Austin #TexasGoodies #Donuts #SweetTreats

I moved to Austin about a month ago, and I've already lost count on how many times I've eaten here…read more It is SO GOOD!! I've also already brought friends and family to try it! The breakfast tacos have a flavor I've never been able to get at home. I don't know how they cook everything! The 3am is by far my favorite taco with that breakfast sausage that tastes like real meat. I've also gotten the "beef" nachos maybe three times. I'm constantly craving those. The food truck park is a cute area with lots of tables and fans. The staff is always friendly and the food comes out fast even when they're busy.

Food Good, but found it too expensive for our taste. The…read morerunny egg they had in the chilliques taco was really good. The chorizo was nothing to write about. Service The guy working the truck seemed to be high while taking our orders and making food. That must explain why tacos are $7, they were decently large and that runny age was good. It also took ages to make and get our food. I know vegan food does tend to take longer because of the care process, but this was another level. They did not call our names when the food was ready and it took ages. We even came to check on our food a few times and it was not ready. Ambiance Food truck in the middle of an empty lot. There are quite a few other trucks, but they were all pretty expensive. Bathrooms are decent onsite and there area few tables around the here you can eat. Honestly meh on the location and truck food.

Man this place is really GREAT!!!! Their flavor is delightful, oxtails are amazing, and their price…read moreis good... They also give you a hat option... Highly recommend

Who says you cannot get authentic Jamaican food in Austin? Not me! I was craving some Jerk…read morechicken (been in a BBQ food coma) and decided to try Tony's Caribbean food truck...yes, another food truck. I am the most adventurous diner in our household. From speaking with Tony Jr. today, they also have a restaurant in Pflugerville. I ordered jerk chicken, which fell off the bones and came with cabbage, rice and peas and plantain. I have traveled to Jamaica a couple of times, this Jamaican food was the real deal. The jerk chicken was a bit spicey but not set your tongue on fire spicey. The rice and peas along with the cabbage was perfectly seasoned. The standout for me was the sweet plantain, spoken like a plantain connoisseur. The plantain was sweet on the inside and slightly charred on the outside...perfect combination. The only improvement would have been for me to get a side of plantain. My food was delivered fast and hot. Tony Jr. was super personable and friendly. There is seating in the center of the food truck park. You hear tunes being played in the background. The food truck park is at the core of East Austin in a semi-residential area. Street parking is available for diners. I look forward to trying curry goat and oxtails and more.

Tucked away in a building across from Popeye's, this charming little restaurant doesn't have a wide…read morevariety to choose from--but what they offer is pretty special and definitely worth a visit. I ordered 2 steak tacos and horchata, both very delicious. The horchata is milky and sweet but not crazy sweet, and topped off with cinnamon. The steak tacos came out pretty hot, fresh from the grill. I got them on corn tortillas and I'm glad I did: idk if they make them in house but somebody in some house is making these because they definitely aren't store bought, and if they are I want to know where! I tried the orange habanero and creamy serrano salsas. The habanero was spicy off the bat, while the serrano had more of a lingering burn. Both paired well with the steak. They have a little bar, too, though I did not imbibe this time. Seems like they have a decent selection of agave spirits, and even Campari behind the bar (iykyk). Give them a shot, and thank the ladies in the kitchen.

I personally don't eat breakfast tacos usually, but the breakfast tacos here are delicious. Out on…read morea whim, happen to drive by and saw this place. Decided to come in and the cashier greeted us and was really nice and patient because of questions with the menu. The Taco Bueno is what I had ordered and requested no potato. Sat down and after a few seconds, chips & salsa was delivered. Then after a few minutes, the food came. Quick service for sure and the food, AMAZING. Anyone reading this, try this place out and if u like it, come back! Cuz we are for sure =D

I checked this place out due to a special they were having. I can't recall the Vietnamese name but…read moreit's a fried rice cake and egg dish! I really liked it but I do wish the rice cake was crispier--we did pre order and I'm not sure if that impacted the texture. My husband got the broken rice dish which I thought was good but he prefers a traditional, non-rib style. This place is a big hidden in Springdale General and occupies a small corner. I hadn't been in this area for a hot minute but it's developed into quite a bustling food court with other small businesses to check out around the area. Their menu is small but follow on Instagram for any special dishes!

Had the pork belly vermicelli and it was 10/10. Would order again. Service is fast and seating is…read morefood court style. Coming back for the wings !!

Okay, so I fell in love with pao de queijo at a Brazilian street fair in NYC and have been looking…read morefor something like it ever since. Despite other baking and cooking successes, I have failed to replicate this at home. Here is Lua Brazil, casually filling a stall at the farmer's market downtown, offering samples. Even in 80 degree heat, they were terrific! Slightly crisp but dense and chewy. What makes them EVEN BETTER are all their inventive flavors - Power Bread (dairy free *gasp* with chia seeds and turmeric!), Black Truffle, Chocolate, Ghost Pepper... there were so many! Thank goodness they let you mix and match if you want to buy a (frozen) dozen at the farmer's market.

The worst Brazilian Cheese bread I have ever tasted! Please do not waste your money! Portions are…read moreinconsistent and it is never fresh. It is always frozen.