Torchy’s Tacos
Bouldin Creek Coffee House just got a little competition in the funkiest restaurant on S 1st St. department. Torchy’s Tacos has relocated its taco stand to a vacant lot across from El Mercado. A few tables have been set up away from the road along East Bouldin Creek for a leisurely al fresco dining experience. Local vendors are encouraged to hawk their wares nearby. A recent attempt to offer live music went somewhat awry with the neighbors upset about the late-night noise but after a flurry of email apologies and explanations owner Mike Rypka demonstrates that he wants to be one with the vibe of the hood. And he delivers.
The 3-time Austin Chronicle Hot Sauce champion serves up some tasty tacos. We stopped in for lunch last Saturday and fell in love with his green chili pork taco. The slow roasted pork is cooked with Hatch green chilis until meltingly tender and flavorful then topped with onions, cilanto and Queso fresco. I also liked the fried avocado taco (“Mmmm. Fried avocado….”) but AJ had only a lukewarm reaction to the Big Tex, stuffed with a grilled jalapeno sausage. Neighbors have recommended the beef barbaco.
Torchy’s Tacos is just the thing after hitting the South 1st St’s chic boutiques down the block. (AJ interjects that if you dare call this area SoFi then you are SoStupid.)
Location: 1207 S 1st St
Hours: Daily 7AM-11PM
Yeah Torchy’s! Their breakfast tacos rock, too. Maria may be losing our weekend business. According to Mike, another vendor will be opening a vegan-food and smoothy trailer in the same space soon. All it needs is a Chicago-style hot dog stand and all my cheap food needs will be met in one abandoned car lot.
And I agree with AJ, SoFi is ShitTi and doesn’t capture the essence of the scene. The proper name for the area is the Tex-Mex-Tattoo-Pakastani-Package-Mile, just ask the Gourds.
sounds interesting..as far as competition goes, shouldnt be hard to steal people away from el mercado across the street.. seems to be a low point on the south 1st taco mile.. i’ll be hitting Torchy’s up soon. how are the prices?
more austin taco spots reviewed at my website:
http://www.tacotown.org
peace,
Chappy
No, No, No . . . The worst TexMex on S 1st (N of Oltorf) is clearly Jovita’s. Go to Jovita’s for music – avoid the food.
El Mercado has it’s good points – try the pork or chicken tacos. But, you’re right the food, drinks and atmosphere are better at Polvo’s and La Reyna and La Mexicana is great for a real Mexican experience.