HOWDY!
I'm Meg, a local guide living in Austin, Texas — now in my 10th year here.
When people think of "Texas food" on a trip to Austin, BBQ is probably the first thing that comes to mind.
Of course, Texas BBQ — brisket (beef from the lower chest) smoked for hours — is one of Austin's signature dishes.
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But if you want to experience a food culture that's closer to locals' everyday lives, I highly recommend trying tacos.
Austin is strongly influenced by Mexican culture, and many people here enjoy tacos for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
If you want to enjoy local Austin tacos downtown, my recommendation is Veracruz All Natural.
The downtown location (address: 111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701)
Started as a Food Truck, Grew Popular by Word of Mouth
Veracruz All Natural originally started as a small food truck.
Founded by sisters from Veracruz, the port city in eastern Mexico that gives the restaurant its name, it became known for authentic Mexican tacos made with carefully selected ingredients, and its popularity spread by word of mouth.
Today, it's one of the local brands especially popular with young people.
In Austin, the story of "growing from a food truck into a popular restaurant" isn't unusual. The city's atmosphere of supporting new ideas and unique food cultures is part of what makes Austin, Austin.
Desnudo Coffee, a coffee food truck popular with locals
Our Pick: The Shrimp-Filled "Shrimp Macha"
The dish I definitely recommend trying at Veracruz All Natural is the shrimp taco, "Shrimp Macha" ($6.75).
Plump shrimp, rice, avocado, green onions, salsa, and a tortilla come together for a taco that's not too heavy and feels light and fresh.
Can you find the Shrimp Macha? The menu has plenty of variety
If you want something meaty and very Texan, I also recommend the "Al Pastor Taco" ($6.50), which combines thinly shaved roast pork with pineapple, cilantro, and green onions.
There are two taco sauces. Their spicy kick keeps you coming back for more
Take It to Go and Explore the Area
Veracruz All Natural's downtown location is conveniently within walking distance of the Austin Convention Center, Lady Bird Lake, and the South Congress Bridge (a.k.a. the SoCo Bridge).
It's perfect for lunch between sightseeing stops or a light bite before heading to South Congress.
The downtown location (address: 111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701)
Another way I recommend enjoying it is to make use of Fareground, located across W Cesar Chavez St.
Fareground is a food hall in the heart of downtown — a trendy space that brings together popular local restaurants and coffee shops.
Fareground, a semi-basement food hall (address: 111 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701)
Grab tacos to go from Veracruz and relax while eating them in the outdoor space around Fareground.
It's a way to experience the style locals enjoy.
Veracruz All Natural (LINE Hotel location)
Address: 111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
Hours: 7 AM – 10 PM, open every day
https://www.veracruzallnatural.com/locations
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About Pathway Connect
Based in Austin, Texas, we provide American market research and local guide services. Our strength lies in delivering real-time research and trend information tailored to local needs.
In addition to Veracruz All Natural introduced here, we can prepare a customized plan just for you based on the places you want to visit and the food you want to try.
Feel free to contact us!