02/20/2023
Austin is known for its trendy food scene, but a lone stretch of food spots and taquerias has earned the moniker “Austin’s Taco Mile.”
The invited the "Taco King" himself, Mando Rayo (), to talk about this part of Austin. He’s a James Beard Award nominee, a taco journalist and host of the podcast “Tacos of Texas” (). He spoke with the Standard about his experience on the Taco Mile and how its existence shows a history of gentrification, but also a celebration of immigrant culture.
So, where is the "Taco Mile"?
"If you head outside of the trendiest spots in Austin, Texas, you got to go to where immigrants go and eat," Rayo said. "And that’s off of Rundberg Lane and Lamar. Out of that stretch of one mile, there’s over 40 places."
Rayo said it's not just taco trucks that make this strip of businesses special. "So you got pupuserias, you got quinceañera shops, tire shops. You have abarrotes Mexicanos," he said. "So, in a sense, it’s the barrio, if you will, that’s still kind of in the city of Austin that, you know, unfortunately goes unnoticed a lot of these times because they’re not trending on Instagram or what have you."
What are Rayo's recommendations for those looking to partake?
"Some of my favorite spots are Carnita El Guero, which have some of the best carnitas in town. That’s right off of North Lamar. La Chilanguita – it’s actually tucked away kind of next to or behind a tire shop, which is a really great sign," he said. "Those are some of the best places. If you see a tire truck or a gas station, the taco truck next to it probably is a good sign."
Another favorite of Rayo's is Tacos El Charly, a truck that does tacos al pastor. "But it’s a whole scene there. You know, you have vendors there, people are selling homemade products, they’re selling balloons for the kids and it’s a whole scene," he said. "I think when you look at culture and thriving in culture and the richness, you’re going to find it here at Austin’s Taco Mile.
Tap the link in our bio for a map of taco spots and to read or listen to Rayo's interview with the Texas Standard.
Photo: Identity Productions
