So I finally followed the blog hype and went to check out Torchy’s on South 1st. Dissappointment was not to be found.. I even did a return trip with Pastor Al to solidify my opinion. First off, great location..directly across the street from the lackluster effort that is El Mercado.. its like they are sticking out their tongue and saying, “Nanny Nanny Booo Boo!”. I dig the relaxed setup, it reminded me of a mini-Freddie’s (which is just down the road and backed up to the same creek) theres a sandy area for chillin, tables, chairs, a badass limestone firepit that looks perfect for evening song swappin round the smoky embers.. I wander if they have any SXSW events planned? Noise shouldnt be too much of a problem since it backs up to TSD. There’s even a basketball hoop - jack some 3’s up while you wait…

On to the menu: interesting selection.. theres a fried avocado taco that I’ve heard is spectacular.. a few vegetarian selections, and a taco of the month..on my first trip I ordered the chicken fajita taco on corn and a trailer park taco (fried chicken, hatch chiles, ranch, lettuce, tomato, cheese, on flour). The trailer park is the bomb.. the fried chicken was surprisingly tasty and the hatch chiles made it unique. I might have to get one of these every time I go to Torchy’s.. its something you would drive across town for.. The chicken fajita was pretty good, fresh ingredients and big.. the corn tortillas didnt really hold up for the whole taco, I had to use a fork for the last half.

On my return trip (about a week later), I ordered the trailer park taco once more, and also the taco of the month - the crossroads taco..(brisket, cheese, jalepeno, avocado, cilantro, and a lime wedge - thanks to Dwee over at Torchy’s for the clarification!). The crossroads was out of this world, I am a huge brisket fan and this was like heaven for me..I hope they add it to the permanent menu. We sampled some of their salsa’s this time.. check out their hot red sauce (vinegar based) - perfect on the trailer park..

Torchy’s is a great addition to the Austin taco scene, their tacos are unique, their location is perfect. I have a feeling they will start catching on bigtime as the summer months approach.. they also deliver as far north as MLK..

Chappy Approves!

Torchy’s Tacos [map]
1207 South 1st Street
512-366-0537
Monday-Sunday 7am-11pm

the score:

Atmosphere: 9 (outdoors, on the creek, in the heart of SAtX, i love it)
Service: 7 (quick and friendly, man in a trailer)
Food Quality: 8 (great all around)
Salsa: 7 (good)
Price: 7 (good)
Total: 38/50 76%
Rating: