Try a New Food Trailer at This Event

Activity: Trailer Food Tuesdays
In 10 Words or Less: A monthly collection of food trucks outside the Long Center.
When: The last Tuesday of each month, April-October
Where: 701 W Riverside Dr
Cost: Free to enter, a meal costs about $10
Rating: 

Food trailers are a relatively recent phenomenon in Austin. Just 15 years ago, the closest thing we had to food trucks was those sketchy roadside stands that sold peaches and/or jerky along Loop 360.

Now, not only does Austin have several permanent food trailer parks (Midway Food Park, South Austin Trailer Park, etc.), but we’ve also got a monthly event dedicated to food trucks: Trailer Food Tuesday.

Once a month, from April to October, a bunch of food trucks park on and around the Long Center. From 5:00-9:00 p.m., there are picnic tables set up on the terrace and a small stage for a band. It bills itself as “Austin’s premier mobile food event.”

Why only three armadillos? Well, I have a few bones to pick with Trailer Food Tuesdays. It’s always fun to try new food trucks, but considering that most of the trucks are selling full-size dishes for $6-10, you’re only going to be able to try about two before you’re stuffed and out of money.

Also, maybe this was a fluke but the live music was really lackluster the last time we were there. The band played for maybe 30 minutes out of the four hours and the sound quality was terrible. Plus, after the sun set you couldn’t see anything since there wasn’t lighting other than the uplighting on the terrace. (I don’t like eating food in the dark anywhere other than Alamo Drafthouse.)

I know I’ve been a bit tough on them in this post, but Trailer Food Tuesdays aren’t bad. It’s a good excuse to get outside in the summer and try new foods. With a few tiny alterations (smaller/cheaper portions, more lighting, more seating, and better music) it would be really amazing! Maybe the 2015 season will fulfill all my wildest dreams.

Parking Tip: If you’re going to Trailer Food Tuesday, don’t pay to park. As with all events at the Long Center, I prefer to park in the adjacent neighborhoods rather than paying to park in the Palmer Garage. You’ll save $8 and get a pleasant 10-minute walk. (Walking is exercise. Exercise means you get to eat dessert. What’s not to like?)

Trailer Food Tuesdays Website

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