Las Trancas Taco Stand — Restaurant in Austin

As someone coming from Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley where you can’t get more authentic Mexican cuisine than from the border, I’ve always found Austin’s ostentatious claim to the best Mexican food/tacos to be amusing in the same way an adult wrestler is entertained by children dressing up like them and pretending to be the real thing.

Torchy’s tacos, for example, were a huge let down after I gave into the hype. I figured East Austin would have better options, and then I found Las Trancas. It was my first time here, so I tried what I’m most used to, asada, and also the Campechano, steak and chorizo.

The tacos come wrapped in a double tortilla de maíz, and contrary to what some people think, the second tortilla is not meant to catch the meat that spills from the taco. In Mexico, it’s common to get them served this way to reinforce the stuffed taco; otherwise, the tortilla breaks.

The flavor is what Las Trancas really gets right. They also add bits of cooked onion, although some people prefer it raw. I’m not one of them, so this was better in my opinion. The meat is also not stuffed with a lot of fat bits, which tends to happen in a lot of restaurants/food stands I’ve visited in Mexico or the border.

Definitely try the salsas. The green is a bit spicier than the red, which I prefer, but they’re both delicious and not an insipid mash of tomato water that’s passed off as salsa in other places.

I can confidently say these tacos are as close to the real...

Incredible culinary experience. Their tripitas tacos are, without a doubt, the best and finest I've ever had. After sampling tacos from numerous establishments here in ATX, I must say that Las Trancas truly stands out as the champion. The diverse range of offerings on their menu and the affordability of their prices make them not only a personal favorite but also a standout in the local dining scene. Their presence has undoubtedly enriched my life, and for that, I am immensely grateful. As a devoted fan of their establishment, I believe the time has come for Las Trancas to consider expanding its reach. I wholeheartedly urge you to venture northward and consider opening a second location. There is undoubtedly a hungry and appreciative audience awaiting your delicious creations. I have no doubt that with your exceptional food and exceptional service, a new location would be a resounding success. Your unique flavors deserve to be shared with a wider audience, and I am confident that the community up north would welcome you with open arms. Thank you once again, Las Trancas team, for the joy you bring through your tacos. I look forward to the possibility of savoring your delectable dishes at a new location in the...

Las Trancas is everything I need and want from a taco truck. Efficient service, didn’t have to wait long for our order. Plenty of seating and lighting if you’re going for late night munchies. Easy to find parking in the lot or on the side street.

Tacos are super flavourful, meat is tender, good portions overall. Tried the flour and corn tortillas and both are great. They fry the corn tortillas a bit. Flour tortillas are soft and chewy.

Favourites: Lengua and tripa. Wow I wish I could take that lengua home with me. It was so supple and buttery. Don’t tell my mom, but I think it’s softer than the one she makes. Tripa is crispy. Love the contrast of textures between the two.

Barbacoa was good, but not a standout. Brisket was a tad on the dry side. Maybe it was the time of night since we’ve only gone after 10pm.

They provide two types of salsas, lime, and packaged salt with the tacos. Didn’t need the salt personally. Lime and mild salsa (red) was lovely. The other salsa was proper spicy 🌶️

Spent $22 after tip for 6 tacos.

We came back for more a different night and food quality was consistent. Will definitely make a stop here again next time...