Torchy's Tacos — Restaurant in Austin

Took my son here last Sunday between 1:30 and 2:30. The food has never let us down. This time, my son ordered a bean and cheese taco while I got the trio of chips and dip.

I figured we'd sit down and I'd contemplate what else I'd eat with food on the way.

As most locals know, you're brought to the tip screen after ordering food from the counter here. We tipped a few dollars the first time and again when I got back up to order my salmon bowl with rice and beans.

There's definitely not the same warm hospitality as youre greeted with in restaurants with a hostess but I've taught my son to always take care of the hospitality industry.

It feels funny stuffing a few dollars down that tip jar before recieveing any service, especially when there's no common courtesy of "thank you" or acknowledgement.

My son eats his taco as we bounce from queso to guac. There's maybe three tables inside with guests at them.

15 min goes buy and we're just enjoying each other's company. 20 min goes by.. closer to 30 goes by and the young lady who took our order sits down for her lunch break to eat.

There's what looks to be a manager standing at the corner of the bar on her phone almost the whole time we were there.

I walk up to her and ask "excuse me ma'am, are you a manager here?"

Yes, why?

"Well we've been waiting a while and I'm not it sure my foods coming out. It was a salmon bowl with beans and.."

This is your order right here.

[She points to the cold food on the bar counter infront of her.] We were looking for you.

"Ma'am no one has stopped by our table." Oh really?

"Yea it's OK. Can I just get a refund?"

Sure but it's going to take two business days [acting annoyed with me].

"I paid cash" Oh. Follow me.

Here's your money back.

The manager on her phone for 30 min with almost no one in that store is annoyed with me for waiting for my food and not wanting to eat the cold food she had right infront of her the whole time. No wonder there wasn't any energy or charisma in that place.

Sorry to be a bother. My son and i didnt exactly have a blast at your restaurant.

Hate to leave one of these, i hope it acts as a friendly reminder to check in on your team and your guests.

When a gratuity is expected upfront, the least you can feel as a guest is appreciated. That was not the case at...

One trip to Torchy’s and I became a huge fan! This South Congress location is stunning.

A year ago while exploring SoCo we got hungry and stopped into the Torchy’s for a quick bite but we’re blown away by the entire experience. And now I’ve been to Torchy’s more times than I can count!!

Now days unique tacos are everywhere but Torchy’s stand out! These have so much unique character and quality to them. “Damn Good” as Torchy’s claims! I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve tried but Baja Shrimp is by far my favorite! The chips and queso are also a must! The food is super consistent across locations in Austin!

The staff has always been very friendly, never messed up an order, and were helpful when we bought a Torchy’s T-shirt and happen to get a defect. For the type of establishment Torchy’s is the staff is fantastic.

Torchy’s is also great on sustainability!! Using only napkins, cups and cutlery made from 100% renewable sources. The to-go option is wrapping your tacos in foil. Solid!

The atmosphere at this South Congress location is stunning. Mid Century to the max!! The building itself is super unique, they have it decked out in the Torchy’s branded style, and it is kept super clean. It is a great spot to kick back and people people watch and admire the wonderful and slightly touristy SoCo.

On South Congress there is a lot to take in and so many places to go, but if you want some amazing tacos in a beautiful atmosphere this...

Torchy's Tacos is a staple when you visit Texas. I first discovered Torchy's over 10 years ago when I used to go to Austin for work, and every time I visited, I made sure to visit this location to have my favorite tacos and queso. The tacos run about $5-6 each, but these are humongous portions, and I normally order max 2, sometimes 3 if I am super hungry. I recommend ordering off of Torchy's "secret menu". Ask for it when you get to the front counter. Here's what I recommend ordering off the secret menu:

Matador taco - this one has chopped brisket, frilled jalapenos, pickled onions, served with tomatillo over a crispy corn torille inside a flour tortilla. I always get this taco every time I visit. It's my absolute fave. Get it.

Trailer Park Hillbilly Style - this one isn't for everybody because a lot of people don't think fried chicken belongs in a taco. But you should try it regardless - there is chorizo, chopped bacon, green chilies, and poblano ranch served over this one. It's delicious.

From the regular menu, the fried avocado taco and the queso are also must-orders. They put a little chorizo with the green chile queso and it's so addicting. Come hungry and enjoy these uniquely designed yet delicious tacos...