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So I went back tonight, and the tacos are still as tasty as I remember. An al pastor, and something whose name I don't recall-- cochinera maybe, with steak, onions, cilantro, and pineapple ($2.75 each). And an Ozarka (a buck, and yeah, I'm going to hell for drinking bottled water).
The verde is great, reminds me of that creamy verde TacoDeli has, and I noticed that the description for the al pastor doesn't list pineapple, so I'll retract a bit of my earlier snarkiness, though it's still pretty effing tradicional.
Delicious, neither terribly greasy nor expensive, and centrally located.
Also, I overheard regulars discussing how awesome the chicken quesadillas are (in very emphatic terms), so I'll try those next time.
Wow. I almost used an exclamation point there. Home Slice's line was a bit too long late Friday… Read more »
I was pretty darn surprised when I pulled up Yelp today and saw that this taco truck that I pass by every day was the "top" of the restaurant reviews. Mainly cause every time I've been there, I've been entirely dissapointed.
The first time I went, I got two chicken fajita tacos. Pretty hard to screw those up. And yet, whatever sauce they had put on these made them so incredibly spicy, I couldn't even eat them. And I'm not a wimp about spice--I order my thai food as hot as I can get it, and gladly cover my nachos in jalapenos--but this was just insane. I offered the boyfriend the other one, and he took one bite before spitting it out.
The second time I got the al pastor tacos everyone's been talking about, and I agree with the guy that said they were overly complicated. Not to mention, just not all that good. In a city full of great tacos, these certainly did not measure up for me.
I found this beauty on a random bike ride. It's the best taco shack experience of my life. I've tried the Al Pastor and Migas tacos, and seriously, they will redefine your view of a good taco.
And the place is spotless. And cozy. Seriously, it's the cleanest and nicest taco shack I've seen. There is this cool homeless guy that hangs around Taqueria Star, and he helps keep this place beautiful.
Go here. You will find a new love.
The 2 times I've eaten here, the tacos were amazing. But I'm getting more than a little tired of how they are VERY often closed when the hours painted on the truck say they should be open. I've showed up in the evening several times but never once on those occasions found them open for business. The times I actually managed to eat there were lunch on weekdays.
In short, best taco truck I've found in town IF you can catch them open.
Late edit: Man... I stopped by at 10 AM this past Friday and they weren't even open then. When in god's name is this place actually open?!
I had to stop by 4 or 5 times before I finally caught them open. The hours are extremely irregular… Read more »
The best tacos in Austin. Hands down. Whenever I leave this place I'm dazed with a glassy-eyed blissful look and delicious taco juice dripping from my face. If Taqueria Star did not exist man would have to invent it. I tried them when I first got here, and then went all around town trying to find a better taco. Couldn't do it. Their salsas are also absolutely incredible. They will sell them by the bottle--then you can put them on everything. Just call in advance. Recently they have seemed to get new graffiti art on the truck every week, and I'd say it's an improvement.
They take their sweet time and open whenever they want. That's ok. You can't mess with the tacos. They would have to shoot my dog and put it into tacos for me to stop going there. I might be tempted to eat the dog tacos, for even they would be delicious. (For the record, the dog stuff is only for emphasis. They only put standard animals into the tacos.) Taqueria Star is the greatest.
Two of my friend and I were in dire need for some legit tacos. We drove so fast that I got pulled, as I explained to the cop that I was looking for some tacos. His response to me was that you just passed a Taco Cabana on the right there. I replied but I'm looking for REAL mexican tacos. He checks my stuff out and comes back and gives me a warning!
The gods have spoken and this place is awesome. I stuck with the 5 tacos for $6, I think and they were amazing. They had a little different kick to it because they put some pineapples mixed in the meat. They aren't greasy and soaked in oil like some taco truck tacos I've had. My friend who is from Monterrey said that this is pretty close to home. All in all best trip ever. Dont be afraid of this taco truck because this one is the real deal.
I'll go ahead and get the bad points out of the way. You'll notice that none of these have made me withhold stars:
-In a tiny liquor store parking lot next to an abandoned strip club
-Sometimes smells like hobo pee
-Hours are very irregular
-Can take a while, but time may appear slower as you anticipate tasty tasty smells wafting from the truck window.
If you're not willing to brave the drunk hoards in a semi-sketchy location late at night, you don't really want tacos.
I've lived a block or two down the street from this taco truck for a year now, and they have consistently had outstanding tacos and service. The women that work there are very nice, and if their card reader is down they recognize us as regulars and let us pay next time. Speaking of price their's are very reasonable, with 2 tacos being a generous meal. My BF and I can order 4 tacos, and get change back from a $10. Of course, we tip on top of that and sometimes grab a mexican soda or two. You'd be hard pressed to find better prices outside of a drive through, but it wouldn't fill you with happy taco love. No sir, happy taco love and satisfaction of supporting your local taco truck is something you can't put a price on.
My favorites are the guisada and pastor, with the chorizo and onion ranking up there too. The tacos are greasy enough to be tasty, but in my opinion, not as greasy as Torchy's. Vegetarians don't fret, they have several veggie and egg based tacos, in addition to your standard bean and cheese.
I've also got to mention their green and orange sauces. I've seen them make it fresh in a blender in the truck, and they're full of delicious. We usually get an extra container or two in our to-go bag, and we save them for our own breakfast tacos.
They've recently put a lot of improvements into the truck, new cooking equipment, tables, tent, and a few weeks ago they topped it off with a new paint job. It's still yellow and orange as the old pictures show, but they're sporting a graffiti style "Taqueria Star" tag and a happy taco eating Chihuahua. You'll also spot it at night if you're heading east on riverside, or south on congress because of the strobe light.
Best damned tacos in Austin...HANDS DOWN. The owner also runs "Bad Ass Tacos" out of The Hole in the Wall on the Drag. You gotta get some of this! I usually like to ramble but don't have anything else to say.
Go there. Eat. Then call your Mom and thank her for having you so that you could taste these delicious tacos.
My only problem with this little piece of heaven is that it doesn't seem to be open during daylight hours. The pastor tacos are off the hook, go for the especial (plate of 5 tacos for 6 bucks). You won't regret it! Both the red and green sauces are killer.
Long night boozing it up downtown? Don't settle for some fast food schwill, these guys stay open late serving up tasty morsels!
oh my goodness, why did I wait so long to try these guys. Drove by them every single day and never stopped. I'm glad I didn't have any food in my fridge that morning and stopped by for some tacos for me and my son. YUMMMM
I eat a lot of tacos. Taqueria Star served the best I'd ever had. Bonus points for the ambiance of a liquor store parking lot.
DAMN! This place is worth: driving to the airport, stripping down and being abused by the TSA agents boarding a plane and sitting next to that person who wont shut up about his stupid cat, just to have one of their taco's. I mean seriously, its that good. We found this place on Yelp, we drove over, and ordered one plate of the Tacos, photo exhibit A kids.........and halfway through, decided yes, what the hell lets get more.
What can I say? Its a taco truck in Austin, the food is cooked right there, you can smell it cooking up and only adds to the suspense of the mouth watering goodness that awaits you. The ingredients are fresh, I think this has to do with the fact they cook everything and sell it so fast, they cant have anything left lying around! The owners are friendly and fast at what they do.
Can man live on tacos alone?? I say yes yes they can! These taco for sure.
Warning: the green sauce.....hot! The orange sauce, try it, so good.
Ok, book your ticket and fly to Austin. When you are done eating here, why not check out the city? Its pretty damn cool, and you can then justify the plane ticket.
We "discovered" Taqueria Star after being out in our kayaks on Lady Bird Lake for the 4th of July fireworks. Once off the lake we were famished and trying to figure out who would be open late on a holiday that wouldn't also be crawling with people.
Yelp came to the rescue as we sat stuck in traffic on Riverside with the glowing reviews on this place. We crossed our fingers as we approached the intersection that they would be open - and they were! Yay!
We ordered the Pork Taco special plate (5 tacos for $5.99) and a few Migas tacos. The pork plate came covered in pork bits, pineapple, onions, a crumbled white mexican cheese, and avocado. It was just as beautiful in presentation as the picture we had seen in the Yelp photos. The inexpensive migas tacos were bursting with an egg mixture and just one is definitely big enough to fill up someone with a small to medium appetite. The taste of it all? Unreal - SO good - Incredible! The included green and orange sauces were amazing. I could drink their green sauce - it has such great, indescribable flavor and just the right amount of spicy bite.
I'm still not clear what their hours are - although they seem to be open mostly nights/weekend. They have limited seating and a small parking lot so we have always taken our orders to go.
Run - don't walk - to try these guys! They are such a bargain and your taste buds will thank you!
Taquera Star is fantastic. Read the other reviews for the folks who totally understand the taco truck phenomenon. Had the Al Pastor...and I would have asked to add avocados which would have been the crowning ingredient. very very good.
Huge let-down. A word to the taco-wise: all gringos at a late-night taco truck is a bad sign. Tacos were tasty but overly complicated (pineapple? cheese?) in such a way that the pastor-ness didn't come through.
We went straight to the Tacos Al Pastor truck further down riverside (by the bingo hall). Lots of latinos, pretty god chance you might have to attempt an order in Spanish, and total taco nirvana. Perfect.
STOP what you're doing this SECOND!! Put the mouse DOWN! Whatever you are doing will wait... because you need to go to Taqueria Star right now.
I was introduced to this gem on a hazy night last fall. Needless to say, I go about four times a week. The two best tacos are the Al Pastor and the Migas. Now the secret is in their portions. They are quite large (especially with the Migas!). So only order one or two or you will be filled with so much taco joy, you may never eat again.
Their absolute best thing is their hot sauces. Both are quite stunning....but in my opinion the red/orangish HOT one is the best. I happened to have inherited a large bottle of it and my roommates and I place it on every food that is prepared in our kitchen. Seriously. Everything. Speaking of my roommate, I must point out that one day my roommate went and ordered two migas and when they were ringing him up he realized he forgot his wallet. They said that it was on them this time and that he could hit them up next time. That my friends is a good taco stand. That is why we will be loyal to the Star until we die.
I've decided that this is the best taco truck migas taco in town.
I've had 'em 1/2 dozen times including yesterday but still crave 'em today. And the two owners are super cool.
I hit Taqueria Star for the 2nd time today and I'm gonna have to bump it to 5 stars for two reasons:… Read more »
At the corner of Riverside and Congress in the parking lot of that liquor store you'll find a brand new taco cart, glistening in the sun. I was very excited when it showed up a little over a week ago, finally a taco cart in my own backyard. Someone, somewhere, is listening to my prayers.
I went to go check it out that first day and it was everything I could have asked for. Tons of options to stick in that delicious tortilla and all at the standard taco cart price. I brought a few tacos home with me and was even more excited about this new phenomenon.
The tacos were great. The barbacoa tasted like barbacoa, pastor like pastor, etc. The hours were long and favorable. One can call in orders in advance. I was very happy.
But as the days went by I noticed little traffic visiting this new business. I started to get worried. Horrible scenarios began running through my head. What happens if this cart can't survive at this intersection?
I went by again last night to ensure Taqueria Star made a few more dollars in revenue for the day and one of my fears was realized. Rising prices. After only a week. Everything on the menu was raised .75, so your standard taco is now going to run $2.25 rather than the average $1.50. I'm hoping with more business prices will go back down, but I don't see it happening. I hope things work out.
Overall, it's very good food. Authentic tacos, tortas, gorditas, burritos... they've got it all. I wholeheartedly recommend based on the food, the only reason it gets 4 instead of 5 stars is the fluctuating prices.
These breakfast tacos are yummy. My favorite are the migas. The black bean is pretty darn good too. They don't skimp on the fillings so I pretty much make a mess eating them every time. The tacos come with this almost scary bright orange sauce, it's muy bueno though. You would think that bright orange would mean "hot, Hot, HOT", but it's not. Watch out for the green stuff though, looks can be deceiving. That stuff has a good kick to it!
I believe they serve these tacos at DoJo's as well, so that's another plus for me, since I love that place too!
I work right across the street from this place and one day my coworker and I gave it a chance.
Well, let me just say this was one of the best chances I've ever taken! I'm not particularly fond of taco carts, but this one made me change my mind. They have a pretty big selection and the prices are pretty fair. I can't remember exactly how much my tacos were, but I know the breakfast tacos are a solid $1.50. Their breakfast tacos are stuffed to the brim and will leave you full after one. I have to keep myself from eating here everyday, but trust me, I ALWAYS think about it!!
There are only a few tables next to it, so there's not much for ambience, but the food is so awesome I don't really care. :-p
I stopped here last Saturday on my way to Lady Bird Lake to fuel up for my morning run. I have a very high metabolism that makes eating out expensive. But, my 2 1.50 tacos at 9AM kept me fueled up until my 2:30 PM lunch at Opal Devine's. If Rick G. was not hungry and I was not wanting a refreshing adult beverage my 2 breakfast tacos could have held me over to an early dinner...
Since these delicious breakfast tacos can keep me filled up until an early dinner I am naming them my new diet food! Or at least a weekend staple.
I have only had the Migas Taco and a Bean and Cheese Taco and both were 5 stars I just have a hard time giving 5 stars for the ambiance.
Amazing. That is all I can say about it. You need to go. Once you do, you will come back often.
I don't understand how the more vaunted sit down / brick and mortar places can't make food this good when these guys do it out of a truck.
We go almost every week and especially on weekends when they are open until around 3 am. Unlike many places though, the food here is as good during the day as it is "late night". It is, however, a prime spot for late night food and that is typically when it is most crowded.
My favorite is their "Especial" which is 5 small Al Pastor Tacos (with feta, chopped avocado, and chunks of pineapple) for $5 or $6. Seriously, they chop the fresh avocado and pineapple as they make your order. One plate is all you need to be quite full and it blows the New York Times-hyped Guero's tacos up the street out of the sky. It is the single best taco I've had in Austin and that includes the exotics at Torchy's (although a few of those are pretty decent).
Run, don't walk, and try this place now. You won't be disappointed (just understand it is a truck in a strategically placed parking lot - no a place to take a first date etc: but no need to judge on appearance). I now bring almost all out-of-town guests there and when they come back, it is the most requested stop we make.
It also helps that the two person staff (a woman and a younger guy) are all smiles and very friendly every time we go. In fact, they start to recognize you then will throw in free tacos here and there. For those late night folks as well - they have access to a standard indoor restroom to the left of the truck (when facing). An unexpected touch.
Best taco truck ever.
Simply put, the best breakfast taco in town is the migas taco at Taqueria Star. $1.50 gets you everything you need. And they're available all day. The red and green salsas are excellent, although you have to appreciate a creamy (as opposed to chunky) consistency.
The owners are very cool, the service is quick, the price is cheap and the food is delicious.
The only downside of this place is that's its not open all the time. It closes after lunch until 7, so not good for mid afternoon snacks. But it's open until 3 on Fri and Sat, so it's good drunk food.
While some might not appreciate the vibe of a liquor-store parking lot, I kinda like it. Regardless, the Star remains the best tacqueria in town.
It was a damn hot day and I was almost too cranky to stand outside to get this food, but boy was I happy I did. The cook spoke no English and I had to rely upon my lame English, but the heat and the awkwardness was worth it. After being in KY for an extended stay, this place was heavenly. Eating carne asada tacos was like coming home. The bistec taco was also fantastic. Wash these amazing tacos down with a coke from Mexico, made with real sugar instead of HFCS crap. The orange salsa was zesty and a kick ass addition to every taco I ate. Seriously, go to this place!
Neighborhood: 78704 (South Austin)
Category: Mexican
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