Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

12/27/2015

I went down the street on that cold Sunday right after Christmas, craving brisket tacos of all things. They didn't let me down, in fact they blew me away. That's saying a lot coming from a Texan whose had great bbq all his life. Sure there are a ton of 5 star bbq spots in S. Austin that are all fantastic, but for brisket tacos come here.

The place is a trailer next to a head shop and a convenience store. An additional trailer is attached for the bbq pit. The smoke fills the air and the scent draws you in. Their employees were fast and friendly, everything was delivered with a smile.

Brisket Tacos: Brisket, guacamole, salsa. That's it. Simple. Not hard to fuck up. Perfect. The meat was the right smokey flavor and so tender it was like butter. guacamole was just right and the salsa gave the right kick to the dish. A perfect marriage of Texas BBQ and TexMex. I brought them home and had them with a Deep Ellum Easy Peasy IPA. This is why I love Austin folks.

12/21/2015

Awesome Awesome Awesome.

I will be trying everything this amazing little food truck has to offer.

I live a few miles away and a friend recommended this place for BBQ. So far I have had their tacos and bbq sandwich. Oh boy, my mouth is watering at the thought of that scrumptious bbq sandwich. The meat is dare I say it, moist and perfect. You can tell the quality is there. The price is right too. Parking available on site.

The wait is a little long, but once you taste their food youll forget all about that wait.

12/13/2015

Oh wow. This might be the best brisket I've ever had, and that's saying something living in Austin. What a perfect, intense mix of saltiness and smokiness, and the meat is just so tender and delicious. Its seasoning is excellent and makes for a mouth-watering appearance on the outside of the meat.

I ordered this as a sandwich, but then ended up pulling most of the brisket out to enjoy its pure, powerful taste. There were huge chunks of marble mixed in with the meat in every bite, just dripping with juicy flavor. The sandwich came with a simple coleslaw which added some nice balance on the side, and the bread itself was a great match for the meat. They also gave me a side of their mesquite BBQ sauce. Though we know in Texas that well-smoked meat needs no sauce to have the best experience, Valentina's was very pleasing, with a little sweet and spice. Probably good to pair with other items on their menu. I also had the smoky corn, which is an awesome-looking side of fresh corn nuggets shaved right off the cob. It was incredibly sweet and juicy, with a nice kick provided by the addition of some ground pepper. Perhaps the most surprisingly good part of the meal.

This is one chill truck in a chill location. They're parked at the side of a gas station parking lot, the serving truck and pit sitting side by side. The first thing you notice is the sign, with the name "Valentina's" carved invitingly into a giant half-log of wood fixed to the top of the truck. There are several picnic tables for folks who stay to eat, with a small tent to cover a few. Today there were other patrons standing around holding numbers, waiting for their orders as Led Zeppelin blasted from the speaker and thick smoke from the pit blanketed the entire area in a BBQ haze. The smoke gives off a strong, piercing aroma, but like none I've ever smelled before. Wonder if that comes from some secret ingredient to their pit success. All of this gives off the feeling that you are truly in an iconic barbecue haven.

Despite all the great press this place has received, it's still very underrated and the food was twice as good as I expected. Frankly, it blew me away. My guess is the understated nature of this place is partly because it's way off the beaten path compared to other top BBQ joints in town, which cluster on the central-east side. Valentina's is holed up in far south Austin, comfortably away from the masses, which makes for a quieter and more pleasant BBQ experience. And a much quicker experience too: There was no line when I arrived on this early Sunday afternoon, and I was handed my order within 10 minutes. Between the ridiculously amazing quality of the food and the fact that I don't have to spend 2+ hours waiting to get it, this may have instantly jumped to the top of my list of BBQ favorites. Their menu is seductive all the way through; I must try everything. There will for sure be a return pilgrimage, and then some.

11/1/2015

I had a great experience at Valentina's! My friends said they wanted BBQ, I'm not the biggest fan so when we showed up to this food trailer I was thrilled to see they had it broken into Tex (BBQ sandwiches) and Mex (tacos). This is the perfect blend of food and one stop shop for Austinites, it's what our dreams are made of!

There were about 6 people in line ahead of us but the weather was incredible and it didn't take more than 10 minutes. I ordered a sweet tea ( ALL the SuGaR) the queso (amaze balls) and the carnitas taco (pork amazingness). The meal came out within 2 minutes of sitting down, faster than any restaurant or trailer I've ever been to!

They have a cute outside seating area and if you want to make a thing out of it, you can go buy a 6pack at the local gas station next door! These guys deserve the TIPS, they are bustin it out and have great food. My friends got the BBQ pulled pork sandwhich with potato salad which also slammed! Def check this place out, I was super impressed!

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  Quesoooooo

  Quesoooooo
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  Carnita taco

  Carnita taco
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  Tater salad

  Tater salad
• See all photos from Ashley V. for Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ

10/10/2015 Updated review

Update: Stopped by in the afternoon. Got some wet and dry brisket and pork ribs. Zero line.
It was fantastic! The Lady of the house prefers the dry and I prefer the wet brisket. We sampled each others and acknowledged how good the other's was but insisted the one we each ordered was better. Hands down winner was the large meaty pork spare ribs. Wonderful! Full of meat and they had the Texas texture of just hanging on the bone a bit so you can make a real mess. The order came with lots of pickles, stinky onions and fresh made tortillas. The real key is they are using mesquite to smoke, which is usually not too good for smoking unless it is vented fast. This is and the unique mesquite taste is quite mild.
I have yet to be disappointed.

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• See all photos from Larry E. for Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ

10/8/2015

Valentina's does not disappoint - they have some fantastic barbecue and TexMex rolling out of their truck. A friend and I came in on Tuesday and ordered several items and were frankly blown away by what we got.

I got two tacos: the smoked brisket, and the smoked carnitas. Both types of meat had very prevalent smoky flavors which was great, and both were super moist. I also liked the both the tomato serrano and the tomatillo habanero salsas. I'm not one for heat, and that is why I loved these salsas. There was a heat, but it wasn't singe your tongue off heat, it was a subtle, which really let the taste of the peppers come through and it was fantastic. It really added to the taste of the smoky meat, instead of overpowering it.

I also ordered some queso - and I believe both of those sauces were on top of the queso. It was really good..a very decent amount for the price, nice and cheesy, not too thin.

My friend ordered the pulled pork, which was also very intensely smoky as well as moist. She thought it was great.

I also liked their little alcove of benches under umbrellas - this is a fantastic idea for your customers - not all food trucks provide a space like this, so it was really nice to see. Customer service was also fantastic, and the food rolled out quickly even as they got busy. Five stars Valentina's, you deserve it for a job well done!

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  Smoked Brisket Taco & Smoked Carnitas Taco

  Smoked Brisket Taco & Smoked Carnitas Taco

9/4/2015

Franklin's may be what people automatically think of when considering "Austin BBQ", but that's only because they haven't had Valentina's. I can say this confidently, as I've been to Franklins about 5 times (countless hours of my life dedicated to BBQ). WITHOUT A DOUBT- best ribs in Austin! Maybe even ever. Their pulled pork is tender, juicy and will put you in a dream-like state. My personal favorite is their shredded chicken tacos, but the chicken usually sells out quickly. I always opt for the BBQ tacos... they're all great and the toppings pair divinely with the different types of meat.

Sure their new local isn't exactly scenic (gas station parking lot, spitting distance from the road), but food is reasonable priced, and they usually have a fun rotating addition to the menu. I'll be following their food truck around Austin forever!

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  Ribs and tacos!

  Ribs and tacos!

11/6/2015

South Austin charm and smokey BBQ flavor wrapped up in a food trailer.  It's not 5 stars because sometimes the wait can be a bit long and they routinely sell out of some meats.  I recommend you go mid-week to avoid the weekend crowds.  

We love the brisket, pulled pork, and smoked carnitas.  Potato salad and rice are nothing special.  

Brisket by the pound runs $20. Pulled pork $16.  Beef ribs $20.  Sausage $14.

The El Rey is a great sammy but it will put you back $12.50 (no sides)

Overall a tasty little corner of south Austin.

10/26/2015

Valentina's has long been on my food truck radar but they were always parked somewhere that I just could not make it.  Well luckily patience paid off and they finally made it down off of Brodie near my house.  

Do you want to know how to be a successful food truck/trailer in Austin?  Combine BBQ and Tacos!!!

Seriously the brisket here is good and could be the basis of their food business alone but then they decided to have one of the best carnitas tacos in town as well.  

Do you want to take it to the next level?  Come for breakfast and combine Brisket or Carnitas with Breakfast Tacos!!!  

My only complaint is that my stomach hits a wall half way between 1 taco and 2.  I generally still power through 2.

I really like these guys for any meal.  That is the best compliment I can give.  I will be back again soon.

12/12/2015

Oh wow! That's all I could think of at first bite of the brisket. I also had the pork ribs, sausage, Mexican rice, new potato salad and a carnitas taco. I can't wait to go back. This is definitely a place to try if you love BBQ. Good stuff from a food truck. Check it out folks! I'm satisfied and full of goodness.

The beef ribs, cerveza fajita tacos and beans were sold out by time I arrived. I'll go early next time to sample everything. The BBQ sauce is really tangy and good. I'm a fan and hope they get a brick and mortar store some day. Winner!

8/21/2015

Oh. My. Goodness!  If you are hungry - and I mean REALLY hungry, get two breakfast tacos!  Otherwise - one is PLENTY!

We stopped here to get breakfast for us and a couple guys doing some work at our house.  Thinking this would be like many taco trucks (i.e. torilla that can still be wrapped around the food inside it) we ordered two tacos each Chorizo/egg, Bacon/egg, Pulled-Pork/egg and Brisket/egg.  I had a pork and a brisket taco and thought I was going to explode!  These tacos are stuffed as full as can be - the tortilla barely closing around the contents.  The tortillas are home-made and fresh and YUMMY!.  The pulled-pork was super flavorful and moist and didn't even need any sauce.  The brisket was "pre-sauced" but was perfect, moist and yummy - my mouth is watering just thinking about it!  Those that had the other tacos appeared to enjoy them as well and came away full and content!

Valentina's caters too!

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  Welcome to Valentina's

  Welcome to Valentina's

12/27/2015

$5-$7 seems a little steep for a Taco, you say? Not at Valentina's. I'm not much on the BBQ scene here in Austin, but this little truck and their other venture, the Violet Taco are top notch. Why waste time waiting in line for hours, downtown, when I can go a couple miles from my house and get waaaaay better food. Pulled pork is to die for.

12/12/2015

A breakfast taco with no cheese?!  I honestly didn't even realize there was no cheese until after I declared the real deal holyfield the mother of all breakfast tacos.  Pork or brisket, you can't go wrong.  An over easy egg and a huge strip of bacon.  
I think it works without the cheese because the flavors are there.  All of the ingredients mesh so well together and elevate this taco to legendary status.  
I've not been disappointed in my 5 trips there for lunch or dinner.  I havent even tried everything on their menu.  My only regret is that I haven't been here more.

11/4/2015

What a fantastic food trailer . Just had an unbelievable smoked sliced brisket sandwich (9 bucks) The roll was soft and homemade. The meat was a mix of lean and moist... Perfect crust and smoke ring. I opted for no slaw on mine. The BBQ sauce appeared homemade and was in glass bottles... Tangy and wonderful. I would have like to see them do a spicy BBQ sauce, maybe me in the future  .
By the way the lemonade is fresh and awesome as well!! (2 bucks)

I loved it. Will definitely be back.

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  Sliced brisket Sammy, hold the slaw . 9 bucks

  Sliced brisket Sammy, hold the slaw . 9 bucks

12/7/2015

I'd give it 10 stars if I could. The best sliced beef sandwich I've ever had!!! The queso was good too. Great atmosphere.

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  That was the best sliced beef sandwich I've ever had!!!!

  That was the best sliced beef sandwich I've ever had!!!!

10/18/2015

Well, finally tried Valentina's, and, came here with high expectations, which were exceeded!!!
Brisket taco I had was great, but the real star was the beef rib my wife and I shared; the best I have ever had!
Can't wait to come back and try more!.

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  The pit where the goodness begins!

  The pit where the goodness begins!
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  Beef rib, smoked corn, brisket and pork carnits tacos

  Beef rib, smoked corn, brisket and pork carnits tacos

10/14/2015

We tried the brisket taco and the beef fajita tacos. Yum and yummier!

Both were juicy and flavorful. The fajitas were the most tender I have ever had. The bell peppers were sweet and delicious. I even liked their salsa.

Can't wait to come back here!

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  Food truck as we're driving up

  Food truck as we're driving up

12/12/2015

Best food truck you haven't been to. Off the beaten path just a tad but it's amazing‼ well worth the wait. My favorite is always the first sold out. Cerveza beef fajita. Enjoy. Keep Austin fed.

12/21/2015

The brisket is moist and has a good smokey / peppery flavor. I usually get the brisket tacos because it comes with a dollop of guacamole.

4/29/2015

Beef rib as big as my head? Check.
Tender, fall-off-the-bone, flavorful meat? Check.
Fun, funky, Austin food truck vibe? Check.

Valentina's is great! Delicious barbeque with a twist -- you can get your BBQ traditional-style, or tex mex style! We tried the brisket taco and the fajita taco, as well as the beef rib (OMG, I had no idea what I was getting into, this thing was HUGE), and a side of the roasted corn.

The tacos were both delicious -- the brisket one was my favorite, and I loved the guacamole they put on top. The corn was also a stunner -- buttery, well seasoned, delicious.

Now, let's talk about that beef rib. At $20.00 a pound, it wasn't cheap, so I admit I did feel a bit of sticker shock when they rang up our total (over $40 for the tacos, beef rib, and two drinks -- they actually forgot to ring up our corn and it still came to that much, hahaha) but I will admit that it was totally worth it.

A) I'd never had a beef rib like this before, ever. I've only ever had like, shortribs, so taking hold of that huge honking piece of meat was worth it for the experience alone. B) It was DELICIOUS! The meat was literally falling off the bone, and with a bit of Valentina's tangy barbeque sauce, it made for the perfect bite.

I highly recommend heading to Valentina's if you're in Austin and not looking to stand in line for 5 hours at Franklin's or la Barbeque. It was a great pick! Just make sure you keep your eye out for it, otherwise you'll walk right past -- it's just a food truck parked in between the Star Bar and Rattle Inn, and you can sit in the Star Bar's patio.

PS: I saw signs that they'll be temporarily moving in early May while the Star Bar renovates their patio, so just be aware!

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  #gobigorgohome

  #gobigorgohome