Torchy's Tacos
Rating
Family of 4
$40-$55 (tacos $4-7 each, 2-3 per person; 2 adults x 3 tacos avg = $24-30; 2 kids x 2 tacos avg = $12-16; drinks $3-4 each = ~$12; total ~$48-58)
Duration
30-60 minutes
Best Ages
Best for all ages
About
Torchy's Tacos is Austin's homegrown taco phenomenon, launched from a single food truck on South 1st Street in 2006. For families visiting Austin, eating at Torchy's is as essential as swimming in Barton Springs. The tacos are creative, the queso is addictive, and the atmosphere is the right kind of loud and casual for families with kids.
The menu features signature tacos with memorable names and flavors. The Trailer Park (fried chicken, green chiles, queso) is the bestseller. The Crossroads (smoked beef brisket, cheddar, onions, pickles) appeals to BBQ lovers. Breakfast tacos include the Democrat (eggs, potatoes, cheese, avocado).
The green chile queso deserves its own mention. It is thick, spiced but not hot, cheesy, and scoopable. At $5, it is the best appetizer investment in Austin. Many families order two.
The atmosphere is consistently casual: bright colors, loud music, and staff who do not flinch when a kid spills a taco. High chairs and booster seats are available. Online ordering is available for pickup, which eliminates the weekend brunch line entirely.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Indoor & Outdoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday lunch (11 AM - 12:30 PM) before the main rush. Breakfast tacos served starting at 7 AM. Weekend brunch (9-11 AM) is the busiest time.
Wait Times
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min. Weekend brunch: 15-30 min. Multiple Austin locations available.
Nearby Food
This IS the food destination. South 1st Street also has Elizabeth Street Cafe (3 min walk), Bouldin Creek Cafe (5 min), and Lick Honest Ice Creams (5 min walk).
Why Kids Love It
Torchy's started as an Austin food truck in 2006 and grew into the city's most famous taco brand. The tacos are creative without being pretentious. Names like Trailer Park (fried chicken, green chiles, queso) and Crossroads (smoked beef brisket) are fun to order, and the flavors deliver. The environment is casual and loud -- no one cares if your toddler throws a tortilla.
The queso is legendary. Torchy's green chile queso with chips is the table centerpiece, and families demolish a bowl before the tacos arrive. The breakfast tacos are equally iconic.
Multiple Austin locations mean you will likely pass a Torchy's wherever you are staying. The vibe is colorful, casual, and proudly Austin.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The green chile queso with chips ($5) is mandatory -- order it before anything else
- The Trailer Park (fried chicken, green chiles, queso) is the most popular taco and a safe bet for kids
- Ask for the secret menu -- it is posted on their website and has creative limited-edition tacos
- Breakfast tacos (7-11 AM) are the best value -- try the Democrat or Wrangler
- If the line is long, order online for pickup and skip the wait entirely
What to Bring
- appetite
- wet wipes for taco-covered faces
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$40-$55 (tacos $4-7 each, 2-3 per person; 2 adults x 3 tacos avg = $24-30; 2 kids x 2 tacos avg = $12-16; drinks $3-4 each = ~$12; total ~$48-58)
Tips to Save
- Breakfast tacos are cheaper than lunch tacos ($3-5 vs $5-7).
- Order water.
- The queso is the real splurge ($5 for a cup that the whole family shares).
- Skip the guacamole add-on and use the free salsa bar.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Monday
- 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Sunday
- 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Saturday
- 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
