Welcome to Tastes of Austin. This is a multi-part blog series that will take you with me around Austin (and neighboring suburbs) to try what I think is the best food Austin has to offer. Now, food is art. And like art, “best” is really subjective. So don’t just take my word for it. Come visit Austin and try out these delicious dishes.
Tastes of Austin: Taste One
Rollin Smoke BBQ
In the midst of the pandemic when non-essential travel was put on pause, it gave a lot of frequent travelers, like myself, a chance to really explore our own backyards. As restaurants and food trucks opened up for business, it also became clear that they needed community support more than ever to stay open and continue to do the amazing work of feeding a community. Over time, I started hosting “Days of Food”, where we’d pick a theme and then try a handful or two of local eateries. We were able to support local, support one another, and fulfill our wanderlust.
Come with me and explore the great food that Austin, TX has to offer. There is a reason Austin has topped foodie lists for years, including being hailed “Food Truck Capital of America”. Even Food & Wine recognizes Austin is a top contender when it comes to tasty food. But not just Austin’s food trucks. There is a vibrant and thriving food scene in Austin, spanning oak-smoke barbecue and full-fat cheese Tex-Mex to well-spiced Ethiopian stews and umami bomb ramen. Don’t forget about just how not only vegan and vegetarian-friendly Austin is, but vegan and vegetarian forward this city is. But enough about why I’m tasting my way through Austin. Let’s get this show on the road.
An easily recognized food truck off of East 12th in the Arbor Food Park, Rollin Smoke is run by pitmaster, Kyle Stallings, and his charismatic crew. Their menu is full of tasty meats and delicious, decadent sides and desserts. All the barbecue is smoked onsite in a beast of a Moberg smoker (named Crystal Gayle) to ensure they are delivering the freshest possible quality direct to your mouth. And because this is Austin, know that they have something special for the vegetarians, as well. Rollin Smoke is known for their pork products, but really, they should just be known for damn good food. Period.
This East meets Central Texas ‘Que holds its own in a land full of award winning barbecue. And while some people are calling this a “David vs Goliath” situation, please know that Rollin isn’t a David in the barbecue battle. They are a humble Goliath focused on making sure that everyone’s first bite gives the desired reaction.
They have the best pork belly burnt ends I’ve ever had.
Grab a pork belly burnt ends sandwich and a side of smoked pimento cheese dip and chipotle saltines. Both for under $20 and very filling and satisfying. Honestly, it’s all absolutely craveable.
In a sea full of barbecue Loretta Lynns, all absolutely excellent in their own right, Rollin Smoke is a Crystal Gayle. All the talent and pedigree, but still out here doing it their way and paving their own path. And what a delicious path it is.
What do you think? Want to try it next time you’re in Austin?
