Head To Austin's Iconic Tex-Mex Paradise, Trudy's, For Surf, Turf, And Everything In-Between
Tex-Mex is a popular cuisine describing the fusion between the United States and Mexico, but it's not called U.S. Mex, but "Tex" short for Texas in honor of the culinary creation of Tejanos. Yes, it's big business throughout the Lone Star State, but most especially in our capital. As such, when you are crowned one of the best Tex-Mex and margarita restaurants in the city over and over again, you are practically a local legend.
If you haven't already guessed, I am talking about Trudy's. Serving Austinites since 1977, this quirky hang out offers dishes and drinks that "Keep Austin Weird." Here's a good example. Its world famous Mexican martinis are limited to two per guest over 21 years old. So if you're an experience Mex Mart aficionado, you get clever pretty quickly and learn how to game the system: order your first Mexican martini during appetizer, switch to beer or cocktails in between, and order you last shaker during dessert.
Trudy's is one of my go to hotspot to tour first time family and friends to experience a taste of Austin. There are five locations in the city, each with its unique décor and live music schedule, and even the Texas sized menu may slightly vary. Even if it's your first time at Trudy's, here's a secret summary of what to order to experience its most popular masterpieces:
Cocktails:
- house mexican martini (limit 2)
- famous house margarita
- deep eddy flight
Appetizers:
- famous and original chile con queso
- shrimp diablo
- texas star nachos with shiner beer carnitas
Entrées:
- stuffed avocado (bestselling dish, vegetarian)
- cholula honey chicken
- beef fajita chimichanga
Desserts:
- traditional flan
- sopapillas
- brownie with amy's ice cream
Lastly, if you want to make it in Austin, your menu better offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, low-fat, no MSG, but most importantly farm-to-table, healthy, and environmentally friendly options. Otherwise, we'll boycott you very quickly. Trudy's has that culinary check list more than covered by proudly serving sustainable ingredients from local farmers and purveyors.
Handcrafted cocktails are infused with Tito's Handmade Vodka and Deep Eddy Vodka, Austin's pride and joy. We encourage the spirit of supporting local businesses because that is the Austin way, the only way. So what are you waiting for? Strap your boots on and scoot on down to Trudy's. Like a boss. You're very welcome.