Austin’s popular food truck scene has been pushed around a bit with the real estate in downtown Austin at an all-time high premium. With condos, apartment communities and high rises going up seemingly overnight, there isn’t much affordable, empty space left for these foodies to call home.
The demand for downtown dining has also increased and makes finding an affordable downtown meal even harder. Especially one without a three hour wait that is family friendly. My family loves to go downtown. I cherish the reality that my children are growing up in a community where they can enjoy the schools & safety of a hill country neighborhood, and yet still experience the weirdness of Austin.
Luckily, Austinites cherish history, are very family friendly and truly are trying to Keep Austin Weird. Keeping Austin Weird means we work hard to support local businesses and not let chains dominate the landscape.
The Picnic, a food trailer court, on Barton Springs Road was put together this past year and solved some of these challenges. It provides a permanent space to popular food trucks, provides ample parking, seating and restrooms for patrons, and most importantly… has amazing food choices. It may not be as hip as the South Congress lot that was replaced by a Marriott… but it’s still very Austin.
My favorite is Turf & Surf Po Boy. While they now enjoy a permanent location as well… their food truck tacos are super yummy and keep my children out of the sixth street bar scene. My teenager loves to get a sandwich from Hey! You Gonna Eat or What. And my little ones will eat anything when promised a Hey Cupcake! If you haven’t had a Michael Jackson… you clearly have not spent enough time in Austin.
If you want an old fashioned picnic in Austin, then bring your basket full of homemeade goodies and plant yourself over on the hills overlooking Barton Springs pool in Zilker Park. My favorite place to picnic is at the Springwoods Park on McNeil in North Austin. It really is a "woods" park and the ramada's are excellent and clean. Plenty of room to rollerblade, run, play tennis, excellent playscapes and simply gorgeous!
Today is a rainy day in Austin. But, we enjoy many warm days in fall & winter in Central Texas, where eating outside is still very enjoyable. Next week look's to be very nice and we are planning many hiking days during the Thanksgiving break.
Brought to you by Ranee Bray of TCP Realty; your Cedar Park & NW Austin Real Estate professional. Thinking of buying or selling? General real estate questions? I am here to help save you money, time and reduce stress. Please call, text or email me, raneebray@tcphouses.com, (512) 270-9750, www.RaneeBray.com
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