Taco 'bout awesome
Tacodeli's first-ever nighttime restaurant arrives in unexpected Austin location
Since opening in 1999, Tacodeli has ascended to cult-like status, but there has always been one sticky problem — that pesky 3 pm closing time that dashed all of our dinner dreams. Now the beloved eatery has corrected that problem, sort of, with a new location open until 9 pm.
On October 1, the City of Austin announced that the long-awaited outpost in the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Located between gates 23 and 24, the newest location will bring Tacodeli’s favorites to a worldwide audience. And, yes, the Doña sauce will still be flowing.
The airport kiosk, operated by Delaware North, will be a pared down version of the famously comprehensive menu found at the regular locations. But chef and founder Roberto Espinosa’s commitment to creativity and quality, “farm-to-taco” sourcing will remain.
For breakfast, expect heavy hitters like the Otto (organic refried black beans, double bacon, avocado, and Jack cheese) and the Jess Special (migas, Jack, and avocado). For lunch, there’s a variety of salads and tacos for almost every diet including the popular chicken or sirloin Frontera Fundido with sautéed poblanos and onion and the vegetarian Heather with grilled queso fresco, refried black beans, and guacamole.
The mini-version of Tacodeli will also carry snacks like chips and queso and offer a selection of local beers. That and the live music offered from 3-5:30 pm weekdays should take some of the sting out flight delays.
The new Tacodeli is part of an ongoing effort by ABIA to bring more local flavor (and also Einsten Bros Bagels) to the ever-growing airport. In May, Peached Tortilla, JuiceLand, and locally focused bar Hippies and Hops were added to the mix.
Still to come are locations of Parkside, Austin Beerworks, 24 Diner, Eastside Pies, Jugo, Hardie’s (not to be confused with Hardee’s) Fresh Foods, Austin Beerworks, and Sushi A -Go-Go, the reincarnation of the popular food truck owned by the owners of Komé.