Radio Gaga
3 food trucks make the starting lineup at Radio Coffee & Beer's East Austin location this fall
Don't touch that dial — there's more Radio coming to Austin soon. Specifically, Radio Coffee & Beer is opening a second location, this time in called Radio/East at 3504 Montopolis Dr. The new location is gearing up for a September opening with a newly announced food truck lineup.
Veracruz All Natural, which already operates daily at the existing location (42024 Manchaca Rd.), will be joining the party out East. According to a release, the relationship between the two businesses has existed for a decade — a time period that saw a cult following develop for both the homey bar and the taco truck. Once this one opens, Veracruz will have seven locations.
"In 2014 our first expansion outside of East Austin was at Radio Coffee and Beer," wrote a representative of Veracruz in a release. "Back then the concept of a coffee/beer/music-venue/food-truck-park was more of a novel idea. We recognized Radio as a trendsetter then, and we are thrilled to once again work with them."
Another clear choice was Shortwave Diner, Radio's own food truck that makes low-fuss American food like burgers, fried chicken, and hot dogs, plus a breakfast menu. It will remain at the original location, and a new truck is being built for Radio/East. They won't have exactly the same menu, but they are similar, and include some new items for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
Radio patrons may still be unfamiliar with the truck since it has limited operating hours, but these will expand at the new location for "all-day dining options."
The third and final truck comes from outside the current Radio community, via Meanwhile Brewery: Side Eye Slice. This spin-off from Side Eye Pie, known for fermented dough loaded with lots of toppings, will make larger pies to be shared or served by the slice.
Radio/East will occupy "an old house, similar to the original Radio," which is well-known among remote workers and alternative Austinites who want a casual outdoor meeting place. (Lots of shade and fans are a bonus, especially for those with pets). The outdoor space in the second location will be "much larger," with an acre of parking. The original does have some entertainment, and Radio/East will have even more, promising more music and "larger touring acts."
Even the bar and coffee offerings will be expanded to include more diversity in cocktails (four on rotation), craft beer (eight on draft), wine, and coffee, like single origin espresso. Two service windows to the yard will minimize the wait — although even the busy original never seems to get too backed up at the bar.
More information about Radio Coffee & Beer is available at radiocoffeeandbeer.com. Check for events and specials on Instagram.