Torchy's Tacos

Torchy's Tacos was founded in 2006 by Mike Rypka, who began selling tacos from a vintage Airstream trailer on South Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas. The concept — creative, irreverently named tacos that combined quality ingredients from multiple culinary traditions with the structural form of a Tex-Mex taco — caught on rapidly and the brand expanded across Austin and then throughout Texas and into other states. The menu changes seasonally, with a rotating roster of specials complementing the permanent lineup. The Trailer Park — a fried chicken thigh with green chilies, Hatch green chile queso, and jalapeño ranch on a flour tortilla — is the restaurant's most famous creation and the one most consistently identified with the brand. The Democrat and the Republican are political-themed permanent fixtures; the Dirty Sanchez, the Crossroads, and the Brushfire are among other named tacos that have built devoted followings. Torchy's Tacos has positioned itself at the fast-casual level: ordering at a counter, reasonable prices, no reservations, and a dining room designed for quick turnover, but with fresh ingredients, house-made tortillas at some locations, and creative flavor combinations that go well beyond standard Tex-Mex. The brand now operates across Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and several other states. Breakfast tacos, a serious Austin institution, are served through the morning hours. Queso — a warm, smooth cheese dip — is available by the cup or bowl and is considered by many guests as essential as any individual taco.