La Tunita 512: The Rising Star

{The Best Tacos!}

Words by Guadalupe Triana Photos By Shelby Bella

The unmistakable bright-red birria taco has become one of the trendiest, and most sought-after, dishes in Austin. Birria de res, or beef birria, has made waves recently for its distinct color and undeniably gratifying taste.

Luckily for Austin, La Tunita 512 showed up at the right place at the right time. This food truck opened its doors in November 2019, giving it plenty of time to become a favorite among taco lovers. “I didn’t think they’d be so popular,” says chef and owner Gerardo Guerrero. “My only goal was to just open a food truck, even though I didn’t know exactly what I’d be selling.”

At first, Gerardo was the only one working the truck, making sure business was running smoothly. He’d be there from open to close: taking orders, cooking, cleaning, and organizing. “Once pictures were published online, people started showing up and telling us that they’d been searching for birria tacos in Austin for months,” Gerardo recalls. He paired down his menu based on the demand he was seeing for his birria tacos and says the rest is history.

The birria taco comes filled with only three things: juicy birria, onions, and cilantro. Despite only three ingredients, patrons should expect a greasy, messy, and unapologetically delicious adventure. The experience doesn’t end there, however. For two more dollars, guests can request the consomé, the beef broth where tacos should be confidently dunked.

For folks wanting an additional layer of flavor on their tacos, the quesotaco exists; it’s the same birria taco, except it’s covered with a crispy layer of Monterey jack cheese.

His next goal will be to get a larger truck. “With a bigger truck, we’ll be able to add other things to the menu,” he reassures. La Tunita 512 is open Tuesday through Saturday from 1pm until sold out.

2400 Burleson Rd. | la-tunita-512.square.site

To read more about The Best Tacos in Austin, click here.