Lucky 7: Best Food Windows in East Austin
Words by Deven Wilson
Gone are the cartoonish days of pies on windowsills luring unsuspecting people with their sweet aroma. Now coffee, tacos, cakes, conchas, sandwiches, bánh khot chay, and ice cream entice patrons to stop by the window for a quick fix that tastes nothing like fast-food.
Desnudo
This tiny, but mighty, truck is changing the coffee world one bean at a time. Working with Columbian farmers to bring fair trade and sustainable beans into Austinites’ coffee scene, Desnudo’s little window opens onto a brighter, caffeinated future. A local fave is their Dirty Chai Latte.
desnudocoffee.com | 2505 Webberville Rd.
Taco Mex
In this economy, there should be a mile-long line for tacos that satisfy both the tastebuds and the bank account. Mouthwatering breakfast tacos come in at $2-3 (depending on the variety of toppings selected), and a hearty quesadilla dinner will only set you back around $7. Cheap, delicious, and plentiful, Taco Mex is a hidden gem worthy of a longer wait than they have.
ordertacomex.com | 2611 Manor Rd.
Fil N’ Viet
Kevin and Rosie take their respective culinary cultures and bring the best of both Filipino and Vietnamese cuisines to Fil N’ Viet. Taste the unmatched flavors of home cooked Asian food while getting out of the house to enjoy it.
filnviet.com | 2903 E 12th St.
Zed’s Real Fruit Ice Cream
An Austin twist on the New Zealand delight, Zed’s Real Fruit Ice Cream tastes like a farmers’ market Sunday stroll. Bold bursts of berries give the soft serve a perfect pastel for a visual delight on top of the taste buds.
zedsicecream.com | 1814 Harvey St.
Paper Route Bakery
Walk away from this window with a slice of cake so decadent that you’ll feel spoiled. Paper Route shifted to cakes only, and the focus shines through with elaborate cakes like Chocolate Fainting Couch, Raspberry Carlisle, and the Banana Pantsuit.
paperroutebakery.com | 1010 E Cesar Chavez St., Ste. D
Comadre Panadería
James Beard Semifinalist and Austin’s homegirl for pop-up pastries, Mariela Camacho is baking some of the best conchas in town. Stay up to date when she takes orders, and try to snag every magical baked good Camacho pushes from her Panadería. The pick-up window is on Saturdays at Nixta, but orders must be made ahead of time before they sell out!
comadrepanaderia.com
Austin Daily Press
When a juice from JuiceLand demands a savory pairing, snag a taco or torta from Austin Daily Press. Vegans and vegetarians can indulge with The Edward and Vegan Taco, both featuring edamame fritters with a zesty kick. austindailypress.com | 1900 E MLK Jr. Blvd.
