Back to all Austin places

Austin, Texas / Food and drink

Torchy's Tacos

Founded in Austin in 2006 as a humble food trailer, Torchy's Tacos has grown into a beloved fast-casual chain famous for its "Damn Good" tacos and legendary green chile queso.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Torchy's Tacos
torchystacos.com, website_hero_img_torchystacos.com

What is Torchy's Tacos?

Torchy's Tacos is a fast-casual taco chain based in Austin, Texas. It markets itself with a "Damn Good" food promise.

How did Torchy's Tacos get started?

The business was founded in 2006 by Mike Rypka, starting out as a single food trailer in Austin, Texas. It began transitioning into brick-and-mortar locations in 2010 and has since grown to operate over 130 restaurants nationwide.

Where can I find Torchy's Tacos in Austin?

Torchy's Tacos has multiple locations across Austin, including spots on South Congress, South Lamar, and downtown at 110 San Antonio Street.

What are the hours of operation?

Hours can vary by location, but at least one Austin location is open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Torchy's Tacos is a defining staple of Austin's vibrant culinary scene. The fast-casual taco chain was founded in 2006 by Mike Rypka, starting its journey as a single food trailer. With an idea, a dedicated executive chef, and a passion for bold flavors, the brand quickly captured the hearts and stomachs of local Austinites. What began as a mobile food truck soon demanded a permanent home. In 2010, Torchy's began transitioning from food trailers to brick-and-mortar locations. This expansion proved incredibly successful, allowing the Austin-based company to grow its footprint far beyond its Texas roots. Today, Torchy's operates over 130 restaurants nationwide, though its headquarters remain proudly in Austin. Throughout its rapid growth, Torchy's has maintained its commitment to its "Damn Good" food promise. The brand is known for its playful, high-energy marketing and community-focused events. In a particularly memorable stunt during the 2019 South by Southwest festival, Torchy's actually parachuted tacos down to attendees of the festival, cementing its status as a fun-loving local icon. While visitors can find Torchy's across multiple states, experiencing it in its hometown of Austin is a must. The chain operates several local spots, including a prominent downtown location at 110 San Antonio Street, as well as popular spots on South Congress and South Lamar. Many of these Austin locations offer convenient pickup and delivery options, with some open from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, making it easy to satisfy your taco cravings at almost any hour.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the downtown location situated at 110 San Antonio Street, Unit 120, if you are exploring the city center.
  • Take advantage of convenient pickup and delivery options offered by Austin locations.
  • Plan your visit between 8:00 AM and 9:00 PM, which are the operating hours for at least one of the Austin locations.

Nearby context

Located in Austin, Torchy's Tacos is surrounded by the city's lively food scene, where you can also find other popular spots like Sonora Hot Dog nearby.

Sources

Evidence and links