Cuantos Tacos in Austin is the East 12th food truck for Mexico City-style trompo tacos on nixtamalized tortillas, the cheapest entry to a Michelin-recognised Austin kitchen.
Tip: Order at least three tacos; the suadero and al pastor are the room's standouts at the price point.
Address: 1108 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702
P. Terry's Burger Stand in Austin is the South Lamar original since 2005, the local burger chain serving fresh-ground beef burgers on the cheap and a soft-serve cone for under $10.
Try: Cheeseburger and fries
Tip: The double cheeseburger combo runs around $9 with drink and fries; the soft-serve cone is the dessert.
Las Trancas in Austin is the East Cesar Chavez taco truck for late-night al pastor and barbacoa, a Texas Monthly best-tacos pick with the cheapest tacos on the corridor.
Try: Tacos al pastor
Tip: Tacos are small; order four. The truck runs until midnight, ideal for after-bar dinner.
Round Rock Donuts in Round Rock is the Lone Star doughnut counter since 1926, a 4:30am opening with egg-yolk-yellow yeast doughnuts at a buck or two each, daily.
Try: Yellow yeast doughnut
Tip: The original yellow doughnut is the order; the Texas-size novelty doughnut is for sharing.
Pueblo Viejo on Tillery Street in Austin is the 2010 East Side taco truck from Nestor and Margarita, the city's regular-rotation breakfast-taco trailer at the low end of the price scale.
Try: Breakfast tacos
Tip: Bean-and-cheese on a homemade flour tortilla is the most-ordered budget pick; pair with a side of barbacoa.
Halal Bros in Austin is the West Campus halal chicken-and-rice counter on Guadalupe, the cheapest reliable halal plate in town and the closest meal to UT for under $13.
Try: Chicken-and-rice platter
Tip: The chicken-and-rice platter is the campus default; the white-sauce-and-hot-sauce combo is the menu hack.
Magnolia Cafe in Austin is the South Congress 24-hour diner, a counter and booth room serving migas, queso and gingerbread pancakes at a low-double-digit price all day.
Try: Love migas plate
Tip: Open 24 hours Thursday through Saturday; otherwise closes at midnight. SXSW makes Friday 1am a scrum.
