The Best Pupusas in Austin, Texas
Ever find yourself asking, “Where do I find Salvadoran food in Austin?” We have the answer! Whether you’re downtown or at the Domain there is Salvadoran food closer than you think. Here are four of our favorite spots. Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments!
The Best Pupusas in Austin, Texas
El Sunzal
One of East Austin’s many treasures, El Sunzal is a family-style Salvadoran restaurant with affordable dishes and an abundance of natural light. Their pupusas are seriously good. We love ordering a side of avocado, a side of refried beans and an ice-cold Topo Chico. We haven’t tried it, but they have a shrimp-filled seafood menu, and you can grab a banana turnover (hello pocket!) if you save room for dessert.
642 Calles St. Austin, TX 78702
(512) 474-7749
Pupuseria Usuluteca
The menu at Usulateca says “Sirviendole los mas ricos platillos de la comida Salvadorena”, which translates to “Serving the most delicious dishes of the food of Salvador.” We agree but the only food we saw on any plate in the small, bustling restaurant were the crispy pupusas, well worth the 20-25 minute wait it takes to get them on the table after you order. The pupusas at Usulateca are bigger than any pupusas we’ve tried, patted to perfection after each order is placed, and cooked on a very hot griddle resulting in a crispy crust. These pupusas have a harmonious ratio of filling to masa. At $2.49 a piece, these may be the best pupusas in Austin.
9306 N. Lamar Blvd. Ste. E1 Austin, TX 78753
(512) 645-0068
Tacos y Pupusas Los Ramos
If you’re craving late night pupusas, Tacos y Pupusas Los Ramos has your back. Open from 2 pm to 1 am, this Salvadoran food truck is the perfect spot to quell that midnight craving. The pupusas are served hot and fresh off the grill with a side of curtido, a vinegary cabbage slaw from El Salvador. Tacos y Pupusas Los Ramos also serves tacos, tortas, and quesadillas. It’s a quick and easy way to get your fix of Salvadoran food in Austin.
2204 Woodland Ave. Austin, TX 78741
(512) 712-3573
Costa Del Sol
The Austin Chronicle wrote about this spot in 2009, saying “For the cuisine of El Salvador, Costa del Sol needs to be on your short list. It's filling and a bit rich for the sweltering days of AusTex summer, but the food is inexpensive, authentic, and exceptionally good.” Don’t skip out on a side of plátanos and yuca fries as pocket pals for your pupusas at this northeast Austin gem.
7901 Cameron Rd. Ste. 4 Austin, TX 78754
(512) 832-5331
SalvaTex
SalvaTex has all the greatness of Salvadoran cuisine in the convenience of a food truck. With pupusas to-go, the jalapeño, bean and cheese option is the perfect blend of Salvadoran and Tex-Mex flavors. Their watermelon agua fresca makes eating outside in the Texas heat a little more bearable. SalvaTex doesn't stop with just pupusas, they also have tamales, breakfast tacos and Salvadoran enchiladas, oh my!
1196 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
(737) 708-3119
Temporarily closed, set to re-open March 2019.
503 Pupusas y Mas
An unassuming food truck on the corner of Justin and Lamar with a solid menu of Salvadoran staples. Aside from the classic pupusa fillings, 503 Pupusas y Mas serves pastel del pollo, a deep friend doughy pocket filled with chicken that looks very similar to an empanada, and Central American style tamales stuffed in banana leaves. Breakfast tacos are also on the menu if you visit the food truck in the morning.
808 Justin Ln, Austin, TX 78757
512-758-5648