Another Austin institution bulldozed (Burnet, Maud: trendy, trailer, best)

[Aquitaine]

I eat regularly at both, not sure what the problem is.....

It's been my experience that there are two very vocal minorities when it comes to arbiters of taste:

- The folks that love 'the scene' and only go somewhere that is new and trendy, and
- The folks that disapprove of anything that isn't old and classic, (sometimes) regardless of quality or popularity

Torchy's is neither of those, and Fran's was clearly the second. It also had mediocre reviews and apparently wasn't interested in changing with the times.

I don't buy the notion that Torchy's is somehow elitist or hipster, though, most of their menu is $2 and $3 and most folks can and do skip the gigundo $5 whatever of the month. It's a local success story -- good for them.

[Trainwreck20]

Honestly, I go to Torchy's for the breakfast tacos on the weekend because they are a) close, b) decent price, and c) taste good. On top of that, the staff has always been pleasant. I honestly had no idea they were from Austin for a long time.

I got to Arandas for the same reasons during the weekday lunches, but it is close to work, not home.

I have been to Trudy's countless times over the years, but rarely for the food, more for the atmosphere and the fact that they serve (or at least used to) good drinks late at night for a passable price. It has been years since I have frequented Trudy's, though, since I am no longer part of the late night crowd .

[Idlewile]

Originally Posted by Aquitaine

It's been my experience that there are two very vocal minorities when it comes to arbiters of taste:

- The folks that love 'the scene' and only go somewhere that is new and trendy, and
- The folks that disapprove of anything that isn't old and classic, (sometimes) regardless of quality or popularity

Torchy's is neither of those, and Fran's was clearly the second. It also had mediocre reviews and apparently wasn't interested in changing with the times.

I don't buy the notion that Torchy's is somehow elitist or hipster, though, most of their menu is $2 and $3 and most folks can and do skip the gigundo $5 whatever of the month. It's a local success story -- good for them.

+1. This captures it. Gotta spread it around some before I hit you again though.

[TexasHorseLady]

And then there are those of us who are happy to try new places, just to see if they're actually any good, not because they're new and hip and everyone who is anyone eats there (we don't aspire to be "anyone", after all), but sure wish they wouldn't open up where our tried and true traditional places to get good food that we like happen to be. And are not afraid to eat in a dive just because we might be exposed to germs now and again (hygiene hypothesis, anyone?).

In other words, we want it all, as long as it tastes good!

[riaelise]

What did Fran's have to change, though? It had its regulars especially during peak times. I don't really care about yelp reviews either.

Of course I eat other places, but I miss Fran's being in the rotation.

[wehotex]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

And then there are those of us who are happy to try new places, just to see if they're actually any good, not because they're new and hip and everyone who is anyone eats there (we don't aspire to be "anyone", after all), but sure wish they wouldn't open up where our tried and true traditional places to get good food that we like happen to be. And are not afraid to eat in a dive just because we might be exposed to germs now and again (hygiene hypothesis, anyone?).

In other words, we want it all, as long as it tastes good!

What's the burger place that is walking distance from Gueros on the same west side of the street? That seems like another domino to fall imo.

[llkltk]

Originally Posted by Aquitaine

Nah, go to the Mueller Torchy's. It's huge and has a full bar. I pretty much bought real estate just to be near it.

I think the one that is going in at the Fran's location is meant to be the flagship and it will have a full bar. I don't think people in the city would choose Mueller over this prime location.

[thesonofgray]

Never been to Fran's. But I've reduced my Torchy's consumption dramatically since they prohibited dogs on their patio. Torchy's on Burnet used to be my go-to weekend lunch spot with the pooch, but now I go to Maudie's. Booooo Torchy's for rejecting man's best friend.

Off-topic, I know, but I had to express my discontent.

[Aquitaine]

I don't really care about yelp reviews either.

Nor should you - Google reviews all the way. There's something about having to use your real name that keeps the quality up - at least, relative to 'buy out your negative reviews' Yelp.

[ScoPro]

Originally Posted by scm53

I'm sorry. Opening the twelfth example of homogenized ersatz Tex-Mex - within a quarter mile of two existing examples - isn't "progress" in my somewhat opinionated book. Torchy's is for people who'd never be caught dead in a Taqueria Arandas. But YMMV.

And on the Stallion - like The Frisco and hamburgers, there may be "alternatives" - but nothing could ever replace either. Where can you get yellow gravy on your CFS today?

Some taquerias are highly overrated - good dirt & grease doesn't taste the same everywhere.

Isn't the Frisco still open at their new location?

Am I the only one here who remembers the little Hamburger Bar just south of the Ambassador Apartments (one block below the Guadalupe & 19th intersection)?