Food trailers find a home in the Hill Country

In August 2013, Sarah Hannon opened The Midway Food Park, a food trailer park nestled in the rolling hills along Capital of Texas Highway.

Hannon said her family has owned the property since she was a child but had few options to build on the property because of environmental restrictions.

Hosting food trailers fit the bill however, and since opening, the park has become popular for both lunch and dinner.

"We get a lot of families with kids," Hannon said. "We have a great playground. You can meet your friends, everyone can eat something different, and the kids can run around and play."

The park's food trailers serve a variety of snacks, appetizers, drinks and meals (see sidebar).

The newest trailer, Royal Roots Organic Mobile Cafe, opened in early October, Hannon said. Royal Roots makes organic, raw and vegan cold-pressed juices, according to its Facebook page.

The park does not keep set hours—It is open from when the first truck opens until the last truck closes, Hannon said. Typically the grounds are open from around 11 a.m. to roughly 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, as well as Sunday afternoons, are the park's busiest times, she said.

Phyllis Kruciak, co-owner of The Celia Jacobs Cheesecake Experience, said her trailer opened at The Midway in April.

"We used to be on Rainey Street [in Central Austin]," she said. "We adore [being here]. We went from a bar crowd to a lot of families."

The Midway should be around for a while—Hannon owns the land and said she has no plans to sell it and evict the trailers, a common fate for trailer parks in Central Texas.

"I like the atmosphere [at the park]," Hannon said. "When the sun goes down, it's magical out there."

Dining options

CoolHaus, ice cream sandwiches—Ice cream flavors include brown candied bacon, chocolate peppermint and red velvet ($5)

Dock & Roll Diner LLC, The Maine Event—Maine lobster claw and knuckle meat, house mayonnaise, dock salt and chives served on a roll ($14 without chips or slaw, $15 with chips or slaw)

One Taco, Norte taco—Corn tortilla, queso flameado, chorizo, steak and pico de gallo ($3.75)

Tapas Bravas, duck pate—Locally sourced duck liver and root vegetables served with bread ($7)

Tigerlily, butterfly shrimp—Shrimp served with white steamed rice, fresh vegetables and choice of sauce ($9)

Widespread Daves, Texas Prime Rib Dip—Shaved prime rib, smoked provolone cheese, grilled jalapenos, caramelized shallots on a roll ($12)

Trailers

• The Celia Jacobs Cheesecake Experience
• CoolHaus
• Dock & Roll Diner LLC
• Gregorio's New York Style Italian
• One Taco
• Royal Roots Organic Mobile Cafe
• Tapas Bravas
• Tigerlily
• Widespread Daves

Amenities

The Midway Food Park has several on-site amenities.

It features a large parking lot, air-conditioned indoor bathrooms, a playground and an outdoor stage.

Owner Sarah Hannon said the park books rockabilly, swing, country and Texas music scene artists. Hannon announces upcoming concerts on the park's Facebook page.

The Midway Food Park, 1905 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., www.themidwayfoodpark.com, Twitter: @themidwayaustin, www.facebook.com/themidwayfoodpark, Hours vary