Another example of a chef concept that is now a permanent fixture on the menu is the dish Zingo Nachos ($10). Chips are topped with whole spicy black beans, Monterey Jack and cotija cheeses, a sweet and spicy mango pico de gallo, and garlic marinated shrimp, Dumas said.

Operations Manager Paul Michie said Trudy’s supports local businesses, sourcing its coffee, ice cream other ingredients locally whenever possible.

Trudy’s, which was founded in 1977 by owner Gary Truesdell, now operates four locations as well as its South Congress Café, Dumas said. The original location was at 29th and the Drag; three   years later that restaurant moved its operations to its current location at 409 W. 30th Street, Dumas said.

The Trudy’s North Star location opened in 1988 at its current location at 8820 Burnet Road, Dumas said, adding it brings something unique to the area.

“It’s an Austin original kind of where Austin houses all of the commercial chains,” he said.

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Staff favorite

Vanessa Saldaña, manager at Trudy’s North Star, said one of her favorite items on the menu is the Cholula honey chicken ($12). The dish features a fried chicken breast with Cholula sour cream batter breading and topped with pickled red onions, cilantro and a Cholula honey sauce.   

“I like that it’s sweet and spicy, but not too spicy,” she said. The dish comes with mashed potatoes and grilled street corn.

[caption id="attachment_123508" align="alignright" width="220"] Margaritas are a popular drink menu item at Trudy’s North Star location.[/caption]

Drink options

Margaritas and Mexican martinis are among the beverages available at Trudy’s in addition to draft and bottled beers, Saldaña said. House margaritas are $5.50 at regular price or $3 during happy hour. The Star of Texas Mexican Martini, made with Dulce Vida Organic Tequila, is another customer favorite, she said. The martini costs $14. House Mexican Martinis are $6 during happy hour Mon.-Fri. from 2-7 p.m. The restaurant also offers daily drink specials.