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Why Torchy’s Tacos Is Obama’s Taco Pick For Austin

President Tacobama

Obama placing his Torchy's order
Obama placing his Torchy's order
Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP Photo
Nadia Chaudhury is the editor of Eater Austin covering food and pop culture, as well as a photographer, writer, and frequent panel moderator and podcast guest.

President Barack Obama made his taco pick by stopping at Torchy’s Tacos last Friday, where he ordered the presidential trio (Democrat, Republican, and Independent, because he’s "bipartisan"). Eater reached out to the White House to find out why exactly the president settled on Torchy’s and what he thought about the tacos.

The Green Chili Pork and Monk orders were for Austin Mayor Steve Adler.

Katie Herbek, who previously worked in the administration, arranged Obama’s Austin trip. "Austin’s food reputation precedes itself, as well as the history of many local places," she told Eater. This explains his trips to Franklin Barbecue last year and Magnolia Cafe the year before. "The importance of breakfast tacos in Austin is well known," the Austin local explained, and Torchy’s Tacos were mentioned early on. The president’s visit to the far South 1st location was the first time he saw the menu, so he came up with the order right on the spot. She said he enjoyed all three of the tacos.

Torchy's Tacos

1822 South Congress Avenue, , TX 78704 (512) 916-9025 Visit Website