You can (and should) show up to Rollin Smoke and get the classic staples—like brisket, ribs, and sausage. But it’s when they start to experiment a little and introduce some low-and-slow smoke flavor into otherwise familiar dishes that we’ll consider making a detour, especially for the smoked carne guisada burritos and al pastor tacos. Rollin Smoke is located in the Arbor Food Park in East Austin right between Sammataro and Cuantos Tacos, making this one of the strongest 20 yard lineups in the food trailer scene. And the best part is that while most barbecue joints in Austin close up long before dinner, Rollin Smoke is open late, in case you want to soak up some drinks with a pile of brisket or just find yourself with a craving after dark.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Nicolai McCrary

Brisket

This is a classic Central Texas-style brisket in which the bark is thick, the meat is tender, and there’s plenty of smoke penetration.

photo credit: Nicolai McCrary

Al Pastor Tacos

These are a Sunday special that you should order if you see (but double check on Instagram to confirm before you go). They’re tiny, but each one is packed full of marinated and smoked pork (cooked on a trompo), with melted cheese, pineapple, and salsa. Then the whole thing gets crisped up on a griddle.