A beloved Mexican barbacoa food truck in Central Texas is departing from its stomping grounds for a new start in Texas’ capital city. El Grandpa Barbacoa announced on social media that it would be leaving Georgetown for the first time in three years. 

The Mexican BBQ food truck’s last day in Georgetown at 150 Haverland Drive will be Sunday, September 27. However, El Grandpa teased that this departure “is not a goodbye,” but rather a “see you soon.”

“We’re so thankful with God first and our community for the support since the very beginning,” said El Grandpa co-owners Javier and Emilio Vargas in an Instagram post. “In the month of Oct we will be starting a new chapter in the city of Austin, but don’t worry Georgetown we will be back!”

In a follow-up post, the pair revealed that they would be moving locations to Clara’s Day Dive, a South Austin bar and patio. El Grandpa Barbacoa will begin operating at the bar, located at 10700 Menchaca Road, on October 3. 

Known for its traditional Mexican cooking practices, El Grandpa Barbacoa got its start in Georgetown, a city about 28 miles north of Austin, in 2023. The concept for the food truck was inspired by Angel Vargas, the original “Grandpa,” from Hidalgo who ran a small barbacoa business to support his family in Mexico City, according to El Grandpa’s website. 

Javier Vargas, Angel’s son, and Emilio, Javier’s son, founded El Grandpa to continue the Hidalgo-style barbacoa tradition spanning across three generations. Over the past three years, the food truck has garnered thousands of fans from their viral videos of lamb being lowered into cylinder pits lined with maguey leaves and clay to mimic the traditional below ground cooking method in Mexico.

The truck has also received high praises from food writers at Texas Monthly, the Texas Country Reporter, Texas Highways and more. In addition to its famous barbacoa, El Grandpa also serves other cuts of lamb like cabeza, jalapeño sausage and lengua tacos on weekends, per its menu. 

Georgetown until Sept. 27: 150 Haverland Drive, Georgetown, TX 78626 

Austin starting Oct. 3: 10700 Menchaca Road, Austin, TX 78748 starting Oct. 3.