On March 5, the day of the opening, sunshine warmed customers as they waited in line for their first banana of the season. With the opening of Bananarchy, we are one step closer to summer.
Story by Alexis Fischer
Photos by Mary Pistorius
We’re not sure if it’s the clever name, the guise of a healthy snack or the desserts themselves that makes Bananarchy the sweetest food truck in Austin. Open for the season, Bananarchy has moved its trailer from 53rd Street to its newest location at Space 24 Twenty behind Urban Outfitters. In addition to its original spot at South First Food Court, open from spring to the end of summer, Bananarchy hooks customers with its annual tent at Austin City Limits. A cool, chocolate-covered banana is exactly what overheated festival-goers need. It’s the perfect addition to any artist’s set.
Space 24 Twenty is prime food truck realty. Its proximity to the University of Texas at Austin brings yet another option to satisfy students’ chocolate cravings, post-library stress. Other businesses, such as Lucky Lab Coffee and Frank, attract customers off of Guadalupe Street. The strung lights and colored seating adds ambiance to the space nicely tucked behind the main road. The timing of the opening at this location is perfect, as it’s just a week before South by Southwest. Thousands of people encroach on the city during this time, with many visiting Space 24 Twenty for its SXSW showcases.
Raising Bananarchy is a simple process. Aptly named are the sizes “halfsies” for half a banana and “wholsie” for a whole banana. One can build their own or choose from crafted specials like the Texas Two-Step or the Milly Vanilly. The Texas Two-Step, a favorite among many, is loaded with pecans, toffee, cinnamon and peanut butter drizzle. Caution: the dessert never lasts as long as you want it to.
Banarchy doesn’t just lightly dip your banana in chocolate. These bananas are layered so thick, the chocolate cracks and crunches on the first bite. For dips, options include peanut butter, vanilla, chocolate and vegan chocolate. Possible toppings are cinnamon, toffee, chocolate chip cookies, coconut, M&Ms, granola, Oreos, peanuts, Reese’s Pieces and sprinkles.
The staff is friendly and wear headbands with spoons sticking out of them. Bananarchy is accomodating to vegan and gluten-free friends. For the Austin dessert scene, these treats are humbly priced. The new trailer is open from noon to 10:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday and is closed on Sundays. Head to Bananarchy if you’re looking for friendly staff and a fruity dessert.
