Maria Corbalan
Owner of Maria's TACO XPRESS SINCE 1996
LOCATED AT 2529 S LAMAR BOULEVARD
AUSTIN, TEXAS
ABOUT
Maria’s Taco Xpress is a must-visit Austin icon. It’s been called eclectic and eccentric, and truly captures the best of Austin and what helps Keep Austin Weird. Deemed “South Austin’s Taco Queen” by the Austin Chronicle, owner Maria Corbalan has been satisfying taco lovers all over Austin for the past 23 years. You can often find Maria at the Taco Xpress giving out hugs, laughing, and greeting everyone warmly.
Celebrities like Rachel Ray and Guy Fieri, both have paid Maria a visit while exploring the city of Austin. As well as many other celebrities over the years, like regular Johnny Depp. Don’t miss the “experience” and lively atmosphere at Maria’s and come see why so many people call this place home.
LIVE MUSIC & EVENTS
Featuring free live music, Taco Xpress is a ride-or-die supporter of Austin’s artistic community and is always looking for ways to incorporate art and music within its funky and creative atmosphere. The Hippie Church movement started here where every Sunday guests come to dance, eat, and drink. Guests enjoy fresh mimosas and strawberry margaritas and feel free to unwind.
Maria sat down with ES Magazine owner, Imiko Miller, recently to share about her passions.
Imiko: How did you first get started?
Maria: I got started by accident, like everything in my life, but one of my passions is art, and there is nothing better than wearable art. So, I decided to do upcycled clothing. I paint and sew everything by hand. The designs come out of my head and I do boots, hats, rings, whatever.
Imiko: Tell us more about your designs
Maria: I like to go back in time, so these clothes can be a little off the wall. It may not be for everyone or maybe soccer moms, but it’s something for women who want to bring back the bell bottoms and appreciate work done by hand and want to look different. I don’t like cookie cutter style.
Imiko: When and how was the transition moving from Argentina to the states?
Maria: It was so long ago, honey, I was 16 years old. I don’t remember much. A lot has happened since then.
Imiko: This place has been very popular for musicians and artists. What makes people attracted to your place?
Maria: I think people feel comfortable here. I think they feel welcome and known. We call them by name or “honey” because they are all my “honeys” and I hug and kiss people a lot and sometimes people need that. And, not to mention, the food is very good. With the prices in Austin, I think I’m more than fair. I have a trajectory of 23 years; however, taxes are sky rocketing, so I started doing the boutique as well and we are working on another project called South Austin.
Imiko: What will the project “South Austin,” look like?
Maria: For “South Austin” we will be hosting other trailers on the property, but it’s not going to be a food court. Another trailer called the Lady Cup will be doing expressos. We will have CBD oils and massages, more like a trade market or farmer’s market. We will have fire shows and more to make it an incredible destination.
Imiko: The first time I came here was many years ago, and I was able to sing onstage with another Austin icon, Leeann Atherton.
Maria: You’re a singer too?! Leeann has played here for 23 years. She is a dear friend of mine and so very talented.
Imiko: Thank you for sharing your time with us and your creative designs for our December cover. We wish you all the best.
Visit Maria and enjoy her delicious food and creative designs in Austin. For more info check out WWW.TACOXPRESS.COM
IG @MARIASTACOXPRESS