New Fantasy Food Truck Caleb’s Traveling Tavern Opens in Austin

May 10, 2024

Fantasy Meets Reality with a Traveling Tavern

A fantasy-rooted food truck, Caleb’s Traveling Tavern, has opened in Austin, Texas. The traveling tavern is a unique venture started by Caleb Matos, also known as Captain Redbeard, who turned his passion for cooking and fantasy role-play gaming into a business. Formally working in a tech company, Matos would cook and share his creations on TikTok, quickly amassing a large following. His success on social media prompted him to turn his virtual tavern into a tangible reality.

Caleb’s Traveling Tavern aims to provide a homely and comfortable dining experience for foodies and gaming enthusiasts alike. The food truck serves meals that make you feel “safe and cozy”, just like a traditional fantasy tavern.

A Unique Dining Experience

What sets Caleb’s Traveling Tavern apart is its focus on global cuisine. Unlike traditional taverns which usually serve European food, Matos ensures that his menu incorporates dishes from different cultural backgrounds worldwide, aiming to make his dining experience more inclusive. Matos diligently researches the various international foods, ensuring the authenticity of his offerings.

The regular menu at the Traveling Tavern is a rotating collection of dishes inspired by traditional tavern or pub-style. The menu ranges from meat pies and roast chicken with potatoes to vegan puff pastries filled with okra, tomatoes, and shallots. Additionally, Matos has plans to introduce Hobbit Platters to the menu, which will feature enough food for seven meals, suitable for larger groups.

The Beginning

Matos started his culinary journey during his teenage years working in fast food. He grew up in South Texas along the Mexican border, where his mother, who is southern, and his Cuban father influenced his love for Cuban, Southern, and Mexican foods. Matos and his wife eventually purchased a trailer in 2022 intending to convert it into a food truck. Though the undertaking required a significant amount of work, their determination to launch the food truck led them to crowdfund the necessary costs and permits.

Current Operations

Caleb’s Traveling Tavern has begun its operations temporarily from an immersive role-playing gaming tavern, Tiny Minotaur, located in the Holly neighborhood. The food truck service is only available for Tiny members or those who purchase day passes. It operates from 6 p.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

With its imaginative and immersive concept, Caleb’s Traveling Tavern brings the fantasy world into the reality of Austin’s food truck culture. It is a captivating fusion of global food, role-playing games, and the essence of a comforting tavern, creating spaces where foodies and fantasy enthusiasts can find a haven of unique dining experience.