Tenderland

Come back Tenderland!
I miss you!

Awesome taste of the Midwest right here baby! Very nice people running the place. They were out of the extra large tenderloins but I’m glad because I couldn’t even finish the regular sized one, and I’m not a regular sized guy! Awesome taste and texture to the sandwich. The fries… holy cr@p! These are some of the best fries ever! I posted a close-​up picture so you could see the crispy, bubbly crust on them.
I’ll be there whenever I venture North of the lake/​river (whatever)!

The tenderloin sandwich is so good that I sat it down on my coffee table (I know, eating in front of the TV is TERRIBLE!) and had to fight my pug as he grabbed the very edge of the ginormous piece of meat and pulled the dang thing onto the floor. There was a quick scuffle with myself emerging the victor. He’s pouting right now about it.
And, honestly, I don’t blame him for pouting. It was a truly magnificent sammie. Simple ingredients cooked well to best highlight their charm. I watched the guy inside pounding on tenderloins and man, when you see how big they start it’s amazing they get them so flat. I’ve become quite the fan of breaded and fried pork (I blame you Japan!) and this was delicious without being greasy, which is always quite the achievement.
The fries were as good as everyone says. Perfectly sized and seasoned. Honestly, I did not eat as many as I should’ve because once I started on the tenderloin sammy, I couldn’t think of anything else.
Go here and throw your money at these people! You won’t regret it.

For a while, I’ve had a simple 3 step process to convince friends to check this awesome trailer out:
1. Browse to Tenderland’s Unilocal page
2. Click to embiggen photo of gigantic, irresistible pork tenderloin sandwich
3. Wait for friend’s jaw to drop and utter something along the lines of «Mother of God, let’s go»
Tenderland has got to be one of the best food trailers in town. Their pork tenderloin sandwiches are massive, perfectly cooked, accompanied by plenty of great toppings, and bewilderingly cheap ($ 6.50 for the regular) for how much you get. I always get a large with jalapeños, onions, pickles, mustard, and chipotle mayo on a delicious jalapeño cheddar bun. I’m honestly afraid to try the Extra Large, because I feel like even the «normal» version is enough for two meals if you’re not starving. Pork tenderloin sandwiches are a Midwest thing, but this trailer has them nailed — last time I went there I took my parents, and sitting on the other tables were people from Nebraska who raved about how awesome these are.
But, as if their primary specialty wasn’t enough, they’ve also got really good burgers (in addition to normal bacon and regular cheeseburgers, the Austinite has swiss, bacon, and avocado; and the BBQ one has sauce, grilled onions, and jalapeños). They’ve also recently added a Hawaiian pulled pork sandwich with pineapple that’s excellent too, but every time I go back here I can never resist the siren song of the tenderloin. Their fries are ace as well — for $ 2 you get fresh, large-​cut, well-​season megafries. I usually get a Frederickburg peach tea to go along, which comes out to less than $ 10 for the sandwich, fries, and the tea. Solid.
Their location on Manor looks like it should have parking issues, but I’ve never had a problem, and luckily I’ve somehow never had all their picnic tables fill up before I got there. Coupled with a friendly owner who loves to talk about her food, and you have a can’t-miss fixture in the Austin trailer scene.

Absolutely one of my favorite places in Austin.
I’ve got a good number of times, each time bringing a couple newbies. Everyone so far has loved it. I’ve tried the fried pork tenderloin, their Austinite burger, and their new Hawaiian pulled pork Everything has been absolutely delicious so far — great flavors, great prices.
If you’re new, definitely get the fried pork tenderloin with a side of fries. The fried pork tenderloin is something unique you won’t find in many places here in Austin. Not only is it unique, but it’s phenomenally good. Fried and crispy on the outside, and the meat is flavorful and tender on the inside. Not to mention they’re HUGE. Also, their fries? DIVINE. By far the best fries I’ve ever tasted. They’re thick and hearty so each fry has a good amount of potato in it, but they’re not wedges. And despite the fries being bigger, they’re still perfectly crispy. They taste amazing too — great flavor.
Service? Also fantastic. I’ve come my fair share and the owners are great people. Friendly and welcoming, and they’re always trying to give you a great experience.
The only negative thing I can think of is that, being a trailer, you sit outside. Thankfully they have shaded tables, but in the summer heat, it can still get pretty toasty outside. Still, as a trailer, you can’t really expect anything else.
As you can tell, I love this place. And you will too. It’s fast. It’s inexpensive for Austin. Flavors are great. Service fantastic. And definitely filling. Go!

I visited Tenderland in the rain, so I had to take my food to go, and I’m driving and I decide at a stop light to dip into my bag for a fry. BIG MISTAKE! Because the fries are F’n delicious, just terrific!
So now I’m driving, IN THE RAIN, all anxious to get to my food. When I finally got to an indoor table, I was in heaven. Not only did I find a generous amount of fies waiting for me, but a humongous pork tenderloin sandwich just beckoning for my mouth. The tenderloin was big and juicy and delicious. An amazing lunch to say the least!

I lived in the Midwest for 4 years and they claimed to have the best tenderloin sandwiches. I have had bigger. I have had thicker. But I have not had a tastier tenderloin stuffed between two slices of bread ever. The Midwest obviously didn’t know they have to compete with Tenderland for the title of the best tenderloin.
We ordered a large tenderloin (the XL scares me if this is the large) and an Austinite Burger, both on jalepeno bread. The tenderloin has about an extra 3 inches of meat hanging off the sides of the bread. The breading definitely makes sandwich. The right amount of spice and an extra amount of crispy. The bread was just spicy enough to not hurt but add the extra flavor. Just good. Don’t know what else to say about this but good.
The Austinite burger had a great beef taste and the bacon was crispy. The avocado inside blended all the tastes together. Awesome place to eat and definitely worth the price.

Decent food if you can find them open. But they close randomly and without warning, so call before you try them. Three stars for the food when you can get it.
Quick tip: check their Facebook page, as they close randomly, such as when it sprinkles. Here’s a recent quote from their Facebook page: «The rain has scared us off. We will be closed today.» This was on a day when it had rained lightly in the morning. They’ve erased it from their Facebook page, but here’s the screencap:

Wow! I had no idea how awesome a pork tenderloin sammich could taste until I tried Tenderland’s.
Witnessing the sea of Unilocalers lining up to get their grubby hands on one of these bad boys was a good sign I too needed to be in that line. It was a bit torturous watching them leave the line with a mouthful of goodness.
I added some pickles, onions and a little of their chipotle mayo and was prepared to be wowed. Tenderland has completely mastered making pork loin with their perfectly crispy batter. The toppings to include the mayo complimented the sandwich, I absolutely loved it.
The prices are unbelievably reasonable considering the portions. I am definitely a fan.

I would try and say something funny and witty to describe what it’s like to eat here, but I can’t compete with some of the Unilocalers on here. Sooooo, I guess I’ll just have to keep it simple.
Being a native Iowan I can’t explain how happy I was when I heard this place opened and that it was run by natives. For years my first meal when back visiting the parents has been a tenderloin. Not so anymore. In fact the last two times I’ve been back I haven’t had a tenderloin at all.
If you haven’t tried one of these sandwiches yet you really must. There’s just something about the combination of pork pounded thin, covered in their special breading, and deep fried that can’t be beat. It’s just sooooooo good. Already planning my next trip over to the East side to get one.

I am pretty sure that if my mouth could get sexually aroused, the pork tenderloin here would have had my taste buds all hot and bothered. This sandwhich is Great (that’s a capital G there folks, take note). I thought that I wouldn’t enjoy it given the fact the tenderloin doesn’t even fit on the bun, but the light, crispy, flavorful batter turned my mouth into a happy place. Why 4 stars instead of 5? The fries were a bit of a party pooper. Not the style I care for, and my taste buds agreed by saying «meh, their okay».
Pros: Great Tenderloin Sandwich, Super Friendly Staff, Adequate Parking
Cons: There Were Some Flies Bothering Me, The Fries Were Just «OK».

I don’t know what impressed me the most at the Tenderland trailer, the food or the covered outdoor seating.
The food was delish. A friend and I shared a large pork tenderloin sandwich with a side of fries, all of which were deep fried but did not taste one bit greasy. The chipotle mayo topping was so good I asked for seconds… I spread it on my sandwich, dipped fries and extra onion pieces in it and then licked the little plastic containers clean. Our half portions were ginormous by the way, and a great value. Lunch, including one bottled tea, was less than $ 10 for two people.
The outdoor seating was also well done. All four of their communal picnic tables were fully covered by a jaunty green awning. As we head towards a brutal Texas summer, this kind of thing counts. A lot. I am already indulging in fried things so gawd knows the state of my arteries… not having to also worry about sun damage is a big plus.

They have really tasty burgers and a pork tenderloin sandwich. If I could eat both a burger and a pork tenderloin sandwich in one sitting … I would. That is just how yummy it is. Unfortunately, I have only one stomach.
I am waiting for them to have a phone number for to-​go orders. This way I can call in dinner for the family and pick it up on my way home from work. I would eat here more if they had call ahead service. What a hit that would be with my family.
Also, the people working the trailer are very nice and attentive. They really enjoy making the food and engaging with the customers.
Give it a try.

This is a spectacular trailer run by an adorable and kind couple.
The men really seem to love the porkloin here.
I tried it and could only get half of it down. The really big one is just that. Lucky for me, I was able to share the other half :)
All things considered, this place should sky rocket in sales because there is just nothing like this in Austin.
I cannot even describe this porkloin sandwich to you, it is just that good, there are no words other than try it yourself and you will quickly be in agreement.
Everyone who was eating outside was very happy/​satisfied.
This place caters to a vast diversity of people, which I love!
The price is very low for what you get. My french fries tasted so fresh it was like I made them at home myself, and I know how to do that so I mean that as the highest compliment possible!
Facebook this place, too, if you like it.
I truly hope that Tenderland gets all of the credit and profit that this hard working couple deserves and then some!

«Hi folks… I’m Ryan Secrest… and THIS… is Austin Trailer Idol.» *cue intro music*
RS: «So quickly, after a tasting from Tenderland and their namesake Pork Tendlerloin sandwich, let’s check in with our Judges.»
RS: «Randy…what did you think about what Tenderland did today?» *points to Randy Jackson*
Randy: «You know (addressing the artists)…Jeremy and Angela… I can remember way back in the IOWA auditions. You guys did OK… ya know… And so on this show, we talk a lot about being consistent… week in and week out. So each week since the beginning, I see you guys delivering in each and every performance… You guys ARE consistently very good!»
«And so tonite, it started off a little pitchy for me at first, but in the end you all worked it OUT! *nom-​nom* (Randy takes another bite from the big-​as-​a-​pie-​plate pork tenderloin sammy ($ 6.50)). * Mom cheers*
Randy; «Now, here you guys are here… in Austin… on the BIG STAGE… in the FINALS… and for me, you all just KILLED IT! You SMASHED IT flat. DEEP fried it. For me, you really SOLD IT… and with a smile… so WELL DONE, DAWG!» *Crowd cheers/​woots!*
Ryan: «Jennifer, what did you think?»
JLo: «Well, Jeremy and Angela, I just think that was a terriffic number. You all really showed what you had with this one (pointing to the small pork tenderloing sadnwich $ 5). I mean, it’s crispy outside, moist and tender pork inside, seasoned just right… and the FRIES… Oh MY… the fries were REALLY GOOD! This was just such a strong showing for you all today, you guys really put it out there and I think you did yourselves proud!» *Crowd claps/​cheers*
JLo: «So I am hearing you guys are working on some new homemade stuff, like apple sauce, a spicy mustard, and maybe a slaw. For me, I think these will be great additions. They build on what you already have done, and I can’t wait to see how these come out over the next few weeks!» *Crowd claps/​cheers*
Ryan: «Steven Tyler?» *motions to Steven*
Steven: «I think for me, man, it was really the fact that you’ve taken an old standard tenderloin and just made it your own. The breading is light, the doneness is just right. This thing is better than a party at Joe Perry’s house, ya know… that’s SAYING SOMETHING.» *Crowd cheers*
Steven continues; «I see your Mom is here THIS WEEKEND… in the trailer… helping out… and you know that people just LOVE Moms!»
«But that aside, you’ve created your own chipoltle mayo, the jalepeno cheese bun — both of these things just really set it off for me. I look forward to see more of this from the two of you… so WAY TO GO! You guys are definitely a CONTENDER!» *wipes mayo from his substantial lips, and claps towards Jeremy and Angela*
Randy blurts out, «Ya know Steven, I have to agree with you…(now shouting) TENDERLAND IS IN THE HOUSE, AND THEY ARE IN IT TO WIN IT YALL. so get some, PEOPLE! GIT SOME! WOOT-​WOOT!!!» * Randy now fist pumping– *Crowd cheers LOUDLY* Mom smiles *
* fade to black*
*cue commercial*

Having just gone back for my second visit, I must upgrade my review to 5 stars. I simply can’ t think of anything that could be improved. The portions are huge, the flavor and texture is perfect, the combination of flavors is amazing (I get mine with chipotle mayo, onions, pickles, cheddar jalapeño bun, and perfectly seasoned tenderloin), the fries are a perfect flavor and texture (and NOT over-​salted, a HUGE bonus in my book), and they have a wonderful organic bottled iced tea selection. The prices are downright cheap, given that any sandwich is an easy 2 – 3 meals (when I say the size of a dinner plate I am in NO WAY kidding), and the people running the place are nothing short of delightful. Welcoming, genuine, friendly, and attentive. Everything is made piping hot to order, and if you can stand the smell long enough to resist eating it on the spot, it’s still hot when you get it home.
The only problem I can see is that it’s walking distance from my house, and I have to see it on the way home every, single day. And I absolutely MUST resist eating there every day, or my arteries will go on strike. But as a guilty pleasure, this place cannot be beat. It just can’t.

Wow Tenderland… what can I say? This place is absolutely AMAZING! I came for David M.‘s review of the day din din and I am in love with pork tenderloin sandwiches now.
This little trailer serves up not so little tenderloin (these things are as big as your head) sandwiches. Lauren G. and I split a sandwich and fries and as Errol M. pointed out, it was more than enough. The tenderloin is beaten into submission and fried but still tender, the fries are amazing. I needed Adam F.‘s assistance wrestling the chipotle mayo out of the bottle but it was worth the fight.
And just when I was stuffed to the max Angela, one of the owners of this magical place, came with a chocolate cake (so sweet). This was also delicious of course. As good as it gets!!!

Any place that can feed me twice in one day is a total win. David M rocked review of the day and convinced us to head down to this trailer on Manor to check out their larger than your head pork tenderloin. The folks running this trailer are about as nice as you can get and after ordering a small sandwich, I grabbed my cold diet coke and enjoyed conversation and company.
When the food arrived, I thought «this can’t be the small.» The thing is literally the size of a good dinner plate, pounded thin and fried to perfection. The fries tasted like potatoes (which i love) and were seasoned just right. After smothering the gorgeous pile on my plate in some kind of chipotle madness, it was off to the races. Heads down digging in… and I got about a quarter of the way through before admitting defeat. When they brought out chocolate cake made with buttermilk and some kind of fairy dust, I made it through a tiny piece but any more and the food coma would have overtaken me right then and there.
After recovering, having some drinks at a party and arriving at Casa De Kel, I got back into that hot mess and destroyed that tenderloin like it was my job. It’s just as good the second time around, if you were wondering. Two meals for about $ 10? Win 4 life.

(I wound up writing two reviews for Tenderland, I couldn’t decide which one to use, so I posted both of them. Consider reading one and ignoring the other. Thanks, Errol M.)
(Tenderland Review #1)
Yes Virginia, I’m easy like Sunday morning. Just give me good food, fun Unilocalers, and proprietors happy to see me, and I’ll hand out five stars like there’s no tomorrow. Sometimes, it’s all about the feel of a place, and Tenderland simply glows.
This is a trailer on Manor Road, and all they offer are pork tenderloin sandwiches, burgers, a portabella sandwich, and fries. And that’s all they need, because they do them really well. My small pork tenderloin combo was arguably enough for two, and a value for under $ 8. The large pork tenderloin in the photos strikes me as a prop from a reality show. Incidentally, if you’ve ever had the pork cutlet sandwich from a Japanese A&W franchise, then seriously consider running over to Tenderland right now, and you can thank me later.
Since this was an ROTDC, let’s back-​slap and namedrop with the best of them: David M. — golly, what a nice guy. I met Katherine C. for the first time, and it was a pleasure to chat with her. Kelly rocks as usual, and it’s always — seriously always — a delight to see Darla again. I did learn that Adam F. and I are share the same obligatory holiday schedule, which I found hilarious. And I hope they take this in the right way, but this is the second time I’ve done a double-​take because Tara D. is startling attractive, and if you look up the phrase «drop-​dead gorgeous» in the dictionary, you’ll find a photo of Lauren G. How does David know these people?
Towards the end of this event, when I was considering driving across town for some froyo, the Angela/​Jeremy sibling team who run this place brought out an entire pan of chocolate cake made from their grandmother’s recipe. I thought that was cool of them, and that final extra touch that makes me want to come back here. Seriously, I’m not sure it gets much better than that.
(Tenderland Review #2)
David M. had a ROTDC at Tenderland. It reminded me of a song:
Hey, hey, hey
Your lipstick stains, where you missed and bit my left side brains
I knew I wouldn’t forget you, and so I went and let you blow my mind
Your sweet moon beam, the smell of you in every single dream I dream
I knew when we collided, you’re the one I have decided, who’s one of my kind
Hey Pork Sandwich, ain’t that Mr. Manwich on the radio, stereo, the way you taste ain’t fair, you know
Hey Pork Sandwich, I don’t want to miss a single bite of you… tonight
Hey, hey, hey
Just in time, I’m so glad you have a one-​track mind like me
You gave my life direction, a combo lunch connection, we can’t deny
I’m so obsessed, chipotle mayo spilled right on my untrimmed chest
I believe in you, like a virgin, you’re Madonna, and I’m always gonna wanna blow your mind
Hey Pork Sandwich, ain’t that Mr. Manwich on the radio, stereo, the way you taste ain’t fair, you know
Hey Pork Sandwich, I don’t want to miss a single bite of you… tonight
Dave and Adam cut a rug, watching them’s the only drug I need
Kelly’s gangsta, Darla’s thug, Tara is the one I’m dreaming of, you see
Katharine has her house now finally, in fact there’s nothing she can’t be
I want the world to see, Lauren G. — with me
Hey Pork Sandwich, ain’t that Mr. Manwich on the radio, stereo, the way you taste ain’t fair, you know
Hey Pork Sandwich, I don’t want to miss a single bite of you tonight,
Hey Pork Sandwich, I don’t want to miss a single bite of you… tonight
Hey, hey, hey
Tonight
Hey, hey, hey
Tonight.
******************************
(Editor’s note: Errol M. usually doesn’t do do two song reviews back-​to-​back, but this one was just too easy for him to pass up.)

To the tune of Love Me Tender
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — –
Love you Tenderland,
chicken fried pork so sweet,
battered fries, I can’t say no.
Your food will make a life complete,
And we’ll love you so.
Love you Tenderland,
Your Austinite burger, its true,
Plenty o’ bacon and chipotle mayo dreams fulfilled.
For this burger also adds Swiss and avocado,
And it always will.
Love you Tenderland,
Portabello sandwiches,
Home baked sweet buns or
Home baked Jalapeño Cheddar buns
will sooth the hungry soul.
Love you Tenderloin,
Chicken fried pork,
Pickles and onions abound.
Try the chipotle mayo on the fries.
It is worth your time.
(when at last my dreams come true
Tenderland this I know
Happy customers will frequent you,
You’re a star! Don’t you know?).