Popular Food Trucks Around America
Food trucks are aren’t just a trend…they are a staple in history. Chuckwagons roamed Texas after the Civil War, lunch wagons working to feed late night shifts began appearing in New York around 1890 and stretched to mobile canteens touring Army bases in the 1950’s. The food was simple, filling and catered to the blue collar crowd.
Over time, the food tuck evolved. Roy Choi may be the L.A. rockstar who has helped revitalized the mobile kitchen fascination, but he is just one of many talents on the road. The food is superb, fast and often has a creative flair that twists traditional fare into something new.
The game is elevated and open to anyone who can locate the selling spot and wait their turn for a taste. No reservations, no dinner jackets needed, just good food.
Austin, Texas
Savory: John Mueller Meat Co. – Mueller doesn’t mess around with BBQ. The brisket is the must-try meat along with the beef ribs and smoked turkey. Find the wagon around 2500 E. 6th Street.
Sweet: Cow Tipping Creamery – This truck has soft serve ice cream with imagination. Sundaes are “Stackers” that offer creations like the “Taj Y’all” with ice cream, saffron syrup, toasted black sesame and coconut dust. Or maybe you just want a bowl of sweet creaminess topped with frito saltine toffee bark or cornmeal lemon-thyme crumb. Perhaps, like me, you are dying to get your hands on a Guinness spiked milkshake dark chocolate sauce, gingersnap cookies and homemade whip cream. Find it on 2512 Rio Grande St. and check their Facebook page for time or location changes.
Chicago, Illinois
Savory: The Fat Shallot – Sandwiches that underline the fact that big truly is beautiful. It is home to a grilled wonder that is cheesy sin between two slices of sourdough accompanied by sautéed spinach and caramelized onions. I’d hunt this truck down anxiously awaiting their Twitter announced location like its a Batsignal just for their BLT – bacon, arugula, tomato, avocado and truffle aioli on challah toast.
Sweet: Beaver’s Coffee and Donuts – I am such a sucker for donuts and this truck lets me unashamedly eat 3 thanks to their mini-sized offerings. The concoctions aren’t overly crazy, but they totally beat your standard flavors. Try the “Grandma” which is topped with honey and graham cracker crumbs or the Reese’s with chocolate sauce and peanut butter sauce. Follow them on Twitter to find their location.
New York, New York
Savory: The Cinnamon Snail – Don’t let the all organic and vegan label conjure up images of beige offerings and plates of bland tofu. Instead, visualize burgers and donuts that have people lining up around the block for. The flavors are bold, a paradox of simplicity and complexity with a spicy richness. Even if you aren’t a vegan, do yourself a favor and try the General Tso’s Seitan or the popular Gouchujang Burger Deluxe – sautéed kimchi, arugula, pickled red onions, black sesame gomasio and sriracha mayonnaise on herb grilled focaccia. Find it by following the truck on social media.
Sweet: Wafels and Dinges – Brussels native, Thomas DeGeest, waved goodbye to his job at IBM to become one the top food trucks in NYC. Waffles topped with things like dulce de leche, nutella, spekuloos spread or belgian chocolate fudge will fill your belly with a sweetness that is heavenly. Locate this mobile purveyor of fluffy or crispy topped treats Twitter.
Seattle, Washington
Savory: Contigo – Modernized Mexican food that doesn’t leave you feeling like you will sweat processed cheese at the gym. (I’m looking at you place that rhymes with Schmaco Schmell.) This truck cranks out tacos that you could start an affair with, but also offers delights like sweet potato and pecan gorditas. Visit the Contigo site to found out where you can begin your love affair.
Sweet: Sweet Treats – Made from scratch ice cream? YES, PLEASE! You can be the creationist by building your own cookie and ice cream sandwich or just indulge in a cream cheese brownie that is as decadent as you imagine. Follow the truck on Twitter to catch it if you can.
Los Angeles, California
Savory: Vizzi Truck – Come for the Asian infused sliders and stay for the Truffle Popcorn. Can’t decide which option to inhale? Go for the sampler – Organic Chickpea, Black Skillet Chicken and Maple-Balsamic Braised Wagyu Beef. Check the mobile kitchen’s website for locations.
Sweet: Slap Yo Mama – Ok, this is a soul food truck that offers more savory soul food, but the creole cuisine has such sweetness added to dishes. Fried chicken and mac n’ cheese between two waffles finished with powdered sugar and maple syrup says it all, but the red velvet waffle will satisfy your sweet-tooth too.