The 20 Best Food Trucks in the United States
The food truck revolution is in full force as mobile restaurants around the country dish out tacos, BBQ and other great eats
- By Megan Gambino and Aviva Shen
- Smithsonian.com, February 23, 2012
(Ryan R. Reed)
Washington, D.C.
The self-billed “traveling culinary carnival” brings cuisine from mythical lands—Merlindia, Benethiopia and, most recently, Volathai—to the nation’s capital. Along with your plate of butter chicken, beef berbere or green green curry, the Fojols serve up a colorful fantasy, complete with costumes, mustaches and alter egos. The first truck, Merlindia, perhaps in a diplomatic move, arrived on the day of President Obama’s inauguration. Since then, DC has enjoyed a proliferation of food trucks slinging everything from cupcakes to lobster rolls. But as Washington City Paper says, “No one has been able to top the Fojol Brothers of Merlindia in terms of fun, flavor, and 'Folosophy.'" – AS
Website: http://fojol.com
Twitter: @fojolbros
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fojolbros
Comments (55)
Food-truck safety should count as your top priority—for customers and your staff. Hence you need to train your cooks to follow various safety rules besides keeping your Lunch truck equipment functioning optimally. Safety valves and thermostats are helpful to avert overheating and it keeps tanks from rupturing. Hence you must always take good care of your lunch truck parts or other food truck equipments.
Posted by Tom Richard on May 2,2013 | 08:31 AM
Yummy. Time to make a food truck journey and look for the best food trucks of the world. Look here for a good one in Hamburg Germany http://de-de.facebook.com/pages/Sosumi/157095074358749, sorry they should translate it, but I think the photos tell a lot.
Posted by Nicole on September 9,2012 | 03:45 AM
You're all insane. Burrito Buggy in Athens, Ohio. It's Been parked nightly at the same spot at Court and Union Streets since the dawn of man. Nothing else comes close.
Posted by Rob on June 25,2012 | 08:08 AM
You neglected "Neighborhood Pizza" in Carmel, Indiana...the owner (driver) Tammy makes fresh pizza to order in your driveway! Probably the freshest, tastiest pizza you will ever enjoy. All ingredients are fresh.
Posted by Rob on June 24,2012 | 12:56 AM
Guess the Smithsonian has never been to Hawaii to see lunch wagons which have been around since at least the 70's. Best place to get a "plate lunch".
Posted by larry on June 24,2012 | 12:09 AM
Come to Austin and go down on Congress Avenue to the "Mighty Cone".. World famous chef Jeff Blank.. www.mightycone.com
Posted by Buster Spillar on June 24,2012 | 05:57 PM
Not having the Rutgers Grease Trucks is a BIG miss on the part of the folks that put this list together. Can't wait to get a Fat Koko!
Posted by Bill Johnston on June 24,2012 | 05:53 PM
of all places, Gloucester, Massachussetts has a food truck called Happy Taco that serves gourmet fish tacos and other fare..using locally sourced ingredients..very unlikely sight, you must try it though if you're in Cape Ann area this summer. On Eastern Avenue.
Posted by barbara grandon on June 3,2012 | 01:34 AM
If you want to see raves about a food truck, look at the Bay Area program at http://blogs.kqed.org/checkplease/2012/05/16/the-chairman-food-truck-restaurant-info/ There was high praise from all those who patronized The Chairman, an Asian cuisine food truck that serves San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. Steamed buns, pork bellies with daikon, spicy chicken, braised/grilled pork, duck confit, tofu with crisp greens, warm squash soup, pickled vegetables, baked brioche bun.
Posted by Susan Tripp on May 19,2012 | 12:57 AM
Sorry you missed the Food Shark in Marfa TX. Check it out under the pavillion between the railroad tracks. To die for.
Posted by Elvis Labrador on May 9,2012 | 10:45 AM
For more on the Hot Truck:
http://www.seriouseats.com/2007/02/the-hot-truck.html
you've gotta try it if you are anywhere close to Ithaca at night... :)
Posted by Tahl on May 7,2012 | 02:38 PM
I am sorry that you never got to experience The Hot Truck in Ithaca, NY. Bob Petrillo started this food truck a LONG time ago, and served up pizza (and heartburn) to several generations of Cornellians night after night (Hot Truck was a nigh truck only). As far as I know, the truck is now run by another generation of servers (I'm pretty sure Bob died?), but not sure it stayed in Bob's family. There are rumors that Hot Truck pizza gave birth to Stouffers's french bread pizza.
Posted by Tahl on May 7,2012 | 02:32 PM
KOGI is the best--always go when in California. Portland has good ones too--The Dump Truck & Korean Twist. Stolen Recipe BBQ truck in Tucson,AZ
Posted by Gloria on May 4,2012 | 02:40 PM
Except for that veggie truck, this is nothing but obesity, high blood pressure and heart attacks. We have some great food trucks right here in Chico where you can get Korean, Philipino, Elio's Pasta (my favorite), not to mention all the taco trucks. San Francisco is notable for it's very wide variety of food trucks.
Posted by Jim Dwyer on May 3,2012 | 03:42 PM
Did you guys come to Nashville at all?? We've got some good ones too!
Posted by Julie Atherton on April 27,2012 | 12:59 PM
WHAT?!! Manna from Heaven Gourmet Food Truck is the BEST FOOD TRUCK IN DENVER! They are seriously NAMED the best by Westword. How boring... Yay for Comida, though!
Posted by Junior on April 24,2012 | 03:38 AM
No one ever calls these trucks by their real name--Roach Coaches. I wonder why?
Posted by Becca on April 20,2012 | 08:51 PM
I feel this list is a sham! How can the world famous Grease Trucks of Rutgers not make the cut? Its not like their Fat Darrell sandwich wasn't voted the best sandwich in America by Maxim in 2004.
Posted by Michael on April 19,2012 | 10:02 PM
Why is it that every truck I click on has the same reviews.Seems kind os strange that the same people would review trucks all over the country
Posted by Margie on March 26,2012 | 07:40 PM
Disappointed that not one of the Dallas/Ft Worth food trucks placed. I think the Metroplex sports some good ones. (Ssahms, Ruthies, Gandolpho) But now I have a list of trucks to check out next time I'm out of town.
Thanks!
Posted by James V on March 25,2012 | 09:57 PM
chelas tacos in San Antonio tx...the BEST TRUE mexican food ...no tex mex ..this is the real deal..the food is off the charts!!!!!
Posted by marty davis on March 21,2012 | 08:40 PM
Check out the trucks in Austin :) we need to try them. Well maybe you have, but I need to try them.
Posted by Anyssa on March 16,2012 | 12:50 AM
I'd have to say the Halal Food Truck at 53rd and 6th in NYC beat Kogi by several years. But it didn't create the food truck culture, admittedly - but it was the first super popular one I can think of. JapaDog in Vancouver was around prior to 2008, and though not American, it had started the food truck culture already...
Posted by Jaye on March 5,2012 | 03:03 PM
I've only lived in Los Angeles and Philly, but based on the food truck choice from those 2 cities, I can tell whoever made this list has not eaten at many of these food trucks.
I agree with the commenters above that LA has much MUCH better trucks than Kogi and Komodo. Even random taco trucks can be better (like El Flamin Taco Truck with has the most insanely delicious al pastor).
And Sugar Philly is TERRIBLE. I have never in my life eaten a worse macaron. The cookie is huge (mistake #1, macarons should not be Americanized by super sizing them), the cookies are prepared days in advances (mistake #2, resulting in really stale cookies), and then the filing is applied to the cookies right there (mistake #3, the filling tastes like canned icing, all sugar, no flavor).
Posted by Cara on March 3,2012 | 12:35 PM
Thanks, Smithsonian! We are humbled and flattered to be in such good company! Maribeth & Alex--Taceaux Loceaux
Posted by Maribeth on March 3,2012 | 12:22 PM
How did you guys miss Minneapolis' Smack Shack? Lobster rolls and po' boys in the Upper Midwest? Genius!
Posted by Chasmosaur on March 2,2012 | 07:33 PM
Bone-In Artisan BBQ truck is da' BOMB! They have even expanded to doing buffets at the Big Apple (you Cola folks will know where this is...) during certain times of the year...too many awesome dishes to list...GO BONE-IN!!!
Posted by Mike Lewis on March 2,2012 | 12:53 PM
Love the Purple Carrot! AMAZING food! Great taste! Friendly staff! The Pure Michigan Beef Panini with Piedmontese Roast Beef, Michigan Cheddar, Horseradish Aioli, and Micro Chives just melts in your mouth! In the summer they had this crunchy green bean salad - loved it. Cake Pops are super tasty. It is fun to try stuff you would not normally order and it always tastes great!!
Posted by Anne Wilson on March 1,2012 | 05:02 PM
How about Minneapolis Fork in the Road! Delish!
Posted by angie on March 1,2012 | 02:43 PM
Can't you find it in ur heart to list all 20 on one page?! It was called a list last time I checked. A casualty of the Internet attention span, sadly.
Posted by Rebeccaa on March 1,2012 | 11:41 AM
San Francisco has all kinds of great taquerias and taco trucks, and its across-the-bay neighbor, Oakland, does too. A year or so ago I did a bicycle tour of Oakland taco trucks with about forty other bike-riding taco hounds. It was GLORIOUS. You can read about it here:
http://www.albertnet.us/2009/11/vuelta-del-taco-truck.html
Posted by Dana Albert on February 29,2012 | 06:19 PM
Great list...but how on EARTH did you miss Minimus Maximus in Seattle??!!?? It's sinfully delish pulled pork sandwiches and herbal infused lemonades are grubbin....and the bigger sin is that they were overlooked.
Posted by Jodi Smith on February 28,2012 | 12:40 AM
Where Ya at Matt!?! Are you kidding me? My friends and I have all had horrible experiences there. And by horrible, I mean food poisoning. I love food trucks in Seattle, but this is by far the worst one. Do NOT eat there.
Posted by Edrea on February 28,2012 | 09:22 PM
out of curiosity, why only 21 choices? seems like a pretty incomplete list for portland considering there are hundreds in the city, as well as in LA.
Posted by radicole on February 28,2012 | 05:39 PM
VERY surprised Odd Duck Farm to Trailer in Austin did not make it onto this list. Delicious locally sourced combinations.
Not at all surprised 3 Little Pigs did not make it onto the list. Might be the most underrated, hidden food truck gem in Austin. Listen up all you SXSW tourists reading this article, get yourself over to the east side next month and try this man's pork. He's a frickin' pig genius. http://3littlepigsaustin.com/
Posted by Jo on February 28,2012 | 02:34 PM
I live in the Los Angeles/Orange County area, and although both Kogi & Komodo are delicious, I can think of so many more choices to represent our food truck in our area for this list.
Posted by Lana on February 28,2012 | 01:57 PM
Kogi is Ok.but not the best! The Grille Cheese truck, Cool haus or Border Grill are awesome trucks. No Mention in this article. Try coming down to First Friday in Venice (Abbott Kinney Blvd) or the first Thursday downtown. You will find the best of the best food trucks. They should have locals reporting on who's the best not some smithsonian mag. REALLY!
Posted by Lena on February 28,2012 | 01:25 PM
Go Comida!! I love that pink truck!
Posted by Heather on February 27,2012 | 03:41 PM
What? No Manna From Heaven Gourmet Food Truck from Denver? They are the best!!
Posted by Patricia on February 27,2012 | 02:58 PM
My sister and I ate at the Purple Carrot every day of our visit to Lansing, Mi last June. We couldn't believe such unbelievable gourmet farm to table food existed on a food truck. They are incredible!!!!!!
Posted by Marie Pozgar on February 27,2012 | 11:28 AM
What? None from Chicago?! Maybe if they could actually cook on the trucks... If interested, check out the amazing trucks we have at http://www.foodtruckcorner.com
Posted by FoodTruckCorner on February 25,2012 | 10:37 PM
20 pages?! Why cant you just list them on one page? Who is going to click through all that.
Posted by Clarence on February 25,2012 | 09:34 PM
EL MATADOR Los Angeles, CA
On Western Ave north of Santa Monica in a parking lot with another taco truck I've never eaten at on the east side of the street just south of the 101 overpass. The al pastor is amazing and the carnitas burritos are as authentic as I ever want anything to be. I can't wait til late night cause just thinking about it is upsetting when it's not open. Eeeerrrrrggghhhh!!!!!! But seriously it's cheap in a shady part of town and typically I'm the only whitey so you know it's gonna be good. Highly recommended.
Posted by Hayden Norris on February 25,2012 | 08:04 PM
So honored one of our favorite local food trucks, Hapa SF, made it on the list!!! Bravo!!!
Posted by Barbara Yasuhara on February 25,2012 | 02:41 PM
Congratulations. Any chance of the purple carrot wintering in St. Petersburg?
Posted by Hank Bassford on February 25,2012 | 09:10 AM
Rick rocks anything he cooks...
Posted by abby on February 25,2012 | 08:20 AM
Coreanos is so awesome! Opening soon in Houston, too!
Posted by bob on February 25,2012 | 05:19 AM
Where is Atlanta? Ibiza Bites, Yumbi, Wow Food Truck are by far the best in the US and should be on here!!!
Posted by JT on February 24,2012 | 12:27 AM
Yea Purple Carrot-- we grow them great in Michigan. . . .
Congrats!
Posted by Julie Avery on February 24,2012 | 10:50 PM
coreanos freakin rocks!!!!!
Posted by britt on February 24,2012 | 09:28 PM
Go Hapa SF!
Posted by Michele Murphy on February 24,2012 | 09:21 PM
Thank you so much for including us in the article. If you'd like we'd be willing to place the 1st Streetza truck in the actual Smithsonian. Maybe the Arts & Industries building... ;) Thank you once again!! Love - Streetza
Posted by Streetza Pizza on February 24,2012 | 07:43 PM
Way to go purple carrot.
Posted by Mark holobigian on February 24,2012 | 06:45 PM
Paul Qui. Remember that name! Just watching him on top chef and seeing his food creations makes me want to drive to Austin from Florida to try his food. Pretty soon he may be crowned Top Chef Texas. Well deserved kudos.
Posted by Valarie Enters on February 24,2012 | 06:30 PM
Coreanos ftw!!!! Best trailer in Austin!! And looks like the country!! Chilantro is garbage when compared!!
Posted by Kim cheese on February 24,2012 | 01:38 PM