By Amanda McCoy, POPSUGAR
Food truck culture is on the rise. Throughout the US, mobile kitchens are rolling into the streets serving anything from truffle grilled cheese to scratch-made dumplings. With a diverse scope of specialties that range from quick, casual bites to gourmet gastro-fare, the food truck scene is forever changing the way people think about "fast food." The trucks are showing up everywhere — festivals, parks, concerts, bars, and even weddings. Annual competitions and network shows are dedicated to finding the next-best eatery on wheels.
While it's no surprise foodie powerhouses like NYC and LA top the list, a few smaller markets are majorly shaking up the traditional culinary scene. Read on for 10 American cities with thriving food truck cultures, and get ready for your mouth to water.
1
San Francisco
The Bay Area was made for gourmet grub on the go. Its temperate climate, diverse culinary cultures and backgrounds, and walkable streets make it an ideal spot for year-round mobile cuisine of nearly every variety. The city hosts an annual food festival to bring together the different types of truck fare, from curry to Asian fusion to (and it's no surprise here) incredible seafood.
2
Washington DC
While our nation's capital is consistently recognized as one of the best food cities in the country, its notoriety isn't limited to only brick-and-mortar restaurants. The area is awash with fantastic trucks that attract both locals and visitors. Diners can indulge in classic Spanish sandwiches at the iconic PEPE truck, get their lobster fix at Feelin' Crabby, or opt for a decadent vegan take on a reuben at the Randy Radish.
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3
Denver
Between the microbreweries and food truck varieties, Colorado's capital city is a haven for artisanal food and beverage. The grub includes twists on childhood classics like grown-up PB&J sandwiches and brioche-batter waffles, casual favorites like Cajun BBQ and veggie burgers, and so much more.
4
Los Angeles
Touted as the birthplace of the modern food truck, the City of Angels is brimming with popular trucks serving all the goodies. Try a kimchi quesadilla from the iconic Kogi truck, enjoy a variety of taco variations at popular spots like El Chato Taco Truck or Guerrilla Tacos, or give in to your sweet tooth with a huge variety of gourmet ice cream options.
5
Minneapolis, MN
Food truck popularity is surging in the Twin Cities, with eclectic options that include anything from Korean burritos to BBQ sliders. Try wheatberry beer mac and cheese from Gastrotruck, cauliflower steak from Foxy Falafel, or the citywide famous tater tot hot dish from Tot Boss.
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New York City
Often celebrated for its culinary prowess, New York doesn't disappoint on the food truck front, either. While the mobile kitchen trend might be young in other parts of the country, the Big Apple has been trucking out streetside dishes for more than 100 years. With the fast-paced nature of the city, locals and tourists alike need grub on the go, which might explain why there's a cart on nearly every corner. It's truly a melting pot of flavors — Halal chicken and rice, lamb gyros, Korean BBQ, Belgian waffles, pizza slices, hot dogs, and the list continues.
7
Miami
Miami's laid-back beach vibes make it the prime location for casual, truck-style dining. Forget changing after a day on the sand — simply throw on a cover-up and pick between one of the many trucks you'll find lining up and down the streets. Grab pork or mahi tacos at BC Tacos, enjoy a Cuban-style burger at the famous El Rey de Las Fritas, or satisfy your sweet tooth at the micro creamy HipPOPs.
8
Orlando, FL
A few hours up the road from Miami, Orlando is quickly making a name for itself in the world of rolling eateries. Bem Bom serves gourmet Portuguese favorites like mango-infused fish and mushroom truffle quesadillas, while Treehouse Truck offers classic American fare like cheesesteaks and burgers. Escape the heat with a frosty beverage from Jeremiah's Italian Ice or try a taste of New England with Monsta Lobsta Truck's famous clam chowder.
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9
Portland, OR
Portland isn't new to the street food game. Boasting an estimated 500-plus food carts (note in Portland, the trend is more cart than truck), America's hippest city is teeming with culinary options on wheels. Many carts stay permanently clustered together in "pods," offering patrons a one-stop shop for freshly made fare like a house-brined pastrami burger, Hawaiian-style fish tacos, or fluffy bao.
10
Austin, TX
Austin easily has one of the most well-known food truck scenes in the country. The city seems to run entirely on concessions on wheels. And why wouldn't they? There's nearly every type of cuisine one can imagine. Homemade tortillas, brisket, tempura fried chicken, pad thai, shawarma, vegan burgers, and the list goes on. If you visit Austin and don't have a breakfast taco from a truck, you're seriously missing out.
