Food trends are always evolving in the USA. A national of immigrants, there are constantly new types of national cuisine that people haven’t tried that break through to the mainstream.
One way this food reaches the stomach of Americans is through food trucks, which have emerged as a vibrant and essential part of urban food culture. Compared to restaurants, they offer a diverse array of gourmet dishes to traditional street food. These mobile kitchens on wheels have redefined dining for Americans coast to coast.
As you would expect, some cities offer much better food trucks than others. We have ranked the best food truck cities in the USA, as well as outlined criteria on how they are ranked.
Criteria for Ranking Food Truck Cities:
- Quantity of Food Trucks: The total number of active food trucks in the city.
- Quality of Food Trucks: Based on customer reviews, food critics’ opinions, and awards received.
- Variety of Cuisines: Diversity in the types of cuisines offered, from local to international flavors.
- Innovativeness: The presence of unique or trendsetting food truck concepts.
- Affordability: Average price range of meals offered by the trucks.
- Regulatory Environment: How conducive the city’s regulations are to food truck operations.
- Community Engagement: Events, festivals, and local support for food trucks.
1. Portland, Oregon
Quantity: Portland stands out with its high concentration of food trucks, reflecting the city’s embracement of diverse and innovative food cultures. Food culture in general is great in Portland, and its variety of food trucks is no different. They are found all over the city and there is something to suit everyone.
Standout Food Trucks:
- Nong’s Khao Man Gai: Famous for its simple yet exquisite Thai chicken and rice.
- The Grilled Cheese Grill: A delightful twist on the classic American grilled cheese sandwich.
2. Los Angeles, California
Variety: The multicultural makeup of Los Angeles is mirrored in its food truck scene, offering everything from Korean BBQ to Mexican street tacos. With so much competition, the quality of LA street food is extremely high – as you would expect.
Standout Food Trucks:
- Kogi BBQ: A pioneer in fusion cuisine, blending Korean and Mexican flavors.
- Mariscos Jalisco: Serving up some of the best traditional Mexican seafood tacos.
3. Austin, Texas
Quality: Austin’s food trucks are renowned for high-quality offerings, often featuring locally sourced ingredients and innovative culinary concepts. The city is known nationwide for its quality BBQ, which is a prominent feature within its street food culture.
Standout Food Trucks:
- Veracruz All Natural: Famous for its authentic Mexican tacos.
- Micklethwait Craft Meats: A go-to spot for mouth-watering Texas barbecue.
4. New York City, New York
Community Engagement: The Big Apple’s food trucks are an integral part of the city’s fabric, participating in various events and enjoying a loyal local following. Street vendors have been in New York for longer than many other cities have existed.
Standout Food Trucks:
- The Halal Guys: A NYC staple known for its Middle Eastern dishes.
- Wafels & Dinges: Offering Belgian waffles with a New York twist.
5. Denver, Colorado
Innovativeness: Denver’s food trucks are celebrated for their creative and unique culinary ventures, often experimenting with bold flavors and concepts. Denver is very underrated in terms of street food and definitely not the first city that springs to mind. However, it will leave you pleasantly surprised.
Standout Food Trucks:
- Quiero Arepas: Serving authentic Venezuelan arepas. Also has a physical location.
- Basic Kneads Pizza: Known for their delicious wood-fired pizzas.
6. Seattle, Washington
Affordability: Seattle strikes a balance between gourmet offerings and wallet-friendly prices, making its food truck scene accessible to a broad audience. While it’s not quite Portland, Seattle is definitely the second-best city in the Northwest for food trucks and ranks #6 on the list.
Standout Food Trucks:
- El Camión: Offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes.
- Skillet: A pioneer in the food truck scene, known for its elevated comfort food.
7. Chicago, Illinois
Regulatory Environment: Chicago’s supportive regulations have led to a burgeoning food truck scene, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern cuisines.
Standout Food Trucks:
- The Fat Shallot: Specializing in gourmet sandwiches.
- Beavers Coffee + Donuts: Offering a unique twist on classic donuts.
8. San Francisco, California
Innovativeness: Known for its tech-savvy approach and creative culinary concepts, San Francisco’s food trucks showcase the innovative spirit of the city. As you would expect, you can pretty much find any nation’s food on the planet in San Francisco.
Standout Food Trucks:
- Senor Sisig: A Filipino fusion sensation.
- The Chairman: Serving inventive Asian-inspired bao and rice bowls.
9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Quality: Philadelphia’s food trucks are renowned for their high-quality offerings, ranging from classic Philly cheesesteaks to global cuisines.
Standout Food Trucks:
- The Cow and The Curd: A Wisconsin cheese curd truck.
- Poi Dog Philly: Offering Hawaiian and Filipino street food.
10. Miami, Florida
Variety: Reflecting Miami’s rich cultural diversity, the city’s food trucks offer a colorful palette of flavors from Latin America and beyond.
Standout Food Trucks:
- Ms. Cheezious: Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Latin Burger and Taco: Known for their fusion of Latin and American flavors.
