Food trucks have really hit their heyday over the past decade. You’ve seen them in movies (seriously, watch the movie Chef), at local festivals and perhaps even rallying outside your workplace during lunch. However, if you’re traveling from state to state, it’s unlikely that you’ll see the same mobile restaurant twice. This is because strict laws and regulations keep food trucks from traveling across state lines. Also, it’s pretty tricky to get a street permit in one city, much less multiple.
That being said, a handful of food trucks tour from coast to coast. Keep on the lookout for these standouts near you. (Food truck fan? Here are the etiquette tips you need to know.)
Auntie Anne’s
Yep, that’s right! Everyone’s favorite pretzel shop is busting out of the food court and taking to the streets. Auntie Anne’s has deployed an entire food truck fleet across America to deliver their signature soft pretzels, dips and ice-cold lemonade. Find out if there’s a pretzel truck near you.
Cousins Maine Lobster
With a little help from Shark Tank, two cousins took Maine’s most iconic sandwich mainstream. Their food trucks (which are now in 28 major U.S. cities) deliver 100% wild-caught Maine lobster meat that’s heaped on a New England-style split-top bun. Haven’t tried a lobster roll yet? Make our copycat recipe at home.
Coolhaus
This California-cool brand is on our list of the best ice creams you haven’t tried yet. With tons of wild flavors like matcha mochi and churro dough, you’ll definitely find one to love. Staffers in Coolhaus’ Airstream-style food trucks are currently scooping cones in Dallas, NYC and LA.
The Cow and the Curd
As Wisconsinites, we may be a little biased, but we support The Cow and the Curd’s mission to bring Midwestern fare up and down the East Coast. You’ll find this food truck slinging fried cheese curds at events in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland (with plans to grow!). Check out their schedule or learn how to make your own Midwestern comfort foods with our tried-and-true recipes.
Arby’s
The fast-food giant is touring its food truck—Arby’s Roadside Meathouse—across the U.S., bringing its mouthwatering roast beef sandwiches and signature curly fries with it. (Psst! Here’s how to make your favorite restaurant-style fries at home.) While Arby’s HQ is located in Georgia, the truck will travel as far as Nevada to join in the Internet sensation Storm Area 51 with hopes to feed a few extraterrestrials on the way.
Kona Ice
Kona Ice is the king of the national food truck biz. With more than 1,000 food trucks in 48 states, you’ve likely already tried their shaved ice treats. The premise is simple: Top your shaved ice with sugary, fruity flavors like Blue Raspberry, Lucky Lime or Monster Mango. Some trucks let you choose as many flavors as you’d like! Re-create that atmosphere at home by learning how to host your own snow cone party.
Craving food truck fare but can’t find one nearby? Get our best copycat recipes and make tacos, street corn and gyros at home.
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Loaded Pulled Pork Cups
Potato nests are simple to make and surprisingly handy for pulled pork, cheese, sour cream and other toppings. Make, bake and collect the compliments. —Melissa Sperka, Greensboro, North Carolina
Fantastic Fish Tacos
Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish tacos, I came up with this crispy, crunchy entree. It's a hit with friends and family. —Jennifer Palmer, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
One of the best things about summer is fresh sweet corn, and this recipe is a definite standout. We love its creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating and spicy jalapeno kick. If you're really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Tater Tot-chos
Playing with food is loads of fun when you have Tater Tots and taco toppings. Let kids build their own for smiles all around. —Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, South Dakota
Cuban Panini
Out of all the panini recipes I make, this is my favorite. The Cuban sandwich is a twist on the old ham and cheese, usually with ham, Swiss, pickles, condiments and sometimes, as in this hearty version, smoked turkey. —Janet Sanders, Pine Mountain, Georgia
Lime Chicken Tacos
Our fun, simple chicken taco recipe is perfect for a relaxing dinner with friends. If we have any leftover filling, I toss it into a garden-fresh taco salad. —Tracy Gunter, Boise, Idaho
Asian Pulled Pork Sandwiches
My Asian pulled pork is a happy flavor mashup of Vietnamese pho noodle soup and a banh mi sandwich. It's one seriously delicious slow-cooker dish. —Stacie Anderson, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Barbecued Chicken Pizzas
So fast and so easy with refrigerated pizza crust, these saucy, smoky pizzas make quick fans with their rustic, hot-off-the-grill flavor. They're perfect for impromptu cookouts and summer dinners on the patio. —Alicia Trevithick, Temecula, California
Favorite Meat Loaf Gyros
This is definitely a different gyro meat recipe, yet it is so good! I slice leftover meat in individual portions and freeze for any time I crave a gyro. —Sharon Rawlings, Tampa, Florida
New Orleans Beignets
These sweet, square and holeless French doughnuts are known as beignets. New Orleans’ traditional breakfast always includes a few of these powdered sugar delicacies. —Beth Dawson, Jackson, Louisiana
Korean Beef and Rice
A friend raved about Korean recipes for bulgogi—beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger—so I tried it. It's delicious! Dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Betsy King, Duluth, Minnesota
Tasty Burritos
My cousin is of Mexican heritage, and I’ve watched her make this crunchy beef burrito recipe for years. The very first time I made them for my own family, they instantly became a favorite meal. They’re even better warmed up the next day in the microwave. —Debi Lane, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Mini Maple Cinnamon Rolls
Maple syrup sweetens these lovely little cinnamon buns. I make the dough in my bread machine before popping the rolls in the oven. My husband prefers them warm. —Juanita Carlsen, North Bend, Oregon
Caribbean Jerk Chicken
Get ready to rock the grill with this wonderfully fragrant, spicy chicken. The bold marinade includes hints of cinnamon, cayenne and thyme. We like to think of this dish as “chicken with attitude." —Judy Kamalieh, Nebraska City, Nebraska
Frozen Banana Cereal Pops
When we want a healthy snack, we dip bananas in yogurt, roll 'em in cereal, then freeze. Ta-da! —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Pork Satay
Cilantro layers on the freshness, while the sesame oil and Thai chili sauce add Asian flavors that pair perfectly with peanut butter. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Lemon Gelato
On a recent trip to Italy, I became addicted to gelato. My favorite choice was lemon because Italian lemons have an intense flavor. This recipe brings back memories of our vacation. —Gail Wang, Troy, Michigan
Loaded Waffle Fries
Make any dinner fun with my Loaded Waffle Fries, topped with a savory blend of cheese, scallions and bacon. I copied this family-favorite recipe from a local restaurant, and it's great with hot dogs, burgers or by itself. —Jeffrey Viccone, Decatur, Illinois
Walking Tacos
These Walking Tacos are great for an on-the-go dinner, campfire meal or easy game night supper. The ingredients transform a bag of chips into a taco in a bag! —Beverly Matthews, Pasco, Washington
Pork & Ramen Stir-Fry
I normally serve a traditional stir-fry, but I wanted to change it up. Ramen noodles are a quick sub for the rice, and we really like the crisp-tender bite from fresh broccoli and a package of coleslaw mix. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia
Contest-Winning Bavarian Meatball Hoagies
When my husband's not manning the grill, I count on my slow cooker. These mouthwatering meatballs are just one reason why. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when I serve them as party appetizers, or spooned over crusty rolls and topped with cheese for irresistible sandwiches. —Peggy Rios, Mechanicsville, Virginia
Fruit-Filled French Toast Wraps
Here’s my go-to whenever we have brunch guests. If I have extra berries, I just make a fruit salad for later. —Dawn Jarvis, Breckenridge, Minnesota
Chicken Tamales
I love making these homemade tamales. They take a little time to make but are so worth the effort. I usually make them for Christmas, but my family wants them more often, so I freeze a big batch. —Cindy Pruitt, Grove, Oklahoma
Colorful Shrimp Pad Thai
Bright, fresh veggie flavors, a splash of tart lime juice, the crunch of peanuts and a hint of heat make this healthy and beautiful shrimp stir-fry a real standout! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pizza Quesadillas
When my husband and I needed a quick meal, I fixed this recipe using leftover ingredients. Unlike traditional Mexican quesadillas, it calls for Italian meats, cheeses and seasoning. Serve it with a green salad for a simple dinner for two. —Barbara Rupert, Edgefield, South Carolina
BLT Waffle Sliders
Craving a BLT for breakfast? Try a deliciously different version that features crisp bacon and fresh tomatoes between two golden cornmeal waffles. Prepare the waffles ahead of time and reheat in the toaster for quick assembly. —Stacy Joura, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania.
Strawberry Watermelon Slush
We like to relax on the back porch with glasses of my slush after a long, hot day. Strawberries and watermelon blend up with lemon juice and sugar for an instant refresher. —Patty Howse, Great Falls, Montana
Philly Cheesesteaks
Any kind of steak makes my husband happy. Philly cheesesteaks are a nice dinner choice or a great option instead of burgers. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Fish & Chips with Dipping Sauce
My husband and I really like fish and chips, but not all the grease that typically comes along with it. I decided to give the classic dinner a makeover. Turns out the pickle dip is healthier than tartar sauce, and we like it a lot better—who knew? —Michelle Lucas, Cold Spring, Kentucky
Poutine
The ultimate in French-Canadian junk food, poutine commonly features warm fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. This side dish is quick to fix with frozen potatoes and packaged gravy but has all the traditional greasy spoon comfort. —Shelisa Terry, Henderson, Nevada
Ice Cream Cone Treats
I came up with this recipe as a way for my grandkids to enjoy Rice Krispies treats without getting sticky hands. You can also pack the cereal mixture into paper cups and insert a wooden pop stick to create cute pops. —Mabel Nolan, Vancouver, Washington
Toasted Mexican Ravioli
We like Mexican and Italian foods, so spicy breaded ravioli gives us the best of both worlds. We serve sauce on the side and pass the queso fresco. —Cristy King, Scott Depot, West Virginia
Buffalo Macaroni and Cheese Bites
In this vegetarian Buffalo-style appetizer, macaroni and cheese get heated up with Louisiana-style hot sauce, then breaded and baked. These tasty nibbles are served with blue cheese dressing. —Ann Donnay, Milton, Massachusetts
Lime-Chipotle Carnitas Tostadas
Here's a terrific recipe for your next weeknight dinner. Set out various toppings and garnishes so your family members can custom-make their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Marmalade French Toast Sandwiches
I change up these warm, filling sandwiches to be sweet or savory but always a treat. All it takes is a different jelly or jam. Try hot pepper jelly when you want a little sizzle. —Danielle Loring, Lewiston, Maine
Big John's Chili-Rubbed Ribs
When my family thinks of summer grilling, it's ribs all the way. Our Asian-inspired recipe is a welcome change from the usual barbecue-sauce versions. —Ginger Sullivan, Cutler Bay, Florida
Grilled Veggie Sandwiches with Cilantro Pesto
I first ate this sandwich while vacationing in Sedona, Arizona, and fell in love with it. When I returned home, I developed this one that tastes just like the original. —Carolyn Phenicie, Titusville, Pennsylvania
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
We give traditional pizza a twist by rolling up the usual toppings in egg roll wrappers, then deep-frying them. Yum! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Candy Craze Ice Cream Sandwiches
These ice cream sandwiches have a little bit of everything in them to satisfy all your cravings. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hot Dog Sliders
An American favorite, hot dogs, turn into a fun treat that is great for a laid-back party. They get three special treatments in this recipe: Chicago-style, Bavarian and South of the Border. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tres Leches Cupcakes
This cupcake version of tres leches cake actually uses four types of milk, plus cream, but quatro leches cake just doesn’t have the same delicious ring to it. If you love dairy, you won’t be disappointed with this special take on the classic.
Cheesy Ham & Egg Sandwiches
I turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier you could have for dinner, too. We pile toppings like salsa, avocado—even mayo and ketchup—onto my homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Ultimate Pastrami Sandwiches
This peerless pastrami sandwich was adapted from a menu favorite at Primanti Bros. Restaurant in Pittsburgh. We took the basic ingredients—grilled cold cuts, cheese, fried potatoes and tomatoes—and created a tasty replica, including our version of their secret coleslaw topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Raspberry Cheesecake Floats
I've yet to meet a cheesecake I didn't like! The flavors here of cream cheese and raspberries create an ideal combination. Although ice cream floats are summery, I like this treat so much that I whip it up during the winter, too. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Cajun Crawfish Sliders
Add a touch of southern hospitality to your festivities with our upscale version of a slider. The crawfish gets a touch of spicy goodness from the chipotle mayo and jalapeno. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Moo Shu Mushroom Wraps
With so many awesome veggies out there, I'm always playing around with the ingredients in these sandwiches. Sometimes I add extra protein, too—chicken, shrimp, pork, beef and tofu all work. Check for sriracha and hoisin sauces in the Asian or international foods section of your grocery store. —Athena Russell, Greenville, South Carolina
Tropical Island Shrimp Kabobs
Shrimp, mango and pineapple on skewers make a sunny presentation at parties. To boost flavors, we use a coconut milk, lime juice and cilantro marinade. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Beefy Huevos Rancheros
This recipe is quick and easy, and helps use the eggs from our chickens. It works for breakfast, lunch or dinner, especially served with flour tortillas and fruit or salad. Guests can top them however they like. —Sandra Leonard, Peculiar, Missouri
Stuffed PB&J French Toast Kabobs
I turned peanut butter and jelly into French toast. Cut up and skewer these nifty sandwiches. You win the crown for creative parent of the year. Check out my blog, nibblesbynic.com, for more fun food ideas. —Nicole Meyer, Roslyn, New York
Pork & Vegetable Spring Rolls
I thought rice paper wrappers would be a quick, fun way to put salad ingredients into a hand-held snack or meal. I also make this with shrimp or add in cranberries. Go ahead, experiment! —Marla Strader, Ozark, Missouri
Chicken & Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese
My grilled cheese sandwich combines chicken with sweet caramelized onions, red peppers, Swiss cheese and sourdough bread. It’s oh-my goodness. —Kadija Bridgewater, Boca Raton, Florida
Brownie Affogato Sundaes
We can’t resist brownie sundaes. I combined an affogato (coffee-based beverage) idea with a brownie to get this decadent sundae that mixes it all in there: warm, cold, sweet and salty. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Falafel Chicken Burgers with Lemon Sauce
Falafel burgers with lemon yogurt sauce mark the first recipe I created myself. Use leftover mix to make chicken falafel or falafel with veggies or fish. —Nicole Mederos, Hoboken, New Jersey
Exotic Five-Spice Chicken Wings
Savor the flavors you crave! These distinctive wings deliver a sweet, salty and slightly spicy taste with every bite. —Barb Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Jersey-Style Hot Dogs
I grew up in northern New Jersey, where hot dogs with grilled potatoes were born. It's a combo you’ll love. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey