The Best Food Trucks That Travel from Coast to Coast
Updated: Jul. 13, 2022
While many food trucks stay local, these big-name restaurants on wheels are making stops all over the country.
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.
The Best Baby Back Ribs
I first marinate each rack of ribs, then add a zesty rub before grilling them. They always turn out moist and flavorful. —Iola Egle, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Sloppy Joe Dogs
There are so many different ways to top a hot dog, but this tasty sloppy joe version beats them all. ‐Kimberly Wallace, Dennison, Ohio Check out the best food truck in your home state!
Chicken Street Tacos with Corn-Jicama Salsa
Here’s a light, speedy meal you can enjoy anytime. Preparation is so simple—there’s nothing to it. These chicken street tacos are quite tasty, and adding jicama to the salsa boosts the nutritional value. Win-win! —Priscilla Gilbert, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida
Traditional Funnel Cakes
When I was in high school, I made these funnel cakes every Sunday after church for my family. They are crisp and tender, just like the kind we always ate at the state fair. —Susan Tingley, Portland, Oregon Find even more state fair food copycats!
Toasted Ravioli
While visiting a friend who had just moved to St. Louis, Missouri, I tried these toasted ravioli at almost every restaurant! When I got home, I had to try to replicate them, and this recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Lebanese Street Sandwiches
Arayes are grilled Lebanese-style sandwiches that are stuffed with a seasoned meat mixture. They're commonly found throughout the food stalls that line the streets of Beirut. If you'd rather not use a grill, they can be baked in the oven or made in a panini press. —Nikki Haddad, Germantown, Maryland
Corn Dogs
Prepare corn dogs at home just like you'd get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
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
Samosas
This samosa recipe is one of my family's absolute favorites. These crispy dough pockets are stuffed with potatoes and peas, then air-fried to give them a healthier twist. In India's northern and western regions, samosas are a popular street food. They also make a perfect starter or side dish. —Soniya Saluja, The Belly Rules the Mind
Easy Fish Tacos
Searching for a lighter alternative to traditional fried fish, I came up with this crispy, crunchy fish tacos recipe. 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
Burger Sliders with Secret Sauce
These sliders are super easy to put together and are always a hit! I love that they are "fast food" without having to go to a restaurant. Take them to a party, make them for dinner or serve them on game day. The meat can also be made ahead of time in preparation for your gathering. —April Lee Wiencek, Chicago, Illinois
Orange Cream Pops
For a lower-fat alternative to ice cream-filled pops, try slurping this citrus novelty. The tangy orange flavor will make your taste buds tingle—while the silky smooth texture offers cool comfort, no matter how high the temperatures soar. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Slow-Cooker Chicken Tacos
Our fun, simple slow-cooker chicken tacos are 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
Deep-Fried Candy Bars on a Stick
Why wait in line at the state fair for deep-fried candy bars when you can satisfy your curious taste buds in your very own home? Be sure to make a lot—these novelties go fast! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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
Green Tomato BLT
I absolutely love tomatoes, any kind, any size. Being from the South, that includes fried green tomatoes. I created a special summer sandwich to show them off. —Hillian Holmgren, Del Rio, Texas
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 bulgogi, which is beef cooked in soy sauce and ginger, so I tried it. It's delicious! You'll dazzle the table with this tasty version of Korean beef and rice. —Elizabeth King, Duluth, Minnesota
Farmers Market Enchiladas
These vegetarian enchiladas use a lot of garden favorites in a quick weeknight meal. Feel free to substitute whatever vegetables you have from your garden—yellow summer squash, eggplant and corn all taste great here, too. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grv, Utah
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
Banh Mi Skewers
I love banh mi sandwiches but wanted to make them a little easier to serve for a party. These skewers are a really fun twist! For easier prep on the day of the party, make the meatballs in advance and freeze them. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
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
Chicken Caesar Wraps
This classic handheld with tender chicken, Parmesan cheese and chopped Caesar croutons features the perfect amount of dressing for a tasty meal any night. Nancy Pratt - Longview, TX
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
Buffalo Chicken Wings
Hot wings got their start in Buffalo, New York, in a kitchen. Although there was no game on at the time, today spicy wings and cool sauces are traditional game-day fare. Cayenne, red sauce and spices keep these tangy buffalo chicken wings good and hot, just like the originals. —Nancy Chapman, Center Harbor, New Hampshire
Chicken Souvlaki Pitas
These chicken souvlaki pitas are a favorite at our house, especially in summer. With just a few ingredients and a grill, we can enjoy a gourmet-style Greek dinner that's a snap to put together. Of course, a simple Greek salad on the side is a nice addition. — Becky A. Drees, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
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
Smoked Mac and Cheese
I found this smoked mac and cheese recipe years ago in a magazine, and kept adding and taking away ingredients until I found the perfect combination. You can bake it in the oven, but grilling or smoking the dish is the real way to go. —Stacey Dull, Gettysburg, Ohio
Old-Time Custard Ice Cream
I think my most memorable summertime dessert for get-togethers has always been homemade ice cream. This recipe is so rich and creamy and the perfect indulgence on a hot summer afternoon. —Martha Self, Montgomery, Texas
General Tso’s Chicken Sandwich with Broccoli Slaw
I turned a classic takeout dinner into this General Tso's chicken sandwich that’s simple to make at home. We like spicy foods, so the sauce uses a good amount of heat, but you can adjust the sauce for your family's taste buds. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
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 perfect for an on-the-go dinner, a campfire meal or an easy game-night supper. The ingredients go right into the chip bags! —Beverly Matthews, Richland, Washington
Pork & Ramen Stir-Fry
I normally serve a traditional stir-fry, but I wanted to change it up with this ramen noodle recipe. 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
Strawberry Gelato
You'll love this smooth and creamy gelato with bright strawberry flavor and just a hint of sea salt and honey. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
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. I serve them as party appetizers, or spooned over crusty rolls and topped with cheese for irresistible sandwiches. —Peggy Rios, Mechanicsville, Virginia
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
No-Fry Fried Ice Cream
This ice cream has a crispy cinnamon coating just like the fried ice cream served at Mexican restaurants, but minus the oily mess. Make ahead of time and freeze until serving. —Tim White, Windsor, ON
Pulled Pork Parfait
I tried a version of this meaty parfait at Miller Park, home of my favorite baseball team, the Milwaukee Brewers. I take it up a notch by layering in corn and creamy mac and cheese, so it truly is a full barbecue meal you can take on the go. —Rachel Seis, Senior Editor, Taste of Home Magazine
Easy Pad Thai
Skip the take-out restaurant and give this pad thai recipe a try if you need an easy and quick meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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
Waffle-Iron Pizzas
These little waffle pizzas are a fun mashup using the waffle iron. Try your favorite toppings or even breakfast fillings like ham and eggs. —Amy Lents, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Bang Bang Shrimp Cake Sliders
My family loves these shrimp sliders. The bang bang slaw dressing and shrimp cake patties can be made ahead. When ready to serve, toss the cabbage slaw and sear the shrimp cakes, then assemble and enjoy. —Kim Banick, Salem Oregon
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 customize their own tostadas with the lime-kissed shredded pork. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois
Mini Chimichangas
Wish your guests "Feliz Navidad" with this south-of-the-border specialty! Hearty enough to serve as a meal, these flavorful and filling wraps draw raves whenever I serve them.—Kathy Rogers, Hudson, Ohio
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
California Roll Wraps
I love the California rolls I get at sushi restaurants and wanted to capture those flavors in a sandwich I could take to work. I started with the standard ingredients, added a few others and came up with a hit. —Mary Pax-Shipley, Bend, Oregon
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
Lobster Rolls
To be truly authentic, melt a tablespoon of butter in a skillet and toast the outsides of the buns before filling with the cool lobster. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Rhubarb Lemonade Slush
My family loves rhubarb, and this is such a fun way to enjoy it. It's nice to have in the freezer and bring out when guests drop by. Even people that aren't crazy about rhubarb enjoy it. —Cathie Beard, Philomath, Oregon
Cheesy Ham & Egg Sandwiches
I turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier that you could even enjoy for dinner. We pile toppings like salsa and avocado—mayo and ketchup, too—on the homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Homemade Sloppy Joes
I simmer a big batch of this hot and tangy sandwich filling, then freeze the extras. Just thaw and reheat it for a quick dinner. —Sandra Castillo, Janesville, Wisconsin
Basil Chicken Sandwiches
"I got the inspiration for this recipe when I knew my parents and in-laws were coming to see our new home," shares Kerry Durgin Krebs of New Market, Maryland. "My mother-in-law has food allergies, my father-in-law has some very specific food preferences and my parents appreciate light meals. I created this chicken sandwich with fresh basil for our lunch."
Strawberry-Rhubarb Ice Pops
These cool, creamy pops are a deliciously different way to use up the bounty from your rhubarb patch. —Donna Linihan, Moncton, New Brunswick
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
Cinnamon Breakfast Bites
This cinnamon bites recipe is the perfect breakfast treat with a sweet, crispy coating.—Ruth Hastings, Louisville, Illinois
Beefy Huevos Rancheros
This quick, easy and oh-so-tasty recipe works for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It is delightful served with fruit or salad and some flour tortillas. Guests can top the dish however they'd 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
Barbecued Chicken Salad Sandwiches
An impromptu picnic inspired this BBQ chicken salad sandwich. An instant summertime favorite, these dressed-up sandwiches have become a mainstay at our house. —Linda Orme, Battleground, Washington
Originally Published: September 04, 2019
