NAME: Kreuz Market
SMOKE TYPE:Post Oak
COOKING METHOD: Indirect-Heat Brick Pit
LOCATION: Lockhart

When scouting great BBQ joints, you have to try original-style and that’s just what you can find a Kreuz! They prepare, just about any kind of meat (their sausages are ridiculously good). They’ve been around since 1900 and not by coincidence.

NAME: Evie Mae’s Pit Barbecue
SMOKE TYPE:Oak Wood
COOKING METHOD: Offset Smoker
LOCATION: Wolfforth

If you like rich, smokey meats, you’d be foolish not to give Evie Mae’s a visit. As good as everything is, when we think of Evie Mae’s, we think of their savory brisket. Their burnt ends are pretty good too, but in reality, anything you get will be good enough that you’ll want to get one for the road, too!

NAME: Harris Bar-B-Que
SMOKE TYPE:Hickory/Miscellaneous Wood
COOKING METHOD: Reverse-Flow Smoker
LOCATION: Waxahachie

A delicious source of comfort food, Harris’ simply makes you feel at home. We consider Harris’ to be our favorite destination for a quick lunch, perfect for busy days. Their ribs and artisan sandwiches are good enough to make your mouth water and we guarantee you’ll want to go back at least once.

NAME: Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue
SMOKE TYPE:Gas-Fired
COOKING METHOD: Heat Pit
LOCATION: Tyler

Oh, Stanley’s. Not only is the food to die for, but this place has the energy of Texas fun. They always keep local craft beer on tap, have live music on the weekends and an atmosphere that will help you feel what some call “the true spirit of modern Texas”. But let’s get to their food… they do everything from breakfast to dinner, all include unbelievably prepared meats and rich, filling sides.

NAME: Louie Mueller Barbecue
SMOKE TYPE:Pecan/Oak
COOKING METHOD: Indirect-Heat Pit
LOCATION: Taylor

Here we have a small, quiet establishment that’s been around for about 40 years. But don’t let that fool you. With baby back ribs and pulled pork sandwiches that make you contemplate the value of a pig, we’re certain you’ll love Louie Mueller’s!

NAME: Pody’s BBQ
SMOKE TYPE:Pecan/Oak
COOKING METHOD: Offset Smoker + Rotisserie
LOCATION: Location

Other than awesome barbecue, the first word we think of when we hear “Pody’s” is fun. The staff are always super friendly and almost gives off the feeling of a family. The wide-open rooms kind of gave us the brewery vibe, as did the attention.

NAME: Hutchins BBQ
SMOKE TYPE:Pecan/Oak
COOKING METHOD: Indirect-Heat Pits
LOCATION: McKinny

Man, the juicy meat served here are something else. The variety alone makes us wish we could go back to Hutchins every week. Though from what we had in our short time there, the pulled pork sandwiches were the best we’ve had anywhere. The atmosphere also screams authentic Texas and you can tell the owners love what they do.

NAME: Bodacious Bar-B-Q
SMOKE TYPE:Mesquite/Post Oak
COOKING METHOD: Various Pits/Offset/Indirect-Heat
LOCATION: Tyler

The atmosphere at Bodacious speaks friendly and authentic, which works for their attitude and unbelievable barbecue! You can tell they care. They love what they do and it shows with every step (and flip) they take.

NAME: Luling City Market
SMOKE TYPE:Post Oak –
COOKING METHOD: Indirect -Heat Pit
LOCATION: Houston

For the best barbecue in Houston, look no farther than Luling City Market! Their brisket and sausages are amazing, especially with their special sauce that is also sold on the side. Just seeing them rub-down the top tier meats is enough to get your wallet out. Pay them a visit!

NAME: Joseph’s Riverport Bar-B-Cue
SMOKE TYPE:Post Oak
COOKING METHOD: Indirect-Heat Pit
LOCATION: Jefferson

Like others on this list, Josephs is awesome. What makes them stand out is how they spice and season their meats, it really makes the taste come together. The food is fresh and their variety is extensive enough to keep you coming back. Prices aren’t too bad either!

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NAME: Tony Luke’s
LOCATION: 39 E Oregon Ave

When you think of a Philly Cheesesteak, Tony Luke’s might be the first one that comes to mind. They’re both the meatiest and the cheesiest concoctions you can find, really speaking to the heart of South Philly. While there are a bunch of locations (all delicious) we recommend visiting the original first.

NAME: Pat’s King of Steaks
LOCATION: 1237 E. Passyunk Ave

Two things stood out to us at Pat’s – the golden cheese and those crispy fries! The world-famous establishment is a great lunch spot if you don’t have much to do after because it fills you up and sometimes tires you out (but it’s totally worth it).

NAME: John’s Roast Pork
LOCATION: 14 East Snyder Ave

If you want to add a little Italian to your cheesesteak experience, head over to John’s! Here you can find large, meaty cheesesteaks with delicious seasonings and if you want more, try their Italian-style cuisine, including chicken parmesan, meatball subs, Italian sausage and more!

NAME: Jim Steaks
LOCATION: 400 South St

Jim’s is your ideal West Philly-style cheesesteaks that have made a name for themselves for almost 90 years! The fresh bread, savory meats, creamy cheese and delicious onions make the case for them being one of the favorites.

NAME: Geno’s Steaks
LOCATION: 1219 S 9th St

You can see the bright neon lights from a mile and you will hear praise from even farther away. It was impossible not to include Geno’s on our list because of the ridiculously good (and filling) cheesesteaks they have. Oh, and the hoagies aren’t too bad either!

NAME: McNally’s Tavern
LOCATION: 8634 Germantown Ave

Looking for more of a sit-down experience? McNally’s offers more of an “old school” feel with its history practically bleeding through the walls. Enjoy your cheesesteak with an ice-cold beer or a glass of wine with a friend, which makes it an even more fun experience, if you know what we mean!

NAME: Campo’s
LOCATION: 214 Market St

Unlike most on this list, Campo’s doesn’t necessarily specialize on cheesesteaks, but that doesn’t make them any less delicious. It only makes their other things that much better. Their sandwich shop is nothing short of a delight, but that’s not why you’re here. Their golden cheesesteaks are as good as they get, making them an easy addition for our list!

NAME: Dalessandro’s Steaks
LOCATION: 600 Wendover St

While we don’t exactly know the best cheesesteak… we do think the steak part is best at Dalessandro’s. Maybe it’s where they get it, maybe it’s the way it’s cooked – we’re not sure. But what we DO know is their cheesesteaks and hoagies are amazing and easily belong on this list.

NAME: Steve Prince of Steaks
LOCATION: 7200 Bustleton Ave

You can’t miss the neon signs, so you might as well pay them a visit. Steve’s might have an extensive menu but the real love is in their rich and creamy cheesesteaks. You might want a nap afterwards, but it’s well worth the perfect steak-to-cheese ratio!

NAME: Shank’s Original
LOCATION: 901 S Christopher Columbus Blvd

The warm and satisfying cheesesteaks are just part of the menu at Shank’s, but arguably the best. The vintage-style recipes are hard to pass on so do yourself a favor and give them a try.

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NAME: Babita Mexicuisine
LOCATION: San Gabriel

A classic, authentic establishment is ideal for a nice dinner and that’s exactly what you get at Babita. Pretty much everything is delicious here, but the salmon, calamari and guac really stood out to us as near the top of the list.

NAME: Bizarra Capital
LOCATION: Whittier

Among all the great things about Bizzara, it’s largely about the fresh seafood they catch locally. They also have a full bar, they make awesome mixed drinks that perfectly complement their cuisines.

NAME: El Parian
LOCATION: Los Angeles

El Parian has been around for what seems like forever and for good reason. They have a solid selection of authentic Mexican cuisine, including chicken, chorizo, shrimp, lamb, goat and more. The serving sizes are generous and the prices are more than fair. Just pay them a visit.

NAME: Border Grill
LOCATION: Los Angeles

When it comes to authentic Mexican cuisine, you wouldn’t exactly find it here at Border Grill. Their unconventional dishes will make you question everything you’ve had before. There’s a standalone location and a food truck that makes its way through downtown LA, both are incredible.

NAME: La Casita Mexicana
LOCATION: Bell

With a huge menu filled with various dishes that vary, you’re bound to find something that piques your interest. Their chipotle glazed meats and queso enchiladas are especially amazing! They also have really good chorizo that stands out.

NAME: Corazón y Miel
LOCATION: Bell

If you’re looking for somewhere to bring your family, you might want to consider Corazon y Miel. There’s plenty of space, great menus and nice beers on tap. The portions sizes you get are crazy generous with a savory taste to match.

NAME: Carmelita’s
LOCATION: Laguna Beach

With food so delicious and an atmosphere so consistent, you’d be crazy not to give Carmelita’s a shot. Absolutely gourmet food you can enjoy and awesome mixed drinks. But don’t sleep on their breakfast foods! You may not think of a Mexican joint to be ideal for your first meal, but guess what – this one is.

NAME: Coni’Seafood
LOCATION: Inglewood

Go to Coni’Seafood for lunch. It’s great for dinner too, but lunch is where they really shine. Their apps are a good size to share, then you can enjoy some awesome seafood. We really liked their shrimp and will be getting it again the next time we go.

NAME: El Huarache Azteca
LOCATION: Los Angeles

Absolutely delicious – El Huarache Azteca offers what feels like a mix between authentic Mexican cuisine and Mediterranean classics. Everything they produce, from breakfast, lunch and dinner is all fresh and full of flavor. Seriously, you can come here 10 times and get 10 totally different (yet all wonderful) experience You won’t regret it!

NAME: El Borrego As de Oro
LOCATION: Los Angeles

One of the best authentic Mexican spots, period. When juicy, spiced meats are accompanied by fresh vegetables and delicious rice, wonderful things tend to happen. You can tell when you walk in there something of a family atmosphere and the employees really represent a hardworking group of people that have interest in putting out the best possible product.

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This just might be the coolest, most New England spot on the list, as far as the atmosphere is concerned. It’s an open-concept with tree stumps for chairs that specializes in unreal seafood, with clams and oysters being on top. You can bring your own drinks and simply enjoy the fresh seafood!

Sea Basket
Location: Wiscasset, Maine

The small, humble (and ridiculously authentic) spot is known for its rich, yet well-rounded meals. Everything from their clam chowder to their pies are incredibly delicious. Sea Basket is one of those places that you just have to go twice.

Champlin’s Seafood Deck
Location: Galilee, Rhode Island

Champlin’s is one of the top lobster shacks for fish and ships and (of course) fresh lobsters. It’s considered one of the better lunch spots in the summertime because the upstairs area oversees the local fishing fleet, making this a dream for seafood lovers.

Abbott’s Lobster In The Rough
Location: Noank, Connecticut

Everything from Abbott’s seafood, burgers, and chowders are to die for. As tough as the decision was to make, we would consider this to have the best food of all the places on our list.

Oxford Creamery
Location: Mattapoisett, Massachusetts

A beautiful summer spot for lunch, Oxford Creamery is known for its delicious lobster rolls and delicious desserts – everything you can want on a hot summer day. The tables are also set right off the water, and we can tell you the ocean breeze is awesome on a hot day – combine that with fresh seafood and a milkshake? Check, please!

Arnold Lobster & Clam Bar
Location: Eastham, Massachusetts

There’s so much to talk about with Arnold Lobster & Clam Bar. You get the awesome experience of authentic New England seafood, plus an ice cream stand and MINI GOLF! Put all of this together, and you don’t just have lunch, you have an epic afternoon!

Aunt Carrie’s
Location: Narragansett, Rhode Island

Right off the water, you can get your pick from a pretty extensive menu of delicious seafood. While it might not be “the” place, it’s an excellent scene for great food. We’ve heard a lot (but haven’t had) their rhubarb pie, so give it a shot and tell us what you think.

Roy Moore Lobster Co.
Location: Rockport, Massachusetts

It’s impossible not to add Roy Moore Lobster Co to our list. It’s a local favorite offering INSTANT lobster while you wait for the rest of your food. What more do you want? Seriously.

Clam Box of Ipswich
Location: Ipswich, Massachusetts

The old school spot for shellfish has been around since 1935. The design of the building just screams vintage Massachusetts and the delicious food is the perfect compliment. Their fried clams are our favorite.

Brown Lobster Pound
Location: Seabrook, New Hampshire

The resilient Brown Lobster Pound has risen from a devastating fire a couple of years ago and has continued to thrive since. Many consider it the best lobster shack in New Hampshire, and while we haven’t been to every lobster shack, we certainly can’t argue with their claim.

Maine Diner
Location: Wells, Main

The Maine Diner puts a fun spin on their fresh-caught seafood, making them into delicious pies and casseroles. The filling dishes are totally guaranteed to have you leaving satisfied. We recommend this for dinner because you probably won’t want to run around too much afterward.

Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier
Location: Kittery Point, Maine

When you hear Maine, many tend to think of Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier. There are three shacks in total, consisting of the lobster shack, the raw bar and the “everything else” shack. You can guess the purpose of each, just know the quality of the food is awesome.

Five Islands Lobster Co.
Location: Georgetown, Main

Such a beautiful location, Five Islands Lobster Co. is right off Sheepscot Bay. You can overlook the water while enjoying some of the best lobster and sides around. When it comes down to it, the natural aesthetics are what really stand out, earning them a well-deserved spot on this list.

Barnacle Billy’s
Location: Ogunquit, Maine

The first thing we have to cover is the lobster rolls that are perfectly seasoned and have arguably as much flavor as anywhere else we’ve been. Their clams and chowders are delicious as well, not to mention their famous rum punch!

The Clam Shack
Location: Kennebunk, Maine

The Clam Shack is simply a classic in Maine. Everything they make is amazing, with a fun energy to go along. Our favorite is, you guessed it – their lobster rolls that are served on toasted burger buns!

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Bartoli’s Pizzeria
Location: North Center

Bartoli’s – it’s a great place to watch a sports game (and you can bring your own beer), so you can imagine why it’s a favorite of the locals. Between the fun, inviting environment and the sauce-heavy deep dish pizza, Bartoli’s made our list.

Pizano’s
Location: Loop

Pizano’s shares some common themes with the rest of the places on this list, and that’s pizza history. The current owner is the son of the founder, and the family recipe apparently hasn’t changed from day one (we haven’t tried the original). They have, however, added some new variety, which is controversial to pizza purists but is still adored by many.

My Pi Pizza
Location: Bucktown

If you’re looking for a lighter, (kind of more thin) deep dish slice, this is your spot. It’s typically meant for a place to drop by, rather than staying for a while. It made our list because of the unbelievably fresh tasting pizza, making it PERFECT for a nice night out.

Pizzeria Uno
Location: River North

Pizzeria Uno has deep dish pizza that is the perfect combination of tradition and uniqueness. It offers the traditional satisfaction of your delicious deep dish, though the crust and sauce have a different taste which is really good! There’s a lot of sauce, yet really crunchy so every bite kind of feels like the first, which is obviously ideal for any pizza fan.

Gino’s East
Location: River North

Pizza is obviously delicious and if you know how much we love a good craft beer, you’ll understand why Gino’s made our list. The existing Chicago chain started as a single establishment in the mid-1960s and has grown through its cheesy slices and now… beer? That’s right! You can also go to happy hour for $3 beers on draft with a slice!

Bacino’s
Location: Loop

This is a place that puts the “deep” in “deep dish pizza”. A more classic, traditional Chicago can be found in the home of “America’s 1st Heart Healthy Pizza”. These slices are equipped with arguably the best sauce bases, best enjoyed with a nice glass of “heart healthy” red wine.

Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co.
Location: Lincoln Park

Talk about history – the Oven Grinder has been around for decades and has seen its fair share of things, including the notorious “St. Valentine’s Day Massacre”. That’s right, this is the place. But enough about the energy, we’re here to talk about pizza! Here you can find one of the most complete (good cheese:sauce, without overdoing anything). Also, they have one of the largest menus on this list.

Giordano’s
Location: Loop

Giordano’s is another establishment turned chain, as it’s one of the most famous spots for a deep dish slice. Since 1974, this has been recognized as an elite pick for tourists and locals alike. They have a wide variety of choice, while most stick with some version of the deep dish pizza. We prefer the classic with mushrooms, pepperoni, and green peppers.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
Location: River North

Presenting the legendary (one of the staples) deep dish pizzas! Lou’s has his name in lights for a reason, and it’s because they have one of the best pizzas around. It’s become a chain and honestly, the atmosphere doesn’t really matter, but the pizza just stands out.

Burt’s Place
Location: Suburbs

Talk about classic, now we’re getting into the real special places. Burts is more of an old school establishment with paper towels on the wall, but don’t be fooled – the pizza here is to die for. The pizza and the excellent drink selection will make you come back, it’s that good.

The Art of Pizza
Location: Lake View

One word. Sauce. The Art of Pizza has the best sauce of any deep dish pizza we’ve ever had, hands down. There isn’t much to say, just grab yourself a slice. Ranked #1 by the Chicago Tribune, there’s only one place we liked better…

Pequod’s Pizza
Location: Lincoln Park

There is nothing quite like the whale tale. They don’t have the best sauce or the best cheese, but when you put everything together, they have the best deep dish pizza. There is also a great atmosphere that makes it fun, but honestly, who cares? This is the best deep dish that isn’t too greasy, or cheesy, it’s like the perfect combination that will make your mouth water. Go.

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Peanut Butter and Jelly: It is hard to find on restaurant menus but few of us have not experienced a PB&J in our early youth. The iconic sammie features a commercial product straight from the jar, and may be smooth or various degrees of crunchy, with strawberry or grape jelly on white bread, with or without crusts. Variations abound and today other nut butters substitute for those with peanut allergies. Where did this paragon come from? Dr. Kellogg of Battle Creek Michigan opened a sanitorium in the 1880s for wealthy folks suffering from a wide assortment of ailments. With money came notoriously poor diets, that were too rich in fats and animal proteins. At his wellness resort, Kellogg introduced the elite to the benefits of exercise, fresh air and healthy foods. For one of his kitchen experiments (he also invented cereal), Kellogg added vegetable oil to mashed peanuts, for reasons unknown named it “Skippy”, and a lunchbox staple was born!

Fortune Cookie: Although its origins are murky, the Fortune Cookie most likely was conceived on the West Coast, possibly in San Francisco, where there was and is a large Asian population. Traditional Chinese meals do not end with dessert, whereas, by the early 1900s, emerging middle-class Americans liked to show off their newly acquired fortunes by closing a repast with coffee and something sweet. In warmer climates the thin dough did not require leavening and was crisp, light and the perfect accompaniment to strong coffee. The cookie’s enclosed fortune made the meal and the occasion more memorable. And today, as a sign of the times, many fortunes are supplemented with Lotto numbers! Like Chow Mein, do not expect to find Fortune Cookies on any menu on the Chinese mainland. Asians apparently disdain any bastardisation of their beloved cuisines. Perfect. As. Is.

Potato Chips: Back in the 19th century, wealthy Manhattanites summered in lakeside resort towns, such as Saratoga Springs in upstate New York. The story goes that at the upscale Moon Lake Lodge, the nation’s leading captain of industry, Cornelius Vanderbilt, kept returning his side dish of fried potatoes complaining that they were too thick. By the third time Vanderbilt rejected his efforts, Native American chef George Crum had had it with American royalty’s pompous attitude. For his fourth effort Crum sent out a plate of potatoes sliced to the point of transparency, fried to a crisp, then heavily salted. Surprise! They were a big hit and the chef was lauded in the press around the world. So why aren’t they called ‘Potato Crumbs’? (Grace note: by the time this author attended college in Saratoga, the Lodge was long gone, but Crum’s memory was being kept alive. Nearly every menu in town honored his ‘invention’, and none served commercially-made chips from a bag!)

Mac and Cheese: Before chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese was one food item known to appease little ones and their finicky palates, even if it meant creating a carb addict for life. If you have raised a toddler, you know mac and cheese is a godsend. This creamy, salty, hot, and comforting meal in a bowl still makes toddlers of us all. It’s origins are unknown, but it appears on menus from Monticello, and it is known to have been Thomas Jefferson’s favorite repast. Ten years ago, mac and cheese went upscale and began appearing at many a fine dining establishment. Handmade veggie pasta or with the addition of squid ink, toppings that included caviar and lobster, and mascarpone, butter, https://www.cookinglight.com/cooking-101/essential-ingredients/heavy-cream-vs, and wine substituted for humble American or cheddar cheese and milk sauces. Guess we all never outgrew our beloved Mac and Cheese! We don’t have to!

Buffalo Wings: Today there is a national chain that just produces this product in many variations, but allegedly, Buffalo Wings were invented in the 1960s. Late one night, to appease a group of hungry frat boys, one of which was her own son, Teressa Bellissimo, who owned the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY, set about crafting a midnight snack for the horde. She used whatever she could find in the walk-in: food scrap chicken wings intended for use in soup stock. That night the lads dined on deep fried wings anointed with hot sauce, accompanied by celery sticks and a ranch dressing chaser. (Following this author’s education trail- by grad school I was a vegetarian so while my friends raved about the wings at Teressa’s, across the table I had to make do with a pallid salad. True. Story.) Three things about Buffalo Wings: purists will never eat wings that have been pre-frozen, order your fresh wings from your butcher a week before Super Bowl Sunday or miss out, and no one in Buffalo, NY refers to them as “Buffalo Wings”. Don’t. Ask.

Turducken: What can you say about a food whose first syllable evokes something you’d find in a barnyard? Which came first, the chicken, the duck, or the turkey? Essentially three nested carcasses of mixed poultry slow roasted to doneness in an oven, the Turducken came into being in the South in the 1980s. This author experienced the delicacy at that time and at the place of its origin and was underwhelmed. Suffice it to say it is an acquired taste and, due to its expense, not wildly populating menus anywhere. But it does have its rabid loyalists. BTW: If you make this at home remember to use a meat thermometer!

So the next time you reach for one of your mandatory diet staples, remember where they came from and what each does to make your day and life a little bit brighter! Nutrition be damned!
Joy rules!

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Most culinary school-educated chefs who rise to the top ranks in multi-star restaurants want to break out and open their own dining establishment. As most new dining ventures fail within the first two years, financing a new restaurant can be hard to come by. Also, many industries were adversely affected by the 2008 economic downturn forcing a sector of the population to look to themselves for employment. A food truck makes an ideal start-up for would-be culinary entrepreneurs. It is relatively low-cost (as compared to a brick and mortar) to purchase and maintain. Best of all, ‘down the road’ should owners decide to open a brick and mortar, they have already culled a loyal following, thereby increasing their chances for business success.

An added perk is mobility. Being locked into a lease in a section of town impacted by say, a long-term construction project preventing pedestrians in the area, will soon shutter most local establishments. With a food truck, however, if foot traffic wanes or proves seasonal, owners can just move their business to a new location, such as a stadium, outside a college lecture hall, a new neighborhood, or one of many tourist attractions. Aside from foot traffic, how do people find these businesses? Advertising is simpler and cheaper as well. No other industry takes full advantage of social media like food truck owners. They utilize this inexpensive marketing tool to get the word out to followers about their location, times, menu, promotions, etc., thereby creating a buzz and often, lunch lines around the block. In addition, food truck owners are not even locked into a certain cuisine, they can change their menus on the fly to comply with whatever their trade demands. This makes food trucks an ideal solution for those who dream of owning their own business, as well as the flexibility not offered brick and mortars to quickly adapt to changing consumer tastes. In a later article, we’ll discuss how to get into the food truck business, the expenses, requirements, et. al. Until then, here is our list of the top ten food trucks currently serving up taste sensations nationwide.

El Toro Loco, Miami FLA

In Brazil the word for barbecue is Churrascaria, and that is that you’ll get in this carnivore’s delight. (Vegans, scroll down, you’ll have your day, too.) Strangely, this steakhouse on wheels began as a butcher shop! Now it offers a full menu featuring Brazilian pork sausage, pork ribs, filet mignon wrapped in crisp bacon, and cue-based meals starring succulent leg of lamb. This trendy yet very affordable meals on wheels venue is popular for lunch and dinner.

Seoul Taco, St. Louis, MO

Yep. Get ready for a mobile Korean-Mexican fusion experience. From the land that brought you kimchi and gochujang sauce expect these in tandem with rice, chopped raw veggies, fried egg, cheese, sour cream and crushed sesame seeds in a fried taco shell or rolled into a burrito. Just add a squeeze of lime and rejoice!

Bing Mi Food Truck, Portland, OR, Portland, OR

Food trucks are known for introducing far-flung cuisines and adapting them to local tastes. The Bing Mi truck’s focus is jianbing, a peasant dish from Northern China that elevates breakfast or lunch on the go. The most popular menu items features scrambled eggs, black bean paste, chili sauce, pickled veggies, along with green onion and crispy noodles all rolled into a crepe. Yes, a crepe that combines the tastes of sweet and sour, spicy, crunchy and chewy all in one deeply satisfying bite.

Aloha Plate, Honolulu, HI

A 4th season win on the Food Network’s acclaimed “Great Food Truck Race” jump started this local favorite known for its authentic Hawaiian cuisine. Popular with natives as well as tourists, Aloha Plate is best known for their braised beef Loco Moco, Huli Huli Chicken Tacos, Venison Chili Moco, and Pork Adobo. Owners/brothers Adam and Lanai Tabura do not have culinary degrees, rather they rely on their mom’s recipes, including those that feature Hawaii’s signature protein, Spam.

El Guapo, Detroit MI

One might think the food truck industry in Michigan is centered around college towns like Ann Arbor. Not so! Since 2011 El Guapo Fresh Mexican Grill (hungry yet?) has offered authentic tacos, burritos, and more as well as specialties like their pork belly taco and shrimp burrito. Best of all, and the reason this gem makes our list, is the price: nothing costs more than $9. Eat hearty in the Motor City!

The Cinnamon Snail, NYC, NY

Only in a town full of food trucks could we find a deserving vegan restaurant on wheels. Still not certain why it is so named, but the fare is anything but ordinary. Vegan sandwiches are the order of the day and include their Red Curry Tofu on a grilled pretzel bun with pickled jalapenos, carrots, curried cashews, arugula, and Sriracha mayo. Their burger is crafted from sage-smoked seitan with baked ziti, marinated kale, smoked chili coconut bacon (yes!), and roasted garlic aioli. Many of their foods are cooked sous vide. They’ll gladly adapt their menu items for the gluten intolerant, however be warned that there are also over 30 doughnuts and pastries daily. The only wonder is where they keep all their ingredients!

Oink and Moo, Florham Park, NJ

A New Jersey staple since 2012 this cue joint burst on the scene and, in lieu of opening risky additional brick and mortars, quickly dispatched food trucks throughout the state. What’s the fare? Sliders, chili, tacos, ribs, and quesadillas with beef brisket or pulled pork as the protein. And locals as far as Philly (land of the cheesesteak) cannot get or say enough good things about Oink and Moo’ goods!

Bite Into Maine, Cape Elizabeth, ME

When the world beats a path to your door, your truck can stay put. Long a Cape Elizabeth staple, the Bite Into Maine food truck offers every known variation of lobster roll including Maine (with mayo), Connecticut (hold the mayo), curry, wasabi, chipotle, and their house version on a bed of coleslaw. Every roll is made using locally sourced lobster and tastes even fresher than you can imagine! P. S.: Their scratch-made desserts from local fruit are worth the trip alone!

The Waffle Bus, Houston, TX

The Waffle Bus came out of somewhere to become a top contender on numerous lists and was featured on The Food Network, Cooking Channel, and Zagat. Waffles. Sweet or savory, it is what they do. For an upscale treat, try their Strawberry Irish Cream Brulee. Looking for dinner? The Waffle Bus’ twist on fried chicken and waffles includes spicy mayo or ancho chile honey!

House of Mac, Miami, FLA

Not your mama’s Mac and Cheese! Classically trained chef/owner Derrick Turton serves up unique combinations of this childhood staple using ingredients such as crab meat, beef, salmon, and pizza! This food truck’s constantly innovative menu rates top billing and it’s over 50,000 social media followers agree!

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