From tacos to waffles, we've got a list of the best spots to grab a tasty meal on-the-go!
Corey Fuller - Staff Writer•
New York City is no stranger to awesome street food. We all know how big of a melting pot our culinary scene is, so it’s no surprise that mobile trucks driving around delicious food is commonplace too. From mouth-watering tacos to oversized grilled cheeses, you can find just about anything in a food truck, and it’s usually made with love and care.
Many food trucks are local businesses have cemented their roots into the NYC food scene, declaring their cuisine as a permanent staple alongside NYC’s restaurants. Now, as the warm weather comes back and you’re out on the go, you may want to stop by one to give it a try. If you’re unsure where to look, take a peek at our favorite food trucks in NYC for some grub:
1. Birria-Landia, Multiple Locations
This now iconic food truck is one of NYC’s most notable, thanks to its drastic rise to fame in the past couple of years. Birria-Landia originated in Jackson Heights back in 2019 and now has 4 locations across the city, specializing in their mouth-watering Tijuana-style birria tacos. Their menu is simple, consisting of tacos, mulitas, and tostadas, which absolutely MUST be dipped into their homemade consomé sauce. You’ll be wanting to go back for more!
Where:
Jackson Heights – 77-99 Roosvelt Ave, Queens (Original Location)
Williamsburg – 491 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn
Manhattan – East Houston St & 1st Ave
The Bronx – 2501 Grand Concourse, The Bronx
2. Franky’s Souvlaki, Astoria
Franky’s Souvlaki is a Greek food truck that whips up some of the best street food in Queens. Of course, their specialities lie in the classics, like gyros, meat skewers, feta-filled Greek salads, and a whole lot more! The workers are super friendly, and will ensure you have one of the tastiest experiences you’ve had in a while.
Where: 31 Steinway St #2, Queens
3. Bodega Truck, Traveling Locations
Bodega Truck is NYC’s first and only specialty chop cheese truck around. Turning the bodega staple into an artistic form of street food, the team here chops up the best of the best ingredients to make mouthwatering sandwiches. Try out signature classics like The El Dominicano (Chop Chimi w/Fried Cheese, Fried Salami & Cabbage Mixed in Signature Bodega Sauce) or stick to one of their orders of Bodega Fries, an out-of-the-box chopped cheese smorgasbord on top of a pile of french fries.
Where: Follow IG for weekly lcoations
4. Gorilla Cheese NYC, Traveling Locations
This truck takes their cheese seriously. From all sorts of grilled cheese offerings, to tater tots and mac & cheese bites, this is as cheesy as NYC gets. We suggest getting one of their “Special Sammys” for only $8 since there’s so many options, like a Spicy Buffalo Chicken option and an Asiago and Prosciutto sandwich (plus many more).
Where: Find its weekly location here
5. Casa Birria, Upper East Side
As their name suggests, Casa Birria also provides mastery in the birria tacos department, and their UES flagship is a spot you must hit. The cash-only truck serves tacos, quesadillas, and flavorful consomé (filled with shredded birria, raw onions, and fresh cilantro). We suggest going and grabbing their 3 tacos for $10 deal and having a lovely chat with the workers while you’re at it!
Where: 203 E 86th St (and 3rd Ave)
6. DiSOS Italian Sandwich Society, Midtown
Declaring themselves as an “Italian deli on wheels,” DiSOS Italian Sandwich Society serves all sorts of Italian sandwiches that range in both style and taste! They’ve been featured on the Food Channel and their menu (consisting of both hot and cold options) will have you pondering on what to bless your tastebuds with. Try out The Fonz (Chicken cutlet, prosciutto, provolone cheese, hot cherry peppers, arugula, parmigano regginano cheese, herbed ricotta spread, glazed balsamic dressing) from their “Goodfellaz” section, or opt for a cold sandwich like the Vinny Chins (Prosciutto, provolone cheese, hot cherry peppers, arugula, glazed balsamic dressing). Full menu here.
Where: 245 Park Ave (46th St), but also more rotating locations here
7. The Halal Guys, Midtown
Just steps away from Rockefeller Center is another iconic NYC food truck, The Halal Guys. Expect to wait in line, but trust us…it’s worth it! Their now famous platters of chicken and gyro over rice, falafel sandwiches, and delectable halal sauces serve not only tourists in the area, but also tons of locals too (that’s how good it is). Stop by during a lunch break, or late at night after some sightseeing, and it surely will not disappoint!
Where: 6th Avenue & W 53rd St
8. Wafels & Dinges, Multiple Locations
Waffles make great street food, and Wafels & Dingestakes them to the next level by spreading them with spekuloos, a decadent substance which is kind of like cookie butter. Of course, bring on the dulce de leche, maple syrup and Nutella too. You can also order their sweet treats nationwide right to your doorstep!
Where:
Herald Square – 102 W 35th St
Bryant Park – 1090 6th Ave #1080
Flatiron – 186 Fifth Avenue (located on 23rd btw 5th & 6th – across from Lego store)
Union Square Urban Space – 124 E 14th St
Museum Of Natural History – 392 Columbus Avenue
W&D Commissary – 264 Butler St, Brooklyn
9. El Rey del Taco, Astoria
There’s a lot of contention over which NYC food truck is the best for tacos, and we have to give some consideration to El Rey del Taco. It serves a variety of tacos and burritos, filled with everything from pastor to chorizo to lengua (that’s tongue, in case you didn’t know). Just keep your eye peeled for the big truck painted like a Mexican flag! Follow them here.
Where: 33-01 30th Ave, Queens
10. Uncle Gussy’s, Midtown East
This small cart prides itself on the delicious Greek food it serves. Be sure to get a gyro and top it with their crispy fries! Or try out their most famous signature meal, the Gyro Pork Souvlaki. You seriously can’t go wrong!
Where: 345 Park Ave
11. King Souvlaki, Multiple Locations
This family-owned NYC food truck proudly serves authentic Greek street food, including their famous hand skewered souvlaki, hand stacked gyros, and hand-cut fries cooked in Extra Virgin olive oil. With locations all around Queens and one in Manhattan, they truly are declaring themselves as the “kings” of the souvlaki game.
Where:
Astoria – 31 Street and 31 Ave, Queens
Astoria – Steinway & Ditmars Blvd, Queens
Manhattan – W 55th Street & Broadway (for lunch hours)
Bayside – Northern Blvd & Bell Blvd, Queens
12. Souvlaki GR, Traveling Locations
Souvlaki GR actually made our list of best Greek restaurants in NYC, so when they take their delicious food on the road, you know it’s worth it. The Souvlaki GR Truck is a two-time Vendy winner and winner of the New York Food and Wine Festival’s People’s Choice Award, meaning it’s been given some authoritative thumbs up. If you go, order a pork or chicken souvlaki, Greek fries or Greek salad.
Where: Check rotating locations here
See also: NYC’s Smorgasburg Will Be Back To Whet Your Appetite Next Week
Also published on Medium.
Tags:Cheap, Food, food truck, Outdoors
