I think we can all agree that food trucks are awesome. They provide convenient, delicious food that you can grab and go or sit outside and enjoy. Reasonable prices. Huge flavors. Easy cleanup. What’s not to love, right?
Here in Baltimore, we’re lucky to be home to some of the greatest food trucks in the country. These mobile restaurants all post their schedules and locations on their respective websites, so make sure to check them out. You can also track them on social media … or just keep your eyes peeled around town.
#1 The Smoking Swine
We had to start off with this amazing Diners Drive-ins and Dives powerhouse – or should we say, powertruck? Whether you’re here for the pork sandwich, the Carolina pulled pork, or the famous “Slap Yo Mama” Mac and Cheese, you’re not to be disappointed. Their small menu allows them to deliver some serious quality.
#2 The Jolly Pig
You can’t make a list of the best food trucks in Baltimore without featuring the big pink truck – the one and only Jolly Pig. The Jolly Pig states that their mission is to “provide healthy, delicious, and fresh culinary treats from the best ingredients available, with creativity, and flair!” And boy do they deliver! This truck has racked up their fair share of awards and accolades over the years. Some of its most favorite dishes are the original Korean Pulled Pork BBQ Taco and sandwiches like the Cuban and the “Figgy Piggy.”
#3 Gypsy Queen Café
Did someone say crab cone? That’s right: this queen of food trucks serves up a Baltimore-style crab cake on top of a waffle cone of hand cut fries for one amazing on-the-go lunch. Featured on the Food Network’s Chef Vs. City, this truck serves up street food from the executive chefs and co-owners of Helen’s Garden Restaurant. The menu regularly changes but the customer satisfaction always remains the same.
#4 The Green Bowl
This is a food truck you can truly feel good about going to. The Asian- and Latin-inspired cuisine is served up on compostable bowls, bags, and utensils. The Green Bowl truly lives up to its “green” name. Check out their award-winning bibimbap Korean rice dish or the Puerto Rican dish of fried mashed plantains called mofongo.
#5 Pablo’s Toc O’s
A visit to Pablo’s Toc O’s truck is like having a culinary experience right on the streets of Mexico. They operate for all three meals of the day, and serve a variety of bowls, tacos, and platters. Pablo’s also offers vegan and vegetarian options, as well as gluten-free. There’s truly something for everyone at this fan favorite truck.
#6 Quinn’s Ice
Looking to bring out your inner-child? Quinn’s Ice serves up loads of soft-frozen ice cream deliciousness. But this is no regular ice cream truck. No, no, no. Quinn’s offers gourmet ice cream sandwiches that you’ll want to write home about. And with fall right around the corner, who wouldn’t want to use these last few warm days of the year to enjoy one of their strawberry Oreo milkshakes? One last thing: they have a glazed doughnut ice cream sandwich. Yup.
#7 Taharka Bros.
Finally, the Taharka Bros. are famous for more than just their insanely delicious ice cream. The truck is also known as the “Change Maker Mobile.” It all started with a viral Kickstarter campaign that attracted noteworthy backers like Russell Simmons and Shaquille O’Neal. Their mission is to use their ice cream truck as a vehicle for social change. In fact, you can catch this particular truck on Sunday, Sept. 30 at the YNot Lot in Station North to host an ice cream social from noon to 5 p.m. They’re not only offering free scoops to the public, but also having food, music, and Q&A sessions to address local politics and culture. Taharka hopes to follow the path of Ben & Jerry’s by supporting local organizations and bringing attention to social issues … one scoop at a time.
