50 Food Trucks Worth Following in Every Major City

You know about chicken and waffles, but do you know about Fryders? Those are sliders made from waffle fries. How about a smoked salmon waffle sandwich? Maybe a sweet waffle sandwich made with Nutella or strawberry Irish creme brulee? Every single one of those delicious-sounding items and more are available at the Waffle Bus, which Houstonians know lives up to the well-earned hype.

There are few things better than a great hot dog truck, especially one built from a 1962 International Metro Harvester. You Sly Dog looks retro, but its dogs are a modern experience through and through. Happy customers recommend the Chicago dog, the Chernobyl and, for vegans and vegetarians, the Sonoran, which is as good as meatless gets. Either way, beware — the ghost pepper chili sauce will sneak up on you.

Since they're made everyday fresh and from scratch, the namesake food at Bite My Biscuit will make you want to do exactly that. From veggie and grilled cheese to pork and the brisket biscuit, this truck serves up more biscuit-based deliciousness than you ever thought possible from the common, but surprisingly versatile breakfast bread that gave the truck its name.

Although the truck has spawned a restaurant, the Gastro Grill food truck that started it all is still rolling strong. From pork-belly sliders and drunken tacos to eggnog bread pudding, the Gastro Grill is a major draw in Fresno for a good reason — fresh, imaginative cuisine served from a truck by a crew that clearly has a passion for their craft.

Thanks to a spot on a Yelp best-in-the-nation roundup, the secret is out about Hefty Gyros, whose name also pretty much doubles as its menu. Between Yelp and Facebook, fans are nearly as impressed with the personalities of the guys who work the truck as they are with the pita, lamb, beef, chicken, and tzatziki sauce that drowns the massive culinary works of art they create every day.

New Flame Cafe serves up a new menu everyday depending on what's fresh, what's good and how they're feeling. No matter what comes through the window, however, the food truck now draws not just die-hard locals and curious tourists, but regional wanderers who have heard the news about the salads, pizzas, fat-boy sandwiches, street tacos and baby flamers (aka sliders) that are causing such a stir in the food-truck world.

Billed as "far out food" for its curious blend of Asian and Mexican cuisine, Yumbii now boasts a physical restaurant. But for locals in Atlanta, the rolling kitchen that's been cruising the city since 2010 is still the only way to chow down. From tofu stir-fry tacos and burritos to Asian ribeye beef quesadillas, it's hard to imagine you'd find a similar menu in Atlanta or anywhere else.

In a city dominated by some of America's best taco trucks, SoCal Caribbean stands out in Long Beach — but maybe that's because it's an enormous, bright blue truck. Jerk chicken, beef curry, chana tacos and Caribbean burritos have made believers out of the city's faithful locals — and anyone else who stops in for a bite.

Of course churros — including the Oreo churros — are the main draw at the Churro Truck. But Omaha locals and tourists alike flock there just as frequently for the horchata, tamales and tacos, as well. It's a challenge to find any online review with fewer than five stars issued by a fawning new convert.

After dozens of reviews on Facebook, not one single person left feedback that was anything short of five-star perfection for Poke Dots. More than just a clever name, poke is a traditional Japanese dish that many restaurants have tried to import to the Southwest — few with results that can compare with the stellar fresh fish salad that Texans lineup for at Poke Dots.

You think you make a great grilled cheese. Well, you might make a good one, but once you try Say Cheese, you'll know that the title of "great" is reserved only for the stuff that's served up fresh out of their Memphis truck. Cookie butter, mascarpone, and sliced banana on sourdough are the secrets to the Elvis Italiano, and the garlic aioli is the stuff that makes the Rookie shine. But that's just the beginning. If you've imagined it, they've probably turned it into a cheese-based grilled sandwich.

Rated 4.5 stars on Yelp, far too many reviewers to dismiss as hyperbole boldly claim that the best pizza they've ever eaten was served out of the Saucee Sicilian truck. A wood-fired oven on wheels, Saucee Sicilian serves fresh Neapolitan-style pizza, homemade meatballs and little else. But after just one bite of either, you won't be asking them to expand their menu anytime soon.

As the name implies, some of the food at the Fatty Patty will not go over well with the anti-grease crowd. But if you're pursuing a heavenly food coma, all that gooey goodness is the source of the flavor that comes pouring out of one of Milwaukee's favorite food trucks every day. The loaded gyro is to die for, the cheese curds can compete with any in Wisconsin, and the vegan burger is among the finest meatless patties you'll encounter.

While the Traveling Kitchen menu offers plenty of satisfying choices, the draw that turns hungry passersby into fanatically loyal fans is the list of Korean tacos. Spicy pork tacos, veggie tacos, bulgogi tacos, and fish tacos are just a few fan favorites. If you have any room after shoveling in the best street tacos in the state, please do yourself a favor and order the dumplings.

One reviewer summed up his experience at Southern Comfort Kitchen this way: "There was a line. There was hunger. There was a sandwich. There was heaven in my belly." That sentiment pretty much reflects the nearly universal praise the authentically New Orleans Cajun truck has earned from its neighbors. If you can, try everything. If you only have one shot at the indulgent, hearty fare, go for the po' boy, crawfish etouffee or the fried chicken sandwich.

What does Hawaii have in common with the city of Columbus? The Aloha Streatery. Fans endorse the entire menu, but if you had to pick one item, it should definitely be the buns, which give you choices like pork belly, Hawaiian barbecue and, of course, Spam. If you've even been to Hawaii, you'll understand the obsession. If you haven't, the food at Aloha Streatery is as close as you're going to get in the Rust Belt.

Made-from-scratch pasta is only part of the draw at Basil Thyme, an unassuming-looking truck that locals know is a true District gem. Loyalists put the lasagna in the running for best on Earth, particularly the half-truffle, half-butternut squash version. The price is right — think: half-and-half lasagna, side salad, cannoli and a drink for around $10), the lines are short and the service comes with a smile.

If you're in need of a bacon fix and you see a big, pink truck covered in pictures of pigs and bacon, you're in luck. It's The Bacon Truck. The B.L.T. is predictably delicious — add avocado to make it a B.L.A.T. There's also a bacon, scallion hash and egg concoction called the Hangover, the Pork & Mindy and a slew of desserts featuring everyone's favorite meat. Try the chocolate bacon truffles or the candied bacon.

Reviewers gush over the food at Singh's Vietnamese, but they also caution that the wait can be somewhat long. That's because people line up patiently for the brisket with jasmine rice, banh mi and egg rolls, which locals know are well worth a few extra minutes in line.

In Southern California, locals expect great tacos. But even in the Latin cuisine paradise of San Diego, Mariscos Mi Gusto Es stands out. With a five-star rating after 230 Yelp reviews, SoCal loyalists rave about the "fluffy inside, crispy outside" fare, which is known for being cheap, fresh and delicious — even by the standards of taco-spoiled San Diegans.

Live easy. Eat sliders. That's the motto at Easy Slider, which packs as much punch as possible into their adorable tiny burgers, all of which are teeming with big flavor. Try the cheddar- and jalapeno-packed Roadside, the Seven Layer or, if meat isn't your thing, the Baby Bella. They also opened a physical restaurant in Deep Ellum, but food trucks are so much more fun.

The Butt Hutt is the go-to smokehouse on wheels for barbecue lovers in Jacksonville. Brisket, pulled pork, chicken and sausage are the dominant meats, and the menu is filled out with a nice selection of tacos, giant, smothered Florida Boy sandwiches, an array of massive, messy fry concoctions and even some salads. Its loyal crop of local followers rate the Butt Hutt five stars on Yelp, often commenting on the freshness of the food, the friendliness of the staff, and the booming flavor of the sauces.

Alaska was once part of Russia — and Russian dumplings are what made Alaskan Dumplings famous. The menu continues to expand, but dumplings are still the showcase item. From potato and cheese to chicken, pork, salmon and beef, you choose your filling and then drench the finished product in one of three homemade sauces.

As a state that borders Mexico, the birthplace of the burrito, Arizona has no shortage of the dreamy, tortilla-wrapped cylindrical hunger killers — but the Left Coast Burrito Co. stands out even in that crowded field. The truck is manned by some of the most experienced food truck heroes in the business, and the menu includes a vegetarian burrito, a vegan burrito, and a chicken-based monster named "Hello, McFly."

Tacos and food trucks have gone together hand in hand since restaurants first sprouted wheels — and in Los Angeles, it feels like there's a taco truck on every corner. But Guerrilla Tacos finds a way to claw and scratch its way to prominence even in Southern California's incredibly competitive market. Started by chef Wes Avila in 2012, the truck changes the game with offerings like summer squash quesadilla tacos and handmade hamachi tuna tostadas.

Boasting an entire menu that's gluten-free and organic, Quiero Arepas serves its South American delicacies out of a low-emission vehicle that's powered by natural gas. With meat, cheese and produce that's locally sourced, Quiero Arepas brings the real Venezuelan experience to Denver in an environmentally friendly way. Although the eco-friendly theme makes loyal locals feel good, it's the arepas that have earned the truck a place on a host of prominent "best-of" lists.

Box of Chacos cruises all throughout South Florida, and wherever it goes, its unique blend of Asian-Latin cuisine goes with it. Try the kimchi burger tacos and Tio's five-spice pork. Is meat not your thing? Then try the vegan jackfruit carnitas or Shaolin Veg options.

Found in Idaho's Treasure Valley, Bel Cibo is known for its gourmet sandwiches, but its slogan is "comfort food with a twist" for a reason. Scratch-cooked meals include the famous Italian melt, laced habanero poppers, jerk chicken and potato balls. Bel cibo, by the way, fittingly means "beautiful food" in Italian.

Small batch, scratch-made cupcakes baked within 24 hours of sale are what keeps the locals coming back to A.Sweets Girl. S'mores cupcakes are a bestseller, as are the classic red velvet cupcake. The matcha tea cupcake is brand new, and the PB & choco will most certainly satisfy your sweet tooth.

The Cajun delights served in the Mobile Catfish Kitchen come from SouthFresh Farms, which works closely with its suppliers to ensure its fish are fresh, well-fed and sustainably farmed. Food truck guru Roaming Hunger recommends the authentic roadside fare, which is so fresh, the company promises there's "less than 45 minutes from pond to fillet."

While great food trucks are of course known for their food, few things keep loyal customers coming back more than a great cup of coffee — and that's exactly what you'll get at Wild Way. A truly gourmet coffee experience in a world of corporate chains, you can even opt for a side of dark chocolate and a dried orange slice for perfect flavor harmony. Need a real pick-me-up? Try the Purple Drank — a one-of-a-kind espresso concoction made with fresh blueberries.

The culinary holy trinity at Frencheeze consists of bread, butter and cheese — doesn't sound like much, right? Think again. Whether it's mac-and-cheese balls or goat cheese on a croissant, Frencheeze spins this simple trifecta into a world of culinary creations you never know existed.

Jurasic Pork dishes up some of America's best barbecue — not in Texas or the Carolinas, but in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic. Yes, Maryland is crab country, but one bite of Jurasic Pork barbecue — particularly the pulled pork — and you'll know why Maryland's best food truck is crustacean free.

Superhero fans rejoice — there's finally a food cart for you ... and anyone else who loves amazing sandwiches and unique sides like kale slaw and loaded waffle fries. It's Hero or Villain, and the names are big enough to match the flavor. Try out the Wolverine, Mega Man, Mario, and Dark Phoenix.

You can find goat meat in some ethnic, Halal-based food trucks — but rarely is that the specialty. That's exactly the case with the Curious Goat, where you can also get standard fare like beef and pork. But if you're feeling frisky, try the goat burger, an amazing sandwich that comes with seared cheese.

Missouri might be the last place you'd expect to find Hawaiian cuisine so authentic that you think you've been transported from St. Louis to Honolulu — yet there it is. Buzz's Hawaiian Grill serves plate lunches and dinners that are based on the traditional food eaten by pineapple and sugarcane plantation workers, whose roots in China, Japan, Korea, Cuba, Portugal, and beyond combined to create one of the world's most eclectic and unique cuisines.

Las Vegas is teeming with food trucks, but Dragon Grille is a cut above, thanks to offerings like the Korean beef brisket bowl, chicken egg rolls and bulgogi fries. The Asian fusion truck is now a staple in the city, and tourists are beginning to understand what locals have always known — that the Korean barbecue is in the running for best in the state.

There was a time when Jersey City was considered the mean streets — and Angry Archie's keeps just a little bit of that spirit alive. In this case, however, a bad attitude has proven to be delicious. The Angry Lobster Roll should be your first move, but on repeat visits, branch out to the Angry Crab Sandwich or Angry Chicken Sandwich — and wash it all down with an Angry Lemonade.

Albuquerque residents flock to Cheesy Street because the truck has taken the classic grilled cheese to a new plateau. After a few visits, however, they discover things like the Almosty Christo, the Yo Mama, the pesto provolone and the Albuquerque Turkey. From there, they're hooked — just as you will be if you ever drop in.

New York City is the beating heart of the food truck world, and New Yorkers are so fiercely loyal to their favorite carts that no one selection will please everyone. Thai Mis Delicias, however, will please most. The Thai Chile peppers alone are worth a visit, as are the Singapore stir-noodle, Malaysian-style maya and Thai barbecue.

Although Boca Loca now boasts a brick-and-mortar shop, its food truck never forgot its street-based roots. From the Cubano and the Chick-In-Sanity to the Big Wet One (the name pretty much sums it up), the entire operation captures the messy, delicious spirit of Cleveland's food scene.

Oklahoma is famous for its bustling food truck parks, and one of the longest lines you'll find is in front of the Purple People Feeder. The gourmet gouda burger is stellar, as is the Chicken Cordon Bleu Your Mind, which is a grilled chicken sandwich to end all grilled chicken sandwiches. Whether you opt for either of those, one of the awesome breakfast creations or the legendary Sriracha Hammie Sammie, you order is almost certain to be a gooey, drippy, delicious mess.

Known almost as much for their super-friendly service as they are for their outrageously good — and stacked outrageously high — pastrami sandwiches, Pastrami Zombie takes lunch meat to a new level. Several levels, actually (order a double, if you dare). Eater recently named the sandwich lover's paradise as the hottest food cart in Portland -- which says quite a bit in a city with hundreds of carts.

Philly is known for its cheesesteaks, but next time you're in town, head off the beaten local-food path toward 17th and Washington. That's where you'll find Bangin' Curry Franklin, which comes at you with fresh, all-natural, hand-crafted Japanese curry. Furikake fries and curry rice are just part of the draw — the amazingly friendly staff is what keeps people coming back.

Nearly every town in America is home to a Chinese food joint — but none quite like Buddha Belly. That's because the cuisine is actual Chinese food, curated by a Rhode Island native on his many visits to China. Chinese crepes, Beijing soup and a Chinese hard-boiled seasoned egg called Wu Xiang Dan are all part of the reason Rhode Islanders flock to Buddha Belly for a taste of the Far East.

Roti Rolls might just be the first farm-to-truck enterprise in South Carolina. Its legions of adoring fans line up for the Creole mac and cheese, homemade kimchi, braised short ribs and more.

The Breaking Burrito logo is so Heisenberg-esque that seems to border on copyright infringement — even the truck's Facebook handle is @WALT3RWHIT3. The menu, however, is a true original. Fans rave about the "crunchies" in the burritos, and seem to agree that the reasonably priced fare is the best burrito — and Mexican food in general — in town.

Known for its "Thai with a twist," Deg Thai has won a slew of awards in Nashville in recent years. That's all thanks to offerings like grilled chicken basil, grilled chicken green curry, chicken toasted sweet chili and, of course, the classic chicken pad Thai.

You can find Raymond's Three Little Pigs any time you're in Austin — in fact, Raymond, the head piggy, is one of the city's most celebrated chefs. Come for the cracklin' meatloaf wrapped in bacon, but stay for the venison sausage and Brussels sprouts.

It stands to reason that one of the best food trucks in Wisconsin would be famous for its cheese — and that's exactly the case with Curd Girl. Madison locals and tourists alike flock for the fried curds, which have won a spot on a host of best-of lists, as well as accolades from the Madison press and beyond.