You’re coming home from the office, thinking about how much you don’t want to cook, and BAM! One of the city’s most popular, full sensory-engaging food trucks is right before you. The sounds of crowds gathering, the delicious smell, and even the view of the truck alone will make your mouth water. So, what are you waiting for? Join us as we explore 10 of the best Chicago food trucks on the move!
La Cocinita
La Cocinita, whose brick-and-mortar location lies a little north of the City in Evanston, is dishing up Venezuelan staples to the streets of Chicago. This food truck features 6 steps to fashion your “ideal meal”. First, decide if want a taco, arepa, bowl, or “Burri-Taco”. Next, work your way through proteins, sauces, toppings, drinks, and desserts to concoct a special meal. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, La Cocinita has also collected donations to serve free meals to healthcare workers and first responders. Good food for a good cause? We’re in.
The Cookout on Wheels
The Cookout on Wheels is about bringing the backyard to the streets of Chicago. Started by a couple whose food was the highlight of every cookout they went to, the Cookout on Wheels was born into something that brings BBQ essentials like pulled pork “Sammiches,” burgers, grilled sausages, and hot dogs to those of us who may or may not live in a high rise with no access to a grill (or lack grillmaster potential). One thing to look out for is their Prime Ribeye Sandwich, piled high with tender prime ribeye, caramelized onion, roasted garlic, grilled asparagus, and a fresh chimichurri sauce. YUM.
Chicago Porkchop
With an expansive menu and an emphasis on laid-back eats, you can’t go wrong with a stop at Chicago Porkchop when it comes rolling down the street. The menu features favorites like fried pickles, spicy seared catfish, and tangy chipotle bourbon ribs. At this food truck, you’ll find that the chefs have perfected their classic menu and stray far from “trend-chasing.” This is also one of the great food trucks that have one of our favorite things: a dessert menu to follow a great meal. Homemade cheesecake, homemade cookies, apple pie, and brownies will put the cherry on top of a delicious, fresh-to-order meal.
Chicago Lunchbox
Self-proclaimed as “not just another Asian hybrid”, the Chicago Lunchbox menu features some of the most delicious food you can get from the side of a large truck. Their contemporary take on classic dishes makes for an always exciting and ever-changing combination of flavors and textures. Staple Asian dishes are amplified with the Lunchbox flare that keeps patrons returning for more. If you’re ready to hunt down the food truck, stay up to date with their Twitter profile, where they post real-time updates on where you can find these awesome eats.
Cheesie’s
It’s no secret that Cheesie’s is a Chicago favorite. But did you know that they also have a roaming food truck? You no longer have to trek to Belmont to get your hands on that delicious mac & cheese grilled cheese because it could be driving down your street any day now! While the menu is a little watered down from the physical locations, you can still find house favorites like the mac mentioned above, the Frenchie, the Popper, and the ever-popular Tenderizer. Best of all? You can reserve Cheesie’s food truck for your next event. Stay Cheesie, folks.
Babycakes
Is there anything better than fresh pancakes? Yeah, fresh pancakes on the go. The Babycakes makes its rounds around Chicago at popular events. However, did you know you can also rent it for your next big affair? Weddings? Add pancakes. Birthday parties? ADD. PANCAKES. The flavor choices seem endless, with options like classic buttermilk, Blueberry Dream, Chocolate Chip Fantasy (I’m sold there), and pepperoni pizza.
The Little Red Donut Truck
The Little Red Donut Truck is definitely one of my favorites. They specialize in mini apple cider donuts, and they are damn good. While waiting for your donuts, you actually get to see how the sausage donuts are made. The viewing window allows you to watch the process from start to finish, leaving you with a brown paper bag filled with warm, cinnamon-y goodness. This truck moves all around the city and the suburbs, and the best way to keep up with their whereabouts is through Instagram or Facebook!
Chubby Wieners Wiener Wagon
Alright, we’ll get this out of the way: yes, we’re big fans of the name of this food truck because who doesn’t love a classic hot dog related double entendre. Chubby Wieners? Elite. But that’s not the only reason we love this food truck. We’re from Chicago. After all, we love hot dogs! With many options of dogs, you can choose from the classic Chicago style, chili cheese dogs, and the Tree Hugger Veggie Dog. Hot dogs are not really your thing? That’s okay (not really). Chubby Wieners also has savory burgers, chicken sandwiches, and Chubby’s signature fries.
The Original Rainbow Cone
Hunt. That. Rainbow. Cone. For real. If you wonder just how serious the Rainbow Cone truck is… they even have a truck tracking app to make your hunt more legit. Unlike the brick-and-mortar location, the Rainbow Cone truck feratingrotating seasonal flavors that can’t be found anywhere else. Plus, they always pop up at our favorite spots like the Shedd Aquarium or the Lincoln Park Zoo, making them the perfect truck to look for on a weekend off!
Soul & Smoke
The code word is “mac n’ cheese.” But their BBQ platters are just as good. Mix & match sausages, ribs, and their famous briskets, or try one of their signature sandwiches. And while you’re there, perhaps grab a bottle of the Soul & Smoke BBQ sauce so you can recreate the flavor at home!
Featured Image: The Little Red Donut Truck
The post 10 Chicago Food Trucks to Hunt Down When You’re Exploring the City appeared first on UrbanMatter.
