There’s no shortage of enticing food trucks in Charlotte — check out a few favorites
The nation’s earliest food trucks — chuckwagons — appeared on the scene in the 1800s providing meat, biscuits and coffee for cattlemen in the western wilderness. The next notable iterations surfaced as Oscar Meyers’ Wienermobile in the 1930s and the beloved ice cream truck in the 1950s. But it wasn’t until the new millennium that food trucks really hit their stride, offering every type of food imaginable.
While we certainly have more access to eats than the early cowboys, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a good food truck. And fortunately for Charlotteans, we have an incredible selection within the region.
From loaded mac and cheese or steamed dumplings to nachos and empanadas, you can find something to hit the spot no matter your taste. Here are just a few of my favorites:
Ace of Spuds
One of the city’s most popular food trucks, Ace of Spuds, has a line for a very good reason — and you need to get in it. I never knew what I was missing until I tried the Buffalo ranch chicken potato. There is no skimping here: The potatoes are enormous, tender and fluffy, with overflowing toppings. Ace of Spuds also offers loaded home fries topped with chipotle shrimp and andouille sausage, as well as a selection of crispy potato skins. Simplicity mastered!
See its next stop on Instagram.
Another!? Food Truck
Another!? Food Truck is a playful concept of nostalgic Southern dishes with a decadent twist started by chef and owner Anthony Denning (of Food Network’s “Chopped” Champion fame) and wife and business partner Kristen. Every single item offered is incredible — can you really go wrong with “Crack Mac,” a classic ooey gooey macaroni and cheese? If you’re feeling spicy, try the seafood version with a generous helping of shrimp, crab, spinach and tomatoes with a panko crust. Definitely go for the crispy shrimp tacos and the fried Brussels sprouts layered with black coffee bacon jam. In fact, just say yes to everything.
Detour Coffeebar
In 2019, Mike Hargett launched Detour Coffeebar after deciding to leave the corporate life he’d worked in for more than a decade — thus the appropriate moniker. A former bookstore barista, Hargett travels the city serving up locally roasted coffees, sparkling sodas, smoothies, breakfast burritos and delectable pastries. The usual coffee drinks are bold yet smooth, but don’t ignore the specialty drinks like the Seaside Macchiato with caramel and toasted coconut, or the Dirty Banana Chai.
Find your caffeine fix through Instagram.
Dumpling Girls
Originally from China, food truck owner Rebecca Huang was inspired by her dad’s Sichuan cooking at a young age. The spring rolls are crispy, hot and delicious, and the cucumber salad is cool and refreshing. But, obviously, the real stars of the show are the dumplings — and they do not disappoint. Try the Sichuan dumplings (steamed); my personal favorite are the chicken and pork. They’re basically dumpling pillows of bursting flavor. The pan fried versions are perfectly crispy, and the shrimp and pork dumpling is the way to go. Also, do yourself a favor and get the sweet potato balls.
Halal Food Cart
This food truck is an Uptown staple and can frequently be found near Bank of America Plaza. Expect rich flavors, large portions and quick service. The chicken and lamb over rice is a favorite, served up with spicy red and flavorful white sauces — and under $10. The gyros are amazing, and the falafel salad is so delicious that I even recommend it for non-vegetarians. Sometimes the line can get long, but service is pretty fast — it’s cash only.
Holy City Waffles
Holy City Waffles takes dessert waffles to the next level. These buttermilk waffles are served up with a popsicle stick, dripping in awesome mouthwatering toppings. Best sellers include the s’mores waffle with warm milk chocolate, marshmallows, graham cracker crumbles and chocolate drizzle; and the cinnamon roll waffle with melted butter, cinnamon sugar and vanilla glaze. But there is so much more, like the Fruity Pebbles and the Nutella strawberry waffle, as well as a chocolate chip cookie dough dip served cool with pretzels. Worth the wait in line any day.
Stay in the loop on Instagram.
Jon G’s Barbecue
In 2020, Garren Kirkman — affectionately known as Jon G — and wife, Kelly, opened Jon G’s Barbecue in Peachland, about an hour drive from Charlotte. Fortunately for Charlotteans, these two North Carolina natives are sharing the love via a food truck, as well. Some of the best barbecue you’ve ever had, Jon G’s serves up smoked brisket, pulled pork and house-made sausage links (with Cheerwine and Queso Texicano) as platters, sandwiches and tacos. Compliment your meal with rich mac and cheese, brown sugar baked beans or jalapeno cheese grits. Be on your toes because, despite massive preparations, the food truck (and the restaurant — with a line out the door) routinely sell out.
Track its next visit to Charlotte on Instagram.
Nacho Average Truck
It just doesn’t get better than this — Ashley Outlaw is serving up gourmet nachos, quesadillas and burritos with fresh, homemade toppings to fill happy bellies across the Charlotte region. There’s a set menu, with standard favorites like Buffalo Chicken and Beef Supreme Nachos, but also weekly specials like the cheesy crunch tacos (literally wrapped in flat top melted cheesy goodness) and the chicken tinga nachos. She also gets creative with the Crunchwrap, made with ground beef, shredded cheese, nachos, crema, queso, lettuce and pico — wrapped, grilled and closed with a cheese crust.
No Forks Given
Alan Falcon and Pat Mazzeo, proud owners of No Forks Given, have been cranking out tasty cubanos, empanadas and croquettes since 2017. At some point, I recommend trying everything on the menu, but the crispy chicken empanadas and the OG Cubano are the place to start. The Cubano is so massive it can easily serve as two meals.
Pro tip: it’s even better the next day. Be sure to save room for the dulce de leche churros —you will not quickly forget these.
Ve-Go Food Truck
Chefs Akil and Paris Courtney own this vegan food truck that will sneaky blow your socks off. Even as a carnivore, I can tell you this is some of the most delicious food I’ve ever had. Ultimate loaded nachos: yes. Sweet potato fries: absolutely. And the Hennessy BBQ Ribz and Mac n’ Cheez: definitely. Be sure to check out the Cauliflower Wingz and the Bang Bang Shrymp. If you’re hungry earlier in the day, Ve-Go also offers up incredible brunch options such as peach cobbler pancakes and a tofu scrambler.
Find its next stop on Instagram.
This story was originally published August 21, 2023 at 6:30 AM.
