Best Food Trucks In Minnesota
Summer in the Twin Cities has become synonymous with the appearance of swarms of food trucks since legislative measures passed allowing them to hit the streets just a few years ago. Parked at designated Food Truck Courts in St. Paul, sidled up alongside bustling downtown Minneapolis streets, positioned outside of brewery taprooms and popping up at outdoor events, food trucks have become an integral part of the city landscape. As the swarm of food trucks grows, deciding where to grab a quick bite can leave one struck with indecision. While this list is too short to give all of the stand-outs a shout-out, a meal from some of the best food trucks around is guaranteed to ease uncertainty and hunger pangs.
Gastrotruck
(763) 607-6055
www.gastrotruck.mobi
Upon first impression, a food truck may not seem like the place to score quality cuisine. But the Gastrotruck's offerings break the stereotype. Featured favorites include a melt-in-your mouth pork belly sandwich, a flavorful and vegetarian/vegan-friendly lentil and brown rice burger and creamy macaroni and cheese. Everything from lamb burgers to pork tacos and miso soup to quinoa salad has appeared on the Gastrotruck's revolving menu. But whatever offerings you have to choose from, you can rest assured that your meal was hand crafted from quality ingredients sourced from sustainable, environmentally responsible suppliers.
Related: Best Food Trucks In The Twin Cities
Vellee Deli
(763) 350-2994
www.velleedeli.com
Vellee Deli serves up fantastic fusion, featuring a variety of Pan-Asian and Mexican mash-ups. Sweet, spicy, sour and salty are expertly combined in fan favorites like the legendary Korean BBQ burrito to create unique and balanced flavor combinations that tantalize the taste buds. From delicate and irresistibly crispy egg rolls to cheesy, melty quesadillas to scrumptious bahn mi sandwiches, each simplistically styled offering pleases with the complexity of flavors achieved. And if you like it hot, add another level of complexity by customizing the spice level by requesting 'kicks' to heat things up.
Chef Shack
(612) 354-2575
www.chefshackranch.com
It's no secret that the Chef Shack serves up some seriously good food on the go, having garnered both local and national attention as offering some of the most creative culinary eats to have ever hit the streets. Serving up eclectic mobile eats, the Chef Shack has something to suit all palates, from those who prefer not to stray from their food comestible comfort zone to the downright adventurous. From bacon beer brats to tempura soft shell crab sandwiches and beef tongue tacos to bison burgers, the Chef Shack rotates its creative menu regularly to take advantage of the best ingredients seasonally. You'll want to save room for dessert as the Indian spiced mini donuts are unbelievably delicious.
Smack Shack
(612) 259-7288
www.smack-shack.com
Finding killer crustacean cuisine in a landlocked state isn't easy, but the Smack Shack brings the coast a little closer with the freshly imported New England lobster that tops its top-rated lobster rolls. Enjoy fresh, chilled lobster combined with cucumber, tarragon and a lovely lemon aioli sandwiched between two warm, buttery slices of griddled milk bread. The Smack Shack menu features a variety of unique seafood dishes, including the noteworthy fried shrimp po' boy and a decadent lobster mac & cheese. And if langoustines just ain't your thang, give the Smack Burger or Smack Wings a try. The Smack Shack truck only hits the streets for special events, so get your fix at its brick and mortar location when crustacean cravings strike. And follow the Smack Shack on Twitter for updates on where the truck can be seen next.
Hola Arepa
(612) 217-0635
www.holaarepa.com
This Latin American food truck may serve up just one specialty menu item, but it does it so well that it deserves a special mention on a listing of best food trucks. Serving up arepas, which are cornmeal griddle-cake sandwiches served up hot, fresh and made to order, hungry patrons can select from several succulent stuffing options including slow-roasted pork, chimichurri chicken and black bean and queso fresco, accompanied by complementary veggies and sauces. Pair it with a fresh-made lemonade, iced tea or an Arnie Palmer for a refreshing and satisfying meal. Check out Hola Arepa's new brick and mortar location if the food truck eludes you.
The Moral Omnivore
(612) 532-2084
www.themoralomnivore.com
A relative newcomer to the food truck scene, The Moral Omnivore has quickly made a name for itself, proudly serving up a variety of "ethical eats from bacon to beets." From fresh, seasonal salads and inventive beet sliders, fried green BLTs to curried mushroom fries, everything on the menu is locally sourced, sustainably produced and sure to please even the most discerning omnivore (or herbivore). Menu offerings change, so stay posted to see what eclectic offerings the Moral Omnivore will serve up next.
A Minnesota native that was born and raised Up North, Minneapolis is where Christina Kalinowski currently calls home. Christina appreciates irony, loves bacon, enjoys a hearty libation (drink responsibly, folks), and is an avid proponent of the Swanson Pyramid of Greatness. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
