From a traveling 1950s soda wagon dishing out old-school burgers to a Peruvian street food truck with a cult following, these are the food trucks worth tracking down this summer.
Food trucks have been inescapable since the mid-2010s—lining up almost perfectly with the release of Jon Favreau’s heartfelt comedy Chef in 2014, which chronicled the journey of a chef who went from demi-glace and fine dining to slinging Cuban sandwiches alongside his son out of the back of a truck. Since then, more and more chefs have taken their shot at that same journey, and New Jersey is no exception.
With summer here, there’s no better time to sample some of the Garden State’s best bites on wheels. From the banks of the Jersey Shore to Hudson County, and everything in between, here are 11 food trucks to try this summer—permanent fixtures, traveling kitchens, and pop-ups alike.
Lulu’s Truck
Popping up at breweries and events around North Jersey is Lulu’s—a seriously good taco truck coming from the team behind top New Jersey restaurant, Gioia Mia. At Lulu’s, you’ll find quesadillas stuffed with huitlacoche, baja fish tacos, nachos grande, and marinated carne asada. Check their Instagram to see where they’re popping up next, or book Lulu’s for a private event.
Roll-O Dairy Bar
This 1950s soda wagon is more of a cart than a truck, but I’m counting it and you can’t stop me. Roll-O’s claim to fame is the burger—a thick beef patty, served with pickles, white American, and raw sliced onion on a kaiser roll—but Owner and Lead Fry Cook Drew Jordan serves an array of fun items depending on the day, like Italian hot dogs, stuffed cherry peppers, cherry water ice, and chocolate icebox pie. Find out where Roll-O is headed next over at their Instagram.
The Lomo Truck
The Lomo Truck has two brick and mortar stores now, but their humble beginnings as a food truck still shine through. They specialize in Peruvian bites—specifically Lomo Saltado, a stir fry of steak, peppers, onions, and fries. You can catch the truck streetside, at events and festivals, and booked out for gatherings. Check out their Instagram for the latest.
Prepped For You
Caribbean flavors and fine dining experience collide at Prepped For You, a Jamaican food truck by Chef Christina Hinds. Braised oxtail, jerk chicken, beef patties—need I say more? Typically, you’ll find PFY posted up in Jersey City at 722 Montgomery St, but keep an eye on social media for the latest.
Colonial Grill
Colonial Grill first went viral for their steak frites, which comes with hand-cut fries, garlic sauce, and truffle chimichurri—packed into a takeout container and sold at just $20. Beyond, eat lamb gyros, burgers, cheesesteaks, and more. Colonial Grill lives permanently at 3 Park Place in Morristown, with an additional Weekends-only spot on Pier A in Hoboken. Check their site for current hours, menu, and more.
Adam Spicy Halal Food
This Halal truck parks right outside the Hoboken PATH at 95 River St, fueling commuters who are heading to and from the City each and every day. It’s your classic NYC-style Halal food—mix lamb and chicken over rice, falafel, pita sandwiches, and grilled shrimp. The kind of working class cart that goes right back to the roots of food truck culture.
Empanada Guy
If you see one of Empanada Guy’s red trucks anywhere around New Jersey, do yourself a favor and grab some grub. They have several empanadas to try, including classic beef, guava and cheese, lobster, pulled pork, and even an apple cinnamon option for your sweet tooth. Don’t forget to grab a Cuban sandwich, too. See their full schedule here.
Five Sisters Food Co.
Two-time best burger truck in America, the No. 16 food truck in the nation, NJ’s No. 1 food truck for after weddings—Five Sisters has stacked their accolades since opening in 2013. This South Jersey-based truck is a true family operation: mom, dad, and five sisters dishing out 10 different 100% Angus beef burgers, fat sandwiches, and loaded fries. Find out where Five Sisters is next at their Instagram.
Angry Archie’s
It’s all about lobster rolls at Angry Archie’s, which you can find all throughout New Jersey. Each week, Angry Archie’s posts where they’ll be at their site. You can even pre-order for one of the upcoming dates if you know you’ll be stopping by. Beyond the famous lobster rolls, enjoy crab cake sandwiches, clam chowder, and lobster mac and cheese.
Bearded One BBQ
We recently named Bearded One BBQ one of New Jersey’s best barbecue joints. It may not move from its home at 933 NJ-33 in Monroe Township, but it is on wheels, and that’s what counts. Enjoy everything from barbecue pork tacos, beef brisket, jalapeno-topped burgers, and $1 wings on Thursdays. If you like what you see—and you will—book their lot for your next outdoor gathering.
Mary’s Mobile Diner
Does it get more Jersey than a classic diner on wheels? French toast bites, griddled home fries, breakfast tacos, baked ziti, honey garlic pulled pork—you name it, and Mary’s Mobile Diner is probably doing it. Usually, you’ll find Mary’s at 253 N Odessa Ave in Egg Harbor City, but you can check their site or call for the latest.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
