Discovering Charlotte's Must-Try Food Trucks

Discovering Charlotte's Must-Try Food Trucks

Street food has become an exciting culinary trend across the country, with food trucks bringing delicious, creative dishes right to the people. This is especially true in Charlotte, North Carolina, a city quickly becoming known for its vibrant food truck culture. Residents and visitors alike are flocking to these mobile restaurants to get a taste of Charlotte's take on classic comfort foods, international flavors, and gourmet fusions. Keep reading to learn all about Charlotte's buzz-worthy food truck scene and where to find the city's tastiest trucks.

The Rise of Food Trucks in Charlotte

Though food trucks have been around for decades, they really exploded onto Charlotte's culinary landscape around 2010. This corresponded with the economic downturn, as the relatively low start-up costs of food trucks enabled more aspiring restauranteurs to take the plunge. Food trucks also capitalized on the growing popularity of street food, offering quick, convenient meals with global inspirations. The food truck phenomenon took hold quickly, with dozens cruising Charlotte's streets within a few short years.

Initially, trucks congregated around the city center, targeting the weekday lunch crowd. But they soon fanned out to various neighborhoods on nights and weekends. The city embraced the trend, designating "food truck Fridays" in some areas and organizing events like Food Truck Fridays on the Greenway. The annual Queen City Street Food Festival also draws in huge crowds eager to sample offerings from dozens of trucks. Charlotte's food truck culture continues to thrive today, with new trucks constantly popping up.

Can't-Miss Charlotte Food Tricks

From timeless Americana to Asian fusion, you'll find an incredible variety of cuisines rolling through Charlotte. Here are some of the city's most popular food trucks you won't want to miss:

• What The Fries - French fry fanatics flock to this truck devoted entirely to everyone's favorite salty spud. Try loaded fries smothered in cheese, chili, and more.
• Jamaican Jerk Pit - This Caribbean kitchen serves up authentic jerk chicken, oxtail, curry goat, and other island specialties with a spicy kick.
• Bibimbap Box - Korean fusion flavors shine through in bibimbap bowls, bulgogi sandwiches, kimchi quesadillas, and specialty drinks.
• The Sloppy Rooster - Fried chicken sandwiches reach new heights atop glazed donuts and in creative combinations like the PB&J Chicken Sandwich.
• Holy Molé Tacos - Authentic street tacos get adventurous twists with molé sauce, Korean beef, and other global flavors.

You'll also find Charlotte food trucks dishing up pizza, lobster rolls, pho, Hawaiian plates, meatballs, cupcakes, and much more. Many trucks announce their locations via social media, so follow your favorites to track them down.

Food Truck Events in Charlotte

Though you can often stumble upon Charlotte's best food trucks parked around the city, attending a dedicated food truck event guarantees delicious variety. Some of the city's most popular annual food truck events include:

• Queen City Street Food Festival - Held each September, this huge gathering hosts over 60 trucks, live music, craft beer, and more downtown.
• Food Truck Fridays on the Greenway - From spring through fall, various food trucks convene weekly for lunchtime crowds along the Irwin Creek Greenway.
• Historic South End Food Truck Friday - Monthly event with 20+ trucks lined up along Sycamore Street in Charlotte's artsy South End.
• University City Food Truck Friday - A dozen trucks dish out good eats in Charlotte's University City neighborhood on select Friday nights.

Charlotte also hosts various one-off and neighborhood food truck events throughout the warmer months. And many breweries feature rotating food trucks to fuel patrons. So keep an eye out as you explore the city.

Satisfying Your Street Food Cravings in Charlotte

Charlotte's ever-growing food truck scene offers almost endless options for on-the-go eats. From clever takes on comfort foods to authentic international flavors, these mobile eateries truly capture Queen City's adventurous and welcoming spirit. So be sure to come hungry next time you're exploring Charlotte to fully indulge in this mouthwatering movement.

FAQs

Where are the best places to find food trucks in Charlotte?

Food trucks often gather around Uptown Charlotte, NoDa, Plaza Midwood, South End, and University City. Many also park at breweries. Follow trucks on social media to find current locations.

When did the Charlotte food truck scene start?

Charlotte's food truck scene emerged around 2010, growing quickly to dozens of trucks by the middle of the decade.

What are the most popular types of cuisine served on Charlotte food trucks?

You'll find almost any cuisine on Charlotte food trucks, including American comfort food, tacos, Asian fusion, barbecue, seafood, pizza, sandwiches, and more.

Are food trucks expensive in Charlotte?

Prices vary by truck, but generally range from $8-$15 for entrees. Many offer wallet-friendly specials and combo deals as well.

Are food trucks open year-round in Charlotte?

Most trucks operate March through November, with limited hours in winter. However, a handful run year-round in Charlotte.