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The ubiquitous taco truck.: Johnny Hanson : 29-95
Updated 4.9.12
Houston is home to hundreds of taco trucks serving inexpensive, humble and filling fare. If you’re up for an adventure, stop and give one a try. You haven’t lived until you’ve tried authentic tacos al pastor (marinated, slow-cooked pork tacos). The city has some of the toughest health codes in the country so you have no worries, even if the truck looks a little rough around the edges.
Traditional taco trucks aside, the city also recently has seen an explosion in the number of mobile kitchens cruising downtown and in the clubs and entertainment districts.
These gourmet food trucks dish everything from pizza to pot pies. If you’re really into the truck scene, you can track them on Twitter. Here are six to brake for:
Good Dog's Chicago and Ol' Zapata dogs.: Alison Cook : 29-95
Good Dog Hot Dogs: This isn’t your backyard dog. These puppies are Texas-sourced and topped with house-made condiments such as sriracha ketchup, jalapeno relish and roasted garlic aioli. Even the buns have a fine pedigree. We can’t get enough of the Ol’ Zapata Dog, which is topped with bacon, muenster cheese, caramelized onions, tomatoes and jalapeno relish.
Twitter: @GoodDogHotDogs
Eatsie Boys: These little overachievers serve outrageously good, locally sourced sandwiches (chicken poblano sausage or slow pork, to name two) off of one truck, have a second truck serving artisan ice cream (think sweet potato marshmallow and salted caramel/bacon) and they are preparing to open a brick and mortar store later this summer. Seek them out and discover Da Bomb (a Vietnamese-style sandwich with marinated chicken, cilantro, cucumber, pickled carrots and roasted jalapenos).
Twitter: @eatsieboys
The Waffle Bus: Shiny and firetruck red, the Waffle Bus has built a big fan base for sweet and savory waffles. On the menu: fried chicken waffle sandwich, a sandwich stuffed with smoked salmon, lemon caper dill cream cheese, spinach and balsamic dressing, and a sweet sandwich with Nutella and banana.
Twitter: TheWaffleBus
Sean Carroll of Melange Creperie creates a banana and Nutella crepe.: R. Clayton McKee
Bernie’s Burger Bus: This bright yellow bus (actually, there are two) is hard to miss. The from-scratch menu of Angus burgers includes the Homerun with applewood bacon, cheddar, chipotli aioli and a fried egg. It’s unbelievably good and worthy of a side order of hand-cut fries with house-made ketchup.
Twitter: @BerniesBurgers
Melange Creperie: This popular kiosk recently spawned a second location. We, however, are crazy about the original where Sean Carroll mans the 500 degree grill and serves up the best crepes in town. Offerings change daily but look savory crepes such as a poblano pepper with queso fresco and sweet crepes filled with banana and nutella. If there’s a line, stick with it. Good food takes time.
Twitter: @MelangeCreperie
Oh My Gogi: This little operation serves fare that fuses the flavors of Korean barbecue with Mexican street fare. So what do you get? That would be Korean BBQ tacos filled with beef short rib, kimchi quesadillas served with a house-made salsa and OMG! fires topped spicy pork and Mexican cheeses.
Twitter: @OhMyGogi
Stick It's funnel cake-battered brie with berry compote.: Paul Galvani photo
Stick It: Everything tastes better on a stick. At least it feels that way. One of the city’s new mobile kitchens, Stick It serves an eclectic menu with items such as Texas beer-battered fish, Korean pork belly lettuce wraps and fried chicken. Don’t walk away without dessert: brie that’s been fried with funnel cake batter is accompanied with a berry compote. It’s cheesy goodness.
Twitter: @StickItTruck
Phamily Bites: Vietnamese food is a much a part of Houston’s flavor fabric as barbecue and Tex-Mex. So it’s no surprise that this food truck is so popular. It serves classic banh mi sandwiches, a soulful pho (that soup to the unintiated) and that Hawaiian fave Spam Musubi. For dessert, try the sesame balls filled with sweet red beans. Trust us. They’re good.
Twitter: @Phamily Bites
MMM Cupcake: This truck rolls all around downtown selling super-moist cupcakes -- carrot, chocolate, cinnamon roll, red velvet and strawberry -- to happy office workers. The cupcakes are just the perfect size for a sweet snack.
Twitter: @MMMCupcakeTruck
Oh My! Pocket Pies: Serves seriously good savory (roasted sweet potato or Salisbury steak) and dessert (bourbon candied apple) pies with super flaky crusts. Our favorite dish isn’t covered in pastry. Hit them up at breakfast for the biscuits and gravy pie. It’s the only way to start a day.
Twitter: @OhMyPocketPies
Need to recognize the bravery & determination of these businesses. It's tough out there!
Can you follow @OhMyPocketPies and @MelangeCreperie
Of course, Brittani. Now those links work. Follow away.
You mention tacos al pastor, but not a single taco truck is good enough to make the list? At least post a place to get good pastor taco.
I agree. Where are the taco trucks!?!
dunvale and richmond taco truck in the parking lot of the gas station. AAAAMAAAZZZINGGG! tacos, tortas it's all good!
I've lived in that area (directly across the street) for all of 9-10 years... and you are SO R-I-G-H-T!!! Those tacos are tha BOMB!!!!
Brenda's Taqueria @ South Gessner and Westpark has great Tacos Al Pastor. Open 24/7cbqlc
I am not afraid to try such eateries if they are recommended but otherwise I am not that adventurous. Oh man, though the crepes sound yummy and I think I will definitely be looking to see where he sets up so I can go get one. :)
You forgot Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen truck- "No Borders." http://www.sylviasenchiladakitchen.com/press.release.asp
Sean makes the most awesome crepes ever! He is always discovering new ways to tempt his patrons. If you down in the heart of Montrose on Westheimer, keep your eyes open for his little cart. I promise you will be glad you stopped.
You forgot Zilla Eats. Chicken and Waffles and White Trash grilled Cheese.
You forgot @Htownstreats! Delicious!!!
You forgot @Htownstreats! Delicious!!!
YO QUIERO TACO BELL SENOR!!!
Taco truck at Greenhouse @ Saums. Even this gringo loves.
I thought this was going to be about Taco Trucks.
Heads Up Tacos is a new taco truck in the washington area and rice village area. Caught a few of their tacos at marquis and must say they were some of the better tacos i have ever had. Must eat!!!
I'll pass.....
I love Hubcap Grill and Zilla Street Eats too!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/zilla-street-eats-houston
Be on the lookout soon for James Coney Island's seriously sweet Coneymobile. This truck trumps 'em all! Coming late Spring!
Nice thinly veiled plug but...isn't this is about supporting local business? not eating rubberized hotdogs from a dying chain...
There's a taco truck that's permanently parked on Richmond about a block and a half east of Shepherd. This is the real thing -- and the al pastor tacos are great!
i can't seem to find @eastieboys on twitter or anywhere else. help?!
its eatsieboys
You forgot Frosted Betty Bake Shop...they were the first cupcake truck in Houston and they are yum!
Cannot find Twitter, Yelp or Facebook URL for White Trash Grilled Cheese foos truck. Please advise.
What about the fusion truck? I cannot remember their name, but they had really yummy and original grub. Is twitter the only way to find out where these trucks are going to be?
Fusion Taco :)
Your guide to gourmet food trucks prompts me to this question. Does a multi-restaurant online-ordering-and-pick-up-and-delivery service exist in Houston. Years ago, a decade or two, many cities had these. In old age I have given up driving and would willingly pay an adequate fee and tip for such service. If there are no such circuit-riding trucks, please consider adding info on which gourmet restaurants have online menus and delivery service
2 questions...
What's the difference between carnitas and al pastor?
aaaand
Why does Melange cook with just one griddle (pardon incorrect terminology lol)? Quality control? Just curious
I am looking to put together a location where multiple food trucks can locate daily for lunch time. I am on Houston Ave. 3 mins from the heart of downtown. Kind of like a farmers market for food trucks. If any have interest please call Distillery Twenty 5 Twenty @ 713-862-0200
Thanks
Joe
I would like to organize a "first fridays" event(similar to the one in LA) at my club with some of the houston food trucks. Please email me if you are interested.
I am trying to find a food truck that saids BANC MI truck and it has a picture of a guy with a shirt on that doesn't fit him and he is eating a huge banh mi sandwhich. What is it called? Where can I find it?
Thank you
Jorge Fife's A Taste of Portugal is now (re)open on FM1960 between Perry & Mills. Look for the green trailer on the south side. 832-538-4777
Pad Thai Box is now open on Richmond, inside the loop, just past the railroad tracks. Gourmet Thai food for $5.
www.padthaibox.com
A food truck, mobile kitchen, mobile canteen, or catering truck is a mobile venue that sells food. Some, including ice cream trucks, sell mostly frozen or prepackaged food; others are more like restaurants-on-wheels. Some may cater to specific meals, such as the breakfast truck, lunch truck or lunch wagon, and snack truck, break truck or taco truck.
They can also use Bottle cooler
in the tacos which also help them alot.
Thank-You.
You need to list Custom Confections they are a dessert truck. They bake everything right there, they do cupckaes with ice cream stuffed inside. There caramel apples are the bomb! Don't even get me started on their fried moon pie.. it is insane! Also they go where no other Houston Food Trucks go .. they serve the suburbs!
Can you follow Texas Blizzard Shave Ice? They are known for their natural flavors like mango w/chile, strawberry, watermelon, and etc. They also have the artificial flavors as well known to many. They serve it up Hawaiin style which is fluffier then snoballs.
@TXBlizzardIce
www.facebook.com/TexasBlizzard