Los Angeles, a city known for its vibrant food scene, boasts an incredible array of food trucks offering diverse and delicious cuisines. From gourmet burgers to authentic tacos, there's a food truck for every craving. This guide highlights 25 of the best food trucks in LA, categorized for easy navigation. Finding the perfect food truck can be an adventure, so buckle up and get ready to explore!
Gourmet Burgers & Sandwiches
These trucks elevate the classic burger and sandwich to new heights, using high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
1. The Lobos Truck: This isn't your average burger joint. The Lobos Truck is famous for its creative burger combinations featuring gourmet toppings and premium beef patties. Their secret sauce is legendary.
2. Meat on Ocean: Specializing in gourmet burgers and hand-cut fries, Meat on Ocean is a must-visit for burger enthusiasts. They source locally and frequently offer seasonal specials. Expect long lines – it’s worth the wait.
3. Kogi BBQ: A LA institution, Kogi BBQ popularized the Korean BBQ taco truck scene. They're known for their short rib tacos and unique fusion dishes. Their innovative approach to Korean-Mexican fusion continues to set trends.
Tacos & Mexican Cuisine
Los Angeles has a rich Mexican culinary heritage, and these trucks offer authentic and innovative takes on classic tacos and other Mexican dishes.
4. Leo's Tacos Truck: A legendary name in LA's taco scene, Leo's is famous for its al pastor tacos, prepared on a vertical spit. The meat is marinated for hours, resulting in incredibly flavorful tacos.
5. Mariscos Jalisco: This truck is known for its unique style of tacos. Their fish tacos are particularly popular. They frequently use seafood prepared in traditional Mexican ways.
6. Angel City Cafe: They specialize in creating authentic Mexican dishes using fresh, local produce. Their unique dishes incorporate traditional techniques and modern tastes.
International Flavors
LA's diverse population is reflected in its food truck scene, with options from around the globe.
7. Guerrilla Tacos: Chef Wes Avila's Guerrilla Tacos offers inventive and seasonal tacos with unique flavor combinations. Expect unexpected ingredients and exciting culinary artistry.
8. Baby's Badass Burgers: Not just your average burgers, Baby's Badass Burgers creates some truly unique flavor combinations. Their burgers are a must-try.
9. Nom Nom Truck: Serving up delicious Korean-inspired dishes, the Nom Nom Truck is popular for its fusion of traditional flavors and modern techniques. Their kimchi fries are highly recommended.
10. California Chicken Cafe: The California Chicken Cafe prides itself on creating succulent and flavourful chicken dishes. They source fresh ingredients to ensure high quality.
11. Sausage King: This popular truck offers a wide variety of sausages from around the world, prepared using traditional methods. Expect an exciting variety of flavors.
Unique & Creative Concepts
These food trucks offer innovative culinary experiences you won't find anywhere else.
12. Shrimp Daddy: This truck is seafood heaven. Their shrimp dishes are prepared using a unique blend of spices and techniques.
13. Coolhaus: This truck serves up unique and artistic ice cream sandwiches with a wide variety of flavors.
14. The Halal Guys: This New York City staple has expanded to Los Angeles. They're known for their delicious and affordable Halal-style chicken and rice platters.
15. Tacos Tu Madre: A must-try for taco lovers. Tacos Tu Madre offers unique taco combinations and fresh ingredients.
16. Diddy Riese: Famous for its warm cookies and ice cream. Diddy Riese is a classic for a reason.
Sweet Treats & Desserts
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these dessert-focused food trucks.
17. Sweet Surrender: This truck specializes in creating innovative and beautiful desserts.
18. The Churro Truck: A classic LA treat, the Churro Truck offers fresh, hot churros with a variety of dipping sauces.
Finding the Trucks
Many food trucks use social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook) to announce their daily locations. Check their pages before heading out to avoid disappointment. Apps like Yelp and Roaming Hunger can also help you locate food trucks near you.
Tips for a Successful Food Truck Experience
- Check social media: Most trucks announce their daily locations online.
- Arrive early: Popular trucks can have long lines, especially during peak hours.
- Bring cash: Not all trucks accept credit cards.
- Be patient: Lines can be long, but it's usually worth the wait.
- Explore different cuisines: LA's food truck scene is incredibly diverse – venture outside your comfort zone!
This list is just a starting point. Los Angeles's food truck scene is constantly evolving, with new trucks popping up all the time. So get out there, explore, and discover your new favorite food truck! Remember to always check for the latest updates on locations and menus via social media. Happy eating!
