Over the last several years, food trucks have come on full force in major cities across the country. Food trucks in Atlanta have everything from Bubble tea, Soul food, Indian wraps and everything in between.
Food trucks are enjoyable for everyone. It is great for groups because there are such a variety of different foods available. Office workers like it because it is a nice way to spend their lunch hour outdoors. Children like the excitement of purchasing food from a truck (remember how excited you got when the ice cream truck rolled through your neighborhood?).
These are not the old jalopy food trucks of the past. They are decked out in bright colors and eye-catching graphics. Inside, they feature kitchens with lots of capabilities. There’s one that even has a Big Green Egg inside.
There’s been no shortage of pushback from restaurants as they argue that food trucks take away funds and guests from them that they would have otherwise had dine-in at their restaurants. The city of Atlanta is overwhelmed with the number of food trucks that seem to show up each week and a little slow to respond with a good plan of what to do to combat the frustration of restaurants while still being fair to these foodpreneurs.
The result has been designated areas where food trucks are allowed at, know as Food Truck Parks. The largest one is off Howell Mill Rd in Midtown, called The Atlanta Food Truck Park. But since the trucks have gained in popularity, numerous food truck parks have popped up all over the city in locations like Atlantic Station, Smyrna and even as far north as Alpharetta.
What to know before you head to a food truck near you:
- Payment – It is always a good idea to carry some cash with you, but most food trucks take payment via smart phones. So, credit cards are okay. And you’ll probably need them as the cost starts to add up as you move from one food truck to another.
- Cost – Expect to spend at least $10 if not $15 to really have a satisfying full meal at food trucks in Atlanta.
- Selection – While there are many trucks, items do sell out quickly. So come with the attitude of trying different things. You may be surprised at what you discover.
- Parking – Most food truck parks have free parking available. Some will even rock up on existing parking lots to take advantage of the spaces made with equipment like that available at Seton that someone else has done. While some people like to get their food and go, others like to site at picnic tables and enjoy a meal outside. Best to carpool if possible.
For a comprehensive list of food trucks in the Atlanta area and where they can be found, a good reference is Roaming Hunger. The site lists the kinds of food you can expect from each truck along with a map of where they will be and at what time.
Here are some of my personal favorites:
- Happy Belly – Featuring a Big Green Egg inside the truck! Serves salads, sandwiches, wraps, burgers and grilled dishes using natural, fresh and organic ingredients. They offer gluten-free and vegetarian options too.
- Wow Food Truck – This features Latin food such as Tamales and Arepas. It is rated number 1 food truck in Atlanta by the AJC.
- Yumbii – One of the first food trucks in Atlanta. They feature Korean and Mexican flavors. Think Korean BBQ pork tacos.
~ By guest blogger, Malika Bowling of Atlanta Restaurant Blog and author of the book, Food Lovers’ Guide to Atlanta.
