Looking to visit some of the most popular food trucks in Chicago? The Windy City is always on the move, including the large number of delicious food trucks that offer some of the best food in the city. These can be found all year long in various neighborhoods, at special events and for hire for private parties.
We’ve rounded up a list of the most popular food trucks in Chicago, serving up everything from early-morning breakfast to late-night tacos. Follow them on social media to find out where they will turn up next or book them to make an appearance at your next occasion or event.
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- The 21 Most Popular Food Trucks in Chicago
- Discover the Best Chicago Food
The 21 Most Popular Food Trucks in Chicago
1. The Fat Shallot
One of the most popular food trucks in Chicago, The Fat Shallot is known for its sandwiches, making the rounds to a variety of pop-ups, private parties and catered occasions, along with several physical locations, including one in nearby Evanston.
What to Order
Popular sandwiches include the truffle BLT and the grilled cheese with spinach and caramelized onions. It also has various soups and truffle aioli-topped French fries available.
The Fat Shallot | Multiple Locations | $$
2. Happy Lobster
If you’re looking for a coastal classic in the heart of the Midwest, you will want to track down Happy Lobster, one of the best food trucks in Chicago for delicious lobster rolls.
What to Order
Try the Happy Roll, featuring lobster, butter and mayo on a brioche bun. This food truck in Chicago also serves a popular lobster grilled cheese as well as Maine whoopie pies for a dessert treat.
Happy Lobster | Location Varies | $$
3. 5411 Empanadas
This South American fusion truck deals in sweet and savory empanadas from its signature light blue truck, along with several brick-and-mortar locations in the area. Using traditional Argentinian preparation methods, 5411 Empanadas specializes in deep-fried perfection.
What to Order
Try empanada fillings like barbeque chicken, black bean and egg, mac and cheese and more gourmet-inspired offerings. Dessert favorites at this food truck in Chicago include the banana Nutella empanada.
5411 Empanadas | Location Varies | $$
4. DönerMen
Among the most popular food trucks in Chicago for vegans or vegetarians, DönerMen has many options for herbivores and carnivores, including a slew of tortilla-wrapped veggies or meats, kebabs and curry fries. Look for the truck’s bright illustrated exterior.
What to Order
Order one DönerMen’s signature tacos that include fillings like fried chicken and achiole tofu. This food truck in Chicago also has great salads.
DönerMen | Location Varies | $$
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Meaning “Little Kitchen,” La Cocinita is one of the best food trucks in Chicago to find Venezuelan street food. The bold red van serves up dishes like corn meal-wrapped arepas and tacos.
What to Order
You can't go wrong with an arepa or the Caribbean bowl at this food truck in Chicago.
La Cocinita | Location Varies | $$
6. Babycakes
A perfect stop for breakfast or brunchtime eats, Babycakes serves up one-of-a-kind pancakes and other dishes that are heavy with flavor and childhood nostalgia. Even better, it offers breakfast treats 24/7 via its catering operation. It’s even been featured on The Food Network and the Travel Channel, winning many top-rated food truck rankings in the city.
What to Order
Delicious pancakes abound at this food truck in Chicago. Try the Blueberry Dream, with berries and cream cheese filling, or the Unicorn Magic, made with strawberry cakes, white chocolate and colorful unicorn bark.
Babycakes | Location Varies | $$
7. La Patrona Food Bus
This red, white and green food truck circulates downtown, serving authentic Mexican street cuisine at a budget-friendly price. La Patrona Food Bus specializes in marinated meats, house-made salsas and grilled tortillas.
What to Order
Try Mexican classics like birria, sopes and nachos, or track the truck down for breakfast options like burritos and huevos rancheros.
La Patrona Food Bus | Location Varies | $$
8. Chicago Lunchbox
One the most popular food trucks in Chicago for Asian fusion cuisine, Chicago Lunchbox is a bright orange mobile kitchen famous for its take on the Vietnamese traditional sandwich, the bánh mi.
What to Order
Try the sandwiches, which feature cooked, cured or pickled meat on a French baguette. Or look for other Southeast Asian classics like Filipino longganisa sausages.
Chicago Lunchbox | Location Varies | $$
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With a tagline boasting “Your Favorite Cake in a Cupcake,” Ms. Tittles is one of the most popular dessert food trucks in Chicago, offering cupcakes that strive to be reminiscent of your grandmother’s kitchen from its adorable white and pink van.
What to Order
Try the peach cobbler or the banana pudding cupcakes for a sweet treat. Alternatively, opt for more traditional flavors like red velvet or German chocolate.
Ms. Tittles Cupcakes | Location Varies | $$
10. Sausagefest
If you are looking for encased meats beyond hot dogs in Chicago, look no further. Sausagefestis one of the best food trucks in Chicago with a retro-style black paneled mobile kitchen, usually found enshrouded in the smoky scent of a hot grill.
What to Order
Favorites include German bratwurst, Polish veal sausage and a chorizo breakfast sausage option wrapped in eggs, bacon and cheese. It even has a vegan Italian sausage on the menu.
Sausagefest | Location Varies | $$
11. Harold's Chicken
Long a Chicago classic with multiple brick-and-mortar locations in all areas of the city, Harold’s Chicken takes its operation on the road to various Chicago events, block parties and outdoor occasions. It is also one of the most popular food trucks in Chicago to book for events.
What to Order
Try the famous crispy fried chicken served with a basket of french fries. The truck also has batter-fried shrimp, fish filets, hush puppies and pizza puffs.
Harold’s Chicken | Location Varies | $$
12. Doris's Taco Truck
For authentic Mexican flavors, track down Doris’s Taco Truck for all manner of tortilla-wrapped goodness. This food truck in Chicago is known for classic Mexican street food tacos.
What to Order
Try the ribeye taco, a bestseller, or opt for the hot chicken served on two corn tortillas with crisp veggies and salsa verde.
Doris’s Taco Truck | Location Varies | $$
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One of the best food trucks in Chicago for classic barbeque created by a classically trained chef, you will find Soul & Smoke by following the scent trail of smoked meats and its signature sauce drifting from the truck at both private and public events. You can also visit one of three physical locations.
What to Order
Enjoying a classic barbeque is one of the best things to do in Chicago. Try the ribs with a side of creamy mac and cheese, or opt for sandwiches like pulled pork or the vegan smokey Joe.
Soul & Smoke | Location Varies | $$
14. Brother’s BBQ
Another favorite among the food trucks in Chicago serving barbeque, Brothers BBQ can be found serving meat smoked the night before, flavored by its signature rub and bathed in apple and hickory smoke.
What to Order
In addition to classic smoked dishes, try the Cajun shrimp and grits, mac and cheese, rib tips or the prime brisket sandwich.
Brothers BBQ| Various Locations | $$
15. La Comodita
Beyond basic pizza, Italian food trucks in Chicago are a little harder to find, but La Comodita specializes in Sicilian authentic arancini, stuffed rice and cheese balls — grilled and full of a variety of Italian flavors.
What to Order
Try the Popeye with spinach, artichoke and cheese, or the famous Swagu, made with tender beef and sweet peas. There are also classic pasta dishes available like baked chicken Parmesan.
La Comodita | Various Locations | $$
16. Beavers Donuts
Another one of the most popular food trucks in Chicago you can find early in the day around the city is Beavers Donuts, a traveling shop that sells miniature donuts in boxes of various sizes.
What to Order
You can customize the toppings or try one of the signature orders, including s’mores donuts with chocolate, marshmallow and graham cracker crumbs. The coffee is amazing, too.
Beavers Donuts | Various Locations | $$
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One of the only food trucks in Chicago perfect for those with dietary restrictions, CheSa’s Gluten-Free Food Truck is known for the tacos sold from its vibrant red “Gluten Tootin' Free” food truck.
What to Order
The gluten-free tacos are the most talked about, however, the truck also offers mac and cheese bowls, sliders and a beignet chicken and waffle dish.
CheSa’s Gluten-Free Food Truck | Various Locations | $$
18. Doughnut Vault
One of the most popular food trucks in Chicago offering fried dough in abundance, treats from Doughnut Vault can be found available from its delightfully shabby vintage truck or at its new brick-and-mortar shop in Fulton Market.
What to Order
Try the lemon poppy seed, pistachio and gingerbread, or one of the jelly or cream-filled varieties. You can also get a cold brew or hot coffee to help wash down your chosen treat.
Doughnut Vault | Location Varies | $$
19. Pierogi Rig
Polish culture abounds in Chicago, including through one of its most desired food trucks in Chicago, the Pierogi Rig. Look for its simple and minimal white truck at various outdoor events and occasions.
What to Order
Try the mix-and-match pierogies in flavors like potato and cheddar, sour kraut and mushroom, and bacon and potato. Or, get one of the famous Polish sausages.
Pierogi Rig | Location Varies | $$
20. Piko Street Kitchen
One of the best food trucks in Chicago to find Asian street food, including baos, sliders and bowls, Piko Street Kitchen can be found at many Chicago summer festivals and street fairs around the city.
What to Order
Try the Piko sampler when in doubt, which includes a pork belly bao, a ribeye slider and a chicken taco.
Piko Street Kitchen | Location Varies | $$
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One of the most popular food trucks in Chicago, the classic Rainbow Cone location has been slinging cones and milkshakes for many decades and can now be found around the city, mobile-style. Look out for the truck’s colorful presentation — usually preceded by a line of eager customers!
What to Order
One of the most famous Chicago foods, the Rainbow cone is a sure winner. However, it also serves shakes, sundaes, doughnuts and cake rolls, satisfying sweet tooths of all tastes.
Rainbow Cone | Multiple Locations | $$
Discover the Best Chicago Food
Food trucks in Chicago are one of the best ways to experience classic city favorites, but you can also take a variety of food tours in Chicago, which promise to take you to some of the city’s best brick-and-mortar locations. They’re also a great way to get a feel for different neighborhood food scenes and scope out your next favorite eatery.
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Whether you are looking to grab a sweet and decadent treat or a quick lunch on the go, these food trucks in Chicago are worth visiting for a variety flavors and cuisines. From authentic ethnic dishes that transport you to faraway places to innovative fusion creations that push the boundaries of flavor, there's something to satisfy every palate.
The convenience and variety provided by food trucks in Chicago make them perfect for busy professionals, adventurous foodies and casual diners alike. So, next time you find yourself hungry in the Windy City, seek out these Chicago food trucks and treat yourself to an unforgettable mobile meal.
For even more ways to explore Chicago and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
