Food trucks have been around for decades. They’ve evolved from gray vending machines on wheels where little options were fresh and most sold the pre-packaged variety usually found in convenient stores. Thankfully, things have changed.
Besides being more colorfully decorated, today’s trucks offer familiar made-to-order foods to cuisines from around the world. What they lack in dining space and table service is offset by creative fare prepared in a space the size of a walk-in closet.
According to industry research firm IBISWorld, there are more than 46,000 food trucks nationwide, and Colorado Springs also has its fair share. Their popularity can be attributed to their variety, foot and bike traffic accessibility, and the idea of supporting entrepreneurs, many of whom have professional cooking backgrounds.
Some trucks have established permanent homes in parking lots, others can be found at regularly-scheduled rallies, and many need to be tracked down through social media or online to find their schedules and locations.
Here are few local food trucks worth looking out for:
BBQ HEAVEN
Homemade sausage, ribs, smoked brisket and pulled pork are some of the standards that are anything but average. Get ‘que by the half-pound, in sandwiches or combo plates with a choice of sides. The mac and cheese often sells out early. For something different try a Twinkie: barbecued bacon wrapped jalapeno.
BBQHeavenCOS.com
CIAO DOWN
Italian sandwiches featuring homemade sauces. To name a few, consider the cleverly-named “Joey Bag A Donuts,” chicken parmigiana with creamy vodka sauce on ciabatta, or the “Italian Stallion,” homemade meatballs, marinara and mozzarella on a hoagie roll. And for good measure, there are Italian donut holes!
CiaoDownFoodTruck.com
COMFORTABLY DONE
The truck’s motto, “Mother Approved Meals,” says it all. Fare here is evocative of Sunday dinners. Pot roast and roasted chicken come with a choice of fries, mashers or smashed spuds. Classics such as chicken or beef pot pie chock full of veggies, potatoes and creamy gravy are sure to tempt.
ComfortablyDoneFoodTrailer.com
GERMANS PRETZELKINGS
Don’t expect a simple plate of food here when there’s sauerbraten, roulade and several varieties of schnitzel. Real German potato salad with bits of bacon and tangy vinegar-based dressing is the side of choice. Of course, don’t forget the homemade pretzels and the beer cheese to go with them!
PretzelKings.com
GOOD GRUB
It’s hard to miss the bright blue graffiti look on this truck, which serves breakfast and lunch. Waffles and green chili made with Pueblo green chilies are part of several menu items. Chicken and waffles or Monte Cristo waffle sammies are worth checking out; so are the chili fries.
GoodGrubbyTaco.com
LUCY I’M HOME
Named in homage to Desi Arnaz’s character Ricky Ricardo, this is authentic Cuban cuisine at its finest. Choose among such classics as a Cubano sandwich with mojo roasted pork, black beans and rice or mango chicken empanadas. Don’t forget the machuros, tasty sweet fried plantains.
LucyImHome.co
MACOS TACOS
Not all tacos are created equal, which is evident here. While there are plenty of taco options, including hard and soft shell varieties with such fillings as beef, pork, chicken, fish and tongue, don’t overlook the other possibilities: tortas, burritos, gorditas, flautas, tostadas, quesadillas and tamales!
Macos-Tacos-Food-Truck.business.site
PO’ BROTHERS
Here’s proof you don’t have to go to New Orleans for Cajun and Creole dishes. From the shrimp po’boy sandwich to one filled with gator (tastes like chicken) to the crawfish etouffee, jambalaya and gumbo. The chef even makes his own Andouille sausage.
Po-Brothers.com
