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The 15 best foodie tours in the usa.

Savor fresh seafood, authentic Tex-Mex and more during one of these highly regarded outings.

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Consider these gourmand-approved excursions when visiting America's top culinary spots.

Savannah Taste Experience: Savannah, Georgia

Sonoma Food Tour: Sonoma, California

Austin Eats Food Tours: Austin, Texas

Bite San Diego: San Diego

Walk Eat Nashville: Nashville, Tennessee

Taste of Houston Food Tours: Houston

(Jamie Francis | Courtesy of TravelPortland.com)

Forktown Food Tours: Portland, Oregon

Savor Seattle Food Tours: Seattle

Charleston Culinary Tours: Charleston, South Carolina

Gourmet Food and Wine Tours: Napa Valley

Melting Pot Food Tours: Los Angeles

Foods of New York Tours: New York City

Chicago Food Planet: Chicago

Doctor Gumbo Tours: New Orleans

Local Tastes of the City Tours: San Francisco

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The Ultimate American Foodie Road Trip (Map Included)

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Delicious food is one of the main reasons we all travel. & every region of the world has its own unique delicacies & flavor combinations. The United States is no different. If you’re itching for a great American foodie road trip, you’ve come to the right place.

I just finished eating & hiking through an epic 3-month long American road trip in my converted camper van.

And although vanlife is definitely not as glamorous as it’s made out to be, it’s undoubtedly the best way to see America ( & there are loads of other benefits of vanlife ). Just set your GPS to avoid highways & hit the road.

Don’t have a lot of cash to spare? Don’t fret. Every item on this list is under $23. It turns out the iconic American dishes don’t break the bank.

Let’s ditch the fast food on your road trip and travel better this year.

What Exactly is American Food?

Burgers & fries. Malted milkshakes. What else is America famous for? Turns out a lot more than I originally thought.

American food is regional. The Deep South and New England regions couldn’t be more different. From the climate to the foods they lay claim to…they might as well be completely different countries.

American food is also heavily influenced by immigrants . Many of the iconic dishes created here were developed by Italian, Jewish, or Russian immigrants and paid homage to their ‘home’ countries. Think Deep Dish Pizza (Italian) or a Traditional Fish Fry (Russian) .

If you’re up for an “American” foodie road trip expect it to be a very diverse, unhealthy, & delicious adventure.

The Ultimate American Foodie Road Trip

Here is a breakdown of all the iconic American eats we stumbled upon on our trip across America and a map to guide you on your foodie quest.

Burgers, burgers, & more burgers. Montana likes its meat. These were our favorites. I’ll save you some time right now, if you’re looking for a vegan foodie road trip….this isn’t gonna be the map for you.

Cowboy Burger at Mint Bar & Grill (Livingston)

The single best burger I’ve ever eaten. I can still taste the perfectly cooked juicy patty. Paired with PBR battered fries it’s truly an American staple on a foodie road trip.

Buffalo Burger with Habenero Huckleberry Jam at Cowboys Bar & Grill (Gardiner)

You won’t find a more Montana burger. A locally sourced buffalo patty topped with house-made sweet and spicy habanero huckleberry sauce (you’ll want extra to dip your fries in) & white cheddar cheese curds.

South Dakota

The Dakota’s food scene owes thanks to its original inhabitants. The Native Americans. You’ll find a lot of buffalo meat and traditional fry bread at local restaurants all over the state.

Be sure to thoroughly explore South Dakota during your trans-American road trip. It became one of my favorite US states.

Chislic at Buglin’ Bull (Custer)

Tender grilled chunks of buffalo served with house-made steak sauce.

Indian Taco at Cedar Pass Lodge (Badlands National Park)

Imagine the lightest fluffiest fry bread topped with ground buffalo, lettuce, tomato, cheese & hot sauce. Think taco salad sitting atop a savory doughnut.

This is technically an iconic drink stop. But it still makes the cut.

Root Beer Float at Schooney Malt Shop (Taylor Falls)

A good old fashioned root beer float. Served with any ice cream your heart desires. I’m not a big soda person but there’s just something about fresh-tapped root beer from a malt shop that really satisfies.

We didn’t get to delve into the Mid-West much on this trip but Wisconsin provided the perfect taste.

I know I said to forgo the fast food BUT Wisconsin is home to Culvers. The best fast food joint in the entire United States. (Sorry In & Out fans) They specialize in frozen custard, tasty fresh burgers, and cheese curds.

Cheese Curds at The Old Fashioned (Madison)

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Half a pound of piping hot, gooey, perfectly crispy fried cheese curds. These are regularly voted the very best in Wisconsin. For good reason.

Fish Fry with Potato Pancake at Lakefront Brewery (Milwaukee)

Beer-battered cod (or walleye/perch), that’s both light and satisfying paired with a pineapple juice coleslaw, & traditional potato pancake. You can even kayak straight up to this brewery and eat along the water.

Friday night Fish Frys are a tradition in Wisconsin. German and Czech influences, as well as the practice of avoiding meat on Fridays during Lent, made it widely popular.

Illinois (Chicago)

I say Illinois, but this is really just a list of places to eat in Chicago. & there are hundreds more. Chicago is one of the best foodie cities in the entire US. (Most likely because it was an immigration hotspot in the 1920s)

Chicago Dogs at Portillos.

The most basic (& delicious) Chicago dog. An all-beef dog wrapped in a steamed poppyseed bun topped with mustard, relish, tomato, onions, sport peppers, and a large dill pickle spear. You’ll want 2-3 to make it a meal.

These hotdogs rival the world-famous Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur dogs of Iceland.

Italian Roast Beef Sandwich at Al’s Italian Beef.

Dipped with hot peppers. It’s the only way to go. This un-assuming sandwich joint serves up a sopping wet flavorful beef masterpiece.

Deep Dish Pizza at Pequods.

If your thinking “I’m really more of a thin crust person”, let me change your mind. Pequod’s isn’t an over-touristed joint turning out mediocre pies. It’s the real deal. Thick fluffy crust topped with homemade Italian sausage and hand-cut pepperoni served in a black cast-iron dish. Pequods is unique because of their burnt layer of cheese covering the top.

Chicago was once a thin crust city itself. Neapolitan immigrants brought over their cheap working-class thin crust pizza just like New York. Then in 1943, Pizzeria Uno (which still exists today), created the Italian-American hybrid…deep dish pizza.

Vermont. It’s practically Canada. The states focus on small local farming and organic produce means tasty healthy food.

Poutine from Citizen Cider (Burlington)

Crispy fries covered in house made gravy and local Maplebrook cheese curds.

Apple Cider Doughnuts from Cold Hollow Cider Mill (Stowe)

Get there are peak hours and every doughnut will be piping hot & fresh. They only have one flavor, no-frills old-fashioned apple cider. & I’m not exaggerating when I claim it’s the best doughnut I’ve ever had.

Maple Syrup from Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm(Stowe)

Everyone has heard of Vermont maple syrup. Syrup tastings (some with cheese pairings) are one of the top Vermont things to do.

Where the most important question is ‘hot with butter’ or ‘cold with mayo’? Either way, it’s a damn good lobster roll. If you don’t like seafood…you probably shouldn’t be in Maine.

Mussels, Clam Chowder, & Lobster Bisque at Galyn’s (Bar Harbor)

YUM. Hit Galyn’s for their epic Happy Hour & stay for the seafood.

Lobster Roll at The Highroller Lobster Co. (Portland)

Whether you’re a lobster fanatic or a slight skeptic you’ll LOVE their BYO Lobster Roll. Each roll is served on a toasted brioche (locally made) slice with 4 oz of chilled claw meat. The rest is up to you. Choose from ghee, drawn butter, jalapeno mayo, curried ketchup, or roasted pineapple mayo to spice up your sandwich.

Blackened Fish & Chips at Thirsty Whale Tavern (Bar Harbor)

A massive pile of fried cod covered in “blackened” seasoning. A dressed up Maine classic.

Fried Clams at Pilot House Restaurant (Kennebunkport)

Love them. Fresh clams, I’ll take them or leave them. But I could have eaten 3 baskets of these scrumptious little snacks.

Whoopie Pie from The Landing Store (Kennebunkport)

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It looks like a giant Oreo & it is the unofficial state dessert of Maine. It’s two circles of fluffy chocolate cake sandwiched around rich creamy frosting. Traditionally, it was made from the leftover cake batter. Waste not, want not.

Massachusetts (Boston)

With 15% Irish & nearly 10% Italian you know you’re getting good food in Boston.

Roast Beef Sandwich at Kelly’s.

Kelly’s was the original inspiration for the fast-food chain Arby’s. It’s been featured on the food Network numerous times & a 6-generation family-owned chain in Massachusetts.

Cannoli at Mike’s Pastry or Modern Pastry.

There’s a heated debate over which cannoli is better & everyone in Boston seems to have an opinion. For me, Modern Pastry took the cake with its traditional ricotta filling & pistachio sprinkle.

Classic Italian Sub from Monica’s Mercado.

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This is the best sandwich I have ever eaten. It was so good when we passed through Boston a second time it’s the only place we stopped. The Italian sub is stacked with 4 different cured meats, fresh provolone cheese, balsamic, and pickled veggies.

New York (New York City)

Is there a city that has a better food reputation? We stuck to budget food options (it is a road trip after all) but if you’re looking for a world-class high-end meal…this is the city to find it in.

Jewish Deli

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A New York staple. Matza Ball Soup or a pile of Pastrami on Rye. These delis have been thriving in New York since the late 1800s. Check out 2nd Ave Deli or Carnegie Deli for New York’s best.

A simple slice of Thin NY Pizza from Joe’s Pizza. Or Mama’s Too. Or Lombardi’s.

These are infinite good pizza options in New York City. But these three are the best. Joe’s is serving up the simple & iconic cheap slice. Mama’s Too has a slightly thicker crusted pepperoni square that will knock your socks off. & Lombardi’s is the oldest coal oven pizza joint left in the city creating a perfectly tasty charred crust.

NY Bagel from Murrays Bagels or Utopia Bagels.

It’s a sin to toast them. NYC bagels are perfectly steamed and require no additional toasting. It will make you question if those circular pucks you buy at the grocery store can even be called bagels.

If you’re looking to burn off those pizza calories there are plenty of hikes in New York State to keep you busy.

Pennsylvania

In the 19th century, Americans avoided food waste at all costs. So, What is there to do with leftovers and drying out bread? Out of resourcefulness and frugality, the sandwich trend began. & Pennslyvania has some of the best American sandwiches in the country.

Rueben at Hershel’s Eastside Deli at Reading Terminal Market (Philidelphia)

You simply cannot fit more meat on this sandwich.

Philly Cheesesteak at Johns Roast Pork. (Philidelphia)

This is the unanimous favorite for Philly cheesesteaks. Perfectly melty & a family recipe from 1930. Their Hot Pork Sandwich is equally as tasty.

Washington D.C.

The heart of America’s melting pot.

Asian Fusion at Copycat.

Why here? Because it’s an exceptional meld of classic Chinese street food & American techniques. & it’s an amazing cocktail bar to boot.

North Carolina

There are 4 styles of BBQ born out of the United States: Kansas City, Texas, Memphis, & North Carolina.

North Carolina BBQ from Luella’s Bar-B-Que. (Ashville)

Tasty succulent pork with southern sides. Don’t skip the pineapple upside down if it’s available.

Southern cooking is my favorite style of American food. Fried veggies coated in butter & pig chunks, perfectly crisp fried chicken, and fluffy biscuits with gravy. What could go wrong?

Fried Chicken from Mary Macs Tearoom. (Atlanta)

Mary Macs Tearoom is historic & for the past 75 years, everything has been made in-house fresh daily. You even get a pile of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls and bread if it’s your first visit.

& Waffles from Homegrown. (Atlanta)

Chicken & Waffles. A southern staple. Don’t forget to try their Comfy Chicken Biscuit since you’re there.

Southern Cooking from Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room. (Savannah)

This place made me fall in love with southern food. All you can eat home cooking served at a community dining room table. Fried chicken, Jambalaya, Sweet Potato Souffle, and Banana Pudding were our favorites. Don’t forget to drink your fill of sweet tea.

South Carolina

The true breakfast of champions.

Shrimp & Grits from Acme Low Country Kitchen (Isle of Palms)

From traditional to flavor-packed Acme has this South Carolina favorite all day long. Super rare since it’s technically a breakfast food. My favorite version had fried green tomatoes and rich polenta cheese grits.

The Southernmost point in the United States. Home to teeny endangered Key Deer and of course Key Limes. & the best state for van life.

Key Lime Pie from Kermits Key West Key Lime Shop. (Key West)

It looks touristy from the outside but they really know how to whip up a mean slice of Key Lime Pie.

Louisiana (New Orleans)

Everything in Louisiana is an 11/10 for taste. Here’s what made the short list of dishes you must try.

Shrimp Po’ Boy & Jambalaya from Parkway Bakery and Tavern.

Flash-fried perfectly seasoned Louisiana gulf shrimp. You’ll find Po’ Boys all over the state even in gas stations…but trust us, this one is the best.

Muffuletta from Central Grocery & Deli.

A Sicilian sandwich created right here in the ol’ USA. & at this very Deli! Back in 1906 a Sicilian immigrant threw together the classic Muffuletta round sesame roll & topped it with an olive spread, cured meats, and cheese. It’s pure magic & a New Orleans creation.

Beignets from Cafe Du Monde.

Serving coffee & beignets since 1862 in the French Quarter. Coated in powdered sugar these french treats create a line that wraps around the block every morning.

Catfish from Toast.

Fried catfish is most popular during lent but you can find. it year round in New Orleans.

Crawfish Boil at Schaefer Seafood.

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Perfectly boiled little crustaceans with all the fixings.

It’s not Mexican food. It’s New Mexican food. A combination of Northern Mexican influence & Pueblo Indian foods. The heaping mounds of green chile are a dead giveaway.

Carne Adobada from Perea’s New Mexican Restaurant. (Albuquerque)

Melt in your mouth pork chunks marinated in red chile sauce.

Frito Pie from Horseman’s Haven. (Santa Fe)

Texas & New Mexico have been in a long-standing feud over who created the sloppy dish. But either way, this pile of Fritos topped with taco meat, lettuce, & tomato are delicious.

USA Foodie Road Trip Map

Here’s a complete map of every destination on this list to make your foodie road trip even easier to plan.

America is a lot more than burgers. The US is blessed with one of the most diverse cuisines in the entire world and these iconic dishes are essential stops on your next foodie road trip.

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Further Reading...

How to Spend the Perfect Day in Pinnacles National Park

Food of Rajasthan: My Favorite Restaurants for Local Rajasthani Cuisine

17 Important Tips For First-Timers to Olympic National Park

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• Pete Hi Elvira, just wanted to say for all your help yesterday, we had a fantastic time, fantastic hike, and really appreciated the service! The map worked great as well
• Parth Thanks to Adventurators for the superbly organized tour of the Lycian Way. We stayed in very picturesque places and I myself would hardly book such cool hotels. Hiking was very comfortable and fun, the time flew by and we did not even have time to get tired. 10/10 Recommend!!
• Max Everything about this tour was great, from the organization to our awesome group and wonderful guide! Definitely the best experience this year and a total delight with the itinerary. If you want to discover Turkey from the other side of the rundown hotels, crowded beaches and tourist crowds, I wholeheartedly recommend this tour from Adventurators.

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The best food tours in the USA

The best food tours in the USA offer a behind-the-scenes look at how your favorite comfort foods are created

Ever wonder how jelly beans get their color or how potato chips are made to be perfectly crunchy? Learn the secrets behind your favorite snacks straight from the source on one of the best food factory tours in the USA. 

While some classic food factory tours – like the ice cream tour at Ben & Jerry’s in Waterbury, Vermont, the kettle chip tour at Cape Cod Chips in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and the tea production tour at Celestial Seasonings in Denver, Colorado – remain closed due to the pandemic, there are many food factories open for food fanatics to enjoy the ultimate tour de feast. From potato chips and classic fortune cookies to jelly beans, let culinary curiosity be your guide during your next road trip by taking a detour to a food factory.

An email you’ll actually love

Best food tours in the USA

1.  Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory | San Francisco, CA

Ever wonder how paper fortunes make their way into a crescent-shaped fortune cookie? Witness the fortune cooking-making process for yourself at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in San Francisco, CA. Located in Chinatown, Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory has been making custom fortune cookies by hand since 1962. Each day, the team makes 10,000 cookies on a rotating cast iron griddle. Sample classic fortune cookies plus chocolate, green tea, and strawberry fortune cookies after the tour.

2.  Goodrich’s Maple Farm | Cabot, VT

The family-run Goodrich’s Maple Farm offers free tours of its sugarhouse, which contains one of the largest sap evaporators in the world. The family taps more than 125,000 trees each maple sugaring season in March and April. The 30-minute tour includes learning about the history and process of making maple syrup, from tree to table. The tour concludes with a stop at the tasting table to sample maple products like syrup, spreads, and jellies.

3.  Hammond’s Candy | Denver, CO

Since 1920, this Denver confectionery has been making sweet treats in the Mile High City. Opened by Carl T. Hammond, Sr., the candy factory offers complimentary tours to see how its famous candies are made. The 30-minute Hammond’s Candy guided tour includes a short video presentation and a factory tour. Peer through large glass windows to see how candy canes, lollipops, and other classic candies are created. Visitors also get a free sweet treat.

4.  Hershey’s Chocolate World | Hershey, PA

Hop aboard the Hershey’s Chocolate Tour ride for a sweet trip to see the iconic chocolate’s journey from bean to bar. The free 30-minute tour concludes with a free sample of Hershey’s chocolate. Part of the Hershey’s Chocolate World complex, chocoholics can also purchase additional experiences like the 45-minute Create Your Own Candy Bar, the 30-minute theatrical show Hershey’s Unwrapped: A Chocolate Tasting Journey, the 45- to 75-minute Hershey Trolley Works, and the 30-minute 4D Chocolate Movie. Make a day (or stay) of it riding the amusement rides at Hersheypark.

5.  Jelly Belly Visitor Center | Fairfield, CA

Located halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento, the Jelly Belly Visitor Center offers $5 self-guided tours. A series of videos, interactive exhibits and games, and an elevated quarter-mile walkway offering views of the production floor demonstrate how jelly beans are made. The Jelly Belly Visitor Center also includes the Jelly Belly Jelly Bean Art Gallery, Jelly Belly Candy Store, Jelly Belly Café, and Jelly Belly Chocolate Shoppe and Fudge Counter.

6.  PEZ | Orange, CT

Learn all about the pellet-shaped candy at the 4,000-square-foot Pez Visitors Center in Orange, Connecticut. The self-guided tour includes a history wall, videos showing how Pez and Pez dispensers are made, and viewing windows that look over the packaging production area. The visitors center also includes the world’s largest Pez dispenser and the largest collection of Pez memorabilia in the world. The $5 tour includes a souvenir lanyard, a $2 store credit to use toward same-day purchases, and the chance to win a free Pez dispenser by playing the game of the month.

7.  Snyder’s of Hanover | Hanover, PA

The guided Snyder’s of Hanover walking tour includes a visit to the pretzel-maker’s raw material warehouse, finished materials warehouse, packing room, and oven room. Along the way, guests 5-years-old and up learn about Snyder’s of Hanover’s history and see how pretzels are made during the free, 30-minute tour. Each participant receives a free bag of pretzels at the conclusion of the tour, which ends at the factory store.

8.  Tabasco | Avery Island, LA

Located three miles inland from Vermilion Bay, Avery Island is a salt dome famous as the home of Tabasco hot sauce. Learn how the fiery pepper sauce is created during the self-guided Tabasco Avery Island Fan Experience. During the tour, visitors learn about the history and production of Tabasco sauce from seed to shelf. The complex also includes the 170-acre Jungle Gardens, a country store, and Restaurant 1868. Tours are $12.50.

9.  Tillamook Creamery | Tillamook, OR

The self-guided tour at Tillamook Creamery gives ice cream lovers the scoop on how the creamery has been creating its exceptional ice cream for more than a century. The tour includes several exhibits on the farm and the creamery’s history and a viewing gallery to see the ice cream making process. Tillamook Creamery also offers premium experiences, including the $40 Honorary Tillamook Taste Bud: Exclusive Ice Cream Experience with a Creamery Expert, which includes Tillamook swag and testing and tasting ice cream as an honorary sensory team member.

10.  Utz Chip Trip Tour | Hanover, PA

Take in the aroma of fresh potato chips during this 30- to 45-minute self-guided Utz Chip Trip Tour at the 600,000-square-foot Utz factory in Hanover. During the free tour, visitors can peer through the observation gallery at the factory floor to see the potato chip production process from start to end. Along the way, an audio guide and exhibits explain the history of Utz and its snack products.

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The 20 Best Food Trucks in the United States

The food truck revolution is in full force as mobile restaurants around the country dish out tacos, BBQ and other great eats

Megan Gambino

Senior Editor

Kogi, Los Angeles

In 2008, Roy Choi, a classically trained chef who once worked at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, took his Korean-Mexican fusion food to the streets. There, his beef short rib taco with a special, 21-ingredient sauce quickly emerged as his signature dish. From one truck, which Newsweek declared “America’s first viral eatery,” Kogi has expanded into an empire, with five trucks, whose locations on any given day are tweeted to over 96,000 followers, and four brick-and-mortar establishments. Many, including Smithsonian magazine’s very own food columnist Jonathan Gold , feel like food truck culture is indebted to Kogi, which proved that delivering “high-end food at street level prices,” as its website says, is possible. – Megan Gambino Website: http://kogibbq.com/ Twitter: @kogibbq Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KogiBBQTacos

GastroPod, Miami

On November 3, 2009, Chef Jeremiah tweeted: “Welcome everyone to Miami’s food revolution.” And with that ambitious announcement, his GastroPod hit the streets of Miami as the first mobile gourmet kitchen in the city. Soon after, the city exploded with burgers, tacos and even dim sum on wheels. But, GastroPod continues to stand out in the crowd. Today, the shiny 1962 Airstream pod is a familiar sight, usually swarmed by fans of the seasonal fusion cuisine. Yelpers love the Mo’ Better Burger: a mess of short rib, brisket and sirloin topped with a poached egg. The fusion concept comes out in dishes like the banh mi pork tacos and the shitake flan. – Aviva Shen Website: http://gastropodmiami.com Twitter: @gastroPodMiami Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gastroPodMiami

Lardo, Portland, Oregon

Lardo, a food joint run out of a little clapboard cottage parked at 43rd and Belmont in Portland, has been “bringing fatback since 2010,” referring to a cut of meat from a pig’s back. Lardo’s owner and chef Rick Gencarelli compares it to bacon, just without the meat. One of his favorite ingredients, he uses it generously—especially, when preparing his hand-cut French fries. Gencarelli, previously the head chef at the award-winning Shelburne Farms in Vermont, has centered his vision for Lardo on two things: Italian flavors and local farmers. His seasonal menu features fresh deli sandwiches, including the much-raved-about grilled mortadella. Serious Eats cooed over the sandwich in December. And, according to the Willamette Week , the sloppy mortadella, with pickled peppers and gooey provolone “absolutely kills.” – MG Website: http://lardopdx.com/ Twitter: @lardopdx Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lardo-PDX/151416874880761

Clover Food Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Started by MIT grad Ayr Muir in 2008, Clover Food Lab has long been a favorite of the campus crowds in Cambridge. Across the Charles River, thanks to the recent easing of strict mobile vending regulations, Boston proper is finally starting to see more trucks on the scene. Meanwhile, the Clover gang has expanded its empire of locally-sourced vegetarian fare into two brick-and-mortar restaurants and five trucks. Don’t let the vegetarian thing faze you; even Boston mayor and meat-lover Thomas Menino swears their soy B.L.T. is the best in the city. – AS Website: http://www.cloverfoodlab.com Twitter: @cloverfoodtruck

Fojol Brothers, Washington, D.C.

The self-billed “traveling culinary carnival” brings cuisine from mythical lands—Merlindia, Benethiopia and, most recently, Volathai—to the nation’s capital. Along with your plate of butter chicken, beef berbere or green green curry, the Fojols serve up a colorful fantasy, complete with costumes, mustaches and alter egos. The first truck, Merlindia, perhaps in a diplomatic move, arrived on the day of President Obama’s inauguration. Since then, DC has enjoyed a proliferation of food trucks slinging everything from cupcakes to lobster rolls. But as Washington City Paper says , “No one has been able to top the Fojol Brothers of Merlindia in terms of fun, flavor, and 'Folosophy.'" – AS Website: http://fojol.com Twitter: @fojolbros Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fojolbros

Torched Goodness, Phoenix

When he opened his crème brûleé truck, Torched Goodness, in 2010, Eric Ireland triggered the Valley of the Sun’s sweet tooth with a vengeance. A chef with 20 years of experience in the area, Ireland hopped on the small but burgeoning food truck fad in the Phoenix-Scottsdale region and skyrocketed to the top. Many of the area’s trucks tout greasy comfort foods like tacos and hot dogs; Torched Goodness aims to bring a more gourmet sensibility to the table (or parking lot). The “ perfectly burnt ” custards come in flavors ranging from the classic vanilla to the more exotic lavender or maple bacon. – AS Website: http://www.torchedgoodness.com Twitter: @torchedgoodness Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/torchedgoodness

Where Ya At Matt, Seattle

Matt Lewis, a New Orleans native, is bringing Creole food to Seattle. His truck, Where Ya At Matt, serves up muffuletta, jambalaya, gumbo and a slew of po’ boys, among other Louisiana delicacies. The Peacemaker, a po’ boy with deep fried oysters, bacon, cheddar and pickled peppers, is a fan favorite. “Every menu item carries a fond childhood memory for me,” writes Lewis, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, on his website. “I choose each menu item, then run it by my family, even my granny. When granny approves, you know it’s got to be good!” Seattle Magazine counts Where Ya At Matt among the city’s best new restaurants of 2011. The editors like its “ever-boisterous, charismatic and sometimes flirty” chef too. “He’s almost as much of an attraction as his beignets ($4 for three)—hot out of the fryer, sizzling with oil and dusted with sugar,” says the magazine. – MG Website: http://whereyaatmatt.com/ Twitter: @WhereYaAtMatt Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whereyaatmatt

Coreanos, Austin, Texas

Coreanos, which translates to “Koreans” in Spanish, serves a cross between Korean barbeque and traditional Mexican dishes. The truck’s tacos and burritos borrow marinated meats, slaws, kimchi and a sesame oil vinaigrette from the Korean palate and onion, cilantro and pico de gallo from the Mexican. Coreanos also sells bacon-wrapped hot dogs and loaded French fries. The Three Wise Fries is a pile of beef short rib, chicken and spicy pork belly, as well as grilled onions, cheese and creamy “el scorcho” sauce, on a bed of papas fritas . Yelp reports that Coreanos was one of Austin’s top 10 eateries of 2011. – MG Website: http://www.coreanostx.com/ Twitter: @CoreanosATX Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/coreanosTX

Hapa SF, San Francisco

Chef William Pilz’s “modern organic casual Filipino truck” is a concept that could only arise in a foodie paradise like San Francisco. In spite of strict regulations, mobile vendor mania hit the Bay Area relatively early and the scene that Hapa SF entered in spring 2010 was already thriving. Even with fierce competition, Hapa SF was spotlighted by SF Weekly ’s Jonathan Kaufmann for “making some of the cleanest, most technically sophisticated food on wheels.” One staple is the lumpia, or pork egg rolls, which SFoodie declared “the best we have ever tasted here.” – AS Website: http://hapasf.com Twitter: @HapaSF Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hapa-SF/113513915332623

Schnitzel & Things, New York City

As of last summer, there were an estimated 40 to 50 gourmet food trucks roaming New York City—and Schnitzel & Things is considered one of the best. The truck, a recipient of the coveted “Vendy” Rookie of the Year award in 2009 and other accolades, serves Austrian schnitzel, or hand-pounded, panko-breaded veal and chicken cutlets, cod filets and eggplant. Bratwursts, Austrian potato salad, cucumber salad, as well as unconventional condiments, such as spicy sriracha mayo and chipotle sour cream, are among the “things” sold. Owner Oleg Voss, a Ukraine native who embarked on Schnitzel & Things when he lost his job as an investment banker in Vienna, Austria, during the 2008 financial crisis, opened a restaurant in midtown Manhattan in early 2011. Website: http://schnitzelandthings.com/ Twitter: @schnitznthings Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Schnitzel-Things/110740184988

East Side King, Austin, Texas

East Side King started in 2009 as one trailer tucked behind The Liberty, a dive bar in Austin. However, it has since grown into a chain of three colorful trucks, each serving a different menu of what Anthony Bourdain describes as “Japanese drunk food fusion.” Bourdain featured the flagship trailer on his TV show, “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations,” in 2010. “Beef tongue sticky bun. Yes! Of course, I want to eat that. Roasted beef tongue, peanut curry, fried buns, basil, mint, cilantro, chili, sweet chili fish sauce. Yes! Yes!” cried Bourdain, on the episode. “We need more of this in New York. Come all ye hipsters with your mutant mash-up food, your strange and wondrous treats to my neighborhood—and soon.” Serious Eats also reviewed the venue, having nothing but praise for East Side King’s beet fries. “Even lifelong beets naysayers might change their mind after trying these,” writes blogger Erin Zimmer. “The beet cubes are first roasted then fried, developing a thin shell that gives way to a creamy soft center. It’s beet candy….It makes you wonder why we’ve spent so long associating fries with just potatoes.” East Side King’s co-owner Paul Qui, also executive chef at the Japanese restaurant Uchiko in Austin, is a finalist on this season’s “Top Chef.” – MG Website: http://www.eastsidekingaustin.com/ Twitter: @EastSideKingATX Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/East-Side-King/312000692951

DessertTruck, New York City

One of the pioneers of East Coast trucks, DessertTruck is in good company in the army of “ sweetmobiles ” that seem to characterize New York’s food truck scene. DessertTruck was launched in 2007 by Jerome Chang, a former pastry chef at Le Cirque. The truck dispenses upscale confections usually found in gourmet restaurants, including a warm chocolate bread pudding made famous on Throwdown with Bobby Flay . Now that DessertTruck has expanded to a brick-and-mortar shop, they’ve also started offering DIY workshops where you can learn how to satisfy your craving for a chocolate soufflé or French macaroon without taking to the streets. – AS Website: http://desserttruck.wordpress.com Twitter: @desserttruck Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/DessertTruck/5632789940

Viking Soul Food, Portland, Oregon

Operated out of a shiny Airstream named “Gudrun,” Viking Soul Food has carved out a niche for itself as the only food truck in Portland to serve Norwegian food. The menu revolves around lefse (pronounced lef-suh)—a flatbread, similar to a crepe or pita, made of potatoes, flour, butter, cream and salt. Co-owners Megan Walhood and Jeremy Daniels have concocted several scrumptious lefse wraps. On the savory side, they sell one with Norse meatballs, pickled cabbage and Gjetost (Yay-toast) sauce, a creamy cheese made by caramelizing whey from goat cheese. Then, for the sweet tooth, they offer wraps with lingonberries and cream cheese or lemon curd and spiced pecans. Website: http://www.vikingsoulfood.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Viking-Soul-Food/125290894155494

Sugar Philly, Philadelphia

The Philly food truck movement has lagged behind other cities, but it recently picked up speed, thanks in part to Philly’s many college campuses. Those campuses are where you’ll find Sugar Philly’s cult following. The truck was conceived in 2010 by recent grads to satisfy the untapped markets at Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania. Among the many Mexican and cheesesteak offerings of the University City neighborhood, Sugar Philly stands out for its seasonal haute desserts—in particular, its macaroons, which come in unconventional flavors like blueberry lemon and salted caramel. They gained recognition outside the usual college crowd as a finalist in Philly’s first Vendy Awards last year. – AS Website: http://www.sugarphillytruck.com Twitter: @sugarphilly Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sugarphilly

Taceaux Loceaux, New Orleans

The Big Easy’s vibrant uptown bar scene inevitably attracted a flock of food trucks catering to late-night customers. According to the blog GoNOLA.com , Taceaux Loceaux, which opened in 2010, is “possibly the brightest shining star in this relatively new genre.” Taceaux Loceaux, as their name suggests, serves “Nola-Mex” tacos. Yes, that includes the ubiquitous Korean taco (Seoul Man); other favorites include the Aieee, which contains spicy-hot andouille sausage, and Messin’ with Texas, a BBQ brisket taco. The husband-wife team, Maribeth and Alex del Castillo, recently opened a permanent location inside the nightclub Chickie-Wah-Wah, which will offer an even more varied menu of tacos and new goodies like ceviche and homemade salsas. – AS Twitter: @TLNola   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taceaux-Loceaux/197553386988821

Komodo, Los Angeles

Chef Erwin Tjahyadi, a former apprentice of Wolfgang Puck, is the mastermind behind Komodo, a two-truck outfit that makes stops in Santa Monica, L.A.’s Echo Park neighborhood and on UCLA’s campus, among other locales. (There is now a restaurant in West L.A. as well.) The trucks serve up tacos and burritos with a flair inspired by Tjahyadi’s Indonesian heritage. Some classics include the Komodo 2.0, with top sirloin, jalapeno aioli and corn salad; Fish N’ Grapes, with deep-fried cod, grapes and roasted almonds; and Blazin’ Shrimp, with Singaporean-style shrimp, sour cream and cilantro. Why is it called Komodo? Well, komodo dragons are the largest lizard species in the world. And, Komodo happens to be one of the largest food trucks in the city. Also, as Komodo’s website notes, komodo dragons have weak hearing and sight and so rely on their sense of taste to experience the world. – MG Website: http://komodofood.com/ Twitter: @komodofood Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KomodoFood

Purple Carrot, Lansing, Michigan

According to Mobile Cuisine magazine, you won’t find America’s favorite vegetarian food truck in hippie-Meccas Portland or San Francisco, but in…Lansing, Michigan. The Purple Carrot is Michigan’s first “farm to truck” food stand and takes this mission seriously. Working with 11 local farms, owners Nina Santucci and Anthony Maiale (whose résumé includes a stint at Alinea ) put out a sophisticated seasonal menu that showcases high-quality ingredients. The big purple truck only joined the small but growing community of food trucks in Lansing in April 2011, but locals are already addicted to its cake pops, which come in flavors like maple and butternut squash. – AS Website: http://thepurplecarrottruck.com/   Twitter: @eatpurplecarrot Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatpurplecarrot

Comida, Boulder, Colorado

Its hot pink truck, Tina, ensured that Comida would turn heads when it hit the streets of Boulder County in May 2010. But the food itself is surprisingly free of gimmicks. Owner Rayme Rossello focuses on authentic Mexican street food—tacos, quesadillas and “truck-made” guacamole. The result transcends the other truck fare in Colorado; Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, of Boulder’s Frasca Food and Wine, told Travel + Leisure that Comida was his favorite restaurant in the state, and DenverStreetFood.com says it has the “best Mexican food north of Arizona.” – AS Website: http://www.eatcomida.com Twitter: @eatcomida Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatcomida

Bone-in Artisan Barbecue on Wheels, Columbia, South Carolina

Chef Scott Hall’s founding of Bone-in Artisan Barbecue on Wheels in early 2011 kicked off what is now a budding upscale food truck scene in Columbia, South Carolina. His standbys are pulled pork in spicy vinegar and smoked brisket in hickory-hoisin sauce on homemade focaccia bread, each served with hand-cut potato chips. But, his menu also includes rotating items, such as chorizo and pimento cheese on sourdough and gourmet mac and cheese. “Folks, we are beyond the petty regionalisms of vinegar vs. mustard vs. tomato,” writes Chowhound . “This is no longer your grandfather’s barbecue. And thank goodness for that. Slow-cooked and smoky meats deserve more attention and more creativity, and this truck delivers the goods.” – MG Website: http://www.artisanbbqtruck.com/ Twitter: @artisanbbqtruck Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ArtisanBBQTruck

Streetza, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Bloomberg Businessweek organized a gourmet food truck smackdown in 2011. Sixteen food trucks from four geographic regions were judged on their use of social networking and creative marketing, and, of course, the quality of their food. Ultimately, Streetza, a popular pizza vendor in the mobile food courts springing up in Milwaukee, came out on top. Owners Scott Baitinger and Steve Mai rely on the input of the truck’s Twitter followers and Facebook friends, who helped select the company’s logo and the truck’s design. Streetza even takes fans’ suggestions for the types of pizza it cooks in its 650-degree Fahrenheit oven (to outdo Wisconsin’s chilly temperatures). One of its latest “crowd-sauced” pizzas was “The Luke Stecker Slice,” with shrimp, bacon, avocado and pineapple. It’s “delicious populism,” according to GQ magazine. – MG Website: http://streetza.com/ Twitter: @streetzapizza Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/streetzapizza

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Megan Gambino is a senior web editor for Smithsonian magazine.

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The 10 Best Food Truck Cities in the U.S.

The food truck scene in the United States has exploded, but our readers voted these cities the cream of the crop in our inaugural Global Tastemakers awards.

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Global Tastemakers is our first-ever reader’s choice awards, celebrating the best culinary destinations in the U.S. and abroad. F&W readers voted based on travel completed within the past three years, on categories including restaurants and bars, cities, hotels, airports, airlines, and cruises. Due to the limitations of pandemic travel, this year’s Global Tastemakers winners reflect a smaller portion of the globe. In many categories, we’re including an editor’s pick to shout out some more culinary destinations in places you can’t miss. See the full list of winners at foodandwine.com /globaltastemakers. The food truck scene in the United States exploded in popularity over the past decade, and for good reason. Affordable prices, inventive dishes, and a bit of social media hype helped make food trucks a staple of the American culinary landscape. People love food trucks because of their diverse culinary offerings, often served in close proximity to one another. One of the hardest parts of eating out is deciding where you want to go and what you want to eat, and food trucks solve for that. 

Food trucks go where hungry people are, which typically results in several different concepts grouped together. The affordability of food trucks makes them a popular choice for budget-conscious diners; many trucks offer full meals for under $15.

Because overhead is lower than in a traditional restaurant, the risk is lower, so chefs are freer to experiment with new ingredients and flavors. Food trucks are hubs for culinary creativity and innovation. Chefs can use them to test out new ideas before taking the financial plunge of brick-and-mortar locations. Even though the environment is casual, these entrepreneurs take their work incredibly seriously, bringing people together with community-style dining.

Food & Wine readers voted these cities the best food truck cities in America.

Portland, Oregon

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No trip to Portland is complete without sampling one of the city’s hundreds of food trucks. But let’s clear things up: Food trucks here are actually referred to as food carts. Rather than stand-alone, most carts work together in clusters in what locals refer to as “pods,” making it easy for diners to try a variety of global cuisines — all in one place. The Fifth Avenue pod specializes in Korean tacos, Mexican, and Egyptian cuisine. The Third Avenue pod is perfect for diners in search of a view. Steps away from Waterfront Park, the pod is home to Stretch Noodle, one of the city’s most popular dining locations featuring hand-pulled noodles made fresh daily. New pods are popping up all over the city and one of the most anticipated is Lil’ America, featuring BIPOC and LGBTQ+ restaurant owners, opening in the inner Southeast neighborhood of Buckman this fall. Curated by the restaurant group Win Win, the pod is inspired by cuisine from the Philippines, Guyana, and China.

Los Angeles

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Sunny days nearly year-round make Los Angeles the perfect place for a thriving food truck scene. Mexican cuisine rules on the West Coast, so expect to find a diverse mix of taco and seafood options to choose from. There’s Simón , the Mexican seafood truck serving the Silver area that has become popular for its fish al pastor taco; Mariscos Jalisco in Boyle Heights is well-known and rightly hyped for their tacos dorado de camaron, a shrimp enveloped in a fried corn tortilla and topped with thick avocado wedges and salsa; and Chingon Catering , a favorite for James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Bricia Lopez-Maytorena, who recommends the crunch wrap. But don’t sleep on Yeastie Boys , the city’s first bagel truck popping up in various parts of the city each day, and Kogi BBQ , Roy Choi’s iconic Korean-Mexican fusion spot in Hollywood with items such as a kimchi quesadilla on the menu. 

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Austin, Texas, is renowned for its vibrant and diverse food scene, and at the heart of it is a thriving food truck community. More than 1,000 trucks offer diners a unique dining experience that is both convenient and affordable. Visitors can sample everything from juicy burgers and crispy fries to Ethiopian stews, Korean barbecue, and Thai curries. One of the best things about the food truck scene in Austin is its accessibility. With many trucks operating out of renovated trailers or converted shipping containers, the overhead costs are lower than traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants. This allows vendors to offer high-quality food at lower prices, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious diners. Standalone trucks are common, but locals know the way to go is by visiting a food truck park where a collection of assorted dining options are grouped together. Take Thicket South Austin Food Park, which offers Indonesian barbecue (Saté Texas), gumbo (Jacque Belle Cajun Eats), breakfast bagel sandwiches (Brooklyn Breakfast Company), truffle oil tagliatelle (Arti Pasta Italian), and jerk chicken (Shirley’s Trini Cuisine) — all in the same location. 

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There’s no denying that New York City is a culinary powerhouse, and part of its allure (and make-up) are the many food trucks located throughout the city. Hot dog, shawarma, and ice cream (in the summer!) vendors can be found on nearly every corner of Manhattan. But there’s also chickpea masala from Mysttik Masaala , falafel from Taïm , and gyros from King Souvlaki . One of the most popular trucks to come out of the city is The Halal Guys, offering Middle Eastern cuisine like chicken and gyro platters. In Midtown, you’ll find a high concentration of food trucks that cater to the office lunch rush, but expect to find them all across the city. The Smorgasburg food market in Brooklyn is a popular weekend spot for food trucks, beginning in April and ending in October. NYC is also home to the Vendy Awards , which honors the city's best food trucks.

San Francisco

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Food trucks face stiff competition from brick-and-mortar locations in this chef-driven city (along with strict regulations). However, rather than hinder their growth, the challenges have only served to accelerate their creativity. In a town known for its focus on sustainability and prioritizing local ingredients for farm-to-table cuisine, food trucks cater to vegans, vegetarians, and meat lovers alike with a wide array of options available. Tokachi Musubi from chef Erika Sanchez offers Japanese traditional home-style omusubi (rice balls), Kayma is an Algerian food truck owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Mounir and Wafa Bahloul (don’t miss the cumin chicken croute sandwich), and Mi Morena keeps diners happy with Mexican staples like tacos. The Chairman is one of the city’s most popular food trucks, serving dishes “inspired by the original street food of Asia” like steamed buns filled with pork belly or tofu. The city’s food trucks promote a food festival-esque vibe, and some of the most popular spots for food truck gatherings include Off the Grid at Fort Mason Center and SoMa StrEat Food Park.

Honolulu's food truck scene is a reflection of the island's diverse cultures and traditions. Local favorites include Giovanni's Shrimp Truck , which serves succulent shrimp dishes smothered in garlic and butter, and the popular Momo Burger, a thick patty made with locally sourced, grass-fed beef. For those looking for a taste of the island, trucks like Da Bald Food Guy and Five Star Poke serve up delicious Hawaiian-style plate lunches and poke bowls. Trucks can be found near public parks, residential areas, and in more touristy areas, making it easy and accessible to enjoy a delicious meal. Honolulu's food truck scene is a reflection of the island's diverse and dynamic culture, presented in an approachable, casual environment.

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This surfer town is all about outdoor living. With beaches and beautiful views, it’s no wonder that San Diego’s phenomenal food truck scene is growing, offering a range of delicious options. There’s Kiko’s Place Seafood , a popular spot for tasty seafood-centric meals like ceviche, fish tacos, and fish burritos. Super Q Food Truck is famous for its wide range of Korean barbecue dishes and gourmet burgers. Sunny days and gorgeous sunsets make it easy to post up almost anywhere to enjoy a meal or snack. Whether diners are in the mood for classic Southern California dishes or international cuisine, San Diego's food truck scene is sure to satisfy any craving.

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Houston has no zoning restrictions, which only adds to an already vibrant culinary scene: Your next favorite meal could pop up in the most unlikely places. Food trucks can be found across the city, from downtown to the suburbs, and offer everything from classic Southern comfort food to South African cuisine. Pho-jita Fusion is one of the city’s hottest trucks, combining Vietnamese and Mexican flavors in dishes such as pho tacos and banh mi burritos. The Waffle Bus serves up sweet and savory waffle creations like the bacon, egg, and cheese waffle sandwich. Many trucks gather at designated locations around the city, creating a pop-up style, street food fest atmosphere. Some of the most popular food truck gatherings in Houston include the weekly Food Truck Fridays at Axelrad Beer Garden and the monthly HTX Market at Sawyer Yards.

Food truck dining options in Oakland are more than meals, they’re an homage to the places where its vast immigrant community comes from. The California city boosts a number of immigrant-run food trucks, mostly offering Mexican tacos, birria , and tortas. However, the variety of food options is vast and growing. There’s Yummy Yummy Hibachi known for its hibachi burrito; Southern Fried Vegan , which offers a vegan twist on classic Southern comfort food like mac and cheese and fried chicken; and Big Boyz SmokeHouse & Kitchen , popular for its pork ribs and beef brisket. Tacos Mi Rancho and La Grana Fish are two of the city’s most beloved food trucks, the latter best known for its quesabirria. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty plate of soul food or a sublime Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich, you're sure to find it at one of Oakland's food trucks. The takeout-by-default dining option is an easy and affordable way to experience the city.

“[Raleigh] doesn’t have the ‘big city’ hurry up-ness, there’s a lot of culture in the South and its food truck scene,” says chef Ken Lumpkin. “The environment, the food, and the people make you feel like you’re at home.” It’s this laidback, casual ambiance that draws diners into Raleigh’s mobile kitchens. Food trucks are a popular addition to the city’s Southern charm, where barbecue and comfort food options are plentiful, like at The Wandering Moose , which offers slow-cooked meats like black angus brisket. The trucks are an integral part of the dining experience because chefs use them as a breeding ground to reinvent classic Southern dishes, while others bring more international flair to the city. There’s Chirba Chirba , serving dumplings and noodles; Qspresso’s dishes Cuban sandwiches alongside plantains and black beans; and Curry in a Hurry Truck offering Indian curry meals from chef Alaksha Surti. Expect to not only receive a tasty meal, but usually, the trucks divulge into impromptu parties with live music and entertainment for diners.

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AUSTIN FOOD TRUCK CRAWL

Austin food tour: try new dishes with this unique tour.

Austin has over 2,000 food trucks and is one of America’s top cities for mobile eateries. Some of these trucks have been around forever and have grown to open up multiple “brick and mortar” locations, while others have just perfected their grandmother’s pie recipe.This crawl features three tastings at some of the area’s best trucks. Explore the city as you feast in this one of a kind food tour!

Our Austin Food Truck Tour Is Perfect For Locals & Visitors!

• With 2000 in Austin, we’ll show you the best items at the best trucks
• Hop from one to another exploring different neighborhoods of Austin
• Eat, eat and eat again!

People love our Corporate / Private Experiences!

We loved that the tour stopped off at a food truck park and that we got to taste the delights of a desert truck – this was something that was on our list of things to do! Overall, a really interesting and different tour and one that I would highly recommend.

This was a delightful little tour that both me and my husband really enjoyed. Our tour guide Steven was super entertaining and had us laughing the whole time.

Had a great tour. We toured the state house, the artsy areas of town, some of the famous food (and now retail) trucks around town (including some tasty gelato our guide bought for us), the famous 6th Street, and so much more. We only had four people on our tour, so it was very personalized. I recommend it.

I also liked the stops to see some of Austin’s street art and food truck scene.

As a travel blogger, I highly recommend taking an Austin Detour as soon as you arrive in the city so you know how you want to spend the rest of your visit there. Thank you, Ike!

We wrapped the evening with food truck dinner (tacos and cake balls!) that were in endless supply due to Elizabeth’s planning. Wow, wow, wow. Wow. Book Austin Detours.

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Next stop on our food truck tour...Pahrump, Nevada august 10th (11AM-8PM)

Food Trucks l Beer Tent l Live Entertainment l Zing Zoom! Kids Zone & MORE! 

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The big day may have come and gone, but keep in touch as we’re always up to something new and exciting.

Worldwide  Food Truck Tours is bringing the Zing-Zoom! Family Fun Zone for a day  of delicious dishes and thrilling activities. Bounce, slide, climb, and  play – it's a zingy good time you won't want to miss!  

Worldwide Food Truck Tours 2024

Arts crafts & more, support your community.

Click  below for more info on becoming a vendor and showcasing your unique offerings! Whether you're into arts and crafts, retail, or other  specialties, we welcome a diverse range of vendors. Join us in creating  an unforgettable experience! 

Live Entertainment

 From soul-stirring vocals to mesmerizing acts, our event promises an immersive experience. If  you're passionate about showcasing your skills on our tour, fill out  the performer form below and let your talent shine on our stage.

 Are  you looking to make a positive impact in your local community? Join our  team of volunteers and participate in exciting events and projects  happening near you!

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Register your food truck with us.

 Curious  about our upcoming events? Explore the excitement on our event page!  Click the button below to discover all the details you need for  registration and attendance, and stay updated on the latest family event news.

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 The Worldwide Food Truck Tour presents an excellent opportunity for your  business to strengthen its family values and exhibit its commitment to  the community. If you're interested in becoming a sponsor, click the  button below to learn more! 

 Ready  to showcase your culinary delights on wheels? We're on the lookout for  food trucks and mobile kitchens to join our events! Click the button  below, fill out the form, and we'll reach out to you when we have an  event near your location. 

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Celebrating 12 Years of Delicious Food Tours - Small & Large Group Team Building Available

DOWNTOWN NYC FOOD TRUCK TOUR

Quick Details

• Info Tour type: Private Only

Hour Glass   Duration:  Two hours

Map Marker   Stops: Five different food trucks & carts

Food Tastings:  All food included. Enough food for lunch. Vegetarian friendly. Call for other dietary restrictions.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN NYC FOOD TRUCK TOUR

Street food in New York has its own unique, ever-changing culture along with a long and rich history. At Sidewalks of NY, we take you to the New York food trucks that the locals frequent, inviting you to experience the real flavors, people, and culinary energy that you can only find in NYC.

New York food trucks primarily cater to the lunch crowd. There is no better place in NYC to find the hungry and sometimes stressed out masses than Wall Street. The area near Hanover Square, where most of the trucks can be found, is the oldest and most historic part of Manhattan. Pearl Street gets its name from the plentiful oyster beds along the banks of East River in the 17th century. Oysters were one of the first foods sold on pushcarts by poor immigrants.

Bon appetit!

FOOD TRUCK TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Join us in the Financial District on this two-hour walking food truck tour (locations subject to change) for some history, culture, and amazing street food.

• Learn about the history and culture of the neighborhood and its street food.
• Taste the most delectable delicacies whose recipes come from all around the world.
• Enjoy a well-planned itinerary so you don’t waste a New York minute finding the best street food.
• Have personable and knowledgeable guides who know the ins and outs of the street vendors’ trade.
• Get an insider’s look at the trucks and carts and the food — ahh the food, the food!

Eat your way through the best street food in the greatest city in the world on this mouthwatering excursion!

Private NYC Food Truck Tour

Want to make our delicious and fun food truck tour a private event? Contact Us! We specialize in curating the best private culinary experiences.

• Chevron down Meeting Location

The tour meets in front of  Bean & Bean Coffee located at 71 Broadway, New York (10006), near the intersection of Rector Street. If you are lost or running late, please call us at 877-568-6877. If you are more than five minutes late, you may try to meet up with us at our first food truck located near Hanover Square, New York, NY 10004. The food trucks are on the move, so we can’t give you the exact location of our first tasting.

Directions: The closest subway stop is the Wall St stop on the 4 or 5 train. Exit the station and walk south, in the direction of traffic. Once you pass Rector St, Bean & Bean Coffee will be on your right.

You can also take the 1/N or R trains to Rector St. Walk north and make a right onto Rector St. Make a right onto Broadway, and Bean & Bean Coffee will be on your right.

• Chevron down What's Included?
• All food tastings are included.
• A bottle of water is provided.
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Please review the seller’s policies for this activity. Once tickets are purchased, these are binding.

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Seinfeld themed food truck is touring the united states.

A new and hilarious Seinfeld themed food truck is taking a tour of several cities in the United States, selling only snacks that are found in the show.

A new and hilarious  Seinfeld  themed food truck is taking a tour of several cities in the United States.  Seinfeld,  created by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, was one of the most successful sitcoms of the 90s. Lasting 9 seasons between 1989 and 1998,  Seinfeld  is famously "about nothing" and   follows a fictionalized version of Jerry and the various misadventures he experiences with his three friends George (Jason Alexander) , Elaine (Julia Louis Dreyfus), and Kramer (Michael Richards), which often leads to one or more innocent bystanders having their lives ruined by the group.  Seinfeld  saw massive success during its run, winning ten Primetime Emmys, and has since found a new home on Netflix where the series is still growing its fanbase today.

If there is one thing  Seinfeld  is known for aside from the fact that all four of its main characters are essentially horrible people, it is the show's ability to take everyday things and make them iconic to the series through its hilarious episodes. More often than not,  Seinfeld  will base entire episodes around a specific item of food. The most famous example would likely be the Seinfeld  season 7 episode "The Soup Nazi," which is entirely based around a soup restaurant run with an iron fist. However, there are several examples across the series, including an episode where George attempts to sneak a loaf of marble rye bread into his in-laws' house with a fishing rod, an episode where a relationship is nearly ruined by a "big salad," and of course, the iconic episode where Jerry and Kramer accidentally drop a Junior Mint inside a person undergoing surgery.

Related:  Seinfeld: Which Character Appeared The Most (Outside Of The Main Four)

In a hilarious turn of events, it has been revealed by the official  Seinfeld   Twitter page that a Seinfeld food truck is hitting the road. As reported by  NBC New York ,  this hilarious truck made its first stop in New York on the 22 of April, and hilariously only sells snacks that are featured on the iconic sitcom. While a whole menu has not been published, it has been revealed that fans of the series will be able to purchase Junior Mints, Snickers Bars (which, of course, are to be eaten with a knife and fork), and Jerry's favorite cookie, the black and white cookie. From New York, the truck will continue on to make appearances in Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, and San Francisco. See the original tweet below:

Click here to see the original post

While this idea may seem like a somewhat niche idea for a business, it seems that not many fans were willing to turn down the opportunity to try out this hilarious homage to  Seinfeld .  Pictures show quite an impressive line-up outside of the vehicle. It seems that the love for Seinfeld is still incredible strong, even nearly twenty-four years after its final season. Of course, love for the series would likely still be quite strong in New York in particular, as that is where the series takes place.

Despite not offering an eclair straight from the trash, marble rye, or (strangely) soup, the  Seinfeld  truck certainly seems to have been a hit with a strange but hilarious assortment of references to the show. While most of the food sold can likely be picked up in almost any convenience store, the  Seinfeld  food truck offers the unique ability for fans to say that they indeed bought a box of Junior Mints from the truck, and that is exactly the type on unimportant nonsense that  Seinfeld  celebrated for nine years on television. No fan of  Seinfeld   will want to miss out on this truck if it is stopping through their city in the upcoming weeks.

More:  Larry David’s Favorite Seinfeld Episode Explained

Source: Seinfeld (via Twitter) / NBC New York

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Houston's iconic Cleburne Cafeteria presented with 'Good Morning America' Comfort Food Plaque

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A Houston staple restaurant was placed in the national spotlight on Wednesday morning!

Bissonnet Street's iconic Cleburne Cafeteria, which has been serving Houstonians southern comfort food for the past 85 years, was featured on "Good Morning America" on April 10.

Ike Ejiochi visited the restaurant as part of GMA's "Comfort Food America" tour.

SEE ALSO: Why Cleburne was voted best cafeteria in America

Owner George Mickelis served Ejiochi a classic plate of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, mac n' cheese, green beans, black eyed peas, and candied yams.

"It's the morning, but I could have this any hour of the day," Ejiochi said. "This food is ridiculous guys."

Watch the video above to see Cleburne Cafeteria's full GMA appearance.

If fried chicken isn't your thing, you can celebrate Thanksgiving every day at Cleburne with turkey breast and cranberry sauce.

The GMA team awarded Cleburne Cafeteria with its Comfort Food Plaque for being one of America's best comfort food restaurants!

Houston is one of four cities GMA is visiting as part of the tour, looking for the most comforting dishes in the country.

RELATED: After 2 fires, Cleburne Cafeteria tops Food & Wine list of best cafeterias

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Taste of the Masters: Bringing Augusta National's food experience to patrons at home

Pimento Cheese sandwich and moon pies. (Courtesy of the Masters Tournament)

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From start to finish, the Masters Tournament has an identity all its own. Whether it’s the drive up Magnolia Lane or the green jacket donned by the victor, the Masters is known for a multitude of things: azaleas in full bloom in early spring, Rae’s Creek, Butler Cabin and the quintessential selection of food and drinks enjoyed exclusively by patrons in attendance. Or rather, that used to be the case.

Insert "Taste of the Masters," a food and beverage initiative spearheaded by Augusta National in 2020 when the tournament took place at a non-traditional time, in November, with no patrons on-site due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic challenged the sports and entertainment industry to adjust and adapt, and the Masters was no different. It began with a simple question from the team at Augusta National: What are some ways to help bring the experience to fans and make this a memorable tournament?

Aside from opening an online patron shop that allowed ticketed patrons to purchase Masters merchandise from home (the Masters only sells official Masters merchandise on the grounds at Augusta National), the team also came up with the idea of selling Masters food and drink kits to those ticketed patrons, which they dubbed "Taste of the Masters."

The full spread of what's included in Taste of the Masters. (Courtesy of the Masters Tournament)

The club and hospitality team spearheaded this initiative by identifying the items that represented the Masters best. Without hesitation, the answer was obvious: pimento cheese.

There may be no other concession item in sports that holds the weight or reputation of Augusta National’s pimento cheese sandwiches. With the perfect amount of spice paired with cheesy creaminess and jammed between two pieces of fresh white bread, the pimento cheese sandwich has been a staple on the menu board at Augusta since the 1950s.

Beyond pimento cheese, the team knew they needed to fill the kits with other options to satisfy the appetites of all who planned to enjoy the meals from home. Pork bar-b-que and egg salad were added as entree options, as were sides including Augusta’s signature chocolate chip cookies and potato chips.

When tasked with the challenge of replicating the on-site experience, however, a final few pieces were vital. While the food offerings satisfied the taste aspect, to really give it that Masters feel they added authentic plastic Masters cups and sheets of the iconic Masters checkerboard serving paper.

Masters coasters, food placards and flag toothpicks from Taste of the Masters. (Courtesy of the Masters Tournament)

The "Taste of the Masters" was such a hit that the team brought it back for the 2021 Masters, which featured partial patron attendance. The kits were now available to everyone, not just ticketed patrons, and sold out even faster.

And that was a wrap on the kits, or so the team thought.

The kits were discontinued in 2022, as patrons on-site could once again enjoy the full offerings while strolling the grounds. But overwhelming fan feedback suggested that the kits were missed.

Georgia Pecan Caramel Popcorn. (Courtesy of the Masters Tournament)

The team was not expecting "Taste of the Masters" to become a fan staple, but as folks expressed how important it was to have the kits, using them to create or enhance their traditions around watching the tournament together, it became clear it had. Augusta National recognized the opportunity for people to recreate the patron experience at home, and so, "Taste of the Masters" returned in 2023.

For 2024, the Augusta National team continued to look at ways to evolve and perfect the project. One enhancement for this year: Fans have had a say in what's included thanks to their feedback. Bar-b-que potato chips, Georgia pecan caramel popcorn and Masters coasters are included in the kit, with the popcorn’s inclusion a direct result of fan feedback. The team even added a smaller tasting kit as an option this year, also a direct result of fan feedback, which also includes fun accessories like food item placards and miniature Masters flag toothpicks to hold sandwiches together.

Pork bar-b-que sandwich with bar-b-que potato chips. (Courtesy of the Masters Tournament)

For Augusta National, the kits are yet another opportunity to go above and beyond for fans across the country while also paying homage to the tournament's roots in Augusta, Georgia. The food and beverage experience is part of Masters history, which started with the vision of Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts, who believed that food was key to the Masters’ evolution as an elite sporting experience for patrons. The two tournament pioneers wanted the menu to reflect a southern-style picnic, with sandwiches as an easy option that locals could create in their homes and bring to the course for the patrons.

The menu has come a long way since the Masters inception in 1934, with the Taste of the Masters as simply the next step in its evolution. What originally started as an almost regional, exclusive offering for ticketed fans in 2020 has now grown to a nationwide fan favorite in households across the country. As for whether the Masters pimento cheese sandwich has made its way to all 50 states, it’s hard to say, but 2024 is the first year where shipping to Alaska and Hawaii is available. And why stop there? Fan interest north of the border suggests that "Taste of the Masters" could be headed to Canada as well.

While nothing is guaranteed, "Taste of the Masters" looks to be around for the long haul.

Justin Lemminn is a member of the PGA TOUR's digital content team. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, he went to college at the University of Central Florida in Orlando and is passionate about his hometown Jaguars and the UCF Knights. Follow Justin Lemminn on Twitter .

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Hello Kitty Cafe Truck rolls into San Antonio this weekend

Truck will be parked outside north star mall from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on saturday.

Rebecca Salinas , Digital Journalist

Spencer Heath , Digital Journalist

SAN ANTONIO – The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is rolling into San Antonio this weekend.

The truck will be outside North Star Mall from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 13. It will be parked on the corner of the Loop 410 access road and McCullough Avenue.

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Fans of Hello Kitty can snag new limited-edition collectibles, including an iridescent tote, a keychain, a pin, patches, a ringer tee & lilac tee, a 3-piece cookie set, and a giant cookie.

Some of the fan favorites available include the ceramic sprinkle mug, macarons, thermals, and more.

Since 2014, the truck has toured different U.S. cities to allow fans to buy exclusive and limited-edition Hello Kitty-themed treats and merchandise.

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck accepts only credit/debit card payments so no cash will be allowed.

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About the Authors

Rebecca salinas.

Rebecca Salinas is an award-winning digital journalist who joined KSAT in 2019. She reports on a variety of topics for KSAT 12 News.

Spencer Heath

Spencer Heath is a Digital Journalist at KSAT. Spencer graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied Radio-Television-Film. He’s worked as a journalist in San Antonio since June of 2022. Outside the newsroom, he enjoys watching movies and spending time with family.

Hello Kitty and Barbie trucks roll into Baltimore for 2024 East Coast tour

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck and Barbie Truck is continuing its 2024 East Coast tour and rolling into the Baltimore area. 

The Hello Kitty truck will make four stops this Spring. 

From the same team behind Hello Kitty Cafe Truck comes the Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour, which will also be visiting the Greater DC Area for three stops offering exclusive Barbie-themed apparel and accessories for fans of all ages.

2024 Hello Kitty Cafe Truck Tour Appearances:

• MCLEAN – Tysons Corner Center Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• COLUMBIA – The Mall in Columbia, Saturday, March 30th, 2024, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• BETHESDA – Pike & Rose Saturday, April 6th, 2024, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• BALTIMORE – THE AVENUE at White Marsh Saturday, April 13th, 2024, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

2024 Barbie Truck Dreamhouse Living Tour Appearances:

• ARLINGTON – Westpost at National Landing Saturday, March 23rd, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• BETHESDA – Bethesda Row Saturday, March 30th, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• BALTIMORE – The Avenue at White Marsh Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fans of Hello Kitty can look forward to exclusive goodies and limited-edition collectibles, including Hello Kitty Cafe Hoodie, Hello Kitty Cafe Cup Plush, Hello Kitty Cafe T-Shirt, Hello Kitty Cafe Lunchbox and a Hello Kitty Cafe Canvas Tote

The Barbie truck will have an all-NEW exclusive merchandise on the heels of the 60th Anniversary of Barbie moving into her very first Dreamhouse. 

The Barbie Dreamhouse truck will offer an array of brand-new apparel, along with home goods and accessories inspired by a day in life of Barbie in her Dreamhouse.

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2025 Toyota 4Runner Refines Adventure Ready Heritage

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (April 9, 2024) – The instant name recognition that 4Runner has built over the past four decades is undeniable. This legend has long established itself as a North American off-road icon, ready to tackle tough terrain in its way. The all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner stays true to its original concept, as an extremely capable, dynamic, and durable off-roader and will continue to provide owners a window to bigger worlds. The new generation introduces a bold new look and adds new technology, premium materials, options, and safety. In fact, this all-new sixth generation 4Runner raises the bar in terms of go-anywhere capability and high-end refinement. The 2025 4Runner will be built in Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara plant in Japan and will arrive in the U.S. in the fall of 2024.

The All-New 4Runner Answers the Call of the Wild. Coming April 9

PLANO, Texas (April 8, 2024) – Toyota’s Trailhunter line up is expanding. Learn more when the all-new 2025 4Runner makes its world debut, April 9, at 7:15pm Pacific Daylight Time. 

Fresh Air for Your Wild Side in the Next Generation 4Runner

PLANO, Texas (April 4, 2024) – A window to bigger worlds and adventures is just around the corner. Stay tuned for more #4Runner updates.

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Ready or not, self-driving semi-trucks are coming to America’s highways

Autonomous truck companies plan a major expansion this year to deliver your packages and food, speeding well ahead of federal safety regulations.

PALMER, Tex. — Perched in the cab of a 35,000-pound semi-truck lumbering south on Interstate 45, AJ Jenkins watched the road while the big rig’s steering wheel slid through his hands. Jenkins was in the driver’s seat, but he wasn’t driving. The gigantic 18-wheeler was guiding itself.

Over several miles on the popular trucking route between Dallas and Houston, the truck navigated tire debris, maneuvered around a raggedy-looking flatbed and slowed for an emergency vehicle. Exiting the highway, it came to an abrupt stop as a pickup jumped its turn at a four-way intersection.

“You need to be ready for anything,” said Jenkins, 64, a former FedEx driver whose job is to take control if anything goes wrong. “People do some crazy stuff around trucks.”

Operated by Aurora Innovation, the truck is part of a new class of autonomous big rigs plying the nation’s highways. By the end of this year, the trucks will for the first time start traveling alone, without human minders like Jenkins, as two major companies — Aurora and Kodiak Robotics — launch fully autonomous trucks in Texas.

The advent of robot trucks could have a massive impact on America’s supply chain, dramatically reducing the time it takes to transport goods from place to place and unbinding the trucking industry from the costs and physical limitations of human labor. But the technology’s advancement has sparked concerns about highway safety, job loss, a lack of federal regulation and a patchwork of state laws regarding where and how autonomous trucks can operate.

By default, driverless passenger vehicles and trucks can ride anywhere in the United States, unless a state explicitly says they can’t. That means companies can test and operate their vehicles across most of the country. Two dozen states, including Texas, Florida, Arizona and Nevada, specifically allow driverless operations, according to data compiled by Aurora, while another 16 states have no regulations specific to autonomous vehicles. The remaining 10 — including California, Massachusetts and New York — place limits on autonomous vehicles within their borders.

Alarmed by the slow pace of federal regulation, labor and safety advocates are pushing legislation in several states to ban driverless trucks outright. So far, the effort has been unsuccessful. The California legislature approved a measure last year that would have required human operators in all autonomous trucks, but Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) vetoed it, calling it “unnecessary” in light of state regulations that already ban autonomous vehicles over 10,000 pounds.

Transportation experts have been frustrated at how slowly the federal government has moved on the issue, given its potential to disrupt a massive part of the American economy.

Steve Viscelli, a sociologist at the University of Pennsylvania who studies the trucking industry, said autonomous trucking could “change the geography of our economy in the way that railroads and shipping did.”

“There are real concerns that drivers have of the impacts of this,” Viscelli said, “and we need to take them seriously.”

Driverless passenger cars have caused chaos in cities like San Francisco, including one horrific accident last year when a robotaxi hit a jaywalking pedestrian and dragged her about 20 feet. The potential for catastrophe is even greater with massive autonomous trucks, critics say.

“Even with these small vehicles, it has been a disaster,” said Peter Finn, a vice president of the Teamsters Local Union 856, which represents truck drivers. “The notion that there is going to be no human being in large trucks barreling down the highways absolutely frightens me.”

Major expansion

Today, Aurora’s long-haul trucks are transporting packages and produce — about 100 deliveries a week — for FedEx, Uber Freight and others. Founded in 2017 by former executives at Uber, Google’s self-driving project and Tesla, the company has been training its driverless trucks in Texas since 2020.

By the end of this year, Aurora says it plans to have about 20 fully autonomous trucks working the 240-mile stretch between Dallas and Houston. Eventually, it plans to operate thousands of trucks all across America.

Kodiak Robotics, which was founded by a former employee of Uber and Alphabet’s Waymo, similarly plans to launch a fleet of trucks by the end of the year in Texas. A third company, Daimler Trucks — a subsidiary of German-owned Daimler that has partnered with Torc Robotics — is a few years behind, with plans to launch a driverless fleet in America by 2027.

Nat Beuse, Aurora’s chief safety officer, said the self-driving truck industry has been “methodical” in deploying its technology, adopting strict safety standards, including how the trucks respond to various system failures. Beuse said the company has learned from the mistakes of other autonomous vehicle companies, including General Motors-owned Cruise, which recalled its entire driverless fleet after the San Francisco crash.

“The federal government has been clear in that unless a state says you can’t deploy, you can. But that doesn’t mean as a company we don’t have responsibilities,” Beuse said. “This is not a science experiment.”

Marc Williams, executive director of the Texas Department of Transportation, said Texas has a good relationship with the companies testing on its roads. The state has been at the “forefront” of supporting the industry, he said, and it is critical for its economic growth as demand grows for moving freight around the state.

“If we’re going to meet that challenge, it requires us to be successful in these partnership and collaborations with trucking and autonomous trucking industry,” Williams said at a February panel with Partners for Automated Vehicle Education, a coalition of industry advocates.

The average driver would find it tough to spot one of Aurora’s trucks, which bear only a small rear-facing sign that reads “AUTONOMOUS TEST VEHICLE.”

The view from inside the cab looks very different, however. On a recent day in February, two computer screens animated a flurry of potential hazards: Tire debris dotting the shoulder. Impatient SUVs and sedans eager to pass. An SUV merging without a turn signal.

Stephen Tune, a vehicle operations specialist, sat in the passenger seat, monitoring the screens. He narrated the truck’s every movement for Jenkins: “Moving to the right to avoid tire debris,” Tune said as the turn signal began to blink. “Moving to the left as a courtesy to the car behind us.”

On this drive, the truck followed all the rules of the road and even demonstrated an uncommon courtesy to other drivers. But it’s the unexpected scenarios — from errors by human drivers to sudden mechanical issues — that worry veteran truck drivers like Lewie Pugh.

“I know my computer and cellphone make mistakes. Machines can have bad days, too,” said Pugh, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, a national organization representing professional truck drivers.

While Texas has been the center of autonomous truck testing, companies also have been running vehicles in Oklahoma and New Mexico, among other places. Since 2021, trucks operated by all three major companies have been involved in a handful of traffic incidents, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

None have been fatal or caused serious injuries, but the incident logs provide a window into the range of obstacles the trucks have faced.

In July 2022, a Daimler truck rolled over an object on a New Mexico highway that punctured its fuel tank, causing oil to spill onto the highway. In December 2023, a deer stumbled onto the path of a Daimler truck testing in Texas. The test driver took over, but the truck still hit the deer.

Earlier that month, a pickup truck trying to overtake an Aurora vehicle hydroplaned and hit the Aurora’s trailer. The Aurora detected the pickup but was unable to avoid contact.

The companies will be attempting to succeed in an industry that has faced setbacks. Waymo, the self-driving company owned by Alphabet, said in July that it would push back the timeline of its trucking efforts so it could instead focus on ride-hailing. Chinese autonomous trucking company TuSimple Holdings wound down its U.S. operations in 2023, a year after one of its automated trucks was involved in a crash while testing.

Still, autonomous trucks will make highways safer, those working on the technology say. According to the latest federal data, 5,788 people were killed in crashes involving a large truck in 2021, representing 13 percent of traffic deaths that year.

Tech moving faster than regulation

As profit-driven companies race toward deployment, the federal government has been slow to grapple with the implications of the new technology. The U.S. Transportation Department has largely allowed the companies to test their products on public roads, as long as companies comply with the same safety standards that apply to traditional human-driven trucks.

Within the Transportation Department, NHTSA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have been working for more than five years on a proposal to create basic “safety guardrails” for autonomous trucks, including requirements for remote assistants to monitor the driverless vehicles, inspections and vehicle maintenance. The proposed rule, which was submitted to the White House’s Office of Management and Budget in December, would be the Biden administration’s most significant action on autonomous trucking.

Transportation Department spokesperson Sean Manning was unable to say when the rule might be finalized, as it still has to go through several more bureaucratic steps. Until then, Manning said existing laws prohibit any vehicle, including those equipped with automated technology, from “posing an unreasonable risk to safety.” Meanwhile, NHTSA “will continue its vigorous enforcement using its defect and oversight authorities,” Manning said — including investigations or recalls — if it finds evidence of risk.

Aurora and Kodiak both support the idea of federal regulation, which would give them more certainty about standards as they expand nationally.

“Having a federal framework gives confidence to regulators and the public that the federal government is watching this closely,” said Daniel Goff, the head of policy at Kodiak.

Anxious truck drivers

Richard Gaskill, a truck driver in Texas since 1998, said he spots an autonomous test vehicle every now and then as he carries loads along I45.

“It’s too new for me to trust,” Gaskill, 50, said of the technology. “I don’t like the idea of these being out there taking our jobs.”

Gaskill’s anxiety is shared by union and trade groups like the Teamsters. But a 2021 study from the Transportation Department suggests concerns about widespread job loss may be misplaced: Autonomous trucking could at most lead to 11,000 layoffs in the next five years, the study says — less than 2 percent of the long-haul driver workforce.

Meanwhile, the study notes that the technology could create new job opportunities for maintenance technicians, dispatchers and fuelers while helping to relieve the drudgery that sometimes comes with being a long-haul trucker. And the autonomous truck companies say their technology can help transport goods around the country faster, as robot trucks can drive longer hours than human drivers.

Gaskill doesn’t buy it. He says he can’t fathom how a robot could navigate the nation’s chaotic highways better than he can. But as companies like Aurora expand, he is resigned to the fact that autonomous trucks are part of the future.

“It’s just a matter of time,” he said.

A previous version of this article misstated the year since when Richard Gaskill has been a truck driver in Texas. It is 1998. The article has been corrected.

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

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