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October 2024

Top-10 Food Trucks in Chicago

We've selected the top 10 food trucks in Chicago based on reviews, sales, requests and overall demand! From La Cocinita Chicago to CheSa's Gourmet Food Truck, there is something for everyone on this list. Unlike other top 10 food truck lists, we actually use real world metrics and first hand experience to determine the best food trucks today in Chicago. These are some of the Best Food Trucks for Catering and daily service in Chicago! Find them on BFT and don't miss out!

#10: CheSa's Gourmet Food Truck

Southern Comfort
Mexican Food

CheSa's Gourmet Food Truck, owned by Chef Chesareé Rollins, is a standout in Chicago, offering a diverse menu of gluten-free gourmet dishes. This food truck has become a favorite for those seeking high-quality, flavorful meals without gluten. You can often find CheSa's Gourmet Food Truck at various locations around the city, such as 3517 N Spaulding Ave, and at numerous private events and gluten-free festivals.

The menu at CheSa's Gourmet Food Truck is filled with delicious options that cater to various tastes. Popular items include the Lobster Belle Sandwich with Truffle Fries and Cole Slaw, featuring lobster claws dipped in butter, topped with coleslaw, a fried onion ring, and garlic aioli on a gluten-free garlic bun. Another favorite is the All Hale Kale salad, known for its fresh ingredients and bold flavors. For those craving something more substantial, the beef skewers and Flamingo chicken dishes are highly recommended.

Chef CheSa, inspired by her gluten-free lifestyle, ensures that every dish is crafted with care, making her food truck a top choice for those seeking flavorful and healthy options. Whether you're attending one of Chicago's food festivals or planning a private event, CheSa's Gourmet Food Truck offers a memorable and delicious gluten-free dining experience.

CheSa's Gourmet Food Truck is also a popular option for gluten-free catering in Chicago, making it ideal for weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings. Chef CheSa offers a customizable menu that features fan-favorites like the Lobster Belle Sandwich and All Hale Kale Salad, ensuring that guests enjoy a healthy yet indulgent gourmet meal. Whether for small or large events, CheSa’s catering guarantees a unique and satisfying gluten-free dining experience.

CheSa's Gourmet Food Truck

#9: Kissed By Fire BBQ & Pizza Truck

Barbecue
Pizza

Kissed By Fire BBQ & Pizza Truck, founded by Dave Glomp, is a standout in Chicago's food truck scene, known for its delicious blend of BBQ and wood-fired pizza. This truck frequently serves at popular locations and events across the city, including festivals and private gatherings, bringing its mouth-watering offerings to a wide audience.

The menu at Kissed By Fire features an enticing selection of BBQ and wood-fired pizzas. Favorites include the Chicago Gangsta Pizza, topped with smoked pork shoulder, bacon, sausage, roasted garlic, red onion, and giardiniera, and the Buffalo Chicken Pizza, which combines fire-roasted chicken, red onion, buffalo sauce, and creamy ranch. BBQ enthusiasts will love the Heaven on a Bun, a sandwich filled with slow-smoked pulled pork, and the Rib Tips, known for their robust flavor.

Dave and his team are dedicated to providing high-quality food and exceptional service, making Kissed By Fire a popular choice for food truck catering at events. Whether you're craving BBQ or pizza, Kissed By Fire BBQ & Pizza Truck offers a unique and delicious dining experience that stands out among Chicago's food trucks. Catch them at events around the city for a taste of their award-winning flavors.

In addition to its regular stops, Kissed By Fire offers BBQ and pizza catering for events in Chicago, making them a top choice for festivals, weddings, and corporate gatherings. With customizable menus that feature favorites like the Chicago Gangsta Pizza and Heaven on a Bun, they ensure a memorable dining experience for guests. Kissed By Fire catering brings the best of BBQ and pizza to any event, combining flavors that are sure to satisfy all tastes.

Kissed By Fire BBQ & Pizza Truck
Pepperoni Pizza

Pepperoni Pizza

Sausage Pizza

Sausage Pizza

Neapolitan Wood Fired Pizzas

Neapolitan Wood Fired Pizzas

“Yardbird” Sandwich

“Yardbird” Sandwich

Rib Tips

Rib Tips

The “Porker”

The “Porker”

#8: Chicago Lunchbox

Asian Fusion
Korean Fusion
Thai
Vegetarian
Vietnamese

Chicago Lunchbox, established by Tanya and John Nguyen in 2013, is a popular Asian fusion food truck bringing a delightful mix of traditional dishes from Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines to the streets of Chicago. This innovative truck offers unique twists on beloved Asian street food and is frequently found at 1535 W Devon Ave and various events throughout the city.

The menu at Chicago Lunchbox is diverse and exciting. Signature items include the Rice Box, where you can choose from proteins like grilled beef marinated in a sweet Korean sauce, grilled pork in a savory Vietnamese sauce, ground chicken stir-fried with basil and peppers, and sweet Filipino longanisa pork sausage. Each dish is served over steamed rice and topped with house-pickled daikon and carrots, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro. Another favorite is the Fire Rangoon, crispy fried wontons stuffed with jalapeno cream cheese and served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

Chicago Lunchbox is known for its vibrant flavors and commitment to quality. The truck frequently appears at popular locations like NEMA Chicago apartments and various local festivals. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or enjoying their food truck catering, Chicago Lunchbox offers a unique and memorable Asian street food experience that stands out in Chicago’s food truck scene.

In addition to their regular stops, Chicago Lunchbox offers Asian fusion food truck catering, perfect for corporate events, weddings, and private gatherings. Their catering menu features favorites like the Rice Box and Fire Rangoon, providing guests with a bold and exciting taste of Vietnamese, Korean, and Filipino flavors. Whether for small or large events, Chicago Lunchbox’s catering guarantees a flavorful and memorable dining experience.

Chicago Lunchbox
Banh Mi

Banh Mi

Tacos (2 per order)

Tacos (2 per order)

Rice Box

Rice Box

Salad

Salad

Fried Chicken Spring Rolls (2 per order)

Fried Chicken Spring Rolls (2 per order)

Fire Rangoon (3 per order)

Fire Rangoon (3 per order)

#7: Harold's Chicken

American Comfort
Fried Chicken
Waffles
Wings

Harold's Chicken is a legendary name in Chicago's food scene, famous for its crispy, flavorful fried chicken. Founded by Harold Pierce in 1950, this iconic brand has expanded to include several food trucks, bringing their delicious offerings to various locations around the city. You can often find Harold's Chicken food trucks at popular spots like 612 S. Wabash Ave and throughout The Loop, making it convenient for locals and visitors to indulge in their crave-worthy chicken.

The menu at Harold's Chicken is filled with crowd-pleasers. Signature items include the 6 Wing Dinner, featuring perfectly fried chicken wings served with your choice of sauce, and the Catfish Dinner, a hearty portion of fried catfish accompanied by fries and coleslaw. For larger gatherings, the 50 Wings Bucket is a hit, providing plenty of their famous wings to share with friends and family. Each meal is prepared with the same dedication to quality that has made Harold's Chicken a beloved name in Chicago for decades.

Beyond just great food, Harold's Chicken food trucks are known for their commitment to community and quality service. They frequently cater to events across the city, from festivals to corporate gatherings, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a taste of their iconic fried chicken. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Harold's, finding one of their food trucks is a must for anyone exploring Chicago's vibrant food truck scene.

In addition to their regular city stops, Harold's Chicken offers food truck catering in Chicago, bringing their famous fried chicken wings and Catfish Dinners to events, weddings, and private gatherings. With customizable menus that feature classics like the 6 Wing Dinner and 50 Wings Bucket, they are a perfect choice for adding an authentic Chicago soul food experience to your event. Harold's Chicken catering guarantees a memorable dining experience for guests with their commitment to quality and flavor

Harold's Chicken
Combo

Combo

Fish Bucket

Fish Bucket

Fish Dinner

Fish Dinner

Fried Calamari

Fried Calamari

Chicken Dinner

Chicken Dinner

Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders

#6: Yum Dum Truck

Asian Fusion
Dumplings
Sandwiches
Vegetarian

Yum Dum Truck, founded by Chef Jeff Wang in 2014, is a staple of the Chicago street food scene. Known for its unique fusion of Asian flavors and street food convenience, Yum Dum specializes in steamed buns and handmade dumplings. The truck frequently sets up at hotspots like Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club and Logan Square, making it a favorite among locals and visitors.

The menu at Yum Dum Truck features a variety of delectable options. Popular items include the Bao Trio, allowing customers to mix and match steamed buns filled with braised pork belly, Korean chili chicken, crispy shrimp, and more. Another standout is the Kimcheesy Rice Balls, a spicy and cheesy delight that perfectly complements the truck's signature baos and dumplings. Vegetarian options, like the Sesame Cucumber Noodles and Tofu Bao, ensure there’s something for everyone.

Beyond the delicious food, Yum Dum Truck is known for its friendly and quick service, creating a memorable dining experience at every stop. The truck is also a popular choice for catering events, offering customized menus for everything from office lunches to weddings. Whether you're exploring the vibrant Chicago food truck scene or looking for a unique culinary experience, Yum Dum Truck offers a tasty and unforgettable journey through Asian-inspired cuisine.

Yum Dum Truck also excels in Chicago food truck catering, delivering delicious Asian fusion dishes for events of all sizes. Whether catering for corporate events, weddings, or private gatherings, their customizable menu includes favorites like the Bao Trio, Kimcheesy Rice Balls, and Tofu Bao. This makes them a top choice for anyone looking to offer guests a unique and flavorful street food experience in Chicago.

Yum Dum Truck

#5: La Comodita

Italian

La Comodita, operated by a dedicated team passionate about Italian cuisine, brings the flavors of Sicilian street food to the streets of Chicago. Known for their commitment to authenticity and quality, La Comodita can often be found at popular locations such as The Loop and Pilsen, delighting food lovers with their delicious offerings.

The menu at La Comodita features a variety of Italian specialties. Popular items include the Big Veg, a sandwich loaded with roasted red peppers, eggplant, portobello mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella, all served on Italian bread with a balsamic drizzle. Another favorite is the Funky Chicken Parm, featuring a seasoned fried chicken breast topped with red sauce, parmesan, romano, and melted mozzarella, served on Italian bread. For dessert, the Sweet Nutella Arancini, panko-crusted creamy risotto balls filled with Nutella and served with vanilla ice cream, is a must-try.

La Comodita stands out for its exceptional food and presence at key Chicago locations, making it easy for fans to enjoy their meals. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or planning a special event, La Comodita offers an authentic Italian street food experience that’s hard to beat. Be sure to check them out at their regular spots in The Loop and Pilsen for a true taste of Sicily.

La Comodita also offers Italian food truck catering in Chicago, providing a wide range of customizable Sicilian-inspired dishes for events, parties, and corporate functions. Their catering menu includes popular items like the Big Veg and Funky Chicken Parm, ensuring a flavorful and authentic Italian experience for your guests. Whether you're hosting a gathering in The Loop or celebrating in Pilsen, La Comodita’s catering brings the taste of Sicilian street food to any occasion.

La Comodita

#4: 5411 Empanadas

Argentinian
Latin
Mexican Food
Mexican Fusion
Multi-cultural
Peruvian

5411 Empanadas, a popular Chicago food truck, has been serving the city with delicious Argentinian-style empanadas since 2009. Founded by three friends from Argentina—Mariano Lanfranconi, Andrés Arlía, and Nicolás Ibarzabal—this food truck quickly became a favorite among Chicagoans, known for its gourmet, always-baked empanadas. The truck frequently sets up in various locations around the city, including popular spots like Illuminated Brew Works and Southport Corridor.

The menu at 5411 Empanadas boasts a variety of flavors, each crafted to perfection. Popular options include the Beef Empanada, BBQ Chicken, and the unique Bacon, Date, and Goat Cheese. For those with a sweet tooth, the Banana Nutella empanada is a must-try. Each empanada is made using traditional Argentinian recipes, ensuring a taste that is both authentic and delightful. The food truck also offers empanada catering services, making it a great option for events and gatherings.

Beyond the food, 5411 Empanadas is known for its excellent customer service and vibrant community presence. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite during a busy day or enjoying a leisurely meal with friends, 5411 Empanadas provides a satisfying and flavorful experience. As one of the top Chicago food trucks, it continues to delight locals and visitors alike with its diverse and delicious offerings.

In addition to its popular citywide locations, 5411 Empanadas also offers empanada catering for events, providing an exciting and gourmet twist on traditional Argentinian street food. Their catering menu features a variety of fan-favorite empanadas, including the Beef Empanada and BBQ Chicken, ensuring a delectable spread for any gathering. Whether you're hosting a corporate event, wedding, or private party, 5411 Empanadas' catering brings an authentic and customizable experience to Chicago’s catering scene.

5411 Empanadas

#3: The Fat Shallot

Sandwiches
Vegetarian

The Fat Shallot, owned by husband-and-wife team Sam Barron and Sarah Weitz, is a renowned gourmet sandwich truck serving Chicago since 2013. Their high-quality, made-to-order dishes have made them a favorite, with the truck frequently visiting spots like the Merchandise Mart and Revival Food Hall.

The menu at The Fat Shallot includes mouth-watering sandwiches like the Buffalo chicken sandwich, featuring crispy chicken tenders tossed in buffalo sauce with blue cheese dressing and shaved celery on a brioche bun. Other favorites include the Truffle BLT, combining crispy bacon, avocado, arugula, tomato, and truffle aioli on challah bread, and the grilled cheese made with muenster cheese, sautéed spinach, and caramelized onions on sourdough. Their house fries, topped with options like rosemary salt or truffle aioli, perfectly complement any sandwich.

Beyond the food, The Fat Shallot stands out for its commitment to quality and community. Sam and Sarah’s culinary journey across the world has helped them bring diverse influences back to Chicago. Their food truck was named the best food truck in Chicago by the Chicago Reader in 2017. Whether you catch them at a local food festival or hire them for catering, The Fat Shallot offers a memorable dining experience that showcases the best of Chicago’s food truck scene.

The Fat Shallot also provides food truck catering in Chicago, perfect for events ranging from corporate functions to weddings. Their customizable catering menu features customer favorites like the Buffalo chicken sandwich, Truffle BLT, and grilled cheese with caramelized onions, ensuring your guests enjoy an elevated gourmet sandwich experience. Whether it's a casual lunch at Merchandise Mart or a large-scale celebration, The Fat Shallot’s catering brings the best of Chicago's food trucks to your event.

The Fat Shallot

#2: Soul & Smoke

Barbecue

Soul & Smoke, co-founded by Chef D’Andre Carter and Heather Bublick, is a beloved BBQ food truck and soul food hotspot in Chicago. Known for serving high-quality barbecue and soul food, the truck has quickly become a staple in the city’s food scene. With locations in Evanston, Avondale, Soldier Field, and the West Loop, Soul & Smoke offers a convenient and delicious dining experience for Chicagoans.

The menu at Soul & Smoke features a variety of mouth-watering dishes. Their smoked brisket and St. Louis style ribs are particularly popular, accompanied by homestyle sides like mac and cheese, braised collard greens, and creamy apple slaw. Chef Carter’s gourmet approach to barbecue is evident in every dish, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Beyond its culinary offerings, Soul & Smoke is deeply committed to community service. The food truck provided over 250,000 meals to Chicagoans in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating a strong dedication to giving back. Whether you’re enjoying a meal at one of their physical locations or catching the food truck at local events and farmers markets, Soul & Smoke offers a flavorful and heartfelt dining experience that embodies the best of Chicago’s food culture.

Soul & Smoke also offers BBQ catering in Chicago, making it a perfect choice for events, corporate functions, and private parties. Their catering menu includes customer favorites like smoked brisket, St. Louis style ribs, and mac and cheese, providing guests with an authentic BBQ experience. Whether you're planning an event in Evanston, Avondale, or near Soldier Field, Soul & Smoke's catering delivers a delicious, community-focused meal that highlights the best of Chicago's gourmet barbecue.


Soul & Smoke

#1: La Cocinita Chicago

Latin
Mexican Food
Tacos
Vegan
Vegetarian

La Cocinita, founded by Benoit and Rachel Angulo, is a top-tier Latin American food truck offering a delightful array of Venezuelan-inspired street food to the streets of Chicago. Known for their gourmet street food, La Cocinita serves up traditional dishes with a modern twist. You can often find their vibrant red truck in popular areas like the Loop and at events such as the Chicago Food Truck Festival.

The menu at La Cocinita features a variety of mouth-watering options, including arepas, tacos, and bowls, each customizable with your choice of protein like braised chicken, roasted pork, or sweet potatoes and black beans. Sauces like guasacaca, chipotle crema, and salsa verde add a burst of flavor to every bite. Don’t miss their churros, a sweet treat dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with warm chocolate sauce for the perfect ending to your meal.

Beyond its delicious food, La Cocinita is known for its commitment to community service, having provided thousands of meals to healthcare workers and first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic. This dedication to giving back, coupled with their fantastic culinary offerings, has solidified La Cocinita’s reputation as one of the best food trucks in Chicago. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, La Cocinita offers a taste of Latin American street food that’s not to be missed.

La Cocinita also provides food truck catering in Chicago, delivering a flavorful array of customizable Latin American dishes for events, festivals, and private parties. Their catering menu features popular items like arepas, braised chicken bowls, and churros, ensuring a rich and vibrant street food experience for all guests. Whether you're attending the Chicago Food Truck Festival or hosting a private event, La Cocinita's catering offers a gourmet twist on Latin American street food that will leave a lasting impression.


La Cocinita Chicago

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