You don’t have to visit a bricks-and-mortar restaurant to taste some of America’s greatest dishes. The USA's food truck scene is flourishing and many carts have menus to rival the country's best-loved restaurants. From barbecue trucks to roving waffle houses, these are our favourites in every US state. Due to COVID-19, be sure to check local restrictions, including state travel advisories, and individual food trucks' websites for opening hours.

Although Eugene’s now has two bricks-and-mortar locations, one in Birmingham and one in Hoover, its giant red food truck is still doing the rounds in Birmingham – you'll have to check their social media to find #WheresEugene. Sating carnivores all over town, the menu is filled with lip-smacking options from spicy chicken wings and tenders to popcorn chicken and waffles. Order yours with Kickin’ Collard Greens and a pile of seasoned fries.

International House of Hot Dogs has been a firm Anchorage favourite for nearly a decade thanks to super-tasty dogs, crispy fries and customisable dishes. The menu has lots of mouthwatering options, like the New Yorker with sauerkraut, spicy brown mustard and onions, or the Asian with spicy slaw and sriracha mayo. But there's one must-order. The speciality here is the Alaskan with a reindeer or buffalo sausage, dressed with sautéed onions and the joint's secret chipotle sauce.

Jozarelli’s pretty food truck, with its chic brick effect and painted vines, is the first thing that draws the customers in. But they stay for the food: simple Italian eats served up since 2012. The menu has a tempting selection of pizzas and calzones, from a fennel sausage pie to a white pizza with four cheeses. Pasta lovers can opt for classics like carbonara, alfredo or arrabiata, while the sandwich menu impresses with Italian gyro and classic meatball sub.

Named after the founders' dad Don "Yeyo", the truck originally started as a way to use up all the excess produce Yeyo was growing in his garden. Fast forward to today and Yeyo's has expanded to a restaurant and a mezcaleria, but the food truck at Bentonville Square (and now in Osage Park too) continues to be much-loved by customers. Top orders include the burrito bowl and street tacos available with fillings like carne asada or al pastor pork, or vegan and vegetarian options.

Arguably one of the most famous food trucks in all of America, let alone in California, Kogi BBQ's food definitely lives up to the hype. Started by chef Roy Choi in 2008, the truck (or trucks and a bricks-and-mortar taqueria these days) has reached cult status and is often credited with kick-starting a food truck boom in America. The food here is a mouthwatering mix of Korean and Mexican flavours – there are kimchi quesadillas and the famous Korean barbecue short rib taco with coriander-lime relish and a chilli-soy vinaigrette.

For winning wood-fired pizza in and around the Mile High City, look no further than Basic Kneads Pizza. Its food carts pop up all over town, at breweries, food festivals, music events and more, each housing a wood oven. Basic Kneads are serious about their ingredients too: the pizza dough is made from Colorado-milled flour and the herbs, tomatoes and other veg are sourced from organic producers. Options range from a classic margherita to a buffalo chicken pie with blue cheese and Thai chilli chicken pizza with mozzarella and green onions.

Cold Maine lobster roll not really your jam? Then you need to try Connecticut's warm, buttered version served by LobsterCraft. The Coastal Lobster Roll is what started it all – the perfectly toasted bun is heaped full of hot, buttered lobster and finished with a dash of the Captain's Pinch (LobsterCraft's signature seasoning). Diners also love the Heat Wave with serrano and habanero pepper-infused butter. Check their Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest locations.

Serving the streets of Wilmington Manor since 2016, Kabob on Wheels dishes out freshly-made rice platters, salads and gyro wraps. Easily recognised thanks to its colourful graffiti exterior, the food truck serves halal meals and is much-loved for both the wonderful flavours and friendly customer service. Top orders include chicken or lamb over rice, served with a choice of sauces and fresh salad, and filling falafel gyro wraps, made with toasty pitta bread, fresh veggies and a choice of sauces.

Although it's up for debate whether this is more of a food stall than a truck, we're willing to let that go due to the perfect reviews that customers give Yolk White & Associates. Aimed at the breakfast and brunch crowd, the food here is mostly egg-based, as the name suggests. Based in MacDill Park on the Riverwalk in Tampa, the truck offers a selection of frittatas, omelettes and egg sandwiches – you'll do well by picking the Cajun frittata with andouille sausage, peppers, Cheddar and sour cream, served with grits.

While The Blaxican's restaurant has sadly closed due to COVID-19, the food truck is still rolling down the streets of Atlanta, dishing out superb Mexican soul food. Founded in 2010, the truck's name is a reference to owner Will Turner's Mexican and African-American heritage, which is also reflected in the menu. You'll find items like blackened Cajun fish tacos, al pastor pork on rice and peas, and their famous collard green quesadilla. Check the website for their latest schedule.

Giovanni’s started in 1993, when the truck’s founders converted a 1953 bread truck and took their tasty shrimp recipes to the roads of Oahu’s North Shore. Word soon spread and now there are three carts: one in Honolulu, one in Haleiwa and one in Kahuku. There’s an ongoing battle for the title of North Shore's best shrimp, but we’re championing Giovanni’s, if only for its most popular dishes: hot and spicy shrimp with fluffy white rice and garlicky shrimp scampi.

There's no fuss or frills at Scotty's Hot Dogs, just really good hot dogs. At this Boise food truck, all dogs and toppings are cooked fresh to order by owner Brandon and, although the working hours and locations are pretty elusive (Brandon posts them on Facebook and Twitter), those who've had a Scotty's Saucey Dog – a beef or Polish hot dog with a choice of Scotty's sauce, ketchup or mustard – absolutely love it. 

Here's where to find the best hot dog joint in every state

Spearheaded by a husband and wife team, this well-loved Chicago truck takes the humble sandwich and elevates it. You’ll find the cart at various locations in the Windy City (check the website for the schedule), plus there are two permanent locations in Lincoln Park and at Gillson Beach. The mighty sandwich menu includes the favourite Truffle BLT with crispy bacon, avocado and truffle aioli, as well as Buffalo Chicken with crispy chicken tenders and a blue cheese dressing. There are spicy sesame fries, house fries or truffle fries to have on the side too.

Bringing a taste of Texas to Indianapolis, Old Gold Barbecue serves highly-rated Texan classics at a spot next to Metazoa Brewing Co. Serving big platters of smoked meats, including customer favourites pulled pork and pork ribs and classic BBQ sides like potato salad, street corn and coleslaw, the truck is definitely for the hungry. There are also a number of sandwiches on offer and Texas no-bean chilli with brisket, shredded cheese, onions and sour cream on the side.

There is nothing but good vibes and tasty food at this Caribbean-inspired food truck found on the streets of Iowa City. The highly-regarded menu features plenty of choice, from sandwiches and burgers to quesadillas and wraps. Opt for the customer favourite jerk pork panini or their speciality meal – jerk chicken or pork with rice and beans, plantains and steamed cabbage. Check the Facebook page for updates on where to find the truck.

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With a menu that changes weekly, The Flying Stove always has their customers guessing what will be on offer. What the punters do know is that they'll get served a tasty, filling and freshly-cooked meal. You'll find the truck's schedule on the website and the current menu features mouthwatering orders like grilled chicken pitta, pork tacos and an all-American burger with cheese and Stove special sauce.

Take a look at the best cheeseburger in your state

Kentucky is best known for its hot browns and fried chicken, but this seafood-focused truck brings something a little different to the Bluegrass State. Proudly touting itself as “Louisville’s only lobster truck”, the red cart trundles all over the city, dishing out lobster rolls, bisques and clam chowders. Expect a generous amount of steamed lobster and crunchy salad served on a toasted bun. Feeling hungry? Go for the Longshot Special Combo – a lobster roll with bisque or chowder.

La Cocinita was founded by NOLA couple Rachel and Benoit. Chef Benoit grew up in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, and was inspired by both the food-cart culture there and one particular traditional dish: arepas. At La Cocinita, the arepas (and tacos) are filled with braised chicken or pork, or with black beans and cheese. The dish is finished with a choice of sauces, like Venezuelan guacamole, chipotle crema or salsa verde. You'll also find them at a permanent location in Pythian Market and in Chicago, Illinois.

What else, if not lobster rolls in Maine? While there’s no shortage of traditional takes on this New England staple, husband-and-wife team Karl and Sarah Sutton wanted to breathe new life into a classic. Enter Bite into Maine, now with two trucks in Portland and Cape Elizabeth, and a permanent location in Scarborough. Delicious menu items include lobster grilled cheese, a lobster BLT and the original lobster roll, served with house-made mayos, like zingy wasabi, yellow Indian curry and smoky chipotle.

Often said to be slinging Baltimore’s best burgers, this truck has been running since 2009 and still posts its locations on social media. While there's a small list of signature burgers, like Elvis Got the Blues with blue cheese and smoked bacon, most punters build their own. Choose from a patty made of beef, turkey, bison, lamb, Wagyu beef or veggies, then add your favourite cheese and toppings (options range from crispy onion straws to dill pickle chips), and finish with a sauce. Pair your creation with a heap of truffle fries.

True to its name, this halal truck (now with three restaurants and a whole fleet of trucks) was founded on the love of two simple but delicious ingredients: chicken and rice. Out and about in Boston since 2012, The Chicken and Rice Guys offer a small but wholesome menu. Decide between a rice or salad base, then load it with your chosen protein (we’d go for the grilled chicken, of course), seasoned veggies and a sauce to bring it all together (options range from creamy garlic to extra hot). You'll find their latest locations posted on social media.

A heap of healthy food served in a bowl is the order of the day at Detroit’s aptly-named Delectabowl. You’ll often find the eye-catching blue truck stationed in the city’s Campus Martius Park, serving steaming bowls of Michigan-grown produce. Topping the menu is the Comfort Bowl, which has a base of homemade cornbread with slow-cooked pulled pork piled on top, plus coleslaw, Cheddar and homemade barbecue sauce. Veggie options and seasonal specials are available too.

The only mobile wood-fired pizza truck in the Twin Cities, Tru Pizza brings a taste of Italy to the streets of Minneapolis. Their dough is made from a long-fermented 00 flour, designed for Neapolitan-style pizza, and ingredients are sourced from local organic suppliers. And customers love it – the pizza truck is praised for perfectly charred pies that are packed with flavour on top. The menu features a couple of classics like marinara and margherita alongside daily specials.

Run by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Kendrick Gordon, this food truck is unlike any other. The ample experience Kendrick has from working in upscale restaurant kitchens is reflected in the menu that reads more like a steakhouse rather than a food truck. At lunch, there are easy-going options to pick from, like sandwiches and salads, but at dinner, the real fireworks start. Expect rib-eye steak, grilled bourbon chicken, crab cakes and much more. A permanent bricks-and-mortar location is also opening soon.

Find the best steakhouse in your state

Launched in 2011, this Filipino-inspired truck was an early fixture of St Louis’ food scene and while Guerrilla now has a permanent location, the food truck can still be found in 9 Mile Garden several times a week and at special events. Get your teeth into the signature Flying Pig, a slow-roasted pork shoulder with hoisin, jasmine rice and a slow-cooked egg. Other favourites include chicken adobo and kilawin – fresh fish dressed in cane vinegar, citrus, coconut milk and served with shrimp chips.

Serving top-notch Mexican food out of a converted school bus, El Rodeo in Bozeman is the go-to place for a flavoursome and fuss-free meal. A wide range of meats, from pork carnitas to chicken asado, are wrapped in burritos, rolled into enchiladas and served in tacos. The tortas – toasted bread sandwiches with meat, beans, cheese, veg and sauces – are also great.

This mobile outlet on Galvin Road South gets outstanding reviews from loyal regulars, who make sure their incredible burritos are sold out long before closing time. No wonder – meats are typically slow-cooked ensuring every burrito is layered with intense flavour and although the menu changes often, expect to see mouthwatering options like sweet roasted garlic-glazed pork and Cuban mojito lime chicken. All burritos are served with rice, beans, crispy potatoes and cheese.

Here's where to find the best burrito in every state

Often cited as the go-to place for Vegas' best burger, Fukuburger can be found parked up all around Sin City or at the Hawaiian Marketplace every night. The truck, and the pair of permanent Fukuburger restaurants, offer American burgers with a “Japanese twist for those who don't take life too seriously”. Try the signature Fukuburger: a beef patty layered with American cheese and salad, plus wasabi mayo and own-recipe Fuku sauce.

Although it's closed for the summer, it's well worth seeking out Northeast Pie Company at the end of August when it reopens. Serving a mouthwatering selection of hand-crafted savoury mini pies, the truck bakes them fresh every hour and customers absolutely love the place. The chicken pot pie is a strong favourite and on Saturdays customers can build their own breakfast pie. Still got room for more? The salted caramel apple dessert pie is phenomenal too.

With its own unique take on fast food, The Colonial Grill boasts a perfect five-star score for a good reason. Customers love the fun and inventive dishes here. Parked at The Green in Downtown Morristown, the truck's most famous and popular order is the plantain burger, but there are also salad bowls, chicken tenders and fries, and cheesesteak to gorge on.

This sunshine-yellow food truck rolled onto Albuquerque’s food scene in 2012, dreamed up by Southern-food lover and former Charleston-dweller Amy Black. Since 2015 it's been run by Claude Freeman and has been garnering a lot of recognition from happy punters. Swing by for an ever-changing menu filled with eye-catching items like Vietnamese beef and grits and BBQ beef tacos. You'll have to check their Facebook page for updates on where to find the truck.

New York is filled to the brim with outstanding food trucks, so picking one is hard but Uncle Gussy's gets the nod from us (and its customers) thanks to the excellent Greek cooking and generous portions. Serving the streets of New York City since 1971, you'll now find the truck parked in Midtown on 51st and Park. The Greek salad and gyro platter are among top orders, but there are pittas and sandwiches to choose from too, plus incredible seasoned fries with feta.

One for those with a sweet tooth, Cupcake Delirium is a bakery and a "mobile cupcakery", delivering tasty cupcakes to the streets of Pineville. Locations for Baby Blue the Cupcake Truck and latest flavours can be found on social media. The menu changes often but if you see Vermont Jemima, get it before it's gone. The sweet and salty sensation is a maple cupcake with maple butter cream and candied bacon.

Check out America's most outrageous cupcakes

Stationed at the Great Northern Bicycle parking lot, Taco Bros is well worth seeking out. With a limited menu of tacos and tostadas, served with beef, chicken or veggies, it's perfect for a quick but satisfying bite. All dishes are topped with lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo and sriracha sour cream, and there's corn, rice and beans or tamales to tuck into on the side too. Want something more filling? Get a Big Brother Burrito or the chorizo quesadilla.

Three Ray Ray's Hog Pit trucks parked in and around Columbus (plus a couple of permanent sites) dish out excellent BBQ food. Get three bones, half a slab or full slab of smoked St Louis-cut baby back ribs and pair them with classic sides like collard greens, mac 'n' cheese and coleslaw. There's a good selection of sauces and rubs too, and tasty sandwiches – customers love the pulled pork with Ray Ray's Sweet BBQ sauce.

This is where to find the best BBQ joint in your state

A taco truck started by a Californian family now living in Oklahoma, Taco Nation has found home in a converted school bus. All tacos are served on warmed corn tortillas or on a bed of hand-cut tortilla chips with sour cream. Customer favourites include Surf & Turf with beef and shrimp and their signature Baja – small cuts of beef steak topped with guacamole and pico de gallo. Find the truck's location on Instagram.

It may be thousands of miles from the Lone Star State, but this Portland truck dishes up some mean Texas-style barbecue. Established in June 2015 by pitmaster Matt Vicedomini, the fixed-location truck can be found on North Mississippi Avenue and has made an appearance on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Customer favourites include spare ribs, pulled pork and pork belly burnt ends, all served with pickles and a warm dip BBQ sauce. Order early because when it’s gone, it’s gone.

Simple but moreish, beer-battered Cheddar-cheese curds are the foundation of this Philly truck. The folks at The Cow and The Curd are on a mission to bring these cheese curds, which are popular in the Midwest, to the East Coast. Try the Classic Curds with house-made dipping sauce (spicy sriracha mayo, chipotle ranch or smoked ketchup), or try their take on poutine with hand-cut fries, rich brown gravy and cheese curds.

The slogan “Best Damn Tacos in Town” might be self-proclaimed, but diners certainly agree. Poco Loco’s food truck has been operating in Providence since 2010 with a bricks-and-mortar location in Cranston opening in 2012. These days you'll find the food truck at Roger Williams Park Zoo & Carousel Village on Food Truck Fridays, plus other locations around town, dishing out flavoursome tacos. Take your pick between taco, grande taco or burrito and fill it with whatever your heart desires.

Take a look at the best taco in every state

Dashi serves up some of the most inventive Asian-Latin fusion dishes from its food truck and permanent location in North Charleston. Culture clash is the pillar of the ever-shifting menu, which uses ingredients farmed in South Carolina. Depending on what's in season, expect to see tacos with tofu, steamed buns with sambal aioli and sautéed shrimp, or Thai chicken wings with a sweet sake reduction.

Catch a glimpse of Sub Zero Desserts' distinctive truck and you're in for a treat. Serving rolled ice cream and shaved ice, the truck offers endless options. Overwhelmed by the choice? Go for one of their signature creations like Shark Attack with Sour Patch Kids and shark gummies, Cotton Candy Crush or S'mores with marshmallow cream, graham cracker crumb and chocolate sauce.

Memphis’ food truck scene is thriving, but Soi Number 9 is simply exceptional. It’s owned and operated by Mai Mitrakul and Tim Vimonnimit, both Thai natives on a quest to bring their home country’s cuisine to Tennessee’s second city. Look out for the cheerful orange bus, from which the pair serve flavour-packed rice and noodle bowls, or head to their permanent space at UT Health Science Center Food Hall. The winning dish is the khao soi noodles: egg noodles in a yellow curry soup with chicken, onions and green veg.

The Box Street Social is a passion project from two San Antonio locals: chef Edward Garcia III and restaurateur Daniel Trevino. A bricks-and-mortar location is on the cards, but for now the pair are satisfying punters with seasonal, modern American dishes on wheels. Top picks include the chicken and doughnuts with sticky maple syrup, the twice-fried Thai chicken wings and the barbecue pulled pork-stuffed avocados.

Spread across five states with several permanent locations, this feel-good, family-run food truck champions the Belgian waffle. It was founded in Provo in 2012 by local couple Adam and Melissa Terry, which is where you'll find the original food trucks. Topping the menu is the Founder’s Favorite, a sweet Belgian waffle with Biscoff spread and whipped cream, but Red Wonder, topped with raspberries and strawberries, is also among the customer favourites. There's something savoury too – a croissant waffle topped with two buttermilk-fried chicken tenders.

Permanently parked at Burlington Harbor Marina, Farmers & Foragers is all about locally-sourced and organic ingredients whipped up into simple but scrumptious dishes. The truck's menu changes with the seasons and rotates weekly, but visitors can expect hearty meals such as their Vermont Cheesesteak (like a Philly cheesesteak but loaded with Vermont produce), pork belly banh mi and kimchi hot dog.

Find the best burger and fries in every state

With three shops in Washington DC and three Cookiemobiles on the streets of Alexandria and at private and public events, Captain Cookie and the Milk Man has gathered a serious following. Hardly surprising when the menu is filled with the softest and chewiest cookies you can imagine, fresh local milk (including chocolate) and ice cream. We're partial to an ice cream sandwich with snickerdoodle cookies and vanilla ice cream.

Bringing a taste of New Orleans soul food to Seattle, Where Ya At Matt claims to be one of the city's original food trucks and is proud to serve delicious, handmade and freshly-cooked food. The customers absolutely love the shrimp po boy, served with lettuce, tomato, pickles and mayo, but you'll also find Southern favourites like jambalaya, and shrimp and grits on the menu too. If you find yourself asking, "Where ya at, Matt?", you'll find the truck's schedule on Facebook.

We guarantee just a quick glance at the TwisteDoughs' menu will have you salivating. For breakfast, there's everything from cinnamon rolls to biscuits and sausage gravy, plus a breakfast sandwich on a pretzel. The real treats at this up-and-coming food truck come at lunch, though. We have our eyes on the pretzel dog, an all-beef hot dog wrapped in pretzel dough. Got room for more? Try the cinnamon sugar soft pretzel.

There are only good reviews for Press. Waffles, a gourmet food truck that serves Belgian Liège-style waffles made from brioche dough in the Milwaukee area. While their permanent café remains closed, the truck is back at local farmers' markets, serving fresh waffles – check their Facebook page for the latest updates. Both the Speculoos Cookie Butter and the peanut butter, candied bacon and banana waffles are a must.

This is the best waffle restaurant in every state

Some locals will remember this excellent food truck as Double Dub's, and while the name might have changed, the truck still serves up finger-licking good chicken wings. First, pick how many wings you want, then choose your sauce – we love garlic alfredo, BBQ or habanero mustard. The wings are served with two veg, blue cheese and slaw. There are chicken biscuit sandwiches on the menu too.

Now check out amazing restaurants that started out as food trucks