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10 Washington DC Food Trucks to try this Summer

If you ever find yourself in Washington, D.C., one thing you may or may not know – you will often find yourself in the midst of a food truck extravaganza, especially if you are visiting the downtown area in the middle of the day. 

three women ordering food at a food truck in Washington DC

Food trucks are all the craze for Washingtonians. We know that the food will be fresh, delicious, and usually locally owned. Food trucks are so popular that #foodtruckfriday often trends on social media and there are apps and websites that track the whereabouts of your favorite food truck. There are a plethora of options for food trucks in the District – we have broken the best ones down for you to check out. Start scoping them out this Summer, and know they are in business year round. Keep an eye out on all of the social media pages for the food trucks listed, as they change locations often. Check out my list below!


Zainy’s Flyin’ Grill

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Zainy’s Flyin’ Grill is not just a taco food truck, they serve unique puffy tacos in the Washington, D.C. area. Zainy’s Flyin’ Grill has perfected their puffy taco shell – it is a perfect mix of a soft, fluffy golden taco that are also crunchy! This concept is revolutionary to Washingtonians, and they are commended for their creativity with this cuisine. While their menu changes, give their Chili Chutney Shrimp Puffy Taco a try – you will love this unique creation. Don’t forget to order it with a side of Mexican Corn. This husband and wife owned local business gives back to the community and also is available to be booked for your next event.  


Pepe Food Truck 

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Humanitarian and beloved chef José Andrés’ does it again with another hit food creation in the Washington D.C. area. The menu at Pepe Food Truck is inspired by Spain, where José Andrés’ is a native of. They are known for their Spanish Flauta Sandwiches, and are not to be missed! Their patatas bravas are exceptional, and will have you wondering how so much good food came out of a kitchen on wheels. José Andrés’ is no stranger to improvisation, and the menu at Pepe Food Truck showcases that. He is also not a stranger to making food accessible to all, so his food truck concept is not a surprise to us. We can’t help but feel reminiscent of the book  José Andrés’ penned, We Fed an Island: The True Story of Rebuilding Puerto Rico, One Meal at a Time, whenever ordering food from this mobile masterpiece. 

See also  7 San Francisco Food Trucks to Try This Weekend

The Big Cheese

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The Big Cheese is a food truck in Washington, D.C. that focuses on – you guessed it, grilled cheese sandwiches! Established in 2010, The Big Cheese serves Washingtonians throughout the District year round. There is nothing better to warm your belly with in the colder months, and you won’t be able to find a better cheese pull! Our pick off the menu? Easily the Thrilled Cheese. This creative sandwich comes with Chipotle Cheddar, Jalapeno, and Guacamole on Sourdough! The Big Cheese makes finding their current location easy for patrons – there is a calendar directly on their website for when the grilled cheese craving hits! They are also available for private events, fundraisers, and catering. 


PhoWheels 

Phone: 202-770-0555
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PhoWheels serves up Vietmenese inspired food with a globally inclusive modern flair at their very popular and hip food truck in Washington, D.C. With a focus on affordability and meeting high levels of satisfaction from customers, it is no wonder this family owned business is one of the most loved food trucks in the Washington, D.C. area. Of course, while their food includes their specialty, Pho, rest assured there are other delicious picks such as Bahn Mi Sandwiches. Why not order both? Our recommendation is to order the Eye-Round Steak Pho and the Mushroom-Onion Tofu Bahn Mi and share with a friend. Make sure to give this food truck a try the next time you see them in Washington, D.C. You will recognize them immediately from their standout mural on the sides of the truck. 


Halal Grill 

Phone: 703-678-8310
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Usually found in downtown Washington, D.C., Halal Grill can be found a few steps away from one of the museums at the Smithsonian Institution. The simplicity of the Halal Grill food truck and menu speaks for itself – there are no frills or pretention here, just outstanding food. You will love the Gyro Over Rice with their perfectly seasoned lamb and fresh vegetables. Speaking of vegetables, make sure to check out their Vegetarian Platter, which features chickpeas with delectable spices over basmati rice and a side salad. If Halal Grill is not in the Downtown area of Washington, D.C., make sure to check out their twitter, where they are currently most active. 


Swizzler

1259 First St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 202-930-1499
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Swizzler is a food truck in Washington, D.C. that features hot dogs! They also have a brick and mortar storefront in the perfect location for hot dogs – steps away from the National’s Stadium in Navy Yard! When you first read the menu for Swizzler, you might find yourself wondering how it is possible to have so many variations of a hot dog – and Swizzler makes it possible. If you are not in the mood for their Plain Jane hot dogs with ketchup or mustard, give their Leonardo Dog Vinci a try – featuring Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, Pesto, and Balsamic Glaze! The Swizzler food truck is a cashless establishment, so make sure you remember that when the craving for an unbelievable hot dog hits. 

See also  14 NYC Food Trucks You Should Check Out

Kam & 46

If you’ve ever wanted to try Hawaiin food, Kam & 46 is absolutely the food truck in Washington, D.C. for you! Featuring Hawaiin and Filipino cuisine, this food truck is Woman owned and operated. These ladies have an appreciation for globally inspired food and give nods to their family for the inspiration behind Kam & 46. They say they wish to share their culture through their food truck and are focused on bringing happiness to their customers. Order the Tuna Tartare Wonton Nachos from this food truck – you won’t be disappointed! Kam & 46 is active on social media, so make sure to tag them on all of your social media posts of their delicious eats. Also be sure to check out their stories on Instagram for updates as to their whereabouts – they often have pop up events. 


Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats 

200 Commerce St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 202-630-6455
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There is absolutely not a single person in the District who doesn’t get excited when they see the Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats food truck – and if there is one person, we aren’t sure we can trust them! While the gentlemen at Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats have recently opened a brick and mortar storefront, you can still spot their vintage food truck around Washington, D.C., serving homemade frozen custard. It is absolutely some of the best custard in Washington, D.C. This Black owned business is certainly impressive from the treats to the customer service. It’s the bow ties they wear and the classic music that spills out of their truck that does it for us. You can order their custard on it’s own, and you can also order it sandwiched between other treats such as their Rum Cake. Be prepared to wait in a bit of a line for Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats – while you wait, snap photos of their beautiful truck until you can snap photos of your custard. You won’t be bored, however – you will find yourself dancing to James Brown and The Temptations with other patrons, and even the owners. 


Captain Cookie & The Milk Man 

Phone: 202-795-9184
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Captain Cookie & The Milk Man serves up delicious cookies and milk in their Mobile Bakery in the Washington, D.C. area. Captain Cookie & The Milk Man bakes directly on their truck, so rest assured their baked goods will always be fresh and ready to dip in some milk. This locally owned food truck says Captain Cookie has worked on perfecting the perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe for almost three decades, and we believe it has reached perfection. Not only are their cookies perfect, Captain Cookie & The Milk Man has devoted time and resources to community initiatives and says they have done over 50 fundraisers in a year for local students. 

See also  14 NYC Food Trucks You Should Check Out

Killer Tomato Pizza Food Truck 

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If you’ve ever wanted to see a wood fire pizza oven inside of a food truck, head on over to Killer Tomato Pizza Food Truck in Washington, D.C. for pipping hot and delicious pizza! This locally owned business not only makes appearances outside busy Washington, D.C. businesses for the lunch rush, they provide catering services as well. We think they would be the perfect food truck to appear at a late night wedding reception for some killer eats! We love their Shut Your Piehole pizza! Be careful, you might just eat the entire pie in one sitting. Killer Tomato Pizza Food Truck recommends keeping an eye out on their social media for up to date scheduling and calendar of events. This food truck is very popular, so make sure you catch them early in the day before they sell out of your favorite pizza. 

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Quora, Google Guide and Facebook.