Eating from Washington DC food trucks is like taking a trip around the world. Choose from Asian, Latin, African, American, and ethnic fusion DC food trucks.
Working at Union Station—a magnificent building (go visit!)—several quick bite places inside the building tempted me but almost every day I went outside because of the dizzying array of food trucks. Less than two blocks away from Union Station, every weekday, food trucks start lining up between 10:30 and 11:15. Typically at 11:30, DC food trucks open their doors to the hungry government and private sector cubicle dwellers (like I was).
Most days I would window shop the selections. Oh, look, there is a Laotian truck. Or, hmmm, will I try Ethiopian food today? Every day was a mini trip around the world.
On the other hand, most DC food trucks also stick to a schedule. The lasagna truck showed up every Tuesday and the lobster roll truck (yes, lobster rolls!) tempted us every other Thursday.
Near Union Station is not the only place where to find food trucks in DC. More than five food trucks usually congregate around McPherson Square, L’Enfant Plaza, and Metro Center. Work days are also not the only time for food trucks in Washington DC. Local food truck operators love visiting the many festivals and wherever crowds are on the weekends.
McCool Travel tip: When visiting Washington DC, check online real-time automated tracking of DC food trucks.
Below are some of my favorite food trucks in Washington DC. Since our tastes are different, certainly your favorites will be different from mine. Heck, some of these food trucks might even be closed down by the time you read this article. Check DC apps to find current DC food trucks, because, unfortunately food trucks may stop operating and go out of business. But there are always new ones to try and support.
1. Red Hook Lobster Truck
For a special treat, I love lobster rolls. OK, truth, forget the special treat. I could eat lobster rolls every single day for lunch. This sandwich is more expensive than others but IT IS LOBSTER. Red Hook lobster rolls are served in two styles, Connecticut and Maine. Maine style lobster has a little mayo while Connecticut, my preference, has butter.
For more Washington DC travel ideas, see 8 Great Surprising Things to See in Washington DC
2. Lemongrass
McCool Travel NOTE: The Lemongrass food truck has been reported as closed. Please support your favorite small business so that it can remain open.
I am amazed I can get high quality and delicious Vietnamese food from a food truck. Lemongrass’ Bahn Mi sandwich is outstanding.
3. Basil Thyme
Gourmet lasagna, huge portions, fuhgedabudit.
For more Washington DC travel ideas, see 8 Great Fun Places to Visit in Washington DC
4. Pho-Bachi
Believe it or not, the weather in Washington DC is not always perfect. Luckily, many food trucks operate into the late Brrrs (November and December) when I felt like having Pho pretty much every day. Another food truck I often got Pho from is Phonation.
5. El Fuego
Latin food trucks dominate the DC food truck scene. The Pollo Saltado from El Fuego is at least two meal portions, yet I somehow usually finish it off myself.
For more Washington DC travel ideas, see 8 Great Things to Do in Georgetown
6. DC Pollo
The Peruvian style chicken with veggies, rice, and plantains from DC Pollo is a great food truck lunch.
7. Jerks of the Caribbean
McCool Travel NOTE: Jerks of the Caribbean food truck has been reported as closed. Please support your favorite small business so that it can remain open.
Caribbean food trucks also appear among the DC food trucks. Besides amazing jerk chicken from Jerks of the Caribbean, one of the best Cuban sandwiches I ever ate was from a Puerto Rican food truck (Borinquen).
For more Washington DC travel ideas, see 8 Great Places to Visit Near Washington DC
8. dessert: Dolci Gelati
Might as well get dessert from food trucks, too. In addition to the Dolci Gelati truck, other DC food trucks specialize in cookies, ice cream, crepes, and doughnuts (and fried chicken).
While waiting for food, some DC food trucks even entertain and educate.
For more Washington DC travel ideas, see 5 Ways to Explore Arlington National Cemetery
Are you a food truck fan? What are your favorite DC food trucks?
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The food truck culture literally seems to be taking the world by storm Charles! Quite amazing scene in DC. I see FT’s litter NYC, in a good way. Lots of glam or deluxe numbers, going overboard on quality of food. You’ve the traditional dirty spoon deals too which I prefer. More pigeon less pheasant LOL.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Ryan
Appreciate the note, Ryan. Keep on finding those dirty spoon places!
I’d go just for that yummy looking lobster roll! Nice post.
Thank you, Sue. I definitely think I need to research food trucks in the Windy City and, of course, require a guide.
I didn’t know D.C. has food trucks. My favorite is the lobster roll and the Peruvian chicken. Hope I can find them on my next visit!
Use that Food Truck Fiesta app or website. It is fun and helpful.
A lobster roll truck? I wish it would make a detour and come to Toronto
Good thing it is not near me every day. 😀
Great post – I’ve not been to DC in a couple of years, but will definitely check out the food trucks next time!
Most excellent. Hope your travels are happy!
Wow, there are so many more food trucks in DC than there were when I lived there!
The waited until you left? Really, though, I think the food truck mania is everywhere.