Long Beach, California, boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, and a significant part of that is its thriving food truck culture. From gourmet burgers to authentic tacos, Long Beach's food trucks offer a delicious and affordable way to explore the city's gastronomic landscape. This guide highlights 22 of the best food trucks Long Beach has to offer, categorized for easy navigation and discovery. Whether you're a local or a visitor, get ready to embark on a flavorful journey!
Finding the Best Food Trucks in Long Beach: A Guide
Long Beach's food truck scene is dynamic, with trucks constantly rotating locations. To maximize your chances of finding your favorite trucks, here are a few helpful tips:
- Social Media: Follow your favorite trucks on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for real-time location updates. Many trucks announce their daily schedules and pop-up locations on these platforms.
- Food Truck Apps: Several apps, like Roaming Hunger and Street Food Finder, provide real-time tracking of food trucks in your area.
- Local Events: Check local event listings, as food trucks are often featured at festivals, concerts, and farmers' markets.
- Online Forums & Blogs: Many local blogs and online forums dedicated to Long Beach food provide up-to-date information on food truck locations.
Top Food Trucks in Long Beach: By Cuisine
This section breaks down our top 22 food trucks into categories to help you find your perfect culinary match. Remember to check social media for up-to-date locations!
Mexican Food Trucks
- Tacos Tu Madre: Known for their authentic, flavorful tacos and generous portions. Their carne asada is a must-try!
- Leo's Tacos Truck: A Long Beach institution, Leo's is renowned for its consistently delicious al pastor tacos and friendly service.
- Mariscos Jalisco: While not exclusively a food truck, their Long Beach location offers their famous seafood cocktails and tostadas. Expect a line!
Burgers & Sandwiches
- The Habit Burger Grill (Truck): This popular chain offers its signature charburgers in a mobile format, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Dogzilla: A Long Beach favorite for gourmet hot dogs and creative toppings. Their unique combinations are a crowd-pleaser.
- Grilled Cheese Truck: As the name suggests, this truck specializes in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, using high-quality ingredients and creative combinations.
Asian Cuisine
- Kogi BBQ: A legendary Korean BBQ truck, Kogi's fusion tacos and short ribs are legendary. Their Long Beach appearances are highly anticipated.
- Nom Nom Truck: This truck serves delicious Asian fusion cuisine, with creative dishes blending Korean, Japanese, and other Asian flavors.
- Ramen Burger Truck (Occasional): A unique offering, this truck features ramen noodles as the "bun" for delicious burgers. Check their social media for infrequent appearances.
Other Cuisines
- Slab: This popular barbecue truck offers tender, smoky meats and delicious sides. Their brisket is a standout.
- Cousins Maine Lobster: A unique offering of fresh lobster rolls, a true taste of New England right in Long Beach.
- The Rolling Boil: This crawfish boil truck brings the Louisiana flair to Long Beach, offering a spicy and flavorful seafood experience.
- Crepe Delicious: Offering sweet and savory crepes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. A delightful treat for any time of day.
- Pizza on the Go: This truck offers classic and creative pizza slices, a convenient and tasty option.
Sweet Treats
- Sweet Surrender: This dessert truck offers delicious gourmet cupcakes, cookies, and other sweet treats. A perfect ending to a food truck adventure.
- Ice Cream Truck (Various): Several ice cream trucks roam Long Beach, offering classic frozen treats on a hot day.
Unique & Specialty Trucks
- The Veggie Grill (Truck): This truck offers a delicious and entirely vegan menu, perfect for those seeking plant-based options.
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Mobile): While not strictly a food truck, this mobile coffee cart offers a convenient caffeine fix.
- Johnny Rockets (Mobile): Classic American diner food on the go.
- Indian Food Truck (various): Check local event listings, as various Indian food trucks appear at festivals and events.
Tips for a Successful Food Truck Hunt
- Check the weather: Long Beach weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast before heading out to avoid disappointment.
- Bring cash: While many trucks accept cards, it's always a good idea to have cash on hand, especially for smaller trucks.
- Be patient: Lines can be long, especially during peak hours. Be prepared to wait, as it's usually worth it.
- Share your experience: Use social media to share your food truck adventures and discoveries.
This list represents just a small sample of the amazing food trucks Long Beach has to offer. So get out there, explore, and enjoy the diverse and delicious culinary landscape! Remember to check social media and food truck apps for the most up-to-date locations and menus. Happy eating!
