Alabama's Top 10 Food Trucks for 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to the Heart of Dixie's Best Mobile Eats

Est. 2021 | Birmingham

Charles Pilot and his brother Christopher turned a family tradition into Birmingham's most talked-about food truck. Growing up with Gulf Coast uncles bringing shrimp and gumbo, New Orleans relatives with bayou flavors, and aunts and dad mastering barbecue, cooking was always about bringing people together. Charles left his job at Buffalo Rock, started operating outside his mother's nail salon in Center Point, and the lines have never stopped since.

📸 Where to Find Photos

• Yelp: 103 photos, 39 reviews
• Instagram/Facebook: @fatcharlsbbq
• Restaurantji: 37 photos, 75 reviews

🌮 What to Order

• O.G. Tacos – Chicken or beef barbacoa with cheese, homemade pico, and OG sauce (4 tacos, $19)
• Birria Brisket Tacos – Slow-smoked brisket infused with birria spices, with consommé for dipping (4 tacos, $19)
• Brisket Mac n' Cheese Quesadilla – Fusion comfort food
• Jerk Philly Oxtail – Caribbean meets Philly
• Shrimp Tacos – Fresh catch preparation
• Mexi Q Pizza – BBQ meets Mexican ($25)
• 5 Mile Sauce – Their famous house sauce

📍 Locations

• 195 Vulcan Road – Yellow Bicycle Catering commissary (home base)
• Birmingham Crossplex
• Regions Harbert Plaza
• St. Vincent's Birmingham
• Western Hills Mall
• Bryant-Denny Stadium – Tuscaloosa (game days)

Reviews: "The Birria Brisket Tacos... The flavorful and tender brisket, infused with rich birria spices, created a mouthwatering symphony of tastes." — Google Review

"Best brisket ever!!! Door dashed x2 and both times the food was amazing." — Yelp Review

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• People's Choice Award – Birmingham Taco Fest (3 consecutive years)
• Birmingham Restaurant Week participant
• Featured in AL.com, About Town
• Logo designed by Buffalo Rock colleague Andrew Bender

Contact: (205) 615-4950

Est. 2021 | Birmingham

As seen on Shark Tank with an investment from Barbara Corcoran, Cousins Maine Lobster brings wild-caught, sustainably harvested Maine lobster to Alabama. Franchise owner Chris Papp brought the Charlotte operation to Birmingham after recognizing the city's foodie culture and transplant population craving authentic lobster.

📸 Where to Find Photos

• Yelp: 136 photos, 50 reviews
• Website: cousinsmainelobster.com/locations/birmingham-al

🦞 What to Order

• Maine Lobster Roll – Cold lobster with light mayo on New England split-top bun ($22)
• Connecticut Roll – Warm lobster with lemon butter ($22)
• Lobster Grilled Cheese – Melty indulgence
• Lobster Bisque – Rich and creamy
• Clam Chowder – New England classic ($6)
• Lobster Tots – Loaded with lobster meat
• Whoopie Pies – Authentic Maine dessert

📍 Locations

• Avondale Brewing Company – Regular spot
• Various Birmingham breweries
• Follow social media for daily locations
• Also covers Gulf Coast/Panhandle territory

Reviews: "When you bring lobster rolls to a smallish town far from the ocean with a food scene consisting of middle of the road chain American cuisine, then you're doing something special." — Roadtrippers Review

"A good addition to the Birmingham food scene. Both lobster rolls were very good." — Yelp Review

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Shark Tank investment from Barbara Corcoran
• Nationally known franchise (40+ cities)
• 100% premium wild-caught Maine lobster

Contact: (205) 281-1589 | bck@cousinsmainelobster.com

Est. 2020 | Huntsville

Mary Chappell grew up in the Philippines, moved to Gulf Shores at 12, and settled in Huntsville in 2019. When the pandemic hit and she lost hours at her medical assistant job, she turned to her mother's home-cooking inspiration to launch North Alabama's only authentic Filipino food truck.

📸 Where to Find Photos

• Instagram: @flippin_filipino
• Website: flippinfilipino.app

🍜 What to Order

• Lumpia – Hand-rolled spring rolls with pork or veggies, perfectly crispy (most popular)
• Pancit – Traditional noodle dish (Mary's favorite)
• Caldereta – Rich meat stew
• Pork Kabobs – Grilled Filipino-style
• Ube Cake – Purple yam dessert
• Ube Cookies – Sweet Filipino treats

📍 Locations

• NASA Food Truck Corral – Regular spot
• Research Park – Huntsville
• Various markets and events
• Catering available
  Based in Owens Cross Roads, AL

Reviews: "After one visit to Flippin' Filipino, repeat customers know what they want." — Hville Blast

"The lumpia is a crowd-pleaser, perfectly crispy and filled with savory pork or veggies." — The Bama Buzz

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Huntsville's only authentic Filipino food truck
• Featured in Hville Blast, The Bama Buzz
• Mission: Make Filipino cuisine and culture known in community

Est. 2021 | Birmingham

The permanent food truck of Cahaba Brewing Company, led by chef Benjamin Dubois (trained at Slice Pizza) and Jorge Agular (5 Points Public House Oyster Bar veteran). They've created a menu that pairs perfectly with Cahaba's craft beers, with seasonal specials celebrating different cultural cuisines.

📸 Where to Find Photos

• Yelp: 29 photos, 15 reviews
• Instagram: @thecurrentatcahaba (3,286 followers)
• Website: thecurrentatcahaba.com

🍔 What to Order

• Cahaba Smash Burger – Two Angus beef patties, cheddar, provolone, fried shallots, house pickles, comeback sauce on brioche
• Giant Soft Pretzels – With Cahaba beer cheese
• Citrus Brined Smoked Wings – Tossed in Cahaba sauce (8 wings)
• Brisket Melt – Made with Cahaba rum BBQ sauce
• Fish Tacos – Fresh and flavorful
• BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos – Loaded with pico, black beans, beer cheese
• Double-Fried Fries – Extra crispy with parm dusting

📍 Location

Cahaba Brewing Company – 4500 5th Ave S, Building C, Birmingham, AL 35222

Hours: Tue-Wed 5-9pm | Thu-Sat 11am-9pm | Sun 11am-6pm

Reviews: "These burgers were beefy and cooked to perfection. The fries exceeded all expectations, double-fried and extra crispy with a light dusting of parm." — TripAdvisor Review

"The food was really good. The chips on the nachos were light and crispy and the fish tacos were really really good." — Yelp Review

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Featured in About Town, Bham Now
• CahabaZAAR Holiday Market participant
• Sources from Birmingham Breadworks, American Butcher

Multiple Locations | Huntsville

What started as a taco truck has grown into a Huntsville institution with multiple locations, including a permanent spot at Stovehouse. Known for authentic lengua (tongue) and cabeza (head) tacos alongside traditional favorites, El Cazador brings LA food truck quality to North Alabama.

📸 Where to Find Photos

• Yelp: 22 photos (Owens Cross Roads location)
• Website: elcazadortaqueria.com

🌮 What to Order

• Lengua Tacos – Beef tongue, tender and flavorful
• Cabeza Tacos – Traditional head meat
• Street Tacos – Authentic Mexican style
• Quesadillas – Cheese-filled perfection
• Sopes – Thick tortilla with toppings
• Tortas – Mexican sandwiches
• Horchata – Sweet rice drink

📍 Locations

• Stovehouse – 3414 Governors Dr SW, Huntsville (permanent location)
• Hampton Cove – 145 Taylor Ln SE, Owens Cross Roads
• Multiple locations around Huntsville area

Hours: 10am-10pm daily (Stovehouse)

Reviews: "The food is good LA food truck quality which makes it stand head and shoulders above the rest of Huntsville. You can actually get something more authentic than a cheese quesadilla." — TripAdvisor Review

"Definitely worth checking out one of the top food trucks in the state!" — TripAdvisor Review

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• "One of the top food trucks in the state" – TripAdvisor
• Expanded from truck to multiple storefronts

Est. 2019 | Auburn

Sunny Merchant, a recent Auburn grad, started Good Karma as a food truck on Auburn's campus inspired by his mother's home-cooking. "I remember taking it to some of my friends in school... Just to see them try my mom's cooking for the first time and how much they enjoyed it, I wanted people to be able to experience that."

📸 Where to Find Photos

• Yelp: 36 photos, 25 reviews
• Instagram: @augoodkarma (1,118 followers)
• Website: augoodkarma.com

🍛 What to Order

• Rice Bowls – Chicken, lamb, paneer, or daily vegan option with choice of sauce
• Naan Wraps – Portable Indian flavors
• Tikka Masala – Creamy tomato-based sauce
• Curry – Traditional spice blend
• Veggie Samosas – Crispy appetizers
• Mango Lassi – Sweet yogurt drink
• Heat Levels: Regular, Spicy, Extra Spicy, or "Burn Off My Tastebuds"

📍 Locations

• Auburn University Campus – Food truck
• 1409 S. College St., Suite 118 – Auburn (restaurant location)
• Student housing complexes, neighborhoods, and events

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm

Reviews: "The newest Indian cuisine restaurant in the Auburn area! Our food truck on Auburn's campus has already become a student favorite." — Good Karma

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Featured in Alabama Living Magazine
• Sustainable business practices (eco-friendly plates, bowls, straws)
• "Pay It Forward" pin program for free meals

Contact: (334) 246-3144

Location: Tuscaloosa

A game day staple near Denny Chimes, La Mexicana has become synonymous with Alabama football Saturdays. Their straightforward menu delivers incredible authentic flavors that keep Crimson Tide fans coming back season after season.

🌮 What to Order

• Street Tacos – Authentic Mexican-style
• Burritos – Loaded with fillings
• Quesadillas – Melted perfection
• Mexican Classics – Full traditional menu

📍 Location

Near Denny Chimes – University of Alabama campus (game days)
Tuscaloosa area

Reviews: "A game day staple near Denny Chimes, La Mexicana's straightforward menu boasts incredible flavors that keep fans coming back." — FoodParks

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Best Food Trucks in Alabama 2024 – FoodParks.io
• Essential game day experience

Location: Florence

A school-bus-turned-food-truck in the Shoals area, Haven Health Bus proves that healthy eating can be delicious and convenient. They craft nutritious smoothies, smoothie bowls, and hearty toasts that fuel your day right.

🥤 What to Order

• Dragon Lady Smoothie Bowl – Dragonfruit base with strawberries, mango, and pineapple
• Smoothie Bowls – Various creative combinations
• Smoothies – Fresh-blended to order
• Hearty Toasts – Nutritious and filling

📍 Location

Florence, Alabama – Shoals area

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-2pm | Sat 8am-2pm | Closed Sun

Reviews: "Healthy eats on-to-go has never been easier than stopping at Haven Health Bus in Florence!" — The Bama Buzz

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• 5 Fantastic Food Trucks in Alabama – The Bama Buzz
• Unique school bus conversion concept

Location: Huntsville

A Huntsville staple with a permanent location on Jordan Lane, Beast Mode serves up hearty comfort food that lives up to its name. Their loaded portions and flavor-packed menu keep hungry North Alabamians satisfied.

📸 Where to Find Photos

• Yelp: 45 photos, 10 reviews

🍟 What to Order

• Loaded Bacon Fries – Huge portions
• Elephant Ears – Sweet treat
• Comfort Food Classics – American favorites

📍 Location

603 Jordan Lane – Huntsville, AL 35816

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-8pm | Closed Sun

Reviews: "Our apartment complex had this truck come for a couple of hours and I stopped by to try it! I got the loaded bacon fries with no jalapeños. It was a huge portion and so good!" — Yelp Review

Contact: (256) 425-8559

Est. 2019 | Birmingham

Khalilah Sowell, a Birmingham native, returned from Washington, DC where her college roommate introduced her to vegan food. She launched Underground Vegan to prove that plant-based eating can include all the nostalgic Southern comfort foods—just made with love and without animals.

📸 Where to Find Photos

• Yelp: 91 photos, 61 reviews
• Instagram: @eatatunderground
• Facebook: @undergroundvegan

🌱 What to Order

• Vegan "Chickun" Sandwich – So good even meat eaters love it
• Vegan Fried Chicken Strips – Crispy and flavorful
• Vegan Shrimp – Made from konjac root
• Shrimp Po'Boy – Plant-based Gulf Coast classic
• Vegan Burgers – Hearty and satisfying
• Fries & Coleslaw – Classic sides

📍 Locations

• 2012 Magnolia Ave S, R3 – Birmingham, AL 35205 (brick & mortar)
• Mobile truck also operates around Birmingham
• Follow social media for truck locations

Hours: Tue-Thu 4-8pm | Fri 12-8pm | Sat 12-4pm

Reviews: "A lot of people think that vegan food is just lettuce and carrots, or salad with no dressing but that couldn't be further from the truth. There are sooo many options you can make, and you can still make the nostalgic meals you had growing up." — Khalilah Sowell

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Black woman-owned business
• Featured in VegNews, Bham Now
• Focus on environmental sustainability and local sourcing

Birmingham Metro (94+ trucks)

Alabama's largest food truck scene, anchored by brewery partnerships and a thriving foodie culture.

Key Locations:

• Avondale Brewing Company
• Cahaba Brewing Company
• TrimTab Brewing Company
• Railroad Park
• Regions Tradition (golf tournament)

Huntsville (48+ trucks)

The Rocket City's booming tech scene has fueled a diverse food truck culture.

Key Locations:

• NASA Food Truck Corral
• Stovehouse
• Research Park
• MidCity District

Auburn/Opelika

College town energy with student-friendly trucks.

Key Locations:

• Auburn University Campus
• Toomer's Corner area

Tuscaloosa

Game day is king, with trucks clustered around Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Key Locations:

• Denny Chimes – La Mexicana territory
• The Strip

Mobile

Gulf Coast flavors with Southern charm.

Key Locations:

• Downtown Mobile
• Waterfront areas

Montgomery (18+ trucks)

The capital city with designated downtown food truck spots.

Key Locations:

• Near the Capitol
• Rotary Park

Alabama's food truck scene has exploded since Birmingham's "gourmet" food truck movement launched with SpoonFed Grill in 2009. Today, the state boasts over 94 food trucks in Birmingham alone, with thriving scenes in Huntsville (48+ trucks), Mobile, Montgomery, Auburn, and Tuscaloosa.

Major Food Truck Events

• Birmingham Taco Fest – Annual taco competition
• CahabaZAAR – Holiday market at Cahaba Brewing
• Regions Tradition – Golf tournament with food trucks
• Alabama Game Days – Tuscaloosa truck gathering

Resources

• Roaming Hunger – roaminghunger.com/food-trucks/birmingham-al/
• Best Food Trucks – bestfoodtrucks.com/food-trucks/birmingham
• Food Trucks In – foodtrucksin.com
• Bham Now – bhamnow.com (Birmingham food coverage)
• Hville Blast – hvilleblast.com (Huntsville food coverage)

Licensing Note

Alabama food trucks need approval from the Alabama Department of Public Health, county health department permits, and local business licenses. Birmingham updated its food truck code in 2024, allowing trucks to operate from any metered space while maintaining 150-foot distance from restaurants.

Pro Tips for Food Truck Hunting

1. Follow Social Media – Most trucks post daily locations on Instagram/Facebook
2. Brewery Hopping – Birmingham breweries often have permanent or rotating trucks
3. Game Days – Tuscaloosa trucks cluster near Bryant-Denny; Auburn near campus
4. NASA Corral – Huntsville's reliable lunch spot
5. Stovehouse – Huntsville's food hall with truck roots
6. Cash Speeds Service – Though most accept cards
7. Arrive Early – Popular trucks sell out (especially Fat Charles)
8. Catering Available – Most trucks do private events