Sacramento's 10 Best Food Trucks: A Complete 2024-2025 Guide

**Cuisine:** Mediterranean (Greek/Turkish) | **100% Halal** **Founding Story:** Family-owned and operated by Jamal S. Jabbari (CEO) and his partner, Hefty Gyros built its reputation by putting "heart and soul with passion" into authentic Mediterranean fare. Jabbari has deep roots in Sacramento's food scene, also partnering as a franchisee of The Waffle Experience in Elk Grove. The truck earned a segment on Fox 40's "Cooking with Hefty Gyro." **Location & Hours:** - **Address:** 1100 Richards Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95811 - **Hours:** Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed weekends) - Follow Instagram/Facebook for location updates; available for catering at festivals like Aftershock **Phone:** (916) 420-7007 **Signature Dishes:** - Gyro Pita (gyro meat, fresh lettuce, cucumber, pepper rings, tzatziki, Greek pita): ~$10-12 - Hefty Fries (choice of meat, cajun-seasoned crinkle fries, tzatziki, hot sauce): ~$10-12 - Mixed Rice Plate (chicken and gyro over brown basmati rice, salad, hummus, pita): ~$14-16 - Meal Deal (any pita + side + drink): $17 - Falafel Pita (homemade falafel with all toppings, vegetarian): ~$10-12 **Customer Reviews:** - "OMG the best gyro I've ever wrapped my hands around, loaded thick with very flavorful toppings..." - "The name fits perfectly. Everything I've eaten from here was both HEFTY and DELICIOUS." - "This IS my new GO TO gyro stop from now on. Gyro is tender and perfectly seasoned, chicken is moist and flavorful." **Awards & Recognition:** - **Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S. (2018)** - **5-star Yelp rating** with 971+ reviews—highest-rated food truck in Sacramento - Featured on Fox 40 TV **What Makes Them Stand Out:** Perfect 5-star Yelp rating; nationally recognized; 100% Halal certified; generous portions that live up to the "Hefty" name. **Catering:** Yes – Available for festivals, corporate events, and private parties.

**Cuisine:** Mexican (Tijuana-style street tacos) **Founding Story:** Lisandro "Chando" Madrigal launched Sacramento's beloved taco empire in June 2010. His father, who emigrated from Michoacán through a labor program, ran a tortillería in Tijuana in the 1990s and dreamed of opening one in Sacramento before his death in 2007. Chando honored that dream, eventually expanding to **9+ locations** including a franchise in Atlanta. After temporarily closing all locations in July 2024 due to economic challenges, Chando's **reopened November 1, 2024** at multiple locations. **Locations & Hours:** - **863 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95815** (Original flagship) | (916) 641-8226 - **5665 Power Inn Rd, Ste 104, Sacramento, CA 95824** | (916) 387-8226 - **Sacramento State University Union** | (916) 641-8226 - **2530 Boatman Ave, West Sacramento, CA 95691** | (916) 375-0075 - **Hours:** Monday-Sunday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM **Signature Dishes:** - Adobada Taco (pork in homemade adobada sauce): $1.99 - Asada Taco (steak marinated with citrus juice): ~$2.50 - NorCal Burrito (signature meat, fresh fries, nacho cheese, lettuce in flour tortilla): ~$10-12 - Mulitas (jack cheese and meat between two corn tortillas): ~$4-5 - Carnitas Taco (slowly cooked in Chando's caso): ~$2.50 **Customer Reviews:** - "WHAT A FIND!!! Arguably, the best 'Taco Joint' we've been to anywhere!" - "Hard to beat Chandos. Really good food and sweet employees behind the walk up windows." - "Chando's asada tacos are cheap but freakin' amazing! I'll always come back for more." **Awards:** Featured in Comstock's Magazine "Emerging Leaders 2020," ABC10, KCRA News **What Makes Them Stand Out:** Sacramento institution since 2010; family legacy story; expanded to 9+ locations; authentic Tijuana-style recipes. **Catering:** Yes – Available for events and large orders.

**Cuisine:** Gourmet American Comfort Food **Founding Story:** Andrew "Drewski" Blaskovich (nicknamed by childhood friends) cashed out his 401(k) from his corporate job in 2011 to buy his first food truck. His gamble paid off spectacularly—Drewski's grew into multiple trucks and a brick-and-mortar "Pit Stop" at McClellan Park, all featuring his distinctive tangerine truck with hot rod flames. **Locations & Hours:** - **Brick-and-Mortar:** 5504 Dudley Blvd, McClellan Park, CA 95652 | (916) 502-0474 - **Hours:** Monday-Friday 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM (Closed weekends) - **Food Trucks:** Roaming Sacramento area—check Twitter/Instagram for daily locations **Signature Dishes:** - **The HEMI** (Signature): Carolina BBQ pulled pork, 4-cheese mac 'n cheese, caramelized onions, cheddar, grilled brioche: $16 - The Mustang: Korean braised beef, house kimchi, Sriracha-Wasabi aioli, aged Havarti/Swiss: $16 - Deep Fried Mac 'N' Cheese Balls with smoked bacon and black truffle oil: ~$6-8 - Voodoo Tots: Seasoned tots with pulled pork, aioli, BBQ sauce, cheese, jalapeños, bacon: $16 - S'moreski: Whipped marshmallow, Nutella, graham crackers on sweet French bread: ~$5-6 **Customer Reviews:** - "The kind of sandwich that's so rich it almost requires a side of Lipitor... O.M.G." —Poor Girl Eats Well - "The best food truck in town hands down!!!" - "The hemi and the smorski are unreal!" **Awards & Recognition:** - **Food Network's Top 10 Best Food Trucks in America** - **Sacramento News & Review: #1 Best Food Truck** - **KCRA "A" List: Ranked #1** - Featured on NBC; partner with Meals on Wheels Sacramento **What Makes Them Stand Out:** National Food Network recognition; distinctive hot rod-themed trucks; scratch-made comfort food; community partnership with Meals on Wheels. **Catering:** Yes – Corporate events, weddings, private parties.

**Cuisine:** Premium Maine Seafood **Founding Story:** Real-life cousins Jim Tselikis and Sabin Lomac, both Portland, Maine natives, missed the lobster of their childhood after relocating to Los Angeles. They launched their first truck in April 2012 and appeared on Shark Tank Season 4 just two months later, securing **$55,000 from Barbara Corcoran for 15% equity**. The company has since grown to 42+ trucks nationwide with **lifetime revenue exceeding $585 million**. **Location & Hours:** - **Sacramento Contact:** (916) 270-2674 | sac@cousinsmainelobster.com - **Schedule:** Varies daily—check Cousins Maine Lobster mobile app for real-time location - **Regular appearances:** Concerts in the Park, Yolo Brewing Company, Lodi Farmer's Market, local breweries **Signature Dishes:** - Maine Lobster Roll (chilled with mayo on New England roll): $17-23 - Connecticut Lobster Roll (warmed with butter and lemon): $18-23 - Lobster Tacos (2) (cabbage, pico de gallo, cilantro lime sauce): $12.50 - Lobster Grilled Cheese (Texas toast with Pepper Jack and Cheddar): ~$15-17 - Lobster Bisque (gluten-free soup): $8.50-11 - Whoopie Pies (traditional Maine dessert): ~$4 **Customer Reviews:** - "The Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck is more than just a Food Truck.... it's like a classy attraction!" - "For the price, I thought it was amazing! The roll was loaded with lobster, and the 'side' of tots were huge!" - "Maine lobster... oh it's soo darn tasty. It has a sweet, buttery flavor." **Awards:** Shark Tank deal with Barbara Corcoran; Food Network Great Food Truck Rally; catered Super Bowl XLIX and LI, Coachella, NASCAR **What Makes Them Stand Out:** Shark Tank success story; $585M+ lifetime revenue; authentic Maine lobster flown in fresh; nationwide brand with local Sacramento presence. **Catering:** Yes – Corporate events, weddings, festivals.

**Cuisine:** California BBQ (Certified Angus Beef®) **Founding Story:** John Pickerel, born in Idaho to a rodeo cowboy father, opened the original Buckhorn Steakhouse in Winters in 1980. The food truck evolved from wife Melanie Bajakian-Pickerel's success at Napa's Chef's Market, where she sold **500+ tri-tip sandwiches per day** from lines that stretched across the venue. The first Buckhorn Grill opened in San Francisco's Metreon in 1999. The company now goes through **700,000 to 1 million pounds of tri-tip annually**. **Locations & Hours:** - **Food Truck:** Roams Northern California—Vacaville Factory Outlets, River Bend Park, various events - **Restaurants:** 1801 L St; 400 Howe Ave Ste 2; 4720 Freeport Blvd Ste 160, Sacramento - **Hours:** Monday-Thursday 11AM-8PM; Friday-Saturday 11AM-9PM; Sunday 11AM-7PM **Phone:** (530) 554-8255 **Signature Dishes:** - Char-Roasted Tri-Tip Sandwich (6 oz tri-tip cooked medium rare, handmade French roll, caramelized onions): ~$15-18 - Garlic Pulled Pork Sandwich (12-hour hickory smoked pork on toasted bun): ~$12-15 - Jake's Yummy Beans (signature baked beans): Included - Granny Apple Coleslaw (signature slaw with raisins): Included - 3-Sandwich Deal (3 sandwiches, 2 sides, 1 drink): $58.50 **Customer Reviews:** - "The tender tri-tip and fresh, raisin-studded coleslaw awakened my palate." - "Meat so tender it melts in your mouth. With grilled onions, coleslaw, and baked beans you really get your money's worth." **Awards:** Legendary Steakhouse Award from Certified Angus Beef Board; featured in Comstock's Magazine, SF Gate **What Makes Them Stand Out:** Uses 700,000-1 million pounds of tri-tip annually; Certified Angus Beef; 40+ year legacy; sold 500+ sandwiches per day at Napa Chef's Market. **Catering:** Yes – Corporate events, festivals, private parties.

**Cuisine:** Filipino **Founding Story:** The Lumpia Truck operates as a sister venture to Wandering Boba, "Northern California's first mobile boba café," sharing the same ownership. The truck brings authentic Filipino street food—centered on lumpia (Filipino spring rolls)—to Sacramento's food truck scene. **Location & Hours:** - **Service Area:** Sacramento, CA 95825 and Northern California - **Regular stops:** Glen Hall Park (Food Truck Fridays), Scottish Rites Center Farmers Market, Second Saturday events, business parks - **Hours:** Vary by location—typically 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM at events; check Instagram for weekly schedule **Phone:** (916) 337-5057 **Signature Dishes:** - Chicken Shanghai Lumpia (ground chicken, green onions, carrots, fried golden, sweet chili sauce): Party tray $40-45 - Pork Shanghai Lumpia (house ground pork version): Party tray $38-43 - Sisig Rice Plate (citrus-pepper marinated chopped pork, chicharrón, jalapeños, over-easy egg, rice): ~$12-14 - Adobo Garlic Fried Rice (chicken adobo stir-fried with rice and house garlic oil): ~$10-12 - Lechon Kawali (braised then deep-fried pork belly over rice): ~$12-14 **Customer Reviews:** - "Fresh lumpia on a truck? Yes!! And the lumpia fries are my daughter's fav!" - "This lumpia was some of the best I've had! Light and crispy and juicy inside!" - "The sisig rice plate was so tasty! It had some heat to it but it wasn't too spicy." **What Makes Them Stand Out:** Sister venture to Wandering Boba (NorCal's first mobile boba café); authentic Filipino family recipes; party trays available for catering. **Catering:** Yes – Party trays, events, corporate catering.

**Cuisine:** Gourmet Mini Burgers (Sliders) **Founding Story:** Davin Vculek and Joe Blanton launched the "Mini Burger Truck" in 2011—**Sacramento's first gourmet food truck**. Starting with a 1977 truck, one employee, and one idea (serve great burgers), they capitalized on being essentially the only food truck in town. The company rebranded to Krush Burger in 2012, received a **$235,000 SBA loan**, and expanded internationally to Dubai. **Location & Hours:** - **Roseville:** 1151 Galleria Blvd, Suite 1170, Roseville, CA 95678 | (916) 800-8805 - **Hours:** Mon-Thu 11AM-8PM; Fri-Sat 11AM-9PM; Sun 11AM-7PM - **Catering:** Available for events throughout Sacramento **Signature Dishes:** - **Cowbell** (Most popular): Bacon, crispy onion rings, smoked Gouda/cheddar, BBQ sauce: ~$6-8 (2 mini burgers) - Pacific Coaster: Dungeness crab burger (seasonal): Market price - Ninja: Short ribs with Asian slaw, spicy Sriracha aioli: ~$6-8 - Philly: Grilled onions, shiitake mushrooms, provolone, red pepper aioli: ~$6-8 - Sweet Potato Tater Tots: ~$4-5 - 6 Slider Sampler + Tots: $30 **Customer Reviews:** - "Had the CowBell Burger and The Ninja and they were both SUPERB! Rarely do you get a perfectly cooked juicy burger in less than 30 minutes." - "I come here every week. I get the Philly, and the sweet potato tater tots. It's really good." - "I'll be here every Wednesday until the sun doesn't shine anymore." **Awards:** KCRA A-List Best Food Truck 2011 & 2012; Sacramento News & Review Best Food Truck 2011; Sacramento Burger Battle "People's Choice Champion" 2012; SBA "Small Businesses of the Year" for Northern California **What Makes Them Stand Out:** Sacramento's first gourmet food truck (2011); expanded internationally to Dubai; SBA Small Business of the Year; pioneered the local food truck scene. **Catering:** Yes – Corporate events, weddings, private parties.

**Cuisine:** Halal Sacramento-Style BBQ **Founding Story:** Allen BBQ describes itself as "officially back in Sacramento in our brand new mobile restaurant," specializing in certified Halal BBQ—a unique niche in the Sacramento food truck scene. The truck caters corporate events and can serve **up to 300 guests per hour**. **Location & Hours:** - **Primary Address:** 1100 Richards Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95811 (Downtown) - **Hours:** Thursday-Saturday 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Closed Sunday-Wednesday) - **Regular stops:** Office parks, hospitals, festivals (Folsom Peach Festival), breweries **Phone:** (916) 750-3555 **Signature Dishes:** - **Dragon Burger** (ground tri-tip, house sauce, dragon-stamped bun): $15.00 - Brisket Chili Cheese Fries (slow-smoked brisket over loaded fries): $15.00 - Dragon Breath Fries (dragon garlic loaded fries): ~$12-15 - Brisket N Waffle: $12.00 - Nana Bread: $5.00 - PB & J Ice Cream Waffle (dessert specialty): ~$8 **Customer Reviews:** - "Tried their brisket burger and it was BOMB. So tender and juicy, I've never had a brisket burger before Allen BBQ because of the lack of halal options." - "Fans of brisket and garlic will love the Dragon Breath Fries." - "Best BBQ in Sacramento and well deserved! Allen BBQ is a Halal food truck serving up burgers, hot dogs, barbecue plates and more." **Awards:** Featured on FOX 40 (Studio 40 segments); Member of Carmichael Chamber of Commerce **What Makes Them Stand Out:** One of the only Halal BBQ options in Sacramento; can serve 300 guests per hour; unique Dragon Burger with stamped bun. **Catering:** Yes – Corporate events up to 300 guests, festivals, private parties.

**Cuisine:** American (Loaded Fries & Burgers) **Founding Story:** Part of Food Trucks Direct Incorporated, The Fry Boys has become "Northern California's best burger truck" and "Sacramento's preferred food truck." The truck features a unique **massive LED programmable display** that can project custom messages for events—making it stand out at any venue. **Location & Hours:** - **Service Area:** Sacramento, Roseville, Davis, Folsom, Elk Grove, and throughout Northern California - **Regular stops:** Glen Hall Park (Food Truck Fridays 4:30-7:30 PM), WestPark Wednesday at Nela Luken Park, Sacramento Air Show, Berry Festival - **Hours:** Variable—check Instagram @thefryboysnorcal for weekly schedule **Phone:** (916) 583-3475 **Signature Dishes:** - **Buffalo Chicken Fries** (crispy spicy chicken, buffalo sauce, ranch, jalapeños, parmesan—huge portions!): ~$10-12 - Cowboy Burger (ground beef, cheese, BBQ sauce, massive onion rings): ~$9-11 - Bacon Ranch Fries (fried chicken, bacon, beer cheese): ~$10-12 - Mushroom & Swiss Burger (loaded with mushrooms and cheese + bacon): $9 - Nacho Cheese Fries (ground beef, pico de gallo, jalapeños, sour cream): ~$10-12 **Customer Reviews:** - "The portions seem to be pretty big... The bacon ranch fries were my favorite. The fries have yummy fried chicken, bacon and beer cheese?? Heck yeah!" - "I ordered the mushroom swiss burger and added bacon... The burger was juicy and the portion was great! My boyfriend has not shut up about that burger since." - "My all-time favorite burger is The Cowboy, fresh ground beef patty, cheese, BBQ sauce, and onion rings." **Awards:** Part of SactoMoFo food truck network; Trademark registered with USPTO **What Makes Them Stand Out:** Massive LED programmable display for events; hand-pressed burger patties; huge portions; serves Sacramento, Roseville, Davis, Folsom, and Elk Grove. **Catering:** Yes – Corporate events, festivals, private parties with custom LED messaging.

**Cuisine:** Authentic Mexican Street Food **Founding Story:** Brothers **Jasel and Geovanny** emigrated from Mexico to build a better life, bringing their family's legacy recipes with them. "Fueled by their shared love for their homeland's flavors, they dared to dream big amidst adversity." Takeiros celebrates Mexican culture and resilience through every taco. **Location & Hours:** - **Address:** 2330 Broadway, Sacramento, CA 95818 (Midtown) - **Phone:** (916) 849-2870 - **Hours:** Monday 10AM-7PM; Tuesday-Sunday 10AM-9PM **Signature Dishes:** - **Quesabirria Tacos** (3 birria tacos with cheese, grilled onions, consomé, special salsa): ~$13-18 - **Pizzadilla** (pizza-quesadilla fusion with meat, cheese, avocado sauce): $14.99 - Takeiro Taco (6-inch tortilla with meat, cheese, onion, cilantro, avocado sauce): $3.75 - Mulita (two toasted tortillas with meat, cheese, grilled onions): $3.48 - Birria Ramen Bowl (slow-cooked birria with noodles): ~$13-18 - Super Burrito (meat, sour cream, rice, beans, avocado sauce): ~$12-15 **Customer Reviews:** - "Probably some of the best Birria tacos I've had in Sacramento. Was surprised to see how quickly the line moved." - "Everything was bomb. Got the shrimp tacos, mulita, street tacos, taikero taco, quesadilla and super burrito. Their green salsa is fire." - "Best taco truck in the area! Super friendly and always delicious :)" - "Had the best Birria tacos!! So full of flavor in a crispy tortilla with cilantro and onion." **Awards:** Ranked among Top 10 Best Street Tacos in Sacramento (Yelp); Top 10 Best Mexican Food Trucks in Sacramento; Member of Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce **What Makes Them Stand Out:** Brothers' immigrant success story; birria specialists; unique Pizzadilla creation; fast service despite popularity. **Catering:** Yes – Events, private parties.

**SactoMoFo** has been Sacramento's premier food truck booking service since 2011, organizing weekly events across the region: - **River Park Food Truck Mania:** 2nd Fridays, 5-8 PM - **Fair Oaks Food Truck Mania:** 1st Thursdays at Fair Oaks Park **Other Popular Venues:** - CalPERS headquarters at 400 Q Street (weekday lunch) - Concerts in the Park (16th and P Street) - Farm-to-Fork Festival - Local farmers markets throughout the region - Glen Hall Park (Food Truck Fridays) **Tracking Tips:** - Follow individual trucks on Instagram for daily locations - Check SactoMoFo's weekly event schedule at sactomofo.com - Download the Cousins Maine Lobster app for real-time truck locations

Sacramento's food truck landscape reflects the city's identity as America's most diverse urban center. From the Madrigal family honoring their father's dream at Chando's to brothers Jasel and Geovanny bringing Michoacán flavors to Midtown, from Jamal Jabbari's award-winning Mediterranean at Hefty Gyros to the cousins who turned childhood nostalgia into a $585 million lobster empire—these trucks share a common thread of passionate entrepreneurship. What distinguishes Sacramento's mobile food scene is its commitment to quality over gimmick. Drewski's earned Food Network recognition with scratch-made comfort food. Buckhorn BBQ processes nearly a million pounds of tri-tip annually using Certified Angus Beef. The Fry Boys hand-presses every burger patty. This dedication explains why Sacramento food trucks consistently rank among California's best. For those exploring, the best strategy remains following individual trucks on Instagram and checking SactoMoFo's weekly event schedule. Sacramento's food trucks may roam, but their reputations stay firmly planted in the capital's culinary identity.