6 food trucks and where to find them in Raleigh, NC

Hot Chix

Custom chicken tots from Hot Chix food truck. | Photo by RALtoday

It’s no secret that the City of Oaks has a happenin’ food sceneClever recently listed Raleigh as No. 2 on its list of “Best Cities for Food Trucks in America.” This adds up: the unique selection of rotating food trucks at breweries, beer gardens, and festivals says it all. We rounded up six reader favorites and editor picks + seven spots to find them.

🚚 Food truck hotspots

These local spots have rotating food truck schedules with patio + outdoor seating.

Find more mobile eats here.

277113742_500586971641146_8136733923800364832_n

Birrieria El Patron 323 frequents R&D Brewing. | Photo by R&D Brewing

🥟 Food trucks we love

Your City Editors + our readers love these trucks.

  • Chirba Chirba Dumpling | City Editor Anne’s pick | It’s hard to miss this big yellow truck offering authentic, fresh dumplings. We recommend the Juicy Buns + mini chicken dumplings tossed in chili oil.
  • Hot Chix | City Editor Cat’s pick | Offering a unique twist on Southern cuisine, this truck features items like fried chicken wrapped in pancakes and build-your-own tots + mac and cheese bowls. We recommend the Custom Chicken Mac topped with sweet red chili sauce.
  • Arepa Culture | RALtoday Intern Abigail’s pick | Specializing in authentic arepas (ground maize dough), this award-winning food truck has been serving the Triangle area since 2014. Don’t miss out on the La Capresa with organic greens, pesto, fresh tomato, and mozzarella.
  • The Naked Empanada | Reader Charlotte G.’s recommendation | This establishment has been making handmade empanadas since 2015.
  • Hollywood Taco Shop | Reader Kam H.’s recommendation | You can grab Southern California Mexican comfort food like Mexican street corn (add Hot Cheetos) and shrimp tacos from this truck.
  • Birrieria El Patron 323 | Reader Sherelle L.’s recommendation | Established in 1993, this authentic California red taco spot frequents R&D Brewing.
More from RALtoday
Head to Coastal Credit Union Music Park on Saturday, April 18 to honor earth with a cleanup, eco talks, and an earth-friendly market
Explore group volunteer opportunities, from hands-on projects to custom experiences, that let your team give back to the Raleigh community.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
March is here, and Triangle basketball is better than ever. See how Duke, UNC, and NC State men’s and women’s basketball teams did during March Madness.
In honor of National Poetry Month and Raleigh’s first poet laureate position, we’re inviting you to channel your inner Shakespeare, Dickinson, or Keats.
Will Wade led Wolfpack men’s basketball for one season, leaving a 20-14 record and a postseason exit in the First Four.
We asked our readers which women leaders in Raleigh business are making history today — you nominated local CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs shaping the region’s future.
This fan-favorite spot will open its next coffee shop next to Alo Yoga in the Main District.
All three cities are pitching themselves for an MLB team.
Mayor Janet Cowell delivered the 2026 State of the City address at the City of Raleigh Museum on March 18 — here’s what you need to know from this year’s address.