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
Raleigh restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, mimosas, and other brunch favorites you want to eat.
Give your kiddos a summer filled with fun at these local summer camps.
Oscar Diaz, from Durham’s Little Bull and Aaktun, is one of 15 “cheftestants” on season 23 of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” and we learned more about his favorite local spots at the Charlotte premiere.
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
In case you hadn’t noticed, Raleigh’s growing in a big way, and some mixed-use developments are set to transform downtown + Midtown in 2026 and beyond. Here’s what you need to know about three major developments.
Discover the top Raleigh business podcasts, voices, and local resources our readers are tuning into — from must-listen interviews to expert insights.
Visit The Magic of the Fourth Ward: A Journey Through Time and Culture at the Martin Marietta Center to learn more about this vibrant neighborhood destroyed by urban renewal.
Microsoft, the world’s No. 4 most valuable company, will bring a data center to a large parcel in Person County.