We live in a day and age with luxuries unimaginable to generations before us. Yet, despite all the expensive salad joints infesting our fair district, professionals, young and old, seem to prefer to get their lunch from the back window of greasy, run-down vans that sit on street corners all day long. Yes, we live in a food truck culture and I am a very active participant. For the last year and a half, I have worked at one of the local food truck hot spots (19th and L). Knowing that one day I would find a way to pass my wisdom on, I poured countless dollars and calories into researching, evaluating, and collecting raw, hard data on the best food trucks in the city. Now, allow me to bestow my wisdom upon you: to navigate you through the vast jungle that is DC food trucks.
1. BONMi
I intended to eat half of this massive banh mi baguette and save the rest for dinner. That’s not what ended up happening. Within the duration of "Lost in the World" by Kanye, I had consumed the entire footlong sandwich. No regrets. Not even one sandwich.
2. Cap Mac
Mac and Cheese is essentially the #1 comfort food of all time. Tough days at work certainly call for a trip to the Cap Mac truck, where you can get mac ’n cheese encrusted with Cheez-its. How comforting is that?
3. Captain Cookie
Nothing says treat yo' self like an ice cream sandwich from Captain Cookie. The giant scoop of ice cream between two fresh baked cookies is enough to make you temporarily forget how mundane your internship is.
4. Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-a is the absolute bomb. Hands down. The only thing better than a spicy chicken sandwich and waffle fries is when the truck is conveniently parked outside of the Berks.
5. Curbside Cupcake
Cupcakes are obviously the cure for all of life's woes, and Curbside Cupcake comes through in a major way. You can’t miss this adorable pink vehicle, with some of the most fantastic and fresh cupcakes in the city.
6. Dangerously Delicious Pies
These pies are, in fact, quite dangerous. Dangerously irresistible, that is. Whether you're looking for something sweet or savory, there's a pie for that. Be especially wary of the Baltimore Bomb. Very dangerous indeed.
7. Far East Taco Grille
Far East Taco Grille is the perfect marriage of a number of global cuisines, all nestled in a soft shell taco. The truck allows you Chipotle-levels of customization, with everything from pineapple salsa to kimchi slaw. And another plus, it’s one of the cheapest on the list, with two tacos for only $6.
8. Lilypad On the Run
As an avid Ethiopian food fan, I was excited to see this truck parked at 19th and L, as I’ve heard so much about it. And who would have guessed, it lived up to the hype. It's certainly a break from the normal lunch routine, and the veggie combo is the perfect pick.
9. Pho Junkies
The theme of this truck is Zombies, perhaps because this pho is to die for (or undie for, this joke wasn’t particularly well thought out). The meat is unbelievably flavorful and fresh, and the amount you get is well worth the price too.
10. Popped Republic
Sometimes all you really require in life is a bag of freshly popped popcorn, and Popped Republic is there to help. It’s like a popcorn tin your family gets as a christmas present, right outside your office door whenever you want it, all year round. What could be better?
11. Red Hook Lobster Pound
Alternately, Red Hook Lobster is more of a luxury, but a luxury worth doling out a few extra dollars for. Nothing tastes like summer more than a good lobster roll. With just the right amount of mayo and some phenomenal whoopie pies, Red Hook Lobster Pound is the perfect truck for those days when you wanna treat yo' self for lunch.
But this is all subjective. If you wish to do your own cold, hard research, I suggest foodtruckfiesta.com. It has live updates as to all the food trucks on the road, and where they’re located. Good luck, and eat well!
