Best Food Trucks in CT: New Haven, Hartford, Milford & Beyond (2017 Edition)

Emma Jane-Doody Stetson May 31, 2017

We don't have to be behind the wheel for food trucks to drive us crazy! Mobile eateries continue to take the state by storm, offering curbside versions of favorite restaurant dishes and original creations from talented chefs who would rather take their cuisine on the road. We told you about food trucks worth the visit in Fairfield County. Now, CTBites presents our annual list of outstanding food trucks (and carts!) in New Haven, Hartford and beyond.

DrewbaQ Food Truck, Monroe: The DrewbaQ BBQ food truck has a full-on commercial kitchen, complete with a Southern Pride smoker. They sometimes stop at Monroe's Veracious brewery, but their full schedule can be found on their facebook page.
Eggz, Bethel: Matt Stanczak, former owner of Danbury's popular Stanziato’s, launched the mobile farm fresh kitchen Eggz. It focuses on egg sandwiches and other delicious farm fresh offerings with an emphasis on vegetables. It is a regular at Holbrook Farm.
Moon Rocks Gourmet Cookies, Hamden: Moon Rock Gourmet Cookies, with a storefront in Hamden, has debuted a food truck trailer aptly named the Moonlicious Rock N Roader. Hire them for your next event.
Aurora Gypsy Cafe, Brookfield: Aurora Gypsy Cafe in Brookfield, features cuisine inspired by the Spice Route of centuries past. They partnered with local sustainable farms to offer hormone free exotic meats like Elk, Venison, Wild Boar, Icelandic Lamb, Goat, Wagyu Beef, Duck, Quail, and Rabbit.
Lenny and Joe's Fish Tale Express, New Haven: Lenny and Joe's Fish Tale Express is a must for seafood lovers. The food truck serves their signature lobster rolls, burgers, dogs, whole belly clams, fried shrimp, and more. Book them or find them at festivals this summer. Check their website for updates.
Chief Brody's Banh Mi, New Haven: Chief Brody's in New Haven is the first food truck in the city to serve Banh Mi. The French-Vietnamese sandwiches feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Visit their facebook page to see where they will be each day.
Bear's Smokehouse, Windsor: Known for its restaurants in Windsor and Hartford as well as its pop-up dinners with Millwrights, their mobile truck brings their epic BBQ to you. Follow them throughout the neighborhood or hire them for your own personal bash.
Nora's Cupcakes, West Hartford: "Lil Nora," Nora's Cupcakes mobile counterpart, is a regular on the festival circuit and also available for hire. They serve up creative cupcakes like Samoa, Grasshopper, Candy Explosion, and Half Baked.
The Meat Truck, New Haven: The Meat Truck is exactly how it sounds! The New Haven food truck is "a butcher shop inspired, gourmet sandwich truck," that uses meats from local butcheries whenever possible. Call them or visit their facebook page to keep up with their whereabouts.
Truffles, Avon and Farmington: Truffles Cafe Bakery and Catering has locations in Avon and Farmington... and they just launched a food truck! Find it at office parks, festivals, and concerts or inquire about your own meet-up. They offer paninis, salads, wraps, deli sandwiches, coffee, and more.
Yardbird & Co, Hartford: Yardbird & Co strives to offer classic and unique sandwiches and sides, using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Visit their website to see their upcoming events and stops or to submit an inquiry about an event.
Pierogies on Wheels, Milford: Ela and Magda comprise a mother-daughter duo from Poland who have brought their pierogies to the streets of Connecticut. They generally frequent Milford on Tuesdays and Thursdays and their stops are updated on their facebook page and website.
Lunch Box 23, New Haven: Lunch Box 23 brings an incredible array of sliders to the streets of New Haven and surrounding areas. Visit their facebook page to track their current location.
Busmki's, Hartford: Bumski's is famous for their donuts... and they are about to become famous for their beer & wine bar! They are making sure that you had food AND drink on the go with their second trailer.
Mamma Dee's Italian Kitchen, Branford, Milford, Stratford, ++ Mamma Dee's Italian Kitchen traverses areas like Branford, Milford, and Stratford with their take on Italian comfort food. Order classic chicken parm, a meatball grinder, fried ravioli, and more.
The Cheese Truck, New Haven: The Cheese Truck brings grilled cheese sandwiches, soup, sausages, salads, and more to the streets of New Haven. It comes from the team behind Caseus, the popular New Haven bistro.
Firehouse Grill Food Rescue, Monroe: Firehouse Grill Food Rescue primarily travels throughout Monroe. Cheesesteak, a Chicago Fire Sub, an Eggplant Parmigiana Grinder, and more are all on the menu.
Joe Grate's BBQ, New Haven: Joe Grate's BBQ started out as a small restaurant. Today, they serve hundreds on diners and have a food truck. They have classic bbq staples like ribs, pulled pork, and chicken. They also have an assortment of desserts baked fresh daily.
Paradise Foods, Bethel: Lisamarie Ault is a CIA graduate and cooked at restaurants from Switzerland Hawaii. On an impulse, she bought an old food truck and named it "Paradise Foods." One of her popular menu items is "Charlotte’s Wrap,” a mélange of thinly sliced fresh turkey, melted brie, and homemade cranberry mayo in a white flour wrap. Her journeys have taken her off the beaten path and to places like the Brookfield Bay Marina, Elephant Trunk flea market in New Milford, and rural Holbrook Farm in Bethel.
The Whey Station, New Haven: The Whey Station is famous for its renditions of grilled cheese. The "Bacon Marmalada" sandwich comes with Brie, tomato, and truck-made savory sweet bacon spread. Meanwhile, the "Jalapeno Sunrise" is made up of Cheddar, pickled jalapeños, truck-made chipotle sauce, bacon, and fried egg.
Green Grunion, Danbury: Visit the Green Grunion food truck for San Diego-style (also known as “California”) burritos. The veggie burrito comes lightly griddled and filled with crispy bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. It is finished with a light crema and a side of Pico de Gallo.
The Jitter Bus, New Haven: Jitter Bus recently launched in New Haven. It serves single origin coffee solely from Connecticut roasters as well as Whole G baked goods. The selections change, but on one visit they had java from Happy Life Coffee in New Haven, Giv Coffee in Canton, and Saccuzzo Coffee in Newington.
Farm Belly, New Haven: The Farm Belly food truck and caterer brings farm-fresh food to the streets of New Haven. They visit local farms and farmers’ markets to find produce, meat, and dairy. One of their signature items is the egg-and-cheese sandwich, made with local eggs and farmstead cheese. They even make their own ketchup and hot sauce.
G Monkey Mobile Food Truck, Branford: G-Zen, based in Branford, was named Connecticut’s Most Sustainable Restaurant in 2013 by Nature’s Conservancy. Their G Monkey Mobile Food Truck is the nation’s first all-vegetarian/eco food truck. The menu changes daily, but menu items have included items like a gluten-free quinoa salad, the “Downward Dog Black Bean Burrito,” and organic fresh pressed juices.
The Cannoli Truck, New Haven: The Cannoli Truck is an offshoot of Meriano's Bake Shoppe in New Haven. They offer a traditional cannoli with velvety sweetened ricotta and chocolate chips on the inside and a crispy flaky pastry shell on the outside. They also offer more creative versions like the Oreo, which is filled with a cookies and cream flavored ricotta and encased in a chocolate-dipped shell.
Fryborg, Milford: Fryborg is based out of Milford, CT. They are most famous for their hand-cut, double-fried french fries that come with a variety of dipping sauces and toppings. Fryborg mainly serves New Haven and Fairfield Counties, but they also visit the rest of CT.
Sugar Cupcake Truck, New Haven: Sugar Cupcakery & Bakery has a bakery in New Haven, but they also have two mobile trucks. Their popular cupcakes include flavors like cannoli, confetti, strawberry cheesecake, Andes mint chocolate, and more. Visit their website for the truck’s schedule.
Zuppardi Pizza Truck, New Haven: Zuppardi’s Pizza Truck brings the legendary New Haven-style pizza to you! Order traditional pies like mozzarella, black olive, and sausage or try one of their specialty slices. They can even make a fresh clam pizza to order. Book them for your events or check their website to see where the truck will be parked each day.
The Little Red Seafood Truck, Shelton & New Haven: Nothing captures summertime in New England more than fresh seafood. The Little Red Seafood Truck is an offshoot of Szabo's Seafood, located in Shelton. They have seafood sandwiches like the scallop roll, lobster roll, and salmon burger. They also have soups and salads.
Taco Pacifico, New Haven: Taco Pacifico has recieved widespread acclaim, even being featured in the New York Times! Their Amorinas, or signature tortilla chips, are delicious. They also have tacos, quesadillas, burritos, nachos, and tostadas. Save room for dessert! Churros are a tasty treat.
Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes, Oakville: Hardcore Sweet Cupcakes is located in Oakville, CT, but also has a travelling food truck. They offer regular cupcakes as well as gluten-free and vegan ones. Their cupcakes are fun and creative. Try the Blond Bombshell, shown here, or the vegan Gorilla Biscuit cupcake that consists of a banana base, dark chocolate shavings, banana chips, and peanut butter frosting. The menu changes regularly.
Taqueria Cinco, Madison: Taqueria Cinco has two food trucks. One parks on School Street in Madison, CT while the other sits on Guilford Green. Visit them for a $9 torta that consists of a chicken cutlet with onion, tomatoes, fresh avocado, and soft white cheese served on Mexican bread with mayo and chipotle salsa. They also have a selection of tacos, quesadillas, and burritos.
Rough House Food Truck, New Haven:A brother-sister team rolls through the streets of New Haven on the Rough House Food Truck. They create "funky" versions of American staples. For example, the "Reuben Dog" comes with sauerkraut, Russian dressing, cheese, and dijon mustard. Try their takes on breakfast sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, grinders, and sliders.
Big Green Truck, New Haven: The Big Green Truck brings together the idea of a pizza party and a food truck. You can hire one of the vintage vehicles to cater an event. They're best known for their pies, but also have mixed green salad, gelato, cappuccino and espresso.
Ricky D's Rib Shack, New Haven: You may recognize Ricky D's Rib Shack from The Hops Company (THC) in Derby where they have a counter. They also have a mobile food truck that brings their ribs, sandwiches, wings, and sides to you. Try items like the beef brisket sandwich, BBQ baked beans, cornbread, tri-tip sandwich, and more.
Ay! Arepa, New Haven: You can find Ay! Arepa on the corner of Cedar Street and Congress Avenue on weekdays from 11am-2:30pm or on the corner of York Street and Elm Street on weekdays from 11am-4pm. They have an assortment of arepas, burritos, salads, and quesadillas. Craving something sweet? Order their Tres Leches for dessert.
Ali Baba food cart, New Haven: Ali Baba's Fusion artfully combines Mediterranean, Indian, and Pakistani cuisine. The menu includes kebabs, kati rolls, salads, and more. In addition to their Hamden location, they have a cart that visits the New Haven area.
Lalibela food cart, New Haven: Lalibella Ethiopian restaurant sits on Temple Street in New Haven. They also have a food cart. They have meat options as well as a host of vegetarian options such as lentils, split peas, spinach, and more. You can request gluten-free injera as well.
Mamoun's Falafel Cart, New Haven: Mamoun's Falafel got its start in Greenwich Village in New York City. Now, its cart serves Middletown and the surrounding areas. Find their latest stops on their facebook page.
Greekin' Out, Glastonbury: Glastonbury's Greekin' Out includes authentic Greek treats like gyros, souvlaki, baklava, and more. Their website has a calendar so you can find the Greeks at their latest location. You can also book the truck for private events
Spuds Your Way, Hamden: Spuds Your Way serves up all kinds of baked potatoes, from classic to specialty, as well as burgers, dogs, grilled cheese, and more.
The Cupcake Brake, Hartford: The cupcakes from The Cupcake Brake in Hartford are baked daily with quality local ingredients. Keep tabs on the truck on Facebook, Twitter, or through their email list.
Rice & Beans, Danbury: From Mama's kitchen to the palm of your hand" is the motto at Rice & Beans food truck. They offer rice and beans with toppings like guacamole, bistek, stewed chicken, and more.
High Tide Gourmet, Madison: Find High Tide Gourmet on Foxon Road in Madison or hire them for a private event. They're known for their 5 course lobster bakes!
Mercado Foods, Glastonbury: A Span-ish inspired truck featuring local ingredients and full service catering. Mercado is owned by Roy and Heather, a husband a wife team, who set out to make their hobby a reality.
Old World Pizza Truck : Catering affairs since 1979, this Italian team is passionate about cooking and eating great food. They use the finest ingredients to create pizza that you have never had the opportunity to eat anywhere else.
Tacos Los Michoacanos You know those taco trucks on the side on I95 by New Haven. We like them all, but this is a standout.