Kansas City Food Trucks
Kansas City food trucks serve diverse, flavorful dishes, showcasing local ingredients and culinary creativity, perfect for foodies on the go.
Kansas City’s food truck scene has exploded in recent years, offering everything from classic BBQ to international cuisine. This comprehensive guide covers the best food trucks, popular locations, and everything you need to know about KC’s mobile dining culture.
Kansas City’s vibrant food truck scene offers a diverse array of culinary delights, often featuring fresh seafood options that complement the city’s Top seafood restaurants, making it a paradise for food lovers eager to explore both mobile eats and established dining gems.
Popular Food Truck Categories
BBQ Food Trucks
- Smokin’ Fresh BBQ
- Signature dishes: Burnt ends, pulled pork sandwiches
- Regular locations: Downtown KC, Corporate Woods
- Price range: $8-15
- KC Smoke Wagon
- Signature dishes: Brisket tacos, smoked turkey
- Regular locations: Crossroads, First Fridays
- Price range: $10-18
International Cuisine
Asian Fusion
- Kurls Kitchen
- Korean-Mexican fusion
- Famous for: Bulgogi tacos, kimchi fries
- Price range: $8-14
- Tokyo Drift
- Japanese street food
- Specialties: Ramen bowls, yakitori
- Price range: $9-15
Mexican Street Food
- El Tenedor
- Authentic Mexican cuisine
- Popular items: Street tacos, elote
- Price range: $7-12
- Taco Republic Mobile
- Modern Mexican fusion
- Known for: Specialty tacos, Mexican street corn
- Price range: $8-14
Popular Food Truck Locations
Regular Weekday Spots
Downtown KC
- Lunch hours: 11am-2pm
- Popular locations:
- 12th & Oak
- City Market
- Crown Center
Corporate Areas
- Sprint Campus
- Corporate Woods
- Plaza District
- Hospital Hill
Weekend Locations
Event Spaces
- First Fridays in Crossroads
- West Bottoms (First weekends)
- River Market
- Power & Light District
Breweries
- Boulevard Brewing Company
- Crane Brewing
- KC Bier Co
- Strange Days Brewing
Food Truck Events
Regular Events
- Food Truck Friday
- Location: Downtown KC
- Time: 11am-2pm
- Frequency: Weekly (April-October)
- Truckin’ Tuesday
- Location: Corporate Woods
- Time: 11am-1:30pm
- Frequency: Weekly (May-September)
Special Events
- KC Food Truck Festival
- Annual event (Usually July)
- 50+ food trucks
- Live entertainment
- Local vendors
- First Friday Food Truck Haven
- Monthly in Crossroads
- 20+ trucks
- Art galleries
- Street performances
Seasonal Favorites
Spring/Summer (March-August)
- Ice cream trucks
- Shaved ice vendors
- Fresh fruit smoothies
- Grilled specialties
Fall/Winter (September-February)
- Hot soup vendors
- Coffee trucks
- Comfort food specialists
- Holiday specialties
Finding Food Trucks
Mobile Apps
- Roaming Hunger
- Street Food KC
- KC Food Trucks App
- Social media platforms
Online Resources
- Food truck websites
- Instagram accounts
- Facebook events
- Twitter updates
Popular Cuisine Types
Classic American
- Gourmet burgers
- Hot dogs
- Grilled cheese
- Mac and cheese
International
- Mexican
- Asian fusion
- Mediterranean
- Indian
Dessert Trucks
- Ice cream
- Cookies
- Crepes
- Donuts
Price Guide
- $ = Under $8
- $$ = $8-15
- $$$ = $15+
Tips for Food Truck Dining
Best Practices
- Check social media for locations
- Arrive early for popular trucks
- Have cash and cards ready
- Be prepared for weather
- Consider seating availability
Peak Times
- Lunch: 11:30am-1:30pm
- Evening events: 5pm-8pm
- Weekend events: Varies by location
External References
- KC Food Truck Association: kcfoodtrucks.org
- Visit KC Street Food Guide: visitkc.com/dining/food-trucks
- Kansas City Health Department: kcmo.gov/health
- Roaming Hunger KC: roaminghunger.com/kc
- KC Food Truck Festival: kcfoodtruckfest.com
Health and Safety
Regulations
- Health department inspections
- Food handling certificates
- Safety compliance
- Regular audits
Customer Tips
- Check health ratings
- Observe cleanliness
- Watch food handling
- Check temperatures
- Report concerns
Starting a Food Truck
Basic Requirements
- Business license
- Health permits
- Food handler certification
- Vehicle permits
- Insurance
Estimated Costs
- Truck purchase/lease: $30,000-50,000
- Equipment: $10,000-30,000
- Permits and licenses: $2,000-5,000
- Initial inventory: $1,000-3,000
Community Impact
Economic Benefits
- Job creation
- Small business growth
- Tourism attraction
- Event enhancement
Cultural Contributions
- Diverse cuisine options
- Community gathering spaces
- Cultural exchange
- Local food innovation
Remember that food truck locations and availability can change frequently. It’s always best to check social media or contact trucks directly for the most current information about their locations and menus.
FAQs
How do I find where food trucks are located each day?
Most food trucks post their locations on social media platforms and food truck tracking apps. Following their social media accounts is the best way to stay updated.
Do Kansas City food trucks accept credit cards?
Most food trucks accept both cash and cards, but it’s always good to have cash as backup. Some trucks offer digital payment options like Venmo or Cash App.
What are the best times to visit food trucks?
For lunch service, arriving before noon helps avoid long lines. For events, early arrival ensures the best selection before popular items sell out.
Can food trucks be hired for private events?Yes, most food trucks offer catering services for private events, corporate functions, and weddings. Advance booking is recommended.
Are there food trucks open during winter?
Yes, many food trucks operate year-round, though fewer trucks are out during extreme weather. Winter months see more comfort food options.
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