Did you know there are over 47,000 food trucks across the US? In fact, IBISWorld reported that the industry has grown 15.8% per year on average over the five years between 2018 and 2023. The far northwest corner of North Carolina hasn't missed out on this street food revolution, as visitors can experience the all-American combination of quick bites and multiculturalism right here in Boone. Luckily for you, we've rounded up all the best mobile eateries in the Boone area so you can sample unique local flavors on the go!
Pro Tip: Follow their social media pages to stay updated on their whereabouts, weekly schedules, or any last-minute changes.
The Burger Wagon
The mobile accessory to Boone's beloved brick-and-mortar for top-notch burgers, The Cardinal, this food truck is worth stopping and u-turning if you catch a glimpse of its iconic red and white wrap. Think of it as a pared-down version of the restaurant, with familiar roadside food options featuring cheesy triple stacks and piles of shoestring french fries or beet and veggie burgers for the herbivores.
Booneshine Food Truck
Locally known for its location in the High Country's biggest beer garden, this Mediterranean-themed food truck is permanently placed at Booneshine Brewing Co., a short walk from the New River and Brookshire Park, with a completely different menu than the Tasting Room. And yes, you can order beers from the truck. Score.
El Tacorriendo
Serving up authentic Mexican cuisine featuring hand-made tortillas and fantastic homemade salsa, “The Running Taco” has won Strange Carolina’s Best of NC Food Trucks Award for multiple years in a row. You’ll want to try their twist on the classic Mexican-American dish, Arroz Con Pollo, with one of their signature A.C.P. Wraps.
Carolina Food Monger
One of the newer food trucks to hit the High Country street food scene, Carolina Food Monger got its start near Charlotte before heading up the mountain. Offering fresh lunch and dinner options ranging from gyros to quesadillas with several vegetarian-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free menu items, you can find this food truck at events and farmers' markets throughout the Boone area.
The Ham Shoppe
When residents and regular visitors to Valle Crucis heard the Ham Shoppe would be closing its doors for good, many thought the legacy of delicious deli sandwiches would be gone forever. SURPRISE! The Ham Shoppe is back in food truck form, serving the classic sandwiches loved by many, including the popular 'Russian Mistress.' Check them out at their permanent location at the Graystone Lodge.
Taqueria Doña Chelo
Located just outside the Cornerstone Church close to East Boone, Taqueria Doña Chelo is a woman-run food truck serving authentic cuisine based on recipes passed down through generations. With connections to the popular (and delicious) Taqueria El Paso, among several other family-owned Boone area Mexican restaurants, visitors can count on homemade corn tortillas and a menu built around tradition and authenticity. *Cash Only
Blue Deer Cookie Camper
This vintage camper-turned-dessert-provider is serving up some seriously cool (and delicious) ice cream cookie sandwiches. Choose between five different cookie flavors and five different ice cream flavors.
Taqueria La Monarca
Latina-owned and operated, Taqueria La Monarca has quickly made a name for itself in Boone. When the highly-reputed Mexican grocery store by the same name expanded into a brick-and-mortar restaurant off of Hwy 421, customers praised the authenticity of the dishes and the high-quality ingredients used. In 2024, Taqueria La Monarca expanded again, bringing handmade tortillas and traditional Mexican cuisine to the Peabody's parking lot. Hours may vary, but are currently Wednesday - Saturday, 11am-10pm.
Everybody's Loaded Biscuits
“Wake Up, Get Loaded” is the tagline of this popular breakfast food truck in Boone, serving scratch-made biscuits filled with local Ashe County cheese, then baked right there on the truck to ensure ultimate freshness. With its location adjacent to App State's School of Business, it isn't unusual to see a line of eager college students spilling onto Howard Street. During the summer you can catch them at the Watauga County Farmers' Market every Saturday. Missed the market? Try the brick-and-mortar, Everybody's Bruncheon Club.
Farm to Flame
Powered by solar panels and biodiesel, Farm to Flame may be one of the most sustainable food trucks in North Carolina. Serving up wood-fired pizza and street fare, you can find this truck parked beside Appalachian Mountain Brewery on most days.
Birdies Coffee & Treats
Possibly the cutest coffee camper we've ever seen, Birdies Coffee is perfectly positioned at the Middle Fork Greenway trailhead. Drive through or walk up to order coffee with beans sourced from the Local Lion, tea, and other treats.
