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2023 Top 10 Food Trucks in Illinois

With a vibrant food truck scene that mirrors its diverse cultural diversity, Illinois offers a culinary journey, featuring everything from classic Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish pizzas to global flavors reflecting the city's multicultural communities.

The food truck chefs in Illinois are known for their innovative spirit, blending traditional Midwestern flavors with global culinary trends. They cater to a state where food is a cornerstone of the cultural experience, creating trends and redefining street food. These trucks have become emblematic of Illinois's dynamic and diverse food culture.

The presence of food trucks has revolutionized Illinois's culinary scene, making high-quality, diverse dining experiences accessible throughout its cities and towns. They provide lively social spots in various neighborhoods, uniting people over shared meals. This thriving food truck culture is integral to Illinois's identity as a state that continually reinvents its food experiences.

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The Cheesie’s Truck

Chicago , IL - Rotating Locations (Contact for more info)

Website

+1 773-633-1801

Originating from the success of Cheesie's Pub & Grub, The Cheesie's Truck has become a gourmet destination for grilled cheese lovers. The truck's menu goes from traditional melts to inventive cheesy dishes, each crafted to offer a unique taste. This truck transforms the dish from a classic comfort food into a gourmet experience.

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4.0+

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Recognized for

Grilled Cheese

Innovation Logo
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Beavers Coffee + Donuts

Chicago, IL - Rotating Locations (Contact for more info)

Website

+1 773-392-1300

Born from a passion for gourmet donuts in Chicago, Beavers Coffee + Donuts menu features diverse options, both classic and innovative donut flavors, each paired with selected coffee blends. This combination of sweet treats and coffee offers a culinary experience, making Beavers as a go to spot in the streets of Illinois.

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4.5+

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Recognized for

Hot Mini Doughnuts

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Chicago Lunchbox

1535 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL

Website

+1 773-696-0144

Led by John Nguyen, this Vietnamese-American fusion food truck offers a culinary journey that melds traditional Vietnamese flavors with contemporary elements. The truck's menu, curated by Nguyen, reflects the authentic Vietnamese cuisine, while infusing modern twists. This blend of heritage and innovation make it a go to spot.

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4.5+

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Recognized for

Banh Mi sandwiches

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Aunt Tina's Sound Bites

Roselle, IL 60172 - Rotating Locations (Contact for more info)

Website

+1 (630) 835-0015

Aunt Tina's Sound Bites offers a distinctive approach to food truck dining, focusing on uniting the community with a blend of comfort food and music. Recognizing the power of food and music to bridge divides, their mission centers on fostering unity and community. Aunt Tina's serves a variety of delicious comfort foods, complemented by feel-good music.

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4.5+

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Recognized for

Pork Stacks

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Kodai Japanese Express

1601 West Lane Rd, Loves Park, IL

Website

+1 815-977-2270

Kodai Japanese Express introduces the authentic flavors of Japan to Chicago's streets. The truck's menu features traditional hibachi dishes and a variety of sushi rolls, offering a comprehensive exploration of Japanese culinary traditions. This truck brings the essence of Japanese dining in the area, providing an opportunity for customers to experience the depth of Japan's cuisine.

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4.5+

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Recognized for

Crab Rangoon

Innovation Logo
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Wok n Roll by Bamboo Food Truck

Rockford, IL - Rotating Locations (Contact for more info)

Website

+1 815-978-0236

Bamboo Food Truck, operating under the 'Wok n Roll' concept, delivers a fusion of Asian-inspired cuisine. The truck's menu features options like stir-fries, rolls, and other Asian dishes, blending the diverse flavors of the continent food. This truck has the mission of transport the vibrancy and spirit of Asian cuisine to every location it visits, offering a dynamic and flavorful dining experience.

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4.5+

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Recognized for

Cashew Pepper Steak

Innovation Logo
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Veebo's Pizza Food Truck

6516 Glen Devon Rd, Rockford, IL

Website

+1 815-608-8050

Veebo's Wood-Fired Pizza food truck is known for its innovative approach to pizza-making, offering a variety of pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. This method keeps the smoky essence of restaurants, setting Veebo's apart in the streets of Illinois. With both traditional techniques and quality ingredients their truck is an option to pizza lovers in the region.

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4.0+

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Recognized for

Pickle Pizza

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A Sweets Girls Cupcakes

2300 S Throop St, Chicago, IL

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This artisan cupcake food truck is a food truck option for those with a sweet tooth, featuring a selection of cupcakes with high-quality ingredients and unique recipes. The truck's offerings include Red Velvet with vanilla cream and Caramel Cafe with homemade caramel buttercream. Each cupcake is an gourmet experience in the area.

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4.0+

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Recognized for

Red Velvet, Caramel Cafe

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Tacomotora Food Truck

2439 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL

Website

+1 312-838-8360

Tacomotora, a family-operated food truck has been fully active in the Chicago street food scene for a while, with the focus on providing a diverse range of dishes, the truck uses locally sourced, natural ingredients to create fresh, affordable meals. Their menu often includes unconventional recipes, reflecting a commitment to culinary innovation.

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4.5+

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Recognized for

Al Pastor Tacos

Innovation Logo
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Yum Dum Truck

1924 W Division St, Chicago, IL

Website

+1 847-376-1925

Yum Dum, established in July 2014, marked its entry as Chicago's pioneering dumpling and baowich truck. The truck's offerings include a variety of steamed dumplings and baowiches, along with other Asian specialties. These homemade dishes are rooted in family recipes, blending the essence of traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques.

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4.5+

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Recognized for

Dumplings

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5411 Empanadas

2850 N Clark St, Chicago, IL

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With the traditional Argentinian recipe, 5411 Empanadas has made a name for itself in Chicago with its artisanal empanadas. Each empanada is a culinary work of art, capturing the vibrant flavors of South American cuisine. The menu offers a variety of fillings, blending traditional ingredients with innovative culinary approaches.

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4.0+

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Recognized for

Gourmet Empanadas

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Babycakes 

Chicago, IL Rotating Locations (Contact for more info)

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Babycakes is a breakfast infusion truck in Chicago. They offer and specialize in a range of sweet pancakes and breakfast food in general, the truck focus on classic and creative dessert options, Babycakes looks to turn every moment into a celebration, believing that food is also a form of art, and breakfast is a meal that was made to bring the client home.

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4.0+

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Recognized for

Gourmet pancakes

Innovation Logo
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The Fat Shallot

2300 S Throop St, Chicago, IL

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The Fat Shallot Food Truck, an extension of their restaurant, drives through Chicago offering a menu focused in gourmet and vegetarian sandwiches. Known for its blend of traditional and innovative dishes, the truck also focus on quality ingredients and creative combinations, offering a gastronomic experience in the area.

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4.0+

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Recognized for

Veggie Sandwiches

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Olivo Taco’s

330 College Ave, Rockford, IL

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Olivo Taco's, originally from a diverse restaurant in Rockford, Illinois, offers an innovative fusion of Middle Eastern, Mexican, and Latin cuisines. Their fusion tacos have become a signature dish, attracting both locals and tourists. The truck's traditions created a taco focused menu, making it a must-visit destination for taco lovers.

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4.5+

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Recognized for

Steak Tacos

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Sizz n Fizz

200 Prairie St, Rockford, IL

Sizz n Fizz combines expert chefs and burger enthusiasts to create their signature burgers in the Midwest. Using fresh, local ingredients, their menu offers flavorful burgers, snacks, and beverages at affordable prices. The simple menu avoids overwhelming choices, reaching for a satisfying experience for the american classic lovers in the area.

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4.5+

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Recognized for

Grilled Cheese CurdBurger

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The Olive Branch Greek Food Truck

Rockford, IL - Rotating Locations (Contact for more info)

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The Olive Brunch Greek Food Truck brings a slice of Greece to Chicago, offering authentic dishes like traditional Gyros, fries and Greek salads. Their commitment to traditional greek flavors provides a culinary focused in Mediterranean cuisine in the streets of Illinois, and also catering for both local and private events in the area.

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4.5+

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Recognized for

Souvlaki and Gyros

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Serna’s Grill Food truck

9570 Grand Ave, Franklin Park, Chicago,IL

Website

+1 847- 455-5050

Serna's Grill Food Truck stands out with Chicago traditional dishes, including homemade Italian beef, fresh-sliced gyros, and their signature monster fries. Based as Franklin Park's first of its kind, they offer catering services for events across the Chicago area, Their presence in Illinois local food scene is based in quality and convenience.

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4.5+

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Recognized for

Monster Gyros

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La Cocinita Chicago

1625 Chicago Ave Evanston, IL

Website

+1 773-234-6676

La Cocinita, originally from New Orleans, now also serves the Chicago area, offering a mix of Venezuelan-inspired Latin American street food. The menu features arepas, tacos, burri-tacos, and bowls filled with diverse ingredients like braised chicken and roasted sweet potatoes, presenting a contemporary take on traditional Latin flavors.

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4.0+

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Recognized for

Burri-taco

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CheSa's Gluten Tootin' Free

3235 W Addison St, Chicago, IL

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Chesa's Gluten-Free Food Truck caters to a growing demand for gluten-free options in Chicago. Their menu boasts the city's best salad, alongside meat skewers, flamingo chicken, and vegetarian tacos. By exclusively offering gluten-free dishes, Chesa's provides a haven for those with dietary restrictions or preferences, ensuring that each item is accessible to all.

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4.0+

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Recognized for

Shrimp Doodle

Innovation Logo
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Aztec Daves Food Truck & Cantina

1143 N California Ave, Chicago, IL

Website

+1 773-799-8644

Aztec Daves has become an authentic Mexican street food experience in Chicago. As a family-owned operation, they emphasize the use of traditional cooking methods paired with contemporary touches. Their menu features high-quality marinated meats and a range of homemade Mexican recipes, both traditional and innovative.

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4.5+

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Recognized for

Marinated Meat

Infographics

Economic Growth

Coverage

None of the leading travel guides feature food trucks or street food providers.

Variety

Marketing

Only 10% of food truck owners, despite valuing online presence, are satisfied with their digital recognition versus their food quality.

Eco-consciousness

Market

The food truck U.S. market is estimated to worth $1.48 billion, with over 36.000 food trucks.

Sources: Zippia | Travelers Atlas

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