The Best Food Trucks in Tacoma, Washington According to Locals

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Nestled on the southern edge of the Puget Sound, hemmed in by the Olympic and Cascade mountains, Tacoma is Washington state’s hidden gem. Oft overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Seattle, those who stray away from the beaten path are in for a treat.

Home to some of the best museums in the state and two trend setting art galleries, there’s no shortage of things to do in Tacoma. There’s also no shortage of good food. With an impressive collection of top-notch vegan restaurants, seriously good seafood joints and fantastic high-end steakhouses, Tacoma caters to all.

On top of these excellent bricks and mortar restaurants, in recent years Tacoma has become a hot bed for street food. Food trucks dotted across the city showcase not only Pacific North Western cuisine, but the best flavors from around the world. To save you time tracking down the pick of the pack, we’ve put together a list of the top food trucks in Tacoma.

1. Starvin Marvin

If classic all-American comfort food is what you’re craving, Starvin Marvin is the food truck in Tacoma for you. Gourmet hot dogs are their speciality. When you’ve tasted their signature dog with onions and two top-secret sauces, you’ll never look at mustard the same way again.

The bad news though is that their secret recipes are a closely guarded secret. There’s more chance of KFC disclosing their 11 herbs and spices than Starvin Marvin letting their saucy secret slip.

For those days when you really want to be adventurous, give their PB&J hot dog a try. Peanut butter, jelly, bacon and a sausage in a roll might sound like an odd combo, probably because it is, but somehow it works.

Another house favorite is their indulgent loaded mac & cheese. Available as a side or a main, choose from bacon cheddar, pulled pork, jalapeno or chicken.

When it comes to sides, there are no fries in sight. Instead, there’s delicious salty new potatoes drizzled, or more accurately doused, in hot melted butter.

What we really love about Starvin Marvin is that they operate mobile food trucks in Tacoma. Whereas many trucks set up on a permanent pitch in a food truck park, Starvin Marvin are always on the move. With three trucks, you won’t have trouble finding one; they operate around the city every day. You don’t have to worry about where they’ll be, as their locations are announced every week.

2. Turger Burger

Another of the top food trucks in Tacoma for classic comfort food, Turger Burger sell exactly what it says on the van. They do burgers, burgers and more burgers. And they do them well.

The Classic Turger features a 1/3 patty, onions, cheese, salad, mayo and ketchup, or go for the Over Easy which comes complete with an egg and bacon. Other highlights are their mushroom burger and the Cowboy with siracha, jalapenos and an impressive after-burn.

As seems to be the theme for food trucks in Tacoma, Turger Burger have got in on the PB&J theme too. Their PB&J Turger combines a beef patty, cheese and bacon with peanut butter and jelly.

Just like Starvin Marvin, Turger Burger like to keep on the move. You’ll find them in popular spots all over Tacoma and, if there’s an event on, you can almost be certain they’ll be there. Check their locations for the week ahead to save time hunting down the best food truck burger in Tacoma.

3. Tacos Mirrey

Bringing a taste of Mexico to the Pacific North West, Tacos Mirrey will have you longing to run for the border. Their flagship tacos are cooked just as you’d find them in Mexico City. Tacos al pastor include succulent spit-roasted pork, onions, cilantro and a juicy slice of pineapple.

Another of their signature dishes, cochinita pibil, hails from the Yucutan peninsula. Expect slow roasted pork marinated in achiote seasoning with onions and a fiery habanero sauce.

Yet another reason Tacos Mirrey make the cut as one of the top food trucks in Tacoma is that they only use the best cuts of beef. Choose from sirloin, ribeye, skirt, New York strip or wagyu. Vegans and vegetarians will be delighted to hear that they also offer vegetable or cheese tacos as well as vegetarian quesadillas.

Tacos Mirey don’t stick around in the same place for long, but you can keep track of their movements on their website. They also have an open-air venue available to hire for private events. You’ll need to contact them to find out more as its location is as secret as Starvin Marvin’s sauces.

4. The Frying Dutchman

With some of the U.S.’s best seafood on the doorstep, it’s no wonder a fish and chip joint makes the cut as one of the best food trucks in Tacoma. The Frying Dutchman crops up in different locations around the city from Tuesday to Friday every week.

Their signature beer battered cod is divine, but the Cajun shrimp is our top pick. Lightly battered and generously seasoned, they go down a treat with The Frying Dutchman’s homemade lime cilantro sauce. For non-seafood lovers, the crispy panko-breaded chicken tenders are as tender as they come.

The house, or truck, speciality are the fish tacos. Cajun-seasoned battered cod is served in a warm floury tortilla wrap with a spicy salsa mayo, fruit salsa and cabbage. It’s a fusion of Mexican and American flavors even more delicious than Tex-Mex.

5. Lumpia Love

When the Philippines became a U.S. territory in 1898, large swathes of Filipinos moved to Washington. Over 30,000 Filipino Americans now call the state home, so it’s no wonder one of the best food trucks in Tacoma serves up the delicious flavours of South East Asia, specifically Filipino foods and desserts which are an unknown pleasure.

In case the name doesn’t give it away, lumpia is the signature dish here. Decadently light and crisp, these delicious spring rolls come dipped in a tangy sweet and sour sauce.

Their spam musubi is the perfect lunchtime snack whilst the Hungry Pinoy is a great way to sample some of the most famous Filipino dishes. Served with sausage spaghetti which puts Jollibee to shame, a musubi and lumpia, it’s quite the feast.

Lumpia Love’s food truck pops up at events and farmers markets as well as some regular spots around the city. Check their latest location before you go.

6. Creole Soul

The last, but by no means least, location on our rundown of the best food trucks in Tacoma is the easiest of the lot to find. Serving Thursday through Sunday from a prime seafront spot in sleepy Des Moines, Creole Soul dish up a taste of the Deep South about as far north as you can get in the contiguous U.S.

Kick off with some alligator kickers- if you’ve never tried alligator meat before, it’s a little like chicken with a hint of fish and is surprisingly delicious- or deep fried okra. When it comes to entrees, it has to be catfish. Served with rice and beans or fries, Creole Soul’s catfish is fried to your preference.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, their swamp platter is sure to fill the void. Alligator, catfish, oysters and shrimp with waffle fries is the perfect southern combo. For a meat and seafood free option, go for their classic Louisiana red beans and rice.

Rotating daily specials are also available, with regular highlights including po boys and jambalaya. Sunday brunch is offered every week, with beignets and café au lait giving a nod to New Orleans icon Café Du Monde. If you stop by for brunch, don’t miss the chance to try their bottomless mimosas.

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