The best Mexican food trucks in the USA

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The menu is four items long, but there are times when that’s all you need. This is one such occasion. Beef-filled tacos, tostadas or quesadillas are all primed for baptism by fiery broth in the form of a ruddy consomé. That’s the entire roster that earned brothers José and Jesús Moreno two-and-a-half stars from New York Times critic Pete Wells. Since opening in Queens in 2019, the trucks now serve fans all over New York City. Various locations; Open daily.

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Luis Medina spent years vending hot dogs from a cart, while his daughter, Berenice, holds a degree from Le Cordon Bleu. Together, they were nominated in 2023 for Best Chef Southwest award by the James Beard Foundation. Not surprisingly, given their New Mexico location, their pair of trucks specializes in tacos, burritos and quesadillas flavored with Hatch chiles. Even the signature sausages, served on freshly baked buns, include a kielbasa with sauerkraut, onions, Hatch chiles and mustard. 807 Early St, 1311 Siler Rd; Open Mon–Sat at Early St, Tue–Sat at Siler Rd.

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We can thank Lebanese immigrants to Mexico for our favorite tacos al pastor, but harder-to-find tacos árabes are closer in flavor to the shawarma that spawned them. The recipe for the spit-carved tacos here is closely guarded, but includes liberal doses of garlic and cumin. Rather than corn tortillas, the pork is presented in pan árabe, a yeasted flatbread that owes its origins to pita. 3600 E Olympic Blvd; Open Wed–Sun.

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You may not know it yet, but you need a Sonoran hot dog in your life. Served on a fluffy bolillo bun, the sausages are wrapped in bacon before grilling for crunchy meat-on-meat ecstasy. But that’s only the beginning. Here, the bun is also filled with beans, both raw and grilled onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise, salsa and mustard. Just don’t forget to bring your billfold—this truck is cash-only. 22nd St and Sixth Ave; Open daily.

From carnitas to churros, Houston’s Veterans Memorial Drive is a wild dreamscape of practically every kind of Mexican food truck you could desire. One of the best beckons with tendrils of smoke that waft down the road at a considerable distance. Their aroma? Long-marinated whole chickens grilling to perfection. They’re served with onions, salsa verde, and limes on squares of paper, which could be a white tablecloth for all the flavors. 10100 Veterans Memorial Dr; Open daily.

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La Jarochita Restaurant is a wonderland of Mexican flavors, including pastries and freshly carved al pastor. But for the sake of convenience, there’s also a silvery truck parked out front that vends only tacos and tortas. Even if you’re not in a hurry, it’s worth a stop outside for some of the best street tacos on the East Coast. Choose between all the basics, from barbacoa to lengua to cabeza, or get ‘em all. 9612 Grant Ave; Open daily.

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The San Diego area is rightfully famous for its fish tacos, and this truck is equally well known for its quality and diversity. The fried fish has a rabid following, but the tostadas are a must for something a little healthier. The campechana features a tomato-based shrimp cocktail flecked with jalapeños. Between the aguachiles and chilled oysters, a menu item identified simply as “Viagra” can’t help but draw diners. 652 Broadway; Open Tue–Sun.

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With a near-perfect 4.7 stars on Yelp, this cash-only, Mission-area truck is the place to get a taco or burrito on the go. The classic, hand-painted white truck is only open on weekdays and has served working folk for more than 20 years. Diners grab all the basics, made with exceptional care, such as tacos with chicharrones stewed in founder Elena Caballero's serrano-spiked sauce. 23rd St and Treat Ave, Open Mon–Fri.

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Meaty, juicy and blessed with just enough crispness to compel diners to take bite after bite, this truck’s carnitas will seize your porky fantasies. It’s no wonder owners Martin and Michelle Muñoz were recognized for their excellence on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles. But it doesn’t end with carnitas, order practically any part of the pig (there’s a cut chart to help you) stuffed into tacos, tortas or quesadillas. 3303 Broadway St, 16900 Blanco Rd; Open Tue–Sun.

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When you’re really hungry, what you need is a torta, and there are few other places to profit from as many options as this pair of trucks. It’s easy to go over the top here with choices like the Torta Cubana. It includes breaded-and-fried steak with turkey, ham, Mexican sausage and a hot dog. Not decadent enough? Don’t forget the three kinds of cheeses, all tucked safely into a pillowy roll. 3450 W. Burnham St, Muskeego and Greenfield Ave; Open daily.