Tallahassee’s food scene is on the move and I’m talking food trucks.
Now these mobile units are a little harder to track down and that’s where we come in, giving you a diverse list of food trucks we think are worth a try. It’s easy to get into a routine, going to the same spots you know and love. I mean by now, they’ve become a part of your routine and they know your name and order by heart. We’re all guilty of it.
The fun thing about food trucks is that they can meet you anywhere, and you can meet them too. That’s where we find the sweet spot.
Take a look at what we think are worth a trip.
El Tio Mexicano
2259 W Tennessee St.; 850-363-4452; eltiofoodtruck.com
Driving down West Tennessee Street, you may see a crowd of cars gathering around the Marathon gas station. But, instead of filling up their tanks they’re gathering to fill their tummies with the authentic taste of Mexican cuisine. Don’t let the size of these trucks fool you they’ve got it going on inside.
Since January 2022, the family operation has been serving Tallahassee a taste of their family history through recipes passed from generation to generation, ones they say they “would love to share with the world.” Made from fresh and locally sourced ingredients, you’ll find tacos, burritos, quesadillas and El Tio’s specialties on the menu. You can never go wrong with their “Corn Quesa Birria,” a corn tortilla dipped in their specialty birria broth and then they stuff the tortillas with their birria — or stewed beef — and seal with it with a thick layer of cheese. Top that all off with some cilantro and onions once it’s grilled to a crisp. You’re in for a savory treat.
Javi Mac
At Javi Mac, diners get a delicious blend of Cuban and American flavors that goes far beyond the classic Cuban sandwich — though there’s certainly nothing wrong with one of those either. The family operation serves up authentic Cuban-inspired dishes in the form of burgers, sandwiches and other comfort-food favorites.
One standout is Javi Mac’s Burger, featuring a smashed beef patty topped with roasted pork, American cheese, pickles and barbecue sauce, all served on a toasted bun. The Frita Cubana, a double patty made from a blend of ground beef, pork and chorizo sausage. It’s topped with Swiss cheese, lettuce, grilled onions, potato sticks and house dressing for a flavorful take on the traditional Cuban burger.
Even the chicken sandwich offers something a little different. While it comes with familiar toppings like lettuce, cheese and tomato, the addition of a cilantro-lime sauce and a sweet roll gives it a flavorful twist. Pair any sandwich with a side of chips and a drink for a satisfying meal.
PJ Subs
1330 Lake Bradford Road; 305-962-8172; Facebook
Cancel your plans for the rest of the day because this isn’t any light eating. Florida A&M graduate and owner Ponce Jones offers “the best thing on the grill since Forman.” On the menu you’ll find a generous variety of chicken, steak, brunch, shrimp and burger subs to pair with loaded fries. Loaded sandwiches and loaded fries with ingredients harmoniously blending together in every bite sounds like a match made in heaven.
Try “The Answer” made with guest’s choice of protein (chicken or steak). Grilled onions and peppers, mayo, pickles and provolone cheese sit on top of a bed of lettuce offering you a taste of Philly cheesesteak but with a twist. Custom sauces like BBQ, honey mustard, yum yum and other veggie toppings are where the fun comes in. Make sure to get a drizzle of their signature CSauce on top, it’s the real deal.
Yardie Caribbean Cuisine
301 N Macomb St.; 850-570-3434
Can’t afford a trip to experience the gorgeous beaches and lush rainforests Jamaica has to offer? That’s OK. That’s where the power of food takes center stage, transporting you to the Caribbean one bite at a time. Stacey Williams, owner of local food truck Yardie’s Caribbean Cuisine, has brought those island flavors to Tallahassee. Parked on North Macomb Street, the bright red truck adorned with the Jamaican flag is hard to miss.
The menu features entrees such as fiery, flavor-packed jerk chicken, curry chicken, curry goat, oxtails, ribs and more. Be sure to keep up with the truck’s social media pages, as daily offerings can vary. Each entree comes with two sides, including yellow rice, cabbage, mac and cheese, plantains or cornbread.
Zap Zap
3083 Crawfordville Highway; 850-545-4312; Facebook
If you’re looking for a little bit of home cooking, Zap Zap has got you covered. I mean their name literally means delicious in Thai so you really can’t go wrong with whatever you order, and it’s on the go. What more could you ask for? The menu may be small but it’s packed with just enough of that authentic flavor to give you everything you need to feel like you’re dining in Thailand.
Small bites include crab rangoons, pork gyoza (fried dumplings), spring rolls and beef jerky with sticky rice starting at just a few dollars. Find a little comfort in a plate of their beef, chicken or shrimp and broccoli entree paired with a side of steamed rice. If you’re looking to embark on a food voyage, you can find it with “Panang Curry Chicken” (tender chicken simmered in a rich and nutty red coconut sauce) and Pad Thai, a stir-fried rice noodle dish commonly served as a street food in Thailand. The traditional dish is typically made with rice noodles, shrimp, peanuts, green onions, scrambled egg, sugar and bean sprouts.
This article includes previously reported information.
Kyla A Sanford covers dining and entertainment for the Tallahassee Democrat. New restaurant opening up, special deals, or events coming up? Let me know at ksanford@tallahassee.com. You can also email your suggestions for a future TLH Eats restaurant profile.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Five Tallahassee food trucks we think are worth a try
Reporting by Kyla A Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kyla A Sanford, Tallahassee Democrat | USA TODAY Network
