The popularity of food trucks has exploded the past five years, nationwide, and especially, here in Sioux City. Becoming one of the most unique methods of bringing different varieties of low-cost, but high-quality cuisines to
The popularity of food trucks has exploded the past five years, nationwide, and especially, here in Sioux City. Becoming one of the most unique methods of bringing different varieties of low-cost, but high-quality cuisines to hungry patrons.
Personally, I love the idea of food trucks. They’re mobile, can relocate easily, and some are in new neighborhoods weekly. During this summer, I plan to load up my Subaru with lawn chairs, grab a friend, and find a local food truck. As long as the weather permits, what better way to enjoy your day than experiencing new flavors and food options, while people watching in your own self-made patio.
Taqueria El Buen Gusto
Nationally, there are over 4,000 food trucks, and here in Sioux City our small number keeps growing. Of the numerous options, we will look at three Mexican food trucks that migrate all over Siouxland. The first, and my personal favorite, is Taqueria El Buen Gusto.
The first time I ever heard of this food truck was on our local Facebook page deicated to local restuarants. Looking for new places to try, I made my way to their location on Hamilton, and upon driving by, I realized I recognized this familiar food truck. In fact, for years I’ve been driving by them weekly, and for no reason at all, just never thought of stopping.
I’m glad I did, because since trying their shrimp tacos that first day, I’ve been there three more times, and everything I’ve tried on their menu has been delicious. Sitting quietly in the parking lot of Immanuel Lutheran Church on 3rd and Hamilton, it is not only a safe and easy location to find, but it is also family-owned. In fact, this past Sunday, while driving to work, I looked over, and there must have been ten cars in the parking lot supporting this small business.
Daga’s on Wheels
The second food truck is probably one of the most recognizable in all of Siouxland. With no set location, Daga’s on Wheels updates their schedule weekly, letting patrons know where they will be throughout the day, and what specials they plan on featuring on their menu.
Owner, Tyson Sanchez, initially opened his restaurant, Daga’s Mexican Grill, in Winnebago, Nebraska and then purchased a food truck in 2016, not realizing this decision would single-handedly propel his business beyond his expectations.
I must say, out of all the food trucks on our blog post today, Daga’s does the best at promoting their business on social media. Plus, you have to appreciate the detailed colorful design of their truck, edifying the vibrant culture of Mexico.
In the past, I’ve seen them at the weekly afternoon downtown event every Food Truck Friday, and each Taco Tuesday in the Morningside Library parking lot. I’ve tried a couple items off their menu, but while researching what Mexican restaurants there are in Sioux City, I was recommended by a friend to try their “Hot Cheeto Quesadilla”.
So, one afternoon after looking up what location they would be at, I drove out, ordered, and enjoyed my quesadilla. In all, the hot cheetos added a unique texture to the quesadilla, and soon I’ll have to try their “Hot Cheeto Burrito”.
Tipicos Marcela
Lastly, our third food truck is more of a trailer, but it makes it no less remarkable. Situated behind the Hamilton Kum&Go, at the intersection of 18th and Center Streets, you have most likely driven past them on your way to fuel up.
The previous week I had found a new menu item to try that I had never heard of before, a pupusa. Initially ordering a steak pupusa at Monja Blanca, I was informed that Tipicos Marcela specialized in making this Salvadorian delicacy. Having a familiar taste to a fried tamale, Marcela has a plethora of options for you to choose from. A perfect food truck item since it is more like finger-food, stuffed with anything from shrimp, to pulled pork. And Marcela has even more creative options including fish, beans and cheese.
Ordering the chicken pupusa, I also wanted to try their Elote en Vaso, and I’m glad I did, because these two menu items gave me an introduction to what to expect the next time I plan my visit. Located, a quick two-minute drive from my house, this will become a Summer hot spot for me.
What are your summer plans?
Unlike brick and mortar restaurants, food trucks require minimal overhead, and you can enjoy your food selection under an open blue sky on a beautiful warm, sunny day. I plan to clear my schedule on multiple days in preparation for the warm weather to come, and create my own versatile picnic, catered by mobile eateries. In all, there are several food trucks around Siouxland, a few of which are Mexican based that we did not talk about today, which means I may have to write a sequel to this before Summer ends!