When you need a foodie adventure with the kids, hit the streets in search of Seattle’s hottest food trucks. We’ve got the dish on where you’ll find them and the can’t-miss tastes you’ve got to try. Ready, set, eat!
Cycle Dogs
Chances are you’ve happened upon Cycle Dogs outside of Peddler Brewing during Babies in Arms Happy Hour night. But if you haven’t, it’s time to make it happen. Cycle dogs serves up vegan hot dogs, burgers and more that heap on flavor without using any meat products at all. Grab a fancy dog for yourself and one with a little less personality for the kids (or not) as a healthy alternative to a common kid staple.
Noteworthy noshable: The Seattle dog (of course!). But if city loyalty doesn’t dictate your diet, try the Elote instead.
Find ‘em: Look for them in the Peddler Brewing Co. brew garden when it’s open.
Online: facebook.com/CycleDogsSeattle/
My Sweet Lil' Cakes
Turn back the clock and dial up your taste buds because My Sweet Lil’ Cakes serves up savory and sweet hotcakes on a stick that are as tasty as they are inventive. It’s hard to miss the tiny orange truck that pops against Seattle’s seasonal grey. And the ‘50s fashion embraced by the owners and staff make everything about this truck beyond charming. In short, this is the full package, parents. Psst… yep they’ve got vegan and vegetarian options too!
Noteworthy noshable: Play it safe with the Seattle Chicken & Waffle or add some zest to your day with the Cornbread Cheddar Jalapeno waffle.
Find ‘em: Follow them online and on Facebook to see where they’ll pop up next.
206-265-3002
Online: mysweetlilcakes.com
Off the Rez
The flavorful tastes on display at the city’s first (and only) Native food truck were inspired by owner Mark McConnell’s childhood spent on the Blackfeet Rez in Montana. This is where he enjoyed traditional frybread tacos among family and friends. Now he and his partner, Cecilia Rikard, are bringing the tastes of home to the streets of Seattle. A bit on the indulgent side, you can’t go wrong with frybread tacos and burgers. But if you want a lighter fare, quinoa and kale salad also adorn the menu.
Noteworthy noshable: You came for the frybread, so eat the frybread. Pair a veggie chili taco with lemon curd sweet frybread for a “lighter” summer option.
Find ‘em: Grab a bite at one of their regular spots Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays. Families can also follow their Facebook page for pop-ups and on-offs that are just as tasty.
Online: offthereztruck.com
Tat's Truck
East meets West at Tat’s Truck. The mobile version of this popular Pioneer Square deli, Tat’s serves up Philly style sandwiches that practically teleport your taste buds back to Philly or Jersey, take your pick. Stick with the standard fare when you order for a tried and true classic or spice things up a bit with the daily special. Don’t forget the TastyKakes to complete this culinary experience.
Noteworthy noshable: Try the Turkey Tat’strami. Consider it balanced indulgence in sandwich form.
Find ‘em: They’ll be parked at Hans VW repair in West Seattle on Saturdays this summer. Check their website for changes and hours.
206-583-2133
Online: tatstruck.com
Sugar + Spoon
Because raw egg shouldn’t hold you back, there’s Sugar + Spoon. This food truck serves up raw cookie dough disguised as ice cream and we couldn’t be more smitten with this ingenious pairing that should have happened ages ago. Grab your favorite scoop in a cup or waffle cone (after a healthy meal, of course). We recommend sharing with your minis to avoid imminent sugar rush.
Noteworthy noshable: You can’t go wrong with a scoop of Snickerdoodle, but your kids will probably want Cookie Monster.
Find ‘em: You can find them at their “On the Ave” location with limited hours by texting 425-615-5714. Or track their surrounding-area pop-ups online.
Online: sugarspoondough.com
Where Ya At Matt
This long-time local food truck fave is still rolling around Seattle serving up tasty Po-Boy’s, jambalaya and hot beignets to loyal fans. Since 2010 chef Matt Lewis has put his personal flair into his food, melding traditional New Orleans flavors with unusual ones, creating new and exciting combos you need in your mouth. Stick with a simple sandwich or add in some sides to share with your crew when you order.
Noteworthy noshable: Try the Creole Pork Po’boy for a change. And don’t forget the beignets!
Find ‘em: WYAM is popping up all over town. Follow them on Facebook to see when the truck will be in your ‘hood.
Online: whereyaatmatt.com
The Ultimate Melt
Tracking down gooey goodness is part of the parenting package. So add The Ultimate Melt food truck to your ongoing list. It’s your kiddo’s grilled cheese all grown-up, complete with a side of tater tots. You won’t find healthy here, but that’s not the point, right? And consider yourself lucky if they’ve loaded their namesake sandwich onto the truck. It’s a triple decker built with four different kinds of cheese, layered with bacon, tomato, onions and mushrooms.
Noteworthy noshable: We Brie Jammin’ mixes sweet, salty, cheese and bread, need we say more?
Find ‘em: North, south, east and west here’s find out where they’ll pop up next on their website.
425-269-4655
Online: theultimatemelt.com
Bean Fish
Although we miss seeing them at the Fremont Sunday Market (for now anyway), families can still find this food truck dishing up Japanese comfort food around the Emerald City. When it comes to feeding the kids, we love the packaging of these sweet and savory waffles that are mostly mess-free and hand-held, and the cheeky names don’t hurt either. You’ll find flavorful fillings like Korean kalbi beef, cheese and kimchi (K-pop), or mushrooms, garlic, wasabi peas and cheese (Kinoko Magic), all tucked snugly inside a kitschy fish-shaped waffle. Enticing? Yes, especially for tots.
Noteworthy noshable: The Domo Arigatou, Mr. Roberto should get props for the name alone, but its Mexican meets Japanese flavoring is a great combo. If sweet is what you’re after, try the Crackyaki, an homage to New York’s famed Milk Bar bakery.
Find ‘em: This truck really gets around. Check their website for this month’s locations.
Online: beanfish.net
Buns on Wheels
A burger and fries is always a crowd pleaser. When it comes served on a Macrina-baked brioche bun, topped with Beecher’s cheese and paired with truffle fries, it beats out typical fast food burger fare by a mile. Grabbing one is easy for Eastside families looking for gourmet street food. Don’t like beef? Choose chicken or salmon instead.
Noteworthy noshable: The Sammy. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon in burger form? Yes, please.
Find ‘em: The truck is parked outside Samena Swim Club (15231 Lake Hills Blvd.) in Bellevue every day. They serve dinner nightly from 5-8 p.m. and lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Fridays.
Online: buns-on-wheels.square.site
—Allison Sutcliffe
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