If you are looking to grab a quick bite for lunch, an easy dinner between errands, or a late-night bite, there is often no better place to stop than a local food truck — many of which, if not all, are small-owned food brands that don’t have storefronts. Whether you are in the mood for tacos, a burger, or Thai food, these food trucks are unique, fun, and have something for everyone. Read on to find the best food trucks in Montclair, New Jersey.
Ann’s Catering Truck
A regular sight in Montclair is Ann’s Catering Truck, which specializes in giving lunch classics a Caribbean twist. With options like jerk chicken, coconut shrimp, empanadas, oxtails, and sweet plantains, diners get a trip to the tropics during lunchtime. Ann’s Catering Truck can be found at most major Montclair events.
Read More: We Found a Secret Breakfast Window in Montclair
Baltimore North
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This family-owned and operated food truck serves up just what you would think — Baltimore-inspired eats. From crab cakes and Maryland crab soup to charcoal-grilled pit beef sandwiches and hand-cut fries, all of the choices here will make you feel like you took a trip to Maryland without leaving Northern New Jersey. Baltimore North is a newer food truck that is currently doing small pop-up events in the Montclair area and is parked at Lackawanna Plaza on the weekends, but you can also book the truck for private events.
Empanada Lady
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The Empanada Lady’s backstory is one of creativity and determination. After making a career change into cooking, including completing culinary school, the Empanada Lady made it official by opening her own business. Now, the Empanada Lady has a truck as well as a storefront in Verona. The truck pops up at festivals and farmers’ markets all over Northern New Jersey and is available for private events. The menu has traditional empanadas like beef and potato or seasonal garden vegetables. There are creative flavors like BBQ pulled pork and the Taylor Ham, egg, and cheese. There are also sweet empanadas like strawberries and Nutella, as well as classic guava and cream cheese.
The French Quarter
Home to a little bit of Louisiana in New Jersey, this food truck brings soul food on wheels to towns all around Montclair and Essex County. With southern classics like shrimp po boys and fried chicken, The French Quarter brings some cajun spice to MTC.
Good Mood Truck
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Husband and wife co-founders Dean and Emily are both graduates of the New England Culinary Institute, and they started the food truck after working in fine dining, dining service, and corporate dining settings. Known for its delicious burgers, this food truck makes regular appearances in Montclair and at festivals and food truck events around the state. The 100% Angus beef burgers come topped with extras like mac and cheese, pulled pork, and fried avocado. And if burgers aren’t your thing, there is also a selection of tacos and side dishes and fries big enough to make a meal out of. To keep up with Good Mood’s latest destination, you can look at the online schedule here.
Little Pizza Heaven
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This pizza food truck brings you all the classic pizza right to your neighborhood — literally, there is a pizza oven in the truck. Pizzas come in various sizes and options include classic NY cheese, white, figgy piggy, buffalo chicken, and even gluten-free. Customers can order pizzas in advance, and the truck is available for private events. And, the oven does double-duty for dessert, serving up warm chocolate chip cookies after dinner.
The Lomo Truck
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Serving up Peruvian dishes and generous portions, The Lomo Truck is one of the best places to get a bang for your buck. One of the most popular combos is Lomo Saltado, a traditional Peruvian beef dish, and Arroz Chaufa, a traditional rice dish for a balanced bite. Other items on the menu include sandwiches, wraps, and rotating daily specials. Lomo Truck has three locations in Woodland Park, Garfield, and Jersey City, but the truck can be seen popping up all over the Essex County and Northern New Jersey area.
Lulu’s Truck
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Officially coming to MTC this summer is the little sister of contemporary American restaurant Gioia Mia — meet Lulu’s Truck. The new food truck serves up Mexican eats, curated by the Gioia Mia team as well as Head Chef Hugo Xochimitl — who is from Puebla, Mexico, per Montclair Local. On the menu, customers will find a variety of tacos, as well as other dishes like fajitas, flautas, street corn, and more. Lulu’s Truck can be found popping up at local breweries this summer, and can also be booked for private events.
Maayana: Mediterranean Soul Bites
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This new food truck comes from the mind of Chef Meny Vaknin of Marcel Bakery + Kitchen as well as MishMish in Montclair. Per Montclair Local, the name Maayana is inspired by his daughter, Maayan. The truck is kosher and dairy-free, serving up Israeli and Jewish-Moroccan street food like falafel, shawarma, pita, and other dishes that Chef Meny grew up eating. Customers can find Maayana popping up at the Riverview Farmers Market in Jersey City, as well as other Northern New Jersey locales in the future.
Mezoco Taco
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This food truck is affectionately known as “Big Mama” by its owners. Mezoco Taco serves up tacos and sides ranging from cilantro lime chicken, carnitas, habanero chicken, and beef to blackened roasted veggies options. The truck can be found at the Montclair Farmers Market on Saturdays from 10AM-1PM. The truck is available for catering and private events. Follow Mezcoco Catering on Facebook to keep up with its latest location.
See More: 10 Food Trucks That Have Storefronts in Hoboken + Jersey City
Spanky’s Gourmet Grub
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Spanky’s Gourmet Grub food truck serves up burgers and sandwiches, but these aren’t your average handhelds. The menu changes regularly, and the team behind the truck takes American classics and gives them a fresh spin. Sparky’s Gourmet Grub’s burger won best burger at the Meadowlands Battle of the Burger in 2020 and 2021. Some delectable menu options include the Bacon Me Crazy Burger which features a beef and bacon patty topped with bacon jelly and caramelized onions, or the The Cluck Norris with grilled chicken thigh, fresh mozz, roasted pepper, arugula, and balsamic glaze. The food truck can be booked for private events, and the business also has a storefront in Nutley.