By Catherine Rierson
We’ve been privy to the taco truck secret for some time now, but what no one predicted was mobile food’s voracious expansion. It’s not just taco trucks that pepper the town anymore: Food trucks are everywhere, with pasta, Indian, crepe, burger and juice offerings joining the ranks. We’re fortunate to be at the heart of this mobile gastronomy, but you’ve gotta know where to look.
Captain Poncho’s
100 S. Merritt Mill Rd.
636-1700
Monday-Friday 8am–2pm
Friday & Saturday 6pm–4am
Cash only
The only truck to serve breakfast, Captain Poncho’s offers the reliable and quick breakfast burrito. And for those looking for something more authentic, the chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican breakfast dish with fried tortilla strips (handmade tortilla, that is) topped with your choice of meat and salsa roja or mole. The pastor (pork) is a common favorite – it’s spicy and contains chunks of grilled pineapple. Ask about the cabeza de puerco, a pork head steamed with marinade and spices.
Carrboro Raw
150 E. Main St.
448-1470
carrbororaw.com
Monday–Friday 10:30 am–4:30pm
Saturday 10am–4pm
Cash or credit with a $10 minimum
Carrboro’s only bona fide juicer in a truck, Carrboro Raw blends organic leafy vegetables, seasonal fruits, nut milks and superfoods to make light, sweet or savory juices and smoothies. Sitting cozily between Jade Palace and the Spotted Dog, it’s a perfect spot for a mid-afternoon snack.
OnlyBurger
Find its location on Twitter:
twitter.com/onlyburger
724-1622
Hours vary
Cash or credit
OnlyBurger is unique to Durham, but an anxious clientele to the west is eagerly anticipating the truck’s occasional visit around these parts. It offers no frills – burgers and fries made to order in less than 10 minutes – but it’s hard to find a better burger. OnlyBurger is always on the move for lunch and dinner, so check Twitter before setting out to find it. And if you’re going to the Durham Farmers’ Market, the truck will be there – best not leave without having the breakfast burger, which comes with an egg or a fried green tomato.
Parlez-Vous Crepe
906-2305
parlezvouscrepe.com
Saturday at Johnny’s 9am–2pm
Thursday at So. Village 5pm–8pm
Cash only
No need to go to a fancy French restaurant: Sweet and savory delights a la française are served in trucks too. The savory La Fermière – fried egg, spinach, cheese and veggie or pork sausage wrapped in a warm crepe – is a foodie’s dream, and there’s always the old standby dessert crepe, nutella and banana. Vegans and vegetarians aren’t left out either: For a savory crepe, you can choose from classic, buckwheat or vegan batter; and for a sweet one, the classic or chocolate batter. The menu is ever-changing at Parlez-Vous Crepe, but almost anything the French-educated chef cooks is delish.
Costa Sur
309 N. Greensboro St.
Thursday–Sunday 6pm–midnight
Cash only
For those living in town, this truck, which sits adjacent to downtown Carrboro, is one of the more convenient locations to grab grub on wheels. Tamales are a specialty, particularly tamales de pollo en salsa verde (chicken tamale with green salsa). If you’re really hungry, get a torta, an enormous sandwich on thick Mexican-baked bread, and don’t be afraid to order it with buche (beef belly). Wash it down with one of the melon juices (aguas frescas).
Latin Grill at Johnny’s
901 W. Main St.
Thursday–Sunday 6 pm–midnight
Cash only
The truck at Johnny’s features lamb and chorizo, not yet found (at least by this eater) at any other truck. The consome de borrego (lamb soup) or taco de borrego (lamb) are an epicure’s dream; but if that’s too indulgent or too hot for summer, go for the carnita (fried pork) burrito or taco de tripe. For something sweet, order the mango for dessert. It’s dusted with chili powder, served on a skewer and it’s even better coupled with sweetened rice milk (horchata).
TaquerÃa Del Jalisco
206 E. Main St.
Tuesday–Saturday 6pm–1am
Cash only
Well known for its consistency, this truck regularly sates Carrboroites’ late-night cravings. The pupusa, a thick tortilla generally filled with cheese and pork, then grilled flat like a pancake and topped with cabbage, is one of its most popular items, but you can always depend on the pastor burrito to put you to sleep.