AUSTIN, Texas — As National Food Truck Day approaches on June 27, Yelp has unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 rankings highlighting the top 100 food trucks across the United States. The vibrant food truck industry, now a booming $1.8 billion enterprise according to a recent report by Toast, showcases culinary artistry with a diverse range of flavors and inspirations.
Among the noteworthy findings, Hawaii stands out with an impressive total of 25 food trucks on the list, including the coveted title of the best food truck, Tony’s Catch. This unique food truck offers Zicatela-style fish tacos with breathtaking beachfront views in Kauai, setting a culinary standard that resonates far beyond the island.
Californian food trucks are not far behind, securing 22 spots on the list, while Texas and Oregon each boast 15 entries, demonstrating strong regional representation.
Austin, predestined as Texas’s food truck capital, proudly claims nine spots in the top 100, including Jim’s Smokehouse at No. 2, known for its tender Texas barbecue, and T-Loc’s Sonora Hot Dogs at No. 8, which serves gourmet hot dogs crafted by a Michelin-trained chef. The only Houston establishment to achieve a place on the list is Bar A BBQ, located in the small town of Montgomery.
Food truck aficionados on Yelp are particularly enamored with multicultural culinary fusions, where time-honored traditions meet contemporary twists. Examples include Nashville hot chicken infused with Ethiopian influences or innovative tacos that blend Mexican and Hawaiian flavors.
The top-ranking food trucks on Yelp are worth noting, starting with Tony’s Catch in Kapa’a, Kauai, Hawaii. This five-star destination draws inspiration from Play Zicatela in Oaxaca, Mexico, known for its exceptional surfing scene. Located strategically in a food truck park near the Kapa’a bike path, it’s a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike.
Following closely is Jim’s Smokehouse in Austin, Texas. The truck, named after owner Brad Yerkes’ grandfather who operated a barbecue joint in the 1970s, has garnered 94% five-star reviews. Expertly crafted meats, without the aid of written recipes, speak volumes of Yerkes’ dedication to authenticity.
Taco Libre in Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii, ranks third with its signature Mexi Moco, a dish that reflects a love story between its owners, combining Mexican heritage and Hawaiian culture.
Fourth on the list is Jojo’s Hot Chicken in San Jose, California, where the fiery Nashville chicken meets Eritrean flavors, resulting in a unique and appealing hot chicken sandwich that has captured the attention of many Yelpers. Owner Yohana Gedam’s vision to honor his father’s land recipes through this fusion has been met with acclaim.
La Jalisciense in Santa Nella, California, ranks fifth. Nestled at a gas station off I-5, this taco truck may seem unassuming but delivers exceptional burritos packed with seasoned meats, including tongue and al pastor, winning over the hearts of diners who consider it “worth the drive from wherever you are.”
Next, La Piñata Taqueria in Vallejo, California, has received consistent praise from food critics, particularly for its burritos made with suadero and other ingredients bursting with flavor, securing a spot as the sixth-best food truck.
Capitol Burger in Torrey, Utah, known for its gourmet burgers, stands at No. 7. Owner Luke Fowles brings a fine dining background to this casual food truck, contributing to its revered status among locals who appreciate quality ingredients from trusted sources.
In eighth position is T-Loc’s Sonora Hot Dogs in Austin, Texas. Miguel Kaiser’s culinary journey, shaped by his Michelin-star training, has allowed him to create hot dogs that have received rave reviews from customers, proving his mother’s doubts wrong.
Next is Mike’s BBQ 101 in Key Largo, Florida, which is celebrated for its prime-cut brisket cooked to perfection using a large wood-fired smoker, making it a favorite among BBQ lovers.
The 10th spot is occupied by Nico’s Burgers in Los Angeles, California, with residents in Sylmar proclaiming it to have the best hamburgers, claiming it surpasses even the renowned In-N-Out.
Yelp’s rankings feature more incredible food trucks, such as Deckhand Dave’s Fish Tacos in Juneau, Alaska, and Taqueria Mi Guadalajara in Bishop, California. Mariscos Mi Gusto Es in San Diego, California, also made a strong impression.
As the list unfolds, Aloha Shrimp in Hauula, Oahu, Hawaii, and Yoshi’s Sushi in Portland, Oregon, serve as exemplary mentions, highlighting the diversity and creativity present in the food truck scene.
The vibrance of Portland is further showcased with a mix of food trucks like Paprika ATX, Austin Texas, and Iolani’s Plates Lunch, which speaks to the eclectic food culture shaping these neighborhoods.
Among the highlights is Bomb Burger in Northridge, California, which continues to attract customers with its gourmet burgers, while Frogtowns Gourmet Tacos in Los Angeles demonstrates the quintessential taco experience for fans of this classic food.
As we look deeper into the list, various cuisine styles—from vegan options at Bodhi Viet Vegan in Austin, Texas, to the authentic flavors at TaquerEATa in Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii—can suitably cater to an array of tastes and preferences.
While Bar A BBQ claims the only Houston spot in the top 100, it showcases the region’s dedication to BBQ culture, with each truck representing unique contributions to the food truck tapestry. With emerging spots like JD’s Dawg House and many others, it’s evident that food trucks across Texas continue to thrive.
Indeed, H-Town may have fewer food trucks in the competition, but the passion for innovative culinary creations can’t be understated as the industry continues to grow. The emerging food truck stars from Austin offer a fusion of experiences, showcasing seasonal ingredients and culinary expertise that reflect local communities.
The 2025 Yelp rankings are more than just a list; they celebrate the ingenuity of culinary artists who bring flavorful meals to the streets. Each food truck represents a story, a culture, and a unique experience waiting to be discovered. As National Food Truck Day nears, patrons are reminded of the cultural and culinary impact that food trucks have made.
With perspectives ranging across traditional favorites to exciting fusion dishes, Yelp’s compilation stands as a testament to the evolution of street food, promising to highlight the ever-evolving gourmet landscape where food trucks reign supreme. Food truck enthusiasts can look forward to a more vibrant scene, celebrating delicious meals served with passion and creativity.
image source from：khou
