10 Best Street Food Cities in the USA
Where to Eat Like a Local in America
Street food in the USA has come a long way from greasy burritos and pizza for blue-collar workers on the go. You can now find innovative and delicious dishes that are worth traveling for and look great on your social media feed.
Food trucks are popular in fast-paced cities like Portland and New York, but it can be hard to find the real quality among the dizzying amount of options. The balance of portions and price can be hit or miss at times, leaving you either satisfied or mystified. Check out our guide to the best street food cities in the US and where to find the meals worth lining up for.
1. Manhattan, New York
Upscale street food and exotic eats
Good for: Food, Budget
Walking through the halls of Chelsea Market is like a stroll through an arts and craft exhibition. Chelsea Market is an indoor venue offering fresh feasts year-round. This place has cool storefront displays to lure you in, ranging from exotic sea urchins to photogenic latte art. Some of its most popular street food kiosks include the spicy bratwursts at Berlin Currywurst, boozy frappes at Creamline, and freshly baked brownies at Fat Witch Bakery.
On weekdays, you can stroll around the Midtown office area, between 6th Avenue and 50th Street. This area is known for hosting lunch trucks that cater to the corporate crowd. You’ll find a variety of hot and cold sandwiches, plus treats like aromatic curries and Belgian waffles. Read more
Manhattan, New York
2. Atlanta, Georgia
Deep-fried delights
Good for: Food, Budget
Atlanta has attracted foodies from all over the country and is now a street food hotspot in the US. A 5-minute drive from the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta’s street food park on Howell Mill Road has a great selection of dishes, along with craft beer and plenty of seating. You’ll find Jamaican food, like the spicy jerk burger and the pile sandwich – a deliciously hot mess of beef and cheese.
A lot of these vendors have proper sit-down restaurants, many of which are found along Peachtree Road. The Busy Bee is a restaurant that serves great fried chicken, and country ham with red-eye gravy that’s made from strong black coffee. You can also check out the Ponce City Market, a food hall with gourmet pop-up stalls and wine bars.
Atlanta, Georgia
3. Los Angeles, California
More choice than you expect
Good for: Food, Budget
When you hear “Los Angeles” you probably think either In-N-Out Burger or homemade Mexican food, but that doesn’t do justice to the huge variety of hidden gems on offer here in this sprawling city.
If you’re near Grand Central Market, get yourself a hearty breakfast from Eggslut. Sandwiches based on warm brioche buns with delicious cage-free eggs form the core menu, and for a sweet treat try the French toast sticks. Mariscos Jalisco in downtown Los Angeles is a seafood truck serving a signature tostada piled high with shrimp, octopus, and ceviche. A local novelty, Pink’s hot dog stand has been a landmark since 1939, but be prepared to wait in line for this popular choice.
Los Angeles, California
4. Portland, Oregon
Authentic eats with a global flair
Good for: Food, Budget
Portland is home to young and hip out-of-state newcomers who have played an important role in America’s evolving food truck culture. Portlanders enjoy a lot of Asian cuisines, from Vietnamese pho to Indian curries, as well noodle stalls from every regional niche.
On Adler Street, Viking Soul Food serves Norwegian lefse (potato flatbread) paired with smoked salmon and seafood chowder. LoveVerona serves lesser known but authentic Italian dishes like cavatini, a beef pasta with 3 cheeses with basil sauce and garlic bread. Don’t miss the famous chicken and rice by Nong’s Khao Mun Gai, which locals claim to have started the whole food truck craze. The trend isn’t slowing down either, with an estimated 500 vendors in the city.
Portland, Oregon
5. Nashville, Tennessee
Southern-style cooking
Good for: Food, Budget
Street food in Nashville is usually prepared by trained chefs looking to bring gourmet food to the people, whether that’s rooted in the comfort foods of the South or exciting international fare. Nashville has about 150 rotating vendors throughout downtown with most food trucks congregating near the hotel district.
The Grilled Cheeserie is so popular it now has a brick-and-mortar store in addition to the beloved food truck that serves specialty melts, classic combos, and yummy tater tots. Red’s 615 Kitchen has garnered a long line of patrons for its famous southern-style fried chicken. Degthai is a restaurant that offers Thai street food favorites, like spicy green curry, pad Thai, and steamed dumplings.
Nashville, Tennessee
6. San Francisco, California
A vibrant scene with many influences
Good for: Food, Budget
San Francisco’s street food scene is a vibrant reflection of its cultural diversity and culinary creativity. From gourmet food trucks to pop-up vendors, the city offers everything from porchetta sandwiches at Roli Roti to Mission-style burritos at La Taqueria. You’ll find Korean street eats at Aria, Filipino fusion at The Sarap Shop, and wood-fired pizzas from Del Popolo.
Many vendors rotate locations or appear at events like Off the Grid and SoMa Pilipinas, making each visit a new adventure. Whether you’re craving tacos, lumpia, or sourdough sandwiches, San Francisco’s street food delivers bold flavors and unforgettable bites.
San Francisco, California
7. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Savory sandwiches in America’s cheese capital
Good for: Food, Budget
Wisconsin is known as America’s dairy state, where they put milk and cheese in just about everything. This US state also has a large German population, so street food vendors selling bratwursts and giant pretzels dipped in cheese sauce are found along Milwaukee’s North Water Street and State Street. Do check online for updates, as these vendors tend to change locations on a weekly basis.
The Old Oriental Drugs is Milwaukee’s most famous food hall, serving local Wisconsin food and great craft beer. For cheese lovers, you’ll be spoiled with their grilled cheese varieties such as mac and cheese, fried cheese curds, beer cheese soup, and Wisconsin’s aged cheddar.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
8. Denver, Colorado
Hot bowls on cold days
Good for: Food, Budget
Colorado’s diverse food scene is mostly dominated by a creative hipster culture. The Pink Tank food truck is known for experimental dishes like caramel waffles and chicken, served with hot sauce ice cream and crunchy bacon bits. This dish may look confusing at first, but it’s a nice combination of sweet and savory.
Part of the Midwestern quirk is that locals enjoy breakfast food at any time of the day, so you’ll find a lot of breakfast burritos, pancakes, and comforting beef Pho soup on a snowy day. During the cold months, many of the city’s popular food trucks relocate to the indoor Denver Central Market, so check in advance for their whereabouts.
Denver, Colorado
9. Austin, Texas
Cooking in the pits, Texas-style
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Food
Austin is a hip grub hub where barbeque has been replaced by global cuisines and vegetarian options. Try planning your visit to Austin around the South by Southwest Festival which usually takes place in late March. This week-long celebration of film and music also hosts hundreds of food vendors selling imaginative dishes that are worth the extra calories.
Barton Springs is where you can canoe along the river and stop for some greasy Tex-Mex goodness. Paperboy began as a food trailer and is now a diner in downtown Austin that serves poached egg sandwiches and pork tenders. Designated food parks can be found at the Domain mall and the Picnic Food Truck Park.
Austin, Texas
10. Miami, Florida
South American food, Florida-style
Good for: Food, Budget
Miami’s street food scene is a vibrant fusion of Latin American flavors, global influences, and beachside vibes. From Cuban sandwiches and frita burgers to mahi-mahi tacos, empanadas, and yuca fries, the city offers bold, satisfying bites at every corner.
Food trucks and pop-ups like Pilo’s Street Tacos, Spitfire Mediterranean, and BOTTA Italian Street Food serve up authentic dishes with flair. Whether you’re exploring Wynwood, Little Havana, or South Beach, you’ll find grilled cheese from Ms. Cheezious, seafood at La Camaronera, and much more. Miami’s street food is a delicious reflection of its diverse, energetic culture.
Miami, Florida
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