Let’s Roll: Try Tasty Street Eats from Delco’s Food Trucks

Though food trucks have been around for decades (even longer if you count the food carts popular in cities and tourist towns as early as the late 1800s), they really started having a moment in the US around 2008. In the wake of the economic recession which laid off millions of workers, numerous entrepreneurial-minded folks turned to food trucks as a source of revenue and a symbol of a more flexible, self-directed income stream.

And while the number of food trucks has zigged and zagged in the 15-plus years since, food trucks are now an indispensable part of the culinary fabric of many culinary communities. Here in Delco, there’s a whole fleet of fantastic food trucks helping keep their neighbors fed at breweries, festivals, concerts and more! What makes them even more exciting is the diversity of foods they bring to the table (so to speak) — our local food trucks are anything but a monolith.

Don’t forget to check out each truck’s website and social media for the most up-to-date information on when and where to catch them. While some food trucks park it in the same spot every day or week, many others are often on the move!

For even more of our favorite Delco food trucks, check out this blog post from 2022.

 

 

Rivalry on State (Media, PA)

Rooted in family traditions and values, this state-of-the-art food truck is known for elevated options with unexpected flair. Rivalry on State’s menu shifts with the seasons, meaning customers’ options are always fresh and exciting. Some recent dishes include truffle fries, a Maryland lump crab cake sandwich, grilled chicken Caesar salad and loaded tater tots, piled high with pot roast, cheese sauce, horseradish aioli, scallions and tomatoes. The truck is available to cater private events, and also pops up at public events a few times a month at happening spots like Dining Under the Stars in Media, and Levante Brewing Co. in West Chester; check its schedule for more!

 

Owl’s Water Ice & Treats (Havertown, PA)

For three years, this family-owned food truck has been dishing out sweet treats at events across the Philly ‘burbs. The adorable bright blue truck festooned with cartoon owls and sprinkles is unmistakable! If you’re lucky enough to catch Owl’s Water Ice in the wild, head to the window for your favorite frozen dessert, like Rosati’s water ice, ice cream popsicles and sundaes, ice cream-topped donuts and root beer floats. Keep an eye on the truck’s Facebook page for a heads-up about the local events where you can find it.

 

Shugar Shack Soulfood (Glenolden, PA)

Fried chicken fans, this one’s for you! While the Shugar Shack Soulfood truck serves all kinds of mouthwatering dishes, fried chicken is its specialty. You can get fried chicken wings, juicy boneless bites or a delectable fried chicken sandwich. Don’t forget the sides—the fried Southern cabbage, mashed yams and mac-and-cheese (made with six kinds of cheese) are no joke! Shugar Shack has a brick-and-mortar where you can satisfy your hunger anytime; its truck is available for private events and often makes appearances at happenings in Delco, like concerts and community events (its Facebook page is the place to get updates!).

 

Pizzeria La Familia (Newtown Square)

Owned by an enterprising husband-and-wife duo, the Pizzeria La Familia food truck takes authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza on the road! Yes, this is actually a wood-fired pizza oven on wheels. All of the pies are made with fresh, homemade ingredients; we’re partial to the Godmother Pie, with garlic confit, a blend of mozzarella and fontina cheese, hot sausage, red sliced onions, hot cherry peppers and a drizzle of olive oil. Or, knock out your cheesesteak cravings with the cleverly-named Whiz Wit pie, topped with plenty of ribeye steak, garlic, olive oil, mozzarella, caramelized onions, hot cherry peppers and an unapologetic drizzle of cheese whiz. The truck is available for private parties and events, and often pops up around town at spots like Newtown Suds and Penns Wood Winery. Check Instagram for dates and details.

 

Rollin’ Phatties BBQ Smokeshack (Boothwyn PA)

Nothing hits quite like a loaded plate of BBQ goodness when you’re at an outdoor festival, brewery or concert. If you happen to see Rollin’ Phattie’s food truck at an event, make a beeline there for hearty helpings of smokeshack classics, like a smoked brisket sandwich with cheddar, onions, peppers and horseradish mayo, or a spicy pork platter with coleslaw and potato salad. This truck is quite active and pops up at multiple spots each week during the summer; get all the info you need on its Facebook page.

 

Spite Curiosities (Media, PA)

This irreverent food truck is home to a spectacular delicacy called the Delcamato Pie, a gourmet take on classic tomato pie. It starts with a cold fermented focaccia base, topped with tangy crushed tomato sauce, a sprinkling of sesame seeds and seasonings, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. But that’s not all! The often-updated menu reads a bit random (personal-sized quiches, PA Dutch-style soft pretzels, brioche cinnamon buns, ice cream sandwiches), but the one thing all the offerings have in common is a true dedication to deliciousness. Find out where Spite Curiosities is headed to next on its Instagram page.

 

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Want to know more about everything Delco? We’re more than just your source for good eats — we’re your source for where to stay, what to do and more in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. We’re Visit Delco, PA, and we’ve got you covered from Philly to the Brandywine. Find us at 1501 N. Providence Rd., Media, PA, 19063; (610) 565-3679 or online.

— Emily Kovach