12 North Carolina Food Trucks Putting Fresh Twists On Southern Classics

North Carolina’s food scene is getting a serious upgrade, thanks to mobile kitchens rolling through towns and cities with creative Southern fare.

These food trucks aren’t just reheating grandma’s recipes – they’re reimagining them with bold flavors, unexpected ingredients, and a whole lot of heart.

1. Union Barbecue Truck

Smoky, tender, and absolutely worth the wait – Union Barbecue Truck brings old-school pit techniques into the modern age. Their brisket melts on your tongue while their pulled pork gets jazzed up with inventive sauces that range from tangy vinegar to sweet bourbon glaze.

Ever tried barbecue nachos topped with pickled jalapeños? This truck makes it happen, blending Tex-Mex vibes with Carolina tradition in the most delicious way possible.

2. The Happy Belly

Comfort food gets a gourmet makeover at The Happy Belly, where Southern staples meet global flavors. Think fried chicken sliders topped with kimchi slaw or shrimp and grits kissed with coconut curry.

The chef behind this operation trained in upscale kitchens but wanted to make fancy food accessible. Mission accomplished – every bite feels like a celebration, and your taste buds will absolutely thank you for stopping by this vibrant truck.

3. Mountain View Barbecue

Perched in the foothills, Mountain View Barbecue serves up smoky perfection with a side of stunning scenery. Their ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender, rubbed with a secret spice blend that’s been passed down through generations.

But here’s the twist: they offer smoked trout and venison sausage alongside traditional pork and chicken. It’s Appalachian barbecue with a wild edge, honoring the mountain heritage while keeping things fresh and exciting.

4. The Rice Wagon

Who says Southern food can’t go international? The Rice Wagon proves rice bowls can be just as comforting as biscuits and gravy. Their signature dish features Cajun dirty rice topped with fried catfish, remoulade, and pickled okra.

They also whip up Low Country shrimp bowls with andouille sausage and a kick of hot sauce. It’s like New Orleans crashed into Carolina, and honestly, we’re here for every flavorful collision that happens on your plate.

5. Root Down

Farm-to-table meets wheels-to-street at Root Down, where seasonal vegetables steal the spotlight. Their veggie plates showcase roasted sweet potatoes, collard greens with smoked paprika, and heirloom tomato salads drizzled with honey vinaigrette.

Even meat lovers can’t resist their portobello po’ boys or black-eyed pea fritters. Root Down proves Southern cooking doesn’t need bacon in everything to be absolutely soul-satisfying—though they’ll add it if you ask nicely!

6. Bull City Eatery

Durham’s Bull City Eatery is where brunch meets barbecue in the most glorious mashup you never knew you needed. Imagine buttermilk fried chicken nestled on top of fluffy waffles, drizzled with hot honey and served with a side of bacon jam.

Their biscuit sandwiches stuff pulled pork, scrambled eggs, and pimento cheese into one handheld masterpiece. It’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner all rolled into one ridiculously tasty experience that’ll have you coming back weekly.

7. The Plated Palette

Art meets appetite at The Plated Palette, where every dish looks Instagram-worthy and tastes even better. Their deconstructed chicken and dumplings feature herb-roasted chicken, fluffy drop biscuits, and creamy gravy served in separate components for maximum visual appeal.

The chef has a background in fine dining and it shows—edible flowers garnish their tomato pie, and microgreens top their pimento cheese crostini. Southern food never looked so sophisticated or tasted so divine.

8. Family Affair Hometown Cooking

Three generations work side-by-side at Family Affair Hometown Cooking, serving recipes that have fed their family for decades. Their mac and cheese is legendary – extra creamy with a crispy breadcrumb top that shatters perfectly with each forkful.

But they’ve added modern touches like truffle oil drizzles and bacon crumbles. Grandma’s original recipe still shines through, just dressed up for today’s adventurous eaters. It’s nostalgia with a delicious contemporary edge that respects tradition while embracing innovation.

9. Household 6 Catering

Military precision meets Southern hospitality at Household 6 Catering, run by a veteran chef who knows how to feed hungry crowds efficiently and deliciously. Their specialty? Smoked turkey legs so massive they could double as medieval weapons, rubbed with Carolina spices and smoked low and slow.

They also serve loaded sweet potato fries topped with pulled pork, cheese sauce, and green onions. It’s hearty, no-nonsense food with serious flavor firepower that honors both service and tradition.

10. The Sqweelin’ Pig

With a name this fun, you know The Sqweelin’ Pig doesn’t take itself too seriously – but they’re dead serious about pork. Their Carolina pulled pork comes with six different sauce options, from classic vinegar-based to experimental blueberry chipotle.

Their pork belly tacos topped with apple slaw and sriracha mayo are a total game-changer. It’s playful, porky perfection that proves traditional ingredients can handle bold, unexpected flavor combinations without losing their Southern soul.

11. Ole Buddy’s Oinker Express

Ole Buddy started this truck after retiring from his construction job, and he’s been slinging sensational sandwiches ever since. His signature move? Pork chop sandwiches – thick, juicy chops breaded and fried, then stacked on toasted brioche with comeback sauce and bread-and-butter pickles.

It’s simple, straightforward, and absolutely mouthwatering. Sometimes the best innovations are just doing classic things exceptionally well, and Ole Buddy has mastered that philosophy with every satisfying, crispy bite he serves.

12. Mr. Huck’s Food Truck

Catfish gets the royal treatment at Mr. Huck’s Food Truck, where every fillet is hand-battered and fried to golden, crispy perfection. Their catfish tacos with jalapeño coleslaw and chipotle crema bring Mexican flair to Southern fishing traditions.

They also offer catfish po’ boys dressed New Orleans-style with lettuce, tomato, and spicy remoulade. It’s river-to-table dining on wheels, proving that humble catfish deserves way more respect than it usually gets in the culinary world.