If 2023 had a movie title, it would be “Rise of the Food Trucks.” In a little over ten years, the food truck industry has grown from a nationwide network of 8,677 to more than 35,000 individual brands generating almost $2 billion in revenue. Food trucks are gaining popularity among owners and patrons alike for their low-key atmosphere and unique creativity. They’re so popular that entire food truck parks are being established in nearly every major city.
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Northwest Arkansas (NWA) is no exception, and we have the inside secrets to help you find the best food trucks in our little part of the Ozarks. We have congregations of trucks gathered together in some of our more populated parts of town. We’ll also call out a few solo trucks that you won’t want to miss during your Ozark family vacation to NWA.
Bentonville Food Truck Scene
Bentonville’s food truck scene is poppin’, and we have a fair share of designated gathering spots. Why do people love food truck congregations? Because everyone can find something they want, it’s fast service and great food. Here’s where you can find more than a couple of trucks in one location in the Mountain Biking Capital of the World.
8th Street Market
One of our favorite places to eat as a group is the 8th street market. From deli sandwiches with gourmet meats and cheeses to (in my opinion) the best Asian food in town, the 8th Street Market is a mix of culinary treats in one warm, welcoming culture. Here you’ll find:
- Roll & Fold
- 888 Hatchery
- Happy Wagon
- Spice Shuttle
- Loafin Joes
- Piggy Shack
- Midway Fair Food
Yeyo’s has won several awards for its flavorful menu and found tremendous success beyond its truck. While no longer a truck vendor at this location, Yeyo’s El Alma de Mexico can also be found at 8th street. From humble beginnings of a busy mobile restaurant, this popular place now has two trucks, a restaurant (located here), and also does catering.
Osage Park Food Truck Court
If you have yet to hear of this delightful little piece of land, check out our experience at Osage Park. This trendy slice of urban nature is home to so many wonderful things, and a food truck court is one of those! While you’re taking in all that Osage Park has to offer, you can break at their food truck court and find:
- Pinoylicious Filipino Kitchen
- Crackerjack
- Java Dude’s
Springdale’s Boardwalk Food Truck Court
Not to be outdone, Springdale clapped back with the soft opening of their food truck court a year ago, and it’s grown into a massive success. With an unmatched diversity, families can almost travel the world as far as food goes when they visit the boardwalk. Located at 3445 S. Old Missouri Rd, go around the globe with these independently owned trucks in one central location:
- Na’guara (Venezuelan Food)
- Milis Antojitos (Mexican Fruteria & Snacks like Elote)
- Sabor Catracho (Honduran Cruisine)
- The Mexican Crab (Seafood Boil)
- Yankabilly Smokehouse (BBQ)
- Asian Combo Wok (Eggrolls, dumplings, rice & noodle dishes)
- Crepes and Company (Delicious dessert crepes and ice-cream treats)
- Jasper’s Hibachi Express & Sushi (Generous portions of hibachi)
- Papuseria Miriams (Salvadorian Food)
Truthfully, I can’t think of a better all-in-one location than the boardwalk in Springdale. It’s one of the area’s newer food truck courts, but it’s more than up-and-coming; it’s established and taking over!
Fayetteville Boasts the Most
As far as food truck courts go, Fayetteville has more than the area’s fair share of centralized food truck locations. Being a college town, we love to experience a taste of new culture on a budget. If you want options and several of them, Fayetteville offers courts such as:
- Shulertown: On Dickson Street, downtown, this location has a few of the area’s favorite trucks, such as Frikin Chicken. You’ll also find tex-mex, BBQ, vegetarian options, and ice cream here.
- Yacht Club: If you want access to Nashville hot chicken, BBQ, Asian, and Homestyle, check out this gathering at 617 N. College Ave in Fayetteville.
- Quick Town: In South Fayetteville on S. Government Ave off MLK Blvd, you’ll find a mix of Mexican food, gourmet biscuits, and made-from-scratch soups to grab on the go.
The Outliers and Stand-Alones
While food truck courts provide multiple options in one location, NWA is still home to dozens of unique trucks offering delicious food and personalized care. We can’t end this article without calling out a few of the area’s favorite stand-alone trucks.
William’s Famous Fried Chicken & Soul Food
It’s called William’s Famous fried chicken, because it is. This wildly popular food truck was born out of an area need! At one time, William’s was a brick-and-mortar restaurant of which locals literally cried out when it was gone. The chicken from this mobile restaurant is unmatched by anything else the area has to offer. It’s juicy, crispy, and wonderfully seasoned. I can never tell if I love their chicken or sides more, but I keep returning for the debate! Its central location is at 443 W Centerton Blvd, Centerton, AR, but they’re also frequently booked out for catering or events.
The Witching Hour
Located at 704 SW A St. in Bentonville, you’d be dead wrong to miss this horror-themed food truck known for its killer burgers and tasty desserts. My mouth waters for their Candyman burger with candied bacon, sauteed onions, and other irresistible toppings. The Witching Hour has garnered the attraction of the New York Times, the Arkansas Democrat, and even local news media outlets.
But Wait, There’s More
The Northwest Arkansas area is an eclectic mix of people from all over the world. We love new experiences, we love people, and we love food! We even have a food truck here that shows exactly that by providing free meals and a conversational atmosphere. Check out For the Love food truck to learn more about their mission.
While this post has covered a few spots to fill a diverse set of taste buds in one location, it couldn’t possibly cover all of our food truck offerings. If you have a specific taste in mind and didn’t see it mentioned, check out this ongoing publicly contributed resource of our food trucks here in Northwest Arkansas. If you know of one you don’t see, show some love and add it now.
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