The 9 Hottest Food Trucks in Denver—And Why Everyone’s Talking About Them

Denver’s food truck scene has exploded with mouthwatering options that bring global flavors to every neighborhood. These mobile kitchens serve up everything from authentic street tacos to gourmet sliders that’ll make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re grabbing lunch downtown or visiting a brewery, these nine food trucks have earned their reputation as the Mile High City’s most talked-about street food destinations.

1. Kike’s Red Tacos

The signature red-stained tortillas at Kike’s have become an Instagram sensation across Denver. Filled with tender, slow-cooked birria and served with a side of rich consommé for dipping, these tacos deliver an explosion of flavor with every bite.

Weekend lines stretch around the block as locals and tourists alike wait patiently for their fix. The family recipes have been passed down through generations, giving these tacos an authentic taste that’s impossible to replicate. Pro tip: Order the quesabirria – a cheese-stuffed version that creates the most satisfying cheese pull you’ve ever experienced.

2. Barbed Wire Reef

Feeling adventurous? Barbed Wire Reef serves up exotic meats like elk, wild boar, and rattlesnake in creative street food formats. Their wild game burgers topped with unique sauces have converted even the most hesitant eaters into loyal fans. Founded by a chef with fine dining experience, this truck elevates street food to culinary art.

The menu changes seasonally, featuring whatever local game is available. The elk jalapeño cheddar bratwurst deserves special mention – juicy, smoky, and paired with house-made toppings that complement rather than overwhelm the distinctive meat flavors.

3. Tacos El Guero

Sometimes simplicity creates perfection, and Tacos El Guero proves this with every order. Their street-style tacos feature double corn tortillas cradling perfectly seasoned meats topped with nothing more than fresh cilantro and onion – just as they should be. The al pastor spins hypnotically on a traditional trompo, shaved off to order with a slice of pineapple.

Their homemade salsas range from mild to tear-inducing, with the creamy jalapeño version earning cult status among regulars. Family-owned and operated since 2015, this truck maintains consistent quality that keeps Denver taco enthusiasts coming back weekly.

4. El Agave Tacos al Vapor

Unlike most taco trucks, El Agave specializes in tacos al vapor – steamed tacos that achieve a unique texture and flavor profile. The process creates incredibly tender tortillas that meld perfectly with fillings like barbacoa, cabeza, and their legendary potato and chorizo mix. Located primarily in South Denver, this family-operated truck draws crowds from across the city.

Their handmade salsas complement each taco variety perfectly, with the avocado salsa being particularly addictive. Don’t miss their weekend specials when they often feature regional Mexican dishes rarely found elsewhere in Denver’s food scene.

5. Tum Yumz

Authentic Thai flavors explode from this vibrant truck that brings Bangkok street food to Denver’s neighborhoods. Husband-and-wife team Nok and Pete recreate family recipes with ingredients sourced directly from Thailand whenever possible. Their pad thai balances sweet, sour, and savory notes perfectly, while the khao soi – a northern Thai curry noodle soup – has developed a passionate following.

Each dish can be customized to your preferred spice level, though regulars know to trust Nok’s recommendation. Look for their rotating specials board featuring lesser-known Thai specialties that rarely appear on restaurant menus in Colorado.

6. J Street Food Truck

Who knew pastrami could reach new heights from a food truck window? J Street brilliantly combines traditional Jewish deli favorites with modern street food twists. Their hand-brined, smoked pastrami takes 14 days to prepare and practically melts on your tongue.

The “Bubbie’s Matzo Ball Soup” arrives steaming hot even on snowy Denver days, with fluffy matzo balls floating in golden chicken broth. Vegetarians rave about the smoked mushroom Reuben that rivals its meat counterpart in flavor and satisfaction. Founded by a former fine dining chef with deep roots in Jewish culinary traditions, every recipe honors family heritage while embracing contemporary food truck culture.

7. Saucy Chops Food Truck

Fusion cuisine reaches its perfect expression at Saucy Chops, where globally-inspired sauces transform locally-sourced proteins into memorable meals. Chef Mariana draws inspiration from her travels across five continents, creating distinctive flavor combinations you won’t find elsewhere.

The Korean-inspired pork belly tacos with gochujang aioli and pickled daikon have earned legendary status among Denver food enthusiasts. Each protein is prepared sous vide before finishing on the grill, ensuring perfect texture and maximum flavor absorption. Sustainability drives their business model – all packaging is compostable, and they source ingredients from Colorado farms whenever seasons allow.

8. Ba-Nom-a-Nom

Dessert revolutionaries Sarah and Rob created Ba-Nom-a-Nom with a simple concept – frozen treats made from 100% fruit, no dairy, no added sugar. The result? Creamy, soft-serve style desserts that satisfy sweet cravings while being surprisingly nutritious. Their signature banana base gets blended with everything from strawberries to mangoes to create vibrant swirls that taste indulgent despite their wholesome ingredients.

Seasonal specialties feature Colorado peaches in summer and spiced apple in fall. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, every offering is vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly, making this the most inclusive dessert option in Denver’s food truck scene.

9. Mile High City Sliders

Small in size but enormous in taste, the sliders from this Denver favorite prove that great things come in little packages. Each two-bite burger features Colorado-raised beef on freshly baked mini brioche buns with creative toppings that change with the seasons. The “Green Chile Slider” pays homage to Denver’s southwestern influences with roasted Hatch chiles and queso fresco.

For the adventurous, their “PB&J Slider” combines peanut butter sauce and bacon-onion jam for a surprisingly addictive sweet-savory experience. Founded by three former fine dining chefs, their attention to detail – from house-pickled vegetables to scratch-made aiolis – elevates these mini burgers to gourmet status.