Who says the best food in NY has to be in an upscale, ritzy restaurant? If you’re hungry and on-the-go, here’s some of the best places to visit when you’re in the mood for a good bite to eat that won’t take up too much of your time, but will be 100% delicious!
• Chipper Truck – Bronx, NY
Specialty: Irish food
Favorites: Beer-battered burger, taco fries, mozzarella sticks
Price Range: Average
Hours: Open 7 days a week. From 1am till 5am. 6am on Sunday mornings
Location: 237th Katonah Ave Bronx, NY
The Chipper truck is a late night favorite for those out for a night on the town in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx. For those unfamiliar with the neighborhood, Katonah Avenue is a street in the Bronx lined with Irish pubs and shops. While late night bar-goers have the options of pizza or Chinese food, the Chipper trucks offers a tasty alternative for a quick bite (and not to mention is open all night!) Serving up traditional Irish and American fare, this little truck is a delight for those in the heavily Irish-populated Woodlawn area. And in case you’re iffy on the matter, the lines forming down the street are a sure sign of a good thing! Examples of some of the food you can get are beer-battered burgers and cheese burgers, fries, curry fries, taco fries, Irish chips, gyros, kebobs, Philly cheese steak, mozzarella sticks, fish and chips, even traditional a Irish boxty (potato pancake)….if you can think of it, Chipper’s got it! So if you’re looking for a late-night (delicious) snack, the Chipper’s the place to be!
• Craig’s – Yonkers, NY
Specialty: Hot Dogs
Favorites: Hot dog with chili and cheese, hot dog with sauerkraut and mustard.
Price Range: Inexpensive
Hours: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Location: Bronx River Road/Midland Avenue, Yonkers
Craig’s hot dogs have been a staple food and personal favorite since childhood. Located on the Yonkers/Bronxville border, Craig’s keeps it simple serving up Sabrett hot dogs, your traditional “dirty water dogs.” And while it may be the typical New York dog, one from Craig’s just seems to be more delicious than all the rest. The truck is owned and operated by a lovely couple who are not only quick and efficient, but two of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Every day – especially during the peak lunch-time hours – the street is filled with neighbors, business men and women on lunch break and, especially, little kids on their way home from school (most often children and families from St. Joes in Bronxville – of which I myself am an alumni.) As a child nothing would brighten my day more than enjoying a yummy hot dog from Craig’s on my way home from school, and I can safely say that that hasn’t changed! In addition to hot dogs you can also get sausage and potato knishes. Bachman’s are the choice of potato chips (and a good choice at that!) and the soda is always ice cold and refreshing! And if all that wasn’t enticing enough, the prices are fantastic! The hot dogs are so delicious and go down so smoothly don’t be surprise if you find yourself ordering two or three, or maybe even more! And with their prices, ordering a lot isn’t a problem! If you’re in the neighborhood don’t be deceived by Craig’s simple appearance, stop on by and enjoy a good ole dirty water dog – you won’t regret it!
• Walter’s – Mamaroneck, NY
Specialty: Hot Dogs
Favorites: Hot Dog with Walter’s “secret sauce”, curly fries and potato puffs
Price Range: Average – Pricey
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mon.-Sat.; 11:45 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sun. (closes earlier for weather, holidays)
Location: 937 Palmer Ave, Mamaroneck, NY.
For a different kind of hot dog cart, visit Walter’s in Mamaroneck. Walter’s, while more of a stand than a truck, boasts a rich history. While not exactly a food “truck,” (a pagoda is a more proper description) Walter’s originated as a stand opened by Walter Warrington in 1919. His new type of “split” hot dog became an immediate success. Since it’s opening, Walter’s has expanded it’s stand and has received critical and national acclaim for the unique hot dogs made of pork, beef and veal and “split” grilled, toasted buns and Walter’s “special sauce” – a homemade mustard – of which all recipes and preparations are handled according to Mr. Warrington’s unique recipes, protected under trade secret agreements. Walter’s is so acclaimed, in fact, it was voted as the number one hot dog in America by Gourmet Magazine in 2001. And if the always-lengthy lines aren’t enough of an indication of its success, the stand is adorned with various post cards from friends, fans and well-received criticisms. I first tried Walter’s and wasn’t sure what the big deal was – what kind of hot dog was this anyway? But I soon realized what exactly the big hub-bub was about, once you get the craving for a Walter’s hot dog, absolutely nothing else will, pardon the pun, cut the mustard! And while you’re there, be sure to try out their curly fries and potato puffs – a personal favorite! While on the pricey side for a hot dog stand, Walter’s certainly gives you much bang for your buck for a unique hot dog experience unlike any other in America!
• El Diablo Tacos – Brooklyn, NY
Specialty: Tacos
Favorites: Shrimp Taco, Nachos
Price Range: Inexpensive – Average
Hours: Open 7 days a week. Weekend brunch.
Location: 48 Union Ave, Brooklyn NY
A genius idea and a delicious taste! El Diablo Taco’s is located in Brooklyn, but if you’re wandering down the street trying to find it, you’re going to be out of luck! El Diablo is situated behind Union Pool – a bar and music venue – in their outdoor drinking and eating area. If a great music venue and a bar with excellent bartenders and well-priced drink and drink specials aren’t awesome enough, throw a taco truck in the back and you’ve reached damn near perfection! Not to mention El Diablo has some of the best Mexican food around and for great prices! At I first tried the nachos and was surprised when I received a small brown bag and a cup. My surprise, however, was soon changed to amazement and satisfaction upon eating them. The cheese is served more as a dip and the bag was filled with so many tortilla chips that the .00 it cost was well worth it. And the cheese was so delicious I almost felt compelled to grab a spoon and just eat the rest of it as is! In addition to the nachos the tacos are absolutely perfect – the shrimp taco being an all-time favorite. If you’re looking for some good tunes, good drinks and good eats, Union Pool and El Diablo Tacos is the best place to go! El Diablo Tacos also have taco stands at all Williamsburg Waterfront Concerts.
• Waffles & Dinges – N.Y.C., NY
Specialty: Belgian Waffles
Favorites: de verdekke (waffle-ice cream sandwich), brussels wafel with nutella.
Price Range: Inexpensive – Average
Hours: Mon-Wed 8 am – 10 pm
Thu-Fri 8 am – 1 am
Sat 9 am – 1 am
Sun 9 am – 10 pm
Location: Varies, visit http://www.wafelsanddinges.com/location.html or call 1-866-429-7329 for up-to- date info on the truck’s current location.
Wafles & Dinges brings you proper, traditional, delicious Belgian waffles to you while you’re on-the-go! The truck’s owner Thomas DeGeest gave up a six-figure salary job at IBM in order to become a street vendor! While this may have seemed ludicrous and risky, DeGeest has made a name for himself with his widely successful truck! These wafels are even cooked the traditional way – everything is baked on original Belgian cast iron wafel-makers. And if you’re curious, which I’m sure you are, “dinges” is Belgian slang for “toppings,” and trust me, there are plenty to choose from! From your most basic to your most bizarre, all the toppings are fresh and delicious! For example, try out the new “Elvis Special Waffle” () – their bacon Brussels waffle topped with peanut butter and bananas! Waffles aren’t just your ordinary breakfast food anymore! The location of the truck may vary, but don’t worry, if you’re in the right place at the right time, it’s hard to miss it – it’s a yellow 1968 Chevy food truck!
….only in New York!
Written by JamieLee
Literature major/Freelance writer