Biker BBQ Route 66 with food trucks: Your ultimate guide to finding delicious eats on the Mother Road! Discover top spots, essential tips, and how to fuel your ride with classic American flavors at these iconic mobile kitchens.
Hitting the open road on your motorcycle is an experience like no other. The wind in your face, the rumble of your engine, and the endless stretch of asphalt ahead – it’s pure freedom. When that freedom calls for a pit stop, especially along the legendary Route 66, nothing beats pulling over for some killer BBQ. And what makes it even better? When that BBQ comes from a fantastic food truck, adding a dash of modern convenience and local flavor to your classic American adventure.
Route 66 is famous for its history, charm, and, of course, its food. While diners and classic roadside joints are abundant, the food truck scene is booming, offering a fresh and exciting way to taste the best of the Mother Road. These mobile kitchens are often run by passionate pitmasters who are dedicated to serving up mouth-watering BBQ, from slow-smoked brisket to perfectly cooked ribs and tangy pulled pork. Finding them can be part of the fun, but with a little guidance, you can easily discover some of the best biker BBQ Route 66 has to offer. This guide will break down how to find these culinary gems and make your next cross-country ride a delicious one.
Why Food Trucks Are the Perfect Pit Stop for Bikers on Route 66
As Barry K. Richmond, I’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a road trip great. It’s not just about the miles you cover; it’s about the stops you make and the fuel you take in. For us bikers, food trucks offer a unique blend of benefits that perfectly complement the Route 66 experience.
Authenticity and Local Flavor: Food trucks often allow pitmasters to express their creativity and focus on specific regional specialties. This means you’re often getting a truly authentic taste of the area you’re riding through.
Convenience and Flexibility: Many food trucks pop up in convenient locations, often with ample parking – a huge plus for motorcycles. They can be found at events, busy intersections, or even just parked along scenic routes.
Affordability: Compared to sit-down restaurants, food trucks generally offer great value for money. You can get a hearty, delicious meal without breaking the bank, leaving more cash for gas and souvenirs.
Variety: The food truck world is incredibly diverse. You’ll find everything from classic Texas-style brisket to Carolina pulled pork and innovative fusion BBQ creations.
Planning Your Biker BBQ Route 66 Culinary Adventure
Embarking on a biker BBQ Route 66 journey means combining your love for the ride with your appetite for delicious, smoked meats. It’s about being prepared and knowing where to look. Here’s how to set yourself up for success.
Pre-Trip Research: Knowing Where to Look
Before you even fire up your engine, a little homework goes a long way. The internet is your best friend here.
Food Truck Finder Apps and Websites: Several excellent resources can help you locate food trucks. Apps like Roaming Hunger, Street Food Finder, and Food Truck Fiesta are invaluable. They often show real-time locations, menus, and even reviews.
Local Tourism Websites: Many towns and cities along Route 66 have dedicated tourism sites that highlight local businesses, including food trucks that are popular with visitors.
Social Media: This is where many food trucks shine! Follow them on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. They frequently post their schedules, locations, and mouth-watering photos of their daily specials. Search for hashtags like #Route66FoodTrucks, #[State]FoodTrucks, or #[City]BBQ.
Biker Forums and Blogs: Fellow riders are a treasure trove of information. Check out motorcycle forums and blogs dedicated to Route 66 travel. Riders who have already made similar journeys will often share their favorite food stops, including hidden food truck gems.
On-the-Road Discovery: Keeping Your Eyes Open
Sometimes, the best finds are serendipitous. As you cruise down Route 66, always be on the lookout.
Look for Crowds: A cluster of people, especially other bikers, gathered around a truck is usually a good sign. It means the food is likely worth the wait.
Signs and Banners: Many food trucks will have signs or banners indicating their presence, especially if they are in a less obvious spot.
Ask Locals: Don’t hesitate to ask gas station attendants, motel owners, or other locals if they know of any good food trucks nearby. They can often point you in the right direction.
Essential Motorcycle Gear for a Food Truck Run
You’re a biker, so you know the importance of being prepared. When planning a day filled with BBQ stops, a few extra considerations can enhance your experience.
Comfortable Saddlebags or Backpack: You’ll want space to carry any necessary items, plus any delicious leftovers or souvenirs you might pick up.
Phone Mount and Charger: Crucial for navigation and using those food truck finder apps. Make sure your phone stays charged with a reliable USB charger.
Hand Sanitizer: Essential for cleaning up before and after enjoying your meal, especially when you’re on the go.
Wipes/Paper Towels: BBQ can be messy business! Having extra wipes or paper towels handy is a lifesaver.
Cash: While many food trucks accept cards, some might be cash-only, or it’s good to have cash on hand for smaller purchases or tips.
Route 66: Must-Try BBQ Styles from Food Trucks
The beauty of Route 66 is its journey through diverse regions, and each food truck can bring its own unique take on BBQ. Here are some classic styles you might encounter:
| BBQ Style | Key Meats | Flavor Profile | Typical Sides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Style | Brisket (primary), beef ribs, sausage | Beef-forward, savory, often with a simple salt-and-pepper rub; sauce usually served on the side. | Pinto beans, potato salad, white bread. |
| Carolina Style (Eastern) | Pulled pork | Vinegar-based sauce, often with a hint of pepper; tangy and light. | Coleslaw (vinegar-based), hushpuppies, white bread. |
| Carolina Style (Lexington/Piedmont) | Pulled pork (shoulder) | Vinegar and tomato-based red sauce; slightly sweeter and spicier than Eastern Carolina. | Barbecue slaw, french fries, cornbread. |
| Memphis Style | Pork ribs (dry rub or wet), pulled pork, rib tips | Can be served “dry” (with a spice rub) or “wet” (dipped in sauce); sweet and tangy sauce is common. | Coleslaw, baked beans, mac and cheese, cornbread. |
| Kansas City Style | Ribs, brisket, pork, burnt ends, chicken | Thick, sweet, and smoky tomato-molasses sauce; a wide variety of meats. | Baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, onion rings. |
Beyond the Classics: Innovative BBQ on Wheels
Don’t be surprised to find food trucks pushing the boundaries. You might stumble upon trucks specializing in:
Smoked Brisket Tacos: A delicious fusion that brings together smoky Texas brisket with the portability and flavor of tacos.
Pulled Pork Nachos: A hearty, shareable dish that perfectly blends BBQ flavors with a classic Tex-Mex favorite.
Gourmet Grilled Cheese with Pulled Pork: Elevating a comfort food classic with slow-cooked, tender pulled pork and artisanal cheeses.
Smoked Vegan BBQ: For those with dietary restrictions, many trucks now offer creative plant-based alternatives that mimic the smoky, savory flavors of traditional BBQ.
Spotlight on Iconic Route 66 Food Truck Havens
While Route 66 stretches for thousands of miles, certain states and cities are known for their vibrant food truck scenes and incredible BBQ. Keep an eye out for these kinds of spots as you roll through:
Illinois: The Starting Point and Beyond
Illinois, the birthplace of Route 66, has a growing food truck community, especially in cities like Chicago (though the historic Route 66 path moves south). As you head into the state, urban centers and popular roadside attractions are often good places to find mobile food vendors. While dedicated BBQ trucks might be rarer here than further west, innovative food trucks often have BBQ-inspired specials.
Missouri: A BBQ Heartland
Missouri is a barbecue powerhouse, and as you traverse this stretch of Route 66, you’ll find plenty of options. Look for food trucks in larger towns like Springfield or St. Louis, which often host food truck rallies or have them stationed in popular downtown areas. Expect to find rich, smoky flavors here. A great resource for finding these trucks in Missouri is MO Food Trucks – they often list scheduled locations and events.
Kansas: The Shortest Stretch, Big Flavors
Kansas has only about 13 miles of Route 66, but its towns are charming, and its culinary scene can surprise you. Smaller towns might have fewer food trucks, but keep an eye out around festivals or community gatherings.
Oklahoma: The Essence of Route 66 & BBQ
Oklahoma is often considered the heart of Route 66. Cities like Tulsa and Oklahoma City have thriving food truck scenes. You’ll find a great concentration of BBQ food trucks here, offering everything from traditional brisket to Oklahoma’s own unique take on BBQ. The Oklahoma Route 66 Association is a fantastic resource for planning your route and finding local attractions, including food.
Texas: The Panhandle’s Pork and Brisket
As Route 66 cuts through the Texas Panhandle, you’ll enter a land where BBQ is king. Amarillo is a prime example. While you might find classic brick-and-mortar BBQ joints, keep your eyes peeled for mobile smokehouses. These trucks often serve up authentic Texas-style brisket, ribs, and sausage, with that signature smoky flavor that’s hard to beat.
New Mexico: A Spicy Southwest Twist
New Mexico brings a unique flair to everything, including BBQ. You might find food trucks offering BBQ with a New Mexican twist, incorporating local chiles like Hatch green chile into their rubs, sauces, or as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches. Albuquerque and Santa Fe (though slightly off the direct Route 66 path) are hubs for food trucks.
Arizona: Desert Flavors & Mobile Eats
Arizona’s Route 66 meanders through stunning desert landscapes. In towns like Flagstaff, Williams, and Seligman, you’ll find a growing number of food trucks. They might offer classic BBQ or incorporate Southwestern flavors, perhaps with mesquite-smoked meats. Keep an eye out near popular tourist spots and during local events.
California: The Final Stretch
As you near the Pacific, the food truck scene in California is incredibly diverse. While the classic BBQ might shift towards influences from Texas or the Midwest, you’ll find trucks offering creative BBQ fusions and traditional favorites. Finding them might involve exploring areas around cities like San Bernardino or diners and attractions that are particularly popular with motorcyclists.
A Note on Finding Specific Trucks: Locating a specific food truck can be tricky as their locations change daily. Using the apps and websites mentioned earlier is your best bet. Also, many trucks participate in organized food truck rallies, which are fantastic opportunities to sample from multiple vendors in one spot. For example, checking resources like https://www.foodtruckgatherings.com/ might reveal rallies happening along your route.
Mastering the Order: What to Look For at a Biker BBQ Food Truck
You’ve found the truck, braved the line, and now it’s ordering time. As a biker, you want a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and will keep you going.
The Meats:
Brisket: Look for that beautiful pink smoke ring, tender texture that pulls apart easily, and a good bark (the dark, crusty exterior from the rub and smoke).
Pulled Pork: Should be moist, tender, and flavorful. The sauce is important, but the pork should shine on its own.
Ribs: Whether pork or beef, they should be fall-off-the-bone tender but not mushy. A good rub is key.
Sausage: Especially in Texas, you might find house-made sausages that are a hidden gem.
The Sides:
Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting.
Baked Beans: Smoky, sweet, and a classic partner to BBQ.
Potato Salad/Coleslaw: These offer a cool, refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky meat. Styles vary widely by region – enjoy the differences!
Cornbread/Bread: Essential for sopping up any extra sauce.
The Sauce: This is where regional pride really comes out. Be ready for vinegar-based, tomato-based, mustard-based, or simply a peppery rub. You can often try a little before committing.
The “Plate” vs. “Sandwich”: A plate usually gives you more meat and a choice of sides. A sandwich is great for a quicker, more handheld meal. For a biker, a well-stacked sandwich might be easier to manage initially.
Tips for Hassle-Free Ordering and Eating
Check the Menu Board: Most trucks display their offerings clearly. Take a moment to read it before getting to the front of the line.
Ask for Recommendations: The pitmaster and staff are usually passionate about their food. Ask them what’s popular or what they recommend.
Consider Portions: If you’re planning a long ride, a massive feast might make you sleepy. Opt for a hearty sandwich or a smaller plate if you’ve got miles to cover.
Find a Picnic Table or Scenic Spot: If the food truck has seating, great! If not, look for a nearby park, overlook, or even just a safe pull-off spot to enjoy your meal with a view.
Maintaining Your Bike After a Delicious Pit Stop
All this talk of BBQ might make you think about your ride. After a good meal, it’s always wise to do a quick check of your motorcycle. A satisfied rider is a safe rider, and a well-maintained bike ensures you can reach your next delicious destination.
The “Barry’s Quick Check” After Every Fuel-Up (and Food-Up)
This only takes a minute or two and is crucial for safety and preventing bigger issues down the road. T-CLOCS is a great system to remember.