Mother Truckers

The food-truck/stand scene in Santa Fe has expanded greatly in recent years, and while only a handful of permits exist for eateries that can hop from location to location on the same day, a fantastic meal is never too far of a drive or walk away. Proponents of the local food truck scene are encouraging the city and working with other local entities to remove the outdated permitting hurdles that keep the food-truck scene from blossoming. In the meantime, here’s a selection of joints that will have you begging for more. Rollin’ deep never tasted this good.

Bambini’s Steaks & Hoagies

Imported Italian rolls from the City of Brotherly Love and attention to authenticity make this mobile unit a must-stop for anyone craving a true Philly steak or hoagie experience. Try the "Original" made with sirloin, fried onions and your choice of real or liquid-y cheese ($8.79). For vegetarians, grab an eggplant Parm ($8.99) or falafel hoagie ($8.99). For everyone: Dollar-off Fridays!
905 S St. Francis Drive, in front of Ski Tech, 699-2243

El Chile Toreado

The lines for this popular stand swell from morning to early afternoon, but the wait is short and worth it. Breakfast burritos ($5.50) are gargantuan. If you ask nicely, they'll fry, not scramble, the eggs for you. These are the Mexican tacos of your dreams ($6.50 for three), loaded with traditional flavor and heat. Try the barbacoa and al pastor.
950 W Cordova Road next to Whole Foods, 500-0033

Bang Bite

This mobile, recently crowned SFR Best of Santa Fe voters' choice winner serves up a seriously different chile cheeseburger. The "Bite Burger" comprises a roasted five-chile blend, bacon, avocado, pepper-Jack cheese and jalapeño aioli ($8.75). Mind-blowing specials like a spicy fried chicken sandwich with pickled coleslaw, house-made pickles and trailer fries ($10.75) are the norm.
501 Old Santa Fe Trail, 469-2345

La Loncherita

Generously portioned tacos, tortas and burritos of all varieties ($7-$9) are served with a heat-seeking green salsa. Wash them down one of the trailer's signature agua de piña. Don't miss out on one of the town's only decent street pambazos ($6.50): tortas of your choice dunked in a spicy, piquant chile sauce.
3918 Rodeo Road, next to New 2 You Boutiques, 395-8927

Mr. Polish

This tiny, stationary mainstay is perhaps most famous (locally) for its enormous Polish-sausage breakfast burritos ($5.50) and hot dogs ($6), but the juicy, meaty lengua tacos ($6.50) and cueritios (pickled pork skin) burrito ($6.50) are also worth the trip. You'll need extra napkins for any of the tacos here.
1311 Siler Road, in front of Big Jo True Value Hardware

Pollo Asado

No other roadside stand in Santa Fe offers a whole- or half-chicken asado dinner ($20 and $10, respectively), perhaps because these folks do it so wonderfully. Garlicky, achiote- and spice-rubbed roasted and char-grilled chicken is cooked to tender perfection, served with a cheesy corn tortilla, beans, rice, extra tortillas and a very spicy red dipping sauce. Asado rolled taquitos ($6) are also available.
Moving to 2841 Cerrillos Road (on the Cheeks parking lot), 316-4085

Santa Fe BBQ

Tender, slow-smoked, dry-rubbed beef and pork ribs ($13-$24) and turkey legs ($9) are kissed with New Mexico spices—and a touch of coffee and cocoa—at this truck/mobile-smoker manned by a former tobacconist. Brisket ($10), pulled-pork ($9) and beef- or pork-sausage ($7) sandwiches are also available.
Rotates between 600 Old Santa Fe Trail and 1330 Cerrillos Road, 573-4816

Taquería La Hacienda

Surf-and-turf tacos ($8.50), machitos (innard sausages, $11), elotes en vaso (Mexican street corn, $4) and shrimp cocktails ($9) share real estate with more familiar local roadside fare at this funky trailer, but the torta Cubana ($ 8.50) beats all: griddled ham, pork tenderloin and bright-pink frankfurters with white cheese and avocado.
Corner of Airport Road and Fields Lane, 577-8068

Santa Fe Reporter