Truck Hunting

You don’t have to be zoned into the Twitter feeds of your favorite food trucks if you just know where the herd gathers at lunchtime. These are spots where you’ll find ‘em, with all the snappy tacos and pulled pork sammies that implies.

The Commons (Minneapolis Downtown East)
Shangri-La for food truck devotees, the grassy space in front of U.S. Bank Stadium has areas to picnic, actual tables and chairs, plus free Wi-Fi so you can keep “working.” Look for: iPierogi, not just for its signature dish, but also for its crispy potato pancakes.

Downtown Minneapolis (Business District)
The line of trucks that parks at the intersection of Second Avenue South and Sixth Street stretches for a couple of blocks. Lunchers gravitate to the stepped stones of One Financial Plaza, where the annual Aquatennial tennis tourney happens. Look for: O’Cheeze and its legendary grilled cheese sandwiches.

The State Capitol
Trust that the #mnleg is well fed by the bevy of trucks that gather outside the seat of government in St. Paul. There are lots of steps and benches where you can perch for a quick lunch. Look for: Wholesoul Eatery and the blackened catfish with hot sauce.

Downtown St. Paul
Trucks park by EcoLab Plaza, near the busy intersection of Wabasha at Fifth Street, and sometimes stretch over to nearby Rice Park and the Landmark Center. Look for: Chopped brisket and beef hot links from Pig Approved BBQ.

Uptown
After you’ve honed your mobile food acumen, dip into the big time: The Uptown Food Truck Festival gathers more than 60+ trucks usually parked in different locations during the summer months. It’s a sampler’s heaven, with beer. uptownfoodtruckfestival.com —Stephanie March