2026 Cincinnati Food Truck Catering Guide: 12 Top Trucks for Your Next Event

Food truck catering in Cincinnati typically costs **$15-30 per person** for standard events, with total event costs averaging **$1,320** (range: $800-$2,500). The peak season runs April through October, and planners should book **2-3 months ahead**—up to 6 months for summer weekends. The Cincinnati Food Truck Association offers free booking services connecting event planners with vetted member trucks. **Pro tip:** For seamless food truck booking with transparent pricing and verified reviews, check out [Edesia Catering](https://edesia.catering)—your one-stop platform for event catering in the Greater Cincinnati area.

### Sweets & Meats BBQ **The standard-bearer for Cincinnati BBQ catering**, this certified woman-owned and minority-owned operation has grown from a Mt. Washington parking lot tent in 2014 into a full catering empire with four mobile units. Co-founders Kristen Bailey (CEO) and Anton Gaffney use third-generation dry rub recipes from the South. | Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | **Specialty** | Award-winning smoked meats, soul food, homemade desserts | | **Signature dishes** | BBQ 4-Way (mac & cheese with pulled pork, slaw, sauce), Prime Brisket (14-hour smoked), Peach Bourbon Bread Pudding | | **Capacity** | 10 to 3,000+ guests | | **Website** | sweetsandmeatsbbq.com | | **Phone** | 513-888-4227 (option 2 for catering) | | **Service area** | Greater Cincinnati, Northern KY, SE Indiana | **Catering options include** pick-up, delivery with setup, full-service buffet with staff, food truck on-site, on-site grill-outs, and whole hog roasts (80+ guests, 30-day lead time required). **Awards and recognition**: 1st Place Dessert at Taste of Cincinnati 2023; 1st Place Entree 2019; U.S. SBA Ohio Small Business of the Year 2019; featured on PBS's "START UP." --- ### Triple J's Bar B Que Owner Chef Shawn Derby operates this BBQ food truck specializing in soul food and slow-smoked meats (6-14 hours with signature dry rub). | Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | **Specialty** | Slow-smoked ribs, rib tips, wings, smoked fish | | **Signature dishes** | Signature dry-rub ribs, smoked chicken wings, smoked rib tips | | **Website** | thetriplejbarbq.com | | **Phone** | 513-702-4575 | | **Service area** | Cincinnati metropolitan area, Hamilton | **Pricing transparency**: Published per-person rates—$15.45 (50-99 guests), $14.45 (100-249), $13.45 (250-499), $12.85 (500-999). Featured in CityBeat's "21 Greater Cincinnati BBQ Joints You Need to Try."

### Gomez Salsa Born from family recipes passed down from abuelita Oralia Gomez in Brownsville, Texas, Gomez Salsa operates two brick-and-mortar locations with robust catering. Known as the "Home of the original Turtle™"—their signature crunchwrap-style dish. | Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | **Specialty** | Tex-Mex with Southern influence; salsas made fresh daily | | **Signature dishes** | Turtle™ (signature crunchwrap), taco and nacho bars, homemade salsas | | **Website** | gomezsalsa.com | | **Catering email** | catering@gomezsalsa.com | | **Phone** | 513-381-1596 (OTR) or 513-954-8541 (Walnut Hills) | **Published catering pricing**: - Classic Snack Bar: $7/person (1 protein, tortillas, salsas) - Mini Taco Bar: $14/person (2 proteins) - Classic Taco Bar: $16/person (3 proteins, rice, beans, guacamole) - Cantina Taco Bar: $20/person (premium package) **Minimum**: 15-20 guests. Highly rated on The Knot and Zola for wedding catering. --- ### Texas Joe Tex-Mex Joseph Garcia brought 20+ years of culinary experience from Houston to the tri-state area in 2012. | Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | **Specialty** | Texas-style Tex-Mex; award-winning 12-hour braised brisket | | **Signature dishes** | Dos Amigo Tacos, Texas Salad/Rice Bowl, Nopales & Calabaza (vegan) | | **Website** | texasjoetexmex.com | | **Phone** | 859-414-6080 | | **Service area** | Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana (tri-state) | **Notable clients**: Cincinnati Bengals players, Riverbend Music Center, Procter & Gamble, Duke Energy. --- ### Tacos El Gordis Located on Reading Road in Paddock Hills, owner Senor Alberto serves authentic Mexican street tacos that "transport patrons straight to the streets of Mexico." | Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | **Specialty** | Traditional Mexican street tacos, birria, quesabirrias | | **Signature dishes** | Birria Tacos, Tacos Al Pastor, Quesabirrias, Tortas El Gordis | | **Address** | 4545 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45229 | | **Phone** | 513-823-7076 | | **Capacity** | 50-200 guests | Praised as "Cincy's best taco truck." Listed on Yelp's Top 10 Taco Truck Catering in Cincinnati.

### Red Sesame BBQ (Korean-Mexican Fusion) Since 2012, Red Sesame has perfected the art of fusion—"the soul of Korea with a Mexican flair." All sauces and marinades are made fresh from scratch. | Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | **Specialty** | Korean BBQ tacos, burritos, rice bowls with kimchi twist | | **Signature dishes** | Korean BBQ Tacos (beef, chicken, tofu), Yummy Bowl, Korean beef quesadilla | | **Address** | 4804 Whetsel Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45227 (Madisonville) | | **Phone** | 513-356-0880 | | **Website** | redsesamebbq.com | **Award**: **CityBeat "Best Food Truck" 2023 Winner**. Featured vendor at Taste of Cincinnati. --- ### SEA Cuisine (Southeast Asian Fusion) Established in 2017 by a 26-year restaurant industry veteran who noticed authentic Southeast Asian flavors were hard to find locally. | Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | **Specialty** | Vietnamese, Korean, Thai fusion; Asian street food | | **Signature dishes** | Asian Tacos, Banh Mi with "yum yum sauce," Pho, Cha Cha Fries, Pad Thai Macaroni | | **Phone** | 513-516-1577 | | **Website** | seacuisineoh.com | | **Hours** | Tue-Sun 11AM-10PM | Featured vendor at **Taste of Cincinnati 2025**. Member of Cincinnati Food Truck Association.

### Twisted Greek Owner Stephen Spyrou, a second-generation Greek-American, launched this truck in April 2022. Based in West Chester Township, the tagline: "From the top of Mount Olympus to the streets of Cincinnati." | Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | **Specialty** | Greek-American fusion; gyros on pita, loaded tots, rice bowls | | **Signature dishes** | Traditional gyros, Greek Sausage (Loukaniko), Hot Honey Feta Tots, feta-stuffed lamb & wagyu slider | | **Phone** | 513-508-0333 | | **Email** | Stephen@twistedgreekbakery.com | | **Website** | twistedgreekbakery.com | **Pricing**: Pita gyros $11, loaded tots $12, rice bowls $12, village salad $14. **Awards**: **Gold Medal Winner and $5,000 Grand Prize** at 9th Annual Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition (August 2023). Featured vendor at Taste of Cincinnati 2025.

### The Chili Hut Founded in 2013 by Fadi Khalilieh using a 40-year-old family chili recipe. Their tagline: "It's ALWAYS Chili in Cincinnati!" | Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | **Specialty** | Cincinnati-style chili, coneys, 3-ways through 5-ways | | **Signature dishes** | Cheese Coney ($4), Slaw Dog ($5), Eden Pork ($7), Walking Taco ($10), classic 3-Way ($8) | | **Website** | thechilihut.com | | **Phone** | 513-253-7356 | | **Email** | contact@cincychilihut.com | Featured in Eater's "10 Best Chili Parlors in Cincinnati," CityBeat's "20 Cincinnati-Style Chili Parlors," and Soapbox Cincinnati's "30 Must-Try Food Trucks."

### Fat Katz Cuisine This Black-owned, woman-owned, veteran-led food truck is named after the founder's beloved mother. Built on great-grandmother's recipes learned at age 5, Fat Katz made a significant impact at the Cincinnati Music Festival, **serving 600+ guests** over two days. | Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | **Specialty** | Soul food with Cajun/Creole flavors; New Orleans-inspired | | **Signature dishes** | Soul Rollz (fusion egg rolls), Catfish Sandwich, Blackened Cajun Salmon, Po'boys, Jerk Chicken | | **Website** | fatkatzcuisine.com | | **Phone** | 513-290-6509 | | **Email** | fatkatzcuisine@gmail.com | **Regular locations**: Washington Park (Friday nights, June-September, 5-10pm), Fountain Square (Thursday lunch, 11am-1:30pm).

### Marty's Waffles (Belgian Desserts) Owner/artisan Marty Meersman honors his Belgian ancestry by producing handcrafted Liège-style waffles—dough-based (not batter), using imported Swedish pearl sugar. | Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | **Specialty** | Authentic Belgian Liège sugar waffles; sweet and savory options | | **Signature dishes** | Sea Salt & Caramel Waffle with Maker's Mark® Bourbon Whipped Cream, Turtle Waffle, Bananas Foster Waffle | | **Phone** | 513-310-3607 | | **Email** | marty@martyswaffles.com | | **Website** | martyswaffles.com | **Awards**: **Best Food Truck—NKy Magazine 2019, 2020, 2021**; Waffle Food Truck of the Year 2017-2019; Top 10 Best Food Truck Cincinnati 2022. **Notable clients**: Procter & Gamble, Delta Airlines, Fidelity Investments, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, BMW, Mercedes Benz. --- ### The Poutine Machine (French-Canadian Fusion) The **Midwest's only poutine-specializing food truck** launched in 2018. They reinvent the French-Canadian classic using hand-cut fries, homemade gravies, and fresh Wisconsin cheese curds. | Detail | Information | |--------|-------------| | **Specialty** | Gourmet poutine; French-Canadian comfort with local fusion | | **Signature dishes** | "The Cincy" (goetta, chili, Rhinegeist beer cheese, Grippo's BBQ aioli—$12-13), Barbacoa Poutine, Korean BBQ Poutine | | **Booking** | StreetFoodFinder, Best Food Trucks, Roaming Hunger | | **Service area** | Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Indiana | **Awards**: Featured in Ohio Magazine's "Best of Ohio" 2020; #7 Best Food Truck Cincinnati 2019.

### Required Permits for Cincinnati **Ohio Mobile Food License** (primary requirement): Valid licenses from any Ohio board of health are accepted. Licenses expire annually on March 1. **Cincinnati Fire Department Permit**: Required for all mobile food units. Annual fee is **$150 for propane cooking equipment** (no fee for full electric). **Key resources**: - Cincinnati Health Department: cincinnati-oh.gov/health - Fire Department permits: cincinnati-oh.gov/fire - Online applications: eztrak.cagis.org/CitizenAccess **Private event catering**: Food trucks with valid Ohio Mobile Food Licenses can cater private events without additional temporary permits. For special events requiring temporary food facility permits (events 5 days or less), applications must be submitted **10 business days before the event**; cost is $154-$186. **Northern Kentucky**: NKY Health Department permits required for events in KY. Temporary permits cost $60 for 1-3 day operation, submitted 3 business days prior.

| Event | Date | Location | |-------|------|----------| | **Taste of Cincinnati** | Memorial Day Weekend | Downtown Cincinnati | | **CFTA Food Fest** | June 21, 2025 | Court Street Plaza, Downtown | | **Union Centre Food Truck Rally** | June 6, 2025 | West Chester (40+ trucks, free admission) | | **Asian Food Fest** | April 2025 | Downtown (65+ vendors) | | **Oktoberfest Zinzinnati** | September | Sawyer Point/Yeatman's Cove | **Regular locations**: The Banks (Rally in the Alley events), Washington Park, Fountain Square, Rhinehaus area. **Corporate programs** at P&G, Kroger, hospitals (Mercy Anderson, St. Elizabeth), and university campuses.

The **Cincinnati Food Truck Association (CFTA)**, established in 2013, is the nonprofit hub for the local food truck industry. - **Website**: cincinnatifoodtruckassociation.org - **Book a truck (free service)**: cincinnatifoodtruckassociation.org/book - **Key guidance**: 200-300 attendees per truck for "eating" events **Booking platforms serving Cincinnati**: - Roaming Hunger (125+ trucks): roaminghunger.com/cincinnati-oh - Street Food Finder: streetfoodfinder.com/catering/cincinnati - Best Food Trucks: bestfoodtrucks.com/food-trucks/catering/cincinnati **Want a simpler booking experience?** [Edesia Catering](https://edesia.catering) offers a modern platform to discover, compare, and book food trucks for any event size—from corporate lunches to large festivals.

**Peak season**: April through October (especially May-October). Book **2-3 months ahead** minimum; **6 months** for popular trucks on summer weekends. **Off-season (November-March)**: Many trucks reduce outdoor operations but remain available for indoor corporate events, private parties in heated venues, and holiday celebrations. Mobile licenses expire March 1, triggering annual renewal season. **Weather impact**: Cincinnati weather is variable—outdoor events require backup plans. Summer heat (July-August) drives demand for dessert and beverage trucks.

| Category | Price Range | |----------|-------------| | **Standard per-person pricing** | $15-30 | | **Upscale/gourmet options** | $25-45 | | **Average total event cost** | $1,320 | | **Typical range** | $800-$2,500 | | **Common minimums** | $1,200-$1,500 | **By cuisine type**: Tacos/Mexican ($12-18/person), BBQ ($15-25), Asian Fusion ($15-28), Desserts ($5-12). **Additional factors**: Travel fees apply beyond 20-30 miles; drinks/desserts add $1-5/person; small events (under 50 guests) hit minimums; premium dates (holidays, summer weekends) command higher rates.

1. **Book early**: 2-3 months minimum; 6 months for peak dates 2. **Verify licensing**: Confirm valid Ohio Mobile Food License 3. **Use trusted platforms**: CFTA booking or [Edesia Catering](https://edesia.catering) for vetted trucks 4. **Calculate guest ratio**: Plan 200-300 guests per truck 5. **Understand minimums**: Budget $1,200-1,500 even for small events 6. **Confirm logistics**: Power needs, flat space (30' x 12' minimum), load-in times 7. **Plan for weather**: Contingency for outdoor events 8. **Discuss dietary needs**: Allergen notification now required at all events (2025)