Palo Alto & San Jose's Top 10 Food Trucks: The Ultimate 2026 Guide
Discover Palo Alto & San Jose's 10 best food trucks for 2026—including Jojo's Hot Chicken (#4 in America) and El Halal Amigos' revolutionary halal Mexican. Complete guide with locations, menus, and prices.
Silicon Valley isn't just home to the world's biggest tech companies—it's become a hotbed for culinary innovation on wheels. From Jojo's Hot Chicken, which ranked #4 on Yelp's Top 100 Food Trucks in the United States for 2025, to halal Mexican fusion and Hawaiian-inspired comfort food, the Palo Alto and San Jose food truck scene offers remarkable diversity that reflects the region's multicultural population.
San Jose alone boasts over 250 food trucks, while weekly markets like Off the Grid bring rotating vendors to tech campuses and public spaces throughout the peninsula. Whether you're grabbing a late-night bite near SJSU or hitting a lunchtime food truck rally in Palo Alto, these are the mobile kitchens worth tracking down.
1. Jojo's Hot Chicken: Yelp's #4 Best Food Truck in America
Jojo's Hot Chicken ranked #4 on Yelp's Top 100 Food Trucks in America for 2025
Cuisine: Nashville Hot Chicken
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Yelp Rating: 4.9 stars (500+ ratings on DoorDash)
Yelp's #4 Best Food Truck in America (2025) - Jojo's Hot Chicken has become a Bay Area sensation, serving up Nashville-style fried chicken that rivals anything you'd find in Tennessee. The truck operates from a parking lot in South San Jose and has developed a cult following for its perfectly crispy, juicy chicken and addictive signature Jojo sauce.
Menu Highlights:
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Combo 1 | $19.99 | Chicken sandwich, fries, drink |
| Combo 2 | $18.99 | Tenders with fries |
| Combo 3 | $19.50 | Slider combo with fries |
| Bowl | $19.25 | Chopped chicken, fries, Jojo sauce, pickles, coleslaw |
| Halftime | $14.99 | Smaller portion combo |
| Tender | $8.50 | Single tender |
Spice levels available from mild to extremely hot
Locations:
- Original: 1587 Kooser Rd, San Jose, CA 95118 (Wed-Sun 4PM-11PM)
- Williams St: 447 E Williams St, San Jose, CA 95112
Customer Reviews:
"Not only the best hot chicken spot in the Bay Area but also one of the best food places. The freshness, seasoning, tenderness and portions for the price makes Jojo's easily a go to spot!"
"I just moved out of California and there is no place like this chicken place. Best chicken spot in SJ."
Contact: (408) 499-0916 | jojoshotchicken.com | @jojoshotchicken
2. Scratch Cookery: From Fire to Nashville Hot Chicken Fame
Cuisine: Nashville Hot Chicken & Smash Burgers
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Yelp Rating: 4.5+ stars (665+ reviews)
The Story: Owner Connor Vu lost everything when his townhouse burned down the day after the Giants won the 2014 World Series. Instead of rebuilding his home, he and his wife took a gamble and bought a food truck. With no cooking experience outside of backyard barbecues, Vu started with seafood before pivoting to Nashville hot chicken in 2018.
Vu's process: chicken soaked in buttermilk brine for three days, breaded in a lightly spiced batter, and fried twice in 375-degree oil for ultimate crispiness.
Menu Highlights:
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville Sandwich | ~$14-16 | Buttermilk fried chicken breast, customizable heat (Level 0-7), tangy coleslaw, comeback sauce, pickles on brioche |
| Smash Burger | ~$12-14 | Quarter-pound grass-fed beef, grilled onions, American cheese, "scratch spread" on potato bun |
| Hot Tofu Sandwich | ~$12 | Brined and battered tofu (vegetarian) |
| Sidewinder Fries | ~$5 | Cross between curly fries and potato wedges |
| Four-Cheese Mac | ~$6 | House-made macaroni and cheese |
Heat levels: 0 (house seasoning) to 7 (habanero, scorpion, Carolina Reaper, ghost peppers)
Location: 30 Fountain Alley, Ste 150, San Jose, CA 95113
Hours: Sun-Wed 11:30AM-8PM, Thu-Sat 11:30AM-10PM
Customer Reviews:
"The smash burger is the best in the Bay Area."
"Huge chicken sandos with a real kick for people who like actually spicy food!"
Awards: Featured in San José Spotlight, Asian-owned, eco-friendly packaging
Contact: (408) 601-0396 | @scratchcookery
3. El Halal Amigos: Revolutionary Halal Mexican Cuisine
El Halal Amigos created the first 100% Zabiha Halal Mexican restaurant in Silicon Valley
Cuisine: Halal Mexican
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Yelp Rating: 4.5+ stars (593+ reviews)
The Story: Chef Hisham Abdelfattah created something revolutionary: authentic Mexican cuisine that's 100% Zabiha Halal. The concept came during the pandemic when, faced with a pregnant wife and economic uncertainty, he decided to pursue his passion. "While everyone else was bunkering down with COVID, I was knocking on doors trying to raise money for a food truck."
He partnered with Ed Rathmann of Willow Street Pizza, who helped finance the food truck. The TikTok-documented launch in August 2020 drew massive lines and went viral.
Menu Highlights:
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Street Tacos (3) | ~$12 | Choice of suadero, carne asada, pollo al pastor, or nopales |
| NAR Burrito | ~$15 | Fried chimichanga-style with meat, rice, beans, NAR sauce, sour cream, guac, cheese |
| NAR-chos | ~$14 | Chips or fries with choice of meat, queso, pico de gallo, beans, crema |
| Slow-Cooked Barbacoa Costillas | ~$28 | Fall-off-the-bone beef ribs cooked in banana leaves |
| Quesabirria (Sunday Special) | ~$14 | Made fresh on-site |
Location: 1100 Lincoln Ave, Ste 160, San Jose, CA 95125 (Willow Glen)
Hours: Daily 11:30AM-9PM
Customer Reviews:
"El Halal Amigos is soooo goood. I just appreciate that everything is halal and the chipotle sauce is fire."
"The slow-cooked Barbacoa Costillas were absolutely fall-off-the-bone, perfectly-cooked amazing."
Awards: Featured on Eater SF, viral TikTok presence
Contact: (408) 645-5571 | elhalalamigos.com | @elhalalamigos
4. Fire and Rice: Hawaiian Comfort Food
Fire and Rice brings authentic Hawaiian plate lunch culture to Silicon Valley
Cuisine: Hawaiian Fusion
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Yelp Rating: 4.5+ stars (91+ reviews)
The Story: The name Fire and Rice came to the owner at a family BBQ. "Someone joked, 'All you need is fire and rice,' and it clicked. It reminded me of fire and ice, but with a twist—because in food, 'fire' isn't just heat, it's flavor!"
Growing up in Hawaii, surrounded by a melting pot of cuisines and family gatherings filled with good food, the owner developed a passion for sharing "ono" (delicious) food with the community. Fire and Rice brings authentic Hawaiian flavors with Japanese and Korean influences to Silicon Valley.
Menu Highlights:
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic Fried Chicken | ~$14 | Crispy chicken coated in sweet shoyu glaze |
| Loco Moco | ~$15 | Rice, hamburger patty, fried egg, smothered in beef gravy |
| Kalua Pig Plate | ~$14 | Slowly cooked shredded pork, cabbage, Hawaiian mac salad, rice |
| Spicy Tuna Poké | ~$15 | Ahi tuna in signature sauce, tobiko, onions, cucumbers |
| Kimchi Shrimp Poké | ~$15 | Korean-Hawaiian fusion |
| Tofu Plate | ~$12 | Tofu in pineapple miso sauce (vegetarian) |
Location: 326 Commercial St, San Jose, CA 95121
Hours: Check Instagram @fireandricesj for current schedule
Customer Reviews:
"Fire and Rice brings the flavors of Hawaii to San Jose with a creative twist. Every plate reflects a deep appreciation for the diverse culinary traditions."
Contact: (408) 337-2219 | fireandricesj.com | @fireandricesj
5. Smoked Out BBQ: Texas-Style Perfection
Smoked Out BBQ smokes their brisket for 12+ hours with oak and hickory
Cuisine: Texas-Style BBQ
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Yelp Rating: 4.5+ stars (301+ reviews)
The Story: Brothers Jimmy and Paul and their best friend Willy spent 15 years hosting backyard barbecues, becoming known among friends and family for their pristine skills on the grill. After years of testing various creations and tweaking their sauces, rubs, and smoking styles based on feedback, they decided it was time to go pro.
Everything at Smoked Out BBQ is made from scratch using locally sourced ingredients, and meats are smoked low and slow with oak and hickory wood for authentic flavor.
Menu Highlights:
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Brisket Sandwich | ~$15 | Beef brisket smoked 12+ hours, butter-toasted French baguette, house slaw, original pineapple BBQ sauce |
| Tri-Tip Sandwich | ~$14 | Smoked 2-3 hours with hickory/apple wood |
| Pulled Pork Sandwich | ~$13 | Pork shoulder smoked 12+ hours |
| Hot Link Sandwich | ~$12 | Cajun hot link smoked 1-2 hours |
| Pork Ribs (St. Louis) | ~$18-24 | Smoked low and slow, fall-off-the-bone |
| Dirty Rice | ~$5 | Flavorful side |
Sauces: Original Pineapple, Thai Mango, Ghost Pepper
Location: 807 Aldo Ave, Ste 106, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Hours: Tue-Fri 11AM-2:30PM, Sat 11AM-5PM
Customer Reviews:
"Honestly one of the best BBQ spots I've been to in the Bay Area. The tri tip and brisket are solid. All at quite a fair price point."
Contact: smokedoutbbq.net | @smokedoutbbq
6. Chaat on Wheels: Authentic North Indian Street Food
Chaat on Wheels serves authentic Mumbai and Delhi street food in Silicon Valley
Cuisine: North Indian Street Food
Price Range: $ (Budget-friendly)
Yelp Rating: 4.5+ stars (110+ reviews)
The Story: Established just 1.5 years ago as a family-owned business, Chaat on Wheels brings the vibrant taste of Indian street food to Silicon Valley. The owners, affectionately known as "uncleji and auntyji" to their customers, pride themselves on preparing each dish fresh on-site. Their menu captures the authentic flavors of Mumbai and Delhi street food.
Menu Highlights:
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vada Pav | ~$6 | Authentic Maharashtrian potato fritter in bun with chutneys |
| Samosa Chaat | ~$8 | Fresh samosas with yogurt, tamarind, green chutney, sev |
| Dahi Batata Sev Puri | ~$7 | Crispy puris with potatoes, yogurt, chutneys |
| Dhabeli | ~$6 | Sweet and spicy Gujarati snack |
| Punjabi Stuffed Kulcha | ~$9 | Stuffed flatbread with chole |
| Masala Chai | ~$3 | "Best in the Bay Area" |
| Mango Lassi | ~$5 | Refreshing yogurt drink |
Locations:
- Lawrence Expy: 1101 Lawrence Expy, Sunnyvale, CA 94089 (Daily 11AM-9PM)
- El Camino Real: 1255 W El Camino Real, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (Mon, Wed-Sun 11AM-9PM)
Customer Reviews:
"Everything we tried was absolutely delightful. Dahi batata sev puri, vada pav, dhabeli, paneer sandwich, mango lassi, samosa chaat—absolutely mouth watering food."
"Masala chai often deemed the best in the Bay Area for its rich flavor and sweetness."
Contact: chaatonwheels.com | @chaatonwheels
7. Spartan Taco Truck: SJSU's Late-Night Legend
Cuisine: Mexican
Price Range: $ (Budget-friendly)
Yelp Rating: 4.5+ stars (563+ reviews)
The Story: Born and raised in Puebla, Mexico, Felix worked for 8 years as a server and chef before immigrating to the United States. "I don't take myself too seriously. I love what I do and I never pretend to run my business perfectly. I put love into everything I do, most importantly, the tacos."
What started as a late-night taco spot near San Jose State University has become a legendary destination. The crispy tacos have achieved cult status—crunchy, loaded with perfectly grilled meat, and available late into the night.
Menu Highlights:
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Tacos (3) | ~$11 | Famous crunchy shell tacos, choice of meat |
| Big Crispy Taco | ~$5 | Single large crispy taco |
| California Burrito | ~$12 | Carne asada, fries, cheese, sour cream, guac |
| Cali Burrito Pastor | ~$12 | Al pastor version |
| Quesadilla | ~$10 | Choice of meat, melted cheese |
Meats: Al Pastor, Carne Asada, Carnitas, Cabeza, Lengua, Tripas, Grilled Chicken
Famous orange sauce and chipotle salsa at self-serve salsa bar
Cash only (Venmo accepted)
Location: 447 E William St, San Jose, CA 95112 (Downtown/SJSU)
Hours: Mon 8:30PM-12AM, Tue-Sat 8:30PM-1AM, Sun 8:30PM-12AM
Customer Reviews:
"Has got to be some of the best tacos in the whole Bay Area. The type of tacos and spot that you think about months and maybe even years later."
"I am a SJSU Alumni, and tacos here were a major part of my monthly dinner / late night snacks while in school."
Contact: (408) 712-8161 | @cali.spartan
8. Talavera Tacos: Top-Rated Taco Catering
Cuisine: Mexican Catering
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Yelp Rating: 5 stars (379+ reviews)
The Story: Founded in 2019 by Anthony Contreras (Chef Acon), Talavera Tacos has revolutionized the way people eat and enjoy food in the Bay Area. They take pride in discovering unique flavors and sharing them through their catering services. From corporate events to backyard parties, Talavera Tacos brings restaurant-quality Mexican cuisine directly to your event.
Menu Highlights (Catering):
- Street Tacos – Choice of carne asada, al pastor, pollo asada, carnitas
- Quesadillas – Melted cheese with choice of protein
- Burritos – Fully loaded with rice, beans, meat, toppings
- Nachos – Fresh chips with all the fixings
- Rice & Beans – Traditional Mexican sides
- Aguas Frescas – Horchata, Jamaica, Tamarindo
Full taco bar setup includes salsas, onions (raw and grilled), cilantro, limes
Location: San Jose-based, Mobile Catering
Availability: 24/7 for booking
Customer Reviews:
"This is the best food truck for tacos. The staff is exceptionally professional and the food is outstanding."
"One of the best taco carts out there. The crew was friendly and the service was excellent! I highly recommend them if you want a hassle-free and top-notch catering experience."
Contact: talaveratacos.com | @talaveratacos
9. Joe's Taco Shop: Yelp's #94 Best Food Truck in America
Cuisine: Mexican
Price Range: $ (Budget-friendly)
Yelp Rating: 4.8 stars (162+ reviews)
Joe's Taco Shop ranked #94 on Yelp's Top 100 Food Trucks in the United States for 2025, making it one of two San Jose trucks to crack the national list. What sets Joe's apart is their creative approach to traditional Mexican fare—from perfectly seasoned fish tacos to innovative fusion combinations.
Joe prides himself on innovative and artistic menu creation, crafting unique dishes for every event while maintaining the authentic flavors customers love.
Menu Highlights:
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fish Tacos | ~$4 each | Battered fish, cabbage slaw, chipotle crema |
| Carne Asada Tacos | ~$3.50 each | Grilled steak with cilantro, onions |
| Al Pastor Tacos | ~$3.50 each | Marinated pork with pineapple |
| Paneer Tacos | ~$4 each | Vegetarian option with Indian cheese |
| Burritos | ~$10-12 | Fully loaded with choice of meat |
| Churros | ~$5 | Fresh-made Mexican dessert |
Location: 1609 Morrill Ave, San Jose, CA 95132
Hours: Mon-Fri 11AM-8PM, Sat 2PM-7PM, Sun 2PM-6PM
Customer Reviews:
"100% recommend Joe's Taco Shop! I hired him for an anniversary party/baby shower for 100 people. He was easy to communicate with, professional staff and delicious food!"
Awards: Yelp's #94 Best Food Truck in the United States (2025)
Contact: (408) 623-6945 | joetacoshop.com | @joetacoshop
10. Off the Grid Markets: Silicon Valley's Premier Food Truck Gatherings
Cuisine: Multi-Vendor Food Truck Markets
Est. 2010
Off the Grid has become the Bay Area's premier food truck market organizer since 2010, curating diverse lineups of mobile vendors at locations throughout the peninsula. Founded by Matt Cohen, Off the Grid has evolved into a full-fledged events and experiences company with a network of 90+ food trucks.
Their mission extends beyond food—they've partnered with Google to launch Instrucktional, an incubator program that trains aspiring food entrepreneurs.
Palo Alto & Peninsula Locations:
| Market | Location | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Off the Grid: Palo Alto | Crowne Plaza, 4290 El Camino Real | Check offthegrid.com |
| Off the Grid: Menlo Park | Various locations | Check offthegrid.com |
| Stanford Campus | Campus Drive | Wednesdays 11AM-2PM |
What to Expect:
Each Off the Grid market features 7-12 rotating food trucks offering diverse cuisines:
- Korean-Mexican fusion (KoJa Kitchen, MoGo BBQ)
- Indian (Curry Up Now)
- Vietnamese (O Mi Ninja)
- Peruvian (Sanguchon)
- BBQ (various)
- Sweet treats (Project Cupcake, Scoops Ice Cream)
- Filipino (Wow Silogs)
Many locations include beer gardens, live music, and community seating
Customer Reviews:
"There were about 7 different food trucks ranging from Mexican to Italian to Asian 'soul food.'"
Awards: Bay Area's largest food truck market organizer, 10+ years of community events
Website: offthegrid.com | @offthegrid
Where to Find Food Trucks in Palo Alto & San Jose
San Jose Food Truck Hotspots:
Moveable Feast Markets - Founded in 2011 by Ryan Sebastian, a former traffic engineer who wanted to create "third places" for community gathering. Moveable Feast coordinates weekly markets at various San Jose locations, often featuring 10-15 trucks. Check mvblfeast.com for current schedules.
SoFA District - The South First Area (SoFA) in downtown San Jose hosts food trucks during First Friday art walks and other events.
Tech Campus Lunch Programs - Many Silicon Valley companies host rotating food trucks for employee lunch programs. Off the Grid and Moveable Feast coordinate these corporate events.
Night Markets - Berryessa Night Market, FAHM JAM, and Gordon Biersch Night Market series bring food trucks together with live entertainment.
Late-Night Spots - Spartan Taco Truck (near SJSU) operates until 1AM+ on weekends, serving the college crowd and night owls.
Palo Alto Food Truck Spots:
- Off the Grid: Palo Alto - Monday nights at Crowne Plaza on El Camino Real
- Stanford Campus - Wednesdays 11AM-2PM at Campus Drive parking lot
- Tech Company Campuses - Many Palo Alto-area companies host food truck programs
Tips for Food Truck Hunting:
- Follow trucks on Instagram for daily locations
- Check schedules—hours vary widely
- Bring cash—many trucks are cash-only
- Go early—popular items sell out
- Download apps like StreetFoodFinder and Roaming Hunger
Conclusion
The Silicon Valley Food Truck Culture
What makes the Palo Alto and San Jose food truck scene unique is its reflection of Silicon Valley's diverse, innovative culture:
- Global cuisines representing the region's immigrant communities (Indian, Vietnamese, Filipino, Mexican, Korean, Hawaiian)
- Fusion concepts that blend culinary traditions in unexpected ways (halal Mexican, Korean-Hawaiian, Nashville chicken with Bay Area twists)
- Tech-enabled operations with mobile ordering, real-time location tracking, and social media engagement
- Entrepreneur spirit with many trucks started by first-generation immigrants pursuing their American dream
- Corporate lunch culture that brings food trucks to tech campuses throughout the week
- Night market traditions that create community gathering spaces
From Jojo's #4-in-the-nation Nashville hot chicken to Chef Hisham's barrier-breaking halal Mexican at El Halal Amigos, these food trucks represent the best of what happens when diverse communities, entrepreneurial spirit, and culinary passion come together on four wheels.
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