Wondering where the Bloomington food trucks are? Here's how to find them.

Whether you're looking for a bite to eat during your lunch break or something different for dinner, Bloomington has several food trucks offering everything from traditional tacos to tender barbecue to fruity popsicles.

Food Truck Friday in Bloomington

Many local food trucks show up at Bloomington Food Truck Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. April through October. They park around Switchyard Park, at 1601 S. Rogers St., and plenty of tables and shady areas are nearby to chow on the good eats.

Jordan Davis, who coordinates the event with the Chocolate Moose, said in a statement the event is free to attend and is a great way for people to support local businesses all in one spot. The event also started bringing food trucks from Indianapolis on occasion this year to shorten lines and expand the number of options.

"It's been so incredible watching the community gather every week," Davis said. "You see every walk of life there enjoying themselves and all the amenities Switchyard has to offer."

On the Menu: Bloom Burger, PappyShack, Big Cheeze join Food Truck Fridays at Switchyard Park

Food Truck Wednesday in Ellettsville

Ellettsville also has Food Truck Wednesdays in the evenings, usually starting around 4 p.m., near 200 N. Sale St. Vendors and weather updates are communicated through Facebook.

A handful of trucks can be found from 4 to 8 p.m. the first Monday of the month at Park Ridge East Park on Bloomington's east side.

Some food trucks pop-up more than others around the city and county. Most say when and where they will be located on Facebook, so local patrons don't have to guess where their favorite eats may be parked. Others set up shop in the same areas at the same times. Many trucks also offer catering for events.

Here are 19 food trucks and how to find them:

Barbecue: Big D's, Great White Smoke, 812 BBQ, Wevers Smoke Eaters, Red Frazier Bison

Family-owned business Big D's BBQ has two trucks ready to serve customers, whether it's a food truck event or catering. The menu has pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, ribs and chicken wings as well as loaded potatoes, nachos and mac and cheese. The owners give location updates on Facebook.

The Great White Smoke BBQ boasts "Traditional American Cookout Food," selling pulled pork, brisket, baby back ribs and meat-topped nachos. They can be found at some catered and food truck events and Indiana University football games. If you want to #followthesmoke, check the Facebook page for updates.

Hallie Abel serves burgers and sides during Food Truck Friday on April 22 in Switchyard Park.
Hallie Abel serves burgers and sides during Food Truck Friday on April 22 in Switchyard Park.

If you are hungry for a pulled pork sandwich and smoked mac and cheese, 812 BBQ has got you covered. They, too, update their Facebook with where they are headed.

At Wever's Smoke Eaters BBQ, you can pick up some good eats and some barbecue sauce for home. This truck's owners do not frequently update their social media, but they can commonly be found at food truck events.

If you want to try something different, Red Frazier Bison sells bison meat and dishes in restaurants and at some retailers and other events. They update their Facebook with their booth and food truck locations.

Comfort food: The Big Cheeze, PappyShack, Bloom Burger, J.D.'s Taste of Chicago, Serena's Food Hut, Gypsy Moon Nosh Wagon

Cheese lovers will want to catch The Big Cheeze because they host a menu of cheesy sandwiches and sides. They can be commonly found on Kirkwood Avenue by the Monroe County Public Library Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday from lunch to late night. The truck operators aren't active on Facebook or Twitter but use Instagram sometimes.

At PappyShack, patrons can order a variety of "old-fashion" American foods, including breaded tenderloin sandwiches, loaded fries and even pies. The owner provides Facebook updates on where they will be parked next.

Very berry: Food Fare: Sweeten your summer with strawberries, and at the Strawberry Shortcake Festival

The '50s diner-themed food truck, Bloom Burger, offers a selection of specialty burgers as well as fries, soft pretzels and ice cream. The owner posts updates on Facebook.

Whether you are looking for a stromboli, Polish sausage or onion rings, Serena's Food Hut has you covered. Check out Facebook for location updates.

For street food that offers a little soul, Gypsy Moon Nosh Wagon can be found around southern Indiana. Their Facebook also offers updates.

Something different: Top Shotta, Doner Kebab, Swakin Stir Fry

If you are in the mood for Caribbean food, Top Shotta Jerk Chicken & Cuisine posts location updates on Facebook and their typical spot is at 222 S. College Ave. The owner asks people preorder by calling 812-361-3912 to make sure they get what they want and reduce the wait. The business only brings a limited amount of product to prevent food waste.

More good eats: New multi-level ramen bar boasts both traditional food and club scene

Döner Kebab is known for its "true European style" with their tasty gyros. The operators aren't super active on Facebook, but the truck can be found from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days on East Kirkwood Avenue in front of the Monroe County Public Library. They can be contacted for preordering and questions at 812-219-1956.

Swakin Stir Fry has items on its menu like falafel, stir fry and shaurma. They haven't been active on social media recently but can be found at some food truck events.

Pilar Gonzales, owner of Pili’s Party Tacos, fills a taco for a customer at Food Truck Friday in August 2017. Pili's is still serving customers from several food trucks as well as its brick-and-mortar store at 109 S. Walnut St.
Pilar Gonzales, owner of Pili’s Party Tacos, fills a taco for a customer at Food Truck Friday in August 2017. Pili's is still serving customers from several food trucks as well as its brick-and-mortar store at 109 S. Walnut St.

Tacos: La Poblana, Pili's Party Taco, Uno Mas

Based on the cuisine of Pueblo, Mexico, La Poblana Taco Truck can be found from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week near the intersection of Third Street and Eagleson Avenue. The food truck staff also posts updates on Facebook occasionally.

From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Pili's Party Taco truck can be found serving tacos, tortas and antojitos at 109 S. Walnut St. They also frequent events and food truck events.

Uno Mas Taco Truck serves up tacos, burritos, quesadillas and other dishes stemming from the Northern Mexico. They have an extensive menu, including multiple specialties, breakfast food and a kids menu. During the week, the food truck is often parked for lunch at Chase Bank, 2600 S. Walnut St. Check Facebook for updates.

Drinks and treats: Cup of Joy, Rasta Pops, Kona Ice

Cup of Joy Food Truck serves up drinks, including coffee, teas, fruit refreshers and sodas as well bagels from Gables Bagels. They update their Facebook with locations.

The gourmet ice pop cart Rasta Pops is stocked with handmade pops made from high quality ingredients. They have popular and interesting flavors to satisfy kids and adults alike. Facebook is the place to check if you're itching for a sweet, frozen treat.

If you are looking for a snow cone, Kona Ice is the truck to find. Many times, it can be found at Karst Farm Park. While Kona Ice is a chain, the Bloomington truck gives updates of where it's at on Facebook.

Are we missing any of your favorite food trucks? Cate Charron is an intern at The Herald-Times. You can reach her over email at ccharron@heraldt.com or on Twitter at @CateCharron.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Where are the Bloomington food trucks? Here's how to find them.

Advertisement