There’s something fun and flavorful about ordering a meal through a truck window and enjoying it under the open sky. Northeast Tennessee’s food truck scene has exploded with personality, creativity, and some seriously crave-worthy eats. From melty grilled sandwiches to crispy fried chicken stacked high, these rolling kitchens are dishing out bold local flavor in all the right spots.
Here are seven food trucks to keep your eyes and appetite on:
Diggy Donut’s
What to Try: The classic glazed mini donuts or mix and match with caramel, cinnamon, honey, chocolate, raspberry, or strawberry glaze
The Vibe: Sweet and simple, this truck brings the nostalgic taste of carnival-style donuts to town. Hot, fresh, and full of flavor
Why We Love It: These premium butter cake mini donuts are fried fresh to order and served in half dozen, dozen, or even two dozen batches for when you’re feeding a crowd (or just really hungry). The classic glazed is a consistent fan favorite, but the caramel and cinnamon options are strong contenders. If you’re feeling adventurous, strawberry adds a fun twist to the mix.
Find Them Online: Instagram: @DiggyDonuts | Facebook: @DiggyDonuts
Opie’s Pizza Wagon
What to Try: The Angry Pig with sweet BBQ sauce, smoked pork, pineapple, banana peppers, mozzarella, and cheddar
The Vibe: A rustic pizza truck turning out wood-fired pies with creative flavor combinations
Why We Love It: Opie’s brings the kind of crispy golden crust you can only get from a flame-fired oven. Their specialty pizzas go far beyond the basics with bold choices like apple butter, tropical jerk, or even peanut butter and jelly. Whether you’re a classic pepperoni fan or someone who craves a twist, there’s always something that satisfies.
Find them Online: Instagram: @OpiesPizzaWagon | Facebook: @RedPizzaWagon
Baked & Loaded
What to Try: The Mountain Melt loaded baked potato stacked with tender pulled pork, shredded cheddar, green onions, and a drizzle of spicy ranch
The Vibe: Comfort food turned all the way up with loaded baked potatoes that are rich, filling, and full of personality
Why We Love It: These are not your average baked potatoes. They are piled high with bold toppings and scratch-made sauces that hit all the right notes, savory, creamy, and a little bit spicy. It is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug served in a to-go box.
Find Them Online: Instagram: @BakedAndLoaded18 | Facebook: @BakedAndLoaded18
Smashed Tri Cities
What to Try: The Smash burger or the Bacon Classic with two crispy-edged patties, American cheese, and all the fixingsThe Vibe: Retro style smash burgers served hot off the griddle
Why We Love It: Smashed keeps it simple and seriously good. Their menu is short, but every item is packed with flavor. The Classic comes with mustard, ketchup, and pickles, while the El Reno brings crispy fried onion patties and tangy mustard. The Bacon Classic? That one’s piled high with bacon and melty cheese. If you’re feeling extra, order up the Smash Fries, crunchy fries smothered in cheese, grilled onions, burger sauce, and pickles. It’s a no-fuss menu that delivers every time.
Find Them Online: Instagram: @SmashedTC | Facebook: @SmashedTC
The Cluck Truck
What to Try: The OG Sandwich with crispy fried chicken, pickles, and their signature comeback sauce on a toasted brioche bun
The Vibe: Crispy, juicy, and bold. The Cluck Truck delivers comfort food with flair, mixing traditional fried chicken with modern, mouthwatering twists
Why We Love It: From loaded chicken sandwiches to tenders and waffle fries, every item is packed with flavor and cooked just right. Their passion for quality shines through in every bite. And if you like a little heat, the Nashville Hot Ranch brings just the right kick.
Find Them Online: Instagram: @TheCluckTruck | Facebook: @TheCluckTruck
Dips Ice Cream
What to Try: Blueberry cheesecake swirl in a fresh waffle cone
The Vibe: A family-friendly favorite with rotating seasonal flavors, customizable mix-ins, and a variety of delicious choices
Why We Love It: Dips makes every event a little sweeter, with specialty flavors like banana pudding and strawberry cheesecake, plenty of mix-ins to create your perfect scoop, and milkshakes made with your favorite flavors.
Find Them Online: Instagram: @DipsIceCream | Facebook: @DipsIceCream
Early Bird’s Coffee Co.
What to Try: Buxton’s Best, Caramel Macchiato, or the Beekeeper with local honey and cinnamon
The Vibe: Cozy, welcoming, and perfect for enjoying your favorite hot or iced drinks, with a rich menu of lattes, mochas, and creative seasonal blends
Why We Love It: From classic favorites like the Vanilla Latte to unique flavors like Samoa and Nutella, Early Bird’s serves up expertly brewed coffee that’s as friendly as the service.
Find Them Online: Instagram: @EarlyBirdsCoffeeCo | Facebook: @EarlyBirdsCoffeeCo
Where to Find Them
Northeast Tennessee’s food trucks may not have a fixed schedule, but that’s part of the fun. Whether you’re chasing down your favorite tacos or stumbling on something new, you can often catch food trucks at these local favorites
- Troyer’s Mountain View Country Market in Limestone hosts a regular food truck rally on the first Tuesday of each month from March to October. It’s the perfect stop to shop local goods and grab a bite outdoors.
- Kingsport Junction, a dedicated food truck park on Cherokee Street in Downtown Kingsport, offers both lunch and evening hours with space for up to 10 trucks. Check their website or social media for daily updates.
- Final Friday Food Truck Rallies, happening the last Friday of each month through October in the Cherokee Street public parking lot in Downtown Kingsport, typically feature six to eight trucks from 5–8 PM.
- Bites by the Bridge in Elizabethton is a monthly lunchtime rally held May through August at Covered Bridge Park, typically from 11 AM–2 PM.
- Lyrics on the Lawn in Downtown Greeneville takes place every Thursday in July, featuring live music and food truck fare under the summer sky from 6-9 PM.
- Monthly Rally at Walmart on Volunteer Parkway in Bristol happens every second Wednesday and includes a rotating mix of trucks.
- First Fridays Concert Series & Night Market in Downtown Morristown brings together live music, craft vendors, and a lineup of food trucks. The event runs 6–9 PM on select Fridays: May, June, August, September, and October.
Another great place to keep your eye out for food trucks is at local farmers’ markets and downtown restaurants. Many host trucks during special events or weekends, offering even more ways to taste something new.
Other Places to Spot Them
Food trucks appear throughout the region at community festivals, seasonal events, and hometown gatherings. You’ll often find them at celebrations like Fun Fest, Covered Bridge Days, Jonesborough Days, and pop-up events at scenic spots like Allandale Mansion Grounds. Wherever there’s a crowd, there’s usually a delicious truck nearby.
Follow for Daily Locations
Since these trucks move around, the best way to track them is by following their social media pages. Most post their locations daily or weekly, so you’ll always know where to grab your favorites when the cravings hit. Track them down, grab a bite, and taste your way across Northeast Tennessee, one truck at a time.
Final Bites
Northeast Tennessee’s food truck scene isn’t just about the food; it’s about the adventure of discovering new flavors, meeting the passionate folks behind the trucks, and enjoying the lively community atmosphere. So, grab your friends, track down these rolling kitchens, and savor every bite. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the food truck culture here is waiting for you to taste your way through it, one delicious stop at a time.
