Cheap Eats: More Triangle food trucks go brick-and-mortar
A monthly roundup of ethnic eats, counter service chow and other tasty bargains. This month, we revisit a trend that shows no signs of letting up: mobile vendors opening brick and mortar locations.
American Meltdown
6910 Fayetteville Road, Durham
919-473-6358
How they roll: Inventive grilled cheese variations, from Pigs ’n’ Figs (local goat cheese, black mission figs and balsamic) to The Orchard (cheddar, apples, rosemary and ham on Gughhupf bread), now available in the food court at The Streets at Southpoint mall.
Gussy’s Place
2945-121 S. Miami Blvd., Durham
984-439-8455
How they roll: Avgolemono soup and a pita sandwich (chicken, gyro or falafel) if you’re looking for a quick bite, or one of the weekly specials (stuffed peppers, roasted lemon chicken) for a splurge. Either way, spring for the Greek fries with lemon, oregano and sea salt.
Heavenly Smoke
1058 W. Club Blvd., Durham
919-257-7074
How they roll: Owner Shawn Stanley is especially proud of his brisket and smoked turkey, both of which you can now score at the Northgate Mall food court. Order the Carolina Slammer and you get both, plus bacon and relish on a toasted garlic bun.
Makus Empanadas
1125-304 W. NC Hwy 54, Durham
919-390-7525
How they roll: Argentinean-style baked empanadas with your choice of nine fillings, from beef (made from the owners’ family recipe), to sweet corn, one of four vegetarian options. Don’t miss the house-baked cookies and dulce de leche dip.
Pie Pushers
117-A W. Main St., Durham
919-294-8408
How they roll: The thin-crusted pizza and fresh local toppings that made this truck a perennial favorite are still available by the slice or whole pie at this new spot above the Pinhook bar. Now you have lots more toppings to choose from, plus an assortment of salads and wings (dry-rubbed or fried).
Vegan Flava Cafe
4125 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd., Durham
919-960-1832
How they roll: “Fish” cakes are worth a special trip on Fridays, when they’re a daily feature. The rest of the week, choose from an eclectic offering that includes chana masala, Creole red beans and rice, ground walnut tacos and “tuna” salad made with shredded carrots.
This story was originally published October 26, 2016 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Cheap Eats: More Triangle food trucks go brick-and-mortar."