Food trucks roamed San Antonio's streets long before they became a popular side business for some, a full-time venture for others.
Thanks to social media and an increasing number of destinations for local foodies, one need not go far to spot a food truck roadside, serving lunch to workers, or being a focal point for diners enjoying a night outdoors.
A handful of food truck parks currently operate in and around the city. Want a catering alternative for your event? Food trucks have made this option amenable to different kinds of venues, from museums to microbreweries. Even businesses such as Rackspace regularly invite food trucks to be available for employees.
Over with the "roach coach" connotation that trucks had years ago, food trucking is now an industry. More than tacos, mobile chefs provide a wider variety of tasty options, from Moroccan sandwiches and Colombian dishes to Cajun/creole and hot wings.
Sameer Siddiqui co-owns the Rickshaw Stop truck, which serves Pakistani street cuisine. He said, as with any industry, there are more successful food trucks and those that fail.
"There are a handful of trucks that have closed over the last couple of years and a few new ones have opened," he said. "Overall, the food truck scene in San Antonio is healthy and has room to grow. Personally, I would love to see an authentic Ethiopian food truck."
Siddiqui said food truck patrons generally like fast service and a unique, inexpensive meal in a no-hassle atmosphere.
"Thanks to television shows like Eat Street, people are more aware of what a modern gourmet food truck has to offer," he added.
Here are some local food truck parks; many serve craft beer, are pet-friendly, and boast games and children's areas.
Alamo Street Eat Bar, 609 S. Alamo St. Open 5 p.m.-midnight Tuesdays-Thursdays, 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 5 p.m.-midnight Sundays. Twitter: @alamoeatbar
Boardwalk on Bulverde, 14732 Bulverde Rd. Open 6-10 p.m. Fridays, noon-10 p.m. Saturdays during winter. @TheBoardwalkSA
The Block Food Park and Patio Bar, 14530 Roadrunner Way. Open 5 p.m.-midnight Mondays and Wednesdays, noon-2 a.m. Thursdays-Sundays. @TheBlockSA
The Point Park and Eats, 24188 Boerne Stage Rd. Open 5-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, noon-10 p.m. Sundays. @ThePointPark
Random Beer Garden, 11 Upper Cibolo Creek Rd. Open 4-10 p.m. Thursdays, 4 p.m.-midnight Fridays, noon-midnight Saturdays, noon-10 p.m. Sundays. @RandomBeerGardn
