Who doesn’t love a good food truck? From the ease and convenience of simply walking up to the window to the affordable prices, it’s no wonder these restaurants on wheels are such a hit — especially in the more pedestrian-friendly areas of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Although there are plenty of savory options to choose from, we can’t help but think sweets are where food trucks really shine. If you want to cool down on a hot summer afternoon, make sure to see what delicious frozen treats are to be found at the food trucks that frequent Downtown Dallas.
Beat the heat and live that island life with the help of Aloha Shave Ice. This food truck is hard to miss with its bright colors and surfboard menu that lists pretty much every tropical flavor under the sun. From classic mango and pina colada to the more daring li hing mui (salty dried plum) and the intriguingly named Silver Fox, there’s something here to delight every taste bud. Additional toppings, such as shredded coconut and scoops of ice cream, will take your only take your frozen dessert experience to the next level.
Steel City Pops has quickly established itself as a year-round favorite among Dallasites. Although their storefront headquarters are located on Lower Greenville Avenue, it’s not uncommon to encounter Steel City’s artisanal ice pops Downtown, especially at Klyde Warren Park (2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy.). Popular flavors span three distinct categories: fruity (watermelon, blood orange, etc.), creamy (vanilla bean, chai latte, etc.) and cookie (coffee brownie, banana pudding, etc.). Even better, Steel City makes their frozen, gluten-free treats using fresh fruit and organic cane sugar.
If your cravings tend more toward decadent, then Coolhaus is the truck for you. Known for their “sammies,” you get the best of both worlds with this treat — perfectly chilled ice cream sandwiched between two soft cookies. Out-of-the-box ice cream flavors include Buttered French Toast and Avocado Sea Salt. Pair those taste sensations with not-like-grandma-used-to-make cookie recipes like Fruity Pebbles and Marshmallows and Coffee Cake Whoopie Pie and the unique combinations become pretty much endless.
It may not be a parlor, but What’s da Scoop? still serves old-fashioned, hand-scooped ice cream that will have you feeling nostalgic for the good ol’ days. Choose from all the classic flavors you know and love, or do it up big with one of their four epic sundaes. Our favorite is Blue Suede Shoes, which features candied bacon, Fat Elvis ice cream, chocolate-peanut butter sauce and whipped cream. Have mercy!
Lastly, try switching up your routine and expanding your cultural palate by tracking down Bobaddiction. Most known for its brick-and-mortar location in Deep Ellum, Bobaddiction also operates a panda-adorned food truck that makes regular appearances around Downtown Dallas. Bobaddiction specializes in bubble tea. This Taiwanese confection combines tea, sweetened milk, other ingredients and — most famously — tapioca pearls and is popular all over Asia. Bobaddiction also serves mochi (think: a frozen dumpling made from sweet rice dough and filled with ice cream), dessert waffles and ice cream.
Ready to taste them all? Make sure to check out each truck’s social media feed to see where they’ll pop up next!
What’s your favorite summer sweet treat? Where do you go in and around Downtown Dallas for your frozen dessert fix? Be sure to share your stories with us on Facebook and Twitter.