When most Birminghamians picture places to eat along 1st Avenue North, they probably picture the Loft District and downtown classics like Carrigans. A little down the road to the east however, a group of food trucks is set to change that. Crab, sweets, po’boys, birria tacos, turkey nachos, and more meet at the parking lot by Krispy Kreme across from our friends at The Tavern at East Lake every Wednesday from 4-6:30pm - in a combined effort to expand the city’s taste pallet and outdoor community experiences. The space is now known as the East Lake Food Park and is capturing a community’s attention. We share a few of the commonly spotted trucks here, but it’s up to you to truly take in this glorious experience.

‍

Encore Rouge

‍

Some of the mouth-watering goodness found at local favorite Encore Rouge. Image: @encorerougegourmetstreetfood . 

‍

Encore Rouge has already built a dedicated following in Birmingham, and rumor has it they are about to expand to brick-and-mortar status. They are usually found on 4th Ave N near downtown but have been making the journey to East Lake each week. Loaded shrimp fries, wings, and bacon burgers are just a few of the incredible sounding options often found on their menu.


O’ My Turkey Leg

‍

Why don’t we have turkey more often throughout the entire year?? O’ My Turkey Leg says no more to this injustice. Image: @Omyturkeyleg

‍

Turkey lovers unite! This unique food truck has everything you could desire that includes this bird usually reserved for Thanksgiving feasts. The classic smoked turkey leg is joined on the menu by wraps, nachos, and even a philly option–talk about delicious! 


Simone’s Kitchen ATL

‍

It’s hard to explore the city without seeing this signature truck once or twice! East Lake is happy to have them. Image: @simoneskitchenatl

‍

Simone’s Kitchen ATL is another Birmingham favorite, and they continue to live up to their reputation. Their seafood stuffed grilled cheese, which is filled with crab and shrimp, is a guaranteed hit. But other menu items like the strawberry salmon salad, cajun chicken nachos, buffalo chicken eggrolls, and bayou fries make it pretty dang hard to choose.


CoCo Crabs

‍

This picture alone made me so hungry I almost forgot about the rest of the article. Image: @cococrab205 . 

‍

It’s not too often you see a crab-based food truck in Birmingham, Alabama, so it’s an extra good thing that the people of the Magic City are well-represented by CoCo Crabs. Their awe-inspiring menu includes po’boys, shrimp tacos, fish and grits, and the hearty CoCo Platter.


Treats So Sweet

‍

 An apple a day keeps the doctor away, so make sure to make a healthy decision at Treats So Sweet! Image: treatssosweet .

‍

If you have a sweet tooth, the East Lake Food Truck Park is the place for you. There are multiple fantastic snack and dessert options, but Treats So Sweet is a top contender. Their counter displays candied apples and baked goods, and there is only more tastiness competing for your choice on the menu. 


These are just a few of the incredible food trucks that come to East Lake each Wednesday, meaning there are dozens of others for you to discover each month. These businesses and the people behind them bring elements to our city that can’t be found anywhere else, and it’s a really special moment when they all come together. Get out and support your city, Birmingham!