Ithaca's best food trucks have been a staple of Cornell's campus for a really long time. Speaking from experience with my own dad, when alumni come to campus to visit, the first thing they want to do is go to a food truck. They want is to relive their glory days (of eating fantastic food) right on the street.
There are five food trucks in and around Cornell's campus, and you should know all of them. Here's what you need to know.
Louie's Lunch
As a permanent fixture on Thurston Ave, Louie's is a staple of North Campus. On the rare occasion that the truck is moved, Thurston looks sad and barren. Louie's has been serving subs, chicken fingers, fries, milkshakes, and the like to appreciative college students since 1918. If nearly 100 years of business isn't solid proof that Louie's is utterly incredible, you're just going to have to go taste it for yourself.
What to order: You have two options: you can get chicken fingers and cheese fries with a milkshake on the side, or you can get a hot sub with a milkshake on the side. The milkshake is most definitely not optional. If you're in the mood to switch it up a bit, Louie's grilled cheese is fairly underrated considering how dank it really is.
Location and hours: Louie's is always parked at 500 Thurston Ave. They're open from 11 am to 3 am from Monday to Friday. On Saturday, they're open from 12 to 3 pm. On Sunday, they're open from 6 pm to 12 am.
The Hot Truck
The Hot Truck, aka the birthplace of french bread pizza, is a Cornell institution. More than thirty years after graduating, my dad still finds a way to bring up the Hot Truck in casual conversation. That's just how important it is to Cornell's culture and its student body.
What to order: PMP, or poor man's pizza, is both appropriately named and priced for a college student, but causes absolutely zero percent sacrifice of taste. It's an absolute must.
Location and hours: The Hot Truck parks on the 600 block of Stewart Ave, right behind the west campus dorms.
That's How I Roll
That's How I Roll is a sushi burrito and Hibachi grill all rolled into one fantastic little truck. They're ideal for everything from lunch to late-night munchies. Honestly is there any time when you don't want a sushiritto? As one of the only food trucks that moves around, That's How I Roll might be somewhat more difficult to locate. Never fear, their hours are very straightforward. And if you get confused, you can always check their hours on their Facebook and stay updated with their Twitter.
What to order: The Spicy Tuna Lover is pretty aptly named. If you love spicy tuna, you're going to love it.
Location and hours: From Sunday to Wednesday, they are parked at 500 Thurston Ave on North Campus from 11 am to 9 pm. From Thursday to Saturday they are parked on College Ave in College Town from 5 pm to 2 am.
Dos Amigos
Dos Amigos is the place to go for Cali-Mex tacos. Two Cornellians from the West Coast founded Dos Amigos after they got fed up with the lack of authentic Mexican food in Collegetown. They specialize in real, good food ranging from tacos to quesadillas, and yes, churros.
#SpoonTip: They're super active on Instagram. If you're lucky, you may be able to get a follow back and even a couple of likes.
What to order: All the tacos. With each taco ringing in at $3.50 or less, you and your friends should get all of them and share. And while you're at it, throw in a quesadilla or two and about five churros.
Location and hours: Dos Amigos parks in Collegetown, on the corner of Dryden and Eddy. They're open from 10 pm to 2 am from Tuesday to Saturday, so they're the ideal stop after anything from Karaoke Tuesday to Fishbowl Wednesday to your typical party-hopping Saturday.
Franny's
Franny's is a pan-Asian food truck that is part of Cornell Dining. In addition to the truck, Franny's also has a small station in Terrace. The truck primarily serves classics like ramen and rice bowls, but they also offer special soups of the day and Blueprint Organic juices.
#SpoonTip: Franny's accepts BRBs. You're welcome.
What to order: Dumplings and ramen all day every day. Regardless of what you order, Franny's never disappoints. And it will consistently make you forget that it's part of Cornell Dining.
Location and hours: Franny's is behind Milstein Hall and Sibley Hall, right next to the Arts Quad. They're open from 11 am to 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday.