Can discovering a go-to food truck really change your life? Probably not, but finding a good one can at least change your lunch plans. And that can be just as important during a busy summer out east. We’re here to help you find just where exactly the best local eats on wheels are located, elusive as they may sometimes be.
On our roads and beaches, seek and ye shall find everything from comfort supreme fried chicken to off-the-boat poke to flavorful Latin fusion. Here’s the latest intel on a few of our favorite mobile kitchens roaming the Hamptons this summer.
Ditch Witch, Ditch Plains Beach, Second Parking Lot, Montauk
On a recent Saturday at cool-kid beach Ditch Plains, the line to catch lunch between waves at Ditch Witch was backed up to the parking lot, about 30 hungry humans deep. It’s the kind of fanatical following this long-standing Montauk food truck has garnered for its eclectic oceanside fare. Come and celebrate this local institution’s 30th anniversary with everything from fresh bagels (sourced from Goldberg’s) and egg sandwiches to noodles, poke bowls and burritos, as well as an array of wraps and salads for those fretting about their beach bods. For those who aren’t, indulge in one of their “world-famous” cinnamon buns. Ditch Witch’s website says they’re located “where the sand meets the parking lot to famous surfing beach Ditch Plains.” Open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m..
Exotic Bowls, Indian Well Beach, Amagansett
If you’re interested in a mobile food experience that’s both delicious and environmentally conscious, look no further than Exotic Bowls, located at Indian Wells Beach in Amagansett. They use biodegradable and compostable bowls, cups, spoons, lids and straws to minimize their environmental impact. But they’re probably better known for their impeccably artful acai bowls and tropical smoothies. A huge hit with calorie-counters and kids alike, these über-fresh, fruit-packed bowls and smoothies use no dairy or sugar. Open from June until Labor Day, every day from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting.
The Pike, Bridgehampton
Local favorite The Pike slings serious comfort food, including dynamite ribs and fried chicken (both served with fries and coleslaw). The should-be-prize-winning fried chicken is perhaps their best-known item, but other hits at this roadside surprise include the ultimate steak sandwich and the blackened fish sandwich. For dessert, don’t regret not trying the banana or bread pudding. Also available for private parties and catering events. The truck hits up spots daily (weather permitting) like Corwith’s Farmstead in Water Mill, Main Prospect in Southampton, the North Sea Hardware parking lot among them. Hit up their Instagram feed (@thepikebh) to see where they are today.
Green Gold Kitchen, The Milk Pail Parking Lot, Water Mill
In Water Mill, Green Gold Kitchen dishes Latin-inspired cuisine made with fresh local produce from the farm behind it, as well as lots and lots of inspiration from chef Jose Guzman, who has a decade of experience in East End restaurants. The rangy menu is stocked with homey Latin classics like tostados, tacos, and quesadillas, but also has more specific fare like an Argentinian choripán sandwich made with sweet grilled sausage, lettuce, tomato, onions and chimichurri sauce, and a carne asada cheesesteak. Our personal favorite, though, has to be the skirt steak sandwich, pan seared with dijonaise, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green tomatillo sauce, queso fresco, pickles and jalapeños on a baguette (with a side of perfectly fluffy and golden French fries). Open Wednesday to Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Tuesdays.
Stars on Wheels, Wades Beach, Shelter Island
Popular Shelter Island Stars Café will be shooting over to Wades Beach this summer to serve beach-goers from their sparkling new food truck. Owner Pepe Martinez presides over this newest addition to the island’s local food scene, known as Stars on Wheels, so be on the lookout for his specialty Cubano sandwich, made with Martinez’s famed, succulent four-hour roasted pork, as well as tacos, burritos, smoothies and more at one of the Rock’s most underrated beaches. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m..
Sammy’s on the Go, Gosman’s West Jetty Parking Lot, Montauk
No food truck in the Hamptons is more dependable than Sammys on the Go, which serves breakfast and lunch out of its signature red truck in the West Jetty parking lot in Montauk Harbor (from May through October.) Long-time owner Sam Joyce, known as Chef Sammy, was the executive chef at nearby Gosman’s for over 30 years. Now he owns Sammy’s on the Go as well as his eponymous brick and mortar restaurant on the harbor. Fan favorites here just off the jetty include popcorn shrimp, the crispy flounder sandwich and even a gyro. Open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week.
