From vegan chicken sandwiches to a whole rack of ribs, Black-owned food trucks have kept me well-fed over the years.
This month, I’m taking a closer look at three of them that, for me, represent the Past, Present, and Future of portable dining in Oklahoma City. These trucks matter not just for what’s on the menu, but for the role they play in the community and shaping how OKC eats.
Past: Bobo’s Chicken
In all the annals of non-Latino food truck lore, in Oklahoma City the best truck in town—any town—will always be the legendary Bobo’s Chicken, a southside staple that had filled my gut since at least the early 2000s.
But, sadly, Bobo’s went off my radar during Covid and, of course, during my hospitalizations. Since that time, every piece of chicken I have ever had has been woefully compared to theirs and, without a doubt, Bobo’s has always come out on top.
What it comes down to is the cooking techniques they have mastered, perfecting their fried and smoked chicken, which is then drenched in honey, all with a side of fries and a deep-fried biscuit… it might just be the best food truck of all time!
Usually showing up around NE 23rd on most weekend nights, always serving that chicken (and don’t forget the shrimp!) to the dusk-to-dawn crowd, without a doubt Bobo’s is an OKC institution and should be at the top of any list of food recommendations.
-
Present: Ruby’s Big Burger
Over the past month, there has been a big buzz about Ruby’s Big Burger, located around NW 10th and May. Their social media had me drooling over pictures of expertly cooked, charred meat…and I desperately wanted it.
With their promise of the best burgers this side of the Red River, last weekend I went to check them out and, man, Ruby’s was something else!
When I showed up around noon, the food truck was slow starting, but eventually the smell of sizzling meat surrounded the growing crowd of burger-lovers. The hand-pressed patties worked on the grill, and off to the side they sprinkled their proprietary seasoning on their fries.
As soon as I got my Ruby’s Big Burger and Ruby’s Classic Cheese Fry’s (sic), all bets were off because, damn, this was a good burger. The thick patty, grilled with melted American cheese, fresh lettuce, red onions, tomatoes, and their secret sauce, it was a heart attack on a plate, and I was there for it.
With their crispy fries at the ready, also covered in that melty yellow cheese, this was the absolute way to make a regular burger into a classic burger. Forget McDonald’s…this is what a burger place should be.
-
Future: Bookie’s Soul Food BBQ
Originally, I was going to review this food truck late last year when it was suggested by a friend. As I looked around for it, the spot was seemingly bare and long gone. Had my slow-poke ways done me in this time?
Turns out the food truck had just gone into hibernation for the winter months.
Word on the street is it should be up and running soon, and I can’t wait, because Bookie’s, 901 NW 6th St., is said to be one of the best soul food and BBQ places in Oklahoma.
Looking at their menu on Facebook, it appears Bookie’s has all the smoked meats any person could ever want—everything from pulled pork to turkey legs, sided with loaded curly fries, greens or baked beans. My mouth is watering!
This place could be the best meat joint in town, and that’s before you even get to the homemade banana pudding. With the weather getting warmer every day, soon enough, Bookie’s will be back before you know it, but until then post your own Black-owned food truck recommendations in the comments.
-
Follow Louis Fowler on Instagram at @louisfowler78.
