FOOD CARTS: Lunch in Oly just got better

By Brett Cihon on August 2, 2011

GRUB ON WHEELS >>>

Nothing gets a curmudgeonly writer out of his comfy computer chair faster than the promise of some grub. And with the opening of a new mobile food court in Olympia, this writer is out the door right at the lunch bell. 

The new mobile food court at the corner of State Avenue and Adams Street in downtown Olympia officially opened yesterday, consisting of four mobile food trucks representing four different businesses: Kell's Kitchen, Barb's BBQ, Ricardo's Wood Fire Pizza Express and The Firehouse Grill's Extreme Burgers. Working under the joint venture Oly Foods, the four businesses came together after a change in Olympia's regulations made it easier for mobile food trucks to maintain a permit. 

Each food truck stationed on the vacant lot offers a different style of food. Serving everything from clam chowder to personal pizzas, variety is not a problem. Even Barb's BBQ, which specializes in juicy ribs, features a vegan sandwich option. All meals are reasonably priced, running around $5-$7. The food court is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A sucker for BBQ, I order a brisket sandwich with a side of coleslaw and a drink from Barb's. A friendly cashier informs me that over the two days Barb's has been open, business has been busy. So busy that Barb's already plans to stay open year-round in the spot.

After grabbing my sandwich and slaw, I have trouble finding an open seat at a bench. The court is too crowded with people merrily munching on their meals. Relegated to a seat on a curb, I snap a picture of my prize before devouring the succulent sandwich. Afterward only one dilemma remains:

Soup tomorrow? Or should I try Ricardo's Polish dog?

[Oly Foods - food cart court, State Avenue & Adams Street, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, Olympia]