Petoskey Food Trucks – Part 1
Ten years ago, Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts brought you a blog about northern Michigan food trucks. In it, the author told you about 7 different food trucks sprinkled throughout the north. Interestingly, not one of these trucks was located in Petoskey. Back in 2015, the concept of a food truck was relatively new in Michigan and especially in northern Michigan. Now, ten years later, the north is abundant with food trucks. Most small towns have at least one, and the city of Petoskey boasts thirteen different food trucks. In fact, Petoskey has so many that I have broken this blog into two parts. This first blog will focus on the food trucks that are located within The Backlot.
The Backlot first opened in downtown Petoskey in July of 2018, and it changed the way downtown Petoskey eats (or at least the way I eat). The Backlot is a spacious indoor beer garden with seating both indoors and out. It is open year-round, and the outdoor area is dog friendly. The bar area offers over 30 rotating beers and ciders as well as wine, cocktails, and several non-alcoholic choices. Surrounding this magnificent beer garden are seven of the best food trucks that you will ever try.
Happy’s Taco Shop has been around since 2013, and if you have not yet tried them, chances are you are the only one in the north who has not. They were one of the original food trucks when The Backlot first opened, and they have a permanent food stall inside the beer garden area, so you can enjoy their food year-round. Happy’s is amazing, and it is my go-to spot for a fast consistently delicious meal. Their menu highlights include customizable street tacos and burrito bowls. Their menu evolves throughout the year to showcase the flavors of the season, and they also often offer amazing limited-time-only specials. If you are fortunate enough to be there when they are offering their perch tacos, avocado tacos or corn tostados, these are all must tries.
Cheese & Co. is thus named because they specialize in grilled cheese sandwiches. They have six different ones from which to choose, but they also have a huge menu filled with more than just grilled cheese. They offer a traditional mac and cheese with fun and delicious mix ins like Korean BBQ chick peas, they have several fresh rice bowls, salads, and lots of shareables. They offer plenty of vegetarian options on their menu, and they also offer a few vegan options.
The Reel Deal Fish & Chips serves some of the best fish and chips that the north has to offer. You can choose the kind of fish that you would like, and for some of the fish, you can choose the preparation of it as well. They have three varieties of fries from which to choose, and they also offer traditional hushpuppies. If you are not a fan of seafood, you can order their chicken tenders.
Phoxy’s Phillies & Grindage serves Philly cheesesteaks as well as boneless wings. The reviews claim that Phoxy’s cheesesteaks are just as good if not better than the ones you can order in Philadelphia. They offer lots of shareable apps as well. They are especially known for their fried green beans that you can order with a number of different kinds of sauces, and their 6 different kinds of French fries. They also offer a couple of over-the-top milkshakes like the Cereal Killer shake that has Fruity Pepples and Crunch Berries cereal mixed in.
Mim’s Mobile Grill brings you all of your favorite items from Mim’s Mediterranean Grill which is located about 4 miles north of downtown Petoskey on US-31. They are known and loved for their gyros, some of which are authentic, and some of which, like the Hades Shrimp gyro (which is one of my favorites) are not authentic but very tasty none the less. When you visit, be sure to order the Fire Fries which are seasoned fries served with a spicy feta cheese garlic dip that is phenomenal.
Full Moon Pizza has a full menu of wood fired pizzas all made to order. Their crust is thin and crispy, and their toppings are fresh and delicious. You can have a traditional pie with all of your favorite toppings, or you can select one of their specialty pizzas like The Beetza which contains beets, mushrooms, goat cheese, fresh arugula, a balsamic drizzle and a sprinkle of their 5 cheese blend; or The Mahalo, which has shredded chicken, pineapple, red onion, BBQ sauce, red sauce, and their 5 cheese blend. They also offer a gluten free crust.
Snickerdoodlz has been a great addition to The Backlot! After enjoying one of the aforementioned, delicious options that The Backlot has to offer, you can end your evening with their scrumptious soft serve, their hand-dipped ice cream, a mixer, or waffle nachos. They also offer cookie dough for purchase and Doggie Doodlz for your four-legged family members.
