I think about truck camping in the same way I think about playing Pac-Man. Essentially, I’m trying to complete a course while eating as much great food as possible.
This explains why we’re always asking folks about the best local restaurants. I’m not talking about white tablecloths and Michelin stars. We’re looking for the joints where the locals go, and go, and go.
When we find such an establishment, I always ask the waiter or waitress the same question; “What do your customers order again and again and again?” I explain that I may only visit their restaurant once in my life, and I want something that will roll my socks up and down. This approach works surprisingly well and has yielded many incredible feasts coast-to-coast.
This week’s Question of the Week is, “Have you found a local restaurant during your truck camping travels that you highly recommend to your fellow truck campers?”
Make sure you check on Yelp.com that the restaurant(s) you recommend are still open. Several restaurants I wanted to recommend were now closed. I’ll get this started with three must-eat destinations. Socks will roll!
1. Teton Thai, Driggs, Idaho
Rig parking: The area is quite open with lots of wide street parking.
We found this one by accident. During the summer of 2015, we were forced to find altitude to escape an oppressive heat wave. While we were in the mountains, we came across a Thai restaurant that seemed very out of place. Looking in, the tables were full and the place was hopping – always a good sign.
In we went, sat at the bar (the only spot open) and had the best red coconut curry we’ve ever had. That dinner was so good that we went back and had more red coconut curry two days later. I still dream of that curry. Unbelievable.
2. Fattoush Mediterranean Grill
Rig parking: There was plenty of parking towards the back of the gas station.
Okay, you’re going to think we’re nuts with this recommendation. Angela found a recommendation on Yelp for a mediterranean restaurant in an Apex, North Carolina gas station. Angela and I love mediterranean food, so we decided to try it. The place was actually very clean and well presented as a separate room and area from the gas station and convenience store. And the food was insane!
If you love authentic mediterranean food, and aren’t too snobby about where you eat, this sit down restaurant was unbelievable. Even better, the two brothers who own the place are on site, and couldn’t be friendlier. We ate ourselves silly, and then took some mediterranean for the road.
3. O’Brien’s Pub and Cafe, Ouray, Colorado
Rig parking: Ouray can be tight in peak season. We stay at 4+J+1+1 RV Park, and walk.
One of our favorite campgrounds is the spectacularly located and ridiculously named 4+J+1+1 RV Park in Ouray, Colorado. You can camp right next to the rushing Uncompahgre River and literally walk into town.
Speaking of town, O’Brien’s Pub & Grill serves up the best darn fish and chips I’ve ever had. Anyone looking for a great adventure should drive the Million Dollar Highway, camp in Ouray, and eat at O’Brien’s Pub and Cafe. We will be sure to do all of the above many more times.
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