Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on August 18, 2021 and was updated as of August 2, 2022 with additional coffee trucks and current details.
Say hello to the rise of the coffee truck! Giving a cup of coffee to-go a new meaning, Central Ohio has seen an upswing in mobile vendors doling out the caffeine. Find out what’s new, what to order, and where you’ll find these roving gems.
Park Service Coffee
Bringing some inspiration from the Pacific Northwest to Columbus, Park Service Coffee hit the road in June 2021. Their lineup of tea, coffee and espresso features beans from local roaster Brioso, though Owners Alexis & Cole Garside continue to highlight a growing list of roasters they love from across the country, offering retail bags and pour over options. Guests can also score some treats from local vegan bakery Pattycake.
Can’t Miss Drink(s): Espresso Lemonade with house-infused anise sugar; Hojicha Tea Drink sweetened with house-made peach and mango syrup, topped with key lime cold foam and a dash of Tajin
Where to Find Your Fix: Park Service Coffee roams Italian Village with hours at Seventh Son from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and weekends across the street at Budd Dairy Food Hall; follow them on Instagram at @parkservicecoffee for location updates.
Sunny Sips
Sunny Sips Owner Sarah Bickel hit the road in her ’56 Century Camper in June 2021, serving up not only iced coffee, but fruit smoothies, iced teas, lemonade and fruity freezer pops. A Downtown walk on a 90 degree day served as the inspiration for Sunny Sips. While food options were a plenty, Bickel couldn’t find anything to drink that wasn’t alcoholic or filled with sugar, and thus Sunny Sips’ refreshing, thirst-quenching menu was born. Local roaster Florin Coffee keeps things caffeinated for the camper.
Can’t Miss Drink(s): Smoothies! Including Bickel-fav Buckeye, thirst-quenching Dragon Fruit or classic Strawberry Banana
Where to Find Your Fix: Sunny Sips can frequently be found at Groovy Plants Ranch, 4140 County Rd 15 in Marengo on the weekends, or the Orange Friends Church Farmers Market on Tuesdays from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and the Olde Pickerington Farmers Market on Thursday’s from 4 -7 p.m. Keep track on Instagram at @sunny_sips_llc.
Rising Sun Coffee Co.
A 20-day winter road trip out west and a love of the coffee stands of Montana inspired the coffee truck dreams of Mason and Andie Roese. By May 2021, that dream had become a reality as Rising Sun Coffee Co. hit the road. Sip on cold brew or a variety of coffee and espresso-based drinks made with Mission Coffee Co. beans. Pair it with a scratch-made pastries like a giant oatmeal cream pie, muffin or pop-tart – gluten-free goodies available as well!
Can’t Miss Drink(s): Brown Sugar Spice Latte (or anything with a house-made syrup!)
Where to Find Your Fix: Rising Sun Frequents the Canal Winchester Farmers Market on Saturdays. Follow @Risingsuncoffeetruck on Facebook or Instagram for their schedule.
Honey Cup Coffee
Sixties camper turned coffee trailer, Honey Cup Coffee has traded its trailer for some permanent digs – for now! Owner Joel McPeak is now caffeinating SoHud and Old North from inside Rambling House. However, the trailer will soon hit the road again, finding a new (semi) permanent spot to set up shop in Clintonville. McPeak found the perfect storm for his background of entrepreneurship, carpentry and barista to create the trailer which started slinging drinks in June 2021. Pouring drip coffee and espresso from Brioso, Honey Cup Coffee offers a menu of classics done right. Inside digs have also meant new options for the menu, with a simple breakfast sandwich and light brunch menu soon to make their debut.
Can’t Miss Drink(s): Tahini Lavender Latte; Lavender Dry Seltzer (in collaboration with Rambling House)
Where to Find Your Fix: Seven days a week inside Rambling House, 310 E. Hudson St., (8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday). Stay tuned for details on the new Clintonville outpost and find Honey Cup on Facebook and Instagram.
The Galaxy Coffee
Jevonna Morris and Kels Wilson of queer-owned The Galaxy Coffee aim to create a space where everyone can gather, spend time and feel comfortable being themselves. The coffee truck made its debut in June 2022 serving up a menu of classic coffee and espresso drinks (including decaf options across the board), plus several tea-based sippers. Local roaster Upper Cup Coffee supplies the beans, while accompanying noshes come courtesy of Happy Little Treats and Pattycake Bakery, including chocolate croissants, pop-tarts in a variety of flavors, donuts, muffins and cookies. And as an added bonus, there’s no up-charge for alternative milks!
Can’t Miss Drink(s): Cold Brew and Decaf Cold Brew (a rarity!) with a hint of caramel; Kels’ favorite – an Iced Earl Gray Latte
Where to Find Your Fix: The Galaxy Coffee is a fixture in front of Virtue Salon in Clintonville, 3282 N. High St., Thursday through Saturday from 8 a.m. – noon. For other engagements, track down the truck on Street Food Finder and Instagram, and visit thegalaxycoffee.com for additional details.
Trading & Coffee
It’s a family affair for the father-son duo behind new trailer Trading & Coffee, which launched in February 2022. Inspired by an interest in the stock market, plus the desire to share a good breakfast with the community, the trailer makes regular rotations through Clintonville and Worthington. Trading & Coffee’s menu features hot and iced coffee and tea, as well as breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, burritos, plantains and fan-favorite stuffed churros.
Can’t Miss Drink(s): Iced coffee
Where to Find Your Fix: Find Trading & Coffee at Elm & Iron in Clintonville, 3475 N. High St., on Thursday and Fridays, at the Worthington Farmers Market on select Saturdays, and Lennonheads, 529 High St., on Sundays. Follow along on Instagram at @trading_n_coffee for additional stops.
