How Bout Them Apples: A Charleston Food Truck Serving Gourmet Sandwiches and Sides

What How Bout Them Apples Serves

How Bout Them Apples is a Charleston-based food truck known for gourmet sandwiches built around seasonal ingredients and house-made components. The menu rotates, but you'll typically find sandwiches featuring roasted meats, fresh vegetables, and creative spreads—often with an apple-forward twist that explains the name. The truck also serves sides like hand-cut fries, slaw, and pickled vegetables that change with what's in season.

The operation focuses on quality over volume. Sandwiches are made to order, which means a short wait but food that's built fresh rather than sitting under heat lamps. The truck sources from local suppliers when possible, which shapes both the menu and the price point—expect to pay more than a standard lunch truck, but less than a sit-down restaurant.

Beyond sandwiches, the truck occasionally offers daily specials that might include soups, grain bowls, or desserts. The exact offerings depend on what the owner has sourced that day, so checking their social media before you go saves disappointment if you're hunting for something specific.

Key Takeaways

• How Bout Them Apples specializes in gourmet sandwiches with seasonal ingredients, made fresh to order at each stop.
• The menu changes regularly based on ingredient availability and the owner's sourcing, so daily specials vary week to week.
• The truck sources from local suppliers when possible, which affects both flavor and pricing compared to chain food trucks.
• You can find their current location and menu updates on their social media accounts, which is the fastest way to know what's available before you visit.

Where to Find the Truck in Charleston

How Bout Them Apples operates as a mobile food truck, so the location changes throughout the week. The owner posts their schedule on Instagram and Facebook, usually updating a few days ahead to let customers know where they'll be parked. Popular stops include downtown Charleston parks, the Farmers Market, and various neighborhoods depending on the day.

The truck does not maintain a fixed location or permanent hours, so showing up without checking first risks finding an empty parking spot. Follow their social media accounts or check their website if they maintain one—that's where you'll find the most current schedule. Some food truck apps that track Charleston vendors may also list their location, though social media is usually the most up-to-date source.

What to Expect When You Order

Orders are taken at a window, and you'll pay before receiving your food. The truck is designed for quick service, but "quick" doesn't mean instant—sandwiches are built to order, so expect a 10- to 15-minute wait during busy times. If you're in a rush, calling ahead (if that option is available) or arriving during off-peak hours helps.

The truck typically accepts both cash and card payments, though confirming payment methods on their social media beforehand prevents surprises. Seating is not provided by the truck itself, so you'll eat standing up, sitting in your car, or finding a nearby bench or park. Many of the spots where the truck parks have public seating nearby, but it's worth scoping out the location before you order if you prefer to sit while you eat.

Signature Items and Seasonal Offerings

The truck's name hints at apple-based sandwiches, which appear on the menu in various forms depending on the season. You might find pulled pork with apple slaw, chicken with apple-forward sauces, or even vegetarian options that play with apple and cheese combinations. These aren't gimmicks—the acidity and sweetness of apples balance rich meats and creamy spreads in ways that work.

Beyond apple-themed options, the menu includes straightforward gourmet sandwiches that change based on what's available. Past offerings have included roasted turkey with house-made aioli, beef with caramelized onions, and vegetable-focused sandwiches that aren't afterthoughts. The sides—fries, slaw, pickles—are made in-house, which sets them apart from pre-packaged alternatives you'd find at other trucks.

Seasonal means the menu genuinely shifts. What's available in spring differs from summer, fall, and winter. If you find something you love, enjoy it while it's on the menu, because it may not return for months. This approach appeals to people who like discovering new things and less to people who want the same sandwich every time.

Pricing and Value

Gourmet food trucks cost more than standard lunch trucks. A sandwich typically runs in the $12 to $16 range, depending on the protein and complexity. Sides add $3 to $5. This is higher than a chain food truck but comparable to what you'd pay for a sandwich at a casual restaurant, with the advantage that you're eating something made fresh that day rather than prepared in bulk.

The value proposition depends on what you're comparing it to. If you're measuring against a $6 fast-food sandwich, How Bout Them Apples is expensive. If you're comparing it to a $15 sandwich at a sit-down restaurant, it's reasonable, especially since the quality of ingredients is often higher at the truck. Many customers find the price worth it for the freshness and local sourcing, though budget-conscious eaters might visit less frequently.

Dietary Considerations and Customization

The truck accommodates some dietary needs, but options depend on the day's menu. Vegetarian sandwiches appear regularly, though they're not always available. Vegan options are less common but may appear as specials. If you have allergies or strict dietary requirements, arriving early in the day when the owner can discuss ingredients is your best bet, or reaching out via social media beforehand to ask about a specific day's menu.

Customization is possible within reason—you can usually request modifications like removing an ingredient or substituting a side. The truck isn't set up for extensive special orders, so simple changes work better than complex requests. If you're unsure whether something can be modified, ask when you order.

Parking and Accessibility

Where the truck parks determines parking and accessibility. Some locations have dedicated parking nearby; others require street parking. The truck itself is accessed from ground level, so it's generally accessible to people with mobility challenges, though the window height and lack of seating may present difficulties. If accessibility is a concern, check the posted location and visit the spot beforehand if possible, or contact the owner through social media to discuss options.

Weather affects the experience. On hot days, standing in line in the sun while waiting for your sandwich is uncomfortable. On rainy days, the truck may not operate or may have limited hours. Checking social media on questionable weather days confirms whether they're open.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out where the truck will be each day?

Follow How Bout Them Apples on Instagram or Facebook—that's where the owner posts their weekly schedule. They typically update a few days ahead, listing the location and hours for each stop. Some food truck tracking apps may also list their location, but social media is the most reliable source.

Can I order ahead or call in an order?

That depends on how the owner operates. Some food trucks accept phone orders; others take orders only at the window. Check their social media or website to see if they list a phone number or ordering system. If no contact method is listed, you'll need to order when you arrive.

What if I have a severe food allergy?

Arrive early in the day when the owner has time to discuss ingredients in detail, or message them through social media before you visit to ask about a specific day's menu. A food truck kitchen is smaller than a restaurant, so cross-contamination is a real concern—be direct about your allergy and listen carefully to what they say about their ability to prevent it.

Does the truck accept card payments?

Most modern food trucks accept both cash and card, but it's worth confirming on their social media or by calling ahead. Payment methods can change, and some trucks have occasional card reader issues, so having cash as a backup is smart.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Vegetarian sandwiches appear regularly on the rotating menu, though availability changes. Vegan options are less consistent but may appear as daily specials. Check their social media for the current day's menu to see what's available, or ask when you arrive.