Around Town ~ Barbus and Barley Food Truck

It has been a while since we have visited with any of the food trucks or restaurants around town and we figured it was time to check out some of the newer locations.  Our first stop was Barbus and Barley located at Deep Routes Coffee parking lot on the Southside of the building.  This food truck puts out some amazing food, for such a small space.  Things to know before you visit, be sure to check out their Facebook page for hours and specials.  Owner and chef Joshua Fulton is very responsive and keeps his schedule posted there for all visitors.  

Since April 2025 Barbus and Barley has been focused on providing food for the community with God as the focus.  When Joshua first moved to Sulphur Springs to help care for his mother who recently had medical issues, he worked in the hospital’s nutrition department and discovered a need for better quality food for the public.

He started his food truck with the idea of it being Ethnic Fusion, with a rotating menu but has found that his customer base loves the Mediterranean food and has adjusted his menu seasonally.  After all, the Mediterranean base lends back towards his roots of Biblical food such as pita, lentils, honey and barley.  As a chef with 22 years of experience in the kitchen cooking and teaching he enjoys creating new dishes for his customers and spreading the word of God. 

With that being said there is some education that goes into Ethic fusion, in the form of the types of dishes that are prepared and the meat used to make them, for example, a gyro.  Lamb is not an everyday meat for a majority of people but the gyro is one of his customers favorites.  Be brave and try something new, to discover new flavors and combinations.  Such as the pear salad that is featured in the fall. New seasonal menu items will be offered soon, as the weather continues to cool down.

Similar to other restaurants, if you know what to ask for you can order from “the secret” menu.  A Greek burger or a salmon bowl, served differently than the regular menu item might just hit the spot when you order at the food truck.  You can order online through DoorDash, call in orders 903-951-2235, or walk up to order directly.  If you plan to have a large group, call in advance so that your food can be ready.  As with all good things, your order might take a little time to prepare so grab a book or head into Deep Routes to pick up your coffee. 

His partnership with Deep Routes allows him to better support the community with endeavors to give back to those in need.  Both businesses plan to help distribute clothing and food to those who are disadvantaged, some time in the future.  He is also participating in the “Be the Service” that was started by The Way Bible Church, providing food for the volunteers. Joshua stated “Man shall not live on bread alone but every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God” and he plans to continue his good work via each customer who visits his food truck. 

Be sure to stop by soon to enjoy the delicious food he is cooking up, and experience the start to an Ethnic Fusion change that is slowly taking hold of Sulphur Springs.  If you have a special event coming up soon, reach out for catering needs as well. 

Let's Eat ~ Food Trucks Gorditas Nena's

 

    On your way to Coleman Park, between League Street and Hwy 19, there is a Shamrock gas station, where Gorditas Nena's has pulled up and parked.  Gorditas Nena's is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a. m.  - 7 p. m.  They accept cash or cards and even have service through door dash.  Can't make it to their spot, give her a call and place your order to be delivered for you, 430-201-7915.  I have seen this food truck around town, usually at a gas station and figured she might offer some different choice for her customers, and I should give it a try.  We were pleased with our food selections for this new dining adventure. 

    

    Usurpingly, the gordita was our favorite that we ordered from this food truck today.  With multiple options you can't go wrong with the gordita.  Order more than one and mix it up to find your favorite.  Meat, cheese, beans, or eggs gathered between two flour or corn tortillas.  The flavor was even throughout the gordita and was filling.  One of the reasons she started her food truck was because her friends and family would tell her that the flavor of the food, she cooked reminded them of home or how their grandmother would make their favorite dish.  What a great way to help people feel more connected to the past.  

    I think next time we will have to try a few more.  I always try to pick out a few things from the menu to get the best idea of what each food truck has to offer.  So today we did the Asado gordita, and really enjoyed the whole thing.

    Who can pass up on tacos from a food truck that specializes in Mexican food.  Street tacos are one of my favorite foods and I could probably eat tacos everyday.  She offers a good variety of tacos that will fill you up can are very cost effective to purchase.  Bring your whole family down to try out the gorditas and tacos.

    Last but not least I also picked up the ceviche.  We love ceviche and will order it at almost any location that offers ceviche.  Since it can be different wherever you go, no two ceviche's are alike.  One must always order the avocado to go along with it as well.  Nice sturdy chips help to make the transfer from the plate to your belly that much smoother.  Hers was okay, it had plenty of food to offer but could us a bit more flavor.  Otherwise, the variety was well proportioned and enjoyable. 

    Head on over to give them a call, Gorditas Nena's is a great stop to make for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Bring a crowd or just yourself, there is something there for everyone to enjoy. 

    

Let's Eat ~ Food Trucks Lou's Country Food

 

    When you head West on Hwy 11/Wild Cat Way in Sulphur Springs, just behind Lowe's you can find Lou's Country Food.  Lou's food truck has been operating for the last four years, while on her day's off from her first job.  When you see her window open be sure to stop by for some good home-cooked, Southern food.  Her specialty is chicken fried steak, that she hand batters, and buys locally.  She makes all her own food and loves to cook for others. Her love of cooking is what brings her to her food truck on her day's off.  In a perfect world she would cook for those around her every day.    

    Before Lou opened her food truck, she and her father had a restaurant in Como called Butch and Lou's; that she closed shortly after his passing.  Now you can find her cooking up all your country favorites in Sulphur Springs.  Her hours are not always the same since she works her food truck on her days off.  Be sure to give her a call 903-335-6334 to place your order or to see if she is open.  When she is open, she will be serving up food from 10 a.m. to 7 p. m. or 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Lou's takes cash or card when you order. 

    You can find all your home cooked favorites on Lou's menu. From sandwiches, burgers, and full meals as well as tasty sides to complement all her main choices.   A hot item are the orders of Pittsburgh hotlinks, get them while they last.  Of course, her plate of the day goes quickly as well.  A crowd favorite is Chicken fried steak, which she was out of, when we stopped by, so we ordered the next best thing, Chicken fried chicken.  

    Since burgers are always a crowd favorite, we ordered a cheeseburger with everything on it.  Boy it did not disappoint.  One more boys said it even matched In-and-Out for flavor and substance.  The cheeseburger we ordered came with everything a good burger should have, lettuce, onions, and tomatoes.  Plus mustard since everyone needs a little bit of condiments on their burger. 

    The Chicken Fried Chicken was cooked just right and battered to perfection.  The chicken was moist, and the portion size was filling.  My seventeen year old, was full by the end of his meal, now that's saying something.  His plate came with two sides and he selected fried okra and French fries.  You can even select a roll or corn bread to go with your plate.  Of course, don't forget the gravy.

    We also ordered a BLT, after all who does not love bacon.  Both kids said that was probably the best thing we ordered. The sandwich was loaded up with plenty of bacon, and just the right amount of lettuce and tomato, to complement each other well.  The bacon was nice, thick, and crispy.  The perfect sandwich for lunch or dinner.

    If you are ever in Sulphur Springs and Lou's is open, be sure to stop by and order any of the great items on her menu.  We do not feel like you will be disappointed at all by her offerings, portion sizes or taste.  Thanks, Lou, for the great food. 

    

Let's East Food Trucks ~ Rancho Las Palomas Taqueria

 

    I have passed this food truck for over a year, while taking my kids to the middle school or making a supply run to Lowe's.  The Rancho Las Palomas Taqueria is located on Wild Cat Way and the corner of 154 at 1707 S. Broadway, St.  He is open six days a week, Monday thru Saturday from 8 a. m. to 8 p. m.  Be sure to bring cash when you order in person or when you make a call-in order to 903-335-0505, otherwise you will have to hit up the ATM.

    For this visit I ordered tacos, because tacos are always a crowd favorite, and I knew each of my kids would love one so that was easy.  I picked out the same one for all of them so that I would have a good base to start with to formulate an opinion.  They loved them!  Hands down they said these tacos were some of the best they have had in town.  Authentic, with great flavor and a traditional street taco style with meat, diced onions, and cilantro.   

    I also ordered a beef torta to see how it differed from the one we used to make at Coffee off the Square.  Plus, I knew one taco would not be enough food for the 17-year-old. The torta is definitely a meal in and of its self.  A full sandwich filled with beef, lettuce, onions and guacamole.  The boys thought it was pretty tasty and would surely order again. "The torta was amazing, it had great flavor," said the 17-year-old.

    Finally, I picked up a quesadilla.  The quesadilla is filled with cheese and beef and also a full meal.  The crispy outside tortilla gave the quesadilla plenty of texture.  White the beef was full of flavor and nice and tender in the quesadilla.  The sauces that came with the meal were perfect and not to spicy, so as not to diminish the flavor of the food.  The 12-year-old said, "this was one of the best quesadillas I have ever had."

    Needless to say, everyone enjoyed the food from the Taqueria truck, and we will plan to go back again. Maybe on our next run to Lowe's.  We hope that you will stop by and explore their menu and find your next favorite meal from the Rancho Las Palomas Taqueria.  

    Let us know your favorite food truck spot to eat at and we will stop by to get the low down for everyone else.  

Let's Eat Food Trucks ~ Taqueria Cabrera

 

    

    This week my foodie kid and I stopped in at the last food truck located at The Rail Yard.  Taqueria Cabrera, for some tacos, a quesadilla and churros.  The Taqueria Cabrera food truck has been open for just over a year and started their adventure over at Joe's convivence store before moving into the Rail Yard.  

    She likes the Rail Yard because of the location and how it is a bigger draw for families and people who want to hang out while they eat and wait for their food to be prepared.  With different games to be played, kids don't get too crabby waiting for food.  

   

They are open Tuesday - Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Closed on Sunday and Monday to rest, rejuvenate and gather supplies for the coming week.  Much of the food they make is from family recipes and from a taco spot in Dallas.  The brought a little bit of the city to the country.  They are mostly cash only, but do accept Zelle and CashAp, so bring those bills when you go to eat.  

    We ordered barbacoa, birria and asada tacos, along with a cheese quesadilla to try out.  At one point I tried their loaded nachos without meat as well, which were very similar to what you would order at a sporting event.  Each of the tacos was served with diced onions, cilantro and lime.  It's a must to add those items to your taco to be able to experience the full effect of the taco.  The Birria taco came with a sauce as well, which was pretty big and seemed a little much for one taco.  Maybe be sure to order a few, to make use of the sauce, or maybe we needed to have consumer instructions on that one.  

    They also offered us salsa to go with our food.  Of course we said yes and enjoyed both the green and the red sauce.  The red is spicy, which she told us of before we ate some.  Other wise we felt they both had a little kick and not much else.  The green sauce was a little creamier than the red sauce, and you could mostly just taste the heat.  

    The cheese quesadilla would have been even better with a little bit of Pico made into the middle of the quesadilla, but whatever left over onions, cilantro and lime he had from his tacos I scooped up with my bite of quesadilla.  

    Don't forget to order dessert.  The churros were hot and tasty.  Filled with a cinnamon sauce in the center, and the prefect doughy consistency to hit the spot for something a little sweet after your meal.  Be sure to stop by the Rail Yard and check out the blue truck by Taqueria Cabrera.  

Let's Eat Food Truck ~ Sherry's Shack

 

    We visited with Sherry over at Sherry's Shack for our Let's Eat food truck series for February.  You may remember Sherry from the Potato House previously located in Downtown Sulphur Springs.  She decided she wanted to be able to better serve her customers in a mobile environment and opened up her food truck.  

    Sherry's Shack is located just North of the hospital at 1416 Church Street, in Sulphur Springs.  You can call, 903-951-3105, ahead your order and she will have it ready for pick up or she will deliver it to you.  If you happen to be having an event or employee appreciation day at your business, she will come to you and cook on site.  Be sure to give her a call to find out more information.

    Sherry's Shack is best known for their "Smashem Burger" so of course we had to order that.  Cooked fresh on the flat top, and topped with your favorite condiments, your burger will be filling and tasty.  I also picked up a grilled cheese with lettuce and tomatoes, and you can't forget the fries.  I always love to get a grilled cheese with items other than just cheese, so tasty.  We also picked up some Pittsburg hotlink's, fresh from Pittsburg, so you know they will be delicious.  A dab of mustard and you are ready to enjoy your lunch.

    Sherry has a varied menu and features a myriad of favorites including baked potatoes.  Add chicken, roast or brisket to your potato and you are sure to walk away satisfied.  She even makes up a dinner plate sized tostada for those who are really hungry and looking for something a little different.  

    Sherry is open Tuesday - Friday from 10:30 a. m . - 3 p. m. and Saturday from 11 a. m. to 3 p. m.  Be sure to stop by on your next lunch break and walk away satisfied.  You can enjoy your food onsite at the picnic tables behind the food truck, take it with you or have it delivered.  

Let's Eat ~ Tito's Ricos Tacos

 

 

   Happy New Year and welcome back to the Oaks Bed and Breakfast dinning out series "Let's Eat."  This year we are going to feature local food trucks that are in and around the Hopkins County area.  So if you have a suggestion please drop us a line on social media or send an email to let us know where you think we should head out to next, info@theoaksbandb.net.

    Our first visit this year is to Tito's Ricos Tacos.  Typically they are located behind the fire station on Bill Bradford across from Windsor Plaza in Sulphur Springs.  We drive by there all the time and so I could hardly wait to check out their eats.

    As you can imagine they have tacos, quesadillas, Mexican sandwiches, burritos and breakfast burritos.  There is bound to be a favorite that you can find and enjoy.  If you do not want to eat in your car they have a couple of picnic tables behind the truck to enjoy your food at.  

    I took my lunch back to the bed and breakfast to enjoy on our deck, since the weather has been pretty mild for January.  I picked up a few different options so the kids could let me know their favorite.  I asked the cook what is their best item and he told me quesadillas so of course we tried out the beef steak quesadilla.  Everyone really enjoyed it and found it to be their favorite.  They were even nice enough to make me a cheese only quesadilla, which was great. 

    I also picked up Marinated Pork and Chicken Fajita tacos just to add some variety into the meal.  The tacos were good but everyone enjoyed the quesadilla the best.  I should have picked up a sandwich too to see how they make their tortas, since back in the day we used to throw those down as a daily special at Coffee off the Square.  Maybe next time.  The red and green sauce that came with the quesadilla were on point.  A little more heat with the green than the red but each added wonderful flavor to an already great tasting meal. 

    Be sure to swing by Tito's Ricos when you are in town or passing by, I don't think you will be disappointed.  Next month we will stop by our next Food Truck looking for the best options in the county.