Nowadays, it seems a city is only as good as its food trucks. Denver is no exception to this rule and in turn the city is filled to the brim with copious delectable culinary experiences on wheels for everybody from the food-instagramming hipster to the intoxicated late night reveler. Fermaentra, the University Park neighborhood’s brewery and taproom, plays host to a selection of food trucks throughout the week, giving the DU community a chance to sample Denver’s best motorized culinary options.
One of Fermaentra’s regular food trucks is Matt’s Snack Shack, a grill-specific eatery specializing in grilled wings, loaded grilled cheeses, brats and more. The truck itself is clean and well-designed, with a black and blue retro aesthetic that helps to convey the traditional, yet modernly-tweaked grilled snacks the truck serves.
The options for food aren’t as exhaustive as other trucks, but the menu is most definitely delicious. First up are the wings. They come in three different styles, the house original sauce (a classic buffalo sauce), BBQ style and dry rub. All three options are available in quantity sizing from six ($7) to 48 ($40) wings, so more than enough for one hungry late night excursion or a quick pick up for you and a couple friends.
Also offered are specialty hot dogs ($6)—with three different protein varieties: a veggie dog, jumbo all beef dog or specialty beer brat slow cooked in a Colorado craft brew (which can be perfectly paired with whatever hoppy-beverage you are sipping). All dogs can be made in either a classic German style or a Mexican-themed “South of the Border” topping
Grilled cheese sandwiches make up the rest of the menu. These delicious pairings of gooey cheese and perfectly-toasted bread can be made in a classic style ($4.50) with your choice of two different cheeses (choose from American, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Jack or Swiss) or if you’re feeling ravenous, they can be stacked with scrumptious extras. Three separate loaded options exist: “The Cowboy”, “The New Mexico” and “The Buff.” Each choice differs in the extras included within the sandwich, but one can expect a protein, some type of veggie and a special sauce all for $7.50. Add a canned soda ($1) to wash down the deliciousness. This Grinder had a classic with Pepper Jack and American, which, when combined with the buttery crunchy bread, was a fantastic and incredibly gooey monstrosity.
While the 48-count wings carry a hefty $40 dollar price tag, the rest of the menu is pretty affordable for the cash-strapped college student, and along with affordable delicious food, you also get the joy and satisfaction of supporting a small business and Denver’s mobile culinary scene.
Matt’s Snack Shack can be found online on Facebook, where they post their current location. They commonly visit Fermaentra on Evans, where they stay open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
