There is hardly a food truck I don't like. Why? I love the history behind them. The craziness of the new rage, from an oldie but goodie, and the committment from the owner to make his/her greateness available at reasonable price and in cool digs. Now, I wouldn't call the New York State Capital lawn cool digs, but seeing as it just a few blocks away and plenty of green grass, park benches, picnic tables, and other seating, how can one resist coming out here for a stroll and a great bite to eat? Not to mention, it is the only place in Albany where you can find 4-5 food trucks to choose from, which makes me feel sad, as that number is low compared to other progressive cities like, San Diego, San Francisco, Austin, Dallas, New York. It also upsets some people that the capitol gets special treatment for placement of food trucks, but let's save that for another day. Michele's looked good. I was simply craving a burger and fries. However, I've learned from my food trucking, that fries can be somewhat of a challenge. Either soggy, dried, or just not right. I hate suffering through that, so instead, I ordered the tots they have. Being a chemist by nature, I don't know what it is with tots, but you can hardly mess them up. They always come out crispy on outside and nice and hot inside. Michele's did not disappoint. I ordered my 0.3lb burger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion. The film broke loose and this movie came to a screeching halt when I heard, "We are out of onions." "Ahhhhgg," I thought, as in my opinion a burger just isn't a burger without onions. Before I could complete my sigh of disbelief, the server said, "We can put some fried onions on it, if you want. Will take a little longer." I was ecstatic. Not because I got my onions, albeit in a different form, but the food truck guy did not have to offer this, but he did. Why? I don't know, ask him, but I can guess it is because they have that food truck service mentality of "Let's take care of our special customers." It did take a little longer but was worth it. The cook handed me a freshly cooked cheeseburger with fried onions and tater tots. He even warned me that the tots were piping hot just out of the fryer. Really nice touch. I will definitely be back and try their other menu items which look really good including the clam, even though I am not a big clam fan. read more

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Great food, good quanity, a aquick and courteous staff. The brisket was so tender and tasty. Also had the spiced up piggy fries. At the music haven read more

Outstanding pulled pork mac n cheese with amazing bacon. Fast service, right next to many office buildings/businesses. Yes, they take cards.

Even though she spells her name wrong, Michele serves up some really good food. The burgers are great; very tender with tasty toppings, and you can smell them cooking from a block away. The buns are also really good... they don't overwhelm the meat, as hamburger buns so often do. All the handcut fries are very good - the sweet potato fries are thin and usually pretty crispy, and the Cajun fries offer a unique flavor. Service isn't super warm, but they're trying to get through the long lines, so I cut them some slack on that. read more

Michele's Charcoal Pit - Food Trucks Near Me

I tried the amusingly named, and my cholesterol levels didn't thank me for them I am sure, "Fry My Balls." Deep fried mac'n'cheese spheres stuffed with bbq pulled pork and served rippingly hot, drizzled with a chipotle crema. I was in a food coma heaven for the rest of the afternoon. read more

Michele's Charcoal Pit provided the food for a fun Albany event. The food was delicious and the employees were very friendly, helpful, and dished out generous portions of food. There were plenty of options of burgers (including a black bean burger) with lots of toppings including garlic aoli and various cheeses. The sides were also very good. I loved the succulent french fries. I also had the "pigtail" -- a hot dog topped with cheese sauce and pulled pork. It was filling and very tasty. Given the tastiness of the food and friendly graciousness of the staff, I will definitely return to Michele's Charcoal Pit. Two thumbs up! read more

The barbecue sandwich was good. The meat savory and flavorful. I thought it could have used a little more BBQ sauce. The bacon was good and greasy, just what you want in your bacon. The Philly cheesesteak fries were yummy, but a little heavier for my taste. Service was slow, but finished product was served hot which I appreciated. read more

Michele's Charcoal Pit - Philly cheesesteak fries and BBQ sandwich - Food Trucks Near Me

The food was lackluster and the service was just terrible. From a lack of caring about me as a customer to showing me any help, will not visit again. Will not recommend. read more

This truck is hands down the best. You gotta try it. Michele, the owner, and her staff remember their regular customers and most importantly the food is outstanding. Everything is fresh and the portions are amazing. Check it out! read more

The fries are cut fresh. I got the pulled pork very flavorful and great bun. Cajun fries were AWESOME PIPING HOT. They have a great condiment selection as well. Long lines due to state workers. Not much customer service from the woman taking the order. read more

Michele's Charcoal Pit - Pulled pork burger & Cajun fries - Food Trucks Near Me

There was an inter-racial couple in line ahead of me and they basically refused service to them, when the guy asked about it the people inside were very rude. I walked away with the couple, I can't eat from a place that doesn't treat thier customers with respect. Also the food used to be very good but the quality has definitely gone down hill, while the prices have gone up. For exapmle the Mac and cheese which was one of my favorites is very hit or miss, some times is decent and sometimes it's watery. Needless to say I don't want to play Russian Roulette with my lunch, and the fact that they were so rude to the couple, is a mixture for a loss of my interest in this food truck for life. read more

Solid options. I've gotten many good things here (I especially LOVE the mac and cheese bites)...the food is always good and the prices are fair. Good portions as well. The only thing I cannot get over is the attitude of one of the employees, I'm thinking she might be the owner. I've worked downtown for three years now and have been visiting the Charcoal Pit all three of them during the summers and her attitude is very consistent. Never pleasant and always seems incredibly annoyed if you point out that your food was made incorrectly (granted, they always fix it and it is always delish, but I could do without the snottiness). Everyone else that has worked there over the past few years has been super friendly. Three stars because the food is so good and the prices are reasonable. I would definitely recommend the Charcoal Pit, but if you go there and this woman is helping you, you know what you're going to get: Good food and a pretty terrible attitude. read more

I put Yay i'm a fan because i like some of there food ! But this one co-worker.. was trying to rip me off, I ordered 1 slice of pizza and 1 can of soda.. and i gave her 20 .. and she only gave me back 6.. so i said to her, I paid u 20 then gave me my 10 dollars back to me.. She was trying to take it !! not gonna happen !! messing with the wrong girl.. i work hard for my money, you will never get a 10 dollar tip lady !! NICE TRY . read more

I love barbecue! I mean, I love barbecue! So, I find myself in Albany for work and it's lunch time. Not knowing the area at all I sort of wandered hoping to find something that suited me. I ended up in the government office area and here are all of these food trucks! I did a quick Yelp look and, based on the review and the food I saw folks taking from this truck, decided on Michele's. Was it good? I came back the next two days without even a second thought! They have this thing called "Piggy Fries" and it is incredible! All types of goodness combined into a single dish that is guaranteed to keep all of the area cardiologists in business for years to come! Cheese, fries, meat... yeah! The pulled pork was great as well - what I would hope for from a bbq joint. Being a newbie I asked a couple questions of the counter person and she was super willing to help me sort out what they serve and how to order it. If you like bbq and you are in the downtown Albany area - give Michele's a try. You won't be disappointed! read more

Michele's Charcoal Pit - Food truck - Food Trucks Near Me

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Got a chance to try this place out after a meeting downtown. I ordered the 1/3 lb burger "Chippy Q" style which includes fried onion strings, cheese and chipotle BBQ sauce with a side of cajun fries. Burgers are usually made medium, but they will cook it to your liking. The burger was really really good. Like super juicy and tasty. I was surprised it came from a food truck but the bun was a little bit thick for my liking. The BBQ sauce was really good and they have a whole bunch of other sauces you can try out. The fries were OK - good seasoning but they were too thick and not crispy enough for me. I really dislike thick soft french fries. Overall, I will definitely be returning to try their mac and cheese and to see what other tasty lunches they have to offer, but might skip on the fries or ask them to be cooked longer. read more

I've eaten here quite a few times over the years. The food is always great and they have new specials every time I go. It isn't summer in Albany without the food trucks! read more

Today I had the chicken leg horn, ​the ​chicken was fres​h and tasty,​ portion was​ huge, ​taste was fabulous and the roasted garlic aioli full of taste​. read more

Visited Albany on a recent April weekday and was pleasantly surprised to find four food trucks already in operation at the spot on Washington Ave. at South Swan St. The aroma coming from Michele's truck was enticing and spotting the crowd waiting in line was all I needed to pick this truck. I ordered the number 6 special - a ginger-soy glazed salmon filet with wasabi tartar sauce on a fresh bakery roll with homemade french fries. Without exaggeration, this was the best fish sandwich I have ever eaten. The flavors melded together wonderfully, the wasabi gave it just a little kick and the roll was heavenly (I wish I could find rolls half as good as this for my own sandwiches). The fries were wonderful too. A big five-star thumbs up. read more

This is the BEST food truck food I've ever had!! The food is served so fresh and hot. Everything is seasoned to perfection. I highly recommend checking out the Charcoal Pit wherever it is available :) read more

On a tour of the capital building the security crew recommended the food trucks behind the building--we scanned the options and decided on Michele's We had the Philly Cheese Steak and the pulled pork sandwhich--they and the onion rings were DELICIOUS! read more

Great Mac n' Cheese! Love that it's not like any other mac n' cheese and you it's completely homemade! Their brownies are a bit to sugary for me, but that's just me. But all in all it was a tasty brownie as well! Next time in Albany I will make sure to see if I find anything else i'd like to try from their menu! read more

I had to check out The Charcoal Pit for lunch today to see if it could live up to its hype...and it exceeded my expectations! The staff are so friendly and the food was cooked perfectly! I love all the different choices they have! I ordered the special the Chippy Q burger with french fries and it was delicious! The burger was cooked perfectly and all the flavors complemented each other so well. The french fries are home made fresh right in the truck! Can't get better than that! If you get the chance to go to the capital for lunch you have to make sure to check them out for yourself!! read more

I wanted to take a moment to express how very pleased we were to have Michele's Charcoal Pit (food truck) cater our son's graduation party! First, Michele's prompt reply to my initial inquiry and all future communications put my mind at ease. Her staff, Brian and Erin, were very friendly, accommodating and arrived early to setup. And finally, the food! I can't say enough about the the variety, quality and taste!!! ALL of my guests were raving about the FOOD!!! Michele and her catering team are top notch. If you're looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate an event, try Michele's Charcoal Pit! You will not be disappointed! read more

Burger left a lot to be desired - flavorless frozen patty

Second time we hired Michele's Charcoal Pit Food Truck for a home party and everything was PERFECT! Michele is terrific (so is Erin!), pricing is more than fair, service is impeccable, and the food is just delicious. While Michele has a sample catering menu we were allowed to change it to suit our appetites. Our guests loved it and they immediately started telling everyone how great Michele's Charcoal Pit was. The minute the truck pulled away (leaving us with no food cleanup!) our guests asked us when Michele will return. Thank you Michele and Erin for another great experience! See you downtown! read more

had the pleasure of trying micheles at the Biergarten in Schenectady....they were trying out their new brunch menu...for the first time they had a solid triple...service was fast ...food was hot & plentiful...nothing over $10...the only miss was the vegetarian fries...a mishmash of cheese black beans etc served over potato fries..a soggy mess better suited after a night of drinking when you have the munchie rather than lunch....on the other hand everyone agreed they'd have the sandwiches again read more

I am retired but my Spring does not officially start until I make my first trip to Michele's Charcoal Pit! The truck was always a part of my lunch ritual and I always eagerly await its return. BEST hamburgers and homemade fries in the Capital District. One of my other favs is the Chippy Q which adds cheddar, chilpolte BBQ and homemade onion straws to the burger. Pulled pork is delicious as well. The menu always has some nice additions and specials. Not only great food but a fantastic group of friendly employees who are an added bonus. Only problem right now is it is Sunday and I have to wait until tomorrow to get there as I am already craving a Chippy Q. read more

I've been hearing great things about Michelle's, so I was excited to try them for the first time today. I got the chicken sandwich and It was great. Juicy, flavorful grilled chicken breast, not at all overcooked, on a delicious sweet roll with a vast selection of condiments to choose from. If I was basing this review solely on that, it would be 5 stars all the way. The fries, however, were soggy, limp, and greeezy. This seems like a shame, since they go to the trouble of cutting them fresh right there in the truck. Wrong kind of potato? Didn't fry long enough? I just don't know. I was also a little surprised when the person helping me threw her hands up in the air, as if in disgust, after asking me twice "so you just want a plain chicken sandwich with no toppings?" First time for everything I guess. read more