Mission Valley Food Fling: Trucks & Stands

Whoever said that good quality cuisine had to be served out of a brick-and-mortar building clearly has never had food from a truck or stand. Fortunately, Polson is home to a few options that are more than worth giving a shot.

Super Gyro, First St. W.: One might forgive someone if they pronounced gyro wrong in one of their first attempts when the owner herself didn’t fully know when she was approached with the idea of opening her popular truck.

Robin Lopez is the owner of Super Gyro, one of Polson’s best-known food trucks. Lopez’s eatery sits on a lot with a few other trucks on 605 1st St. West.

“All of us that are here, we see it as selection. We know that we all offer good products and we’re all confident in them,” said Lopez on her non-competitive relationship with the other trucks, which sell a variety of items from coffee, to ice cream, and even chicken sandwiches.

As far as the good product Lopez offers, it’s all about gyros and the quality and care that she pours into her Greek-inspired sandwiches.

“I think a big thing, just personal opinion, is that I'm here so everything that is served out of my truck I made, and my quality is my pride,” said Lopez.

She recommends visitors try their Gyro Fries that come with gyro meat, tomato, onion, feta cheese and tzatziki sauce on a bed of fries. She adds that even though an order of fries is typically a side, it qualifies as a meal all in itself.

JJ’s Dawg House, Hwy. 93: This hot dog stand that looks like a big doghouse stands next to Ace Hardware is not only cleverly named but also cleverly styled. Perched on Highway 93, the stand is colored to remind its customers of a hot dog with green for relish, yellow for mustard and red for all-important ketchup.

Jean Marx, whose stand started as a trailer doing events, was immensely thankful for the local community who helped her business grow and get established.

“They're the ones that have got me to the point where I am finally established and doing well,” she said.

She was inspired to open her stand by the lack of hot-dog places in the area. But what sets her business apart is their black Angus dog and unique menu which includes classic combos and a few unique ones to go along with vegan and gluten-free options.

As far as a recommendation is concerned Marx says to check out JJ’s Dawg which has chili, shredded cheese and crushed Fritos on your choice of hot dog.

Although JJ’s Dawg House is temporarily closed, Marx, whose phone has been ringing off the hook to see when they’ll be back, says she is targeting a return for July 12.

Mountain Berry Bowls, First St. E: It’s refreshing to know that something so sweet and delicious can also be good for you, and that’s exactly what Mountain Berry Bowls is doing with their selection of loaded açaí smoothie bowls.

The truck that sits across from City Hall and our very own Lake County Leader is a family business run by Signe Driggs and her husband, Dana, with both their kids working with them from time to time.

For the couple, who are entering their fourth summer in Polson with the berry bowl business, the support of the locals is essential to their survival.

“We look forward to the season every time we open just to see those faces,” said Signe with Dana adding, “As a small business your locals and your regulars are what keep you alive.”

What separates Mountain Berry Bowls is their granola, made in the Flathead Valley, their fresh fruit bought locally, and their all-natural sugars – along with their commitment to serving their customers with quality and consistency in their blends.

For a recommendation, Signe suggests their number one bowl, The Flathead, while Dana champions The Wild Horse, which has bananas, blueberries, almond butter and honey.

    While JJ's Dawg House may be temporarily closed its patrons patiently await the reopening of the hot dog stand. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)

    Moutain Berry Bowls offers a wide variety of healthy bowls that can be eaten for any occasion. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)

    The Flathead is one of the most popular options at Moutain Berry Bowls. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)