This Guy Bites: Albany's Boldest Food Truck Brings Fusion Flavor & Event Magic
This Guy Bites: Albany's Boldest Food Truck Brings Fusion Flavor & Event Magic
In the heart of Albany, where Empire State Plaza buzzes with weekday crowds and weekend events sparkle with energy, one food truck stands out—bright orange, shark-toothed, and unapologetically flavorful. Meet This Guy Bites, the fusion-powered food truck that’s become a local legend.
Chef Mike, the mastermind behind the wheel (and the wok), has taken Albany by storm with his globally inspired, locally loved menu. From hibachi-style steak bowls to bulgogi tacos and poke bursting with freshness, he brings street food to new heights—without ever losing the casual, fun-loving vibe that defines a great food truck.
The Story Behind the Shark: Chef Mike’s Culinary Journey
This Guy Bites isn’t just a catchy name or clever logo—it’s a full-on experience. Chef Mike launched the truck with a mission: bring bold, fusion-style eats to the Capital Region. His background blends restaurant experience, travel, and a hunger for experimentation. Each menu item reflects global influence—drawing on Japanese hibachi techniques, Hawaiian poke traditions, Korean BBQ flavors, Latin taco culture, and American Southern comfort food classics.
The truck’s vibrant exterior—complete with its “Awesome Food… Decent Guy” slogan and toothy shark graphic—has become a moving billboard of flavor. You can’t miss it, and once you’ve eaten there, you won’t forget it.
Where to Find This Guy Bites: The Truck Schedule
Catch This Guy Bites every Wednesday at Empire State Plaza from 11 AM to 2 PM, mid-May through mid-October. This regular gig has turned lunchtime into a mini food festival, drawing office workers, locals, and tourists alike.
While the Plaza is a consistent spot, Chef Mike also makes appearances at:
Albany International Airport (pop-up events)
Wine & Dine for the Arts Festival
Regional private events and festivals
For daily updates and truck whereabouts, follow them on Instagram: @thisguybites
Menu Highlights: Flavor That Bites Back
What’s cooking depends on the day—but the truck’s greatest hits include:
Hibachi Bowls
Steak, chicken, or shrimp
Served with fried rice, grilled veggies, yum-yum sauce
Cooked fresh and flash-seared for that hibachi sizzle
Poke Bowls
Tuna, salmon, or tofu
Jasmine rice, pickled ginger, sesame, avocado, spicy mayo
Fresh, light, and loaded with umami
Signature Tacos
“Fatback”: Pork belly, slaw, and hot sauce
Bulgogi Steak: Marinated Korean beef with kimchi aioli
Lobster Tacos: Butter-poached, crunchy toppings, citrus burst – arguably some of the best in the Capital Region
Apps & Sliders
Gyoza (fried dumplings)
Lobster egg rolls
Screaming Chicken Sliders with hot sauce glaze
Chicken & Waffles — Crispy, juicy chicken served over golden waffles; easily one of the Capital Region’s best takes on this comfort classic
Whether you’re craving crispy or saucy, spicy or sweet, there’s something on this truck to hit the spot.
Booking This Guy Bites for Your Event
Planning a party or corporate gathering? Want to skip the catering trays and surprise guests with something truly fun? This Guy Bites is available for:
Weddings
Graduation parties
Birthdays
Corporate luncheons
Festivals
Concerts
Booking is easy:
Call/Text: (518) 256‑4460
Online: Visit thepokejar.com and click on the "This Guy Bites" tab to submit a catering request
They’ll ask for your date, guest count, venue type, and any dietary notes to create a custom menu that bites back.
Booking Tips & Planning Guide
Want to get it right the first time? Here’s how to plan for success:
1. Book Early
Peak weekends and holidays fill up fast—especially during warm months. Lock in your date 2–3 months in advance.
2. Know Your Guest Count
Chef Mike can tailor the menu to large or small events. Knowing your headcount helps balance speed and quality.
3. Customize the Menu
Picky eaters or dietary restrictions? Let them know. You can mix hibachi, poke, tacos, and apps for a totally unique food experience.
4. Prep the Venue
Make sure your location has:
Truck parking access
Electricity (if needed)
Nearby waste disposal
Weather backup? Ask them about tent setups or indoor alternatives.
What Locals Say
Albany’s Reddit boards and Instagram threads agree: this truck is a hit.
“Best poke bowl I’ve ever had—and it came out of a truck? Chef Mike is magic.”
“Empire Plaza Wednesdays are the highlight of my week now. Hibachi steak bowl is a must.”
“We had them at our daughter’s graduation party. Absolute smash hit.”
Imagining Your Perfect Event
Picture it: A warm summer evening in Albany’s Washington Park. Guests laughing under string lights. Music in the air. And then—rolling up in a burst of orange—the This Guy Bites truck.
The menu is hot, the vibes are cooler, and instead of boring buffet trays, guests are holding poke bowls, lobster egg rolls, and bulgogi tacos.
Kids get sliders. Adults sneak seconds. And nobody misses the old catering routine.
The Food-Truck Scene in Albany
This Guy Bites isn’t the only great truck in town—but it’s definitely a standout. Alongside others like Thorn + Roots or Michele’s Charcoal Pit, it helps define the growing local food-truck culture. Events like Food Truck Fridays and Empire State Plaza Wednesdays keep the scene thriving.
Chef Mike’s blend of consistent quality and visual branding (that shark!) has earned This Guy Bites a permanent spot in Albany’s food identity.
Final Bite: Why You Should Try It
If you haven’t tracked down This Guy Bites yet—what are you waiting for?
Whether you’re a foodie, a lunch-hunter, or an event planner looking to make a statement, Chef Mike and his shark-faced truck are ready to roll in, feed the crowd, and bite hard.
Follow them on Instagram at @thisguybites and submit your event request through thepokejar.com.
Because life’s too short for boring food.
Contact Info
This Guy Bites
📍 Albany, NY
📞 (518) 256‑4460
📸 Instagram: @thisguybites
🌐 Website
