Portland blazes the trail in the food cart revolution. It all started back in the 1990s when a few carts took center stage for the downtown lunch crowd. The scene quickly gained traction over the next decade, and before you knew it, over 600 food carts were counted throughout the Portland metro area.
Guess how many there are as of 2024? Over 1,000. And counting…
That means you can literally have three meals a day at a different food cart for a year and still not experience them all!
You may be wondering why I’m calling them food carts. That’s because we don’t call them food trucks or food truck pods in Portland (pods are a collection of food carts found together). Yes, most of them have wheels and are mobile.
But they have established locations and tend to stay in one place where their fans can always find them. Occasionally, they do move to other established food cart pods, but that’s only if they permanently change their address, like established businesses do.
Going on a Portland food cart tour is one of the best things to do, whether you are visitor or a local. You get a sampling of the most beloved food carts in several trendy Portland neighborhoods.
Click this link to book a food cart tour in Portland!
These Portland food tours are not just about the food, it’s about the history and culture of the city. I lived in Portland for over 20 years and there’s things about this town I found out only on a food cart tour. The tour guides really know their stuff!
You’ll find food cart pods sprinkled all over Portland. I’ll talk about the best ones here. Each of these food cart pods has stood the test of time, and they are the best for a reason – they offer the freshest dishes, have the most passionate owners, and the most variety of cuisine.
Food Carts in Downtown Portland
The Cart Blocks
I’m going to be completely honest – downtown Portland was pretty rough in spots during and after the pandemic, similar to other large cities. But city officials are making a concerted effort to revitalize the area, and The Cart Blocks is a shining example of this.
Located on West Burnside and across the street from a lovely green space (i.e. park), this food cart pod is sprucing up the area with all manner of tasty eats.
Not only will you find tasty burritos and fresh Chinese food, but the cookie cart has the best chocolate chip cookie you’ll find in all of Portland. Wash it all down with a coffee, beer, or wine in a converted London double-decker bus!
Midtown Beer Garden
Once only open for the downtown lunch crowd, this food cart pod has revitalized itself and is open all day and into the evenings. In the beginning, this pod was simply a line of food carts strung along the sidewalk of 5thAvenue.
Now they over 25 strong and arranged in a square with fencing around the perimeter, giving it a true food cart pod feel with music and covered picnic tables in the center. They added a bar cart with beer and cocktails! Yes, you can have a tipple with your lunch or dinner, if that is your style. Some highlights…
Stretch the Noodle – hand-made noodles, made fresh daily. When they’re gone, they’re gone!
Tokyo Sando – authentic Japanese sandwiches. These are tasty and made fresh to order, and they often close early when they run out.
The Codfather – fresh seafood such as cod, halibut, and rockfish, in the form of baskets and sandwiches.
Food Carts on Portland’s East Side
Hawthorne Asylum
Just as the name implies, this food cart pod is located on the former site of Oregon’s first mental institution, founded by J.C. Hawthorne. As an aside, the facility was later relocated to Salem, Oregon, as Oregon State Hospital, the location for the 1975 Jack Nicholson film ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.’
At Hawthorne Asylum, visitors can embark on a global culinary adventure. The unique setting, with its steampunk-inspired design and communal fire pits, provides a cozy and vibrant atmosphere that invites visitors to linger. Cozy up with your plate of choice under the tent around the fire pit. A full bar and restrooms are provided in the back. The highlights:
Burmese Delight – take a culinary trip to Myanmar and savor some of the most delectable dumplings I’ve ever had.
Le Bistro Montage Ala Cart – once a beloved Cajun restaurant, the owners had to close in the Summer of 2020 then decided to reopen into a multi-location food cart, offering the best of their once-celebrated menu. And we’re so glad they did! These guys take the classic comfort food mac and cheese to the next level.
Smaaken Waffle Sandwiches – for dessert, indulge in authentic Dutch waffle sweetness. They also offer gluten-free and vegan options.
Cartopia
Located just two blocks from Hawthorne Asylum, Cartopia is a bit smaller but no less fabulous. You’ll be greeted by a vibrant mix of mouth-watering cuisines and a lively, eclectic atmosphere. Cartopia is a beloved spot, offering a fantastic array of food options, each cart bringing its own distinct flavor and flair.
The ambiance of Cartopia is just as inviting as its culinary offerings, with twinkling string lights, colorful murals, and communal picnic tables perfect for gathering with friends and family. It’s a welcoming space where you can savor not only the diverse food options but also the vibrant energy that makes Portland’s food cart culture truly special. The highlights:
Pyros Pizza is a town favorite – there is an honest-to-gosh stone pizza oven here, where your pizza is made fresh.
Chicken and Guns – fabulous chicken wings smoked in-house with their special spiced rub. Pair your bird with their salted potatoes and Peruvian sauce. Its addiction personified.
Potato Champion – you’ll be impressed with their crispy Belgian-style fries and innovative poutine variations.
‘Lil America
One of the city’s newer food cart pods, ‘Lil America is renowned for its charming ambiance and diverse culinary offerings. Nestled in the bustling streets of Southeast Portland, Lil America has a unique history rooted in the BIPOC and queer community. The pod was established by several passionate local entrepreneurs who aimed to provide a platform for emerging chefs and food artisans to showcase their talents.
At ‘Lil America, you’ll find a delightful blend of both familiar and exotic cuisines that promise to tantalize your taste buds. What sets Lil America apart is not just the array of delectable food options but also the vibrant community spirit that permeates the atmosphere. The food carts are run by passionate chefs who love to share the stories behind their recipes, making each visit a personal and enriching experience. The highlights
Bake on the Run – nourish your shoul with authentic Guyanese cuisine featured on Top Chef!
Frybaby – Korean fried chicken. Served with handy plastic gloves and wipes, because you will get messy devouring your wings!
The Drip ‘n Crab – fresh seafood that makes the taste buds soar.
Prost Marketplace
On the north end of vibrant Mississippi Avenue lies a smaller food cart pod that packs a big punch in the neighborhood. Located next to Prost bar, you’ll often see this area packed with people any day during lunch and dinner, and all day on the weekends.
This Mississippi neighborhood is one of the most vibrant in the city, making this food cart pod and natural gathering place for people who want to take a break from the fabulous shops and nightlife this part of Portland has to offer. The highlights…
Matt’s BBQ – THE BEST barbeque in Portland. Hands down.
Fried Egg I’m in Love – one of the more popular carts in the city, with multiple locations serving out-of-this-world breakfast sandwiches. They just opened a brick and mortar location, as well.
DesiPDX – you MUST try this amazing India spot and get their bowl with basmati rice, pulled pork, and chickpeas. Absolute heaven.
Don’t leave Portland until you’ve tried them all!
Map of Portland’s Best Food Cart Pods
Portland Food Cart FAQ’s
Operating Hours:
Each food cart sets its own hours. Within a pod, you might find all the food carts open or just a few. If you have a specific one in mind, be sure to check its hours ahead of time.
Take-Out and Dine-In:
Most places offer both options. They typically ask your preference when you order. For dine-in, food is often served on real plates or trays at larger food pods, adding a touch of elegance to the casual experience!
Payment Methods:
Will I need cash or a card? Most food carts accept both. While some Portland food carts may only take credit cards, that’s usually the case. A few exceptions are cash-only due to machine malfunctions on that particular day.
Restrooms:
Generally, there are restrooms available, although smaller pods and standalone food carts might not have them. Almost all require a code for access; just ask any vendor for it.
Free Water:
Is there free water? At first, I missed the free water available at restaurants when visiting food carts. However, many food carts will give you water if you ask, and sometimes there’s a water cooler in front of their stand. Places with restaurants or bars on-site always offer water.
