Portland’s food carts have become a symbol of our city’s unique identity and a testament to the dedication and creativity of our local restaurateurs. CNN even declared Portland as one of the cities with the ‘World’s Best Street Food.’ That is why May 11-18 has been proclaimed Food Cart Week! Explore over 100 participating carts offering specials for $15 or less. If you need help getting started, here are a few of our favorites.
- 82nd Avenue: The massive Springwater Cart Park features more than 30 food carts and is conveniently located along the Springwater Corridor for easy bike access.
- Foster: On Saturday, May 17th, Foster Food Carts will celebrate their grand reopening with a day of special activities and specials at the 15 amazing carts on site.
- Hawthorne: Since 2008, Cartopia has been a landmark of the city’s vibrant food cart scene in Portland. There is a beautiful beer garden, too! Hawthorne Asylum distinguishes itself as a destination with its bustling enclosed space, large fire pit, and plethora of dining options from more than 20 food carts. Don’t forget about the Asylum Spirits Pub, which features over 40 taps!
- Hillsdale: Ranging from Jazz to Pop to Rock to Hip Hop and more, the Summer Music Series at Hillsdale Food Park is an eclectic blend that is designed to entertain you while enjoying a delicious meal from one of their great food carts.
- Historic Parkrose: If you are in the mood for Mexican food from the Yucatan region, try El Yucateco for panuchos, tacos, burritos, tortas, plus burgers and fries.
- Lloyd: Office workers, apartment dwellers, and visitors to the Lloyd Center all flock to E-San Food Truck for authentic Thai dishes for lunch and dinner.
- Midway: La Osita is famous for their hearty brunch menu, from cheesy bacon and egg tacos to the “Bear Hug,” a warm and cozy breakfast quinoa bowl. Their PNW-Mexican fusion blends the best of north and south for an incredible start to your morning.
- Mississippi Ave: Prost Marketplace is a staple food cart pod featuring 10 different vendors and a patio worth the visit.
- Montavilla: Taste-filled eats, drinks, and bites from around the world with a unique outdoor atmosphere is what you can expect to find at The Yard. This massive pod features a wide variety of flavors and an excellent atmosphere.
- Multnomah Village: Bamboo Sushi veteran Yoshi Ikeda opened Yoshi’s Sushi in 2019 and has been serving high-caliber fish ever since. Enjoy fun, innovative rolls like the lime green roll with sesame-crusted spinach, cucumber, roasted pepper, avocado, and microgreens.
- St. Johns: The St Johns Beer Porch is the hub of the St. Johns Food Cart Pod at NE Lombard and NE Burr Aves and offers a large selection of draft beer and cider, trivia nights, and live music.
- Williams: Situated a few blocks north of the Rose Quarter, Cartside is just a short walk or bike ride from some of Portland’s most popular entertainment destinations, including the Moda Center, Lloyd Center, Memorial Coliseum, and Oregon Convention Center. They also have options for private event rental!
This list is non-exhaustive. For more great food cart recommendations, check out Travel Portland’s Food Cart Guide and show us what you are eating on Instagram and Facebook. Bon appetit!