Portland, Oregon boasts a vibrant food scene, and at its heart are the Food Carts. With over 500 food carts in 2024, Portland has more options than any other city globally. These mobile kitchens aren’t just a convenient lunch spot; they’re a cultural phenomenon, offering diverse cuisines and a unique dining experience. Portland’s food cart scene is organized into “pods,” clusters of carts often featuring seating, amenities, and a variety of culinary options.
Portland’s unique food cart pod system allows diners to explore diverse cuisines in one location. Some pods boast numerous options, while others provide entertainment like live music and lawn games. But delicious food is a common denominator. Pods are strategically located throughout the city, making it easy to find a delicious meal on the go. Whether you’re downtown, in Southeast Portland, or exploring the neighborhoods, a food cart pod is always nearby.
Downtown Portland offers a variety of food cart pods, including Pioneer Courthouse Square, a central location with lunchtime favorites like vegetarian bowls and hearty sandwiches. Portland State University’s pod, near the south end of downtown, offers Indian, Mexican, and Thai cuisine. The Cart Blocks, opened in 2021, features a collection of carts relocated from the former Alder Street pod. Third Avenue’s pod offers diverse options, while Midtown Beer Garden provides a spacious setting for enjoying Korean tacos, Asian fusion, and more. Multnomah French Quarter, in the charming Multnomah Village, offers a unique blend of village square charm and diverse culinary options, from sushi to steak and Thai to vegan comfort food.
Southeast Portland is home to popular pods like Cartopia, known for its late-night offerings like Belgian fries and Latin chicken. Springwater Cart Park, formerly Cartlandia, hosts around 30 carts with global cuisines. Lil’ America at Fracture Brewing Taphouse features BIPOC and queer chefs serving innovative dishes. Flipside offers a variety of cuisines and a rooftop seating area. Hawthorne Asylum boasts covered seating, a fire pit, and diverse options. Piknik Park features a craft beer garden and a heated seating area. The Original at John’s Marketplace combines food carts with a vast bottle shop.
Collective Oregon Eateries (CORE) provides ample seating, both indoor and outdoor, and hosts events. The Heist, in the Woodstock neighborhood, offers a full bar, covered seating, and live music alongside diverse food options. Hinterland Bar & Food Carts elevates the experience with modern seating, permanent dishware, and a full bar. Farmhouse Carts, near Southeast Division Street, offers diverse options and a dog-friendly environment. Portland Mercado showcases Latin American flavors but is currently takeout-only due to fire damage.
North Portland’s food cart scene includes Cartside, conveniently located near the Moda Center and Oregon Convention Center. Prost Marketplace, on North Mississippi Avenue, features a German pub alongside diverse food carts. St. Johns Food & Beer Porch offers a covered seating area and regular events. Rose City Food Park in Northeast Portland features live music and diverse options, while Baerlic Brewing at The Barley Pod anchors 10 food carts with a brewery. Piedmont Station offers international flavors and ample seating. Park the Carts boasts covered seating and a variety of cuisines. The Yard at Montavilla features a bar cart, covered seating, and games. Slabtown in Northwest Portland offers teriyaki and Mexican fare. Nob Hill features covered seating and a vintage trailer bar. These pods, spread across the city, offer a taste of Portland’s diverse culinary landscape and vibrant community spirit.
