Popular Food Carts
From breakfast to dessert, Portland’s eclectic food carts have diners’ cravings covered, all over town.
John Patrick Pullen
Too much of a good thing? That’s one reaction to Portland’s staggering number of food carts (more than 600 at last count, with an estimated 400 operating at any given time). But rather than being overwhelmed by the options, why not embrace the delicious dilemma? Go whole hog (hmm, sounds like a good name for a food cart) and choose a day’s worth of meals from these popular Portland food carts.
Grilled Cheese Grill whips up sandwiches including its Tillamook-cheddar-stuffed, crust-cut-off “Pre-schooler” and “BABS,” a crumbled blue-cheese-marble-rye wonder stacked with bacon and sliced Braeburn apples.
Breakfast
The prize for most coveted morning meal from a Portland food cart goes to Matt’s BBQ Tacos on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard. (That’s a made-up prize, but they were really named 2019 Cart of the Year by the local paper.) Breakfast taco options include brisket, pork belly, jalapeno cheddar sausage and portobello mushroom, all served with eggs, potato and cheese, and all worth the almost-guaranteed wait.
In Northeast Portland’s Barley Pod, Smaaken Waffles reinvents the breakfast classic, turning it into a vessel for delightfully diverse fillings. Sandwiches on their thin Dutch waffles include combinations like sausage, egg and cheddar; ham, Swiss, house-made strawberry jam and powdered sugar; and the Smaaken: apple, brie and bacon. (The cart also offers gluten-free waffles and vegan and vegetarian sandwiches.)
Lunch
At its school-bus eatery on Northeast Alberta Street, Grilled Cheese Grill whips up sandwiches including its Tillamook-cheddar-stuffed, crust-cut-off “Pre-schooler” and “BABS,” a crumbled blue-cheese-marble-rye wonder stacked with bacon and sliced Braeburn apples.
If you’re more in the mood for a slice, Pyro Pizza has managed to cram a brick oven into its cart in the Cartopia pod, where they wood-fire margherita and puttanesca pies that are sized perfectly for sharing or hoarding.
On Southeast Division Street, Kim Jong Grillin stands alone, no pod required (the cart even has its own covered seating area). Chef Han Ly Hwang turns out stellar Korean barbecue; go for a bibim box lunch featuring delectably marinated meat, cart-made kimchi and a freshly fried egg.
Dinner
To satisfy a range of cravings, head to the Portland Mercado in Southeast Portland’s Foster-Powell neighborhood. Outside of the market is a row of rainbow-colored food carts, each serving up its own traditional recipes infused with Portland flair. Dig into stuffed arepas and fried yucca at Colombian cart Que Bacano, or sample specialties from its neighbors, who are serving up dishes from Mexico, Cuba, Argentina and El Salvador.
Dinner options include an earthy vegan mole, belly-warming pozole, thick and cheesy Salvadorian pupusas or pizza-like Oaxacan tlayudas (14-inch crispy tortillas topped with queso fresco, fresh veggies and pork rinds). In other words, Portland Mercado’s offerings stretch way beyond standard Tex-Mex fare.
Snacks & Treats
While many of Portland’s food cart offerings could be classified as treats (you’re on vacation, indulge!), a few spots are exclusively dedicated to the sweet stuff.
In ice-cream-crazy Portland, some of the best cones come from a cart, namely Atlas Scoops in Sellwood. The cart serves gelato and sorbet and offers picnic table seating.
Head to Hana’s PDX in Northeast Portland for authentic New Orleans snowballs — the Big Easy’s take on shave ice. This family-owned and -operated cart offers more than 50 delicious, housemade flavors. Feeling adventurous? We dare you to order a Kool-Aid pickle.
Mobile Snack Shacks
Mexican-American couple Daniel Huerta and Isabel Sanchez were born in the U.S. but trips to their ancestral home gave them a love for churros so strong they decided to open Churros Locos . This food truck travels around town to deliver the fried goodness. Don’t miss the churro ice cream sandwich.
For a lighter sweetness keep a lookout for Organic Island Shave Ice (OISI) and Mama Heber’s homemade fruit syrups. The frosty treat topped with “special sauce” and other goodies can be traced back to the island of Oahu in the early ’70s but you can find Ilika and his bamboo-covered cart around the Alberta Arts District.
Eat al Fresco
Food Cart Pods
Portland’s selection of more than 600 food carts, most grouped in “pods,” has drawn raves from the likes of Bon Appétit and CNN.
Portland Mercado
With a neighborhood grocery, meat market, coffee shop, food cart pod and more, the Mercado is one of the city’s most delicious destinations.
Portland’s Best Patio Bars
Enjoy your favorite summer beverage at one of Portland's rooftop bars or outdoor patios.
Food & Drink Events
BrewLights
Enjoy the twinkling magical wonderland of ZooLights – without any kids! Join up for the third annual BrewLights, a ZooLights brew festival experience just for the 21-and-over crowd with dozens of local beer, cider and seltzer vendors to sample from. Enjoy local food carts, dance to live music, meet wildlife close-up and get your photo…
Wine Country Thanksgiving
During Oregon’s premier tasting and cellar-stocking event, more than 150 wineries open their doors to the public, offering samples of favori
Holiday Ale Festival
The Holiday Ale Festival, set beneath the region’s largest decorated holiday tree, returns every year with more than 50 big, bold beers designed to keep revelers warm on cold winter nights.
Portland Night Market
The Portland Night Market showcases many unique businesses that call Portland home. Blending food, culture, music, drinks and retail together for an adventurous evening in the Central Eastside. Come meet some of Portland’s best makers and creators! The Portland Night Market is a bimonthly, free event and open to all ages.
Tender Table
Tender Table, a monthly event series started in Portland in 2017, gathers people together around food, stories, and community. The series features stories by women, trans, and nonbinary folks who are black, indigenous, or people of color. Tender Table creates spaces that increase the visibility of our community and provides a platform for these individuals’…
NW Coffee Beer Invitational
The Northwest’s two favorite brews are in the spotlight again for the seventh NW Coffee Beer Invitational. Twenty talented brewers and beverage makers were asked to create freshly made beer with locally roasted coffee. With the emphasis on flavors and an ABV requirement of 7% or less, this event promises inspired combinations. Entries will be…
Willamette Valley Wine Tasting Tour
Offered by Wildwood Adventures. World-famous Pinot Noirs, crisp Chardonnays and sweet Rieslings are just a taste of the dozens of wines that Oregon has to offer. On this adventure through the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley, you’ll visit three carefully selected vineyards. Guests will partake in tasting flights and experience a behind-the-scenes view of…
Pearl District Specialty Coffee Tour
Discover some of Portland’s most celebrated micro-roasters and specialty cafes in the upscale Pearl District and Northwest Portland’s Alphabet District. Cobblestone streets and converted warehouses hint at the neighborhood’s industrial past, but innovative roasters and award-winning baristas define the culinary future of this iconic district. On this three-hour walking tour, you’ll visit 4-5 cafes as…
These Beers Are Made For Walkin' Tours
This tour is a great way to experience Portland’s beer scene on foot, and great for small groups or families traveling with kids. Check out the history and culture of popular areas in Portland by foot. You choose the neighborhood, and we’ll show you around to three breweries. Walking tours provide a great overview of…
Brewvana's Pacific Northwest is Best Tour
It’s hard to beat the Pacific Northwest when it comes to beer. This tour will introduce you to the ingredients, history and culture that makes the craft beer scene in the Pacific Northwest admired worldwide. Brewvana will start with the education first and introduce you to the ingredients in beer and how they’ve contributed to…
Westward Whiskey Experience
Tour the largest whiskey distillery in Oregon, look at the complete production process from grain to glass including beer wash direct from the frermentation tanks and new make whiskey right off the still. Includes a Westward Whiskey flight. All guests must wear closed-toed shoes.
Downtown Portland Food & Drink Tour
Join Portland’s oldest food tour company Forktown on a stroll through Portland’s vibrant downtown. Tours make five delicious stops to eat and drink, with foods and beverages ranging from fresh pasta with housemade ragu, smoked seafood, local wines, microbrews, a farm-to-table Mexican restaurant, a gorgeous chocolate shop and more. These Portland foodie tours explore some…
Luxury, All-Inclusive Willamette Valley Wine Tour
The driver covers all tasting fees with charcuterie plates ($150 value for full day, $90 value for half day). Experience the best of Willamette Valley wine country on an all-inclusive, guided wine-tasting tour from Portland. Be chauffeured in a luxury SUV with a small group of fellow wine lovers and spend a half day or…
BeerQuest Haunted Pub Tour
Uncover Portland’s dark side on this spine-tingling walking tour and hear firsthand accounts of paranormal encounters – all while sampling six local beers. The Old Town District in downtown Portland, Oregon is lined with beautiful historic buildings and cobblestone streets. Lively with restaurants and nightlife today, 100 years ago Old Town was home to many…
Olio Nuovo Festival
Oregon’s annual olive oil celebration is back for its 10th year. Olio Nuovo (‘new oil’) is Durant Olive Mill’s complimentary festival honoring the completion this season’s olive harvest and milling of extra virgin olive oil. Olio Nuovo is paired with complimentary appetizers like traditional Italian bruschetta, fresh-baked baguettes and classic mozzarella paired with Durant’s line…
Pioneering Eastside Coffee Roasters Tour
On the east side of the Willamette River, nestled among converted warehouses and quirky neighborhoods, you’ll find the pioneering micro-roasters that sparked the third wave coffee revolution. This three-hour walking tour introduces you to award-winning baristas crafting some of the world’s finest coffee drinks. Taste top-notch espresso, cold brew variations and as an added bonus,…
Brewvana's Down To Ferment Tour
Zymurgy is the study of fermentation, and Portland is all about some fermented beverages. Taste some cider, beer and spirits on this tour of some of Portland’s tastiest craft beverages. Learn about the ingredients, process and culture of each of these. Cider is a gluten-free alternative that has been gaining popularity in this region, and…
Beaujolais Nouveau
he 18th Annual Beaujolais Nouveau festival will be held on Friday, November 22, 2019, at 6pm at the Heathman Hotel in downtown Portland. Culinary partner Headwaters at the Heathman, under the leadership of Executive Chef Michael Campbell and James Beard award-winning chef Vitaly Paley, will provide the gourmet buffet throughout the Heathman Hotel’s mezzanine and…
Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University
The Portland Farmers Market at Portland State University will be open every Saturday, year round. April through October hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. November through March hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Brewvana's Coffee, Beer & Donuts Tour
Although Seattle comes in first when it comes to coffee culture, Portland has learned a lot from its neighbors and comes in close second. Brewvana has an obsession with donuts and although they might drive you by Voodoo Donuts to see the line, they’ll head to the locals’ favorite for your donut fix. After getting…
Portland Saturday Market
Portland Saturday Market, the largest arts-and-crafts fair in the United States, opens every Saturday and Sunday from March–December. The market combines the vibes of an arts show, a live street concert and an open-air bazaar, this riverside market has been a beloved Rose City tradition since 1974. In fact, the market is considered the largest…
Maker Workshops: Fermentation And Your Microbiome
Fermentation is one of the oldest and simplest means of preserving foods. It is also the best way to manage your gut microbiome, the ~100 trillion bacteria that live in your gut and change your health in a myriad of ways. In this class, you will create a personalized batch of sauerkraut to take home,…
Global Tea Tour – India
Join us for an exploration of Indian teas! In this class, you’ll travel through the world’s second largest tea producing country, cupping tea from the legendary Darjeeling First Flush in the towering Himalayas, Assam on the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra river, the high-elevation Nilgiris in tropical South India, and the upcoming Kumaon region in…
BeerQuest Historic Brewery Tour
Join up for a beer fueled walking tour and see what it takes to make award-winning beer in the Northwest. During the tour, BeerQuest provides behind-the-scene access at an award-winning brewery to see how beer is made and sample the ingredients used in the brewing process. You’ll sample a total of 11 beers from three…
Weekend Tea
Each Saturday and Sunday, Pix offers a formal (but fun!) tea service with seatings at 2 and 3 p.m. The $38 menu includes a pot of tea from Townshend’s Tea House and a selection of 14 sweet and savory bite sized treats – think French macarons and mini éclairs, quail eggs in prosciutto and salmon…
Brewvana's Beers & Barrels Tour
The combination of beer and whiskey is a match made in heaven. Beer and whiskey are surprisingly similar in ingredients and process. In fact, you have to make beer to make whiskey! You’ll start at a brewery first to learn about the ingredients and brewing process for beer and taste a variety of styles. Next,…
A Streetcar Named Delicious Coffee Tour
A rich variety of renowned cafes and pioneering micro-roasters can be found in each of Portland’s diverse neighborhoods, but there’s no better way to explore the delicious coffee scene than by jumping on the streetcar. On this three-hour walking tour, you’ll sip your way through Portland’s coffee scene in downtown, the Pearl District and the…
King Farmers Market
King Farmers Market offers the neighborhood 35 farmers and food artisans in a safe, family friendly place to spend a Sunday. Shoppers find breakfast and lunch with seating in front of live music. Often shoppers enjoy, food demonstrations and educational or artsy activities for kids. And this is the place to take a fun-filled cooking…
MJCC Mah Jongg Tournament
Be part of this historic MJCC event: its first-ever Mah Jongg Tournament! Enjoy the thrill of competition and the camaraderie of playing Mah Jongg together. There will be fun, food, friendship and lots of prizes. Experienced and newer players are welcome. There will be no instruction. Bring your 2019 NMJL card, but leave your coin…
Global Tea Tour – Japan
In this class, participants will sample five different Japanese teas and brewing methods for each tea. History of tea in Japan, a brief explanation of cultivation and Japanese tea growing regions will also be covered. Your host will also cover Chado, the Japanese Tea Ceremony, and briefly explain the differences and similarities between different tea…
Mississippi Avenue Food & Drink Tour
Join Portland’s oldest food tour company, Forktown, to check out Mississippi Avenue. This historic Portland neighborhood is artsy, eclectic and has loads of personality along with fantastic food and drink. This tour will make five different stops with tastes ranging from a Korean-Mexican fusion tacos from a beloved food cart, Thai noodles sampled with a…
Monday Night Trivia
Every Monday, Portland Cider Co. hosts a Sporcle Live trivia night. Each week will feature all new questions from a variety of mind-boggling categories. It’s free to play, and winning teams will receive gift cards. There is a game at 7 p.m. and another game at 8 p.m., so you have two shots to win!…
Tuesday Night Trivia
Every Tuesday, Portland Cider Co. hosts a Sporcle Live trivia night. Each week will feature all new questions from a variety of mind-boggling categories. It’s free to play, and winning teams will receive gift cards. There is a game at 7 p.m. and another game at 8 p.m., so you have two shots to win!…
Downtown Coffee, Donuts & Delights
On this tastiest of tasting tours, not only will you learn volumes about third wave coffee, but you’ll also be treated to decadent delights throughout this 2.5-hour walking tour. The tour will meander through Downtown Portland, visiting 5 specialty cafes where you’ll sample delicious coffee and house-made delights – think classic donuts made to perfection,…
Thanksgiving Dinner
Join up at The Oregon Garden Resort for an all-you-can-eat buffet this Thanksgiving. The Oregon Garden will have all of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes including roasted turkey, smoked beef tenderloin, baked ham, sweet potato souffle, maple bacon brussel sprouts, a wide selection of desserts and more. Reservations are required. Please call 503.874.2500.
Cinnamon Bear Holiday Cruises
A holiday tradition for generations, the Cinnamon Bear Cruise brings magic to life. Be the guests of honor on this two-hour cruise. Enjoy holiday treats while a cast of fanciful characters entertains you with storytelling, music and magic. Have your picture taken with the Cinnamon Bear himself atop his magical throne. Make this a holiday…
La Fete du Macaron
Pix Pâtisserie celebrates the French macaron once again at its annual La Fête du Macaron. Thirty colorful flavors will fill the pastry case while tantalizing the eyes and the tastebuds. Go one step further and get a macaronut, a deep-fried macaron. Have a winning flavor idea? Enter the flavor contest for a chance to win…
Whiskey 101
Join up for a look at the world of whiskey. Guests will sample a multitude of different whiskies and learn about how the aging process, barrel selection and other factors alter the final flavor. Next, take an in-depth look at the whiskey-making process, including touring the beer house and distillery, tasting beer wash, white dog…
Master Class – Teen Toques: Bûche de Noël
Here, you’ll learn to make a traditional rolled yule log cake, but with a more sophisticated flavor and texture and none of those cheesy meringue mushrooms. Recipes and techniques covered in this class include: Chocolate BiscuitItalian ButtercreamPastry Cream (in the microwave)This dessert is gluten free.
Yoga + Beer at Sasquatch NW
Join up for detox and retox at Sasquatch Brewing in Northwest Portland. This Yoga + Beer event will begin with a 75-minute all-levels flow yoga class taught by Beer Yogi and yoga instructor Mikki Trowbridge. Class will be held in the taproom, before Sasquatch opens to the public. After class, yogis are invited to stay…
Decemberville
A local dining, shopping and playing event – with sing-alongs, crafts, art, performances, great food and lots of holiday cheer. Shopping local for the holidays has never been more fun.
Eat Oregon Now Holiday Marketplace
The best gifts are delicious. Eat Oregon Now is a festive holiday marketplace that showcases unique Oregon-made food and beverages ideal for holiday gifts and entertaining. Shop a curated collection in a winter woodlands setting. Discover your next favorite food. Support Portland and Oregon entrepreneurs. Give good food!
Yoga + Beer at Gigantic Brewing
Gigantic Brewing in Portland hosts Yoga + Beer on the second Monday of each month. Their barrel room provides the perfect mellow Monday vibes for a refresh at the end of your day. This Yoga + Beer event will begin with a 75-minute, all-levels flow yoga class, taught by Beer Yogi and yoga instructor Mikki…
Winemaker Dinner Series at Arden
Arden invites you to break bread with the most iconic winemakers in Oregon. Throughout the year, leading pioneers will join Arden to share how their different backgrounds and experiences led them to turn the Willamette Valley into the vibrant region it is today. Their stories are all different, but their commitment to innovation and integrity…
Gingerbread Dream Home
Join up for a joyful evening of architectural history and gingerbread house-making fun while experiencing the magic of a Pittock Mansion Christmas. After learning about some of Portland’s historic homes and getting inspiration, you will get a chance to build a gingerbread dream home. Will your home win a “best of” prize? Get your tickets…
Portland Bazaar
Portland’s annual holiday market, showcasing 70+ top local makers and designers for a fun kind of holiday shopping. Fun for the whole family, free to attend and lots of bites and festive warm, boozy and no- boozy drinks.
Holiday Tea
Join your friends, relatives and Pix for a formal (but fun!) holiday tea. From December 14 through the New Year, Pix is offering daily tea services at 2 and 3:30 p.m. The menu includes a pot of tea from Townshend’s Tea House and a selection of 14 sweet and savory bite-sized treats … think French…
Master Class – Traditional Bûche de Noël
In this hands-on cooking class, you’ll make your traditional rolled yule log cake but with a more sophisticated flavor and texture and none of those cheesy meringue mushrooms. (This just happens to be gluten free!) Recipes and techniques include: Chocolate BiscuitItalian ButtercreamPastry Cream (in the microwave)
Master Class – Traditional Bûche de Noël
Here, you’ll learn to make a traditional rolled yule log cake, but with a more sophisticated flavor and texture and none of those cheesy meringue mushrooms. Recipes and techniques covered in this class include: Chocolate BiscuitItalian ButtercreamPastry Cream (in the microwave)This dessert is gluten free.
Uptown Village Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
Join several participating Uptown Village businesses for the third annual Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl. Find out which businesses are participating and where to get your map on the event website. Get your Ugly Sweater ready and join in on the fun.