Food Carts Portland

Location: SW 9th and Alder Hours: M-F 11am-2pm The Story: In Portland’s ever changing cart scene, we have yet a new member – Chili Inside/Chili Outside, a cart specializing in Texas brand homemade chili. Chili is like BBQ, there are as many ways to prep it as there are colors of a Benetton ad. I [...]

Location: SW 9th and Alder The Story: According to my numbers, Portland has about 20 different Mexican taquerias downtown serving up some of the best tacos and burritos one can find in carts. Loco Locos is one of those carts that has been around for years and has created a loyal customer base while serving [...]

Location: SW 9th and Alder The Story: You may know Valhalla Sandwiches from when they were in SE Portland down behind Dollar Scholar in 2009. In the past six months, they have done some moving about and even acquired a new cart. Now located at SW 9th and Alder, Valhalla Sandwich Co. is a great [...]

Location: SW 9th and Alder The Story: There has been a bit of shuffling around at the cart pod on SW 9th and Alder. Last fall, DNA Thai closed, but the cart was quickly repainted and reopened as a Thai Wings cart. I didn’t get a chance to visit before they moved and renamed, yet [...]

Location: SW 9th and Alder Description: Spella Cafe is considered one of the best espresso carts in the city. Spella has been noted in numerous publications for the quality of their roast and artisanship of the preparation. I have been to Spella many times over the past few years – mostly to enjoy a quick [...]

Location: SW 9th and Alder Description: Another field trip yielded yet another great cart find – The Frying Scotsman. This new fish and chips cart is located in NW Portland, away from the regular pods we normally see every day downtown. Yet, after a 10 minute bus ride and a block or two walk, I [...]

Location: SW 9th and Alder (on Alder) Description: Sometimes, even during spring and summer, I want a nice warm soup. It has something to do with that feeling of your whole body warming up from the inside out. Add spice to the soup and I’m in heaven. In downtown, I have made an attempt to [...]

Location: SW Alder between 9th and 1oth Description: Coney Island Hot Dogs! Hot dogs are such a varied regional food. And trust me, people get a bit passionate and territorial about how a “proper” dog should be made and what kind of condiments should be served with it.  There’s Chicago style with its multiple condiments [...]

Location: SW 9th and Alder Description: Sawasdee is one of the oldest, and one of the most popular Thai carts on the scene, simply because they are so good. Fresh ingredients, big portions and a deft touch give them balanced and satisfying offerings. Where some Thai carts go a bit overboard with the soy and [...]

Location: SW Alder and 9th  (between 9th and 10th) Description: Maybe it’s the weather, but I’ve been on a beef pho soup kick lately by “researching” different dishes throughout the Portland metro area, including the wonderful Lavang Restaurant in Lake Oswego [near my former work and in a non-descript shopping center] and most recently Pho [...]