Portland: Food Cart Pods Walking Tour & Brewery Tasting

Summary

Portland’s Eastside flavors street art food carts and patios

You’ll wander Portland’s Eastside with a local guide, tasting everything from Slavic dumplings to soft Bavarian pretzels straight from food carts. Sip local beer at a brewery patio as street art colors your walk. Expect surprises—both in flavor and in the people you’ll meet along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the first stop because I got distracted by a mural—giant blue octopus arms curling around a brick wall. Our guide, Sam, waved me over with a grin and a paper plate loaded with something that smelled like fried garlic and chili. “You gotta try this,” he said. I had no idea what it was (Slavic? Burmese? I’m still not sure), but it was warm and spicy and kind of perfect for the damp Portland air that afternoon.

The thing about this Portland food cart tour is you don’t really know what’s coming next. One minute you’re biting into a Bavarian pretzel stick so soft it almost folds in your hand, the next you’re standing under a patio awning listening to rain hit metal roofs while someone explains why they call them “pods” here instead of trucks. We wandered between carts—some painted wild colors, some just plain metal—passing groups of locals who seemed to know exactly which window to queue at. There was this one guy at the Mexican cart who handed me my taco with a nod like we were in on some secret together.

I liked that we weren’t rushing. Sam told stories about the old hospital grounds (apparently we were eating where patients once walked), pointed out weird little art installations I’d have missed on my own, and made sure nobody got left behind when the crosswalk light changed too fast. The beer at the last stop tasted cold and grassy, brewed right there with Oregon hops—maybe it was just the rain or maybe it was finally sitting down after all that wandering, but I still think about that view from the patio sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Portland food carts and brewery tour

• Join Lost Plate Food Tours in Central Eastside
• Visit large food cart pod for 4 dishes
• Explore Industrial Eastside murals and art
• Sample beer and pretzel at local brewery patio

Top questions

How many food carts do you visit on this Portland tour?

You’ll try dishes from 5-7 different food carts plus visit a food hall and finish at a local brewery.

Is all food included in the price?

Yes, all food and drinks are included during the tour.

Does this Portland food cart tour run in bad weather?

The tour operates in all weather conditions; bring appropriate clothing or rain gear.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

The total walking distance is about 1 mile through Portland’s Central Eastside neighborhood.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?

Vegetarians and pescatarians are welcome; however, not all stops can be made gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.

Can infants or children join this Portland food tour?

Yes, infants can ride in strollers or sit on an adult’s lap; children are welcome.

Is transportation provided for this day trip?

No transportation is provided; this is a walking tour starting in Central Eastside Portland.

What makes Portland's food cart pods unique?

Unlike other cities’ trucks, Portland’s pods are clusters of stationary carts offering diverse global foods in one spot.

What’s included

Your day includes hearty servings from 5-7 different Portland food carts (with plenty for a full meal), drinks along the way—including at least one local beer at a brewery patio—and guidance from a friendly local who shares stories as you walk through colorful Eastside neighborhoods. All tastings and beverages are covered so you can just show up hungry and curious.