I have been looking for a food cart place like this and now I have found it. There is a welcoming atmosphere throughout the venue. Plenty of places to sit for solo diners to large-ish groups. Much of the seating is covered, and heated when the weather calls for it, and everything is kept clean. But people likely come here for the food, and this place doesn't dissapoint. There is a huge variety, from waffles, to Thai, to Sushi, Fish & chips, Mexican and so much more. There is even a bar in the back. I have to give a shout out to Smaaken Waffle Sandwiches. My partner had the chicken and waffle sandwich, and they were pretty happy about it. I had the Kid size PB & Bananas with honey, and OMG it was nummy. I took home half because it was a large serving. The waffles were perfect: crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. If you enjoy food cart dining, (or just haven't found a place you like), I encourage you to try this elevated cart dining experience. *I would caution people with mobility issues to not use the entrance at the corner, and use one of the other entrances instead. read more

Very cool concept around here in Portland. Basically an area for all food vendors. Shared public tables (covered). Clean the mess after yourself. It features diverse, global cuisine such as Lebanese, Mexican, Korean, Thai and more. I couldn't decide what to have. I circled it 3 times. So many options. It's vibrant and friendly vibes. Many vendors have phone texts option to alert you the food is ready. I enjoyed a lot. I could see myself go back to try more things. read more

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This has been one of my favorite areas to go visit food carts for many years, and I refer this place to people when they come to Portland. I was just there having lunch and overheard the people that run the pod talking about putting in TV screens. Which is why I wanted to write a quick review. Please don't put TV screens in the vibe of this place the feel of this place and what it is would definitely decline with the televisions. It is such a cool place. We don't need to add the noise of TVs. By bands are cool maybe some kind of talent, but not TVs. read more

Hawthorne Asylum is another "pod", like the 2nd largest, but on the other side of the Columbia River. I asked one of the cart owner and was told -- the Hawthorne Asylum Food Cart was named such b/c this site a long, long time ago was a psychiatric clinic. That's where the "asylum" is part of the name and they keep the along on that theme so the aesthetic with lots of metal rods -- including an iron cage and bins. Now, this place is happening place with over 20+ food stall and a front nose of a plane repurposed as a beer stand for a vendor and in the back another brewery barn-like bar. It's a cool community vibe with tons of benches where I see more locals (than visitors) enjoying the warm weather with their cold beers. It's a thing here drinking freely at lunch! Hahaha Because food trucks is common in Portland as in many cuisines--Vietnamese, Greek, Mexican, Thai, etc. so we did just that and tried three different food carts -- Polish dogs, Fish & Chip (gotta have seafood in Northwest) and Thai. 1- Rating of 5/5: The Polish dogs were so good with charred vegetables - onions, jalapeño was bursting with flavor. I like the extra tangy mustard! MUSTARD 2- Rating of 4/5: The Thai Tofu spring rolls ere just perfect with the warm house made peanut sauce. 3- Lastly Tall Order (an unusual 3/5)....just wasn't good. A simple fried cod woth cold slaw on a slider bun that fell apart after one bit. This pod has free water on tap -- self serve station with cup. And for good measure, Portlander sure knows how to word play....see sign around the corner of foodcourt area. Love it. read more

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We loved this place the first time we visited a couple years ago, so it was out first stop upon our return. The park was bustling with patrons. There is a variety of food options from Korean, Thai, Mexican, sushi rolls, bubble tea, fish and chips, whatever your craving, you will find something to satiate you! There's lots of open seating, but very limited seating around the huge fireplace... And some people are relentless about squeezing in where there's no space. Be mindful of those around you. Anyway, we got some delicious food and had our meal by the cozy fire enjoying the company. We popped into the bar to watch some baseball and a drink. We will definitely come back every time we're here. read more

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One of the coolest food halls I have seen! This outdoor space has about 20 different food places to choose from and lots of fun seating to enjoy your meal with friends and family. Super fun spot to check out in the Hawthorne neighborhood in East Portland. read more

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Finally got the check out Hawthorne asylum pod. Such a wide range of food trucks with anything you could ever crave all in one spot. I wish we were hungrier so we could try more things, but did order some fish and chips from a seafood truck and green Thai tea and dumplings from a Thai spot. All delicious, I'm a sucker for Thai tea and dumplings. So many food spots and they also had a central bar open - so cool! Definitely would love to come back next time in Portland and try more trucks! read more

Hawthorne Asylum - Fish and chips - Street Vendors Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Cool spot. There is a lot of difference food options here. There is undercover seating, great for a big group. They also have a spacious inside bar with private bathrooms. read more

Hawthorne Asylum is the perfect place to go to when you can't decide what to eat. The food selection is huge, from Mexican food to Mediterranean -- there's something for everyone here. It's an outdoor food cart spot, wear your best walking shoes and be prepared for any kind of weather. The prices aren't bad. They range from $10-$25 per person depending where you end up eating. I got a sushi burrito which wasn't the best I've ever had. My husband got tacos which were tasty. The workers here are very friendly. I had a great experience. Plenty of picnic tables to sit and enjoy your food. The tin can trash cans and partial airplane on display is a nice touch and definitely adds to the Portland experience. read more

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I still like this food cart pod. It's newer, having opened in 2019. It's named for the hospital for the severely mentally ill that existed at this site in the 1800s. The decor pays homage to that with wrought iron gates, murals, etc. It makes for a mildly spooky vibe, and there is nothing Portlanders love more. As a food cart pod, it's pretty big. I think ~20 carts. The roster has rotated over the years - right now the most notable carts in my opinion are the Montage a la Cart and Pelmeni Pelmeni. They've got lots of seating options: fire pit, covered seating with heaters, and now an indoor bar. The bar took a long time to open from when it was announced as "coming soon" to when it actually opened, but now that it's here it's great. they've got 42 taps and cocktails also. read more

Hawthorne Asylum - Outdoor covered seating - Street Vendors Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Hawthorne Asylum has always been my favorite pod in Portland. Seating available in the rain or under cover, and heated when it's cold. For a couple months, you might even get a sun option. The pod is even better with the new bar! The space is such a vibe. A full bar with cocktail specials, all served by excellent staff. And if you order a Paloma or two at lunch? No one gives you any side eye. read more

Hawthorne Asylum - Paloma - Street Vendors Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Nothing better than a food truck park - especially one with so many options! Everything here is laid out well and super clean. Plus there's some really cool murals and other artwork throughout so it's a feast for the stomach and the eyes! The only problem is figuring out what to choose! read more

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Such a lovely place with many many food trucks. They call them food truck pods in Portland. I had a lobster sandwich. I loved sitting by the fire pits. This is a really lovely spot with a variety of choices from numerous food trucks. Super cool layout with picnic tables, fire pits too. I took a lovely walk around the area and included pics from that., read more

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If this was what food cart pods were like, I would go all the time! I parked right by the entrance yet there were quite a few people inside. There are multiple entrances and a lot of street parking options. Just being able to walk around was freaking amazing... Seriously, I have been to so many food cart pods with GRAVEL which is horrific for me since I have mobility issues so clear well laid walks that are wide for a lot of people (and wheelchairs/mobility devices) is so welcoming. It also means folks like myself can get food at any of the carts and get it over to the sitting area which is also nice and ample. It is also easy to get into and get a seat. They have lots of heating. There is even a really neat bar! I grabbed the most delicious taquitos at a taco spot which did not have a name. Seriously, I will dream about those - they were that delicious! I was in shock because I was not expecting that...down to the freaking arugula which was super fresh and dressed well. I want to go back and try other things but also have to get more taquitos... read more

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Great selection of food trucks! Ranges from Mexican, Burmese, Thai, Indian, Middle eastern, Korean, fish tacos, Poke bowls and with waffles, boba and a bar. The food spots we ate at had little buzzers they gave us to notify when the food was ready so you could move around freely. Tons of outdoor seating or a decent chunk of picnic tables were in a covered tent section. read more

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Bathroom. Booze. Lots of food options. Covered and uncovered seating areas. Cool use of historic space. Generally well maintained. Covers all the bases of a food cart pod I'm looking for. read more

With so many food pods in Portland by fast Hawthorne Asylum was my favorite. They have a various selection of carts. It's clean and has a bar Asylum Spirits. Staff was very friendly but beer samples are 2 dollars. The barter de recommend a local sour and she knew her stuff. read more

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ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Was recommended to me by a local next to me on the plane - life saver of our trip! Over 14+ options to choose from. Everything from sandwiches to Thai food to choice! THE best prices. You need to go! read more

It's for a great selection of carts, but often you'll see a section of them closed for one reason or another. The seating area is wide and vast! Plus there's a seating area that is covered, perfect fit those rainy days. Garage service during peak food times could be better, as the trash can get overfilled. Otherwise this is a great pod that stays busy. Dog friendly! read more

During my very short time in Portland, I thought I was not going to be able to eat at a food pod, but Carrie from Around Portland Tours told my group about the Hawthorne Asylum Food Pod on the way back from the tour and because I had an hour before my train left, I decided to order food. It was pretty cool, the rusted gates and plane inside was neat. I wish I had more time to explore this food pod since it really is on the site of an actuap Asylum. I wanted to try Pelmeni Pelmeni, a Ukranian Russian food truck, but I opted for Burmese food since I've never had it before and ordered from Burmese Delight. Ordered- Burmese Ice Tea- It's not like a thai tea, but rather a lighter version of Vietnamese Iced Coffee Pork green tea leaf curry- I waited to get on my train to eat and by the time i ate my food, most of my curry spilled out because I was going going going- It was a little bitter for my liking. I requested coconut rice, that was my favorite part and it also came with pickled carrots and daikon so I would say that Burmese food is like a Vietnamese Cambodian fusion. However, I really enjoyed my short visit. Don't worry Fresnans, if you can't make it to Portland for the food pods, we also have a lot of food truck events in Fresno from Riverpark, Gazebo Gardens & Fresno Street Eats. read more

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Great selection of food trucks. The taphouse has a great selection of beer. Plenty of seating. The fire pit in the middle is cozy. Dog friendly. read more

Delicious dumplings at Pelmeni Pelmeni. I enjoyed the chicken, but I bet they're all delicious. Don't sleep on the spicy and mustard sauces at the window. They really elevate the dish and pack a punch! read more

Hawthorne Asylum - Pelmeni Pelmeni - Street Vendors Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Very interesting, good location, variety of cuisines, outdoor seating with pit, covering for rain & cold protection & party lighting bar. read more

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I love visiting the Hawthorne Asylum! The food cart pod itself is clean. The bar staff was kind and quick. There are so many carts to choose from that there is food for everyone all in one place. Plenty of seating, little bit of art, large fire places. This is my current go to food cart pod. read more

10/10 cute place! Some friends and I were looking to try some new food places. First time in here and loved it. Lots of options to choose from. Big fire pit for lots of people to sit around. Lots of seating. They also had a couple of tables with heat lamps from above which was nice. The inside bar is cute. We will definitely be back to try some of the other food trucks. read more

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Located east of the Williamette River, near a bunch of coffee shops and industrial park. This a FOOD POD! One of the better ones. There is now an indoor bar that serves beer, wine, cocktails. The bathrooms have heaters (in November black friday time was so nice). My favorite cart is the Burmese Delight. But there are tons here. There is korean - mukja, there was fusion sushi, Thai Tantawan, Dr. Philly Cheese Steak, fish n chips, mexican, gyros, slavic (i saw borsch), too many to name. There are 21 carts here! Nuff said. Just come. read more

I really enjoyed this place! Visited my cousins in Portland October 2023 and I saw some mixed reviews for this food truck pod aka: an area with multiple food trucks. The vibe was super fun and chill! It was bustling on a Saturday fall around lunch time. My boyfriend and I ordered from the Burmese food truck and had their noodles (fry) and the coconut soup one. Both were delicious!!!! And our first time trying Burmese food. We also had the fish and chips from the seafood truck in the back. It was pretty popular and I like how you can choose the fish you want: (eg: Cod, Tilapia, etc). Overall, there is plentiful seating and you can park in the very close by lot (paid) or on the street. This was a cool place to try in Portland! read more

Hawthorne Asylum - Street Vendors Near Me - Portland, Oregon

We parked in a nearby lot on SE 11th Ave & SE Madison St ($3/hr) instead of trying to find street parking. It was pouring rain on a Wednesday at 1pm in February and the carts were still open. It wasn't busy at all. There was seating near the fire pit or more seating in the back with heat lamps! We ordered a vegan club from Smaaken Waffle Sandwiches that was very good. It took a while for the order and they didn't give me a buzzer. We also got mac & cheese from Le Bistro Montage Ala Cart. There are 2 bathrooms (no code needed). I was surprised that they were actually pretty clean. Definitely would recommend coming to show friends around. read more

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New to the whole food pod experience but this was one I heard great things about. Was impressed but I don't think it's the best one in town. Food was good tho, and I love that my wife and I can get different things so everyone is happy. read more

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Great variety of cider and beers. Love the patio atmosphere very chill vibes, family friendly plenty of food trucks a little something for everyone read more

Visited last night! I loved the ambiance and the food was outstanding. I at Oh Yum and had the chicken bowl. It was terrific. Very fun hang out. read more

Hawthorne Asylum - Chicken bowl from Oh Yum . - Street Vendors Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Soooo many options. This was my first time and I can't wait to go back! Tons of choices, and everything was delicious. read more

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Another great food truck pod in Portland! Lots of choices for all pallets - vegan, vegetarian, carbs, ethnic, healthy ... they really had something for everyone - even a beer garden. Outside seating is around the large rectangular fire pit and "indoor seating" is open but covered with heating elements overhead which was very much appreciated by this Hawaii girl who finds this spring weather to be too cold for her comfort! read more

Came over on Friday night with a friend. Ordered a pad Thai burrito at Bangkok Street Food Cart by the door. My friend ordered andouill sausage Mac n cheese at Montage. And an order of peanut butter delight waffle sandwich for dessert to share. It was family oriented. Saw families and couples and individuals picking up food. Lots of seating. They have a bar out by the side. Lots more seating available. You have choices of Lebanese, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Japanese and Fish n Chips if needed. Bobatastic and Waffle House sandwiches for desserts. Quite fun to explore there. They have a seating area around the fire in the middle. But it wasn't on when we stop by. read more

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First time visit but won't be our last. We've been eyeing this place for years as we've driven by and finally made it and WOW we love this place. Any indulgence you can imagine is likely available here. There's several covered areas so don't worry, even if it's raining. There are fire pits for chilly days. There's even a taphouse that has a covered area that you can hang out at. Food from all over the world and every Thing you could really ever want from cheesy noodles to seafood and Korean as well as waffle sandwiches. Hello we are going to be back. We tried the Philly cheesesteaks the mac & cheese and seafood places, as well as the brew pub when we went there this visit. We sat by the fire pits. Gives a communal vibe, plenty of eye candy to check out the urban art. read more

Hawthorne Asylum - Inside - Street Vendors Near Me - Portland, Oregon

One of my all-time favorite PDX food cart pods. Been some changes since I last visited: instead of a small beer cart with a few taps, there's now a proper brick and mortar bar tucked into the back area, complete with cocktails, wine and beer. Real bathrooms too. Also, the west side of the lot has expanded to the adjoining street, and now has more picnic tables and seating, and there seem to be added carts too, with everything from Tex-Mex to Korean to Gyros and sushi. Great diversity here, and of course carts do rotate in and out on occasion, but it's still a solid choice to bring groups if everyone has different meal demands. What really appeals to me tho is the implied permanence of the place, and the rustic industrial aesthetic that echoes the area's manufacturing roots. There's old steel parts and metal sculpture scattered throughout so you feel a cohesive, planned vibe - not just random carts parked in an open lot. And the fire pit table and overhead heaters make it a great stop no matter what the weather may be. We ordered the chicken taco plate from Texicano, a super tasty trio of tortillas alongside a 3-alarm habanero sauce. Hella fiery but sooo good, with tender meat and lots of spices. Here's to yet another sweet afternoon lunch experience at the Asylum. read more

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Nice food truck area with plenty of options and outdoor seating. They have a bathroom and it's accommodating. Casual atmosphere and good place for a quick meal or socializing. It looks fenced in like it was a real insane asylum. read more

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Came here with a group of friends and pups on the weekend. We were able to find free street parking few blocks down. They have lots of food trucks, there is something for everyone. There are plenty of tables throughout. They have a taproom with beer, wine and cocktails. I got noodles from the Burmese food truck. It took around 20 minutes to get my food but it was totally worth the wait. read more

My sister and her husband took me here while I was visiting from Arizona. As they said, it's a Portland experience you can't miss. In Arizona we have food truck fairs but they're pretty pathetic. Questionable food safety practices, price gouging, and the temporary nature of the events in a 'here today see if you can find us tomorrow' sort of way makes me pretty leery of the food truck experience. She was right in that this was a totally different experience from what I am used too. The trucks here are more permanent than not, as the location doesn't change every night. There are actual restrooms and shaded places to sit and eat. This was not the sketchy dusty vacant lot location I was used to associating with food trucks. The food was good, and the prices reasonable. There is a variety of food options to choose from and deciding what to try took a bit of doing. My wife will tell you that I just not into food trucks. Won't she be surprised when I tell her I've got to bring her to Portland to try one! read more

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Food was decent and not too expensive. Service was slow, I had bibimbap from the Korean cart and I guess she ran out of rice and had to make more, which too what felt like forever in the 35 degree weather, even trying to stay near the fire. Wouldn't recommend for a chilly evening, I'm sure it's more fun otherwise. Good for groups. read more