I had heard that Portland is famous for its food cart scene, so while I was visiting, I knew I had to experience it for myself. I decided to visit Hawthorne Asylum, and it definitely lived up to the hype. The atmosphere reminded me of a night market, except with permanent food carts. It has a fun, lively vibe, and there are so many different food options that there's something for everyone. It's a great place to come with friends or family since everyone can choose something different. There's also a bar in the middle of the food cart pod. We didn't get a chance to try it because we had already ordered boba tea from another vendor, but it looked like a great place to relax and enjoy a drink. I'll definitely check it out the next time I'm back. Overall, Hawthorne Asylum is a fun spot with a great atmosphere and an excellent variety of food. It's well worth a visit if you're exploring Portland. read more

Hawthorne Asylum - Seating area - Street Vendors Near Me - Portland, Oregon

A visit to Portland is not complete without a visit to some food carts! This was our first time to this spot in particular and I loved how many options there were, with the large community tables in the center! They had the World Cup game playing too so this was the perfect spot to hang out. They also had bathrooms which is a bonus! There was a good variety of different types of food, so it was nice that we could all pick different things. Big fan of the vareniki from Pelmeni Pelmeni in the middle section! I appreciated that the vendors used beepers too so you could still wander off and order other things while you wait. read more

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I was visiting Portland for the first time, and my friend took me here. It was the end of the night, right before they closed at 10. And it was slightly raining. We didn't think we would make it in, but I had hoped so because I HAD to see "the best food truck park." So glad we made it. I ended up getting a delicious burger slider, but while we waited, we saw Hawthorne Asylum still open and decided to get a drink. We walked in and the decor was sooooo cool. The old plane parts. The lighting. The seating. I absolutely love it. We walked up to the bar and were greeted by a friendly bartender. I asked her for a couple recs between ciders so I got the drier one. They had heaters outside to sit and have our drinks and food. I'm just sad I couldn't spend longer there. Excited to go back! read more

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It's a cart pod, one of the more unique environments for this kind of retail gig. Decent selections, can get crazy busy on the weekends but seems reasonably mellow for a Thursday lunch time. read more

Hawthorne Asylum - Best recycling station ever! - Street Vendors Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This place is actually a food truck marketplace with over 20 different vendors serving many different cuisines including American, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Mediterranean, TexMex, and Japanese. All food trucks small stalls, serving only to go orders. Prices varied, some had decent prices, under $8 for appetizers and under $15 for main dishes, but some were also expensive. When we arrived at the location, we found street parking across the street. At the entrance there's a cafe store that is actually in a front quarter of a plane. There were plenty of sitting space with benches and table. At the back there was a bar as well, with all gender bathrooms adjacent to it. The location was popular with both tourists and local, as I saw many co-workers groups were out here for lunch. We got burgers and lobster rolls from two different truck. Food was good. Loved the sliders from Slide Hustle. But they take time to prepare the orders. We have to wait about 15 minutes to get our items. Despite the slowness I'd still recommend this for the food truck festival like experience. read more

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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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Such a cool space. So much seating! The food options are very very diverse. So happy I ended up here. read more

Hawthorne Asylum - Street Vendors Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This was a great place overall. Both my sons tried the sushi cart, oldest one got the sushi burrito he said it was okay, not a big fan (sushi is his favorite). My youngest loved his, not a sushi burrito but sushi bowl. So I guess it's on taste preference. I got Thai thantawan, and got the pad see ew. This was delicious. I loved my plate , highly recommend this one. I also got the mango sticky rice and I loved every bite. Cool place. Both food carts had very friendly service. And loved that I can have a drink while I wait for my food. read more

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

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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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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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

i had a great falafel and boba. there are tons of food cart options and plenty of seating.

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

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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Plenty of options, not overpriced for food carts either. Really nice seating area with heavy duty wood tables and nice atmosphere. Served even brought my food too me instead of using the food buzzed. read more

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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lots of options, good food and vibe though. i got a monte cristo waffle sandwich that was pretty good and rosé tteokbokki which i didn't much care for. the creamsicle special from boblastic is delicious, as well as their butterfly pea strawberry milk tea. read more

Hawthorne Asylum - Rosé Tteokbokki - Street Vendors Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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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

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

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