Food Carts of Portland Bike Tour: local flavors and stories

Portland, US
95% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (60 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Bottled water
  • inclusion
    Use of bicycle
  • inclusion
    Lunch
  • inclusion
    Use of helmet

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Tips (always appreciated)

Meeting Point

Our shop is #124, in a silver and red building. If you're having trouble finding us, walk north on SE 9th Avenue from Main Street and look to your left! If you're looking for parking, you can find limited street parking and paid lots at 7th and Madison and 10th and Madison Streets

Meeting point

833 SE Main St, Portland, OR 97214 , United States

End point

End Point

Our shop is #124, in a silver and red building. If you're having trouble finding us, walk north on SE 9th Avenue from Main Street and look to your left! If you're looking for parking, you can find limited street parking and paid lots at 7th and Madison and 10th and Madison Streets

Meeting point

833 SE Main St, Portland, OR 97214 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Around Portland Tours

We'll start by fitting you for bikes at our shop at 833 SE Main Street #121, before we head out on the day's excursion.

Duration 10 minutes
2

Ladd's Addition

In the Ladd's Addition neighborhood is the heart of the original food cart scene and we'll set the scene by trying some of our favorite coffee and discussing our route for the day.

Duration 30 minutes
3

Matt's BBQ Tacos

One of the most iconic sorts of food carts in Portland is a fusion between traditional cuisines. Matt's is one of the ultimate: take Southern US-style barbecue and place it in the best tacos anywhere. (For vegan and vegetarian guests, we'll choose a different but equally awesome first stop!)

Duration 30 minutes
4

Mt. Tabor Park

In the neighborhood anyway! We'll ride up in the direction of Mt. Tabor (one of four extinct volcanoes within the city's core!) toward another food cart pod, this one the descendant of our dearest departed collections of food cart -- RIP Tidbit. Luckily the carts themselves live on, especially some fun and beautifully executed versions of favorite snacks from our childhood. These are made with sustainable ingredients, interesting and delicious flavor combinations, so we'll sample these and maybe we'll teach you a few new words, too!

Duration 30 minutes
5

Hawthorne

Hawthorne Boulevard is part of our hometown story: the heart of all that's delicious, funky, and hippie, a thoroughfare with a street food soul! We'll ride into our personal and the city's foodie history (this goes back over a century!) and stop at a special coffee food cart made in a unique vehicle. Here we'll get some caffeinated beverage (if that's what you like) to begin our day!

Duration 30 minutes
6

CARTOPIA FOOD CARTS

Well visit Cartopia or another nearby pod! Cartopia was the first-ever permanent food cart pod in the city. This one is the epicenter of the food cart craze. We'll talk about how the food cart explosion began (a story told uniquely by us) and visit either Cartopia or its next door neighbor, the Hawthorne Asylum.

Duration 10 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Additional information
    Allergies and dietary requirements must be communicated at booking. We can accommodate the needs of vegetarians and pescatarians, but changes may be made to the itinerary for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan needs. We are sorry that peanut and other nut allergies cannot be safely accommodated.
Provided by Around Portland Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Try the barbecue tacos at Matt's!
  • icon
    Visit nearby Cartopia for more carts.
  • icon
    Start your day with coffee at Hawthorne.
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    Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • icon
    Dress in layers for changing weather.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure like no other with the Food Carts of Portland Bike Tour. Portland is known for its vibrant food cart scene, with over 600 carts scattered throughout the city. These carts, located in unique pods, offer a diverse range of flavors and stories that showcase the local culinary culture. Starting at our shop on SE Main Street, you'll hop on one of our lightweight bicycles and be guided on an 8-12 mile journey through the city, sampling delicious bites from Oregon farm-to-table delights to late-night snacks.

What to Expect?

On this bike tour, you can expect to indulge in a wide variety of flavors and fusions that not only satisfy your taste buds but also tell a cultural tale. Our focus is on locally-owned businesses with fascinating stories behind them, many of which played a pivotal role in shaping Portland's food cart scene. With passionate guides leading the way, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the history and significance of these carts while savoring their delectable offerings. Bikes, helmets, and plentiful food samples are provided, ensuring a memorable and immersive experience.

Who is this for?

The Food Carts of Portland Bike Tour is perfect for both locals and visitors who want to explore the diverse culinary landscape of the city. Whether you're a food enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone looking for a unique and enjoyable way to spend a day, this tour caters to all. It's an inclusive experience that welcomes individuals of all ages and backgrounds, making it an ideal activity for families, friends, or solo travelers seeking to discover the hidden gems of Portland's food culture.

Why Book This?

What sets the Food Carts of Portland Bike Tour apart is its emphasis on local flavors and stories. This tour takes you beyond the typical tourist spots, introducing you to the passionate chefs and makers behind the food carts that have shaped Portland's culinary reputation. As you pedal through the city, you'll not only indulge in mouthwatering bites but also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and culinary influences that make Portland's food cart scene truly unique. The small group setting ensures an intimate experience, allowing you to connect with your knowledgeable guides and fellow food enthusiasts.

Good to Know

When joining the Food Carts of Portland Bike Tour, be sure to come prepared with comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for biking. Helmets are provided for your safety, and bottled water is included to keep you refreshed throughout the tour. While tips are not mandatory, they are always appreciated as a token of gratitude for the guides' exceptional service. If you're unsure of the meeting point, our shop is located at #124 in a silver and red building on SE Main Street. Limited street parking and paid lots can be found nearby for your convenience.

Reviews

Customers who have experienced the Food Carts of Portland Bike Tour rave about the unique and immersive journey it offers. They praise the passionate guides who provide insightful commentary and make the experience even more enjoyable. Many reviewers highlight the diverse range of flavors they encountered, from local farm-to-table delights to unexpected fusions. The small group size allows for meaningful interactions and a personalized experience, leaving guests feeling satisfied and inspired. Overall, this tour receives high praise for its combination of delicious food, cultural storytelling, and the opportunity to explore Portland's food cart scene from a different perspective.

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