Dining On The Go With Food Carts

Food Carts have become all the rage in the foodie world. Their nimble nature and lower overhead costs than standard brick-and-mortar establishments allow for easier startup. That means creative chefs can really let their new ideas fly. Mt. Hood Territory is home to a number of food cart pods, meaning you're never far from some unique dining options.

Milwaukie Station in downtown Milwaukie is conveniently located at TriMet's Orange Line Milwaukie/Mainstreet Transit Station, which means easy MAX access to/from Portland. Nearly a dozen food trucks serve up a wide variety of cuisines. From Mexican to Italian, Thai to Greek, the culinary choices abound. Grab your food of choice and take a seat at one of the covered picnic tables on site. Afterwards you can browse one of countless shops and businesses along Milwaukie's thriving main street which is just steps away, or enjoy the riverfront at Milwaukie Bay Park.

A little further east in the foothill community of Sandy is Sandlandia World Cuisine. Located right off of Highway 26 as it splits in the middle of town, Sandlandia hosts a handful of carts perfect to fuel your Mt. Hood adventure. Breakfast In The Hood cart, home of "crazy fun food for crazy awesome people," makes a great start to your day with morning classics like breakfast sandwiches and breakfast burritos, or go wild and try their waffle tacos - offered in sweet or savor variety. And there's lots more world cuisine to discover at this colorful cart pod. 

Another options lies in the heart of Happy Valley, where Happy Valley Station offers a tremendous selection of foods at their indoor dining hall. Name a country, and chances are you'll find its culinary viewpoint represented. They even have a huge selection of local beers and ciders on tap, so you can enjoy a nice craft beer with your meal. The beautiful indoor dining room also has a play area making it the perfect place for families to relax and enjoy a meal with a little bit of something for everyone. 

Just a few minutes past Happy Valley is Damascus Crossing in the town of Damascus. Four options are located right off of Highway 212, which is main route for drivers to get from Portland to Mt. Hood. They have coffee, Mexican food, Mediterranean and some delicious burgers to choose from. 

The newest addition to the food cart scene is Corner 14 food cart pod in downtown Oregon City. With 10 carts and growing there is plenty of variety (surely a theme among food cart pods), with favorite including Walter French's gourmet grilled sandwiches. Get a BLTA for the human, and they'll gladly give your pup a free treat. After all, how could they not be dog friendly with their adorable French bulldog mascot! Or if you're in the mood for something exotic, try Maw Maw's Cajun food, where you can get their po boy sandwich with alligator. In addition to carts, Corner 14 also has an indoor space with local bevvies on tap and a full bar. They're also home to axe throwing lanes, so you can try your hand at a new sport to work up an appetite.

Just look across the street for even more options, as Oregon City Brewing Company recently unveiled their beer garden and food cart pod. There are ten carts to choose from offering a variety of cuisines. Take in some Thai, enjoy some Seoul food with Korean cuisine, sushi and many more options. Best of all, there are some amazing beers to match from the crew at OC Brewing. 

No matter your favorite food, or where you are in Mt. Hood Territory, you're never far from a good meal. Especially when those meals are mobile. See you at the food carts!