When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Cartlandia
Why Cartlandia is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Cartlandia, now known as Springwater Cart Park, is one of Portland, Oregon’s largest and most beloved food cart pods. Located at 8145 Southeast 82nd Avenue in the Brentwood-Darlington neighborhood, this culinary hub is home to roughly 30 diverse food carts offering cuisines from around the world, making it an exceptional gathering place for friends and families. The pod features an inviting outdoor seating area and an onsite Blue Room Bar, which offers 12 taps, a full cocktail list, live music on weekends, and indoor bathrooms, enhancing the social atmosphere. Visitors appreciate its family-friendly and dog-friendly environment, with well-behaved pets welcome on leashes. The location is ADA accessible and provides ample parking for both bikes and cars, conveniently situated along the Springwater Corridor Bike Trail. Highlights include the exclusive VooDoo Doughnut food cart, a broad variety of fusion foods, and an impressive selection representing about 15 different countries. The pod opens early at 7 AM for bagel and coffee carts, with most other carts serving from 11 AM to 10 PM. This blend of global flavors, welcoming atmosphere, and amenities makes Cartlandia a fantastic place to meet up with friends, enjoy delicious food, and experience Portland’s vibrant food cart culture.
Here's what people think of Cartlandia
As of recent, Cartlandia holds a 4.3-star rating based on 26 reviews.
User reviews of Cartlandia indicate a generally positive experience, reflected in its 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews. Many visitors praise the wide variety of food options available, valuing the unique fusion carts and international cuisine that cater to diverse tastes. The family-friendly and dog-friendly environment receives frequent commendations, highlighting the spacious outdoor seating, the lively ambience provided by the Blue Room Bar, and the convenience of on-site amenities such as indoor bathrooms, free WiFi, and ample parking. Positive reviews often mention the convenience of call-ahead and delivery options, as well as the friendly and welcoming vibe of the pod, making it an enjoyable spot for both casual outings and group gatherings. However, some negative feedback points to occasional issues such as crowded seating during peak times, inconsistent hours among some food carts, and concerns about security due to historical burglaries at the pod. A few reviewers also noted challenges with parking on particularly busy days and wished for more covered seating areas for inclement weather. In conclusion, while some logistical aspects could be improved, the overall sentiment is that Cartlandia (Springwater Cart Park) offers a dynamic and enjoyable food cart experience that consistently delights patrons with its culinary diversity, social atmosphere, and community spirit.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jaqueline Carreto
I'm from Vancouver, WA, and I love coming to this place to eat and found this new place to eat cemitas
Armando Morales
Great selection. Bar is nice place to hide away from the rain. Highly recommend the Thai Mango
Aimée T.
I used to love this place, now they replaced several food carts that are now super uninviting. We chose a pasta cart and it was not good, we ended up ditching both plates after taking a few bites, and it was expensive. Nice people, but the food is lacking.. maybe bring back some of the good carts!! We definitely won't be going back. The Pros: you can bring your dog & the parking is good (prob cause no one wants to eat there).
Justine Cervantes
When I went not all the carts were open so I didn't get the full experience but.... what i did get was good.
Teresa Vaughan
Now called Springwater Cart Park, you'll find many cuisines to choose from. Longtime carts and newer ones encircle the central, covered eating area. Parking is sometimes hard to find in the 82nd Avenue side of the lot, but there is more parking in back.
How to reach Cartlandia
None
Website: None
Why Cartlandia may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Cartlandia with your friends?
If you're looking for a lively, casual, and diverse dining experience with your friends or family, Cartlandia in Portland stands out as an ideal destination. This sprawling food cart pod offers a vibrant atmosphere where groups can enjoy a variety of cuisines from around the world all in one place. With a solid 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews, Cartlandia has earned a reputation for quality food, friendly service, and a welcoming environment. Unlike a traditional restaurant, it provides the experience of wandering through a pod of unique food vendors, each offering something different, so every visit can feel fresh and exciting. Its location along the scenic Springwater Corridor Bike Trail also makes it a convenient spot for groups who want to combine outdoor activity with great eats. Whether you want to start your day with bagels and coffee or wind down your evening with craft beer and live music, Cartlandia can accommodate a wide range of preferences, making it perfect for gathering, socializing, and sharing good times with loved ones.
What types of food options and carts are available at Cartlandia?
Cartlandia features an impressive variety of 32 different food carts serving food from 15 different countries, creating an eclectic and international palette that caters to all tastes and dietary preferences. You can find everything from traditional comfort foods to inventive fusion dishes. One of the standout vendors includes the famed VooDoo Doughnut food cart, attracting fans of this iconic Portland treat. The diversity means you and your group can each pick different cuisines without feeling limited, whether it’s Mexican, Asian fusion, gourmet sandwiches, vegan options, or dessert carts. This variety encourages everyone in your group to explore new flavors and share dishes, fostering a communal and interactive dining experience. The presence of carts that offer delivery and take-out options further enhances convenience, especially for larger groups who want to customize their meal timing or mix and match menus without wait.
What amenities and facilities make Cartlandia perfect for group meetups?
Beyond the diverse food options, Cartlandia offers many amenities tailored for both comfort and convenience that make it ideal for group gatherings. The pod is fully ADA accessible, ensuring it is welcoming to all guests regardless of mobility. It provides ample parking for cars and even bike racks, which is great for active groups who might combine cycling with their outing. There is an outdoor beer garden open in the summer that creates a relaxed beer and social vibe, perfect for groups wanting to enjoy drinks in the fresh air. Inside, the Blue Room Bar provides another option with 12 taps and a full cocktail list, plus TVs and live music on weekends, giving groups a lively spot to socialize late into the evening. The availability of indoor bathrooms adds to comfort and accessibility, removing one common inconvenience often found at outdoor venues. Free Wi-Fi throughout the pod is another plus, allowing groups to share their experience online or plan their next activity seamlessly.
What activities besides eating can you enjoy at Cartlandia?
Cartlandia isn’t just about food; it’s a multifaceted social venue that encourages more than just eating. Its location near the Springwater Corridor Bike Trail makes it an excellent spot for combining outdoor activity with social dining. Friends and families can bike or walk along the trail, then convene at Cartlandia for a meal or refreshing drink, making it an active, healthy day out. The outdoor beer garden and Blue Room Bar also regularly host live music events on weekends, offering entertainment that appeals to a wide range of musical tastes. These events give groups a festive atmosphere to enjoy together while listening to local artists, adding a cultural and communal dimension to the visit. The pod is pet-friendly, allowing guests to bring their leashed furry friends, which adds a relaxed, homey feel to gatherings. The diverse carts and the general layout encourage mingling, making it easy for groups to spread out or stay cozy depending on their mood and size.
How does Cartlandia accommodate different schedules and preferences for meetups?
One of Cartlandia’s strengths is its daily availability and flexible hours. The pod opens every day of the week, with some carts like the bagel/coffee cart opening as early as 7 AM, catering to morning meetups or casual breakfast gatherings. Most other carts operate from 11 AM to 10 PM, which is ideal for lunch, dinner, or late-night snacks, fitting various schedules from early eaters to night owls. On Fridays and Saturdays, the pod stays open a bit later, until 8:30 PM, maximizing opportunities for weekend socializing. This range of hours means groups can plan their meetups around any part of the day without worrying about limited availability. Additionally, many carts offer take-out and delivery, making it easy to combine an onsite gathering with food delivery for larger groups or those seeking convenience. These flexible options allow Cartlandia to suit spontaneous plans as well as carefully coordinated group outings.
What kind of atmosphere can you expect when visiting Cartlandia?
At Cartlandia, the atmosphere is casual, vibrant, and inclusive — perfect for relaxed gatherings with friends or family. The pod combines the excitement of a bustling food market with communal spaces designed for socializing and enjoying good company. The outdoor seating and beer garden areas offer a sunny, convivial ambiance during warmer months, while the indoor Blue Room Bar provides a cozy and lively retreat when the weather cools or for evening events. With a diverse crowd drawn by the variety of food and entertainment options, the vibe strikes a balance between energized and laid-back. The presence of live music on weekends adds a festive note, encouraging spontaneous dancing or just enjoying good tunes while eating. Families, groups of friends, couples, and solo diners all find their niche here, making Cartlandia a versatile and welcoming location for many kinds of meetups.
Why choose Cartlandia over other food cart pods or traditional restaurants for your group event?
Choosing Cartlandia for your meetup offers a unique blend of benefits not always found at traditional restaurants or other food cart pods. The sheer diversity of food options ensures every palate is satisfied without compromise, which can be hard to achieve when dining out as a group. Unlike a sit-down restaurant, the pod structure lets people explore different cuisines and come back to share their finds in a casual, shared setting, fostering connection and conversation. The combined amenities of parking, bike access, indoor and outdoor seating, and ADA accessibility demonstrate thoughtful design aimed at comfort and inclusion. The availability of a dedicated bar with live entertainment brings an additional social dimension that many food cart pods lack. Because the carts each have individual offerings and hours, the experience can be tailored to the group’s preferences and timing, giving Cartlandia remarkable flexibility. Finally, the location along a scenic trail adds a refreshing recreational element rarely matched by other food-centric venues. This makes Cartlandia a go-to spot where good food, community, and atmosphere come together for memorable group outings.