After a hallmark Bend adventure like mountain biking or trail running, chase that activity with an equally fulfilling exploration into the Central Oregon food cart scene. Post-outdoor sojourn, not only is there likely a rumble in your tummy that you’ll want to feed with fast calories, but you’ll also want an assortment of unique and delicious options. The perfect place to tame your hunger is Bend’s burgeoning food cart scene.

One reason to choose food carts is that there’s a recent trend for them to concentrate in pods around rustic watering holes and tap houses. While the food carts rotate, the tap house always remains intact. Each pod contains at least three or four carts which means you’ll have an array of options to choose from: American traditional comfort—check. Tex-mex—check. Meat pies—check. Desserts only—check. With over 200 carts in circulation in Deschutes County alone, there is something for everyone.

Another reason travelers and locals on-the-go appreciate the convenience of food carts is the owners/operators are typically expert chefs in their niche food genre: chicken and waffles, Philly Cheese steaks, gourmet vegan and more. Passionate and in it for the love of cooking and delivering excellent meals to the public, many food cart entrepreneurs are also 5-star culinary artists.

There is one disclaimer to remember when seeking to fill that hole in your tummy at food carts: They deliver food on the fly from mobile, micro-restaurants. The nature of food carts is change and movement. Sometimes hours, locations and offerings change on the fly. But this is all part of what makes it fun. Be sure to check out a food cart’s details online, on social media or call ahead to confirm so you won’t be disappointed.

Local fan-favorite global cuisine eatery, Spork, was among the first wave of food carts in Bend. In 2009 owners Jeff Hunt (the talent behind the food) and Erica Reilly (business management, lover of cocktails and community) launched their globally inspired street food kitchen based out of a 1962 Airstream. For four years the cart operated in the warm season, occasionally doing catering, pop-up dinners, and vending at community and music events.

Longtime Bendites will remember snagging a cup of their delicious curry or a round of their souped-up corn on the cob at Les Schwab Amphitheater summer concerts (now Hayden Homes Amphitheater).

Supported and adored by locals, for many years Spork was voted Best Chow Cart in Bend in The Source Weekly Best of Reader Poll. Spork also placed runner-up in categories like best chef, best lunch, best ethnic food, best casual dining and restaurant of the year. From 2018-2020, the Bend Bulletin named Spork best vegetarian food, best lunch, and best casual dining.

With a cult following and so much success operating as a cart, in 2013 Spork made the leap and opened a brick-and-mortar location on Newport Avenue. Since then, they’ve added space and renovated twice. The most recent expansion launched in early April 2022 and greatly increased their capacity in the kitchen and for takeout.

When asked why food carts are so popular in Bend, Reilly shares, “For starters, being outside is awesome! Food cart pods— which we did not have when [Spork] first started— are fun and filled with lots of food variety. It's also cool to hunt down the gems and support their offerings. It's usually fast and a low commitment of time. Meeting up with others is super simple ... folks can drop in and out. And you often can get little specialty dishes and treats that wouldn't perhaps be able to shoulder an entire brick-and-mortar business model.”

Since its inception Spork has been serving spicy fried chicken (gluten free), grilled vegetable coconut green curry, Thai steak salad, lomo saltado, chilaquiles, outstanding tacos and pork, chicken, and tofu rice bowls. For Reilly, her favorite dish depends on the day, “It's simply not possible to have a favorite that doesn't rotate. I enjoy the spicy pork noodles and chilaquiles with morita chili sauce quite a bit. Our tacos have always been wildly satisfying, particularly when you eat them immediately. Spicy fried chicken became part of my self-care over the last couple of years. It’s serious comfort food.”

For Sean and Jenna Minard, recently launching their food cart—Bend & Breakfast at The Podski food cart lot on NW Arizona Ave.—has been a blast.

“My wife and I have always had a love for food and called ourselves ‘scratch home chefs’,” explains Sean. “When the opportunity arose to purchase the old Earl & Mable Airstream at Podski, we jumped at it. We saw an opportunity in the Bend area for all day, fresh, healthy, made-to-order breakfast burritos and bowls that you could grab and go. That way folks could go about their life as Bendites—hitting the slopes, the trails, or the rivers with healthy fuel.”

Sean says breaking into the scene has been incredible and locals are supportive. “The ability to bond over food, of all varieties, with friends, family and drinks while soaking up the Bend environment is simply not something that can be duplicated. Food carts allow future restaurateurs to jump in with lower overhead, and food cart pods provide for a great consistent customer base. It's a win-win!” Sean notes, “Don't be surprised if you see a 9-month-old baby girl in the window of our vintage Airstream taking orders. She's paid fairly and related to the owners.”

The Lot

745 NW Columbia Street, Bend

The first of its kind in Central Oregon, The Lot displays pods at their finest. A four-season space, in the winter the pod features a gas fireplace, heaters, heated cement seating and a semi-enclosed dining area. In warmer months garage doors are pulled up and patrons enjoy the warm sun while they dine. The bar serves beer, cider, kombucha, CBD, hard seltzer and wine. The 16 tap handles rotate regularly, featuring a wide variety of both local and regional brews.

Current carts

A’ la Carte: Delicious shoestring French fries (including poutine), tacos, and fresh salads.

Burgz n Dogz: Gourmet burgers and all-beef and Polish hot dogs.

Fricken Faco: Fried chicken and tacos, plus fancy sides from a circa 1950s British tour bus.

Greek Street: Authentic Greek street eats such as all varieties of gyros and garlic fries.

Maki Maki Sushi: A variety of traditional and specialty rolls, nigiri, sashimi and poke.

The Podski

536 NW Arizona Avenue, Bend

Between the Old Mill District and downtown Bend, visit the pod with the most variety and cuisine to choose from. Sit inside the enclosed beer garden or at one of the many outdoor picnic tables. For beverages, choose from a selection of local beer and wine served at the only beverage cart known to Central Oregon food cart pods.

Current carts

The Podski Beer Cart: Order a craft brew from the West Coast, canned domestic, cider, wine or kombucha.

The Tin Pig: Southern and Southwestern influenced wholesome chow.

Big Ski’s Pierogies: Handmade pierogi perfection with toppings like sour cream and onions.

Thailandia: A long standing local cart serving traditional Thai food made with authentic ingredients and sauces.

Juno Japanese Sushi Garden: Sushi rolls and traditional Japanese offerings.

Toasty: Plant-based vegan entrees. Try their best-selling vegan crunch-wrap.

Board: Charcuterie boards with fine meats, cheeses, olives, pickled treats, herbed focaccia, and crackers.

Earl-n-Mabel: Modern comfort food including salads, skewers, and skillets.

Tacos La Catrina: Authentic Mexican street food.

Crosscut Warming Hut #5

566 SW Mill View Way, Bend

The newest addition to the food cart pod fleet in Bend is Crosscut Warming Hut No. 5. Located in the Old Mill District, Crosscut provides a cozy cabin-like fireside space during Bend’s snowy winter. Enjoy their sunny patio in the summer. With 36 constantly rotating taps featuring the Pacific Northwest’s finest (and beyond) cider, wine, kombucha and nitro coffee, you’ll never go thirsty at Crosscut.

Current carts

Abe Capanna’s: Old School Pizzeria-style Italian food.

Bluma’s Chicken & Waffles: Southern-inspired cuisine such as fried chicken, burgers, delicious appetizers, and of course, waffles.

Gyro Power: Tasty Mediterranean-style street food. Try their house-made falafel, hummus, and tzatziki.

On Tap

1424 NE Cushing Drive, Bend

Conveniently located near the St. Charles Complex, On Tap has a spacious enclosed covered patio with heaters, bar seating, and TVs. Fire pits and a picnic-worthy lawn and stage where live music is often hosted are outside. On Tap offers a lot of space for kids and family to spread out, run around and play. For beverages, pick from more than 30 craft tap handles, including beer, cider, wine and kombucha.

Current carts

Barrio: Latin-inspired cuisine served from a food cart and restaurant.

CURBBQ: Smoked meats combine with local ingredients to create original west coast BBQ flavors.

Himalayan Bites: Authentic Himalayan food inspired by the mountain tops of Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan.

The Bleu Rooster: Global-inspired, American cuisine ranging from burgers, wraps and seafood to pasta.

Philly Style: Ribeye, chicken, or plant-based meat alternative Cheesesteak sandwiches.

Rush’s Squares: The most mouth-watering Sicilian pizza the desert has to offer. Try the BENDITE pie—when in Rome…

Bend Midtown Yacht Club

1661 NE 4th Street, Bend

Midtown Yacht Club is the most recent food cart pod added to the city’s collection. It features indoor and outdoor seating, a tap house, and seven food cart spaces—all amidst an eastside restaurant desert.

Current carts

Barrio: Latin-inspired favorites like tacos and enchiladas. Also available at On Tap and in downtown Bend.

TOTS: Tater tots are featured with toppings like bacon, peppers, cheese, scrumptious sauces, and more.

Alley Dogz: specialty 8-inch long beef hot dogs , 12-inch pretzels, grilled cheese, French fries, and vegan choices too.

Lively Up Yourself: Comfort food with a vegan twist. Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

NorthFresh Sushi: Sushi, maki, and poke made from high-end, fresh fish.

P!ZZA: Coming soon from the owners of TOTS!

Shimshon: Israeli street food from the creators of Barrio.

River’s Place

787 NE Purcell Boulevard, Bend

Across from the Costco entrance, River’s Place features a four-season food cart lot, indoor and outdoor TVs, and seating with tons of outside space to spread out. Picnic tables, firepits, and a dog-friendly atmosphere make this a popular spot. 14 taps with beer, cider and kombucha are offered, along with a wide selection of wines. Look for events like live music and trivia nights.

Current carts

Sopa: Modern and innovative Mexican cuisine. Family operated.

Hogan’s Hoagie Stop: Hot mess and sloppy stacked po-boys with their famous Hogan Sub Sauce — just the way you like it.

Nik’Snacks: Classic American comfort food — fries, sandwiches, sliders, mac &cheese, and hot dogs.

Bai Tong on Wheels: Presented by Noi Thai, a long-time brick and mortar restaurant offering Thai favorites.

Silvermoon Brewing - The Office Food Carts: 24 NW Greenwood Ave., Bend

Crux Fermentation Food Carts: 50 SW Division Street, Bend

The Bite in Tumalo: 19860 7th Street, Tumalo

Wild Ride Food Trucks in Redmond: 332 SW 5th Street, Redmond

The Barn in Sisters: 171 E Main Street, Sisters