I love exploring the vibrant food scene in Eugene, Oregon. This city is known for its amazing food carts that offer a wide range of tasty dishes. From tacos to sushi burritos, there’s something for everyone.
Eugene has over 50 food carts and trucks serving up delicious meals across the city. I enjoy trying new flavors and supporting local businesses. These mobile eateries provide quick, affordable options for lunch and dinner. Many are grouped in pods, making it easy to sample different cuisines in one spot.
1. El sitio food cart
I stumbled upon this hidden gem on Barger Drive and was blown away by the authentic Colombian flavors. The aroma of freshly grilled meats and spices drew me in from across the parking lot.
The menu offers a variety of traditional dishes, but I couldn’t resist trying their signature empanadas. The crispy pastry was filled with juicy meat and potatoes, perfectly seasoned and served with a zesty dipping sauce.
For my main course, I opted for the bandeja paisa. This hearty platter came loaded with rice, beans, plantains, and a generous portion of grilled steak. Every bite transported me straight to Colombia.
The friendly staff made me feel welcome and were happy to explain unfamiliar items on the menu. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their delicious offerings.
Rating: 4.8 (69 reviews)
Location: 4190 Barger Dr, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact: (541) 870-2069
Website: Visit Website
2. The Garden on Friendly
I love hanging out at The Garden on Friendly. It’s a cozy spot with an indoor venue that’s perfect for warming up on chilly days. The food cart selection here is top-notch, offering a diverse range of cuisines.
I’ve tried dishes from all four food carts, and each one is a winner. From authentic Oaxacan tacos to delicious Mediterranean fare, there’s something for everyone. The Japanese street food and pizza options are also fantastic.
One of my favorite things about The Garden on Friendly is the relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to meet up with friends or family any day of the week. I often enjoy a local IPA while listening to live music on their event nights.
The staff here are always friendly and welcoming. They’ve even set up an audio system where you can listen to the TV through your phone, which I think is pretty cool. It’s clear they care about creating a great experience for their customers.
Rating: 4.8 (45 reviews)
Location: 2760 Friendly St, Eugene, OR 97405
Website: Visit Website
3. Piro: Latin Scratch Kitchen
I recently stumbled upon Piro, a hidden gem among Eugene’s food carts. This Latin scratch kitchen blew me away with its authentic flavors and fresh ingredients.
As I approached the cart, the mouthwatering aroma of grilled meats and spices filled the air. The friendly staff greeted me with warm smiles, making me feel right at home.
I tried their signature tacos, packed with tender, perfectly seasoned meat and topped with zesty homemade salsa. The flavors danced on my taste buds, leaving me craving more. Their handmade tortillas were a game-changer, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to every bite.
Piro’s commitment to quality shines through in every dish. I can’t wait to go back and explore more of their menu. If you’re looking for amazing Latin food in Eugene, Piro is a must-visit spot.
Rating: 5 (63 reviews)
Location: 255 Madison St, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact: (541) 556-4847
Website: Visit Website
4. Beergarden
I love stopping by Beergarden for a fun and laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink and some tasty food cart eats with friends.
The outdoor garden area is my favorite place to relax on a nice day. There’s plenty of seating and it’s dog-friendly too, which is great for bringing my pup along.
Inside, the taproom has an amazing selection of 42 beers on tap, plus tons of bottled options. I always find something new and interesting to try. The cocktail bar is a nice addition for when I’m in the mood for a mixed drink.
The food carts offer a variety of cuisines, so there’s something for everyone. I enjoy being able to order from different carts and share dishes with my group. The live music and events like trivia make for a fun night out.
Rating: 4.6 (1800 reviews)
Location: 777 W 6th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact: (541) 505-9432
Website: Visit Website
5. Bing King
I stumbled upon Bing King while exploring Eugene’s food cart scene, and I’m so glad I did! This little gem serves up some of the tastiest Chinese-inspired dishes I’ve had in a while.
The star of the show is their bao buns. Soft, pillowy, and filled with delicious meats and veggies, they’re a real treat. I tried the pork belly bao and it was melt-in-your-mouth good.
Don’t miss their dumplings either! They’re handmade daily and come with a variety of fillings. I particularly enjoyed the chicken and veggie ones. The dipping sauce that comes with them adds the perfect tangy kick.
The owners are super friendly and always greet customers with a smile. It’s clear they take pride in their food and love what they do. This place has become my go-to spot for a quick, tasty lunch in Eugene.
Rating: 4.8 (106 reviews)
Location: 725 Olive St, Eugene, OR 97401
Contact: (541) 632-3727
Website: Visit Website
6. Zandos
I stumbled upon Zandos food cart recently and was blown away by their unique take on burgers. The owner, Jeff, has created a menu that blends different cuisines in a really fun way.
Their cheese burger is a classic done right, with a juicy chuck and brisket patty. But what really caught my eye was the Porker. It’s got this amazing combo of pork shreds and loin with a katsu apricot yuzu chutney mayo that’s out of this world.
I was happy to see they have veggie options too. The pulled jackfruit burger with sushi ginger slaw is a clever twist that even my meat-loving friends enjoyed. The flavors Jeff puts together are so creative and tasty.
The cart has a friendly vibe and Jeff is always there chatting with customers. It’s clear he loves what he does. I’m excited to go back and try more of his inventive creations.
Rating: 5.0 (100 reviews)
Location: 543 Blair Blvd, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact: (619) 495-0250
Website: Visit Website
7. Cheese Bliss
I couldn’t believe my taste buds when I tried Cheese Bliss! This food cart in Eugene is a cheese lover’s dream come true. From the moment I stepped up to order, I knew I was in for a treat.
The menu at Cheese Bliss is packed with gooey, cheesy goodness. I had a hard time choosing, but I ended up going for their signature grilled cheese sandwich. It was perfectly crispy on the outside and oozing with melted cheese on the inside.
What really impressed me was the quality of ingredients they use. The cheese selection is top-notch, and they source local bread that’s fresh and delicious. I also loved how friendly the staff was – they were happy to explain the menu and give suggestions.
If you’re looking for comfort food that’s a step above the rest, Cheese Bliss is the place to go. I can’t wait to go back and try more of their cheesy creations!
Rating: 4.7 (85 reviews)
Location: 110 Madison St, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact: (541) 246-5220
Website: Visit Website
8. Cozmic Charlie’s Cheeze Shack
I recently visited Cozmic Charlie’s Cheeze Shack, and it’s a hidden gem in Eugene’s food cart scene. This place is a cheese lover’s paradise, tucked away at Beergarden on W. 6th Ave.
The menu is all about comfort food with a cheesy twist. I couldn’t resist trying their deep-fried cheese curds – they were crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. Their grilled cheese sandwiches are also a must-try, with perfectly melted cheese between toasted bread.
What really stood out to me was the friendly service. The owners, Kelly and Eric, treat everyone like family. They aim to create a home-away-from-home vibe, and it shows in every interaction. I felt welcomed from the moment I walked up to the cart.
If you’re in the mood for something different, give their poutine a shot. It’s a Canadian-inspired dish that’s sure to satisfy any comfort food craving. Cozmic Charlie’s is open most days of the week, making it easy to drop by for lunch or dinner.
Rating: 4.9 (58 reviews)
Location: 777 W 6th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact: (503) 358-3921
Website: Visit Website
9. All Thai’d Up
I stumbled upon this amazing food cart in Eugene and I’m so glad I did! All Thai’d Up serves up some of the tastiest Thai dishes I’ve had in a long time. The flavors are bold and authentic, taking my taste buds on a trip to Thailand.
The menu offers a great variety of options. I tried their pad thai and it was perfect – not too sweet, with just the right amount of tang. The portion size was generous too, leaving me satisfied but not overstuffed.
What really stood out to me was the friendly service. The staff was super helpful in explaining the dishes and even gave me some great recommendations. It’s clear they take pride in their food and want customers to have the best experience possible.
I can’t wait to go back and try more of their dishes. If you’re craving Thai food in Eugene, this place is a must-visit. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Rating: 4.9 (103 reviews)
Location: Eugene, OR 97401
Contact: (510) 415-9310
10. Braised Restaurant
I stumbled upon this hidden gem of a food cart recently and was blown away by the comfort food classics they serve up. Braised Restaurant is run by a husband-and-wife team who really know their stuff when it comes to cooking.
The menu is full of hearty, slow-cooked dishes that remind me of my grandma’s cooking. I tried their loaded mac and cheese, which was incredibly rich and satisfying. What’s great is that everything on the menu is gluten-free, with plenty of vegetarian and dairy-free options too.
Chef Alan’s passion for cooking shines through in every bite. The flavors are deep and savory, clearly the result of hours of careful preparation. I can’t wait to go back and try more of their gourmet sandwiches and other specialties.
If you’re looking for a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug, Braised is the place to go in Eugene. The food really hits the spot on a chilly day, and the friendly service makes you feel right at home.
Rating: 4.8 (45 reviews)
Location: 1591 W 6th Ave, Eugene, OR 97402
Contact: (541) 832-4663
Website: Visit Website
History of Food Carts in Eugene
Food carts have become a big part of Eugene’s food scene. They’ve brought tasty, affordable eats to our streets and made our city more fun. Let’s look at how it all started and grew.
Early Beginnings
I remember when food carts first popped up in Eugene. It was a small start, with just a few brave souls setting up shop. They offered simple but yummy dishes like tacos and hot dogs. People liked the quick, cheap food options.
At first, you’d mostly see these carts at events or fairs. But soon, some started parking in regular spots around town. It was exciting to see new flavors and cuisines show up on wheels.
Growth and Popularity
Wow, did things take off! More and more carts joined the scene. I watched as diverse cuisines like Afro-Caribbean, Vietnamese, and Mexican became available. Food cart pods started forming, creating little hubs of delicious eats.
The community really embraced these mobile kitchens. I saw long lines form at popular carts like Da Nang and Nelson’s Taqueria. It wasn’t just about the food – the casual vibe and chance to chat with the cooks made it special.
Eugene’s food truck pods became gathering spots. Friends would meet up to try different carts. Some pods even added seating areas and live music. It’s been amazing to see how food carts have shaped our local food culture.
Unique Features of Eugene’s Food Cart Scene
Eugene’s food cart scene is a vibrant mix of flavors and community spirit. I’ve found some amazing eats and met wonderful people at these local spots.
Diverse Culinary Offerings
Eugene’s food carts offer an incredible variety of cuisines. I love trying dishes from all over the world without leaving town. Hot Honey and Mother’s House are two of my favorites.
I’ve enjoyed authentic Mexican tacos, Japanese street food, and even Levantine cuisine. The Da Nang food cart has been serving up tasty Vietnamese dishes for 10 years now.
Some carts put unique twists on classic foods. I recently had an amazing fusion dish at Arekie – Indian Fusion Cuisine. It’s fun to see local chefs get creative!
Community and Sustainability
Food cart pods in Eugene are more than just places to eat. They’re community gathering spots. I love hanging out at The Friendly Garden, where I can grab a bite and chat with neighbors.
Many carts focus on sustainability. I’ve noticed more using local ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. It’s great to support businesses that care about our environment.
Some pods even host events. I’ve been to movie nights and live music performances while enjoying delicious cart food. It’s a fun way to spend an evening and meet new people.
