Portland's food cart culture means incredible cheap eats on nearly every corner. Add in Thai restaurants, Vietnamese pho, and creative chefs who prefer carts to restaurants, and you've got one of America's best budget food cities.
Food Cart Pods
Portland's famous food cart pods are the ultimate cheap eats destination.
Nong's Khao Man Gai
Thai chicken rice done perfectly. Simple, clean, satisfying. Portland institution.
Matt's BBQ
Texas-style BBQ from a cart. The brisket rivals actual Texas joints.
Güero
Elevated tacos with local ingredients. Some of the best tacos in PDX.
Kargi Gogo
Georgian food (the country). Khachapuri (cheese bread) is incredible.
Thai & Asian
PaaDee
Thai home cooking that's approachable and delicious. Great for groups.
Hat Yai
Southern Thai fried chicken. The chicken and sticky rice is perfect.
Ha VL
Vietnamese noodle soups and fried rice. Cheap, filling, authentic.
Luc Lac
Vietnamese kitchen open late. The shaking beef is famous.
More Budget Gems
Pine State Biscuits
Southern biscuit sandwiches in Portland. The Reggie Deluxe is legendary.
Pok Pok Wing
The famous Pok Pok wings without the full restaurant prices.
Canteen
Jewish deli meets Pacific Northwest. Excellent bagels and lox.
Afuri
Japanese yuzu ramen. Light, bright, and surprisingly affordable.
Portland Budget Eating Tips
- Food cart pods: The cheapest way to eat well in PDX
- 82nd Avenue: International food corridor with cheap Asian eats
- Happy hours: Portland restaurants have generous happy hour deals
- Powell's area: Good cheap options near the bookstore
- Division Street: Mix of carts and affordable restaurants
Find Cheap Eats Near You
Let us help you find budget-friendly restaurants in Portland!
Spin for Portland Restaurants