Food trucks are popping up all over Central Oregon and have never been better.
A Broken Angel food truck in Bend. Photo by Alex Jordan
Central Oregon’s ever expanding fleet of food trucks rivals the region’s brick and mortar restaurants when it comes to culinary variety and creativity. Whether it’s a fusion of different styles or a new take on classic stand-bys, the region’s food trucks always seem to hit the mark. This summer, two new food truck pods arrive in Central Oregon. On Bend’s east side, near St. Charles, look for On Tap!, which will have thirty-four taps for beer, cider and kombucha as well as six food trucks. In Sunriver, Elkibou’s will open behind the post office. While it’s tough to narrow it down, here are the five best food carts in Central Oregon we’re loving right now.
A Broken Angel
A Broken Angel is one of Bend’s best food truck options and one of Bend’s best all-around options for vegan dining. Operating from the tiny cart parked next to Palate Coffee Bar, Chef Richard Hull creates dishes bursting with flavors. The menu features Southern dishes with French and Pacific Northwest influences. A Broken Angel’s range of the options makes it one of Bend’s best lunch spots.
Where: 643 NW Colorado Ave.
When: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Big Ski’s Pierogi
If you’ve never had a pierogi, get down to GoodLife as soon as possible. Big Ski’s Pierogi is a Polish food cart serving an incredible variety of the dumplings. Find traditional ingredients like beef stroganoff, sauerkraut or potato inside the perfectly crisp dumplings, but don’t be afraid to try out the seasonal morel or white button mushroom varieties. The pierogi pairs perfectly with beer, and are a great alternative to traditional Bend pub fare.
Where: 70 SW Century Center Dr. (GoodLife)
When: Thur.-Sat., 11:15 a.m.-6:15 p.m.
EMW Fusion
Kind of like schwarma, kind of like flatbread, all its own. EMW Fusion (East Meets West) lives up to its name and produces a one-of-a-kind sandwich. Called a pando, a Korean-style pancake similar to flatbread, these sandwiches are stuffed with locally sourced meats and vegetables. There’s nothing else like it in Bend.
Where: Starting in April, will be at On Tap (1424 NE Cushing Dr.)
When: Thurs.-Mon., 12-7 p.m.
Scoutpost
Known for clay-oven dishes including roasted meats and flatbread sandwiches, Scoutpost is a favorite among the Bend food truck aficionados. The ingredients are always fresh and locally sourced, and the flavors hit the mark for the price. The surprise gem on the menu is the donut holes, which are an indulgent treat not to be missed.
Where: 310 SW Industrial Way (Spoken Moto)
When: Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Mon. 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wed. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sol Verde
Breakfast is not often on a food truck menu. While there are a few great breakfast options in Bend for a sweet morning indulgence, Sol Verde takes care of the savory side. The New Mexican-style food truck has a great menu of burritos, including a solid vegetarian option. The chili verde is another great option to try.
Where: 1040 NW Galveston
When: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Update: An earlier version of this article included Real Food Street Bistro and Tennessee Grill Cheese, which have since closed.
