Wonderboy’s Smokestack Wonderboy’s Smokestack was the No. 1 finisher in the 2025 Readers Choice Awards for the best food cart in the Portland area. We ordered the brisket burnt ends with queso mac n cheese and smoked beans on the side. (Mims Copeland | The Oregonian/Mims Copeland | The Oregonian)
It’s once again time for a perennial favorite category of The Oregonian’s Readers Choice Awards: the best food carts in the Portland area.
Perhaps you saw our dining critic Michael Russell and other Oregonian reporters weigh in with their picks for the 10 best new food carts in the area earlier this month. The list includes Bun Bandits’ sweet malasadas and savory kolaches in Southwest Portland, the Thai cart Fine O’ Char offering comfort food from former Kann chef Varanya Geyoonsawat in Oregon City and HarBQ’s smoked meats in North Portland.
Now it’s your turn to tell us which carts are the best. In 2024, Cookie McCakeface topped your picks, and last year it was Wonderboy’s Smokestack. We’re waiting to hear if these places still have the top spot in your heart (and stomach) or if you have a new favorite to tell us all about.
Nominations for our Readers Choice Awards are open until 11 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. We’ll reveal the 10 finalists Wednesday, Oct. 7 at oregonlive.com/readers-choice.
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The Oregonian Readers’ Choice Awards recognize outstanding local businesses, services, restaurants, destinations and more selected by the people who know them best — local customers.
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