Hawthorne Asylum — Restaurant in Portland

So, I like the idea of food carts, and supporting smaller businesses in this way. Went here for the Montage cart, as I miss their brick and mortar. Wasn't disappointed one bit. Worth the stop if you're in the area.

One bone of contention though in regards to the small business aspect. I noticed that there's a Bobablastic at this location. Odd, because I just saw that cart for the first time out in Sandy two days prior. Even odder yet, the day before, I noticed one at 52nd & Foster. And now one here at this location. I frequent cart locations to try to support small local businesses, and according to their own website, they are at over 15 places now. (edit: 28!!!) What a great business idea for them, basically placing their chain in these areas, but I feel as though it goes against the whole premise of these cart pods for myself anyway. How long until Macdonald's starts to jump on this train now too? Maybe Starbucks? Ungh... Look, good on them for finding a niche market for their business, but I fear it's a step that I was hoping was still some time off in the future. Chain restaurants entering the Portland food cart scene, and to me, that's just a massive bummer! Maybe it's more prevalent than I'd like to admit, or noticed before, but here it is, and honestly, I'm a bit saddened at the idea. This isn't a dig towards Bobablastic, as there's a reason that they're successful no doubt! They probably have a great product that has given them the opportunity for such growth. And for that, congratulations to them! For myself though, I'm not so sure it's in the spirit of these pods, and the reasons that so many of us Portlanders frequent them.

Super cool location, and well thought out area and plenty of seating. Clean. I enjoyed my time here, and will be heading back. Minus two stars for allowing a chain to...

Headlines: I haven’t even skimmed the surface of this food court.

I’m from Los Angeles, so the food cart craze is definitely prevalent there. However, in total honesty, ever since discovering Portland Food carts, LA food carts just aren’t that desirable to me anymore, even if that is where the craze started. Doesn’t matter. I’m being dead serious and honest about it.

I frequent a food cart park on Stark Street near the 205 here in Portland, but I just discovered the Hawthorne Asylum tonight, and I really am that much more blown away. I got two dishes, from two different carts: one from Taj Mahal Punjabi Cuisine, and the other from Daily Fuel PDX. They were both outstanding. I’ve already written a review of daily fuel here separately, but there doesn’t seem to be a separate Google page for Taj Mahal, so I’m going to put a little blurb about it here.

I think I ordered a simple dish like Samosa Vaat, or something sounding like that. I’m being totally honest when I say it might be the best Indian-based food I’ve ever had. It had a comforting texture and unexplainable tartness amidst the vastly savory flavor. I don’t know, perhaps I’m really just blown away by Portland food trucks because LA is really bad (Lol), but I tend to think it’s more about the town of Portland then it is about LA. Maybe it’s more about these specific food carts, but I have not eaten at a food cart that I don’t like in Portland yet. I’ve also eaten in lots of other towns that are not even nearly as good as LA food, so I just tend to think it’s something about Portland Food carts specifically, or just Portland food in general, and I may never know...

Located at SE 10th and Madison, this food court is a vibrant addition to Portland’s dynamic food cart scene. With its large, open layout, it easily accommodates groups of all sizes, making it ideal for everything from casual meetups to larger social gatherings. The space is thoughtfully designed, offering plenty of seating and a diverse range of food vendors to satisfy a variety of tastes.

One of the highlights of this spot is its welcoming, eclectic aesthetic, which attracts a diverse crowd and creates an inviting atmosphere for all visitors. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite or settling in for a longer stay, it's also an excellent place for people-watching and soaking in the local vibe.

Its proximity to other popular food cart pod like Cartopia Food Cart offers flexibility for those looking to sample from different vendors in one outing. You can easily make a walking food tour out of the experience.

However, one consideration is parking. Since dedicated parking is limited, you may find yourself circling nearby neighborhoods or side streets to find a spot. Planning to walk, bike, or rideshare can help make your visit more enjoyable.

Overall, this food court is more than just a place to eat, it’s a community-friendly hub that supports local businesses and energizes the surrounding area. A great stop for locals and...