Birria, Boba, Bowls, Burgers and More

So many food carts in Central Oregon and so little time to try them all. We at the Source Weekly spend so much time writing about the Bend food scene that we sometimes forget to check in on what is a thriving and vibrant culinary town filled with a robust depth of regional and cultural delicacies. An article on every single food cart in Redmond would be entirely too unwieldy, so this week we’re taking a look at the food cart lots in general — but let us know if there are any specific carts you’d like us to take a look at in the future. Let’s dive in!

Redmond Food Park

You’ve got to respect what Redmond Food Park is doing by focusing on being a family- friendly and alcohol-free food cart lot. It’s nice to not have to worry about drunken shenanigans all the time and by making Redmond Food Park basically feel like a picnic ground, it’s a destination spot for families in the summer.

The lot has a nice selection of food carts that are different enough from one another so everyone can find something they like. Bobalastic has boba tea and also a wide variety of snack foods and desserts that’s perfect for kids, with chili dogs, nachos and waffle cones for even the pickiest of kid eaters. Crazy Gyros has a massive menu of different types of shawarma and kababs (with some mouthwatering falafel). Crazy Phillysteaks has a solid selection of cheesesteaks, burgers, poppers and fries (including a lamb cheesesteak that’s now on my list of upcoming food comas). La Birria Republic is focused exclusively on smoky and tender birria (with the most underrated of birria dishes on the menu: Ramen Birria!). Rockin’ Roasters serves coffee and ice cream to exhausted parents and kids about ready for nap time. Don’t give them the coffee, though. Or do, I don’t know you!

Blacksmith Public House

Quickly becoming one of the most popular spots in Redmond, Blacksmith Public House has won “Best Bar in Redmond” for the last two years in the Source Weekly’s readers’ poll. With their own home-brewed coffee and fresh pastries, they’re also much more than just a bar (although their Flaming Lemonade cocktail is legendary). Plus, they also have a stacked lineup of food trucks including Homeslice Tavern Style Pizza, the comfort food of The Hot Potato, The Kilted Kitchen (whose 17-hour brisket is to die for), Botanas El Paraiso with authentic Mexican dishes and desserts, the magicians at Cascade Alchemy Bowls serving health-conscious and exquisitely crafted bowls of goodness. And, of course, That Guy’s Bistro, plating up the fattest and juiciest “fillys” and burgers you can possibly imagine.

1/8th Street Patio Food Trucks & Taphouse

Located next to the High Desert Music Hall, 1/8th Street also has a diverse selection of trucks. Five Miles Taphouse will set you up with all of your beer, cider, wine and other beverage needs. I’ve had my eyes on VJ’s Meatball Subs for quite some time and can’t wait to try their Chicken Parm. The Mighty Greek has been making some of Central Oregon’s best dolmades and souvlaki for almost five years. El Changoleon is serving up tortas, quesadillas and burritos with an authentic eye on preparation and flavor. Also, the Wagyu Burger Joint jalapeño pepper jack burger is a hell of a thing.

Wild Ride Brewing

We can’t forget the OG: Wild Ride Brewing has been open for over a decade in Redmond and has proven it has the right combo of things to remain a popular spot — especially when there are so many lots to choose from.

“There are a lot of reasons a customer would visit Wild Ride,” says General Manager Brian Mitchell. “The brewery experience, beer lineup, casual/fun/hangout environment and certainly the food trucks are some of the reasons customers will come to Wild Ride. From a food truck perspective, we believe in quality, consistency and service. We also believe in variety, so the mix of different food available at the food trucks is important. So, from our experience, there isn’t just that one thing, or special ingredient, that makes a food truck lot popular and successful. It takes a lot of hard work, commitment, dedication, and, at the end of the day, the highest of quality and service to make the customer experience great.”

Wild Ride Brewing. Credit: Courtesy Wild Ride Brewing

With food trucks like the comfort-style FoodFellas, fish-and-chips-forward Wild Catch, the always amazing Shred Town, Red Road Pizza Co. (try their Devil’s Lake pie) and the Japanese truck Fuji, there’s no chance of not finding the perfect dish.

Otto’s Landing

With a family friendly downstairs and a 21+ upstairs (including video lottery), Otto’s Landing has its space dialed in beautifully. When I asked if there was a certain formula to crafting the perfect lot, manager Tyra Reeder helped me understand.

“I think it’s having space for every kind of visitor. Whether it’s a family with tiny kiddos, a couple, blind date or just a group of friends. Having a lot of different areas for people to feel like they’re out and about but have their own ‘property’ for their crew. Quality and variety for the food trucks. Want 21+? Go upstairs and enjoy the adults-only deck for sunset, two pool tables or dart boards, three couches in the lounge area with the 85-inch TV to watch your favorite team. Want to bring all the kids? There’s a play area on the main floor with books and toys and an arcade game,” Reeder explained.

With a great selection of carts, like the always delicious Red Beard Barbecue, ¡ÓRALE!’s amazing quesabirria tacos, the amazing cauliflower tots from Blackstone Pizza and Salad or the classic Hawaiian plate lunches from Hapa, Otto’s has a wide umbrella for Redmond to bask under.

General Duffy’s Waterhole

General Duffy’s always has something interesting going on — which is probably why it’s impossible to open up Instagram without seeing a friend soaking up the General’s country/rock vibes with tons of live music and expertly curated food truck choices. From the incredible Sally’s Wok, to Baitong on Wheels and their sinfully addictive crispy garlic chicken, to the classic flavors of El Poblanito to the Central Oregon staple of Goody’s and the creole excellence of Roux, Duffy’s is a Redmond institution for a reason.

What’s your favorite Redmond food cart lot?

This article appears in Source Weekly October 10, 2024.