Vancouver's Massive Food Cart Plaza
Vancouver, Washington just soft-opened what's being called the "largest food cart plaza in America" on the city's east side. The plaza promises to become a major destination for street food fans with a diverse array of options in a vibrant, communal setting.
The new plaza, officially named Vancouver Station Food Carts, is located at 1817 SE 164th Ave. It boasts space for 44 food carts, which would make it a standout in the region, surpassing the 31 carts at Beaverton's BG Food Cartel. The project was developed by Tai Dang, who is also behind the Hillsboro Downtown Station. At the heart of the plaza is an 8,000-square-foot, two-story indoor hub. This central building features a full cocktail bar with 34 drafts, an ice cream parlor, a coffee bar, and additional event space. The design is intended to provide a comfortable dining experience year-round. While the soft opening has commenced, only eight vendors are currently operating, including the Asian fusion cart "Flavors of Joy" and a "Bobablastic" franchise. The general manager, Ryan Biornstad, stated that more carts are pending state permit approvals before they can move in, a process that has caused delays. A full grand opening is anticipated for the spring, with most of the 44 spots already claimed by vendors. The venue plans to host nightly entertainment, including live bands, DJs, trivia, and bingo to create a lively community atmosphere.
