Portland is famous for its food cart culture, and Cartside Food Carts at 1825 N Williams Ave is one of the city’s most exciting pods. Located in North Portland’s vibrant Williams corridor, Cartside is home to a rotating lineup of local vendors — and right at the center of it is The Shawarma Truck, serving authentic halal shawarma, Mediterranean plates, and Middle Eastern desserts seven days a week. Whether you’re a North Portland local or making the trip from across the city, Cartside is worth every mile.
Where is Cartside Food Carts
Cartside Food Carts is located at 1825 N Williams Ave, Portland OR 97227, right in the Williams District of North Portland. It’s easily accessible from Interstate Avenue, N Mississippi Ave, and NE Alberta Street — putting it within a few minutes of some of Portland’s most beloved neighborhoods. Street parking is available on N Williams Ave and the surrounding blocks. If you’re coming by bike, you’re in luck — the Williams Ave protected bike lane runs right past the entrance, making it one of the most bike-friendly food cart pods in the city.
What to Expect at Cartside
Cartside is a full food cart pod experience — covered seating, outdoor patio space, a rooftop area, and a relaxed atmosphere that works equally well for a solo lunch break or a group outing. The pod has an indoor dining area for rainy Portland days and a lively outdoor setup when the sun comes out. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a meal, settle in, and take your time — or order ahead and grab and go if you’re in a hurry. There’s something for everyone in the pod, and the energy is always welcoming.
The Shawarma Truck at Cartside
The Shawarma Truck has been a fixture at Cartside since 2021 and has become one of the pod’s most popular and highly-rated vendors. Run by Mustafa and his family, The Shawarma Truck brings authentic halal Middle Eastern cooking to North Portland — slow-roasted shawarma, house-made garlic sauce and signature blend, fresh vegetables prepped every morning, and 100% halal meats across every protein.
The menu covers everything from the signature Classic Gyro and Meat Wrap to hearty Shawarma Plates, loaded Over Fries Plates, and the traditional Arabi Plate with shawarma saj. Vegetarian options include the Falafel Gyro, Falafel Wrap, and Hummus — all made fresh daily. And for dessert, The Shawarma Truck is now one of the only food carts in Portland serving Sweetland Artisanal Desserts, including pistachio baklava, Dubai chocolate, and Biscoff cubes.
With over 277 five-star Google reviews, The Shawarma Truck is consistently rated one of the best halal food spots in Portland.
Nearby Neighborhoods and Landmarks
Cartside sits at the intersection of several of Portland’s most active neighborhoods, making it a natural stopping point for people moving through the city. Here’s what’s close by:
Alberta Arts District — just a few blocks northeast, one of Portland’s most vibrant cultural corridors with galleries, local shops, and restaurants.
Mississippi Ave — a short ride west, known for its independent restaurants and boutiques.
Moda Center and Rose Quarter — roughly 10 minutes south, home of the Portland Trail Blazers. The Shawarma Truck has become a pre-game tradition for many fans heading to events at the arena.
Oregon Convention Center — just minutes away, making Cartside a convenient lunch option for conference attendees and downtown workers.
Pearl District and Inner NE Portland — both easily accessible by bike or car, putting Cartside within reach of a large chunk of Portland’s population.
Hours and How to Get There
The Shawarma Truck at Cartside is open Monday through Saturday, 11:00am to 8:00pm. Closed Sunday.
Address: 1825 N Williams Ave, Portland OR 97227
Can’t make it in person? Order online for pickup or delivery at theshawarmatruck.com. First-time online order? Use code FIRSTORDER at checkout for 10% off. You can also join our free loyalty rewards club at theshawarmatruck.com/club and earn points on every order.
Have questions? Call us at (971) 977-2277 or email ShawarmaTruckPDX@gmail.com.