During a visit to Damascus, Oregon, to visit my sister, she informed us about a nearby food truck destination known as Happy Valley Station. As someone who seldom encounters food trucks due to the location where we live, this place was a delightful surprise that checked both boxes!
If you’re in search of a food-truck paradise, Happy Valley Station, situated in southeast Portland, Oregon, is the ultimate answer! This lively food cart pod and beer garden feature a revolving selection of local trucks that offer delectable burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and various ethnic foods that will tantalize your taste buds from around the world.
A lovely part is that there’s an outdoor seating area that’s welcoming, clean, and spacious, with numerous picnic tables and umbrellas providing shade to keep you cool in the summer. During the winter months or rain, a covered pavilion houses a bar serving an impressive range of craft beers, wine, and cider to quench your thirst.
The atmosphere at Happy Valley Station is laid-back and serene, making it an ideal location to catch up with friends and family while savoring some seriously delicious food. The food trucks regularly switch up their offerings, ensuring that each visit is a new culinary adventure.
A Good First Impression
Upon my arrival at Happy Valley Station, I was pleasantly surprised by the vast selection of food trucks available. Although not all the trucks were open for business, there were still plenty of options.
The variety of cuisines offered was impressive, ranging from classic burgers to diverse Asian and South American dishes, and even a crab shack. The family-friendly atmosphere and light crowds made me feel welcome and at ease.
The food trucks surrounded the central covered pavilion, which boasted rows of picnic-style seating. Inside, there were approximately 35 taps of Oregon’s best microbrews and ciders, as well as wine offerings, a coffee bar, and an ice cream shop.
The food vendors and pavilion workers were genuinely excited to see customers and meet new people, making for a fantastic first impression and an enjoyable experience even before indulging in any food.
As a food enthusiast, I’m always eager to try new and unique cuisines, as well as fresh takes on classic dishes. Happy Valley Station provided an overwhelming array of options, making it difficult to choose just one.
I relished the opportunity to leisurely explore the family-friendly atmosphere, wandering around and perusing each food truck’s menu. I took my time in search of that one-of-a-kind dish that I had never tried before, savoring every moment of the experience. It was a great way to spend an early Sunday afternoon with my family. 
Not Just a Place to Eat
Happy Valley Station not only offers great food for bringing people together but also a variety of fun events that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Popular events include Bingo nights, painting nights, and Nintendo Switch nights, although the event calendar is always changing.
Bingo nights are open to all ages, and the game proceeds go towards supporting underprivileged and foster youth in the community. What a neat venue to enjoy good food, and great drinks, and support local kids and families.
For painting nights, tickets range from $25 to $40 and include everything you need to create your own masterpiece. With no experience required, everyone gets to paint a sketched design on a canvas using acrylic paint. Painting experiences have become increasingly popular over the past few years and can even make for a great date night.
Nintendo Switch nights are perfect for teenagers who want to have fun and make new friends. Both beginners and experts are welcome, and all you need is the device to play multiplayer games. Occasionally, there are even tournaments with prizes.
In addition, the pavilion can be rented for various events, such as birthday parties, business meetings, and wedding receptions.
My Favorite Part
Let’s dive into the food now. After browsing through all the different food vendors, I decided to go with Tita’s Kitchen and ordered a Peruvian sandwich and fried sweet plantains.
The sandwich I chose was the Inca Chicken, which consisted of baked chicken in a delectable Peruvian marinade with lettuce, tomatoes, and spicy sauce served on a ciabatta-style bun.
Since I’m not a fan of really spicy food, I went for the milder version, which gave just the right amount of tingling sensation on my lips and tongue.
The Peruvian marinade was a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that made the sandwich oh-so-delicious. Though I couldn’t discern the exact ingredients, the taste was simply amazing.
As for the plantains, I had never tried them before, and Tita’s Kitchen did not disappoint. Although they are part of the banana family, plantains have a starchy texture and are more like potatoes in consistency.
Tita’s fried them to perfection, giving them a crispy exterior and soft interior. They had a natural sweetness that was not too overpowering but still managed to satisfy my sweet tooth. Overall, it was a unique and delightful food experience.
Check this Place Out
If you’re looking for an exceptional food experience in Portland, Oregon, Happy Valley Station is a must-visit destination. The food trucks and vendors take great pride in their offerings, and the positive atmosphere adds to the overall memorable experience. It’s a paradise for food truck foodies, offering a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
The quality of the food is exceptional, with a wide variety of cuisines available, and the covered pavilion and outdoor seating area provide a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to catch up with friends and family while enjoying delicious food and drinks. Public bathrooms are also onsite.
Beyond the fantastic food, Happy Valley Station hosts various events catering to different interests and ages. The event calendar is regularly updated, so be sure to check it out for an even more enjoyable experience https://www.happyvalleystation.com/. Overall, Happy Valley Station is a destination you won’t want to miss.