Welcome to Wonderlove, the Central Eastside’s Funky New Food Cart Pod | Eater Portland
"On a half-block footprint in the Central Eastside that opened in late June, Wonderlove pairs Portland’s food cart culture with live entertainment and art and was founded by co-owners Michael Morrow and Joel Beaudoin who imagined a block-party destination. They describe the project as “heart and expression through music, food, and beverage,” with artists in the carts, behind the bar, and on the wall; the site preserves a memorial to street artist Klutch and is covered in murals by local artists including the Pander Bros., Munta Eric Mpwo, and @humphry_blowdart. The venue already programs events (its first major weekend event is Dollapalooza, featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race alums for Pride Month) and the owners envision an eclectic slate—musicians and DJs, poetry slams, yoga workshops, comedy nights, and graffiti jams—calling it an open platform. The three-level bar was fabricated from two stacked shipping containers: the ground level offers beer and cocktails (notably the Lovers!, made with Freeland Gin, St-Germain, and blackberry agave hard seltzer) with a walk-up window to the outdoor dining area; the second-floor sports lounge screens games and features a wood floor salvaged from UC Santa Barbara’s old basketball court (sourced by Tobey Parsons); and a top roof deck provides breezy views of the neighborhood, freeways, and downtown. The owners also plan to renovate the former metal-plating shop on the property into an indoor music venue." - Janey Wong
