Trap Kitchen

"Longtime Portlanders are naturally a little wary of Californians bearing gifts, but exceptions are enthusiastically made for Compton’s Trap Kitchen, which has taken Portland by storm in recent years — partially thanks to locals running the kitchen. From the initial East Portland cart to a downtown location within the Roseland Theater, the inventive soul-fusion of chef Malachi “Spankihana” Jenkins and his acolytes have made old comfort favorites like chicken-and-waffles and catfish-and-fries as exciting to the taste buds as the popular pineapple bowls." - Ron Scott, Nathan Williams, Eater Staff

"This Compton-based truck has a constantly changing menu (featuring everything from BBQ to fried chicken to cajun pasta), and a roster that also includes the Pineapple Express truck. Check their Instagram for the latest." - brant cox

"Longtime Portlanders are naturally a little wary of Californians bearing gifts, but exceptions are enthusiastically made for Compton’s Trap Kitchen, which has taken Portland by storm in recent years — partially thanks to locals running the kitchen. From the initial East Portland cart to a downtown location within the Roseland Theater, the inventive soul-fusion of chef Malachi “Spankihana” Jenkins and his acolytes have made old comfort favorites like chicken-and-waffles and catfish-and-fries as exciting to the taste buds as the popular pineapple bowls." - Ron Scott, Nathan Williams

"Often, when folks think about Trap Kitchen, now located within the Roseland Theater in Old Town, they think of its teriyaki-filled pineapple bowls, loaded with saucy shrimp or steak and jasmine rice. However, Trap Kitchen also serves its “baller box,” which is essentially a super luxurious take on fish and chips. The boxes come with fried crab and lobster tails, plus shrimp, salmon, and lemon pepper-seasoned fries. For something simpler, Trap Kitchen often offers fried catfish and salmon with fries, as well as sides like yams, mac and cheese, or greens." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

"Trap Kitchen Roseland will take over the Peter’s Room space on the bottom floor of the Roseland Theater, offering popular dishes like pineapple bowls with teriyaki steak or seafood, fried shrimp and chicken with mac and cheese, and more. The restaurant will feature expanded menu items such as apple-cinnamon, bacon, pork chop waffles, and lobster etouffee-topped Cheddar Bay Biscuit-style waffles. It will provide a daily menu from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a special menu during shows for late-night dining. Trap Kitchen will also cater to traveling acts at the venue." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden