The Local Grind

The Local Grind is a Portland-based island style BBQ food cart and catering operation, available for weddings, picnics, parties, luaus, festivals, and reunions. The menu centers on Hawaiian-influenced bento-style plates with grilled and shredded meats, teriyaki and Korean-spiced preparations, and house-made sauces; the TLG Signature Macaroni Salad (known as 'crackaroni') is a noted signature item. Most items can be prepared gluten free on request, and vegan items are available by special request. Owner and operator Larry Abell draws on nearly 18 years in Portland and multiple positions in the Portland food industry, and created The Local Grind as his own island style BBQ food cart. Based at 6910 North Interstate Ave., Portland, OR 97217, with catering pickup and delivery available with advance notice. Reviewers frequently call out the spicy Korean chicken, yakisoba noodles, Kalua pork, macaroni salad, and chocolate chip cookies; multiple guests note that The Local Grind outperformed other local Hawaiian restaurants in a direct taste comparison. Larry is praised by name for handling setup and keeping events running smoothly.