When the bell for lunch rings, Franklin’s cafeteria is buzzing with excitement, but for many students, the anticipation of indulging in food is focused on options outside of the school doors. Franklin is the center of many amazing food places, with a variety of delicious food spots within walking distance. As the weather is slowly warming up, going out for lunch is becoming more and more popular, and having variation can turn a regular school day into something better. Some Franklin student favorites include the vast variety of food carts, Los Gorditos, and Taco Bell!
In September of 2024, a pair of food carts became a new addition to the wide range of options that students have. The two food carts are a bubble tea cart, Bobaholic, and a Mexican cart, Taqueria Los Jefes, which are conveniently located on SE 52nd Avenue and Woodward Street, roughly a two-minute walk from the front entrance of Franklin.
Ava Massey, a sophomore at Franklin, says she loves how close these food carts are, especially since there isn’t that much time for lunch. Bobaholic offers a variety of bubble tea options as well as different types of Korean street food — like corn dogs and fried chicken. “My favorite thing to get at Bobaholic is a taro milk tea with boba,” Massey shares. Taqueria Los Jefes has a wide variety of Mexican food ranging from burritos to tacos to enchiladas. Each can be filled with different types of meats or vegetables to suit every person’s taste and preference.
Another food cart spot that is more well known is The Lot. The Lot food cart pods are located on the corner of SE 50th and Division, approximately a five-minute walk from Franklin. These food cart pods offer a diverse range of cuisines, including Mexican, Hawaiian-Korean, burgers, and salads. Any type of food craved can be found at these food carts.
Lucia Dulka, a junior at Franklin, says her favorite food cart at The Lot is Las Palomas Taquería. “I usually get the Oregon burrito with chicken.” She explains that you can taste how authentic this Mexican food is, and her food is always made relatively fast.
Along with Las Palomas Taquería, another popular food cart is Namu, which many Franklin students rave about. This Hawaiian-Korean cart sells fusion cuisine ranging from poke to mouthwatering teriyaki bowls. The Lot’s festive atmosphere and seating area enhance the overall dining experience.
Across the street from The Lot, also located on SE Division, is the Mexican restaurant, Los Gorditos. It is also approximately a five-minute walk from Franklin. This restaurant, though a little bit more expensive than Taqueria Los Jefes and Las Palomas Taquería, makes up for it with their vast menu of items — ranging from burritos to tacos that can be ordered with various meats, vegetables, or even tofu, providing many options for vegans as well. It’s a great place to sit down and eat with friends.
Though there are many options for where to get lunch, many students have made it clear that Taco Bell is their favorite place to go. It is located on SE Powell Boulevard and is about a 10-minute walk from Franklin. Iris de Alba Gibbons, a junior at Franklin, expresses the appeal by saying she likes Taco Bell because it’s extremely cheap and fast: “I hate having to wait in the lunch line at school because it takes forever.” She explains that she would rather get Taco Bell because it tastes better than school lunch, and it’s a lot faster, even with the time it takes her to walk there. “My favorite thing to get at Taco Bell is the caliente cantina chicken burrito,” de Alba Gibbons shares.
Dulka, on the other hand, who also loves Taco Bell, likes to get the chicken flatbread melt and spicy potato taco. “It’s cheap, close, fast, and tastes really good,” Dulka expresses.
Right across the street from Taco Bell, on SE Powell Boulevard as well, is Super Deluxe. This is another popular fast food place among Franklin students. Their menu consists of classic fast food: burgers, fries, and soda. They also provide tables for students to sit down. De Alba Gibbons says her favorite thing to get at Super Deluxe is the spicy chicken nuggets. “Although it’s not the closest place to school, it’s worth it to get the spicy chicken nuggets!” she states.
If a pick-me-up is needed, Rain or Shine Coffee House is the place to go. It’s located on the corner of SE Division and SE 60th Avenue and is a great place to grab coffee or light snacks; with its inviting atmosphere, it offers a cozy environment for studying or catching up on assignments. It is about a 10-minute walk from Franklin, and students express that they like getting bagels at Rain or Shine; the soft chewy texture of their bagels makes for a perfect lunch, especially with coffee on the side.
Lastly is Pizzicato, located on SE Division as well. It is an 11-minute walk from Franklin and offers a nice seating area. This delicious pizza spot offers endless options for toppings, from classic cheese and pepperoni to gourmet options like lamb sausage and artichoke. Whether you prefer a quick slice or a whole pizza to share with friends, Pizzicato has copious options to satisfy your cravings.
Franklin is surrounded by a variety of eateries, so you’ll never run out of choices. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet drink or a leisurely lunch, Franklin has plenty of nearby options that will satisfy your cravings. From cozy cafés to various fast food restaurants, there’s something for everyone.
