Guidebook for Portland
Food Scene
These recommendations are all walking distance.
🤩 this will be you when you taste how good their farm to table food can be. The chefs know what they are doing and the menu changes seasonally. Small portions and healthy choices populate the menu. Don’t know what the G is for— Garden? Gay? …whatever, but it certainly hits the spot;)
11 locals raden deze aan
G-Love
1615 NW 21st Ave🤩 this will be you when you taste how good their farm to table food can be. The chefs know what they are doing and the menu changes seasonally. Small portions and healthy choices populate the menu. Don’t know what the G is for— Garden? Gay? …whatever, but it certainly hits the spot;)
Crazy good ice cream in flavors inspired by tea blends and favorite desserts from foreign lands.
87 locals raden deze aan
Fifty Licks Ice Cream
2021 SE Clinton StCrazy good ice cream in flavors inspired by tea blends and favorite desserts from foreign lands.
Probably the best thing that came out of the pandemic— this new food cart pod is my go-to for a diverse selection of foods: Mexican, Indian, Ramen, Vietnamese, poke, and there’s a bar with favorite beers on tap and mixed drinks. Happy hour is 3-6pm.
9 locals raden deze aan
Nob Hill Food Carts
1080 NW 23rd PlProbably the best thing that came out of the pandemic— this new food cart pod is my go-to for a diverse selection of foods: Mexican, Indian, Ramen, Vietnamese, poke, and there’s a bar with favorite beers on tap and mixed drinks. Happy hour is 3-6pm.
Salt & Straw
2035 NE Alberta StCreative ice cream flavors that will delight.
Imaginative cocktails-- fun to see the mixologists working their craft at a wooden bar with a flaming fire nearby. Cuisine is Pacific NW with fun flavorful combos.
47 locals raden deze aan
The Fireside
801 NW 23rd AveImaginative cocktails-- fun to see the mixologists working their craft at a wooden bar with a flaming fire nearby. Cuisine is Pacific NW with fun flavorful combos.
If you need a restaurant to take the entire family to, this is our go-to for a solid and delicious Italian meal. A favorite for us when we had babies because they have gorgeous high ceilings that help to disperse toddler noise, and because of their happy hour menu w brick oven pizza (for kids) and creative salads and dishes for the adults.
36 locals raden deze aan
Serratto Restaurant and Bar
2112 NW Kearney StIf you need a restaurant to take the entire family to, this is our go-to for a solid and delicious Italian meal. A favorite for us when we had babies because they have gorgeous high ceilings that help to disperse toddler noise, and because of their happy hour menu w brick oven pizza (for kids) and creative salads and dishes for the adults.
The vibe is strong here. For the serious coffee drinker in us all that likes a welcoming atmosphere. The dandy baristas are friendly and cute in their aprons, but their coffee pulling and prepping is no joke. Every order is darn tootin’ perfection.
34 locals raden deze aan
Sterling Coffee Roasters
518 NW 21st AveThe vibe is strong here. For the serious coffee drinker in us all that likes a welcoming atmosphere. The dandy baristas are friendly and cute in their aprons, but their coffee pulling and prepping is no joke. Every order is darn tootin’ perfection.
Warning: addiction meter is high. Be careful here because their lattes are perfect and beautiful and an elicit a reaction similar to what I imagine crack might have on people. Like you’ll just want another right away. Great place to people watch too.
301 locals raden deze aan
Barista
1725 NE Alberta StWarning: addiction meter is high. Be careful here because their lattes are perfect and beautiful and an elicit a reaction similar to what I imagine crack might have on people. Like you’ll just want another right away. Great place to people watch too.
For serious chocolate lovers. Their drinking chocolate will coat your mouth like paint sticking to every tastebud. It’s such a unique taste sensation from start to finish. Don’t be put off by the shot/small amount for a regular drink price. The velvet silkiness of each sip goes a long way and you’ll be more than satisfied after licking what remains out of the small espresso size cup; the complimentary cup of water is key.
Roste Chocolate House
475 Northwest 14th AvenueFor serious chocolate lovers. Their drinking chocolate will coat your mouth like paint sticking to every tastebud. It’s such a unique taste sensation from start to finish. Don’t be put off by the shot/small amount for a regular drink price. The velvet silkiness of each sip goes a long way and you’ll be more than satisfied after licking what remains out of the small espresso size cup; the complimentary cup of water is key.
The almond croissants are as good as the ones in the 16e. Vive la France 🇫🇷!
113 locals raden deze aan
St. Honoré Bakery
2335 NW Thurman StThe almond croissants are as good as the ones in the 16e. Vive la France 🇫🇷!
Authentic french pastries and baked bread on location, mais bien sur.
81 locals raden deze aan
Ken's Artisan Bakery
338 NW 21st AveAuthentic french pastries and baked bread on location, mais bien sur.
Located side by side, high quality Italian cuisine. Caffe is a bit more upscale with a more robust menu; their Bar next door has wonderful nightly specials on their menu that are consistently delicious. Great cocktails too!
34 locals raden deze aan
Caffe Mingo
807 NW 21st AveLocated side by side, high quality Italian cuisine. Caffe is a bit more upscale with a more robust menu; their Bar next door has wonderful nightly specials on their menu that are consistently delicious. Great cocktails too!
Really good ramen in a fun setting. It's the best fast food on NW 23rd. Kids like it too... especially the tater tots appetizer; great kale salad for more discerning palettes.
66 locals raden deze aan
Boxer Ramen
3003 NE Alberta StReally good ramen in a fun setting. It's the best fast food on NW 23rd. Kids like it too... especially the tater tots appetizer; great kale salad for more discerning palettes.
Menu was put together by the owner and his mom— authentic Vietnamese as it comes and some fusion too.
29 locals raden deze aan
Fish Sauce
407 NW 17th AveMenu was put together by the owner and his mom— authentic Vietnamese as it comes and some fusion too.
Excellent Peruvian food influenced by Incan, Italian, and South American cuisine. Wonderfully creative cocktails; best Pisco Sour in town.
183 locals raden deze aan
Andina
1314 NW Glisan StExcellent Peruvian food influenced by Incan, Italian, and South American cuisine. Wonderfully creative cocktails; best Pisco Sour in town.
Great stop to grab a slice of pizza-- pretty close to a NYC slice.
36 locals raden deze aan
Escape From New York Pizza
622 NW 23rd AveGreat stop to grab a slice of pizza-- pretty close to a NYC slice.
A favorite spot to take the kids (toddlers) for a healthy and fast meal.
176 locals raden deze aan
Laughing Planet
3765 N Mississippi AveA favorite spot to take the kids (toddlers) for a healthy and fast meal.
If you like Japanese hip, this is the pinnacle. The food is simple but delicious... try their shandy on a summer day!
Takibi
2275 Northwest Flanders StreetIf you like Japanese hip, this is the pinnacle. The food is simple but delicious... try their shandy on a summer day!
I really like this place— it’s exterior and aesthetics look fancier than it really is since you order on your smartphone and aren’t really being waited on. The food was scrumptious nontheless.
AFURI ramen+dumpling
1620 Northwest 21st AvenueI really like this place— it’s exterior and aesthetics look fancier than it really is since you order on your smartphone and aren’t really being waited on. The food was scrumptious nontheless.
This is my most favorite resto atm. It’s not your regular Thai menu as this is southern Thai cuisine. So if you like trying new flavors and spices, this is the one for you.
Phuket Cafe
1818 Northwest 23rd PlaceThis is my most favorite resto atm. It’s not your regular Thai menu as this is southern Thai cuisine. So if you like trying new flavors and spices, this is the one for you.
It's a toss up: between NY pizza slices on 23rd and this place. Here the crust is amazing... not sure how they can have it crispy and chewy in all the right places you would want. Really creative combination of veggies and protein as well as the good ole standbys like plain cheese or pepperoni.
Scottie's Pizza Parlor NW
It's a toss up: between NY pizza slices on 23rd and this place. Here the crust is amazing... not sure how they can have it crispy and chewy in all the right places you would want. Really creative combination of veggies and protein as well as the good ole standbys like plain cheese or pepperoni.
Sightseeing
While you may have come here to immerse yourself in the Portland vibe, this place is a departure. Transport yourself to Japan without a passport and a pricey flight. Their tea house is a distinct experience too.
1015 locals raden deze aan
Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston AveWhile you may have come here to immerse yourself in the Portland vibe, this place is a departure. Transport yourself to Japan without a passport and a pricey flight. Their tea house is a distinct experience too.
Gorgeous when in bloom and still a peaceful walk when it’s not.
627 locals raden deze aan
International Rose Test Garden
400 SW Kingston AveGorgeous when in bloom and still a peaceful walk when it’s not.
Gorgeous, especially in the rain. Covered footpaths make this garden a paradise escape in rain or shine. (Kid-friendly too.)
405 locals raden deze aan
Lan Su Chinese Garden
239 NW Everett StGorgeous, especially in the rain. Covered footpaths make this garden a paradise escape in rain or shine. (Kid-friendly too.)
While I’ve never been drawn to go in for a tour, the walk up to this mansion is a fun uphill work out, and the views from the lawn of the city and Mt. Hood are beautiful!
622 locals raden deze aan
Pittock Mansion
3229 NW Pittock DrWhile I’ve never been drawn to go in for a tour, the walk up to this mansion is a fun uphill work out, and the views from the lawn of the city and Mt. Hood are beautiful!
Essentials
Most convenient grocery store for basic staples, beer and wine.
480 locals raden deze aan
Trader Joe's
2122 NW Glisan StMost convenient grocery store for basic staples, beer and wine.
Locally owned grocery store chain-- with local sourced produce...better than Whole Foods but just as pricey.
974 locals raden deze aan
New Seasons Market
1954 SE Division StLocally owned grocery store chain-- with local sourced produce...better than Whole Foods but just as pricey.
Basic grocery store chain with pharmacy and a great section for organics, locally labeled produce, and a well respected wine purveyor, whose name is Michael.
616 locals raden deze aan
Fred Meyer
3805 SE Hawthorne BlvdBasic grocery store chain with pharmacy and a great section for organics, locally labeled produce, and a well respected wine purveyor, whose name is Michael.
Walgreens
7280 SW Beaverton Hillsdale HwyClosest pharmacy. Open from 8am-12am.
This is the closest laundromat by our house. It just got a new taco truck outside in its driveway. Let me know what you think of the food!
Clean O Rama! Northwest
2573 NW Thurman StThis is the closest laundromat by our house. It just got a new taco truck outside in its driveway. Let me know what you think of the food!
Shopping
This place is a must or rather a mecca for book lovers. Great souvies there too. Enjoy being 'smellbound' there.
976 locals raden deze aan
Powell's Books
1005 W Burnside StThis place is a must or rather a mecca for book lovers. Great souvies there too. Enjoy being 'smellbound' there.
Check out my favorite shop spot in town-- never know what you'll find in this thrift store. Many diamonds in the rough if you have the eye.
William Temple House Thrift Store
2230 NW Glisan StCheck out my favorite shop spot in town-- never know what you'll find in this thrift store. Many diamonds in the rough if you have the eye.
These wine merchants know what they are doing! Stop in here for a great selection of wines from all over the world and a variety of Oregon wines too.
Liner & Elsen
2222 NW Quimby StThese wine merchants know what they are doing! Stop in here for a great selection of wines from all over the world and a variety of Oregon wines too.
They have the coolest locally made jewelry... check out their bracelets inspired by the bridges of Portland. Makes for a memorable and cool souvenir from the City of Roses.
24 locals raden deze aan
Betsy & Iya
1777 NW 24th AveThey have the coolest locally made jewelry... check out their bracelets inspired by the bridges of Portland. Makes for a memorable and cool souvenir from the City of Roses.
If you want a quiet bookstore that’s small, quaint, and filled with old books and classics, add this to your list. It’s closer than Powell’s and not as daunting.
Daedalus Books
2074 NW Flanders StIf you want a quiet bookstore that’s small, quaint, and filled with old books and classics, add this to your list. It’s closer than Powell’s and not as daunting.
The mothership of glamping. I like window shopping here because I love Japanese minimalism and aesthetics. Who knew camping could be so cool and so pricey?
Snow Peak
404 NW 23rd AveThe mothership of glamping. I like window shopping here because I love Japanese minimalism and aesthetics. Who knew camping could be so cool and so pricey?
Great place if you want a unique souvenir from Portland.
48 locals raden deze aan
Tender Loving Empire
525 NW 23rd AveGreat place if you want a unique souvenir from Portland.
I love going into this place— it’s like an art gallery experience in that you get to see the cool, quirky stuff that Oregonians have come up with and made, and if you like it: it’s for sale!
27 locals raden deze aan
MadeHere PDX
4018 N Mississippi AveI love going into this place— it’s like an art gallery experience in that you get to see the cool, quirky stuff that Oregonians have come up with and made, and if you like it: it’s for sale!
Parks & Nature
One of the biggest city parks in the country. Great for hiking and trail running. Within this park you'll also find our zoo, a Children's Museum, a rose garden (free) and Japanese garden (fee). Outdoor concerts in August too.
326 locals raden deze aan
Washington Park
4033 SW Canyon RdOne of the biggest city parks in the country. Great for hiking and trail running. Within this park you'll also find our zoo, a Children's Museum, a rose garden (free) and Japanese garden (fee). Outdoor concerts in August too.
Fun park for kids -- two play structures, one for smaller kids. Basketball courts and open fields for soccer, baseball, etc.
17 locals raden deze aan
Wallace Park
Fun park for kids -- two play structures, one for smaller kids. Basketball courts and open fields for soccer, baseball, etc.
Wonderful for a close and quick hike, great for runners, or bike ride. Beware it's up hill to get there.
90 locals raden deze aan
Forest Park
Wonderful for a close and quick hike, great for runners, or bike ride. Beware it's up hill to get there.
Just updated with new equipment Spring of 2019– it’s fun for kids preschool and elementary school aged. Also designed to be welcoming to all levels of ability.
16 locals raden deze aan
Couch Park
551 NW 19th AveJust updated with new equipment Spring of 2019– it’s fun for kids preschool and elementary school aged. Also designed to be welcoming to all levels of ability.
This is one of my favorite trail heads in the neighborhood that I like hiking when it’s really hot; this trail is nicely shaded and the temperature seems to drop at least 5° when you go into the forest here. You’ll also eventually come to the Stonehouse that is cool to imagine what it may have been at one point. It does connect with the rest of the Washington Park Trail system, and if you’re really ambitious, you can find your way to the Oregon zoo, Japanese garden, and the rose garden.
31 locals raden deze aan
Lower Macleay Park
2960 NW Upshur StThis is one of my favorite trail heads in the neighborhood that I like hiking when it’s really hot; this trail is nicely shaded and the temperature seems to drop at least 5° when you go into the forest here. You’ll also eventually come to the Stonehouse that is cool to imagine what it may have been at one point. It does connect with the rest of the Washington Park Trail system, and if you’re really ambitious, you can find your way to the Oregon zoo, Japanese garden, and the rose garden.
Arts & Culture
Favorite theater hands down... artistic, independent films, but also Oscar nominated movies make appearances throughout the year.
73 locals raden deze aan
Cinema 21
616 NW 21st AveFavorite theater hands down... artistic, independent films, but also Oscar nominated movies make appearances throughout the year.
Featuring internationally acclaimed Broadway musicals and plays as well as those authored by local talent.
90 locals raden deze aan
Portland Center Stage at The Armory
128 NW 11th AveFeaturing internationally acclaimed Broadway musicals and plays as well as those authored by local talent.
Drinks & Nightlife
A black interior with a lumious chandelier and mod seats in the adjoining room is the setting for this beer tap room that is too cool for school.
6 locals raden deze aan
The Big Legrowlski
812 NW Couch StA black interior with a lumious chandelier and mod seats in the adjoining room is the setting for this beer tap room that is too cool for school.
Because it's my favorite Portland beer! They also have a killer space to watch games if you're into that... and great outdoor space.
47 locals raden deze aan
Breakside Brewery - NW Slabtown
1570 NW 22nd AveBecause it's my favorite Portland beer! They also have a killer space to watch games if you're into that... and great outdoor space.
This is one of my favorite places to bike to and sit outside with a frosty one at one of their many picnic tables.
17 locals raden deze aan
Lucky Labrador Beer Hall
1945 Northwest Quimby StreetThis is one of my favorite places to bike to and sit outside with a frosty one at one of their many picnic tables.
Warning: this is the only mention in this Guidebook that’s NOT walking distance. I mention it because it’s uniquely a (I think the only) sports bar dedicated to screening only women’s sports games, matches, events, meets, heats, opens, etc.
The Sports Bra
2512 Northeast BroadwayWarning: this is the only mention in this Guidebook that’s NOT walking distance. I mention it because it’s uniquely a (I think the only) sports bar dedicated to screening only women’s sports games, matches, events, meets, heats, opens, etc.
 This venue hosts many up-and-coming bands, and 80s and 90s dance parties.
159 locals raden deze aan
McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
1332 W Burnside St This venue hosts many up-and-coming bands, and 80s and 90s dance parties.