Guidebook for Portland
Food Scene
Another super popular, touristy, must not miss spot. If you wait in the really long line, you get the advantage of taste testing all of the unusual ice cream flavors (think strawberry balsamic). If you want to skip the line, walk in the other door (the one without the line), take your chances, grab a pint from the freezer and head straight to the register.
1078 locals raden deze aan
Salt & Straw
2035 NE Alberta StAnother super popular, touristy, must not miss spot. If you wait in the really long line, you get the advantage of taste testing all of the unusual ice cream flavors (think strawberry balsamic). If you want to skip the line, walk in the other door (the one without the line), take your chances, grab a pint from the freezer and head straight to the register.
Indian "street" food on big aluminum platters, surrounded by a lot of people... The food is good, but be prepared to wait in line. We really enjoy the open air seating (inside with big roll up doors) and the outside space lined with colorful umbrellas. Drinks are inventive, but not cheap.
625 locals raden deze aan
Bollywood Theater
2039 NE Alberta StIndian "street" food on big aluminum platters, surrounded by a lot of people... The food is good, but be prepared to wait in line. We really enjoy the open air seating (inside with big roll up doors) and the outside space lined with colorful umbrellas. Drinks are inventive, but not cheap.
If you're looking to splurge, celebrate, and trust the experts - go to Ava Gene's and order the family style dinner, and then pace yourself. Seriously: meat/cheese board, salads, pasta, main, dessert & coffee - and they're not small portions. The salads are incredible, and you get 3 small ones with the family style dinner. Definitely make reservations if your heart is set on eating here, or risk a chance at a bar seat (or outside table during the summer). Since Covid they have been opening and closing sort of randomly, so give a google search before heading there.
236 locals raden deze aan
Ava Gene's
3377 SE Division StIf you're looking to splurge, celebrate, and trust the experts - go to Ava Gene's and order the family style dinner, and then pace yourself. Seriously: meat/cheese board, salads, pasta, main, dessert & coffee - and they're not small portions. The salads are incredible, and you get 3 small ones with the family style dinner. Definitely make reservations if your heart is set on eating here, or risk a chance at a bar seat (or outside table during the summer). Since Covid they have been opening and closing sort of randomly, so give a google search before heading there.
Lovely, lovely little Italian eatery on busy Division. Family-owned, sweet (and hilarious) staff, and really good food. Regina's salad is delish, as is the pasta, and main dishes. All super fairly priced, indoor and outdoor seating. Gets pretty busy for dinner on the weekends.
17 locals raden deze aan
Casa Italia
3035 SE Division StLovely, lovely little Italian eatery on busy Division. Family-owned, sweet (and hilarious) staff, and really good food. Regina's salad is delish, as is the pasta, and main dishes. All super fairly priced, indoor and outdoor seating. Gets pretty busy for dinner on the weekends.
Hands down, our most favorite sushi in Portland. Not the cheapest, but good sushi rarely is, and it's not as expensive (nor as crazy) as Bamboo. They have a handful of outside tables on the sidewalk, and an uh-mazing sake selection. And their staff love our dog (a lot), so bonus points for that.
41 locals raden deze aan
Yama Sushi & Izakaya
2038 SE Clinton StHands down, our most favorite sushi in Portland. Not the cheapest, but good sushi rarely is, and it's not as expensive (nor as crazy) as Bamboo. They have a handful of outside tables on the sidewalk, and an uh-mazing sake selection. And their staff love our dog (a lot), so bonus points for that.
Great HH (Mon – Fri : 4 – 6, Sat - Sun : 11:30 - 6), outdoor seating in the summer, and yummy noodles + other Japanese food. Service can be hit or miss, but not terrible. It's not our most favorite sushi place (see Yama Sushi on Clinton), but worth the HH prices.
45 locals raden deze aan
Yataimura Maru
3810 SE Division StGreat HH (Mon – Fri : 4 – 6, Sat - Sun : 11:30 - 6), outdoor seating in the summer, and yummy noodles + other Japanese food. Service can be hit or miss, but not terrible. It's not our most favorite sushi place (see Yama Sushi on Clinton), but worth the HH prices.
Happy hour Margarita pizza is our favorite pizza in Portland! It's plenty for 2, but we usually add a side of spinach or Cesar salad. Pizza orders must be in by 6 pm to get the HH price. All other food is great, fun cocktails and HH drinks too, but go for the pizza.
91 locals raden deze aan
Cibo
3539 SE Division StHappy hour Margarita pizza is our favorite pizza in Portland! It's plenty for 2, but we usually add a side of spinach or Cesar salad. Pizza orders must be in by 6 pm to get the HH price. All other food is great, fun cocktails and HH drinks too, but go for the pizza.
Famous pizza - go early, get in line and hope to get a seat at the bar. It's easier to get a spot with 2 people vs 3+. Doors open around 5.
221 locals raden deze aan
Apizza Scholls
4741 SE Hawthorne BlvdFamous pizza - go early, get in line and hope to get a seat at the bar. It's easier to get a spot with 2 people vs 3+. Doors open around 5.
Happy hour every day of the week (except Mon, they're closed) when you sit in the bar. Overpriced otherwise, but really good food and a taste of the local, old town Portland community on weeknights. The vodka sauce pasta is delish.
38 locals raden deze aan
3 Doors Down Cafe
1429 Southeast 37th AvenueHappy hour every day of the week (except Mon, they're closed) when you sit in the bar. Overpriced otherwise, but really good food and a taste of the local, old town Portland community on weeknights. The vodka sauce pasta is delish.
Oh man, the ham & cheese pretzel, hands down, but they also have tons of delicious pastries, cookies, and freshly baked bread. Coffee too! Lines are long on weekends, no lunch items sold on Sundays.
122 locals raden deze aan
Little T American Baker
2600 SE Division StOh man, the ham & cheese pretzel, hands down, but they also have tons of delicious pastries, cookies, and freshly baked bread. Coffee too! Lines are long on weekends, no lunch items sold on Sundays.
Yummy affordable tacos amongst other food stalls (not quite restaurants, not quite food carts). Their salsas are particularly good, and they have giant beers.
6 locals raden deze aan
Uno Mas Taquiza
1914 W Burnside StYummy affordable tacos amongst other food stalls (not quite restaurants, not quite food carts). Their salsas are particularly good, and they have giant beers.
We weren't thrilled with Double Dragon when it first opened, but now we're happy campers! An expanded menu & unique cocktails makes this place a must-do when in Portland. Think Vietnamese + urban PDX.
66 locals raden deze aan
Double Dragon
1235 SE Division StWe weren't thrilled with Double Dragon when it first opened, but now we're happy campers! An expanded menu & unique cocktails makes this place a must-do when in Portland. Think Vietnamese + urban PDX.
A heart attack on a plate, but that's what Portlanders go for. Walk up counter, long lines on the weekend (go during the week), and biscuits covered in richy richiness.
145 locals raden deze aan
Pine State Biscuits Division
1100 SE Division StA heart attack on a plate, but that's what Portlanders go for. Walk up counter, long lines on the weekend (go during the week), and biscuits covered in richy richiness.
Popular spot, so go early! Our favorites: chile relleno, enchiladas verdes, garlic/chile prawns. Not cheap, but not expensive either. Good sangria.
23 locals raden deze aan
Taqueria Nueve
727 SE Washington StPopular spot, so go early! Our favorites: chile relleno, enchiladas verdes, garlic/chile prawns. Not cheap, but not expensive either. Good sangria.
Famous home of the Thanksgiving dinner, every night of the year, and the acrobatic Spanish coffee routine. Dark wood, old school Portland, fun on a chilly evening.
46 locals raden deze aan
Huber's Cafe
411 SW 3rd AveFamous home of the Thanksgiving dinner, every night of the year, and the acrobatic Spanish coffee routine. Dark wood, old school Portland, fun on a chilly evening.
This restaurant is situated in a building known as the The Big Pink. On the 30th floor, it offers amazing views of the city - 360 degrees, but pricey and no happy hour drinks. Happy hour food early evening and all day Sunday, but get there early to grab a spot in the open seating bar. Full restaurant also available for a romantic evening.
283 locals raden deze aan
Portland City Grill
111 SW 5th AveThis restaurant is situated in a building known as the The Big Pink. On the 30th floor, it offers amazing views of the city - 360 degrees, but pricey and no happy hour drinks. Happy hour food early evening and all day Sunday, but get there early to grab a spot in the open seating bar. Full restaurant also available for a romantic evening.
Delicious, cheap pasta - it's our go-to local place for yummy bolognese and puttanesca. We like sitting in the back room/bar area.
33 locals raden deze aan
La Buca
40 NE 28th AveDelicious, cheap pasta - it's our go-to local place for yummy bolognese and puttanesca. We like sitting in the back room/bar area.
One of our favorite spots, but you do have to drive there. Continues to be tried and true. Try the white fish spread! Good food, can be a wait on a Thurs-Sat evening, but you can always head to the back bar (Down and Out) for almost the same menu + pinball and pool.
171 locals raden deze aan
The Observatory
8115 SE Stark StOne of our favorite spots, but you do have to drive there. Continues to be tried and true. Try the white fish spread! Good food, can be a wait on a Thurs-Sat evening, but you can always head to the back bar (Down and Out) for almost the same menu + pinball and pool.
German spot - we really like it here. Full bar, German beers, good food. There's a TV in the bar, in case you're trying to catch some sort of game. And they have cute outdoor tables for nice days.
76 locals raden deze aan
Stammtisch
401 NE 28th AveGerman spot - we really like it here. Full bar, German beers, good food. There's a TV in the bar, in case you're trying to catch some sort of game. And they have cute outdoor tables for nice days.
Shopping
Huge farmer's market on Saturdays nestled in the Park blocks and within the PSU campus. Runs March through November. Find more markets here: http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org
18 locals raden deze aan
Portland Farmers Market - Shemanski Park
1010 SW Park AveHuge farmer's market on Saturdays nestled in the Park blocks and within the PSU campus. Runs March through November. Find more markets here: http://www.portlandfarmersmarket.org
Reused and recycling place - lots of fun stuff to dig through, including used doors, tile, sinks, etc., etc. Definitely stop by if you head up to Mississippi Avenue!
39 locals raden deze aan
The ReBuilding Center
3625 N Mississippi AveReused and recycling place - lots of fun stuff to dig through, including used doors, tile, sinks, etc., etc. Definitely stop by if you head up to Mississippi Avenue!
Goes on Saturday and Sunday most days of the year. Combination of food, crafts, souvenirs, people watching, and music on the Portland waterfront. It would be a good stop on a bike tour.
425 locals raden deze aan
Portland Zaterdagmarkt
2 SW Naito PkwyGoes on Saturday and Sunday most days of the year. Combination of food, crafts, souvenirs, people watching, and music on the Portland waterfront. It would be a good stop on a bike tour.
Drinks & Nightlife
Best happy hour in town is why! Get there early to get in line, or go midweek. $3 cocktails and appetizers (i.e., grilled cheese WITH a cup of soup) and/or $10 bottles of wine. And HH lasts till 7, which is a rarity. The space is a bit crowded, but wind your way past the narrow bar into the dimly lit lounge, or take a few more steps to the enclosed patio.
76 locals raden deze aan
Aalto Lounge
3356 SE Belmont StBest happy hour in town is why! Get there early to get in line, or go midweek. $3 cocktails and appetizers (i.e., grilled cheese WITH a cup of soup) and/or $10 bottles of wine. And HH lasts till 7, which is a rarity. The space is a bit crowded, but wind your way past the narrow bar into the dimly lit lounge, or take a few more steps to the enclosed patio.
The number of beers, and glasses to go with specific beers, will make your head spin. It has a very large patio which is packed during the summer. They don't serve food, but allow outside food in.
115 locals raden deze aan
APEX
1216 SE Division StThe number of beers, and glasses to go with specific beers, will make your head spin. It has a very large patio which is packed during the summer. They don't serve food, but allow outside food in.
Because it's corny and the bartenders work really hard and are super, super sweet. And it's within walking distance! Lots of fun nightly specials and TV events.
16 locals raden deze aan
Nick's Famous Coney Island
3746 SE Hawthorne BlvdBecause it's corny and the bartenders work really hard and are super, super sweet. And it's within walking distance! Lots of fun nightly specials and TV events.
Sightseeing
It's like being in the middle of a Portlandia episode. Tours of the tiny houses take place on select Sundays.
7 locals raden deze aan
Caravan - The Tiny House Hotel
5009 NE 11th AveIt's like being in the middle of a Portlandia episode. Tours of the tiny houses take place on select Sundays.
Oregon Health & Sciences University is a teaching hospital "on the hill" with a fun ariel tram that connects commuters and patients from the waterfront to the main hospital buildings. $4.35 round trip.
45 locals raden deze aan
Oregon Health & Science University
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park RdOregon Health & Sciences University is a teaching hospital "on the hill" with a fun ariel tram that connects commuters and patients from the waterfront to the main hospital buildings. $4.35 round trip.
Parks & Nature
Famous falls outside of Portland with easy, walkup access (paved, lots of people). You can walk up to the bridge (0.5 mi), or all the way to the top (2.6 mi round trip). Bring a light coat for mist.
974 locals raden deze aan
Multnomah Falls station
Famous falls outside of Portland with easy, walkup access (paved, lots of people). You can walk up to the bridge (0.5 mi), or all the way to the top (2.6 mi round trip). Bring a light coat for mist.
Hikes, bikes, concerts and outdoor movies in the summer. AND boxcar derby in August!
405 locals raden deze aan
Mt Tabor Dog Park
2219 SE Lincoln StHikes, bikes, concerts and outdoor movies in the summer. AND boxcar derby in August!
Wonderful, sizable park within short walking distance with a looping walking path, duck pond, picnic areas and dog park. Lots of events in the summer, including concerts and movies in the park.
437 locals raden deze aan
Laurelhurst Park
SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd & Stark StWonderful, sizable park within short walking distance with a looping walking path, duck pond, picnic areas and dog park. Lots of events in the summer, including concerts and movies in the park.
Essentials
Right around the corner and across the street! Huge grocery, home goods, garden store + pharmacy, bakery & deli. Some natural/organic options available and the just installed a beer & wine filling station + bar inside the store. Also your closest Red Box option.
616 locals raden deze aan
Fred Meyer
3805 SE Hawthorne BlvdRight around the corner and across the street! Huge grocery, home goods, garden store + pharmacy, bakery & deli. Some natural/organic options available and the just installed a beer & wine filling station + bar inside the store. Also your closest Red Box option.
Natural, organic (and more expensive) grocery if Fred's doesn't cut it. Lovely meats, cheeses, produce and flowers + nice Portland keepsakes.
1022 locals raden deze aan
New Seasons Market
5320 NE 33rd AveNatural, organic (and more expensive) grocery if Fred's doesn't cut it. Lovely meats, cheeses, produce and flowers + nice Portland keepsakes.
Entertainment & Activities
Fantastic McMenamins - golf course, winery, outdoor venue, hotel - all with cool history! Easy way to spend a day, and it's on the way to Multnomah Falls.
203 locals raden deze aan
McMenamins Edgefield Winery Tasting Room
2126 SW Halsey StFantastic McMenamins - golf course, winery, outdoor venue, hotel - all with cool history! Easy way to spend a day, and it's on the way to Multnomah Falls.
Home of the Portland Thorns and Timbers. If you're here for soccer season, try to catch a game. Portland soccer fans are amazing, and the energy is incredible. We have Thorns season tickets & love it!
191 locals raden deze aan
Providence Park
1844 SW Morrison StHome of the Portland Thorns and Timbers. If you're here for soccer season, try to catch a game. Portland soccer fans are amazing, and the energy is incredible. We have Thorns season tickets & love it!