Welcome to Portland. Let's eat.
There’s so much incredible food (and drink) in our lovely little city. And, it can be overwhelming to sort through it all.
So, here are some personal recommendations. Have a delicious time in Portland and I’ll see you at WDS!
Love,
Jeff
Enthusiast of food, drink, and WDS
Say hello on Instagram: @Hoosier_Yankee
Downtown addresses are in bold. Downtown is quite walkable. If you’re bussing it, download the PDX Bus app and plan your trip to any of the other neighborhoods.
CAFFEINATION
For the love of all things good and holy, please don’t go to Starbucks when you’re in Portland. We have some of the best coffee in the universe. Try these. Bringing your own cup is cool, too.
101 SW Main St. Suite 116 (Corner of SW 2nd and Salmon)
Immigrant-owned, beautiful space serving Coava Coffee and an amazing selection of teas.
Black-owned, sneakerhead-themed coffee shop in Oldtown/Chinatown. If you’re looking for artisan roasted coffee without the snobbery, this is your place.
5347 NE Sandy Blvd
1422 NE Alberta
1026 SW Stark (in the Ace Hotel)
Good hipster watching. Many restaurants and other coffee shops serve their coffee, too.
222 SW Columbia (inside KOIN Tower)
COCKTAILS
Yes, there will be some drinking.
Takibi (in the Pearl)
An eclectic menu inspired by Japan. They were just voted one of the best bars in the U.S. by Esquire Magazine.
Wide open space, great for groups. Craft cocktails, beer, wine, small plates.
A dark bar inside Hotel DeLuxe. Mad Men Vibe.
I basically live here. One of the only bars in town that understands that a classic daiquiri doesn’t involve a blender. Also, they have the best wallpaper and a cute covered patio.
PLACES TO EAT
People of Color-owned Restaurant Directory
If you want to support POC-owned restaurants, this link has an extensive list.
Best bagels in town. NY style, Kosher bagels.
Lots of locations including a few on the west side. Healthful, simple fare. Vegetarian options. Budget-friendly.
Chicken and rice has never tasted so good! The owner, Nong, was on Chopped and killed it.
830 NW Everett Street
High-end grocery store with an amazing deli. Specializes in Mediterranean foods.
Old-school no-frills diner. A Portland breakfast institution, especially if you have a hangover. Get the potatoes and the toast (homemade bread).
Modern Vietnamese. Also open late at night. A bit chaotic but the food is tasty and fresh and the prices are moderate.
Especially recommended for breakfast and brunch. Waits can be long but they do take reservations. I recommend the chopped liver, if that's your thing.
2337 East Burnside Street
Southern food. Especially great for breakfast and brunch. Two favorites that are total opposites: chicken and waffles (brunch) + the screen door plate (lots of amazing fresh veggies, served at dinner).
SW 9th and Alder
1100 NW Glisan
They serve one thing: a bowl of rice, beans, cheese, salsa, olives, sour cream, avocado and their secret sauce. It’s really satisfying and inexpensive.
Good sushi and izakaya. Try the Japanese Caesar salad and the sesame spinach, too.
510 SW 3rd Ave (& Washington)
Go for Crazy Hour, from 2 to 5 if you can. They offer a couple of their burgers for a discount. Amazing French fries, too. They are known for a burger with peanut butter on it.
518 SW Taylor
77 SE Yamhill
4409 SE Hawthorne
1 N Center Ct St
Amazing smoothie + juice bar.
925 NW Davis St
Homemade raw + vegan food that you can enjoy even if you’re not into the raw and vegan thing. Juices and desserts, too.
SWEET THINGS
Voodoo Doughnut is a tourist trap. Now you know. But there are lots of other great doughnut shops, bakeries and ice creameries.
1237 SW Washington St
3549 SE Hawthorne Blvd
921 NW 23rd Ave
There’s also one in Japan and apparently it’s a big hit.
814 SW 6th Ave
709 SW 17th Ave
2735 NE Broadway St
Arrive early and score a buttermilk bar before they run out.
4759 NE Fremont St Suite C
They have tiny doughnuts in delicious flavors. It’s not conveniently located. Go anyway.
501 SW Broadway
3333 SE Division St
French bakery. We especially love the éclairs and the macarons. They also have decent sandwiches and salads.
102 NW 9th Ave
More famous for bread than sweets but really, it’s all quite good.
3345 SE Division St
2035 NE Alberta St
838 NW 23rd Ave
There are usually really long lines so make sure you like the people you’re with and then it’ll be fun. You can also try as many flavors as you want before you commit. Pro tips: You can also ask for a “split scoop” and get two flavors in one scoop. If you want to get a pint from the freezer, you can skip the line. My favorite flavor is pear blue cheese.
428 SW 12th Ave
3713 N Mississippi Ave
Divine ice cream cookie sandwiches.
TREAT YOURSELF TO A NICE DINNER
Mediterranean Exploration Company
333 NW 13th Ave
Small plates. Order everything. Share everything.
310 SE 28th Ave
836 NW 23rd Ave
1409 NE Alberta St
Beautiful and sustainable sushi. Hip atmosphere. We love the drinks here, too.
3155 E Burnside
If you love steak, don’t miss this place. Reservations suggested. There’s also a butcher shop inside and they sell sandwiches and (sometimes) fried chicken at lunchtime.
EAST SIDE FAVORITES
2454 E. Burnside
A casual Hawaiian place run by the Laurelhurst Market guys. Good happy hour. Strong mai-tais.
1667 SE Bybee Blvd
Our favorite sushi place. Not only is the sushi HUGE, it’s super fresh. Order about half of what you’d normally get or you’ll have a lot of (dreaded) sushi leftovers. Be prepared to wait and try to arrive long before you’re hungry, or at least 30 minutes before they open.
SE 28th and Ankeny
Super fresh and flavorful Mexican food. Portland isn’t known for Mexican but this place hits the spot every time.
1708 E Burnside
4225 N Interstate
3443 NE 57th Ave
Our local chain for wings. They also brew their own beer. It’s loud and crowded and we always eat too much when we go here.
There you have it. I could go on and on and on. Find me and we can talk about food and drinks or go get some food and drinks together. I can't wait to meet you at WDS!