(Still) Eating My Way Through Portland!
My favorite places to eat/drink
Here are all of the restaurants, cafes, and bars I have a go-to menu item at or that I know I want to revisit. Some of them are in walking distance from our place, others are biking/driving distance. Focusing on NE and SE neighborhoods.
Try the lavendar matcha latte with oat milk. I promise you WILL get addicted. I also like their Bee Sting latte.
Pro-tip: They have stamp cards. Why not share your stamps with future guests at our place and pay it forward?
30 המלצות של מקומיים
Nossa Familia Coffee
2007 SE Division StTry the lavendar matcha latte with oat milk. I promise you WILL get addicted. I also like their Bee Sting latte.
Pro-tip: They have stamp cards. Why not share your stamps with future guests at our place and pay it forward?
They have the best Pad Kee Mow (my favorite is with beef) I've ever had in my life. I've also fallen in love with the XO Chinese Broccoli. The 24 Hour Beef Noodle Soup is great for anyone who loves huge portions and social media post-worthy food!
Pro-tip: Any seat in the house is great. If you don't like waits or if you have a big group, you might want to play it safe and make a reservation.
51 המלצות של מקומיים
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Cuisine
3354 SE Hawthorne BlvdThey have the best Pad Kee Mow (my favorite is with beef) I've ever had in my life. I've also fallen in love with the XO Chinese Broccoli. The 24 Hour Beef Noodle Soup is great for anyone who loves huge portions and social media post-worthy food!
Pro-tip: Any seat in the house is great. If you don't like waits or if you have a big group, you might want to play it safe and make a reservation.
They have great tempura (light batter, not greasy) and I keep going back to the Chawanmushi. Their ramen broth is one of the best in town because they make a very savory and flavorful broth.
Pro-tip: If you're looking for a Japanese restaurant that doesn't just sell rolls or ramen, this is the place!
41 המלצות של מקומיים
Yama Sushi & Izakaya
2038 SE Clinton StThey have great tempura (light batter, not greasy) and I keep going back to the Chawanmushi. Their ramen broth is one of the best in town because they make a very savory and flavorful broth.
Pro-tip: If you're looking for a Japanese restaurant that doesn't just sell rolls or ramen, this is the place!
I had their salmon cakes for lunch and I might end up just getting that again, and again, and again... The breakfast is definitely worth trying (mainly the aebelskivers), but I wouldn't wait for more than 20 minutes.
Pro-tip: Especially on weekends, you should expect a wait. Even if you try to get there as soon as they open at 8am you'll see a line. Unfortunately, they don't take reservations so the only way to avoid a wait is to go at odd hours...
156 המלצות של מקומיים
Broder Café
2508 SE Clinton StI had their salmon cakes for lunch and I might end up just getting that again, and again, and again... The breakfast is definitely worth trying (mainly the aebelskivers), but I wouldn't wait for more than 20 minutes.
Pro-tip: Especially on weekends, you should expect a wait. Even if you try to get there as soon as they open at 8am you'll see a line. Unfortunately, they don't take reservations so the only way to avoid a wait is to go at odd hours...
Their coffees are good, but they also sell great special lunch items like soups and sandwiches that are light and hearty at the same time.
Pro-tip: If you need a quiet place to work, this is your spot!
28 המלצות של מקומיים
Oui Presse
1740 SE Hawthorne BlvdTheir coffees are good, but they also sell great special lunch items like soups and sandwiches that are light and hearty at the same time.
Pro-tip: If you need a quiet place to work, this is your spot!
One of the best pizza places in Portland, dare I say the West Coast? If you're looking for a New York style pizza, this may not be what you're looking for - but you still won't be disappointed!
Pro-tip: They do take reservations, which is a safe bet for a restaurant that is frequently listed as one of the top local pizza joints.
221 המלצות של מקומיים
Apizza Scholls
4741 SE Hawthorne BlvdOne of the best pizza places in Portland, dare I say the West Coast? If you're looking for a New York style pizza, this may not be what you're looking for - but you still won't be disappointed!
Pro-tip: They do take reservations, which is a safe bet for a restaurant that is frequently listed as one of the top local pizza joints.
We ordered a bunch of things and they were all good! Sorry I can't remember what my favorite dish was...
Pro-tip: This is a great place to make reservations for on special occasions. They also aren't the priciest Italian place in town, and the high ceilings are accommodating for big groups.
115 המלצות של מקומיים
Nostrana
1401 SE Morrison StWe ordered a bunch of things and they were all good! Sorry I can't remember what my favorite dish was...
Pro-tip: This is a great place to make reservations for on special occasions. They also aren't the priciest Italian place in town, and the high ceilings are accommodating for big groups.
Best. Cheesecake. Ever.
And they don't even use cheese!?!
Their cupcakes are better than most non-vegan options, which is insane...
Pro-tip: Tell others to try the baked goods without letting them know it's vegan. I dare them to notice!
87 המלצות של מקומיים
Back To Eden Bakery
2215-2217 NE Alberta StBest. Cheesecake. Ever.
And they don't even use cheese!?!
Their cupcakes are better than most non-vegan options, which is insane...
Pro-tip: Tell others to try the baked goods without letting them know it's vegan. I dare them to notice!
Now THIS was an experience. Ever wanted to be a guest on Top Chef? At Nomad, your Top Chef dreams will all come true! The tasting menu was definitely pricey, but compared to other tasting menus in big cities or even compared to other restaurants in Portland with James Beard award winning chefs, Nomad gives you way more value.
Pro-tip: Make sure to show up hungry, because they give you a LOT of food over the whole course!
Nomad.PDX
575 NE 24th AveNow THIS was an experience. Ever wanted to be a guest on Top Chef? At Nomad, your Top Chef dreams will all come true! The tasting menu was definitely pricey, but compared to other tasting menus in big cities or even compared to other restaurants in Portland with James Beard award winning chefs, Nomad gives you way more value.
Pro-tip: Make sure to show up hungry, because they give you a LOT of food over the whole course!
Bloody Mary Flight. That's all I'm gonna say.
Pro-tip: Remember that some people (like me) don't drink beer and might appreciate a stop at a distillery.
9 המלצות של מקומיים
New Deal Distillery
900 SE Salmon StBloody Mary Flight. That's all I'm gonna say.
Pro-tip: Remember that some people (like me) don't drink beer and might appreciate a stop at a distillery.
I got the crab hash once, and never tried anything else after that... I did try the Loukaniko and it was really good. Their biscuits are better than other restaurants that have biscuit in their names! Even the standard home-fried potatoes on the side are to die for!
Pro-tip: If you can't handle big portions, share a dish and get separate biscuits - you won't want to share the crispy and buttery goodness.
52 המלצות של מקומיים
City State Diner
128 NE 28th AveI got the crab hash once, and never tried anything else after that... I did try the Loukaniko and it was really good. Their biscuits are better than other restaurants that have biscuit in their names! Even the standard home-fried potatoes on the side are to die for!
Pro-tip: If you can't handle big portions, share a dish and get separate biscuits - you won't want to share the crispy and buttery goodness.
Their tuna poke is one of the best on the East side of the river. I'm not super into sweet sauces, so I'm pretty picky about poke..
Pro-tip: I'll just buy this poke and combine it with rice and veggies. I can make two poke bowls out of it just that way!
12 המלצות של מקומיים
H Mart
3301 SE Belmont StTheir tuna poke is one of the best on the East side of the river. I'm not super into sweet sauces, so I'm pretty picky about poke..
Pro-tip: I'll just buy this poke and combine it with rice and veggies. I can make two poke bowls out of it just that way!
I think their Cart Bowl is actually better than their Tortas - they're lighter and fresher tasting while being very filling at the same time.
Pro-tip: If you have anyone in your group who doesn't drink alcoholic beverages, get them an agua fresca. It was a life saver for me when I was pregnant!
73 המלצות של מקומיים
Güero
200 NE 28th AveI think their Cart Bowl is actually better than their Tortas - they're lighter and fresher tasting while being very filling at the same time.
Pro-tip: If you have anyone in your group who doesn't drink alcoholic beverages, get them an agua fresca. It was a life saver for me when I was pregnant!
They have some really cool items in bulk - misos, dates, and grains you normally don't see - so it's a great place to shop at if you're in to cooking. (Even if you aren't into cooking while travelling, you should still check them out since they're only a block away from us.) They have an awesome Farmer's Market every Wednesday from 2 to 7pm where you can eat delicious Japanese and Mexican food as well as awesome baked goods!
Pro-tip: There are plenty of foods you can buy in bulk, which means that even if you just want to sample a bit of granola or any odd foods you've never tried you can totally do that!
113 המלצות של מקומיים
People's Food Co-op
3029 SE 21st AveThey have some really cool items in bulk - misos, dates, and grains you normally don't see - so it's a great place to shop at if you're in to cooking. (Even if you aren't into cooking while travelling, you should still check them out since they're only a block away from us.) They have an awesome Farmer's Market every Wednesday from 2 to 7pm where you can eat delicious Japanese and Mexican food as well as awesome baked goods!
Pro-tip: There are plenty of foods you can buy in bulk, which means that even if you just want to sample a bit of granola or any odd foods you've never tried you can totally do that!
I had a margarita here for Happy Hour, and it was great - not too sweet, very refreshing. Also, the music was great (if you like 00's to 10's pop like me)!
Pro-tip: They have Drag brunch on the weekends, but I hear you have to get good seats to be able to see the show properly.
66 המלצות של מקומיים
Night Light Lounge
2100 SE Clinton StI had a margarita here for Happy Hour, and it was great - not too sweet, very refreshing. Also, the music was great (if you like 00's to 10's pop like me)!
Pro-tip: They have Drag brunch on the weekends, but I hear you have to get good seats to be able to see the show properly.
My favorite thing is the Aloo Tikki - never miss it when I order from here. The curries aren't the best I've had, but they also have lots of street food I haven't tried yet so I stay away from them anyways.
Pro-tip: Make sure to check out the spices section inside - it helps you make a more educated guess about what their dishes will smell/taste like. They have a great space to sit outside when the weather is nice.
625 המלצות של מקומיים
Bollywood Theater
2039 NE Alberta StMy favorite thing is the Aloo Tikki - never miss it when I order from here. The curries aren't the best I've had, but they also have lots of street food I haven't tried yet so I stay away from them anyways.
Pro-tip: Make sure to check out the spices section inside - it helps you make a more educated guess about what their dishes will smell/taste like. They have a great space to sit outside when the weather is nice.
By far the best poke place in Portland in my opinion, thanks to the Classic Hawaiian sauce. Unlike a lot of poke places, they don't have varying prices on the different types of toppings, and they're on the more affordable side without sacrificing portion size.
Pro-tip: If you need gluten free options, their menu is mostly GF with a few exceptions - great for those who are craving Japanese/soy sauce flavors. Keep in mind that both QuickFish locations are West of the river, so you'll want to avoid traveling back during commuting hours.
QuickFish
840 NW 13th AveBy far the best poke place in Portland in my opinion, thanks to the Classic Hawaiian sauce. Unlike a lot of poke places, they don't have varying prices on the different types of toppings, and they're on the more affordable side without sacrificing portion size.
Pro-tip: If you need gluten free options, their menu is mostly GF with a few exceptions - great for those who are craving Japanese/soy sauce flavors. Keep in mind that both QuickFish locations are West of the river, so you'll want to avoid traveling back during commuting hours.
Their menu changes pretty often, but my favorites seem to stay: Cauli-Town, Avo Toast, and Smooth Date.
Pro-tip: Presentation-wise, they win every time (read: great for social media posts), but they are usually very busy and loud. The service isn't the quickest either, so you might not want to visit when you're in a rush.
150 המלצות של מקומיים
Proud Mary Cafe
2012 NE Alberta StTheir menu changes pretty often, but my favorites seem to stay: Cauli-Town, Avo Toast, and Smooth Date.
Pro-tip: Presentation-wise, they win every time (read: great for social media posts), but they are usually very busy and loud. The service isn't the quickest either, so you might not want to visit when you're in a rush.
Another great place for biscuits - smaller and less crispy than City State (one of my recommendations listed above). If you like more standard breakfast and brunch options (read: no fancy New American food) that are on the heartier side (read: no waffles or pancakes), this is the place for you. The portions may not look big, but they are definitely filling.
Pro-tip: Great for dogs and dog-lovers. You'll wanna sit outside if you want to maximize your exposure to dogs. They always have a long wait on weekends, but they're great about texting/calling so you can roam around Alberta and still keep your spot!
359 המלצות של מקומיים
Tin Shed Garden Cafe
1438 NE Alberta StAnother great place for biscuits - smaller and less crispy than City State (one of my recommendations listed above). If you like more standard breakfast and brunch options (read: no fancy New American food) that are on the heartier side (read: no waffles or pancakes), this is the place for you. The portions may not look big, but they are definitely filling.
Pro-tip: Great for dogs and dog-lovers. You'll wanna sit outside if you want to maximize your exposure to dogs. They always have a long wait on weekends, but they're great about texting/calling so you can roam around Alberta and still keep your spot!
I haven't been to all the locations, but this one has great coffee AND baked goods. Not all cafes have amazing almond croissants and fresh bagel-wiches!
Pro-tip: If you want a place to get coffee and then move on to lunch, this is the best spot to be at! There are several great restaurants in the same building as the cafe. My favorite place is an Argentinian restaurant called Boca Grande (listed below).
56 המלצות של מקומיים
Seven Virtues Coffee Roasters on Glisan
5936 NE Glisan StI haven't been to all the locations, but this one has great coffee AND baked goods. Not all cafes have amazing almond croissants and fresh bagel-wiches!
Pro-tip: If you want a place to get coffee and then move on to lunch, this is the best spot to be at! There are several great restaurants in the same building as the cafe. My favorite place is an Argentinian restaurant called Boca Grande (listed below).
For the longest time I was addicted to their marionberry pies. I didn't even know what marionberries were till we moved to Portland! I also love their raspberry pies... Surprisingly great quiche, too!
Pro-tip: Great for small groups of people who don't want to buy a whole pie and share it. Also great if you all have different tastes or don't want to share ;)
21 המלצות של מקומיים
The Pie Spot
521 NE 24th AveFor the longest time I was addicted to their marionberry pies. I didn't even know what marionberries were till we moved to Portland! I also love their raspberry pies... Surprisingly great quiche, too!
Pro-tip: Great for small groups of people who don't want to buy a whole pie and share it. Also great if you all have different tastes or don't want to share ;)
They have awesome garlic bread and marinara sauce - I could forgo the meatballs all together. My favorite meatball were the Classic Italian and Pork Piccante.
Pro-tip: They also have great gluten free pasta and vegan balls!
20 המלצות של מקומיים
24th and Meatballs
2341 NE Glisan StThey have awesome garlic bread and marinara sauce - I could forgo the meatballs all together. My favorite meatball were the Classic Italian and Pork Piccante.
Pro-tip: They also have great gluten free pasta and vegan balls!
They have great coffee AND you always have the option to donate to great causes when you tip them!
Pro-tip: If you're looking for a quiet place to work, this is the best cafe to work at because they're a hidden gem. Only issues is they close pretty early in the afternoon. We keep a stamp card in our unit so we can pay in forward!
Neighbours Table
2830 NE Flanders StThey have great coffee AND you always have the option to donate to great causes when you tip them!
Pro-tip: If you're looking for a quiet place to work, this is the best cafe to work at because they're a hidden gem. Only issues is they close pretty early in the afternoon. We keep a stamp card in our unit so we can pay in forward!
Interesting concept: a rotisserie chicken meets Mexican food. I love the Green Bowl, and their cocktails are great.
Pro-tip: Enjoy the patio on a sunny day!
10 המלצות של מקומיים
Pollo Norte
2935 NE Glisan StInteresting concept: a rotisserie chicken meets Mexican food. I love the Green Bowl, and their cocktails are great.
Pro-tip: Enjoy the patio on a sunny day!
I'd never had a cornmeal crust pizza before I went to this place and I was pleasantly surprised! These pizzas feel more like a sit-down or sharing meal than most pizzas.
Pro-tip: If you can't settle on one item on the menu, you can always ask them to split the toppings in half.
95 המלצות של מקומיים
Dove Vivi Pizza
2727 NE Glisan StI'd never had a cornmeal crust pizza before I went to this place and I was pleasantly surprised! These pizzas feel more like a sit-down or sharing meal than most pizzas.
Pro-tip: If you can't settle on one item on the menu, you can always ask them to split the toppings in half.
I never had a Guay Tiew Kua Gai before - I usually order Pad Kee Mow when I'm at a Thai restaurant - and I ended up ordering two portions off of the Happy Hour menu! Their glazed fried chicken (Peek Gai Tod) was one of the best I've had in the city.
Pro-tip: Yep, you already guessed it - go during Happy Hour! But beware, because they don't have Happy Hour every day...
110 המלצות של מקומיים
PaaDee
6 SE 28th AveI never had a Guay Tiew Kua Gai before - I usually order Pad Kee Mow when I'm at a Thai restaurant - and I ended up ordering two portions off of the Happy Hour menu! Their glazed fried chicken (Peek Gai Tod) was one of the best I've had in the city.
Pro-tip: Yep, you already guessed it - go during Happy Hour! But beware, because they don't have Happy Hour every day...
Do you like thin-crust, wood-fired pizza? Then this is the place for you. They don't usually do takeouts and they definitely don't do deliveries, so it is more for a sit-down type of affair.
Pro-tip: Get a bunch of different pies and share them! Also, if you can't make the trip, but you do see Ken's Artisan Bakery bread at a grocery store (People's Co-Op has it), you have to get it! Best bread in town.
140 המלצות של מקומיים
Ken's Artisan Pizza
304 SE 28th AveDo you like thin-crust, wood-fired pizza? Then this is the place for you. They don't usually do takeouts and they definitely don't do deliveries, so it is more for a sit-down type of affair.
Pro-tip: Get a bunch of different pies and share them! Also, if you can't make the trip, but you do see Ken's Artisan Bakery bread at a grocery store (People's Co-Op has it), you have to get it! Best bread in town.
I liked the Hoki Poki Box the best - it was like a poke roll! They also have good cocktails.
Pro-tip: If you're okay with smaller portions, and you care about the presentation of your food, this is the right place for you.
472 המלצות של מקומיים
Bamboo Sushi
310 SE 28th AveI liked the Hoki Poki Box the best - it was like a poke roll! They also have good cocktails.
Pro-tip: If you're okay with smaller portions, and you care about the presentation of your food, this is the right place for you.
The restaurant is light and bright, and so is the food! My favorites are the Mezze and the chicken skewers. Great cocktails, too.
Pro-tip: The seats are a bit close to each other and they're often busy for dinner and brunch so reservations are encouraged.
144 המלצות של מקומיים
Tusk
2448 E Burnside StThe restaurant is light and bright, and so is the food! My favorites are the Mezze and the chicken skewers. Great cocktails, too.
Pro-tip: The seats are a bit close to each other and they're often busy for dinner and brunch so reservations are encouraged.
I usually don't like eggplants but the Mousakka Batinjan was heavenly. Their pita bread is so squishy and delicious! (Did I mention it's free?)
Pro-tip: It's hard to find parking on this section of Hawthorne, so prepare to park and walk.
25 המלצות של מקומיים
TarBoush Lebanese Bistro & Bar
3257 SE Hawthorne BlvdI usually don't like eggplants but the Mousakka Batinjan was heavenly. Their pita bread is so squishy and delicious! (Did I mention it's free?)
Pro-tip: It's hard to find parking on this section of Hawthorne, so prepare to park and walk.
If you're already in the NW neighborhood for some shopping, might as well check and see if Salt & Straw has a long line. Their best deal is the tasting (4 generously sized kid scoops for just $9!) or the pint. The pint is best if you're in a rush, because you can skip the line. My favorite flavor was the Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache :)
1078 המלצות של מקומיים
Salt & Straw
2035 NE Alberta StIf you're already in the NW neighborhood for some shopping, might as well check and see if Salt & Straw has a long line. Their best deal is the tasting (4 generously sized kid scoops for just $9!) or the pint. The pint is best if you're in a rush, because you can skip the line. My favorite flavor was the Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache :)
I love that Portland has plenty of vegan and vegetarian restaurants that are full of flavor! We went for brunch and I had a hash with soy curls that was perfect in every way!
Pro-tip: Get their pita - they're heavenly.
13 המלצות של מקומיים
AVIV
I love that Portland has plenty of vegan and vegetarian restaurants that are full of flavor! We went for brunch and I had a hash with soy curls that was perfect in every way!
Pro-tip: Get their pita - they're heavenly.
All their cocktails are great, and their sides are amazing - their fries are arguably the best fries I've ever had, and their brussels sprouts are on point!
Pro-tip: They have great outdoor seating and they're right across a brewery if you wanna kill two birds with one stone ;)
66 המלצות של מקומיים
Double Dragon
1235 SE Division StAll their cocktails are great, and their sides are amazing - their fries are arguably the best fries I've ever had, and their brussels sprouts are on point!
Pro-tip: They have great outdoor seating and they're right across a brewery if you wanna kill two birds with one stone ;)
Their syrups are so unique and flavorful! Definitely a must-try for coffee-lovers.
Pro-tip: They don't have a lot of seats inside, so it might not be the best place to travel to if you don't want to sit indoors. They do have a food truck pod nearby, if you want to wait it out.
32 המלצות של מקומיים
Never Coffee
4243 SE Belmont StTheir syrups are so unique and flavorful! Definitely a must-try for coffee-lovers.
Pro-tip: They don't have a lot of seats inside, so it might not be the best place to travel to if you don't want to sit indoors. They do have a food truck pod nearby, if you want to wait it out.
Good coffee and nice place to work. Even when it's busy it doesn't feel like it's crowded or loud. Their syrups are on the sweeter side.
Pro-tip: There's also a Tasty n Daughters here, which is a great place to indulge in New American cuisine foods.
117 המלצות של מקומיים
Good Coffee
4747 SE Division StGood coffee and nice place to work. Even when it's busy it doesn't feel like it's crowded or loud. Their syrups are on the sweeter side.
Pro-tip: There's also a Tasty n Daughters here, which is a great place to indulge in New American cuisine foods.
Best Latin American food I've had in a while, and it's vegetarian?! The mezcal cocktails were amazing and our favorite dishes were the empanadas and beans.
Pro-tip: Skip the fish tacos for now...
7 המלצות של מקומיים
Mestizo
2910 SE Division StBest Latin American food I've had in a while, and it's vegetarian?! The mezcal cocktails were amazing and our favorite dishes were the empanadas and beans.
Pro-tip: Skip the fish tacos for now...
Seriously good Chinese food. Love that their menu focuses on just a few items. We tried several noodle soups and they were all very flavorful. My favorite dish was the handmade dumplings.
Pro-tip: If you’re in a rush, call fifteen minutes ahead for takeout on your way out. Takes almost exactly that long to get there from our place.
9 המלצות של מקומיים
Master Kong
8435 SE Division StSeriously good Chinese food. Love that their menu focuses on just a few items. We tried several noodle soups and they were all very flavorful. My favorite dish was the handmade dumplings.
Pro-tip: If you’re in a rush, call fifteen minutes ahead for takeout on your way out. Takes almost exactly that long to get there from our place.
Might be my favorite place for an espresso in Portland. Their food menu is great, too. The dishes are on the lighter side, but they're all healthy and rich with flavor.
Pro-tip: The Wi-Fi is pretty unreliable and the outlets don’t work well, so it’s better to bring a book or a friend.
44 המלצות של מקומיים
Upper Left Roasters
1204 SE Clay StMight be my favorite place for an espresso in Portland. Their food menu is great, too. The dishes are on the lighter side, but they're all healthy and rich with flavor.
Pro-tip: The Wi-Fi is pretty unreliable and the outlets don’t work well, so it’s better to bring a book or a friend.
One of the best croissants I've ever had in the states, AND they're beautiful!
13 המלצות של מקומיים
Twisted Croissant
2129 NE BroadwayOne of the best croissants I've ever had in the states, AND they're beautiful!
Most fresh, beautiful, tastiest sushi from Korea! Must try the temari sushi!
6 המלצות של מקומיים
Bluefin Tuna & Sushi
1337 Northeast BroadwayMost fresh, beautiful, tastiest sushi from Korea! Must try the temari sushi!
Fair Weather
2039 Southeast Clinton StreetAwesome coffee, pastries, and food. My favorite dish is the rice porridge bowl.