Guidebook for Portland
Food Scene
Quaint little cafe for amazing breakfast. On weekends there is often a lengthy wait for limited tables, however, in nice weather you can sip coffee on the curb as you wait.
240 locals recommend
Sweedeedee
5202 N Albina AveQuaint little cafe for amazing breakfast. On weekends there is often a lengthy wait for limited tables, however, in nice weather you can sip coffee on the curb as you wait.
Light breakfast bites in a neighborhood setting. Try the granola with fruit and yogurt or any of the breakfast sandwiches.
77 locals recommend
milk glass mrkt
2150 N Killingsworth StLight breakfast bites in a neighborhood setting. Try the granola with fruit and yogurt or any of the breakfast sandwiches.
Small plates, Japanese style. Order at least two or three items from each section, they won't go to waste!
52 locals recommend
Biwa
215 Southeast 9th AvenueSmall plates, Japanese style. Order at least two or three items from each section, they won't go to waste!
Their Vietnamese hot wings are unforgettable. Their Kao Soi is worth writing home about. You'll wait for a table at dinner on the weekends (or skip it &go to the take-out location: 15th and Prescott.
460 locals recommend
Pok Pok
3226 SE Division StTheir Vietnamese hot wings are unforgettable. Their Kao Soi is worth writing home about. You'll wait for a table at dinner on the weekends (or skip it &go to the take-out location: 15th and Prescott.
Great for coffee and baked goods over a newspaper in the morning, or pop by in the evening for their incredible house made pizza rolled up with arugula.
76 locals recommend
Holiday
Great for coffee and baked goods over a newspaper in the morning, or pop by in the evening for their incredible house made pizza rolled up with arugula.
Pizza that's not really like any other pizza you've had. The perfect blend of ingredients atop a deep, cornmeal crust. Their salads are not to be missed either--especially the kale.
95 locals recommend
Dove Vivi Pizza
2727 NE Glisan StPizza that's not really like any other pizza you've had. The perfect blend of ingredients atop a deep, cornmeal crust. Their salads are not to be missed either--especially the kale.
Really great sandwiches, and this is coming from someone who takes her sandwiches seriously. The Italian is amazing, the pork belly is superb. Oddly, the grilled cheese & tomato soup sucks.
16 locals recommend
Bunk Morrison
621 Southeast Morrison StreetReally great sandwiches, and this is coming from someone who takes her sandwiches seriously. The Italian is amazing, the pork belly is superb. Oddly, the grilled cheese & tomato soup sucks.
I s! A long-standing un-hyped neighborhood spot with friendly service, cozy atmosphere, & fresh twists on classic diner fare. Also: buttery housemade scones & jam brought to every table. YUM.
52 locals recommend
Zell's Cafe
1300 Southeast Morrison StreetI s! A long-standing un-hyped neighborhood spot with friendly service, cozy atmosphere, & fresh twists on classic diner fare. Also: buttery housemade scones & jam brought to every table. YUM.
Great if you like steaks, but the sides are brilliant as well. If you're not in the mood to drop $22 on a New York Strip, at least try their Smoke Signals cocktail...it tastes like a campfire!
147 locals recommend
Laurelhurst Market
3155 E Burnside StGreat if you like steaks, but the sides are brilliant as well. If you're not in the mood to drop $22 on a New York Strip, at least try their Smoke Signals cocktail...it tastes like a campfire!
Likely Portland's best restaurant. Strong European vibes in this cozy & warm, wine-centric spot. Not a cheap place to stack up the small plates, but an unbeatable date night.
101 locals recommend
Navarre
10 NE 28th AveLikely Portland's best restaurant. Strong European vibes in this cozy & warm, wine-centric spot. Not a cheap place to stack up the small plates, but an unbeatable date night.
Southern Comfort brunch on the weekends for those who don't care what the scale says when you get home. Fried chicken & waffles, cheesy grits, honeyed corncakes, breakfast corndogs...& bloody marys!
379 locals recommend
Screen Door
2337 E Burnside StSouthern Comfort brunch on the weekends for those who don't care what the scale says when you get home. Fried chicken & waffles, cheesy grits, honeyed corncakes, breakfast corndogs...& bloody marys!
Awesome spot for those who love a sweet & savory breakfast in a cool design setting. Pretty much everything on the menu is can't-miss tasty.
94 locals recommend
Broder Nord
3765 North Mississippi AvenueAwesome spot for those who love a sweet & savory breakfast in a cool design setting. Pretty much everything on the menu is can't-miss tasty.
For breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Tasties is pretty much always nailing the flavors. It's become very trendy though, so steer clear of peak times. Weekend brunch will cost you an hour wait.
482 locals recommend
Tasty n Daughters
4537 SE Division StFor breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Tasties is pretty much always nailing the flavors. It's become very trendy though, so steer clear of peak times. Weekend brunch will cost you an hour wait.
If you're looking for a real local neighborhood vibe, this place is it. Part market and part deli counter, they serve up simple fare in a small town setting.
162 locals recommend
P's & Q's Market
1301 NE Dekum StIf you're looking for a real local neighborhood vibe, this place is it. Part market and part deli counter, they serve up simple fare in a small town setting.
For more refined versions of all your fave Latin flavors, this place is great for brunch or dinner.
61 locals recommend
Autentica Mexican Cuisine
5507 NE 30th AveFor more refined versions of all your fave Latin flavors, this place is great for brunch or dinner.
Casual Japanese small plates. Great for ramen, various vegetable side dishes, tonkatsu, and an asian twist on meatballs. Bonus for the large patio.
47 locals recommend
Miho Izakaya
4057 N Interstate AveCasual Japanese small plates. Great for ramen, various vegetable side dishes, tonkatsu, and an asian twist on meatballs. Bonus for the large patio.
Awesome lunch spot if you need energy for the rest of the day...or time to take a nap afterward! Try the fried chicken bowl with rice and kimchi, or the pork belly ramen. Fantastic.
40 locals recommend
Boke Bowl
1028 SE Water AveAwesome lunch spot if you need energy for the rest of the day...or time to take a nap afterward! Try the fried chicken bowl with rice and kimchi, or the pork belly ramen. Fantastic.
These aren't regular donuts: they're a hefty brioche recipe with generous proportions and one-of-a-kind flavors. Definitely pricey for fried dough, but still a cheap thrill!
403 locals recommend
Blue Star Donuts
3325 SE Division StThese aren't regular donuts: they're a hefty brioche recipe with generous proportions and one-of-a-kind flavors. Definitely pricey for fried dough, but still a cheap thrill!
An old local Lebanese favorite for their mezza platters, table-sized pitas, and pitch-perfect baklava.
125 locals recommend
Nicholas Restaurant Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine
3223 NE BroadwayAn old local Lebanese favorite for their mezza platters, table-sized pitas, and pitch-perfect baklava.
Walkable from my house if you like a long stroll, this place does Thai street food really well. The Kao Soi Gai is my favorite, and the hot Thai basil wings are a must.
65 locals recommend
Mee-Sen Thai Eatery
3924 N Mississippi AveWalkable from my house if you like a long stroll, this place does Thai street food really well. The Kao Soi Gai is my favorite, and the hot Thai basil wings are a must.
A lively atmosphere for sharing some gooey fundido and puffed-shell tacos with cocktails. All the meats are prepared next door at their BBQ joint.
79 locals recommend
La Taq
1625 NE Killingsworth StA lively atmosphere for sharing some gooey fundido and puffed-shell tacos with cocktails. All the meats are prepared next door at their BBQ joint.
The BEST banh mi in Portland is at Huong's cart on SW 10th Ave between Washington and Alder. Spicy pork on a huge flaky baguette with jalapeno & tomato spears, pickled carrots & daikon, and cilantro.
13 locals recommend
Food Carts & Stuff
598 SW 10th AveThe BEST banh mi in Portland is at Huong's cart on SW 10th Ave between Washington and Alder. Spicy pork on a huge flaky baguette with jalapeno & tomato spears, pickled carrots & daikon, and cilantro.
For lovers of Italian food the way they do it in Italy: antipasti, farro pie, octopus salad, housemade focaccia, housemade pastas, meat & fish a la carte. Plates are small, a variety is encouraged.
70 locals recommend
Luce
2140 E Burnside StFor lovers of Italian food the way they do it in Italy: antipasti, farro pie, octopus salad, housemade focaccia, housemade pastas, meat & fish a la carte. Plates are small, a variety is encouraged.
Awesome Cuban food. I can't stay away from the empanadas, tostones with hot sauce, and caribeña salad. The garlic stewed meat in clay pot over rice is delicious. Also: rum banana cake.
166 locals recommend
Pambiche
2811 NE Glisan StAwesome Cuban food. I can't stay away from the empanadas, tostones with hot sauce, and caribeña salad. The garlic stewed meat in clay pot over rice is delicious. Also: rum banana cake.
Meat Cheese Bread
1406 SE Stark StJust order anything. All of their sandwiches are incredible.
Drinks & Nightlife
Huge selection of beers and a tasty menu which includes English pasties and creamy mac'n'cheese.
97 locals recommend
Saraveza
1004 N Killingsworth StHuge selection of beers and a tasty menu which includes English pasties and creamy mac'n'cheese.
Imaginative cocktails in a worldy setting. The wide bar with its large, backed stools is perfect for settling in to share small plates of their awesome food.
195 locals recommend
Expatriate
5424 NE 30th AveImaginative cocktails in a worldy setting. The wide bar with its large, backed stools is perfect for settling in to share small plates of their awesome food.
Pop in here, take a seat at the lovely horse-shoe shaped marble bar, and let the bartenders here make you a drink based on whichever spirit strikes your fancy. The food boards are a perfect pre-game.
83 locals recommend
Angel Face
14 NE 28th AvePop in here, take a seat at the lovely horse-shoe shaped marble bar, and let the bartenders here make you a drink based on whichever spirit strikes your fancy. The food boards are a perfect pre-game.
A cozy spot to curl up with a hot toddy and maybe some of the best fries you've ever had. Converted from a historic house, the deep mahogany charm and Victorian vibes remain intact. Vinyl DJs nightly.
54 locals recommend
Beech Street Parlor
412 NE Beech StA cozy spot to curl up with a hot toddy and maybe some of the best fries you've ever had. Converted from a historic house, the deep mahogany charm and Victorian vibes remain intact. Vinyl DJs nightly.
The food here is great if you're looking for something close to the house with a variety of small bites. Grab a seat at the bar and share some cornbread and cheesy grits! And then some...
124 locals recommend
Victoria Bar
4835 N Albina AveThe food here is great if you're looking for something close to the house with a variety of small bites. Grab a seat at the bar and share some cornbread and cheesy grits! And then some...
Sightseeing
One of the most beautiful gardens you've ever seen, and reputed to be the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. Set aside an hour or so to wander and sit in peace, rain or shine.
1015 locals recommend
Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston AveOne of the most beautiful gardens you've ever seen, and reputed to be the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan. Set aside an hour or so to wander and sit in peace, rain or shine.
During the summer months the International Rose Test Garden, located above the park, is in full bloom and a treasure not to be missed.
326 locals recommend
Washington Park
4033 SW Canyon RdDuring the summer months the International Rose Test Garden, located above the park, is in full bloom and a treasure not to be missed.
Go for a hike on any of the endless miles of trails in the largest wilderness park within city limits in the US.
940 locals recommend
Forest Park
Go for a hike on any of the endless miles of trails in the largest wilderness park within city limits in the US.
Mt Tabor has great walking trails with lovely sunset views of the city from the reservoir.
420 locals recommend
Mount Tabor
Mt Tabor has great walking trails with lovely sunset views of the city from the reservoir.
Arts & Culture
Art house theater with programming geared towards second runs and experimental cinema.
73 locals recommend
Cinema 21
616 NW 21st AveArt house theater with programming geared towards second runs and experimental cinema.
Make the most of a rainy afternoon with $4 second-run and classic movies alongside pizza and beer.
329 locals recommend
Laurelhurst Theatre
2735 E Burnside StMake the most of a rainy afternoon with $4 second-run and classic movies alongside pizza and beer.
Historic theater recently renovated and boasting a great line-up of first-run films and special screenings.
231 locals recommend
Hollywood Theatre
4122 NE Sandy BlvdHistoric theater recently renovated and boasting a great line-up of first-run films and special screenings.
The Oregon Symphony conducts its season from Fall through Spring at this beautiful concert hall. Tickets for the rear lower level are affordable and not bad at all for viewing. A lovely evening.
117 locals recommend
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
1037 SW BroadwayThe Oregon Symphony conducts its season from Fall through Spring at this beautiful concert hall. Tickets for the rear lower level are affordable and not bad at all for viewing. A lovely evening.
Chopsticks III
535 NE Columbia BlvdChopsticks 3, How Can Be? Lounge. Go here for karaoke, but avoid the food.
Shopping
Pop in here to shop for some second-hand treasures including a shockingly good variety of vintage kilim rugs, Levi's 501s, and locally-made accessories.
9 locals recommend
Zig Zag Wanderer
1476 NE Alberta StPop in here to shop for some second-hand treasures including a shockingly good variety of vintage kilim rugs, Levi's 501s, and locally-made accessories.
Ladies, this is your place if you want to do some shopping. Boutique brand clothing, a wide range of perfumes, ultra-modern lingerie, ceramics, apothecary, and a small curated selection of vintage.
43 locals recommend
PALACE
2205 E Burnside StLadies, this is your place if you want to do some shopping. Boutique brand clothing, a wide range of perfumes, ultra-modern lingerie, ceramics, apothecary, and a small curated selection of vintage.
You just can't come to Portland without trolling the stacks at Powell's. Support the (still-local!) largest independent bookstore in the US!
976 locals recommend
Powell's City of Books
1005 W Burnside StYou just can't come to Portland without trolling the stacks at Powell's. Support the (still-local!) largest independent bookstore in the US!
If you like mid-century, this place is a mix of large furniture and home accessories on consignment. Prices vary, but are generally affordable.
32 locals recommend
Vintage Pink
2500 SE Hawthorne BlvdIf you like mid-century, this place is a mix of large furniture and home accessories on consignment. Prices vary, but are generally affordable.