Guidebook for Portland
Drinks & Nightlife
A classy but casual neighborhood bar serving great pizza. Family-friendly until evening.
19 locals recommend
The Pocket Pub
2719 NE 7th AveA classy but casual neighborhood bar serving great pizza. Family-friendly until evening.
Beech Street Parlor
412 NE Beech StGroovy bar in an old victorian house.
They make great beer, the pub food is way above average, and it's all for a great cause. One of the only non-profit breweries in America. List of current causes posted on the wall.
75 locals recommend
Ex Novo Brewing Co.
2326 N Flint AveThey make great beer, the pub food is way above average, and it's all for a great cause. One of the only non-profit breweries in America. List of current causes posted on the wall.
15th Avenue Hophouse
1517 NE Brazee StGood beer and pub fare.
The White Eagle Saloon is Portland's 3rd oldest bar dating to 1905 (6 years before our house was built by the Rice Brothers), behind only Huber's and Kelly's Olympian, both of which are downtown. Lots of charm here, run by the inimitable McMenamin brothers (see also Kennedy School).
49 locals recommend
Blue Moon Tavern & Grill
432 Northwest 21st AvenueThe White Eagle Saloon is Portland's 3rd oldest bar dating to 1905 (6 years before our house was built by the Rice Brothers), behind only Huber's and Kelly's Olympian, both of which are downtown. Lots of charm here, run by the inimitable McMenamin brothers (see also Kennedy School).
You have to see this place before you leave town. Old school transformed into funky facility housing bars, restaurants, a movie theater, live music, a soaking pool, etc.
538 locals recommend
McMenamins Kennedy School
5736 NE 33rd AveYou have to see this place before you leave town. Old school transformed into funky facility housing bars, restaurants, a movie theater, live music, a soaking pool, etc.
Lovely historic atmosphere. Connected to Wonder Ballroom.
"Vintage cocktails & absinthe served in a hideaway lounge with attached ballroom hosting live music."
85 locals recommend
The Secret Society
116 NE Russell StLovely historic atmosphere. Connected to Wonder Ballroom.
"Vintage cocktails & absinthe served in a hideaway lounge with attached ballroom hosting live music."
One of the pioneers in Portland's vast brewing scene. Their hefeweizen beer (wheat beer usually served with lemon) was probably the beer that sparked the micro-brewery revolution here.
45 locals recommend
The Widmer Brothers Brewery
929 N Russell StOne of the pioneers in Portland's vast brewing scene. Their hefeweizen beer (wheat beer usually served with lemon) was probably the beer that sparked the micro-brewery revolution here.
Check out their tasting room. Definitely a secret spot. They have odd hours so check their website to make sure they are open. Very unique scene. Tricky to find way down in the bowels of the Left Bank building, but worth the search. Really unique beers.
http://www.uprightbrewing.com/tasting-room.html
17 locals recommend
Upright Brewery
240 N BroadwayCheck out their tasting room. Definitely a secret spot. They have odd hours so check their website to make sure they are open. Very unique scene. Tricky to find way down in the bowels of the Left Bank building, but worth the search. Really unique beers.
http://www.uprightbrewing.com/tasting-room.html
Food Scene
Amazing food. One of Portland's favorite restaurants, OX finds inspiration in the wood-fired grilling tradition of Argentina, and with it, the culinary heritage of Spain, France and Italy. Prime local meats and fish are showcased, along with seasonal produce in distinctive preparations.
192 locals recommend
OX Restaurant
2225 NE Martin Luther King Jr BlvdAmazing food. One of Portland's favorite restaurants, OX finds inspiration in the wood-fired grilling tradition of Argentina, and with it, the culinary heritage of Spain, France and Italy. Prime local meats and fish are showcased, along with seasonal produce in distinctive preparations.
Sumptuous feasts of charcuterie, roast meats, and local fish as well as salads and delicious desserts in a cozy, rustically beautiful atmosphere.
92 locals recommend
Ned Ludd
3925 NE Martin Luther King Jr BlvdSumptuous feasts of charcuterie, roast meats, and local fish as well as salads and delicious desserts in a cozy, rustically beautiful atmosphere.
Acadia
1303 NE Fremont StNew Orleans bistro fare. Delicious pork chops!
TwentySix Cafe
2723 NE 7th AveGood coffee just a short stroll of a few blocks from the house!
Foster & Dobbs Authentic Foods
2518 Northeast 15th AvenueTasty sandwiches, soups & salads.
Good breakfast spot within easy walking distance of the house.
35 locals recommend
Bridges Café & Catering
2716 NE Martin Luther King Jr BlvdGood breakfast spot within easy walking distance of the house.
The northern outpost of one of Portland's iconic restaurants, the very authentic Thai food restaurant, Pok Pok by Andy Ricker who you may have seen guide Anthony Bourdain through Thailand on Bordain's TV show. Pok Pok Noi (North) features a more limited menu, but many of the staples, and is much much much easier to get into than the original Pok Pok in SE Portland, which doesn't take reservations.
201 locals recommend
Pok Pok Wing
1469 NE Prescott StThe northern outpost of one of Portland's iconic restaurants, the very authentic Thai food restaurant, Pok Pok by Andy Ricker who you may have seen guide Anthony Bourdain through Thailand on Bordain's TV show. Pok Pok Noi (North) features a more limited menu, but many of the staples, and is much much much easier to get into than the original Pok Pok in SE Portland, which doesn't take reservations.
Barbecue to die for. The smell alone will have you salivating. Try the brisket!
70 locals recommend
The People's Pig
3217 N Williams AveBarbecue to die for. The smell alone will have you salivating. Try the brisket!
Chalino
25 North Fremont StreetHaven't tried this place yet but sounds interesting. Upscale new-wave Mexican food.
Probably the #1 breakfast joint in all of the Portland area. Usually requires waiting in line a bit (try getting in line just before they open). So worth it!
482 locals recommend
Tasty n Daughters
4537 SE Division StProbably the #1 breakfast joint in all of the Portland area. Usually requires waiting in line a bit (try getting in line just before they open). So worth it!
Fantastic breakfast! What they lack in the "healthy" department they make up for in the "delicious" department.
37 locals recommend
Pine State Biscuits | Schuyler
125 NE Schuyler StFantastic breakfast! What they lack in the "healthy" department they make up for in the "delicious" department.
One of 2 locations near the house.
Fantastic breakfast! What they lack in the "healthy" department they make up for in the "delicious" department.
290 locals recommend
Pine State Biscuits
2204 NE Alberta StOne of 2 locations near the house.
Fantastic breakfast! What they lack in the "healthy" department they make up for in the "delicious" department.
Caffe Destino
1339 NE Fremont StMore good local coffee.
Because sometimes you just need a bowl of Murphy's stew and a Guiness.
24 locals recommend
County Cork Public House
1329 NE Fremont StBecause sometimes you just need a bowl of Murphy's stew and a Guiness.
High end delicious French food in a lovely and intimate atmosphere.
http://verdigrisrestaurant.com/#verdigris-restaurant
15 locals recommend
Daisy Bar + Cafe
1465 NE Prescott StHigh end delicious French food in a lovely and intimate atmosphere.
http://verdigrisrestaurant.com/#verdigris-restaurant
Funky little cafe/coffee shop/music venue with eclectic decor and a laid-back, bohemian vibe.
42 locals recommend
The Waypost
3120 N Williams AveFunky little cafe/coffee shop/music venue with eclectic decor and a laid-back, bohemian vibe.
Izakaya Kichinto
102 NE Russell StJapanese pub food. Easy walk from the house.
One of Portland's best restaurants. Ranked #8 in the city last year by the Oregonian newspaper. Amazing tapas.
http://www.torobravopdx.com/
179 locals recommend
Toro Bravo
120 NE Russell StOne of Portland's best restaurants. Ranked #8 in the city last year by the Oregonian newspaper. Amazing tapas.
http://www.torobravopdx.com/
Our go-to dessert stop. Fantastic frozen yogurt in ever-changing delicious flavors with a huge assortment of spectacular toppings. Susan loves it because they always have a few vegan options (made with almond or coconut milk usually) and I love it because it's better than most regular ice cream! Open late.
41 locals recommend
Eb & Bean Local Organic Frozen Yogurt (NE)
1425 NE BroadwayOur go-to dessert stop. Fantastic frozen yogurt in ever-changing delicious flavors with a huge assortment of spectacular toppings. Susan loves it because they always have a few vegan options (made with almond or coconut milk usually) and I love it because it's better than most regular ice cream! Open late.
Great sandwiches, soups, salads at Bunk and live music too!
http://www.bunksandwiches.com/bunkbaratthewonder/
24 locals recommend
Bunk Bar Wonder
128 NE Russell StGreat sandwiches, soups, salads at Bunk and live music too!
http://www.bunksandwiches.com/bunkbaratthewonder/
Ethiopian cuisine - Said to be the grand old lady of Northeast Portland's Ethiopian epicenter
26 locals recommend
Queen of Sheba Restaurant
2413 NE Martin Luther King Jr BlvdEthiopian cuisine - Said to be the grand old lady of Northeast Portland's Ethiopian epicenter
Russell St. BBQ (Belmont)
4246 SE Belmont StBlossoming Lotus
1713 NE 15th AveMaybe Portland's very best high-end vegan restaurant!
If you want super good vegan fare, a full bar and a laid back atmosphere, this is your place!
266 locals recommend
Bye and Bye
1011 NE Alberta StIf you want super good vegan fare, a full bar and a laid back atmosphere, this is your place!
Probably my favorite place for fancy tacos - though I do love the cheap taqueria variety as well. These are a little more upscale gringo style, but delicious nonetheless!
342 locals recommend
¿Por Qué No?
3524 N Mississippi AveProbably my favorite place for fancy tacos - though I do love the cheap taqueria variety as well. These are a little more upscale gringo style, but delicious nonetheless!
This has always been our family's favorite Thai restaurant. The quality and service is consistently good, and the atmosphere is cozy.
54 locals recommend
Thai Noon Restaurant
2635 NE Alberta StThis has always been our family's favorite Thai restaurant. The quality and service is consistently good, and the atmosphere is cozy.
So many delicious vegan and vegetarian options and the kids' menu is terrific--plus, kids' meals are only $1 between 5-7pm everyday! (Gets pretty busy at dinnertime though, so get there early to squeeze in before 7:00)
85 locals recommend
Vita Cafe
3023 Northeast Alberta StreetSo many delicious vegan and vegetarian options and the kids' menu is terrific--plus, kids' meals are only $1 between 5-7pm everyday! (Gets pretty busy at dinnertime though, so get there early to squeeze in before 7:00)
Lucca
3449 NE 24th AveA cozy, neighborhood Italian restaurant.
They serve an amazing breakfast here, but we mostly go for their pastries, on occasion.
385 locals recommend
Petite Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie
3420 NE Sandy BlvdThey serve an amazing breakfast here, but we mostly go for their pastries, on occasion.
Refreshing, healthy, delicious acai bowls! Our sons are hooked (Susan had to learn how to make them at home).
15 locals recommend
Carioca Bowls
827 NE Alberta StRefreshing, healthy, delicious acai bowls! Our sons are hooked (Susan had to learn how to make them at home).
Excellent Indian vegan restaurant, serving dishes that vegans normally have to forgo. Find dairy products replaced with nut-based ingredients, such as masala curry cooked with cashew cream, and The Sudra also has a selection of cocktails and mocktails, in addition to wine, beer, and cider. Not super close to the house, but worth the short drive.
58 locals recommend
The Sudra
28 NE 28th AveExcellent Indian vegan restaurant, serving dishes that vegans normally have to forgo. Find dairy products replaced with nut-based ingredients, such as masala curry cooked with cashew cream, and The Sudra also has a selection of cocktails and mocktails, in addition to wine, beer, and cider. Not super close to the house, but worth the short drive.
Bushel and Peck Bakeshop
3907 NE Martin Luther King Jr BlvdTry one of their biscuit breakfast sandwiches.
Delicious Mexican food and nice cocktails too. Closed Sundays.
26 locals recommend
La Cocina Restaurant
3901 N Williams AveDelicious Mexican food and nice cocktails too. Closed Sundays.
Parks & Nature
Great park and picnic spot just a block away from the house. Playground, open fields, baseball, tennis, basketball, soccer, trees, dogs, picnic tables, occasional music, etc.
92 locals recommend
Irving Park
707 NE Fremont StGreat park and picnic spot just a block away from the house. Playground, open fields, baseball, tennis, basketball, soccer, trees, dogs, picnic tables, occasional music, etc.
playground, fields, basketball court, trees, picnic tables, outdoor swimming pool open in summer...
31 locals recommend
Grant Park
playground, fields, basketball court, trees, picnic tables, outdoor swimming pool open in summer...
bark running track around park, picnic tables, playground, basketball court, open field, baseball diamond, bike polo, occasional summer concerts, etc.
139 locals recommend
Alberta Park
1905 NE Killingsworth Stbark running track around park, picnic tables, playground, basketball court, open field, baseball diamond, bike polo, occasional summer concerts, etc.
Dawson Park
1 N Stanton StSmall park with playground, basket ball court, and some green grass.
Shopping
Stock up on your Nike shoes and apparel just a few blocks from the house!
37 locals recommend
Nike Community Store
2650 NE Martin Luther King Jr BlvdStock up on your Nike shoes and apparel just a few blocks from the house!
If you enjoy bargain hunting at second-hand stores, Rerun is one of Portland's best. All kinds of things, from clothing to furniture.
39 locals recommend
Rerun
707 NE Fremont StIf you enjoy bargain hunting at second-hand stores, Rerun is one of Portland's best. All kinds of things, from clothing to furniture.
Lloyd Center
2201 Lloyd CenterWe are very near one of the largest shopping malls in Oregon.
Broadway Books
1714 NE BroadwayOne of my favorite local bookstores!
Essentials
Healthy grocery store with cafe, hot bar, an amazing salad bar, smoothies, espresso bar, etc.
630 locals recommend
Whole Foods Market
1210 NW Couch StHealthy grocery store with cafe, hot bar, an amazing salad bar, smoothies, espresso bar, etc.
Healthy grocery store with cafe, hot bar, salads, smoothies, etc.
974 locals recommend
New Seasons Market
1954 SE Division StHealthy grocery store with cafe, hot bar, salads, smoothies, etc.
Walgreens
5420 NE 33rd AvePharmacy and convenience store in one!
Fred Meyer is an Oregon chain offering one stop-shopping at it's very finest. It's a very large, competitively priced grocery, clothing, tools, gardening, toys, electronics, etc. Anything you need, they probably have, and for a good price. When I need a variety of things, this is a go-to place.
616 locals recommend
Fred Meyer
3805 SE Hawthorne BlvdFred Meyer is an Oregon chain offering one stop-shopping at it's very finest. It's a very large, competitively priced grocery, clothing, tools, gardening, toys, electronics, etc. Anything you need, they probably have, and for a good price. When I need a variety of things, this is a go-to place.
Knott Street Grocery Moa Chain
2709 NE 7th AveNearest convenience store to the house.
Safeway
6901 NE Sandy BlvdLargest chain grocery store near the house.
Everything Else
One of Oregon's state controlled liquor stores. If you want to buy spirits, you'll need to visit one of these.
Lloyd Center Liquor Store
1621 NE 9th AveOne of Oregon's state controlled liquor stores. If you want to buy spirits, you'll need to visit one of these.
Spirits are state controlled in Oregon and you'll need to visit a liquor store to buy them. This is the nearest one to the house.
MLK Liquor
3532 NE Martin Luther King Jr BlvdSpirits are state controlled in Oregon and you'll need to visit a liquor store to buy them. This is the nearest one to the house.
Getting Around
Self-service bike rental station.
https://www.biketownpdx.com/
Its' right in front of the Nike Factory Store.
50 locals recommend
BIKETOWN
Self-service bike rental station.
https://www.biketownpdx.com/
Its' right in front of the Nike Factory Store.
Train running from the Portland airport thru downtown, and out to Beaverton. Many stops in between.
14 locals recommend
Lloyd Center NE 11th Ave station
Train running from the Portland airport thru downtown, and out to Beaverton. Many stops in between.
Best airport in the country. Free internet, good local food, even a theater!
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2017/07/pdx_named_the_best_domestic_ai.html
95 locals recommend
Portland International Airport
7000 Northeast Airport WayBest airport in the country. Free internet, good local food, even a theater!
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2017/07/pdx_named_the_best_domestic_ai.html