Valerie’s guidebook
Food scene
Excellent food and atmosphere. No reservations. Always a wait. Go early and get a drink at Secret Society next door while you wait!
179 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Toro Bravo
120 NE Russell StExcellent food and atmosphere. No reservations. Always a wait. Go early and get a drink at Secret Society next door while you wait!
Great Argentinian steak house. No reservations, always a wait and a little on the noisy side but excellent food (not for vegans!)
192 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
OX Restaurant
2225 NE Martin Luther King Jr BlvdGreat Argentinian steak house. No reservations, always a wait and a little on the noisy side but excellent food (not for vegans!)
Rated Portland's top restaurant in 2019! No reservations, always a wait (worth it), get there early for shorter wait times. Food allergies listed on menu for GF, vegan, etc.
142 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Eem - Thai BBQ & Cocktails
127Rated Portland's top restaurant in 2019! No reservations, always a wait (worth it), get there early for shorter wait times. Food allergies listed on menu for GF, vegan, etc.
Good local place for breakfast / brunch. Be sure to look at the specials on the chalkboard. No reservations but put your name on the list for the weekend - there is often not a wait. Don't expect overtly friendly service but it is super reliable!
35 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bridges Café & Catering
2716 NE Martin Luther King Jr BlvdGood local place for breakfast / brunch. Be sure to look at the specials on the chalkboard. No reservations but put your name on the list for the weekend - there is often not a wait. Don't expect overtly friendly service but it is super reliable!
Great BBQ but not at all fancy and no reservations
70 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The People's Pig
3217 N Williams AveGreat BBQ but not at all fancy and no reservations
They have good tacos, Margarita Mondays and a nice back patio when the weather is nice. They also have live music - visit their website or call for details: http://www.thewaypost.com/
42 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Waypost
3120 N Williams AveThey have good tacos, Margarita Mondays and a nice back patio when the weather is nice. They also have live music - visit their website or call for details: http://www.thewaypost.com/
Reliable brunch place with usually a very short wait if any - good options for vegan / gluten free but everything else too :)
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bread & Honey Cafe
3526 N Vancouver AveReliable brunch place with usually a very short wait if any - good options for vegan / gluten free but everything else too :)
Amazing food cart w/ vegan and vegetarian options (and their magic sauce is delicious!)
64 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Whole Bowl
4526 SE Hawthorne BlvdAmazing food cart w/ vegan and vegetarian options (and their magic sauce is delicious!)
Brunch to die for - super unique - and the place is adorable! Usually a wait, get there early if you can.
94 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Broder Nord
3765 North Mississippi AvenueBrunch to die for - super unique - and the place is adorable! Usually a wait, get there early if you can.
People love this place - always a line!
37 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pine State Biscuits | Schuyler
125 NE Schuyler StPeople love this place - always a line!
Blossoming Lotus
1713 NE 15th AveAll vegan great restaurant!
Whether you are GF or not - they have amazing GF and vegan choices that you won't even know they are GF!
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Gluten Free Gem
140 NE BroadwayWhether you are GF or not - they have amazing GF and vegan choices that you won't even know they are GF!
Back To Eden Bakery
2215-2217 NE Alberta StGluten Free renowned Portland bakery
Excellent brunch spot but portions are HUGE and there is a reliable wait so get there early.
179 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Gravy
3957 N Mississippi AveExcellent brunch spot but portions are HUGE and there is a reliable wait so get there early.
Probably Portland's best Mexican food & amazing cocktails - 10 min walk from our place. Bryan's Bowl is a great option for vegan and/or gluten free people.
342 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
¿Por Qué No?
3524 N Mississippi AveProbably Portland's best Mexican food & amazing cocktails - 10 min walk from our place. Bryan's Bowl is a great option for vegan and/or gluten free people.
Great pizza place and don't forget the salted caramel gelato for dessert!
147 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Lovely's Fifty Fifty
4039 N Mississippi AveGreat pizza place and don't forget the salted caramel gelato for dessert!
Super fun atmosphere - usually not a long wait to get in and great food. Cool things like a "BLT roll" are on the menu.
52 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
UCHU Sushi
3940 N Mississippi AveSuper fun atmosphere - usually not a long wait to get in and great food. Cool things like a "BLT roll" are on the menu.
This is a bar w/ a great back patio - they are known locally for a great burger.
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bar Bar
3943 N Mississippi AveThis is a bar w/ a great back patio - they are known locally for a great burger.
One of Portland's best restaurants - plan ahead and make a reservation. Plenty of gluten free and / or vegan options.
144 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tusk
2448 E Burnside StOne of Portland's best restaurants - plan ahead and make a reservation. Plenty of gluten free and / or vegan options.
One of Portland's best restaurants - make a reservation and plan ahead!
236 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ava Gene's
3377 SE Division StOne of Portland's best restaurants - make a reservation and plan ahead!
Excellent restaurant but make a reservation - it's always busy!
112 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Le Pigeon
738 E Burnside StExcellent restaurant but make a reservation - it's always busy!
Great brunch and great dinner - inside or outside on the back deck - this is a really special spot and they source from their own farm many of the veggies on the menu. Great bar too.
22 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Meriwether's Restaurant & Skyline Farm
2601 NW Vaughn StGreat brunch and great dinner - inside or outside on the back deck - this is a really special spot and they source from their own farm many of the veggies on the menu. Great bar too.
Excellent food and awesome neighborhood and atmosphere - get there early or make a reservation in advance.
72 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mediterranean Exploration Company
333 NW 13th AveExcellent food and awesome neighborhood and atmosphere - get there early or make a reservation in advance.
Great brunch and great dinner - explore the awesome hotel too!
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bullard
813 SW Alder StGreat brunch and great dinner - explore the awesome hotel too!
The Hoxton Hotel is awesome overall but the tacos and drinks at Tope are really not to be missed! Plus a great view of Portland. Be sure to go to the downstairs secret bar afterward - ask the front desk how to get there.
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tope
15 NW 4th AveThe Hoxton Hotel is awesome overall but the tacos and drinks at Tope are really not to be missed! Plus a great view of Portland. Be sure to go to the downstairs secret bar afterward - ask the front desk how to get there.
10 Barrel Brewing Portland
1411 NW Flanders StGreat roof deck in summer!
Fun place, good scene and food and drinks and typically not a terrible wait to get in.
32 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Trifecta Tavern
Fun place, good scene and food and drinks and typically not a terrible wait to get in.
Han Oak Restaurant
511 NE 24th AveReally cool atmosphere and good food
Revelry
210 SE Martin Luther King Jr BlvdGreat food and live DJ
Cascade Brewing Barrel House
939 SE Belmont StGreat Sour Beer place
Gluten free pub w/ great food! Try the cubano.
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ground Breaker Brewing and Gastropub
2030 SE 7th AveGluten free pub w/ great food! Try the cubano.
Best chicken wings in Portland!
68 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Fire on the Mountain Buffalo Wings | Burnside
1708 E Burnside StBest chicken wings in Portland!
Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen
835 SW 2nd AveGreat lunch spot
Pok Pok is known for their fish sauce wings - they have multiple locations in Portland and all of them serve wings
460 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pok Pok
3226 SE Division StPok Pok is known for their fish sauce wings - they have multiple locations in Portland and all of them serve wings
This is a cool spot with an option for everyone w/ central seating
115 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pine Street Market
126 SW 2nd AveThis is a cool spot with an option for everyone w/ central seating
Feels like Vegas or LA in Portland but good food, good drinks, quite a scene and great views.
196 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Departure Restaurant + Lounge
525 SW Morrison StFeels like Vegas or LA in Portland but good food, good drinks, quite a scene and great views.
Get the Banh Mi Burger, side of fries, and if you're vegan get the curry and rice - this place is AWESOME - good drinks too and fun to sit on the patio when it's nice out.
66 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Double Dragon
1235 SE Division StGet the Banh Mi Burger, side of fries, and if you're vegan get the curry and rice - this place is AWESOME - good drinks too and fun to sit on the patio when it's nice out.
Proud Mary Cafe
2012 NE Alberta StOur favorite brunch spot!
Podnah's BBQ
1625 Northeast Killingsworth StreetGreat BBQ
Go to the front of the line and buy a pint if you don't want to wait
1078 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Salt & Straw
2035 NE Alberta StGo to the front of the line and buy a pint if you don't want to wait
Voodoo Doughnut
8145 SE 82nd AveYou just have to go. People get married here.
GET THE GREEN MACHINE! And the Hoke Poke Box. And, anything. It's amazing.
471 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bamboo Sushi
310 SE 28th AveGET THE GREEN MACHINE! And the Hoke Poke Box. And, anything. It's amazing.
Blue Star Donuts
3325 SE Division StGreat designer donuts!
Sightseeing
Local music joint - check their website for details: https://www.wonderballroom.com/ and be sure to get a sandwich at Bunk Bar sandwiches right there!
111 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Wonder Ballroom
128 NE Russell StLocal music joint - check their website for details: https://www.wonderballroom.com/ and be sure to get a sandwich at Bunk Bar sandwiches right there!
This is exactly like what it sounds - a GAME LOUNGE! It gets packed and they have all sorts of games (that involve people talking to each other - not video screens) :)
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Game Knight Lounge
3037 N Williams AveThis is exactly like what it sounds - a GAME LOUNGE! It gets packed and they have all sorts of games (that involve people talking to each other - not video screens) :)
Check their website for shows and events - a local favorite: https://www.crystalballroompdx.com/
159 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
1332 W Burnside StCheck their website for shows and events - a local favorite: https://www.crystalballroompdx.com/
Lots of great arts and crafts and quite a Portland scene - every Saturday and Sunday
425 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Portland Saturday Market
2 SW Naito PkwyLots of great arts and crafts and quite a Portland scene - every Saturday and Sunday
Portland is known for all its great farmers markets - almost every neighborhood has their own. But for the all time big one make sure to visit PSU Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings only.
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Portland Farmers Market at PSU
1803 Southwest Park AvenuePortland is known for all its great farmers markets - almost every neighborhood has their own. But for the all time big one make sure to visit PSU Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings only.
The Society Hotel
203 NW 3rd AveThey have a cafe downstairs and a roof deck with a good view
Go for a hike or off road bike ride here - lots of great trails like Leif Erickson, Saltzman and many others
31 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Forest Park
Go for a hike or off road bike ride here - lots of great trails like Leif Erickson, Saltzman and many others
Gorgeous! Especially in the Fall - but anytime
1015 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston AveGorgeous! Especially in the Fall - but anytime
Lan Su Chinese Garden
239 NW Everett StBeautiful easy walking here
Mt Tabor Dog Park
2219 SE Lincoln StGreat hiking, biking, and summer picnics
OMSI
1945 SE Water AveCool museum and great for kids plus an IMAX
Private karaoke rooms - make a reservation online! https://voiceboxkaraoke.com/
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Voicebox Karaoke Northwest
2112 NW Hoyt StPrivate karaoke rooms - make a reservation online! https://voiceboxkaraoke.com/
Quite a scene and cool atmosphere - top notch cocktails of course
126 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Multnomah Whiskey Library
1124 SW Alder StQuite a scene and cool atmosphere - top notch cocktails of course
You'll need a car to get here but it's worth the hike up!
974 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Multnomah Falls station
You'll need a car to get here but it's worth the hike up!
Neighborhoods
Great walking and/or biking streets to explore in Portland!
A Portland classic - lots of old homes and also a lot of new development and construction. Great walking street with tons of shops, bars, restaurants, food carts, nail salons, and The Rebuilding Supply Center for people who want to look for reclaimed home goods. Awesome street to spend the afternoon and in the summer they have the Mississippi Street Fair which is always crowded and lively.
217 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
North Mississippi Avenue
North Mississippi AvenueA Portland classic - lots of old homes and also a lot of new development and construction. Great walking street with tons of shops, bars, restaurants, food carts, nail salons, and The Rebuilding Supply Center for people who want to look for reclaimed home goods. Awesome street to spend the afternoon and in the summer they have the Mississippi Street Fair which is always crowded and lively.
This is our neighborhood - we love it! Visit Irving Park just up N 7th Avenue and Fremont for a great open park with tennis courts, grass, and an off leash dog park. Walk down N Williams street to find great bars, coffee shops, shopping, nail salons, hair salons, and our local grocery store New Seasons Market. N Williams and N Vancouver (parallel - one street West of Williams) are the two most biked streets in this country!
34 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
North Williams Avenue
North Williams AvenueThis is our neighborhood - we love it! Visit Irving Park just up N 7th Avenue and Fremont for a great open park with tennis courts, grass, and an off leash dog park. Walk down N Williams street to find great bars, coffee shops, shopping, nail salons, hair salons, and our local grocery store New Seasons Market. N Williams and N Vancouver (parallel - one street West of Williams) are the two most biked streets in this country!
One of Portland's more diverse neighborhoods and like so many places - a mix of old and new. Excellent shopping, food, coffee, and food carts. Be sure to visit the Grilled Cheese Grill (on a school bus) that of course has gluten free and vegan options; Salt & Straw ice cream (if you don't want to wait in line, go to the front and buy a pint instead of a cone); Proud Mary is our favorite brunch spot; and bike and walk around. Alberta Street hosts "Last Thursday" - a mini burning man arts party hosted on the last Thursday of every month.
205 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Alberta Arts District
One of Portland's more diverse neighborhoods and like so many places - a mix of old and new. Excellent shopping, food, coffee, and food carts. Be sure to visit the Grilled Cheese Grill (on a school bus) that of course has gluten free and vegan options; Salt & Straw ice cream (if you don't want to wait in line, go to the front and buy a pint instead of a cone); Proud Mary is our favorite brunch spot; and bike and walk around. Alberta Street hosts "Last Thursday" - a mini burning man arts party hosted on the last Thursday of every month.
This is SUCH a cute neighborhood - make time to bike around and get lost here and be sure to stop and eat at Double Dragon on SE Division too.
40 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ladd's Addition
This is SUCH a cute neighborhood - make time to bike around and get lost here and be sure to stop and eat at Double Dragon on SE Division too.
SE Hawthorne & SE Belmont are two of the best shopping and walking streets in SE Portland.
121 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hawthorne
SE Hawthorne & SE Belmont are two of the best shopping and walking streets in SE Portland.
Laurelhurst Park is beautiful and Laurelhurst Market has great food. Good walking around and seeing the old beautiful homes but not a ton of shopping.
21 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Laurelhurst
Laurelhurst Park is beautiful and Laurelhurst Market has great food. Good walking around and seeing the old beautiful homes but not a ton of shopping.
It's like the SOHO of Portland - great shopping and be sure to visit "Made in Portland" and Powell's Books. My favorite women's clothing store is Garnish - all handmade beautiful designer clothes!
264 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pearl District
It's like the SOHO of Portland - great shopping and be sure to visit "Made in Portland" and Powell's Books. My favorite women's clothing store is Garnish - all handmade beautiful designer clothes!