Rayney’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
This up-and-coming area is in a state of evolution with new shops, bars, restaurants, and housing popping up every day. Historically a gritty, industrial area of the city it gets it's name either from the lumber mills that once dominated the industrial area and sold slabs of log edges, cut to square logs, as a cheap source of fuel to laborers.
10 locals recommend
Slabtown
This up-and-coming area is in a state of evolution with new shops, bars, restaurants, and housing popping up every day. Historically a gritty, industrial area of the city it gets it's name either from the lumber mills that once dominated the industrial area and sold slabs of log edges, cut to square logs, as a cheap source of fuel to laborers.
Nob Hill
Trendy food and shopping district. Great area to wander around all day.
Food scene
Ataula
Delicious Spanish cuisine. Romantic, date-night vibes.
St. Honoré Bakery
2335 NW Thurman StGreat French Bakery
Salt & Straw
2035 NE Alberta StA unique and delicious ice-cream Portland-check-list must.
Nob Hill Food Carts
1080 NW 23rd PlSo many delicious options
Maiphai Thai NW
A local favorite. No frills but excellent food. Perfect take-out on the back deck.
St. Jack
1610 NW 23rd AveUpscale dining
KIVA: Cafe & Spa
1533 NW 24th AveSmoothies, Acai bows, healthy fare
Cozy and funky coffee house with a walk-up window. Perfect resting spot or quick re-up. Excellent coffee.
38 locals recommend
The Dragonfly Coffee House
2387 NW Thurman StCozy and funky coffee house with a walk-up window. Perfect resting spot or quick re-up. Excellent coffee.
Life of Pie
1765 NW 23rd Ave11am-6pm $7 happy hour margherita pizzas. Can't beat it.
McMenamins 23rd Ave Bottle Shop
2290 NW Thurman StUnique Bottle Shop
Besaws
1545 NW 21st AveGreat brunch. Historic Portland favorite dressed up in a new building.
G-Love
1615 NW 21st AveUnique take on dining- reverse, veggie-forward steak house.
Escape From New York Pizza
622 NW 23rd AveSUH good. Perfect take-away pizza.
Pine State Biscuits Division
1100 SE Division StGreat breakfast spot
Southland Whiskey Kitchen
1422 NW 23rd AveBBQ
Greasy, but delicious, Diner with a quirky attitude. Portland staple for years.
39 locals recommend
Stepping Stone Cafe
2390 NW Quimby StGreasy, but delicious, Diner with a quirky attitude. Portland staple for years.
Bamboo Sushi
310 SE 28th AveHigh-End sustainable sushi. Everything on the menu is incredible.
Grassa
1205 SW Washington StItalian
AMAZING breakfasts. The vegan breakfast burrito and breakfast sandwich are too good to be true. The coffee is great. During non-covid times there's enough room to spread out and stay awhile. During Covid times take your food and coffee to go and grab a spot at the tables by the food carts.
Groundwork Coffee Co.
539 NW Vaughn StAMAZING breakfasts. The vegan breakfast burrito and breakfast sandwich are too good to be true. The coffee is great. During non-covid times there's enough room to spread out and stay awhile. During Covid times take your food and coffee to go and grab a spot at the tables by the food carts.
Cha Cha Cha Taqueria Thurman
2390 NW Thurman StGood Americanized-Mexican. Good margaritas.
Angel's Taqueria
2225 NW Wilson StAuthentic Mexican food. Arguably the best Mexican food cart in Portland.
Sightseeing
Witch's Castle
Lower Macleay TrailA cool and creepy surprise in the middle of a Forest
Forest Park
80+ miles of well-marked trails, just outside your door.
Pittock Mansion
3229 NW Pittock DrBeautiful views
Powell's City of Books
1005 W Burnside StMust see in Portland
Self-Care Spots
CorePower Yoga
844 SE Morrison StYoga Studio
The DragonTree
2768 NW Thurman StWonderful Spa. Amazing massages, foot soaks, and facials.
Day spa next door to the cafe. Call ahead for treatment availability.
10 locals recommend
KIVA: Cafe & Spa
1533 NW 24th AveDay spa next door to the cafe. Call ahead for treatment availability.
Orangetheory Fitness
2195 NW Raleigh StOrange Theory Studio
Sante Aesthetics & Wellness
210 NW 17th AveHeaven on Earth for all your spa needs
Bars
The Solo Club
2110 NW Raleigh StBest vibe, great drinks
The first female-owned distillery in the US. Great cocktails in a cool space. Bring home one of their beautiful bottles as a souvenir or gift.
9 locals recommend
Freeland spirits
2671 NW Vaughn StThe first female-owned distillery in the US. Great cocktails in a cool space. Bring home one of their beautiful bottles as a souvenir or gift.
Muse Winebar
2264 NW Raleigh StWine bar!
Quirky dive bar with a great vibe and surprisingly good food. Nice back patio. The real gift though are their jello shots. DO NOT MISS THESE!
9 locals recommend
Crackerjacks Pub & Eatery
2788 NW Thurman StQuirky dive bar with a great vibe and surprisingly good food. Nice back patio. The real gift though are their jello shots. DO NOT MISS THESE!
Shoping
Betsy & Iya
1777 NW 24th AveLocal, hand-made jewelry and gifts
Solabee Flowers & Botanicals
801 N Killingsworth StMagical tropical forest in Slabtown
Local Oregonian Leather Goods. Excellent shopping experience with a cool back-patio hang out spot. Don't be afraid to ask for a free espesso!
9 locals recommend
Will Leather Goods
816 NW 23rd AveLocal Oregonian Leather Goods. Excellent shopping experience with a cool back-patio hang out spot. Don't be afraid to ask for a free espesso!
Sloan Boutique
3824 N Mississippi Avewomen's boutique
One of the best home-goods stores in the world. Very hip. They also have a great coffee shop inside.
19 locals recommend
Schoolhouse
2181 NW Nicolai StOne of the best home-goods stores in the world. Very hip. They also have a great coffee shop inside.
Nearby Breweries
Great Notion Brewing NW
2444 NW 28th AveBrewery
Sasquatch Brewing Co.
6440 SW Capitol HwyBrewery in the industrial zone
Hammer & Stitch Brewing Co.
2377 NW Wilson StBrewery with great deck
Breakside Brewery - NW Slabtown
1570 NW 22nd AveGreat beer and food. Nice outdoor area.