Guidebook for Portland
Food Scene
Fine dining on one side, causal on the other. Both menus are excellent.
31 locals recommend
Castagna Restaurant
1752 SE Hawthorne BlvdFine dining on one side, causal on the other. Both menus are excellent.
Home away from home. Coffee, pastries, coziness. Chess, bookshelves full of books and wifi.
60 locals recommend
Palio Dessert and Espresso
1996 SE Ladd AveHome away from home. Coffee, pastries, coziness. Chess, bookshelves full of books and wifi.
Down-to-earth, authentic Argentinian food with an oasis-like back patio and bar. Feels like vacation. This place is still a secret so you can avoid the crowds (for now)!
99 locals recommend
Teote House Cafe
1615 SE 12th AveDown-to-earth, authentic Argentinian food with an oasis-like back patio and bar. Feels like vacation. This place is still a secret so you can avoid the crowds (for now)!
Swedish breakfast for Americans. Quaint, cozy, tasteful. A consistently great way to start the weekend.
156 locals recommend
Broder Café
2508 SE Clinton StSwedish breakfast for Americans. Quaint, cozy, tasteful. A consistently great way to start the weekend.
Walk in, set your eyes on the menu and transport yourself straight to France. Pastries, quiches, coffee and sandwiches in a distinctly European setting.
104 locals recommend
St. Honoré Bakery SE Division
3333 SE Division StWalk in, set your eyes on the menu and transport yourself straight to France. Pastries, quiches, coffee and sandwiches in a distinctly European setting.
One of the best Mexican "sit down and dine" experiences in Portland. Very lucky to have this near our house. Eat at the bar if seating is limited.
101 locals recommend
Nuestra Cocina
2135 SE Division StOne of the best Mexican "sit down and dine" experiences in Portland. Very lucky to have this near our house. Eat at the bar if seating is limited.
A homey pie and brunch spot serving seasonal berry and cream pies, with flaky crusts from baker/owner Kate McMillan. Yum!
124 locals recommend
Lauretta Jean's
3402 SE Division StA homey pie and brunch spot serving seasonal berry and cream pies, with flaky crusts from baker/owner Kate McMillan. Yum!
Roman-inspired, rustic dishes made with all-local produce and meats. Extensive Italian wine list. Regarded among the best restaurants in Portland. The ambience and the menu are a perfect match.
236 locals recommend
Ava Gene's
3377 SE Division StRoman-inspired, rustic dishes made with all-local produce and meats. Extensive Italian wine list. Regarded among the best restaurants in Portland. The ambience and the menu are a perfect match.
Seems like we get tacos here at least once a week. Consistent, yummy, popular. Serves Pacifico and good margaritas, too.
318 locals recommend
¿Por Qué No?
4635 Southeast Hawthorne BoulevardSeems like we get tacos here at least once a week. Consistent, yummy, popular. Serves Pacifico and good margaritas, too.
Bar/restaurant with a mellow, oddly New Orleans vibe. A go-to spot for Tabor neighbors in search of late-night food/desert. Great brunch, too.
161 locals recommend
Sapphire Hotel Bar
5008 SE Hawthorne BlvdBar/restaurant with a mellow, oddly New Orleans vibe. A go-to spot for Tabor neighbors in search of late-night food/desert. Great brunch, too.
The other top-tier Mexican restaurant near our house. Resurrected after closing across town several years ago. It's very good.
23 locals recommend
Taqueria Nueve
727 SE Washington StThe other top-tier Mexican restaurant near our house. Resurrected after closing across town several years ago. It's very good.
One of Portland's best, owner/chef Gabe is a perennial contender for James Beard awards. Tiny, family-style dining experience. An absolute must for foodies.
112 locals recommend
Le Pigeon
738 E Burnside StOne of Portland's best, owner/chef Gabe is a perennial contender for James Beard awards. Tiny, family-style dining experience. An absolute must for foodies.
Serves 50+ wines by the glass. Small and large plates, Italian, French and Spanish-inspired. Work with a local CSA to keep everything local, fresh, consistently delicious. One of our little gems.
101 locals recommend
Navarre
10 NE 28th AveServes 50+ wines by the glass. Small and large plates, Italian, French and Spanish-inspired. Work with a local CSA to keep everything local, fresh, consistently delicious. One of our little gems.
From the makers of Navarre, this quaint, unpretentious, Italian restaurant focuses on food, not glitz. Refined and cozy.
70 locals recommend
Luce
2140 E Burnside StFrom the makers of Navarre, this quaint, unpretentious, Italian restaurant focuses on food, not glitz. Refined and cozy.
Not just accessible sushi. This is is REALLY GOOD sushi. Right on our street.
18 locals recommend
Nimblefish
1524 SE 20th AveNot just accessible sushi. This is is REALLY GOOD sushi. Right on our street.
We can't go a week without having the House Ramen at this down-to-earth little restaurant bar in our neighborhood. Staff is about as nice as it gets and the vibe here is great. Outdoor seating, too.
66 locals recommend
Double Dragon
1235 SE Division StWe can't go a week without having the House Ramen at this down-to-earth little restaurant bar in our neighborhood. Staff is about as nice as it gets and the vibe here is great. Outdoor seating, too.
If you're a foodie who enjoys a completely original menu and stylish surroundings, you'll probably want to devote a meal or two to Tusk. Tables are scarce so try to reserve. There's a great summer patio.
144 locals recommend
Tusk
2448 E Burnside StIf you're a foodie who enjoys a completely original menu and stylish surroundings, you'll probably want to devote a meal or two to Tusk. Tables are scarce so try to reserve. There's a great summer patio.
More causal offering from the owners of upscale Castagna (nextdoor). Newly updated interior and menu. Really nice staff.
15 locals recommend
OK Omens
1758 SE Hawthorne BlvdMore causal offering from the owners of upscale Castagna (nextdoor). Newly updated interior and menu. Really nice staff.
In just two years of operation, this has become an area go-to for morning and weekend coffee and breakfast/brunch items. Modern but light and cozy atmosphere.
44 locals recommend
Upper Left Roasters
1204 SE Clay StIn just two years of operation, this has become an area go-to for morning and weekend coffee and breakfast/brunch items. Modern but light and cozy atmosphere.
Prepare to be charmed by this tiny place for baked goods and good coffee.
7 locals recommend
Farina Bakery
1852 SE Hawthorne BlvdPrepare to be charmed by this tiny place for baked goods and good coffee.
We like the egg sandwich on house-made bread. But you can get all kinds of wonderful baked goods here. Either to-go or grab a table.
58 locals recommend
Grand Central Bakery - Hawthorne cafe
2230 SE Hawthorne BlvdWe like the egg sandwich on house-made bread. But you can get all kinds of wonderful baked goods here. Either to-go or grab a table.
There are two reasons why there's a line outside the door at this place: 1) Portlanders love to wait in line for breakfast and 2) the food is good, classic breakfast menu with great portions. Tip: you can skip the line if your see a seat at the bar.
165 locals recommend
Jam On Hawthorne
2239 SE Hawthorne BlvdThere are two reasons why there's a line outside the door at this place: 1) Portlanders love to wait in line for breakfast and 2) the food is good, classic breakfast menu with great portions. Tip: you can skip the line if your see a seat at the bar.
Straight outta Tokyo. This is top-notch, authentic, hearty Japanese food in a grand, open space. The owner's chose Portland for their first foray into the US market because our Mt. Hood-fed drinking water has the perfect pH balance for their renowned ramen broths. Arrive early to avoid the line.
75 locals recommend
AFURI IZAKAYA SE PORTLAND
923 SE 7th AveStraight outta Tokyo. This is top-notch, authentic, hearty Japanese food in a grand, open space. The owner's chose Portland for their first foray into the US market because our Mt. Hood-fed drinking water has the perfect pH balance for their renowned ramen broths. Arrive early to avoid the line.
The more casual companion to its next-door sister restaurant (LePigeon), Canard offers "everything else" in a tasteful, affordable way: breakfast, brunch, lunch, evenings, wines etc.
45 locals recommend
Canard
734 E Burnside StThe more casual companion to its next-door sister restaurant (LePigeon), Canard offers "everything else" in a tasteful, affordable way: breakfast, brunch, lunch, evenings, wines etc.
Another little gem right down the street, this local ice cream maker offers the perfect after-dinner treat. Located right next to two restaurants (Jaqueline and Yama) and a food-serving bar (The Nightlight).
87 locals recommend
Fifty Licks Ice Cream
2021 SE Clinton StAnother little gem right down the street, this local ice cream maker offers the perfect after-dinner treat. Located right next to two restaurants (Jaqueline and Yama) and a food-serving bar (The Nightlight).
A seafood restaurant and oyster bar that offers a lot more than seafood. Subtly themed after the movie "The Life Aquatic" with a portrait of Bill Murray above the bar. My favorite dish is the crab gnocchi.
47 locals recommend
Jacqueline
2039 SE Clinton StA seafood restaurant and oyster bar that offers a lot more than seafood. Subtly themed after the movie "The Life Aquatic" with a portrait of Bill Murray above the bar. My favorite dish is the crab gnocchi.
Yama Sushi & Izakaya
2038 SE Clinton StAnother good sushi option close to our house.
Delicious coffee, baked goods and breakfast sandwiches in a small, stylish walk-up bakery.
122 locals recommend
Little T American Baker
2600 SE Division StDelicious coffee, baked goods and breakfast sandwiches in a small, stylish walk-up bakery.
Devil's Dill Sandwich Shop
1711 SE Hawthorne BlvdSerious sandwiches for late-night cravings.
Our go-to spot for quality late-night, happy-hour dining. Mussels menu complements an entrees menu. Good wine, good bar, excellent service.
47 locals recommend
La Moule
2500 SE Clinton StOur go-to spot for quality late-night, happy-hour dining. Mussels menu complements an entrees menu. Good wine, good bar, excellent service.
Little Big Burger - Division
3810 SE Division StMeat feasts inspired by Argentina in a warm, fine-dining atmosphere. Bring your appetite. A great stop on the way to a concert at the nearby Wonder Ballroom.
192 locals recommend
OX Restaurant
2225 NE Martin Luther King Jr BlvdMeat feasts inspired by Argentina in a warm, fine-dining atmosphere. Bring your appetite. A great stop on the way to a concert at the nearby Wonder Ballroom.
Essentials
Best grocery store in town. Fresh, organic, nutrition-focused produce. Fantastic deli restaurant. Friendliest staff around.
974 locals recommend
New Seasons Market
1954 SE Division StBest grocery store in town. Fresh, organic, nutrition-focused produce. Fantastic deli restaurant. Friendliest staff around.
Hard to categorize this place as it does so much: soak, steam, sauna, fitness, kombucha. Modern but cozy vibe with a big-window view of the Portland skyline.
29 locals recommend
Knot Springs Social Club
33 NE 3rd AveHard to categorize this place as it does so much: soak, steam, sauna, fitness, kombucha. Modern but cozy vibe with a big-window view of the Portland skyline.
Drinks & Nightlife
One of our favorite places for dinner. Great drinks, fresh oysters and plenty of fish and meat entrees. Try the artisan ham and bread sampler to start things off.
126 locals recommend
The Woodsman Tavern
4537 SE Division StOne of our favorite places for dinner. Great drinks, fresh oysters and plenty of fish and meat entrees. Try the artisan ham and bread sampler to start things off.
If you just want a beer or a quick drink near the house, this is the place. Complete with fireplace, shuffle board, darts, pinball and delicious crab sandwiches.
28 locals recommend
Double Barrel Tavern
2002 SE Division StIf you just want a beer or a quick drink near the house, this is the place. Complete with fireplace, shuffle board, darts, pinball and delicious crab sandwiches.
Tasteful, small neighborhood bar. Menu is unique, as are the cocktails and non-boring beers. Cozy cool.
69 locals recommend
The Richmond Bar
3203 SE Division StTasteful, small neighborhood bar. Menu is unique, as are the cocktails and non-boring beers. Cozy cool.
Huge, very nicely designed outdoor patio with fancy modern campfire. Small adjacent bar is also a music venue with booths for seating. Eclectic, hard-to-pin-down crowd.
79 locals recommend
White Owl Social Club
1305 SE 8th AveHuge, very nicely designed outdoor patio with fancy modern campfire. Small adjacent bar is also a music venue with booths for seating. Eclectic, hard-to-pin-down crowd.
A time warp into Spanish-inspired, velvet-loving 60s and 70s. It'll make sense when you walk in. Drinks are no frills.
33 locals recommend
Conquistador Lounge
2045 SE Belmont StA time warp into Spanish-inspired, velvet-loving 60s and 70s. It'll make sense when you walk in. Drinks are no frills.
Longtime favorite in the Belmont Neighborhood. Owned by a mid-century design fetishist so the decor has flashes of that. Patio in back. Decent bar food. Non-dance DJ behind the bar.
76 locals recommend
Aalto Lounge
3356 SE Belmont StLongtime favorite in the Belmont Neighborhood. Owned by a mid-century design fetishist so the decor has flashes of that. Patio in back. Decent bar food. Non-dance DJ behind the bar.
Oldest, most adored dive bar near our house. Great juke box. Skeeball!
17 locals recommend
The Slammer Tavern
500 SE 8th AveOldest, most adored dive bar near our house. Great juke box. Skeeball!
Hipster weekdays, meat-market weekends. Main bar is a mid-century furniture museum. Modern back patio with adjacent 2nd bar & elaborately covered stage. Free bands on Sundays (usually).
98 locals recommend
Rontoms
600 E Burnside StHipster weekdays, meat-market weekends. Main bar is a mid-century furniture museum. Modern back patio with adjacent 2nd bar & elaborately covered stage. Free bands on Sundays (usually).
Better known for its next-level sandwiches than its bar or intimate music venue, Bunk is hard to beat when all three of those things are happening at once. Fun times.
25 locals recommend
Bunk Bar Water
1028 SE Water AveBetter known for its next-level sandwiches than its bar or intimate music venue, Bunk is hard to beat when all three of those things are happening at once. Fun times.
Charming medium-large capacity music venue hosting some really great bands. This is where artists play who are too big for small clubs, but not big enough to play arena shows.
111 locals recommend
Wonder Ballroom
128 NE Russell StCharming medium-large capacity music venue hosting some really great bands. This is where artists play who are too big for small clubs, but not big enough to play arena shows.
One of our favorite music venues in town. Great bookings, intimate high-quality sound. Great burger bar in adjacent space to get your fueled up for the next band.
436 locals recommend
Mississippi Studios
3939 N Mississippi AveOne of our favorite music venues in town. Great bookings, intimate high-quality sound. Great burger bar in adjacent space to get your fueled up for the next band.
Started as a vaudeville theater in 1930, once hosting Jack Benny and the like. After many decades and many uses, the venue was rehabilitated . Today, it's an incredibly charming place to see established bands and NPR-approved touring acts (folk, acoustic and indie rock).
66 locals recommend
Aladdin Theater
3017 SE Milwaukie AveStarted as a vaudeville theater in 1930, once hosting Jack Benny and the like. After many decades and many uses, the venue was rehabilitated . Today, it's an incredibly charming place to see established bands and NPR-approved touring acts (folk, acoustic and indie rock).
The bar food here is above average and the drink selection is good. Cozy, dark, casual vibes. Sometimes there's a low-key DJ in the corner spinning vinyl for atmosphere.
65 locals recommend
Night Light Lounge
2100 SE Clinton StThe bar food here is above average and the drink selection is good. Cozy, dark, casual vibes. Sometimes there's a low-key DJ in the corner spinning vinyl for atmosphere.
Shopping
The hype and lines out the door are well-deserved. This is some of the most imaginative ice cream you'll have.
1078 locals recommend
Salt & Straw
2035 NE Alberta StThe hype and lines out the door are well-deserved. This is some of the most imaginative ice cream you'll have.
Want to look like a stylish Portlander? This is the best local clothing store in town, men and women.
30 locals recommend
Frances May
521 SW Alder StWant to look like a stylish Portlander? This is the best local clothing store in town, men and women.
Trying to gear this guidebook toward hidden gems. But it's difficult to imagine a visit to Portland without a visit to the big, magical bookstore known as Powell's.
976 locals recommend
Powell's City of Books
1005 W Burnside StTrying to gear this guidebook toward hidden gems. But it's difficult to imagine a visit to Portland without a visit to the big, magical bookstore known as Powell's.
Getting Around
BIKETOWN
Biketown Hub
BIKETOWN
Parks & Nature
Colonel Summers Park
Tennis courts, open lawn, splash fountains for kids.
Entertainment & Activities
A vintage movie theater with a unique, old-school game arcade for kids and their parents.
45 locals recommend
Avalon Theatre
3451 SE Belmont StA vintage movie theater with a unique, old-school game arcade for kids and their parents.
Instant relaxation at this beautiful Scandinavian-style spa just down the road. Steam, sauna, massage, facial etc.
49 locals recommend
Loyly Sauna Southeast
2713 SE 21st AveInstant relaxation at this beautiful Scandinavian-style spa just down the road. Steam, sauna, massage, facial etc.
Cinematic Events, David Vincent Rocca
33 Pirie StreetFirst-run motion pictures in a vintage movie house right outside your doorstep? Is that possible? Yes!
64 locals recommend
Cinemagic
2021 Southeast Hawthorne BoulevardFirst-run motion pictures in a vintage movie house right outside your doorstep? Is that possible? Yes!