Portland's Best

Brews and Bites

October 12, 2023 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Portland needs no introduction when it comes to craft beer and culinary excellence. With fall’s arrival, it’s the perfect time to dive into the world of beer and food pairings. In this guide, we’ll delve into five standout venues that expertly blend craft beer and mouthwatering dishes. From gastropubs to breweries, these spots offer an unforgettable experience for those in the know. So, if you’re already familiar with Portland’s vibrant food scene and craft brews, join us as we uncover the city’s best beer and food pairings.

Breakside Brewery

Locations: NE, SE, NW, Beaverton, Lake Oswego
Why It’s Great: Breakside Brewery is a renowned name in the Portland craft beer scene. With multiple locations across the city, they offer an extensive beer menu, including a variety of styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. What sets them apart is their commitment to providing exceptional food options alongside their brews. Each location offers a distinct food menu designed to complement their beers. From artisanal pizzas to gourmet burgers and seasonal salads, Breakside Brewery ensures that your culinary experience matches the quality of their craft beers.

Wayfinder Beer

Location: 304 SE 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Why It’s Great: Wayfinder Beer is a brewery and restaurant that offers an impressive array of house-brewed beers. Their commitment to pairing beer with food is evident in their menu, which includes dishes like beer-battered fish and chips, smoked sausages, and inventive vegetarian options. The knowledgeable staff can recommend the perfect beer to complement your meal.

Baerlic Brewing Co.

Location: 2235 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97214
Why It’s Great: Baerlic Brewing Co. is known for its experimental brews and its expansive taproom. You will also find it hard to beat the pairing of pizza and beer. Ranch Pizza can be found inside Baerlic so you can live out your Detroit style pizza dreams.

Culmination Brewing

Location: 2117 NE Oregon St, Portland, OR 97232
Why It’s Great: Culmination Brewing is a fantastic spot for beer and food enthusiasts. They offer a rotating selection of craft beers, from IPAs to stouts, and their menu features a fusion of flavors. You can enjoy beer-friendly BBQ like smoked wings or a pulled pork sandwich.

Ecliptic Brewing

Location: 825 N Cook St, Portland, OR 97227
Why It’s Great: Ecliptic Brewing combines craft beer with an out-of-this-world dining experience. Their brewery and restaurant offer a diverse selection of beer styles and a menu that pairs beautifully with their brews. Look for their seasonal releases and special beer dinners that showcase innovative pairings.

From the diverse flavors at Breakside Brewery to the creativity at Culmination Brewing, these spots exemplify the art of pairing craft beer with exquisite cuisine. Whether you call Portland home or are a frequent visitor, these venues offer a taste of the city’s unique culinary culture. So, as you explore the world of hops and delectable bites, remember that in Portland, every sip and every bite is an invitation to celebrate the love of good food, great beer, and unforgettable moments. Cheers!

Want more things to do? Check out our events posts!

Portland’s Best Take-out

August 31, 2023 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

As summer winds to a close and the impending rains are looming, most of us Portlanders start steering away from the patios and into our cozy homes with some great take-out. Whether you are feeling like tacos or Thai, pizza or poke, we’ve got you covered here in our list of Portland’s Best Take-Out!

Arawan Thai

Delicious Thai take-out with locations in Vancouver and Happy Valley. Tons of menu choices, tender meats, and the perfect spice level make this spot stand out. Check that menu Here.

Vancouver, WA and Happy Valley locations. Open 11 am-8:30 pm 7 days a week.

Assembly Brewing

Detroit-style pizza at its finest! Options vary from meat lovers to veggie friendly, but just don’t forget the beer on your way out. Menu Here

6112 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97206. Open 11 am-10 pm 7 days a week.

Ate-Oh-Ate

When you are craving some delicious Hawaiian food on the go, Ate-Oh-Ate is a fantastic choice. The Kal-Bi Ribs are my personal go to, but there is something on the menu to make everyone smile. Check them out Here.

Locations on E Burnside and SE Woodstock. Open 11-9 Daily

Dough Zone

Delicious Chinese comfort food has made it’s appearance on the South Waterfront and we will say do NOT sleep on those dumplings! Full menu can be found Here.

1910 S River Dr, Portland, OR 97201. Open 11 am-10 pm 7 days a week.

Kiâ€™ikibÃ¡a

Incredible Yucatecan cuisine can be found in this cute lil spot on 82nd. Salbutes, Panuchos, Cochinita Pibil- bring your appetite! No official website, but you can check out their specials on Insta.

3244 NE 82nd Ave Portland, OR 97220. Open 11 am-9 pm Tues-Sun.

Nicholas Restaurant

Wonderfully fresh and super shareable Lebanese and Mediterranean food can be found at any of the 3 locations of Nicholas’ Restaurant. Check out the deliciousness Here.

Locations at SE Madison, NE Broadway, and Gresham. Open Daily- 11 or 12 to 8 or 9.

Hat Yai

Styled after the street chicken and roti shops of Southern Thailand, this is a great spot to grab a combo set of curry, roti, and their famous fried chicken. Menu can be found Here.

Locations on NE Killingsworth and SE Belmont. Open Daily- 11:30-3 and 4-9.

My Brothers Crawfish

If you’re looking for Creole cooking then look no further. They specialize in seafood boils, but also have a full menu of southern classics such as gumbo and hush puppies. Check out their full menu Here

8230 Se Harrison St, Portland Oregon 97236. Open 7 days a week from 3pm- 10pm.

Seasweets Poke

Looking for something fresh and filling? Seasweets Poke does the trick! Customizable bowls of rice or kale salad topped with fresh raw fish and your choice of assorted toppings. Menu can be found Here .

Locations on SE 31st, in Clackamas, and in Beaverton. Open Daily- 11 am 9pm.

Miss Delta

How about some BBQ? There are plenty of options to satisfy your smoked meat craving. Some of your options include brisket, baby back ribs, and pulled pork. The options don’t stop there however, They offer an entire brunch menu as well! Take a closer look at the menu Here

3950 N Mississippi Ave, Portland OR 97227 Open 12-9 Daily.

Swagat Indian Cuisine

Wonderful flavors and spices abound at Swagat, and they are hands-down my personal top pick for Indian take-out in the Portland Metro area. Check out the deliciousness Here .

Locations in NW Portland, Beaverton, and Hillsboro. Open Daily- 11:30-2:30 and 5-9.

Pollo Bravo

Rotisserie Chicken is pretty hard to beat when it’s done perfectly! You’ll never be disappointed here. Options include 1/4, 1/2, or 1 whole bird with some pretty awesome side dishes like Radicchio Salad and 5 different sauces to pick form as well. Take a look at their full menu Here

1225 N Killingsworth, Portland, OR 97217. Open 11:30-9 Tues-Sun, 4-9 Mon.

We hope you enjoy this list of our favorite spots for take-out in Portland! If we missed your favorite, please let us know in the comments, we LOVE trying new places!

Or if you want to see what else we have been loving, you can see our other “best-of” lists HERE. Let us know what you are loving in the comments.

Splash Pads

June 26, 2023 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Summer is in full swing, and and we are so excited about this weather! Still, it can be too hot without some relief from the water. Sometimes we donâ€™t have enough time for a full-on beach day or river adventure, so whatâ€™s the next best thing? Splash Pads!! This week we sought out Portland’s best splash pads. The season runs from June 14th – September 6th, and all of these pads are open from 10 am until 8 pm. Parks Sorted by area then alphabetically.

N Portland

Columbia Park and Annex

N Lombard st and N Woolsey Ave

Interactive water feature and play area plus a nature park with Mature trees.

Dawson Park

N Stanton Street and Williams Avenue

New playground, picnic tables, and a splash pad with 12 historical story boulders

Farragut Park

N Kerby Avenue and Farragut Street

Huge Park remodel started in 2021 saw a new play structure, splash pad, bathroom and basketball court.

Kenton Park

8417 N Brandon Avenue

Playground, splash pad, soccer field, basketball court.

Northgate Park

N Geneva Avenue and Fessenden Street

Playground, baseball field, soccer field, splash pad, tennis court.

Peninsula Park

700 N Rosa Parks Way Portland OR 97217

Rose garden, playground, fountain and splash pad, picnic areas, horseshoe pit and more.

Pier Park

N Lombard Street and Bruce Avenue

Splash pad, playground, disc golf, skate park, baseball field, soccer field, basketball court.

NE Portland

Fernhill Park

NE 37th Avenue and Ainsworth

Grassy park, splash area, playground and a nature patch.

Gateway Discovery Park

10520 NE Halsey Street

One of Portlandâ€™s newest parks with a splash pad, skate park, and nature play area.

Irving Park

NE 7th Avenue and Fremont Street

Playground, splash pad, tennis courts, basketball courts, nature patch.

Khunamokwst Park

5200 NE Alberta St Portland OR 97218

Interactive water feature and play area plus a traditional children’s playground and an innovative â€œnature playâ€ area with boulders to climb on and a slide on a hillside.

Woodlawn Park

NE 13th Ave & Dekum St Portland OR 972

Park and Splash pad.

SE Portland

Colonel Summers Park

SE 17th Ave & Taylor St Portland OR 97214

Splash pad, playground, and enclosed picnic pavilion.

Earl Boyles Park

SE 107th Avenue and Francis Street

Splash pad, playground, horseshoe pit, volleyball court.

Essex Park

SE 79th Avenue and Center Street

Splash pad, playground, baseball field, tennis court, basketball court.

Raymond Park

SE 118th Avenue and Raymond Street

Splash pad, playground, horseshoe pit, basketball court.

SW Portland

Elizabeth Caruthers Park

3332 SW Spring Garden St Portland OR 97219

Interactive water feature at this nature-themed playground with a signature lookout tower.

Spring Garden Park

3332 SW Spring Garden St Portland OR 97219

Interactive water feature at this nature-themed playground with a signature lookout tower.

If youâ€™re looking for somewhere to hang out for a couple of hours with the family, or if you just want to relax the day away while cooling off, any of these splash pads will have what youâ€™re looking for. So next time youâ€™re trying to beat the heat, look no further! If you prefer to check out one of our interactive fountains, you can find those HERE We also have plenty of Portland Favorites on our blog Here.

Celebrating Queer-Owned Restaurants

June 1, 2023 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Discover the vibrant culinary scene of Portland through a celebration of queer owned restaurants. In this blog post, we are excited to showcase some exceptional establishments that have become integral parts of the city’s inclusive and diverse culture. Join us as we delve into the contemporary delights of Kann and Can Font, indulge in the comforting flavors at Farmhouse Kitchen and Friendship Kitchen, and explore the fusion creations at Clark Lewis and Siam Umami. These queer-owned restaurants not only offer unforgettable dining experiences but also embody the spirit of creativity, inclusivity, and celebration that defines Portland’s culinary landscape.

Kann

Experience avant-garde cuisine at Kann, a queer-owned restaurant that thrives on innovation. With a constantly evolving menu and a commitment to inclusivity, Kann tantalizes your taste buds with daring flavor combinations and artistic plating. Whether you’re a passionate foodie or an adventurous eater, Kann promises to surprise and delight, earning its place as a beacon of queer culinary excellence in Portland.

548 SE Ash st.

Farmhouse Kitchen

Embark on a culinary adventure at Farmhouse Kitchen, a queer-owned gem that draws inspiration from Thai street food. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, this cozy restaurant delivers the vibrant flavors of Thailand to the Pacific Northwest. Indulge in green curry, pad Thai, and heavenly coconut-based desserts, all while celebrating the cultural influences that shape Portland’s diverse dining scene.

3354 Se Hawthorne Blvd

Can Font

Savor the fusion of Catalan and Northwest flavors at Can Font, a queer-owned restaurant that seamlessly blends tradition with local ingredients. From the tantalizing aroma of roasted meats to the delicate balance of flavors, Can Font offers an elegant dining experience. Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of culinary influences while celebrating the queer-owned heritage that thrives within this Portland establishment.

1015 NW Northrup St

Clark Lewis

Clark Lewis is a queer-owned culinary haven that crafts menus inspired by the seasons and local ingredients. The talented queer chef behind this restaurant combines classic flavors with contemporary techniques to create unforgettable dishes. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegetarian, Clark Lewis invites you to savor their wood-fired delicacies and revel in their commitment to culinary excellence.

1001 SE Water Ave

Friendship Kitchen

Step into the warm and inclusive space of Friendship Kitchen, a queer-owned restaurant that celebrates comfort food from diverse cultures. With a menu featuring gourmet burgers, mouthwatering pastas, and vegan delights, Friendship Kitchen caters to all palates. The passionate queer owners ensure that each visit feels like dining among friends, fostering a sense of community that is as satisfying as the food itself.

2333 NE Glisan St

Siam Umami

Experience the epitome of queer-owned culinary creativity at Siam Umami. Inspired by the fusion of Thai and Japanese cuisines, this extraordinary restaurant captivates diners with its unique creations. From Thai-infused sushi rolls to curry bowls with Japanese flavors, Siam Umami takes your taste buds on a captivating journey. Embrace the passion and dedication of the queer-owned spirit behind Siam Umami as they push the boundaries of flavor in every dish.

4237 S Corbett Ave

Siam Umami:

Portland’s queer-owned restaurants represent a dynamic and inclusive culinary landscape, showcasing the creativity and talent of LGBTQ+ chefs and owners. From innovative menus to comforting flavors, each establishment mentioned – Kann, Farmhouse Kitchen, Can Font, Clark Lewis, Friendship Kitchen, and Siam Umami – offers a unique dining experience that embodies the essence of Portland’s diverse culture. Indulge in the culinary delights of these queer-owned gems, and let your taste buds celebrate the spirit of inclusivity, community, and culinary brilliance that thrives within the Portland dining scene.

If we missed your favorites, please let us know! If you are looking for other best of lists, you can find those HERE

Dining Solo

March 30, 2023 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

We recently have found ourselves dining solo in recent months. We have found that it is a really nice way to treat yourself. Now, if you’re looking for the best restaurants in Portland to dine alone, you’re in luck! Here are some great options:

Davenport – A combination of nostalgic favorites, Basque-region standards, and excellent seafood, all delivered with Davenportâ€™s characteristic casual yet attentive service.
Coquine – A charming French-inspired bistro with a cozy atmosphere and delicious, seasonal fare. The bar seating and counter overlooking the kitchen are great options for solo diners.
Han Oak – A Korean-inspired restaurant featuring communal seating and an open kitchen. The bar seating is a great spot for solo diners to enjoy the action while savoring the delicious food.
Tusk – A stylish Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant with a gorgeous interior and a menu of vibrant, seasonal dishes. The bar seating and communal table are perfect for solo diners.
Afuri – A Japanese restaurant specializing in ramen and yuzu-flavored cocktails. The counter seating is a great spot for solo diners to watch the chefs at work.
Kachka – A modern Russian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and a menu of delicious, shareable dishes. The bar seating is perfect for solo diners to enjoy a meal while sipping on a creative cocktail.
Normandie – Normandie combines modern French inspiration with the bounties of the Pacific Coast. The menu focuses on small plates with big flavor. Expect a seafood heavy, flavor-forward food menu as well as an inventive cocktail program.
Arden – Is an opportunity to escape, indulge and restore. Highlighting seasonal local ingredients and wines, Arden seeks to re-connect you to your community and your peace of mind.

We focused on higher end restaurants this time around so dining solo can truly feel like a treat, but if you’d like us to do a list of more causal restaurants, be sure to let us know!! If you are looking for some of our other lists, you can find them all HERE

Counter Service Restaurants

February 27, 2023 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Portland, Oregon is a city with a diverse and thriving food scene. From farm-to-table fine dining to food carts and street food, thereâ€™s something for everyone. If youâ€™re looking for a quick and delicious meal, counter service restaurants are a great option. Here are some of the best counter service restaurants in Portland that you need to check out:

Bluto’s

Bluto’s is a wood fired, greek inspired restaurant where you can find some of the best hummus in the city. You can also find unique cocktails many inlcuding ouzo.

2838 SE Belmont

Bollywood Theatre

Bollywood Theatre is an Indian street food restaurant with two locations in Portland. The menu features a variety of delicious dishes, including samosas, chaat, and curries. The vibrant and colorful decor adds to the fun and lively atmosphere.

3010 SE Division
2039 NE Alberta

Danwei Canting

Danwei Canting is a Chinese restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, including dumplings, noodles, and bao buns. The menu is inspired by the street food of Chengdu, China, and features bold and spicy flavors.

803 SE Stark

Grassa

Grassa is a pasta restaurant that specializes in handmade noodles and sauces. The menu features a variety of classic pasta dishes, such as spaghetti and meatballs, as well as more unique options, such as bacon carbonara.

1375 SE Hawthorne
1205 SW Washington
1506 NW 23rd

Guero

GÃ¼ero is a Mexican taqueria that serves delicious tacos, burritos, and bowls. The menu features traditional Mexican flavors with a modern twist. The fresh ingredients and homemade salsas make these tacos some of the best in Portland.

200 NE 28th

Hat Yai

Hat Yai is a southern Thai restaurant that specializes in fried chicken and roti. The chicken is marinated in a special blend of spices and served with a variety of sauces. The roti is flaky and buttery and perfect for dipping into the curry dishes.

605 SE Belmont
1605 NE Killingsworth

Nong’s Khao Man Gai

Nongâ€™s Khao Man Gai is a Thai restaurant that specializes in a popular street food dish in Thailand. The dish consists of poached chicken, rice cooked in chicken broth, and a side of sauce made from fermented soybeans, ginger, garlic, and Thai chilies.

609 SE Ankeny st C
417 SW 13th

XLB

XLB is a Chinese dumpling restaurant that serves xiao long bao, also known as soup dumplings. The dumplings are filled with a variety of meats and vegetables and served with a side of black vinegar and ginger.

4090 N Williams

Portland has no shortage of amazing counter service restaurants. Whether youâ€™re in the mood for Indian street food, Thai fried chicken, handmade pasta, or gourmet donuts, youâ€™ll find something delicious in this foodie city.

Christmas Light Displays

December 1, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Yay! the holidays, the time of year where it is even more acceptable to snuggle up in a comfy pair of pajamas for the whole day. If you are feeling a bit sick of your house and you want to get out to see some beautiful twinkling lights, this year we have some great ideas for you! (You can decide if you want to take those comfy pajamas off or not). In no particular order, here are some great christmas light displays around Portland!

Zoo Lights

Now – Jan 5th

Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon rd

5pm – 9pm advance tickets required.

$19-$24 for the walking experience
$65 for drive-thru
*members receive a 20% discount

Buy Tickets

Winter Wonderland

Now – Dec. 31st

Portland International Raceway
1940 N victory Blvd

Mon – Thurs 5-10pm
Fri – Sun 4:30-11pm
advance tickets required. *wait times can be 50 min during peak days/times*

$43+ per car depending on the day

Buy Tickets

Christmas Ships

Dec. 4th – Dec. 22nd

around downtown and north portland along the rivers

Varying days and times depending on the river, check the Willamette schedule and the Columbia schedule for specific times

$FREE

Festival of Lights

Now – Dec 30th

The Grotto
8840 NE Skidmore

5pm – 9:30pm

$14 advance tickets
$18 for at the gate tickets

Buy Tickets

Peacock Lane

Dec 15th – Dec 31st

Peacock Lane
Between Belmont and Stark St.

6pm – 11pm

Walk or Drive is available every night

$Free

Holidays at The Belle

Weekends, starting December 3rd

The Victorian Belle Mansion
1441 N McClellan st

4 pm – 10 pm

$5 – $20 depending on the event

Buy Tickets

Christmas at the Campground

Nov 25th – Dec 31st

Corner of SE Duke and SE 52nd ave.

Dusk Til Dawn
*grounds are closed but lights can be seen from the public streets*

$Free

The Holiday Express

Now – Dec 18th

Rail Heritage Center
2250 SE Water Ave

Rides are every 90 minutes, tickets must be purchased in advance as they sell out.

$28 adult
$23 child *2 and under are free*
$92 family
Buy Tickets

Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

Christmas Tree Farms

November 22, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Ah the holidays, the time of year when we can all eat too much food, drink too many drinks, and decorate our houses with little twinkling lights. Regardless of how you celebrate, one of the high points of the holidays is having the smell of fresh pine take over your home. Luckily, we have tons of great tree farms right here in the Portland Metro area! Here are a list of some of our favorites!