Bars

Best Food Cart Pods

June 1, 2024 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Good weather makes all Portlanders want to be outside. We also love food, and with Portland’s diverse culinary scene, what better way to celebrate all that the city has to offer than with a visit to some food cart pods? Whether you’re a long-time local or a visitor eager to taste the city’s flavors, Portland’s food cart pods are a must-visit. Here are some of our favorite pods that you need to check out!

Lil’ America

1015 SE Stark St

This fairly new food cart pod was introduced in 2023 and has become one of our favorites. The carts are a community of queer and BIPOC chefs and it is located next to fracture brewing in case you get thirsty! Be sure to try the Korean fried chicken from Frybaby.

Hinterland

2216 SE 50th ave

This small food cart pod features 2 huge patios and a full bar. Though there are only a few carts here, the ones they feature are all fantastic! We often go for Matt’s BBQ Tacos which are insanely delicious.

The Original at John’s Marketplace

3560 SE Powell Blvd

John’s Marketplace is the go to bottle shop in Portland. Lucky for us, they also have a fantastic food cart pod with plenty of covered seating. Be sure to check out JoJo for the best chicken sandwich of your life.

Prost! Marketplace

4233 N Mississippi Ave

This longstanding food cart pod has been beloved by locals and food critics for many years. You can find many standout favorites here like Matt’s BBQ and Koi Fusion. This pod has something for everyone! If you aren’t in the mood for a beer from Prost! there is also a cocktail cart.

Heist

4727 SE Woodstock Blvd

Located in the heart of Woodstock this cart pod has extensive covered seating, lots of carts to choose from and live music! They are adding a full bar and will soon be hosting movie nights! Be sure to check out Sammich for some seriously good sandwiches

Barley Pod at Baerlic

6035 NE Halsey St

Attached to Baerlic Brewing in NE Portland you can find multiple food carts while you enjoy beer, wine, or cider from Baerlic. La Arepa has some very good venezualen food!

Portland’s food cart pods are a testament to the city’s culinary diversity and community spirit. Each pod offers a unique experience, and exploring them is a fantastic way to enjoy the best of what Portland has to offer. Make sure to visit these favorite spots and let us know which food carts you love the most!

Looking for more best of lists? You can see those HERE

Best Mocktail bars

December 21, 2023 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Celebrate Without the Hangover

In recent years, Portland has not only embraced but also championed the rise of the mocktail, creating a prominent scene for those seeking alternatives to traditional alcoholic drinks. This vibrant city, known for its innovative and inclusive culinary and beverage culture, has become a hub for those looking to enjoy the social aspects of drinking without the alcohol. Whether you’re taking a break from alcohol, exploring the expansive world of the mocktail, or simply looking for a different kind of night out, Portland’s array of venues specializing in non-alcoholic drinks offers something for everyone.

Abigail Hall

813 SW Alder

Abigail Hall, with its historic charm and modern twist, provides a captivating setting for enjoying non-alcoholic beverages. The bar prides itself on creating mocktails that are every bit as exciting and complex as their alcoholic counterparts.

Bye and Bye

1011 NE Alberta

In the vegan-friendly area of Portland, Bye and Bye stands out for its eclectic range of non-alcoholic drinks. These creative mocktails complement their plant-based menu and offer a refreshing experience.

Blank Slate

7201 NE Glisan

Blank Slate is the ideal choice for those who enjoy a well-made drink. Their non-alcoholic menu includes a variety of mocktails and caffeine-free lattes, all crafted with high-quality ingredients.

Eem

3808 N Williams

This spot is famous for blending Thai flavors with BBQ and doesn’t hold back on its non-alcoholic drink options. Eem’s mocktails are bold and pair perfectly with their spicy dishes, offering a flavorful experience.

Epif

404 NE 28th

Epif offers a unique taste of South American cuisine and complements it with an array of non-alcoholic drink choices. Their mocktails are inspired by traditional South American drinks, providing an authentic taste experience.

Holy G host

4101 SE 28th

Holy Ghost is a trendy and modern bar with a dynamic environment, perfect for a non-alcoholic night out. Their visually stunning mocktails are as enjoyable to look at as they are to drink.

O ld Gold

2105 N Killingsworth

Known for its cozy ambiance and an excellent selection of beverages, Old Gold offers delightful non-alcoholic options for those looking to enjoy a drink without the buzz. Their mocktails are crafted with the same care as their alcoholic beverages.

Sousol

227 SE 6th

As a speakeasy-style bar, Sousol offers an intimate atmosphere along with its sophisticated non-alcoholic mocktails. It’s an ideal spot for those looking for an upscale experience without alcohol.

The Sudr a

28 NE 28th

Conclusion

Portland’s non-alcoholic drink scene mirrors the city’s diverse and inclusive culture, offering something special for everyone. Whether you’re celebrating without alcohol or just exploring new beverage options, these spots ensure your experience is just as festive and enjoyable. Have you visited any of these establishments for a non-alcoholic night out, or do you have a go-to place for mocktails in Portland? Share your thoughts and let’s keep celebrating the vibrant world of non-alcoholic drinks in Portland!

Looking for more best of lists? You can see those HERE

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!

Thanksgiving Dinner

November 7, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays. You get to spend time with friends and/or family thinking about the year you had a reminiscing about all you are grateful for. Not to mention there is (hopefully) some really fantastic food to go along with it. If you don’t love to cook, this can be a very stressful holiday, but don’t worry, we have you covered! Here are some great restaurants to check out that (last we checked) still had reservations available!

Campana

901 NE Oneonta st
4 – 8pm
$80 per person

CampanaÂ will host a pre-set four-course meal: chicory salad with maple vinaigrette and hazelnuts alongside an autumn vegetable soup with tomato, lentils, and Parmigiano; tortelli di zucca with sage, brown butter, and amaretti; roasted and braised turkey with traditional gravy, cranberry sauce, chanterelle stuffing, glazed autumn vegetables, and Piemontese potatoes; and an apple tart with cinnamon gelato.

Metropolitan Tavern

1021 NE Grand ste 600
12 – 8pm
$41 – $54 per adult, $17 per kid

Metropolitan TavernÂ will serve a four-course dinner including baked brie with cranberry relish, harvest salad with delicata squash and candied walnuts, polenta cakes with mushroom gravy, garlic herb roasted turkey, rosemary brioche stuffing, and sweet yams with charred marshmallow cream.

Brix Tavern

1338 NW Hoyt st
12 – 8pm
$39 – $55 per adult, $17 per kid

Â Brix TavernÂ will host a four-course meal from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The menu includes brie with apple-hazelnut relish; prime rib with horseradish sauce and mushroom demi-glace; fall vegetable Wellington with forest mushroom and cognac cream; garlic and basil mashed Yukon gold potatoes; and pecan pie with maple-coriander whipped cream, as well as themed cocktails

23 Hoyt

529 NW 23rd Ave

1 – 8pm

$55 per adult, $20 per kid

23Hoyt‘s buffet style menu includes plancha-seared Oregon Coho salmon with grapefruit beurre blanc; potato and sofrito gratin; cornbread, chestnut, and linguica stuffing; gin and lemon braised fresh cranberries; and ginger beer pound cake with citrus glaze.

Bullard Tavern

813 SW Alder st
11am – 9pm
Pricing varies – see menu on website

Bullard Tavern, will incorporate a la carte Thanksgiving favorites into its dinner menu on Thanksgiving, including smoked turkey; mashed potatoes and gravy; Brussels sprouts with bacon jam; cornbread stuffing; delicata squash with whipped goat cheese, maple, walnuts, and sage; and pumpkin pie with caramel sauce.

King Tide Fish & Shell

21510 SW Harbor Way
2 – 7pm
$65 per person

King Tide Fish & Shell, will offer a prix fixe holiday menu, dishes include; Brussels sprouts with bacon, basil, and aged balsamic; Chinook salmon with creamy farro, squash, and roasted peppers agrodolce; Walla Walla onion ravioli with escarole; and a pumpkin bread pudding with whisky caramel and pecan.Â

Do you plan on making it out to one of these restaurants? Let us know how it goes!

Sparkling Wine

October 19, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Looking for some spots that are a bit closer than France where you can enjoy some amazing sparkling wine? The Willamette Valley has you covered! There are several amazing wineries that use local grapes to make MÃ©thode Champenoise sparkling wines that are delicious. There is even one that does exclusively sparklings (And yes, I am a member)! Here are some of our favorite places to sip some local bubbly.

Corollary

6451 NE Hilltop Ln

By appointment, Fri-Sun 11-3

Founded in 2017, Corollary’s singular mission is to explore the terroir of the Willamette Valley and it’s expression in sparkling wines. Currently developing Oregon’s first property dedicated solely to sparkling wines, they generally have around 5 offerings of sparklings they have made from grapes sourced from a variety of local vineyards.

Gran Moraine

17090 NE Woodland Loop Rd

Open Daily 11-5, reservations required

With an outstanding Blanc de Blanc (currently sold out, but new vintage releasing soon) and a delightful Brut Rose, you won’t want to miss this stop on your sparkling tour.

ROCO

13260 NE Red Hills Rd

Reservations available, Open Daily 10-4

Rollin Soles and Corby Stonebraker-Soles arrived in the Willamette Valley with a vision, and 35 years later are still producing wonderful and award-winning wines. Order the Diamond Experience to sample 5 outstanding sparkling wines, including a vertical of past vintages.

Sokol Blosser

5000 NE Sokol Blosser Ln

Open Weds-Mon 10-4, Reservations required

Susan Sokol and Bill Blosser planted their first vines in the Dundee Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area) of the Willamette Valley 1971, and make wines of world class quality that are produced sustainably, mindful of the environment, and express the distinctive flavors of their hillside vineyards.

Bonus: Sparkling Wine in Portland

Not all of our favorite spots to sip bubbles are in wine country. There are some really stand-out spots in the city as well!

Arden

417 NW 10th Ave

Open Tues-Sat 5-9

While Arden’s sparkling list may not be the largest in town, it is incredibly well-curated. It doesn’t hurt that the food is also incredible!

Muse

2264 NW Raleigh St

Open Weds-Sat 4-10, Takeout Tues 2-6:30

Muse has a wonderful and ever-rotating collection of wonderful sparklings from around the world, served in a lovely intimate setting. The owner Christopher is super knowledgeable about all of his offerings, and always happy to help you choose the right one or even serve up a flight.

Where is your favorite place to enjoy sparkling wine? Let us know in the comments! Or if you are more interested in reds, check out our list of places to grab Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

September 8, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher 1 Comment

Are you looking to try some seriously delicious Pinot Noir? There are so many wineries in the Willamette Valley that I doubt you could ever try them all. We have been to quite a few! We always try to make it out to somewhere new when we head down to wine country and we are very frequently pleasantly surprised by the pinots that we taste. Here are the places that we recommend you try for a nice flight of Pinot Noir in no particular order.

Bergstrom

8115 NE Worden Hill Rd

Open by appointment only

Since 1999, their family and team have been working towards their vision of stewarding naturally and responsibly farmed, estate vineyard terroirs that best represent the diverse appellations of our world-class Willamette Valley. Serving Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah

Gran Moraine

17090 NE Woodland Loop Rd

Open Daily 11-5, reservations required

Shane Mooreâ€™s viticultural and winemaking choices shine a light on the monologue of Gran Moraine Vineyard, lifting its voice through precise early picks, extended native ferments and careful extraction. These choices bring to life the vineyardâ€™s clean, vibrant energy, crunchy toothsome tannins, and perfumed character marked by citrus, heady floral notes, and herbs de Provence.

Penner Ash

15771 NE Ribbon Ridge Rd

Open Daily 11-5pm, reservations required

In 1998, Lynn and Ron Penner-Ash founded Penner-Ash Wine Cellars in the Northern Willamette Valleyâ€™s Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Bringing to life their shared vision, through years of hard work unyielding commitment, the pair built a reputation for lush, layered Pinot Noir, and community leadership throughout the valley.

Patricia Green

15225 NE North Valley Road

Open by appointment only

Located on a 52 acre property in the Ribbon Ridge AVA, Patricia Green Cellars is a unique winery because of our fervent dedication to particular sites in the Willamette Valley, and our truly collaborative approach to all aspects of the business.

Alexana

12001 NE Worden Hill Rd

Open Daily 11-5pm, reservations required

Under the guidance of Bryan Weil as Winemaker and Evan Bellingar as Vineyard Manager, our farming practices are certified sustainable, are focused on elevating the quality, and telling the story of each vintage from the Revana Vineyard and top vineyards in the Willamette Valley in Oregon.Â

Archery Summit

118599 NE Archery Summit Rd

Open Daily 11-4, reservations required

Gary Andrus launched Archery Summit in 1993, infatuated by Pinot Noir and the capacity the Willamette Valley seemed to have for it. The Dundee Hills in particular caught his eye, because it shares similar growing conditions with Burgundy, France, and some of the most acclaimed Pinot Noir vineyards on earth.

Winderlea

8905 NE Worden Hill Rd

Open Daily 11-4, reservations required

Crafting elegant, sensuous and age worthy wines for those who view the pairing of wine and food essential to their happiness and well being. Our focus is on making small lots of Pinot noir and Chardonnay that show the best characteristics of each vineyard.

Domaine Drouhin

6750 NE Breyman Orchards Rd

Open Daily 11-3, reservations required

Our estate winery in the Dundee Hills creates elegant, fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines forged from our family’s tradition of fine winemaking in France. For more than 30 years, the Drouhin Family has brought a wealth of hard-earned experience to their vineyards in the Willamette Valley, just southwest of Portland, Oregon.

Which Winery has your favorite Pinot Noir? Did it make the list? Let us know in the comments if there is anything we should be adding!

Breweries

May 31, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

With Portland beer week coming up we figured this was the perfect time to highlight our favorite breweries once again! There are so many breweries in portland it can be hard to know where to start. While we haven’t tried every brewery, we have tried many of them. These are the ones that stood out!

Baerlic

2239 SE 11th

Open Daily 11am -10pm

They brew the beers that they love to drink and in a way that imparts the history, art and craft of brewing. They offer five year-round beers and an ever-evolving list of seasonal, one-off and experimental beers.

Ruse

4784 se 17th Ave

Open M-F 3pm – 9pm and Sat-Sun 1pm -10pm

They brew small batch, flavorful, and thoughtfully-crafted beers. They work with local artists and musicians to design beers paired with their art for concept events and beer releases.

Little Beast

3412 se Division st

Open M-F 1:30pm -9pm and Sat-Sun 12pm -9pm

Inspired by the â€œlittle beastsâ€ that transform water, barley and hops into beer, they specialize not only in mixed culture fermentation, fruited, wild and wood-aged beers, but also in mastering classic styles for a consistently enjoyable and always approachable experience.

Breakside

Multiple Locations – NW, NE, Milwaukie, Lake Oswego

Open Daily 12pm -9pm

The brewery is known for its broad portfolio of award-winning, innovative beers. In 2019, Breakside became one of only a handful of employee-owned breweries in the country.

Von Ebert

Multiple Locations, NW and NE

Open M-Sat 11:30am – 10pm and Sun 11:30am – 9pm

They push the limits with their beer and let the Pacific Northwest landscape, culture, and people inspire them to produce award-winning hop forward IPAs and ales, German-inspired and modern American lagers, and mixed-culture Heritage Beers.

10 Barrel

1411 NW Flanders

Open Daily, Hours vary

This may be a Bend brewery, but it is a Portland staple. With a rooftop bar, innovative beers, delicious sours, and food to match.

Great Notion

2204 NE Alberta st #101

Open Daily 12pm -9 pm

This brewery is famous for its fruit forward hazy IPAs and they often experiment with what ingredients to add to them. They also craft sours and stouts that are based off of “culinary” inspirations

Cascade Barrel House

939 SE Belmont

Hours Vary, Open W-Sun

Their distinctive sour beer blends feature fruit forward, barrel-aged ales with an emphasis on project year-to-year variation. These beers offer a complex array of flavors derived from the acid, the fruit and the residual flavors present in the barrels in which they age.Â

Which of these breweries are your favorite? OR did we skip yours? Let us know in the comments!

Portland Distilleries

February 28, 2022 by Jessica Berger and Tekela Fisher Leave a Comment

Here in Portland we love our alcohol, distilleries are no different! Most people know Portland for our IPA’s or for our pinot noir, but we also make some incredible liquor! Sorted by location, here are some of the places we think you should visit! As a bonus, these distilleries are all a part of Portland’s distillery row, you can buy a passport and have many of the tasting fees waived, or get other fun perks! You can see all the details over on the website.