Portland Travel Guide 2011: Where to Eat, Drink, and Stay in the City of Roses
by Francoise Villeneuve, with Antoinette Bruno and Jeff Harding
Antoinette Bruno, Francoise Villeneuve and Shannon SturgisOctober 2011
Portland is an exciting taste of what’s to come for America’s culinary scene. Despite the occasional Portlandia-ish scene, the City of Roses is definitely not stuck in the dream of the nineties. And despite its cast of quirky characters, Portland is actually an entrepreneur’s fantasy land. It’s got that pioneer spirit that sparked the city’s explosion with tiny restaurants, each with its own culinary stamp. It’s a place where comfort food, DIY culture, and upscale cuisine co-mingle happily, each secure in the knowledge that it has its place. And don’t get us started on the food cart scene. A visitor could happily feast exclusively in Portland’s little food cart camps (called pods).
Portland’s initial isolation from America’s culinary community means that these chefs have an independent spirit. Stumptown is a city of micro-everything, from coffee roasters to distillers to breweries. Food carts and fine dining thrive side by side, packed full of bites, sips and shots not to be missed. Because while Keep Portland Weird might be a hackneyed catchphrase, it’s cool to be different here. And it certainly yields delicious results.
EAT
DRINK
STAY
EAT
Andina 
1314 Northwest Glisan Street
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 228-9535
www.andinarestaurant.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am-2:30pm, 4pm-9:30pm; Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10:30pm; Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10:30pm; Sun 11:30am-2:30pm, 4pm-9:30pm
Owner Doris Pratt Rodriguez has been bringing Peruvian food to the Pearl District in impressive quantities for some years now—the place is jam-packed most nights. Bright colors and cacti set the tone for the warm welcome inside. Chef Hank Costello puts Peru on the plate, with a few modern tweaks, and Sommelier Ken Collura, who has mentored many a young wine industry pro in Portland, expertly pairs Costello’s dishes with South American, Oregonian, and Old World wines. Young Pastry Chef Megan Jeans sticks to the traditions of Peruvian pastry to round out the meal. Side note: this is one of the few places in town you can get a Sexy Woman for under $20 dollars—in this case Mixologist Greg Hoitsma’s bold Sacsayhuamán.
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Aquariva at River's Edge Hotel & Spa Portland
0470 SW Hamilton CtLake Oswego
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 802-5850
www.riversedgehotel.com/portland_restaurants
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-10:30pm; Sat-Sun 2:30pm-10:30pm
This riverside restaurant charms with serene views of rowboats drifting past. And it’s hot again, thanks to Chef Andy Arndt. The hotel restaurant is adjacent to the River's Edge Hotel & Spa rather than contained within it—and it shows in the out-of-the-box, thoughtful cuisine inspired by Arndt’s time in California (with Nancy Oakes at Boulevard, with Chef Yoshi Kojima at Mc2, and later The French Laundry). Dishes like Duck Confit Brioche, Air Cured Duck, Pickled Eggs, Fiddlehead Ferns, and Sea Beans play to the comfort food Portland loves while balancing that love with sophisticated technique and playfulness.
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Aviary
1733 Northeast Alberta StreetPortland, OR 97211
(503) 287-2400
www.aviarypdx.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-11pm
At Aviary, cheery tulips, paintings and prints of birds, and low lighting manage to be sober but warm and welcoming at the same time. New York-trained chef trio and 2011 Portland Rising Stars Kat Whitehead, Jasper Shen, and Sarah Pliner join forces here with impressive lack of ego, and their resulting dishes and desserts—many of which have Asian-influenced flavor profiles—are incredibly creative. Dishes like Crispy Pig Ear, Coconut Rice, Chinese Sausage, and Avocado show a striking adeptness with texture. Whitehead’s Buttermilk Panna Cotta, with Mango Gelée, Passionfruit Sorbet, and Fennel Crisp—think mango haichu-meets-creamsicle—is as innovative it was mouth-watering. Sommelier and Ken Collura protégée Leah Moorhead is in love with whites, but has a great handle budget-friendly wines that complement the threesome’s cuisine.
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Bar Avignon
2138 Southeast Division StreetHosford - Abernethy
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 517-0808
www.baravignon.com
Hours: Mon-Sun 5pm-close
Mocha walls and soft light from naked light bulbs make for low-key elegance at this inviting spot, owned by Nancy Hunt and Randy Goodman. Chef Jeremy Eckel’s culinary inspiration may be Mediterranean, but the small plates and main courses are Portland all over. A would-be homey dish of baked egg and porcini mushrooms gets a lively green hit of Douglas fir tips.Goodman serves as the sommelier, pairing Oregon and European wines with Eckel’s sophisticated Spanish-inflected cuisine. His pairing style honors the regional inspiration behind each dish, hence a Basque wine, like the zippy and refreshing 2010 Txakoli from Getariako Txakolina, finds balance with anchovies that are imported from Spain’s north coast and then house-cured.
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Beaker and Flask
727 Southeast Washington StreetPortland, OR 97214
(503) 235-8180
www.beakerandflask.com
After service and on rare nights off, chefs congregate in the dark leather booths and wooden tables of this upscale casual restaurant and bar. The name reflects what goes on behind the bar, namely, owner and mixologist Kevin Ludwig crafting complex cocktails (no chemistry set required). His New Vieux cocktail has a spirit-forward bent, but is carefully balanced. And Vermont native Chef Ben Bettinger has more than earned his Portland stripes with six years at Paley’s Place. His cabbage roll is full of umami kick and recalls hearty Eastern European dishes.
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Beast
5425 Northeast 30th AvenueNortheast Portland, Concordia
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 841-6968
www.beastpdx.com
Hours: Wed-Sat Seatings at 6pm or 8:45pm; Sun Seatings at 10am or noon
“A gourmet who counts calories is like a trollop who looks at her watch.” Such are the food-related adages on the black walls of Beast. The tiny restaurant has two seatings a night, with a set menu only, so it almost feels as though you’re at a dinner party in someone’s home. But you could do worse than put your choice in the hands of the team here. The center of the restaurant is the open kitchen where Chef Naomi Pomeroy (yes, she’s that hot chef from Top Chef Masters) runs a predominantly female team, all equally coiffed and lipsticked. Dishes like Pork Belly with Rhubarb Compote are as warm, comforting and seductive as Pomeroy.
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Biwa
215 Southeast 9th AvenuePortland, OR 97214
(503) 239-8830
www.biwarestaurant.com
Hours: Mon-Sun 5pm-midnight
Izakaya restaurants are here to stay in Portland, and this concrete and warm wooden-walled spot is no exception. Chef Gabe Rosen incorporates Korean dishes, like a spicy, light-on-the-garlic kimchi, into his refreshingly pared down menu, but he stays true to the casual comes-as-it’s-ready snack spirit of Izakaya. Standouts like Gyoza with gossamer-thin house-made wrappers have enough simple appeal to draw customers who eschew the city’s fine dining scene. Plus they’re great with a beer.
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Bluehour
250 Northwest 13th AvenuePearl District
Portland, OR 97210
(503) 226-3394
www.bluehouronline.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm; Sat 5pm-10:30pm; Sun 10am-2pm, 5pm-10:30pm
Talented LA-transplant, Spago alum (and husband of Good to the Grain author Kim Boyce), Thomas Boyce took over the helm just this year at the classic urban Bluehour. The sprawling black and white restaurant and chic bar have been around much longer than that though—over ten years, back before 30-seat restaurants were the Portland norm. Boyce honors the Pacific Northwest produce at his fingertips but still manages to spin his own innovative-meets-traditional cuisine, with a few Spago-esque touches here and there.
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Bunk Bar
1028 Southeast Water Avenue, Suite 130Portland, OR 97214
(503) 894-9708
www.bunkbar.com
Hours: Mon-Sun 3pm-2am
Mario Batali protégé Tommy Habetz is the chef and part-owner of this sandwich shop-cum-bar, just right for those for whom a beer won’t cut it. In between cocktails and sandwiches, you can play an arcade game in the corner and admire the plus-sized mural painted by Harry Dean Stanton and inspired by Paris, Texas. Of course, that’s only if you can tear yourself away from the sophisticated appetizers-turned-sandwiches, like the play on surf-n-turf, Calamari and Chorizo on Fleur de Lys Bakery Ciabatta Bread, Avocado, Frisée, and Poblano Vinaigrette.
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Castagna
1752 Southeast Hawthorne BoulevardHosford-Abernathy
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 231-7373
www.castagnarestaurant.com
Hours: Wed- Sat 5:30pm-close
Pale wood and ash-colored walls create a serene backdrop for some of the most innovative food you’ll find in Portland. With Chef Matt Lightner headed to the Big Apple (and we’re excited to have him), Chef de Cuisine Justin Woodward will be taking up the mantle. And from what we’ve seen, locally foraged and Northwestern ingredients will feature heavily. In any case, it’s a far cry from comfort food-based Portland—ground anemone, anyone? A new addition to the team, Pastry Chef Eve Kütteman interprets the Northwest-elegant aesthetic with finesse in dishes like her spin on an ice cream sundae: Wild Ginger with Long Pepper, Ginger Shortbread, and Herbs. Castagna stalwart and sommelier Jack Hott’s pairings seem effortless, despite the complex dishes. He’s spent over ten years here, so he’s really in his element, adapting seamlessly.
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Clyde Common
1014 Southwest Stark StreetPortland, OR 97205
(503) 228-3333
www.clydecommon.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am-midnight; Fri 11:30am-1am; Sat 5pm-1am; Sun 5pm-11pm
The scene is hopping at this communal table restaurant, where Blue Hill alum Chef Chris DiMinno has culinary panache and versatily. Everything from ingredient-driven seasonal spring salads, made luxurious with Oregon truffles, to Spanish fideos (a type of noodle) with scallops, squid and beef tongue are well executed and perfectly seasoned. And one of the major figures in the Portland (and U.S.) craft cocktail scene is Mixologist Jeffrey Morganthaler, who crafts off-the-charts cocktail pairings for DiMinno’s Northwest Barber-esque cuisine. Barflies and cocktail nuts in equal numbers head to Clyde Common for his Barrel-aged Negroni, softened and rounded thanks to aging.
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Departure Restaurant + Lounge
525 Southwest Morrison StreetSouthwest Portland, Downtown
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 802-5370
www.departureportland.com
Hours: Tues-Thurs 4pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 4pm-2am
The rooftop restaurant and lounge of the Nines Hotel boasts unparalleled views of the city. Miami-style décor, complete with neon purple lights and post-modern lines make for a cool, if very un-Portland-like vibe. Suitably hip, pompadour-ed Chef de Cuisine Gregory Gourdet is fearlessly adventurous when it comes to his flavor profiles. Go for his Asian Pear Salad, Hearts of Palm, and Macadamia Nuts for a refreshing crunch and welcome tang (thanks to a hit of crystallized tamarind).
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DOC Restaurant
5519 Northeast 30th AvenuePortland, OR 97211
(503) 946-8592
www.docpdx.com
Hours: Tues-Sat 6pm-close
This matchbox-sized restaurant is nestled comfortably in an idyllic white picket-fenced and rose-gardened Portland neighborhood. You can peek though red checkered curtains and spot the chefs in the pint-sized kitchen, whipping up small plates. You can also peer through the looking glass of mason jars stuffed with house-made pickles. Chef Tim Wastell has since moved on, but his rich and spicy Cavatelli, Pork Sugo, Peas, Pecorino, and Mint was hearty and comforting. Sommelier Austin Morris Bridges is on-hand with his delightfully off-beat wine selections, mostly from Italy, including orange wines. If you want an articulate account of the wine’s background, Bridges is your man.
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Genoa
2832 Southeast Belmont StreetBelmont
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 238-1464
www.genoarestaurant.com
Hours: Tues-Sun 5:30pm-9:30pm
This old stalwart of the Portland dining scene has undergone a major facelift. Its elegant dining room is all gilded mirrors, roaring fireplace, and crisp linens. Chef David Anderson and his sous, Daniel Mondok, offer prix fixe menus only. Dishes like their Gnocco Frito with Lardo and Rabbit Liver Terrine speak to the Portland locavore when it comes to ingredients, but are elevated to fine-dining, special occasion-worthy status by the skill with which they are executed. Sommelier Michael Garofola rises to the challenge of the monthly changing menus with wine finds as dynamic as Anderson and Mondok’s cuisine.
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Gracie's
194 Washington StreetProvidence, RI 02903
(401) 272-7811
www.graciesprov.com
Hours: Tue-Sat: 5pm-12am
At Gracie's in Providence, 2014 Coastal New England Rising Star Pastry Chef Melissa Denmark leaves no resource untapped in a constant search for flavor, product, and ideas. Ambitious and focused, she takes broad concepts like romance or common ingredients, like the bay leaf, and conceives singular composed dishes. Her desserts are the perfect exclamation point to Chef Matthew Vargas thoughtful and soul satisfying tasting menu (get the tasting menu). From fluke to foie and scallops to sweetbreads, Varga’s savory offerings are driven by technique and by the seasons. Gracie’s has white tablecloths but the atmosphere is comfortable—eclectic, modern American—with large banquettes, a long curved bar, and a bright, airy dining space.
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Grüner
527 Southwest 12th AvenueDowntown
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 241-7163
www.grunerpdx.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-9:30pm; Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-10:30pm; Sat 5pm-10:30 pm
Chef-owner Christopher Israel makes Alsatian and Alpine cuisine chic in this birch tree-decked space. He puts his own stamp on archetypal Germanic dishes, re-imagining them like the Vanity Fair art director that he was—with inventive daring. For Israel, adding French and Italian influences helps make the restaurant more accessible—diners tend to be more familiar with those cuisines than with Alpine food. His Spätzle with Braised Chicken, Morels, and Crispy Shallots, for example, was inspired by Coq au Riesling, a traditional French dish.
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H50 Bistro & Bar at Hotel Fifty
50 Southwest Morrison StreetPortland, OR 97204
(503) 221-0711
www.h5obistro.com
Hours: Mon-Wed 6:30am-10pm; Thurs 6:30am-11pm; Fri-Sat 6:30am-midnight; Sun 6:30am-midnight
Red gauze curtains, an open gravel-housed fire, and glossy head-shaped lounge tables make this colorful, funky hotel restaurant and bar a draw for a crowd of Portland’s carefully de-scruffed youth. Chef Nicholas Yanes, who once worked under Anthony Bombacci at Nana in Dallas, is just as youthful in his approach. Unexpected combos like crispy-skinned Chinook Salmon with white sweet potato ravioli and baby zucchini do double duty as both inventive and un-intimidating.
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Irving St Kitchen
701 Northwest 13th AvenuePearl District
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 343-9440
www.irvingstreetkitchen.com
Hours: Mon 5:30-10pm; Tues-Fri 5:30pm-11pm; Sat 10am-2:30pm, 5:30-11pm; Sun 10am-2:30pm, 5-9:30pm
The Stock & Bones Company brings a little San Francisco to Portland, in the form of this Pearl District restaurant. Chef Sarah Schafer counts Ken Oringer and Daniel Patterson among her mentors, and her time with Oringer shows, if Oringer were cooking Southern food with Northwest ingredients. Schafer steps away from meat-happy Portland staples with fun and playful dishes, like her interpretation of the BLT (house-made tuna bacon with fried green tomatoes and arugula). Sommelier Nicole Burke’s on-tap wine program helps her showcase some fabulous wines without wasting bottles. It’s super-approachable and fun.
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Jory at The Allison Inn & Spa
2525 Allison LaneWillamette Valley/Wine Country
Newberg, OR 97132
(503) 554-2526
www.theallison.com/restaurant.php
Hours: Mon-Sat 6:30am-10:30am, 11:30am-2pm, 5:30pm-9pm; Sun 9am-2pm, 5:30pm-9pm
Park yourself at the bar seats looking into the open kitchen, or settle in the dining room for stunning views of the Willamette Valley. This is the domain of Chef Sunny Jin, who racked up experience at little places like The French Laundry, Tetsuya’s and El Bulli before coming to Jory. Little of the culinary pyrotechnics from those fine dining temples find there way onto the menu here—just solid technique, Northwest ingredients, and a stylistic tip of the hat to the gastronomic giants, who were his mentors.
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June
2215 East Burnside StreetKerns
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 477-4655
www.JunePDX.com
Hours: Tues-Thurs 5:30pm-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm
When Chef Greg Perrault and his furniture-building business partner Matthew Peterson refurbished the space for June, they used mostly repurposed materials and a sustainable approach, to beautiful effect—the wooden furniture and bar lend a one-of-a-kind vintage feel to the restaurant. The cuisine is equally repurposed but just as inventive; dishes like Celery Root and Salt Cod Napoleon, Beech Mushrooms, and Pickled Egg Yolk combine leftovers from two other dishes. Roughly-hewn wooden low tables form a mini-lounge area, and the bar is set at the heart of the restaurant, signaling that when you order a cocktail to start your meal, you’re about to taste something singular. Kelley Swenson heads the bar program, with spirits-driven, quirkily named, and incredibly evocative cocktails. The C. Gainsbourg (named for the Franco-British actress and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg) brings to mind a picture-perfect Provencal town café with the town elders sipping on their summer pastis.
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Ken’s Artisan Bakery
338 NW 21st AvenuePortland, OR 97209
(503) 248-2202
www.kensartisan.com
Ken Forkish’s Bakery and Pizzeria both have a loyal local following. The airy bakery secures tempting orange zest scented Morning Buns and Marionberry-studded Danishes behind glass (a preventive measure?). The smell of baking bread might tempt you in another direction, though. Still-warm loaves regularly emerge from the kitchen at regular intervals.
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Ken's Artisan Pizza
304 Southeast 28th AvenueKerns
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 517-9951
www.kensartisan.com/pizza.html
Hours: Tues-Sat 5pm-10pm
Chef Alan Maniscalco and restaurateur Ken Forkish team up for this Neopolitan-style pizzeria with a touch of Americana (oregano and chili flakes welcome). The wood-burning oven is front and center and holds the secret behind dry and crisp crust. Calabrian chilies are optional on the menu, but not in our minds—they make the Sausage Fennel Pizza.
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Lardo
4262 Southeast Belmont StreetPortland, OR 97215
(802) 734-8706
www.lardopdx.com
Hours: Tues-Thurs 12pm-3pm, 5:30pm-8pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-3pm, 5:30pm-9pm; Sun closed
Chef-owner Rick Gencarelli racked up experience at fine dining restaurants Olives in New York, San Francisco restaurants Rubicon and One Market Restaurant, and The Inn at Shelburne Farms in Vermont before moving to Portland in 2009. Now he puts his farm-to-table sensibility to good use at his Italian-American influenced sandwich cart on Belmont Street. And he proves that a fine-dining chef can hook you up with the ultimate egg and cheese sandwich: his version comes with pork belly in place of the bacon for an extra-moist texture. Get the fries. Or you’ll be sorry.
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Le Pigeon
738 East Burnside StreetLower Burnside
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 546-8796
www.lepigeon.com
Hours: Sun 5–9pm; Mon-Sat 5–10pm
Ex-Paley’s Place-er Chef Gabriel Rucker has raked in the awards this year (including a 2011 StarChefs.com Rising Star Chef Award). And with his soulful and sophisticated iteration of comfort food, we’re not surprised. An offal and foie wonderland, Le Pigeon boasts one dish in particular that we absolutely cannot stop talking about—his decadent Foie Gras Profiteroles with Caramel Sauce, a sinful (and beautiful) layering of foie if ever we saw one. The open kitchen invites the diner in, and the rustic-chic décor is appropriately Portland—and just as inviting.
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Lincoln Restaurant
3808 North Williams, No. 127Portland, OR 97227
(503) 288-6200
www.lincolnpdx.com
Hours: Tues-Thurs 5:30pm-9pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-10pm; Sun 5:30pm-9pm
This is the rooster-adorned domain of 2011 StarChefs.com Portland Rising Star Community Chef-owner Jenn Louis and co-owner, ex-NPR journalist and hubbie David Welch. Red walls, a modern kitchen, and an unassuming dining room invite you in to a sterling setting for dishes prepared with a comfort-food soul and flawless technique. Her Baked Hen Eggs, Castelvetrano Olives, and Herbed Bread Crumbs are a glorious meeting of the luxurious and creamy eggs and crunchy bread crumbs. Louis’ pasta is extensively researched, thoughtfully prepared, and reflects the vast array of pasta varieties that Italy has to offer (not just blah penne and spaghetti).
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Little Bird Bistro
219 Southwest 4th AvenueDowntown
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 688-5952
www.littlebirdbistro.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-midnight; Sat-Sun 5pm-midnight
Chef Gabriel Rucker took the city by storm with Le Pigeon before opening up this more casual bistro—its sister . The put-a-bird-on-it decor reminded us a little of “Portlandia.” And blackboard specials are a reminder that, well, Rucker loves foie. Under Rucker’s direction, Chef de Cuisine Erik Van Kley leads the kitchen, and brings home to us why we’re never sick of charcuterie (coarsely ground pistachio-truffle sausage has heft, texture, and dig-into-it quality when served over a garlicky potato salad). He re-imagines overdone roasted marrow bones as big, comforting plates of Flintstones-sized things, made unusually (and effectively) sweet and savory with citrus and olive tapenade. The bistro ballad continues with Pastry Chef Lauren Fortgang’s cheeky desserts, complete with a crunchy play on mint chocolate chip ice cream in the form of Spearmint Cocoa Nib, and adorable house-made graham crackers (aptly bird shaped) served with her honey pot de crème.
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Little T American Baker
2600 Southeast Division StreetHosford-Abernathy
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 238-3458
www.littletbaker.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-5pm; Sun 8am-2pm
Baker and Owner Tim Healea has a gift. At this unassuming little bakery café, he turns out the best baguette we’ve had outside of Paris. His dedication to sourcing is impressive, from selecting a special low-yield wheat for just the right crunch and chew in his baguettes, to just the right butter to make his danishes and croissants flaky, rich, and delectable.
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Meat Cheese Bread
1406 Southeast Stark StreetSoutheast
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 234-1700
www.meatcheesebread.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-7pm
Neon, multicolored paintings and wall friezes like tattoo art spell casual at this sandwich joint. Chef-owner John Stewart’s sandwiches are spot-on. For the most part they’re nothing fancy—just well-executed sandwiches like BLB (bacon, lettuce, and beets). They are over the top thanks to house-made breads, like the chewy ciabattas, that hide their pillowy insides. House-made aioli made a huge difference as well. Amongst the best sandwiches in town.
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Metrovino
1139 Northwest 11th AvenuePearl District
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 517-7778
www.metrovinopdx.com
Hours: Mon-Sun 5:30pm-close
If you like big plates of brown comfort food, this restaurant is not for you. Chef Gregory Denton’s savvy handling of the produce of the Pacific Northwest translates into winningly inventive dishes that push you out of your comfort zone in this sleek, modern spot. Owner and Wine Director Todd Steele has one of the largest wine by the glass programs in the country, and drinks blogger Jacob Grier acts as the bartender here, with everything from beer cocktails to locally sourced spirits on the cocktail list.
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Mother's Bistro & Bar
212 Southwest Stark StreetDowntown
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 464-1122
www.mothersbistro.com
Hours: Tues-Thurs 7am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9pm; Fri 7am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm; Sat-Sun 9am-2:30pm
The last thing you would expect from a graduate of the Lespinasse school of thought, Mother’s is deliciously straightforward and a Portland staple. Cozy floral couches and gauze curtains are as welcoming as the comfort food Chef Lisa Shroeder produces. Crunchy French Toast, coated in cornflakes, is dusted with orange zest and makes for a great complement to a cup of single varietal French press.
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Ned Ludd
3925 Northeast Martin Luther King Junior BoulevardNortheast King
Portland, OR 97212
(503) 288-6900
www.nedluddpdx.com
Hours: Mon 5pm-close; Tue closed; Wed-Fri 5pm-close; Sat-Sun 10am-3pm, 5pm-close
Barn wood paneling, chandeliers, and bowls of produce strewn around the restaurant add up to a homey ramshackle-chic feel that immediately puts you at ease at Ned Ludd. The wood-fired oven imparts everything from trout to vegetables with a pleasantly smoky aroma. This is also the restaurant where Chef-owner Jason French shows off his charcuterie prowess. Behind the bar, Mixologist Suzanne Allard concentrates on the spirits infused in-house, that sneak craftily into each cocktail.
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Nong's Khao Man Gai
1003 Southwest Alder StreetDowntown
Portland, OR 97205
(971) 255-3480
www.khaomangai.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-sold out; Sat 11 am-sold out; Sun closed
This food cart is named for the owner’s nickname, Nong, and the dish that’s so popular in Bangkok, Khao Man Gai. Come for the chicken and rice, and stay for the chicken and rice. This cheery little yellow and orange cart—and Portland institution—is one of many in a Downtown pod of food carts at Southwest 10th and Alder. And like many Portland food carts, they only serve the one dish, but the Thai chili-ginger-garlic-spiced sauce and fresh herbs seduce, so you can’t wait to unwrap the butcher’s paper that it comes in and taste what’s inside.
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Nostrana
1401 Southeast Morrison StreetPortland, OR 97214
(503) 234-2427
www.nostrana.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-11pm; Sat 5pm-11pm; Sun 5pm-10pm
Chef Cathy Whims once owned white-tablecloth, fine-dining restaurant Genoa but here she gets back to the heart of Italian trattoria fare. Utterly gracious despite an armful of James Beard nominations and Hazan family training, she is, like her food, incredibly pleasant and warm. In a Tuscan-feeling setting, with Italian ceramics, terracotta pots of rosemary, and an open kitchen (and for some reason, stuffed chickens?) Whims takes mostly local and sustainable product, and puts the Oregon in Italian, with dishes like Oregon White Bean Salad, Local Olive Oil-poached Tuna, and Red Onion Salad, made colorful with house-made mixed pickled vegetables.
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Olympic Provisions
107 Southeast Washington StreetSoutheast Industrial
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 954-3663
www.olympicprovisions.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm
As the flashing red sign indicates, this Nate Tilden restaurant is all about the meat. In this case, Salumist and 2011 StarChefs.com Portland Rising Star Elias Cairo’s craft charcuterie. Chef Alex Yoder collaborates with Cairo, transforming the chorizos, pork bellies, and other iterations of cured piginess into Mediterranean small plates. Steamed Manilla Clams are given the Spanish treatment with a paprika-forward Olympic Provisions Fresh Chorizo.
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Paley's Place
1204 Northwest 21st AvenuePortland, OR 97209
(503) 243-2403
www.paleysplace.net
You’ll feel as though you’re visiting (culinary expert) relatives when you walk up the front steps into this converted dove grey townhouse. Portland food scene Founding Father (and Chef-owner) Vitaly Paley is the head of this household. It’s also home to one of the most well-respected pastry talents in town. 2011 StarChefs.com Portland Rising Star Pastry Chef Kristen D. Murray’s seasonal fruit desserts boast wild and wonderful flavor profiles, from black pepper, strawberry leather, and basil, to heirloom corn pudding with mascarpone, strawberries, and salted butter ice cream.
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Park Kitchen
422 Northwest 8th AvenuePearl District
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 223-7275
www.parkkitchen.com
Hours: Mon-Sun 5pm-9pm
Scott Dolich, the Portland mainstay who mentored Rising Star Will Preisch, opened Park Kitchen just off the park (hence the name) with the goal to create a tavern feel. Its unpretentious, laid back ingredient-driven comfort food is just what you’d expect to get from someone who’s as dedicated to celebrating Oregon’s bounty as Dolich—think cherry-cucumber-frikeh salad with goat’s milk feta and hazelnuts. It’s a very casual bar-café, the bar part of the equation being about half the restaurant, and the dark wood dining room being the other half. He has since added The Bent Brick to his empire, but Park Kitchen will remain his flagship.
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Ping
102 Northwest 4th AvenueOld Town
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 229-7464
www.pingpdx.com
Hours: Tues-Sat 11am–10pm
By now, Andy Ricker is a bit of a Portland legend. After taking his culinary knowledge built on numerous trips to Thailand, and building up Pok Pok from a shack that sold unbelievable Thai-style roasted chicken, he turned his attentions to Ping, where the cuisine has Thai, Chinese, Singaporean, and Vietnamese influences. His vibrant dishes are full of bold flavors—pretty apt then that they’re showcased in such a funky space, complete with overhead lights covered with strips of white canvas hung haphazardly.
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Pix Patisserie - Southeast Location
3402 Southeast Division Street Richmond
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 232-4407
www.pixpatisserie.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs 2pm-midnight; Fri 2pm-2am; Sat noon-2am; Sun noon-midnight
With red brocade-patterned walls, diner-style seating, and quirky touches like monkey dolls (don’t ask), Pastry Chef Cheryl Wakerhauser’s bakery is a one-of-a-kind in a city of one-of-a-kind bakeries. Her macarons are flawlessly rendered, with an impeccable French accent, from the salty-sweet fleur de sel caramel, to the light, tropical and refreshing passion fruit. And glossy, jewel-like French pastries and cakes are beautifully rendered.
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Pok Pok
3226 Southeast Division StreetHosford-Abernathy
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 232-1387
www.pokpokpdx.com
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30am-10pm
Corrugated metal roofs, colored strings of lights, and tables gather in a ramshackle fashion around the shack that pushes out some of the best food in town. Chef Andy Ricker began his restaurant empire—and opened Portlandians’ eyes in the process to the plethora of amazing Thai dishes that somehow never quite make it to the United States—with this first spot. Here Ricker lets the flavors of Chiang Mai sing without being tempted to do anything too radical to the food. He makes a few necessary substitutions, like game hens in place of small Thai chickens for his Pok Pok special, but for the most part, it’s all about leaving well enough alone. Ricker objects to the word “authentic” but…well…you'll taste it for yourself.
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Restaurant Beck
2345 South Highway 101Whale Cove
Depoe Bay, OR 97341
(541) 765-3220
www.restaurantbeck.com
Hours: Mon-Sun 5pm-close
Oregon’s burgeoning coastal dining scene is well worth the schlep from Portland. Here, the views of the Oregon coast from the ceiling-to-floor windows are serene and stunning. Inside, one of the most innovative young chefs in the region, Chef-owner Justin Wills, takes oddball ingredients like oxalis and works his Oregonian brand of magic on them, uniting seemingly incongruous elements into each harmonious dish.
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Roost
1403 Southeast Belmont StreetPortland, OR 97214
(971) 544-7136
www.roostpdx.com
Hours: Tues-Fri 5pm-10pm; Sat 5pm-11pm; Sun 5pm-9pm
New York personal chef and Julia Child student Megan Henzel moved to Portland to open this small neighborhood restaurant. And she wisely plays to the city’s worship at the altar of the hearty dish, with small tweaks, like her riff on risotto balls: Deep Fried Polenta Balls with Salsa Verde. Tuck your napkin into your shirt and roll up your sleeves before you dive into her pork chop or hanger steak with baked potato. It is well-executed stick-to-your-ribs fare in a casual-modern setting (clean lines, Spartan black and white wood chairs, and a modern freize).
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Salt & Straw (cart)
Corner of Northeast 18th Avenue and Alberta StreetAlberta Arts District
Portland, OR 97211
www.saltandstraw.com
Hours: Mon-Sun 1pm-10pm
Salt & Straw’s name is a nod to the historic method of hand churning ice cream, but head churner and Portland newcomer Tyler Malek’s approach to flavor development is anything but old-fashioned—sure he uses local beer, fruit, and salumi in the process. But Malek, who runs the cart with his cousin Kim, puts out some of the most inventive flavors we’ve come across—like a play on melon and prosciutto made with Oregon melons and Olympic Provisions’ coppa, or a sea salt ice cream with caramel ribbons topped with funky black garlic. The cart is appealingly retro-looking, but they have young blood behind the operation and a line around the block. A storefront is in the works for later in 2011!
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Scratch Foods
149 A Avenue Multnomah County
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
(503) 697-1330
www.scratchfoodsllc.com
Hours: Tues-Sat 11am-2pm, 5-10pm
Chef Patrick Lee Warner’s neighborhood restaurant in Lake Oswego is a welcome addition to an area full of strip malls. That he’s able to do so much as turn around in a circle in a kitchen the size of a handkerchief with three induction burners and two mini toaster ovens to his name is amazing. The fact that he puts out composed plates makes it a miracle feat. It’s the Mary Poppins carpet bag of kitchens—amazingly, and inexplicably, he just keeps pulling stuff out of it.
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St. Jack
2039 Southeast Clinton StreetHosford - Abernethy
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 360-1281
www.stjackpdx.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-10pm; Sun 7am-4pm
This amiable neighborhood French bistro has all markers you’d expect—red and white checked curtains, chalkboard wine list, and baguette-stuffed baskets. And some you wouldn’t—traditional French dishes re-imagined by 2011 StarChefs.com Portland Rising Star Chef Aaron Barnett. Sommelier Joel Gunderson pairs dishes like breaded, sweetbread-stuffed pork trotter with wallet-friendly regional French finds and Oregon direct-from-winemaker gems. Pastry Chef Alissa Rozos went from upscale and luxe at New York’s Daniel to rustic French plates here. And thanks to young Mixologist Tommy Klus, there are some expertly balanced cocktails here featuring lovingly (and smartly) sourced ingredients.
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Sunshine Tavern
3111 Southeast Division StreetClinton
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 688-1750
www.sunshinepdx.com
Hours: Mon-Sun 5-11pm
Lincoln Chef-owner Jenn Louis and her husband, Co-owner and Bar Director David Welch, opened this more casual tavern in 2011. Think bar/tavern with shuffleboard, Pac Man, and Donky Kong all under one roof. Now add diner food like chicken and waffles, Monte Cristo sandwiches, and egg pizza, all with a chefly makeover, and you have Sunshine Tavern. That’s not to say that the food is basic though—acidic dressing makes a chopped salad with crispy hot French fries sing, and the Monte Cristo sandwich is served with a side of house-made marionberry jam. Ex-journalist and producer Welch heads the bar program intelligently at Sunshine and sister restaurant Lincoln—at Sunshine, where diners favor arcade games over philosophical debate, the drinks tend toward the sophisticated take on college student fare (much like the food).
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Tabla Mediterranean Bistro
200 Northeast 28th AvenueKerns
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 238-3777
www.tmbistro.com
Hours: Tues-Sun 5pm-9:30pm
Fresh from a culinary tour of Spain, Chef Anthony Cafiero heads up the menu at this Mediterranean bistro owned by Adam Berger, the mind behind the now shuttered Ten-01. Cafiero’s beautifully composed plates feature unusual greens (like agretti and shugiku), some of which were grown feet away from the dining room in the raised flowerbed outside the restaurant. The inspiration is all Mediterranean, like the caprese he had in mind when he created his Tomato and Lemon Verbena Salad—a fun interpretation of the classic dish, with Parmesan mousse and black pepper gel finding their way into this refreshing summer dish.
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The Bent Brick
1639 Northwest Marshall StreetSlabtown
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 688-1655
www.thebentbrick.com
Hours: Tues-Sat 5-10pm
This ivy-clad brick spot is a bit like a chic garage—a door rolls up into the ceiling on mild days to let the Portland sun shine in. Park Kitchen’s Chef-owner Scott Dolich insists on only domestic products at Bent Brick, his second restaurant. Ohio native and StarChefs.com 2011 Portland Rising Star Chef Will Preisch takes pleasure in this mandate, expertly and inventively weaving a single ingredient throughout each dish, as in his ode to carrots: Pork, Carrots, Root Beer Glaze, Almond Yogurt, and Carrot Tops. And behind the curved metal bar, Mixologist Adam Robinson (denied Campari, Scotch, and other foreign hooch) steps up to the plate, with creative sourcing and thinking. The cocktails here are every bit as innovative as the dishes. Come for one and stick around for another.
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The Country Cat Dinnerhouse & Bar
7937 Southeast StarkMontavilla
Portland, OR 97215
(503) 408-1414
www.thecountrycat.net
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-2pm; 5pm-close
Montavilla is not an area of town you associate with fancy restaurants. But Adam and Jackie Sappington, the dynamic duo behind this neighborhood joint, play to the community with solid country food like buttermilk biscuits and fried chicken. The vibe remains casual, with blackboard-covered walls of specials, and full of the warmth that the couple embodies. Pastry Chef Jackie Sappington’s desserts are spot-on comfort food done with care—her boozy, lick-your-spoon delicious butterscotch pudding is made from homespun butterscotch.
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The Heathman Restaurant & Bar
1001 Southwest BroadwayDowntown
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 241-4100
www.heathmanrestaurantandbar.com
Hours: Mon-Sun 6am-9pm
Chef Phillipe Boulot is one of the founding fathers of the Portland dining scene. His French-inflected style is elegant, while embracing the hearty food that Portland loves. Head here to try Pastry Chef John Gayer’s stellar tea, complete with house-made marshmallows, scones, sandwiches and warm banana bread. If you happen to be in the restaurant, his olive-oil based Tunisian Spice Cake is nuanced and fabulous, and reminded us why we love olive oil in desserts.
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The Sugar Cube
4262 Southeast Belmont Street Belmont
Portland, OR 97215
(503) 890-2825
www.thesugarcubepdx.com
Hours: Wed-Sun 12:30pm-8pm
Everything at this girly, pink dessert cart is plated on adorably little old lady dainty vintage chinaware and eaten with vintage silverware from engagements past. If you’re hungry after eating at adjacent cart Lardo, this Belmont Street pastry dessert cart has just about every conceivable sweet on offer. Chef-owner and 2011 StarChefs.com Portland Rising Star Kir Jensen knows the value of salty and savory elements and isn’t afraid to use ‘em. Her Fizzy Lifting Drink makes a great hangover cure/pick-me-up, and her Toasted Coconut Panna Cotta, Milk Chocolate Pot de Crème, Black and White Sesame Brittle Crunch, Ginger Snaps, and Caramelized Banana has been known to induce audible moans of pleasure (you have been warned).
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Toro Bravo
120 Northeast Russell StreetPortland, OR 97212
(503) 281-4464
www.torobravopdx.com
Hours: Sun-Thurs 5pm-10pm; Fri-Sat 5 pm-11pm
Spain’s tapas tradition is the inspiration here, from the jaunty red walls, packed in tables and low lighting, to Chef-owner John Gorham’s family-style plates. Charcuterie and flatbreads rub shoulders with regional dishes, like cow’s neck with olive oil potatoes. Don’t be fooled by words like Salbitxada—Gorham’s culinary style is nothing if not unintimidating. After dark the crowds start forming, sipping beer and wine and chatting about all things Portland. This is a great date spot, and Gorham has made a successful business out of creating a warm place to pull up a chair and share a plate and some beers with a friend (special or otherwise).
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Two Tarts Bakery
2309 Northwest Kearney StreetAlphabet District
Portland, OR 97210
(503) 312-9522
www.tartnation.wordpress.com/about
Hours: Tues-Sat 10:30am-6pm; Sun noon-5pm
There aren’t enough cookie bakeries in the world. The saucy Pastry Chef Elizabeth Beekley opened this “fire-truckin’ sweet” one, and heads a mostly-female team here (nicknamed Art Tart, Super Tart, you name it). The pumpkin-colored bakery is replete with flowers, embroidery, and warm wood. Settle in for cookies and lemonade, or opt for their out-of-the-box macaroon flavors.
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Typhoon Restaurant
410 Southwest BroadwayPortland, OR 97205
(503) 224-8285
www.typhoonrestaurants.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs 4pm-9pm; Fri 4pm-10pm; Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-9pm
This clay bust-adorned joint makes a refreshing hotel restaurant choice. Before Portland was hip, Thai-born Chef Bo Kline and Co-owner Steven Kline built a chain of Thai restaurants in Portland. Today they’re still going strong. Chef Kline’s dessert mini coconut hotcakes are addictive. Acid, sweet, salt, and spice come together in her savory dishes—from her Thai salads with fragrant lemongrass and tart lime juice to her spinach leaf pockets of ingredients, finished with her house-made signature sauce.
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Urban Farmer
525 Southwest Morrison StreetDowntown
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 222-4900
www.urbanfarmerrestaurant.com/blog/urban-farmer-a-modern-steakhouse-portland-or
Hours: Sun-Thurs 6:30am–11pm; Fri-Sat 6:30pm–midnight
Chef Matthew Christianson’s restaurant is in the lobby of luxe renovated hotel the Nines. This is where he comforts his diners with simple flavor profiles that pay homage to the beauty of basics. His salad of tomatoes and deliciously briny anchovies is a great precursor to a great steak, and any post-Food Inc. corn industry protestors will be appeased by the Oregon, grass-fed, bone in rib-eye.
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Voodoo Doughnut
22 Southwest 3rd AvenuePortland, OR 97204
(503) 241-4704
www.voodoodoughnut.com
Open until late, this takeaway-only doughnut shop is for tourists and locals alike. Walk away with your signature pink box in hand, filled with cake or yeast doughnuts. Flavors are funky and irreverent. Order the Cock n Balls (don’t ask) or Voodoo Doll with a pretzel needle through its jelly filled heart and you’ll see what we mean. “Magic is in the hole” novelty underwear is optional. The doughnuts are not.
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Wildwood
1221 Northwest 21st AvenueNorthwest District
Portland, OR 97210
(503) 248-9663
www.wildwoodrestaurant.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-9pm; Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm; Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm; Sun 5:30pm-9pm
Cookbook Author and Chef Cory Schreiber was one of founding fathers of foodie Portland, and Wildwood his baby. The mantle has now been passed to Chef Dustin Clark, who has a similar yen for Pacific Northwest produce. Granted, a lot of Portland is farm-to-table, but this restaurant is particularly so, with many ingredients coming from Oregon. The palette of pale yellows, greens and greys has a calming effect, exactly what a diner needs to feel at ease.
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Zeus Café at Crystal Hotel
303 Southwest 12th AvenueConcordia
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 384-2500
www.mcmenamins.com/1622-zeus-caf-at-crystal-hotel-home
Hours: Mon-Thurs 7am-11pm; Fri-Sat 7am-1am; Sun 7am-10pm
Chefs Dan Mancini, Evan Milstein, and Barry Rumsey head the kitchen at McMenamins’ quirky new Crystal Hotel. Great for everyday, the steak-and-potatoes straightforwardness can be a welcome antidote once you’ve OD-ed on all of Portland’s foie and charcuterie. The restaurant has a relaxed, almost hippie vibe, with church pews and psychedelic paintings that may have you longing for your flower child days.
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DRINK
Beaker and Flask
727 Southeast Washington StreetPortland, OR 97214
(503) 235-8180
www.beakerandflask.com
Hours:
After service and on rare nights off, chefs congregate in the dark leather booths and wooden tables of this upscale casual restaurant and bar. The name reflects what goes on behind the bar, namely, owner and mixologist Kevin Ludwig crafting complex cocktails (no chemistry set required). His New Vieux cocktail has a spirit-forward bent, but is carefully balanced. And Vermont native Chef Ben Bettinger has more than earned his Portland stripes with six years at Paley’s Place. His cabbage roll is full of umami kick and recalls hearty Eastern European dishes.
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Bull Run Distillery
2259 Northwest Quimby StreetPortland, OR 97210
(503) 224-3483
www.bullrundistillery.com
Hours:
Lee Medoff, the distiller behind House Spirits’ Aviation Gin, partnered with Patrick Bernards to open Bull Run—named after the water source used for their products. At the moment only their Russian-style vodka is available for purchase, but BRD rums and whiskeys are in the works. The distillery is open to the public for tastings and tours.
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Clear Creek Distillery
2389 Northwest Wilson StreetNorthwest District
Portland, OR 97210
(503) 248-9470
www.clearcreekdistillery.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
Owner Stephen McCarthy was traveling in Europe when he realized that the Williams pear used in Europe to make eau de vie was very closely related to a Pacific Northwest pear. His fruit brandies and eau de vies get their name from a creek running through the pear orchard where they source those very same Oregon pears, not far from Portland. His Alsatian stills are worth a visit, and the tasting room allows you to sample some of the less obvious products, like the Eau de Vie of Douglas Fir, which evokes green, verdant forests and lush Oregon earth.
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Clyde Common
1014 Southwest Stark StreetPortland, OR 97205
(503) 228-3333
www.clydecommon.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am-midnight; Fri 11:30am-1am; Sat 5pm-1am; Sun 5pm-11pm
The scene is hopping at this communal table restaurant, where Blue Hill alum Chef Chris DiMinno has culinary panache and versatily. Everything from ingredient-driven seasonal spring salads, made luxurious with Oregon truffles, to Spanish fideos (a type of noodle) with scallops, squid and beef tongue are well executed and perfectly seasoned. And one of the major figures in the Portland (and U.S.) craft cocktail scene is Mixologist Jeffrey Morganthaler, who crafts off-the-charts cocktail pairings for DiMinno’s Northwest Barber-esque cuisine. Barflies and cocktail nuts in equal numbers head to Clyde Common for his Barrel-aged Negroni, softened and rounded thanks to aging.
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Coffeehouse NW
1951 West Burnside StreetAlphabet Portland
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 248-2133
www.sterlingcoffeeroasters.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-7pm; Sat-Sun 7:30am-7pm
Micro roaster Adam McGovern has turned a gritty Burnside corner into a quiet, comfortable, wood-walled coffee haven. A steady rotation of two basic coffee types—African and American—ensures a unique experience each time, whether you’re there for education or just a cup of joe. At the moment, Stumptown coffee is served, but soon Sterling Coffee, also co-owned by McGovern, will be available here, too. That is if you can resist the Michel Cluizel hot chocolate.
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Coava Coffee
1300 Southeast Grand AvenuePortland, OR 97214
(503) 894-8134
www.coava.myshopify.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm; Sat-Sun 8am-5pm
Coava puts the micro in micro roaster, as one of the smaller roasters in a town where about half the coffee roasters are small businesses. This hipster-frequented roaster and café shares its space with a wood flooring company specializing in bamboo. Enjoy the five to 10 single varietal, single farm coffees prepared pour-over using a funnel designed by the owners, Matt Higgins and Keith Gehrke, or brewed as an espresso, cappuccino, or macchiato by Barista Sam Purvis. Just don’t mention the B-word (blend).
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Hair of the Dog Brewing Company
61 Southeast Yamhill StreetBuckman
Portland , OR 97214
(503) 232-6585
www.hairofthedog.com
Hours: Wed-Sun 2pm-8pm
Krausening, or beer fermentation in the bottle (similar to Champagne production), is just one of the unusual techniques employed at Hair of the Dog, producing brews that improve with age, rather than deteriorate. The brewers here were influenced by beer historian Fred Eckhardt, who acted as mentor to the brewers when the company was founded in the nineties. As of 2007, founder Alan Sprints switched to organic malts.
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Heart Coffee Roasters
2211 East Burnside StreetKerns
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 206-6602
www.heartroasters.com
Hours: Mon-Sun 7am-7pm
When Wille Yli-Luoma’s home collection of roasters and coffee equipment got out of hand, he took a chance and opened this small production coffee roaster and coffee shop in one. Every brewing method known to man can be found here, whether you want an espresso or a siphon-brewed cup of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe. In warm weather, the full-length windows are thrown open so you can watch passers-by as you sip on your joe of choice. If you’re a coffee geek, you’ll want to stick around to watch the green coffee beens transform—they’re all roasted on the premises—on view in the middle of the store.
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Hopworks Urban Brewery
2944 Southeast Powell BoulevardCreston-Kenilworth
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 232-4677
www.hopworksbeer.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs, Sun 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-midnight
On the cutting edge for sustainable, renewably powered and organic products and production techniques, Hopworks Urban Brewers loves their bicycles. Owner and Brewmaster Christian Ettinger uses bourbon barrels, great organic malts and a lot of love to make great beers served in four dining areas. Hopworks Urban Brewery is also home to BikeBar, a great place for a break on one of Portland’s major cycling commuter routes, where you’ll find bike-frame lights above the bar, a two-keg and tap system built onto a working bike chassis, and plenty of room to sit back and enjoy the extensive menu of pizzas, burgers and of course, lots of great beer on tap!
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House Spirits Distillery
2025 Southeast 7th AvenuePortland, OR 97214
(503) 235-3174
www.housespirits.com
Hours: Tues-Fri 12pm-6pm; Sat 11am-6pm; Sun-Mon closed
Owner-distiller Christian Krogstad offers both commodity spirit brands (like Aviation Gin) used by mixologists from San Francisco and New York, and limited release works-in-progress. The limited release line has developed in response to feedback from mixologists and has spawned an easily mixed White Dog Whisky. We adored the aged caraway-heavy Gammal Krogstad Aquavit. And if you’re lucky he’ll demonstrate their versatility when mixing by fixing you one of cocktail consultant Ryan Magarian’s recipes.
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June
2215 East Burnside StreetKerns
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 477-4655
www.JunePDX.com
Hours: Tues-Thurs 5:30pm-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm
When Chef Greg Perrault and his furniture-building business partner Matthew Peterson refurbished the space for June, they used mostly repurposed materials and a sustainable approach, to beautiful effect—the wooden furniture and bar lend a one-of-a-kind vintage feel to the restaurant. The cuisine is equally repurposed but just as inventive; dishes like Celery Root and Salt Cod Napoleon, Beech Mushrooms, and Pickled Egg Yolk combine leftovers from two other dishes. Roughly-hewn wooden low tables form a mini-lounge area, and the bar is set at the heart of the restaurant, signaling that when you order a cocktail to start your meal, you’re about to taste something singular. Kelley Swenson heads the bar program, with spirits-driven, quirkily named, and incredibly evocative cocktails. The C. Gainsbourg (named for the Franco-British actress and singer Charlotte Gainsbourg) brings to mind a picture-perfect Provencal town café with the town elders sipping on their summer pastis.
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Metrovino
1139 Northwest 11th AvenuePearl District
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 517-7778
www.metrovinopdx.com
Hours: Mon-Sun 5:30pm-close
If you like big plates of brown comfort food, this restaurant is not for you. Chef Gregory Denton’s savvy handling of the produce of the Pacific Northwest translates into winningly inventive dishes that push you out of your comfort zone in this sleek, modern spot. Owner and Wine Director Todd Steele has one of the largest wine by the glass programs in the country, and drinks blogger Jacob Grier acts as the bartender here, with everything from beer cocktails to locally sourced spirits on the cocktail list.
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New Deal Distillery
1311 Southeast 9th AvenueSoutheast Industrial District
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 234-2513
www.newdealdistillery.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 12:30pm-5pm; Sun 1pm-4pm
Owner Tom Burkleaux might sell a lot of vodka, but it’s his herbaceous gins and nuanced coffee liqueurs that bowled us over. He works with local coffee roasters, like Water Avenue Coffee, to produce batches of coffee liqueur, each dedicated to the roaster whose beans created it. All of his products have the same local bent—it’s what makes this Portland distillery so cool.
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New Old Lompoc
1616 Northwest 23rd AvenueNorthwest District
Portland, OR 97210
(503) 225-1855
www.newoldlompoc.com
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2am; Sun 11am-midnight
Chef-turned brewer Bryan Keilty is making some of Portland's most creative beer. His experiments with barrel-aging have led to a vintage craft beer line and specialty beer bar. Seven year-round beers and ten current seasonal beers is an ambitious workload for his team, but adding seven holiday seasonal beers is, well, we think you better go see for yourself. Don’t miss the Sidebar tasting room, where you can sit amidst the beer barrels and sample the seasonal offerings.
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Ristretto Roasters - Williams Location
3808 North Williams AvenueBoise
Portland, OR 97227
(503) 288-8667
www.ristrettoroasters.com
Hours: Mon-Sat 6:30am-6pm; Sun 7am-6pm
Owner Din Johnson’s refurbished 60s coffee roaster allows him to really get his hands dirty and connect with the coffee. The resulting single varieties and blends range from customer-friendly coffees like dark chocolaty Colombia Huela Valencia to more unusual jalapeño and green pepper-forward ones like Sumatra Lingtong. Baked goods from Good to the Grain cookbook author and Pastry Chef Kim Boyce are complex and crave-worthy.
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R Stuart & Co.
528 Northeast Third StreetDowntown
McMinnville, OR 97128
(866) 472-8614
www.rstuartandco.com
Hours: Sun-Wed 12pm-6pm; Thurs-Sat 12pm-10pm
Winemaker Rob Stuart and PR and Marketing Director Maria Stuart are the team behind R Stuart & Co. Winery. This Downtown McMinnville wine bar is cozy and elegant, with a chandelier and French bistro-style etched storefront. They offer snacks, and are minutes away from the site of the area’s annual International Pinot Noir Celebration. The wine bar doubles as a tasting room and storefront for their wines. If you’re more a beer than a wine person, they also serve local microbrews. And if you sample too much of their merchandise, sober up with some Portland Roasting Company organic espresso.
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Spella Caffe
520 Southwest 5th AvenueGoose Hollow
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 752-0264
www.spellacaffe.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-3pm
Andrea Spella is proof of the cart-to-brick-and-mortar dream come true that Portland is for entrepreneurs. His espresso cart drew lovers of a smooth shot to the corner of 9th and Alder Street before he opened this storefront and wholesale operation, where he still roasts his own beans and pulls shots from his Rancilio espresso machine (that oddly looks like beer taps for draft beer). The café is (aptly) about the size of an espresso cup, but in Italia don’t folks stand and drink their morning cappuccino?
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Sterling Coffee Roasters
2120 Northwest Glisan StreetPortland, OR 97209
(503) 123-1234
www.sterlingcoffeeroasters.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat-Sun 8am-3pm
Adam McGovern may be known for Coffee House NW but his Trader Joe’s adjacent stand is a regular stop for Portlanders on the way to work. With Sterling’s signature porcelain pheasant on top of the espresso machine and glossy striped walls, it has the feel of what it is—an affordable indulgence. The aroma of green beans roasted in a copper-colored portable roaster behind the counter comes gratis.
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Stone Barn Brandyworks
3315 Southeast 19th Avenue, Suite BBrooklyn
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 775-6747
www.stonebarnbrandyworks.com
Hours: Sat-Sun noon-6pm
A handful of Portland’s distilleries have banded together to form a consortium known as Distillery Row. Owner Sebastian Degens’ minute production of fruit liqueurs, whiskies, and fruit brandies make up a niche market within that group, proving how inclusive Portland’s business world can be for small fish. Their tasting room is only open on weekends, but their fruit liqueurs are a welcome change from the saccharine industry norm, especially the crisp, tart cranberry liqueur.
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Stumptown Coffee - The Annex
3352 Southeast Belmont StreetPortland, OR 97214
(503) 467-4123
www.stumptowncoffee.com/locations/annex
Hours: Mon-Sun 8am-7pm
Yes, we have Stumptown Coffee in New York now, but this is Stumptown’s home turf and (of course) nothing is by the book. Chipper career-coffee professionals make frequenting their tasting room and custom order center, The Annex, a pleasure. If you’re super-specific about your joe (I’ll take a quarter pound of Colombian direct trade Helsar) or want to participate in a blind cupping, this is the Stumptown location you want. As a bonus, shelves on brick walls are filled with impressively weird-looking coffee paraphernalia.
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The Bent Brick
1639 Northwest Marshall StreetSlabtown
Portland, OR 97209
(503) 688-1655
www.thebentbrick.com
Hours: Tues-Sat 5-10pm
This ivy-clad brick spot is a bit like a chic garage—a door rolls up into the ceiling on mild days to let the Portland sun shine in. Park Kitchen’s Chef-owner Scott Dolich insists on only domestic products at Bent Brick, his second restaurant. Ohio native and StarChefs.com 2011 Portland Rising Star Chef Will Preisch takes pleasure in this mandate, expertly and inventively weaving a single ingredient throughout each dish, as in his ode to carrots: Pork, Carrots, Root Beer Glaze, Almond Yogurt, and Carrot Tops. And behind the curved metal bar, Mixologist Adam Robinson (denied Campari, Scotch, and other foreign hooch) steps up to the plate, with creative sourcing and thinking. The cocktails here are every bit as innovative as the dishes. Come for one and stick around for another.
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Upright Brewing
240 North Broadway, Suite 2Eliot
Portland , OR 97227
(503) 735-5337
www.uprightbrewing.com
Hours: Fri 4:30pm-9pm; Sat-Sun 1pm-6pm
Inspired by the farmhouse ales of France and Belgium, Upright Brewing (named for the upright bass played by Charles Mingus) began making a name for themselves with eight seasonal beers released throughout the year, and some available year round. Owner and head brewer Alex Ganum opened Upright in 2009 after earning his stripes in previous breweries (Ommegang Brewing in Cooperstown, New York and BJ’s in Portland) and continually pleases Portland with engagingly-named fruit and sour beers, often using open fermentation and wine barrels. All roads lead to their basement tasting room, where you can check out local artwork, fill up a keg, or actually taste beer prior to home Blazers’ games.
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Water Avenue Coffee Company
1028 Southeast Water Avenue Portland, OR 97214
(503) 808-7084
www.wateravenuecoffee.com
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm; Sat 8am-5pm; Sun 9am-3pm
Former Stumptown coffee-heads Brandon Smith (the Owner-Roaster) and Matthew Sanders (the Wholesale Director) make for a wonderfully offbeat team. The coffee selection has a lot of range, from mainstream blends to stubbornly (and deliciously) distinct picks. You’ll swear you taste green bell peppers in their El Salvador Buena Vista, Bourbon, Direct Trade. And if you’re head over heels for the barrel-aging trend in Portland, ask about their barrel-aged coffee.
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STAY
River's Edge Hotel & Spa
0455 SW Hamilton CtSouth Waterfront District
Portland, OR 97239
(503) 802-5800
www.riversedgehotel.com/
Rooms start at $129
Green meets luxurious at this Lake Oswego hotel—it was Oregon’s first hotel to receive a silver LEED certification. But little touches make you feel virtuous and pampered. An in-room kitchenette, a full-sized living room and dining tables in suites are a welcome respite from matchbox-sized hotel rooms. Complimentary breakfast on each floor means you don’t even need to take an elevator to get to your Portland Coffee Roasters joe and cinnamon scone. Just thrown on your robe and stagger down the hall. Or head to the expansive fitness center and spa for a workout and a sweat session in the sauna. Don’t miss the river-adjacent Aquariva restaurant steps away from the hotel, which thanks to Chef Andy Arndt is cool again.
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Hotel deLuxe
729 Southwest 15th AvenuePortland, OR 97205
(866) 986-8085
www.hoteldeluxeportland.com
Rooms start at $129
A throwback to the glamour of Hollywood circa Bogie and Bacall, Hepburn and Tracey, deLuxe is deliciously decadent. A “make it so” button on your room phone might have you scrambling for outlandish requests, or you might turn your attention to the pillow menu to custom-order your super-soft pillow. Barflies flock to the downstairs martini bar, and Portland winos head to Gracie’s for the monthly winemaker dinners.
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Hotel Fifty
50 Southwest Morrison StreetPortland, OR 97204
(503) 221-0711
www.hotelfifty.com
Rooms start at $134
Hotel Fifty is conveniently located in downtown Portland. Guests can sit in funky orange leather chairs and enjoy riverside views or kick back on a memory foam bed and watch the game on the enormous 42-inch flat-screen TV. In-room desks with multiple outlets and coffee makers are made for travelers on the go. And when you’re ready for some well-deserved R&R, H50 Bistro & Bar has a hip lounge scene, and Chef Nicholas Yanes brings fresh perspective to hotel dining. Bally Total Fitness is a block away (free passes are available at the front desk), and a tree-dotted and serene running path passes along the river right in front of the hotel.
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Hotel Lucia
400 Southwest BroadwayPortland, OR 97205
(866) 986-8086
www.hotellucia.com
Rooms start at $159
If you’re totally unimpressed with raw wood and checkered curtains, this might be your best bet. Cheeky nudes in the gym and thought-provoking modern art in the lobby and adjacent lounge make this a warm but distinctly modern hotel. Head next door to Typhoon for well-executed Thai, or relax in your room with one of the novels provided on the bookshelves.
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Jupiter Hotel
800 East Burnside StreetEast Burnside
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 230-9200
www.jupiterhotel.com
Rooms start at $169
Portland’s full of funky little pint-sized boutique hotels, and the Jupiter Hotel on the east side is a great example. In its past life, it was a motor inn, but now its modern, corrugated façade looks like some artistically inclined person arranged modern walls around a tidy old log cabin. Lime green branch-decorated rooms are comfortable and refreshingly chic, there’s an outdoor courtyard to stretch your legs, and the fabulous bar is packed every night. They also offer PDX-themed packages like Keep Portland Weird, and Voodoo Doughnut Package—we recommend the latter, because…well…it comes with doughnuts.
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McMenamins Crystal Hotel
303 Southwest 12th AvenueOld Town
Portland, OR 97205
(503) 972-2670
www.mcmenamins.com/CrystalHotel
Rooms start at $89
Just across the street from Portland’s Crystal Ballroom and inspired by its history, McMenamins’ new Crystal Hotel feels like a colorful romp through a new-age hippie love shack—in a good way. Rooms are decorated with boudoir touches and multi-hued headboards painted to depict performers or pieces of music from Crystal Ballroom. The building is in the old Club Portland space, and aptly, a spa is on-site, paying tribute whether intentionally or not to the building’s tradition of bathhouses.
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The Governor Hotel
614 Southwest 11th AvenuePortland, OR 97205
(503) 224-3400
www.governorhotel.com
Rooms start at $159
With its steakhouse, Jake’s Grill, and historical feel, this converted early 1920s hotel is just right for the traditional set. It boasts a lobby library worth lounging in, and miniature olive trees, fireplace, and free wi-fi invite you to stick around for a while. And if you’re lucky enough to be visiting Portland in June, you’ll be mere steps away from the Rose Festival’s parade. The fitness center is accessible by room key, so if you’re a night owl, you can fit in your after-hours workout.
The Heathman Hotel
1001 Southwest BroadwayPortland, OR 97205
(503) 241-4100
http://portland.heathmanhotel.com/
Rooms start at $199
Doormen dressed as Beefeaters (a bit confusingly) flank the entrance to the hotel (but make this Englishwoman feel rather at home at any rate). You get the full Jeeves experience here—you are assigned one person to cater to your every whim when you check in. The rooms are full of rich, warm, and welcoming color. L’Occitane bath products and marble sinks carry the luxury through to the bathroom. And French press, in-room coffee is a welcome change from dehydrated packs of brownish (maybe coffee?) grounds that so often make their way into hotel rooms these days. Pastry Chef John Gayer’s tea is well worth a trip to the hotel even if you don’t happen to be staying here—he had us at the scones.
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The Nines
525 Southwest Morrison Downtown
Portland, OR 97204
(877) 229-9995
www.thenines.com
Rooms start at $192
The Nines is a cool and classy riff on a 1920s luxury hotel. The rooftop restaurant-lounge Departure has the best view we’ve seen over the city. And if you’re feeling peckish, don’t forget to check out Chef Matthew Christianson’s steakhouse Urban Farmer. Come for the view, stick around for the impeccable service and amenities like the lemon-colored fitness center with cardiovascular equipment and free weights. Bored partners of gym bunnies can kill time in the sleek, sexy lobby, with splashes of red velvet, bold gold sculptures, and urban sophisticate furniture. Renovated rooms pop with bold turquoise couches.
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BEYOND PORTLAND
The Allison Inn & Spa
2525 Allison LaneNewberg, OR 97132
(503) 554-2525
www.theallison.com
This sustainable stunner is an hour from Portland, nestled in between the rolling hills of Oregon wine country. Admire the lush vineyards from the terrace over breakfast, or settle by the fireplace in your room on chilly days. Most rooms have a terrace, allowing you to admire the view over your morning cup of coffee. A sumptuous pool and spa are on-hand, should all this relaxing tire you out. Visit any of the area’s incredible vineyards, and end the day over a meal from Chef Sunny Jin’s contemporary American cuisine at Jory.
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The Inn at Champoeg
8899 Champoeg Road NortheastAurora, OR 97137
(503) 678-6088
www.innatchampoeg.com
Many of the area’s vineyards are accessible from this cozy countryside B&B, but you can escape the hustle and bustle of wine trail tourists here. Owners Paterese and West Livaudais cook breakfast at the inn, often weaving in herbs, flowers, and fruits from their garden. They craft their own house-made English muffins for their Eggs Benedict, and poach the eggs so that the yolk is obligingly velvety and runny. If you’re a closet knitter (there’s one in every family), the couple also double as alpaca farmers, both to sell the wool (much sought after by Armani-wearing types, it seems) and to show off these strange, fuzzy little creatures.
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Whale Cove Inn
2345 South Highway 101Depoe Bay, OR 97341
(800) 628-3409
www.whalecoveinn.com
Stunning views of the craggy Oregon coast make this place your best bet for luxury lodging in the area. Watch the waves crash dramatically on the shore from the balcony or hotel lounge. Or if you’re more adventurous, have the hotel arrange a surfing lesson. The hotel’s Restaurant Beck alone is worth the trip to sample Chef Justin Wills’ distinctive brand of cutting-edge Oregon cuisine.
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PLAY
Eat Mobile Food Cart Festival
Under the Morrison BridgePortland, OR
http://wweek.com/portland/flex-230-eat-mobile.html
Every March or April Willamette Week throws a food cart fest in celebration of the city’s thriving cart scene. Apart from gathering a wealth of PDX food carts in one place for the tasting, it’s also a fierce competition—they’re all vying for the Eat Mobile Carty Award (given to the cart with the best overall food). Our Editor-in-Chief Antoinette Bruno even judged the competition for the 2010 festival! Head under the Morrison Bridge to see what all the fuss is about.
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Rose Garden
850 Southwest Rose Garden WayPortland, OR 97205
(503) 227-7033
www.rosegardenstore.org/thegardensoverview.cfm
Hours: Mon-Sun 7:30am-9pm
Yes, roses are traditional, but Portland is nothing if not alternative, and her International Rose Test Garden at the Portland Rose Gardens is home to hundreds of different rose varieties (no doubt some of them tattoed, pierced, and fedora-ed). Roses are a common sight in the gardens of Portland homes, thanks to the frequent rain, but the ones here are especially perky looking. The Rose Garden itself has been knocking around since the early 1900s. It ain’t called City of Roses for nothing.
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