Guidebook for Portland
Arts & Culture
While the quality of MLS soccer is questionable, there are few live sports experiences better than a Portland Timbers' Game.
191 locals recommend
Providence Park
1844 SW Morrison StWhile the quality of MLS soccer is questionable, there are few live sports experiences better than a Portland Timbers' Game.
The best live venue in Portland for 85 years. Check the marquis for tonight's show, then amble by the front door to see what scalpers have available.
117 locals recommend
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
1037 SW BroadwayThe best live venue in Portland for 85 years. Check the marquis for tonight's show, then amble by the front door to see what scalpers have available.
Home of the Portland Trailblazers, Portland Winterhawks and regular live entertainment.
204 locals recommend
Moda Center
1 N Center Ct StHome of the Portland Trailblazers, Portland Winterhawks and regular live entertainment.
Sightseeing
High-atop downtown, visit the international rose test garden and take in a 270-degree view of the city.
326 locals recommend
Washington Park
4033 SW Canyon RdHigh-atop downtown, visit the international rose test garden and take in a 270-degree view of the city.
One of Portland's hidden treasures; well-funded, well-maintained and a guaranteed way to feel inspired and stress-free.
1015 locals recommend
Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston AveOne of Portland's hidden treasures; well-funded, well-maintained and a guaranteed way to feel inspired and stress-free.
The only active volcano within a major city in the USA; incredible views of Portland, hiking, a 10-minute walk to Hawthorne or Belmont and a 15-minute walk to Division.
420 locals recommend
Mount Tabor
The only active volcano within a major city in the USA; incredible views of Portland, hiking, a 10-minute walk to Hawthorne or Belmont and a 15-minute walk to Division.
Average art, but the contemporary side (in the masonic temple building is solid). Visit an amazing hidden gem at no cost: the art library.
785 locals recommend
Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park AveAverage art, but the contemporary side (in the masonic temple building is solid). Visit an amazing hidden gem at no cost: the art library.
The museum is AWESOME for kids, but otherwise average. The highlight is late-night laser light shows frequented by stoned portlanders for generations.
6 locals recommend
Empirical Theater
1945 SE Water AveThe museum is AWESOME for kids, but otherwise average. The highlight is late-night laser light shows frequented by stoned portlanders for generations.
Kidd's Toy Museum
1301 SE Grand AvePortland eccentric at its best.
Stunningly beautiful during rhododendron season.
195 locals recommend
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
5801 SE 28th AveStunningly beautiful during rhododendron season.
One of Oregon's two permanent amusement parks, the oldest amusement park west of the Mississippi River and a century-old roller skating rink with live organ.
208 locals recommend
Oaks Amusement Park
7805 SE Oaks Park WayOne of Oregon's two permanent amusement parks, the oldest amusement park west of the Mississippi River and a century-old roller skating rink with live organ.
Hoyt Arboretum
4000 SW Fairview BlvdQuality hiking without a long drive.
The first, only and last illegally-built and city-approved skateboard park on the planet.
16 locals recommend
Burnside Skatepark
Southeast 2nd AvenueThe first, only and last illegally-built and city-approved skateboard park on the planet.
State park, amazing organic berry-picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, a miles-long beach including one of Oregon's two clothing-optional beaches.
181 locals recommend
Sauvies Island
38799 NW Reeder RdState park, amazing organic berry-picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, a miles-long beach including one of Oregon's two clothing-optional beaches.
A smaller version of the big Portland Farmer's Market is held here each Wednesday.
18 locals recommend
Portland Farmers Market - Shemanski Park
1010 SW Park AveA smaller version of the big Portland Farmer's Market is held here each Wednesday.
Entertainment & Activities
Only 2-3 MAX stops from central downtown, you disembark in a tunnel 100+ feet below ground, then ascend to a zoo nestled in Portland's west hills. BONUS: holiday zoo train!
524 locals recommend
Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon RdOnly 2-3 MAX stops from central downtown, you disembark in a tunnel 100+ feet below ground, then ascend to a zoo nestled in Portland's west hills. BONUS: holiday zoo train!
Everything Else
With various entrances from NW Portland, Skyline Boulevard and Hoyt Arboretum, Forest Park is the largest park in the USA to fall within a major city. Take a quick 30-minute hike before dinner.
940 locals recommend
Forest Park
With various entrances from NW Portland, Skyline Boulevard and Hoyt Arboretum, Forest Park is the largest park in the USA to fall within a major city. Take a quick 30-minute hike before dinner.
On the official list of Portland weird, an absolute labyrinth of wholesale mishmash from lava lamps to toys.
City Liquidators
823 SE 3rd AveOn the official list of Portland weird, an absolute labyrinth of wholesale mishmash from lava lamps to toys.
The original and the best: Portland Farmer's Market runs saturday from early morning until early afternoon, March-December. THE LARGEST FARMER'S MARKET IN NORTH AMERICA.
87 locals recommend
Portland Farmers Market - Office Location
240 N BroadwayThe original and the best: Portland Farmer's Market runs saturday from early morning until early afternoon, March-December. THE LARGEST FARMER'S MARKET IN NORTH AMERICA.
Rite Aid
2440 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez BlvdOne of two downtown pharmacies.
Safeway Pharmacy
1100 NE BroadwayOne of two downtown pharmacies.
Shopping
Powell's City of Books
1005 W Burnside StThe largest book store in the USA.
Considered by movie stars, heads of state and various eccentric billionaires to be the best custom motorcycle leathers on earth and in history.
Langlitz Leathers
2443 SE Division StConsidered by movie stars, heads of state and various eccentric billionaires to be the best custom motorcycle leathers on earth and in history.
Pinkham Millinery
1012 SW Washington StRock stars and fashion editors get their custom hats made here.
Now a tourist trap, when I was a kid Voodoo was sketchy-cool. The state once sent in drug and law enforcement agents to bust Voodoo when they found out they were serving donuts with NyQuil frosting.
366 locals recommend
Voodoo Doughnut
8145 SE 82nd AveNow a tourist trap, when I was a kid Voodoo was sketchy-cool. The state once sent in drug and law enforcement agents to bust Voodoo when they found out they were serving donuts with NyQuil frosting.
The Yo! Store
935 NW 19th AveOne of the best vintage shops for ladies.
Food Scene
One of Portland's best hidden gem restaurants (northwest-french fusion).
52 locals recommend
Little Bird Bistro
215 SW 6th AveOne of Portland's best hidden gem restaurants (northwest-french fusion).
For 30+ years, my family and friends have enjoyed pho here several times per week. It's not fancy, but it's hands-down the best pho you will have outside Vietnam; without MSG or pretense.
26 locals recommend
Phở Hùng
4717 SE Powell BlvdFor 30+ years, my family and friends have enjoyed pho here several times per week. It's not fancy, but it's hands-down the best pho you will have outside Vietnam; without MSG or pretense.
Pok Pok
3226 SE Division StRated the best Thai food in the USA.
Hands-down the best ice cream you will ever have; ranked in the top five best ice cream places in the USA.
1078 locals recommend
Salt & Straw
2035 NE Alberta StHands-down the best ice cream you will ever have; ranked in the top five best ice cream places in the USA.
One of Portland's hidden-gem restaurants: upscale Mexican with scratch margaritas and original (i.e. Aztec-inspired) recipes.
76 locals recommend
Xico
3715 SE Division StOne of Portland's hidden-gem restaurants: upscale Mexican with scratch margaritas and original (i.e. Aztec-inspired) recipes.
Hands-down the best steak in the northwest; incredible customer service, intimate atmosphere.
53 locals recommend
RingSide Steakhouse
2165 W Burnside StHands-down the best steak in the northwest; incredible customer service, intimate atmosphere.
Bamboo Sushi
310 SE 28th AveThe world's only 100% sustainable sushi restaurant.
Bamboo Sushi
310 SE 28th AveThe world's only 100% sustainable sushi restaurant.
Ken's Artisan Pizza
304 SE 28th AveBest pizza in Portland.
Pambiche
2811 NE Glisan StBest Cuban food in Portland.
One of Portland's few remaining authentic Chinese restaurants as Chinatown moved to SE 82nd.
12 locals recommend
Lucky Strike Restaurant
3862 Southeast Hawthorne BoulevardOne of Portland's few remaining authentic Chinese restaurants as Chinatown moved to SE 82nd.
Portland's oldest and best seafood restaurant (note: the serve a lot more than crawfish).
45 locals recommend
Jake's Famous Crawfish
401 SW 12th AvePortland's oldest and best seafood restaurant (note: the serve a lot more than crawfish).
Owned by some sort of bizarro global cult, but the franchise is run by the friendliest man in Portland and they have a full menu of 100% vegetarian and vegan food.
Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine
1239 SW Jefferson StOwned by some sort of bizarro global cult, but the franchise is run by the friendliest man in Portland and they have a full menu of 100% vegetarian and vegan food.
Harlow
3632 SE Hawthorne BlvdOne of the best all-vegan/vegetarian restaurants in Portland.
Prasad
925 NW Davis StOne of the best all-vegan/vegetarian restaurants in Portland.
One of the few quality ramen places in Portland. Mr. Hiroshi also hand picks daily sashimi selects.
34 locals recommend
Mirakutei Sushi & Ramen
536 E Burnside StOne of the few quality ramen places in Portland. Mr. Hiroshi also hand picks daily sashimi selects.
Piazza Italia
1129 NW Johnson StSolid Italian food in a proper, fun Italian family atmosphere.
Bijou Cafe
Best breakfast in downtown Portland; where the locals go.
Vintage 50's diner/coffee counter with awesome breakfast and service.
15 locals recommend
Fuller's Coffee Shop
136 NW 9th AveVintage 50's diner/coffee counter with awesome breakfast and service.
Above average food, excellent wine selection and the best east side view in town.
67 locals recommend
Noble Rot
1111 East Burnside StreetAbove average food, excellent wine selection and the best east side view in town.
Loud, bad service, beautiful people, above-average food and very good bar for travelers to meet other travelers.
53 locals recommend
Clyde Common
1014 SW Harvey Milk StLoud, bad service, beautiful people, above-average food and very good bar for travelers to meet other travelers.
Very solid locals-only restaurant and bar with high quality seafood and wine. Steve the bartender is considered one of the best in the northwest.
20 locals recommend
Southpark Seafood
901 SW Salmon StVery solid locals-only restaurant and bar with high quality seafood and wine. Steve the bartender is considered one of the best in the northwest.
Cheap thrill burger place with truffle oil fries.
17 locals recommend
Little Big Burger - Pearl District
122 NW 10th AveCheap thrill burger place with truffle oil fries.
Yama Sushi & Sake Bar
926 NW 10th AveVery good sushi.
Very good, very hip and very creative sushi place with a hidden gem menu item: the best burger in Portland.
107 locals recommend
Yakuza Izakaya Restaurant
5515 NE 30th AveVery good, very hip and very creative sushi place with a hidden gem menu item: the best burger in Portland.
Portland's best wings, tater tots and wings.
68 locals recommend
Fire on the Mountain Buffalo Wings | Burnside
1708 E Burnside StPortland's best wings, tater tots and wings.
Portland's best wings, tater tots and wings.
74 locals recommend
Fire On the Mountain Buffalo Wings | Interstate
4225 N Interstate AvePortland's best wings, tater tots and wings.
Screen Door
2337 E Burnside StPortland's best southern-style cooking.
Very good date-caliber mexican, but not as good or expensive as Xico.
101 locals recommend
Nuestra Cocina
2135 SE Division StVery good date-caliber mexican, but not as good or expensive as Xico.
Portland's best mediterranean food.
125 locals recommend
Nicholas Restaurant Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine
3223 NE BroadwayPortland's best mediterranean food.
Paley's Place Bistro & Bar
1204 NW 21st AveOne of the best fancy restaurants in Portland.
Hey, it happens. This is the only remaining location on the westside of Portland before you get to the suburbs.
24 locals recommend
Taco Bell
2079 W Burnside StHey, it happens. This is the only remaining location on the westside of Portland before you get to the suburbs.
Nong's Khao Man Gai
609 SE Ankeny StOne of Portland's best food carts: chicken and rice.
Floyd’s Old Town Coffee and Tea
118 NW Couch StOne of the best coffee shops in downtown.
One of the best coffee shops in downtown. Te woman reading the paper at the end of the large communal table each AM is visionary former Mayor Vera Katz.
Park Avenue Cafe
1535 SW Park AveOne of the best coffee shops in downtown. Te woman reading the paper at the end of the large communal table each AM is visionary former Mayor Vera Katz.
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
4525 SE Division StOne of the best coffee shops in downtown.
Case Study Coffee Roasters
1422 NE Alberta StOne of the best coffee shops in downtown.
Kure Juice Bar
4380 SE Hawthorne BlvdBest juice/smoothie place in Portland.
Zach's Shack
4611 SE Hawthorne BlvdPortland's best hot dogs and chili cheese fries.
Mi Mero Mole
32 NW 5th AveCheap, good Mexican with vegan/vegetarian options.
Davis Street Tavern
500 NW Davis StGood food, very good service.
Sizzle Pie West Portland
949 W Burnside StWhen you need a slice late.
A Portland original: very cool ambiance and staff, amazing macaroni and cheese with everything from spam to frog leg toppings.
59 locals recommend
Le Bistro Montage
301 SE Morrison StA Portland original: very cool ambiance and staff, amazing macaroni and cheese with everything from spam to frog leg toppings.
If you like meat in all of its glorious forms, run, don't walk.
82 locals recommend
Olympia Provisions
107 SE Washington StIf you like meat in all of its glorious forms, run, don't walk.
Papa Haydn
701 NW 23rd AveFamous for the city's largest and best dessert menu.
Bunk Sandwiches
Portland's best sandwiches.
Bunk Morrison
621 Southeast Morrison StreetPortland's best sandwiches.
Bunk Bar Water
1028 SE Water AvePortland's best sandwiches.
Robo Taco
607 SE Morrison StWhen you need cheap mexican late; vegan/vegetarian options.
Original Hotcake House
1002 SE Powell BlvdPortland's best pancakes 24/7.
Drinks & Nightlife
Portland's oldest female review, specializing in burlesque-proportioned dancers; female-owned and operated with historical murals from the great depression on the back wall; Kurt met Courtney here.
11 locals recommend
Mary's Club
5 W Burnside StPortland's oldest female review, specializing in burlesque-proportioned dancers; female-owned and operated with historical murals from the great depression on the back wall; Kurt met Courtney here.
The oldest bar in Oregon and home to the best Spanish coffee on earth.
46 locals recommend
Huber's Cafe
411 SW 3rd AveThe oldest bar in Oregon and home to the best Spanish coffee on earth.
Pépé le Moko
407 SW 10th AveSubterranean, romantic, perfect drinks.
Holocene
1001 SE Morrison StOne of Portland's few proper dance spots.
Rontoms
600 E Burnside StHipster meat market with 365-day-a-year outdoor patio with heating.
Average food, average service, but the best west side view in town.
283 locals recommend
Portland City Grill
111 SW 5th AveAverage food, average service, but the best west side view in town.
M Bar
417 NW 21st AveSmallest Portland bar full of hot twentysomethings-fortysomethngs.
Driftwood Room
729 SW 15th AvePortland's most intimate date bar.
Dig A Pony
736 SE Grand AveHipster meat market.
Star Bar
639 SE Morrison StOne of Portland's few legit rock bars.