I am not what you would call a “foodie.” I am more a beer snob. I have a whole website dedicated to that at Brewpubs PDX . But through the years I have gotten out to a few places. These may not be the momentary trendy spots but I have found them interesting and a good value.
The local newspaper (The Oregonian) has their idea on where to go. Here are links to some articles they have done.
- The ultimate guide to Portland’s 50 best inexpensive restaurants
- Cheap Eats 2018: Portland’s 15 best inexpensive restaurants
- Portland’s 10 destination food cart pods
Eateries
Donuts/Doughnuts
Some how donuts shops have become a thing here in Portland and it seams the world has found out about it. I don’t get it but I have a page listing all of the doughnut shops in Portland for those who do.
Great Breakfast Spot. Couple of blocks up from NW 23rd. Plan on waiting for a table.
Even supper spot. Cajun Cooking. You don’t wait for a table you wait for a chair at on of the long tables. (It could not survive the Pandemic and is now Closed)
A long time wholesale supplier to local restaurants has a small store front. Good for specialty food. They also have a deli section. A good place to pick up some item for a picnic along the Eastside Esplanade.
Perhaps the first of the new bread of pubs that started Portland brew pubs. The places close for several year but is back now with good food, good beer and good place to enjoy them.
Drinks
The place is just funky. This is Portlandia weird.
Food Carts
Food Carts (not trucks) have become a thing here in Portland. This one I do get. Early food cart folks had to battle the city to exist. When the city could not run them off and they started to form pods the city to switch to regulating them instead. Now you know your neighborhood has made it when you finally get your own Pod. You can often find good interesting food at some good prices.
Pod On Hawthorne and SE 12th – This was the first Pod in Portland and has often been the innovator in Food Carts. Now there are so many it is hard to keep track of them.
More Places
Here are a number of places I have been to and enjoyed but I have not been to for a while or have not gotten photos of yet
Horse Brass Pub – One of the originals when the three tier system ended. Old English style pub. I am glad it is not in my neighborhood as I would be here way to much.
Dan & Louis Oyster Bar – This is old Portland. In days gone by this was a must for tourist. Old time mariner decor and old style sea food.
Rimsky-Korsakoffe House -Late night coffee hang out. Strange funky decor yet intimate.
The Tao of Tea – Offering many Teas from around world. In their tea house the teas are served as in the country of origin.
Flying Pie Pizzeria – For me this is the best in Portland. They load on the toppings. I know a lot of people don’t like that. Fortunately there are many other pizza places for those folk in Portland.
Pine State Biscuits – You start with a butter milk biscuit and then go wild.
Mothers Bistro – One of the early bistros in Portland
John St. Cafe – Bistro style cafe’ – everything made from scratch. Jamie and his wife started this place about 20 years ago. They no longer run it but it’s still as good as ever.
The Fishwife – Looks like a simple fish and chip shop but the chief does dinner specials with what is fresh that makes this place special.
Lemon Grass – They only take cash and they are that good that they can get away that. Thai food that she learned to cook from here mother back in Thailand.
Nicholas Restaurant -Lebanese food – Family owned.
Ken’s Artisan Pizza – They wanted true Italian style pizza so they brought big wood fired pizza oven over from Italy. Just plan on waiting in line to get in.
Papa Haydn – This is where my brother the CPA goes. Very nice place with brilliant deserts but out of my price range.
Huber’s Cafe – This is old Portland (since 1879). Why do they still serve turkey sandwiches in a fine restaurant, now that is story from the past.
Map of some eateries in Portland. Since donuts and ice cream have gotten to be a “thing” here in Portland I tried for a more complete listing on those (see the map).
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