We recently traveled to Oregon for a friend’s wedding and were able to spend some time in Portland! This city has no shortage of cute shops, trendy restaurants, breweries and our new favorite bookstore! Below are some recommendations based on our brief, but very enjoyable, time in Portland!
Cocktails
We stumbled upon this spot on our way to dinner. The ambiance is perfect for a summer day, with open windows and a round bar as the focal point to the room. We found a spot at the bar and quickly hit it off with the bartender – who lived in NYC for a time! He had great recommendations and was a talented mixologist, highly recommend adding this to your “to do” list!
Other spot we didn’t make it to: Multnomah Whisky Library.
Book Pairing – A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles pairs perfectly with “A Poet’s Dream” (from Teardrop Cocktail Lounge) or your whiskey neat. (B2C Review)
Breweries:
This spot is located in the Pearl District and was the perfect afternoon hangout. They have a rooftop, complete with space heaters if the weather is a little chilly. We tried the tasting flight and enjoyed learning about the local beers. The staff was friendly and excited to chat us up about the beer and Portland! They also had giant jenga and the food, particularly the pizza looked amazing (though we didn’t indulge).
We stopped at Backwoods Brewing Company (on the recommendation of the 10 Barrell Brewing bartender), for lunch! This Washington State favorite just opened a new location in Portland! This pub is also in located in the Pearl District. The maple spinach salad was delightful, the chili was perfect for the cool weather, and the grilled turkey club was fantastic!
Other spot we didn’t make it to: Deschutes Brewery.
Treats:
Blue Star DonutsDonuts made from scratch, with fresh fruits, herbs, spices, and even liqueurs?! Sourced from local products?! We couldn’t resist trying Blue Star. While we know Voodoo Donuts remains the “go to” for many, we highly recommend adding Blue Star to your list. We tried the cinnamon sugar and buttermilk old fashioned, but everything looked fantastic and we can’t imagine you can go wrong.
This is a must try spot! We tried the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons and sampled the Almond Brittle with Salted Ganache. This ice cream is so rich and creative; it will not disappoint! There is something for everyone, and the staff could not have been nicer. Definitely have the waffle cone!
Book Pairing – Fitness Junkie by Lucy Sykes & Jo Piazza. Enjoy this humorous and light critic of the fitness world while appreciating the irony of reading such a book as you have donuts and ice cream for breakfast. (We admit it. We had both Blue Star Donuts and Salt & Straw before 11am). (B2C Review)
Heart Coffee We came here at the recommendation of the concierge for a local coffee spot and loved it so much we came here both mornings of our trip! The space is no frills, but the coffee is fantastic, we highly recommend stopping here during your trip!
Activities:
Please don’t tell The Strand NYC, but Powell’s may be the best bookstore in the country. It is somehow larger than The Strand, yet less overwhelming. We could have (and did) spend hours roaming around the stacks. Definitely come in, grab a coffee, and get lost. Be careful not to buy too many books.
Logistics:
Electric Scooters: In July 2018 permits were issued to two electric scooter companies (Skip and Bird) as part of a pilot program which will run through November of this year. We missed the boat, but next time we would like to try and recommend looking into before your arrival.
Portland Streetcar: We did not get a chance to use these streetcars, but everyone we met recommended them! Download the app and these will take you all over the city!
Walk! Despite hunting for some electric scooters, we found the downtown area very accessible to walk and explore. There are plenty of Ubers were available for any longer adventures.
If you have more time…
Vineyards
After you are done sampling beers from all the local breweries, take a short drive out to wine country. We checked out Stoller Family Estate for the perfect mid-afternoon snack. The winery is set up perfectly with something for everyone – fields for kids to roam around, dozens of picnic tables, cornhole, and so many delicious wines!
Drive the coast
If time permits, we highly recommend renting a car and making the drive out to the coast. Fair warning: you will drive through dense forestry and lose cell service. Don’t panic. Just keep driving east! We stopped by Pacific City and had the perfect lunch at Pelican Brewing You must then roam the beach and enjoy the view!
Other spot we didn’t make it to: Cannon Beach ; Tidal Raves Seafood Grill