How a Foodie Does Portland, OR

‘Travel Languages’ may not have a book published about it like ‘Love Languages’ but anyone who has talked about travel knows how different people’s travel styles can be — some people travel to hit every single tourist spot within a 50 mile radius; others show up with only the destination selected and let the wind (or something) guide them to what they’ll see/do; some others only see the inside of spas and shopping centers; while others wander with a purpose and that purpose being food.

Portland, Oregon — known much like Austin, TX for wanting to keep it weird — provides the perfect setting to work off some calories between breakfast, coffee, lunch, coffee, ice cream, dinner, beer, ice cream, and can’t forget the late night doughnut.

After landing at PDX, if you’re starving then pop over to Terminal C on the way out to get your suitcase and pick up a beef pastrami on everything bagel at the fantastic Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen.  (There is also a sit down restaurant downtown if you prefer!)

Beef pastrami on a everything bagel at Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen

Take the MAX Light Rail straight from the airport to the city center, drop your bags off, then if it’s lunch time, and you didn’t already scarf down your bagel from the airport, head over to Bunk’s Sandwiches.  One might call it a hole-in-the-wall, but their sandwiches are stellar fuel for checking out the Pearl District.  Wanting something more than a sandwich? Some other great lunch spots include:

Pine State Biscuits — the founders came from NC State bringing with them their family’s biscuit recipe. They are legit, and if you eat at their Alberta location, you’ll want to take a stroll through the Alberta Art District to see all the colorful murals after this meal!

¿Por Qué No? — two casual locations on the east side of the river, both with tacos and margaritas, yum!

Pok Pok — locals and tourists flock to this Thai street food spot. (If there is a line, put your name down and head across the street to get an appetizer of Salt & Straw — read about this taste treat a little further down! Or do as the locals do and sneak over to Pok Pok’s Whiskey Soda Lounge where their infamous Khua Haem Pik Kai wings can be ordered usually without the long wait for a table.)

Afternoon beers anyone?  The Pearl District, well anywhere and everywhere in Portland, has many many beers to choose from (Fun Fact: Portland, OR competes with Asheville, NC for the title of “Beertown USA”).  Some of the more well-known spots in NW for beer include: Rogue Distillery & Public House, Bridgeport Brewing Company (claims to be “Oregon’s Oldest Craft Brewery”); and Deschutes Brewery Public House. Cross the river and you’ll find Burnside Brewing Company; Widmer Brothers Brewery & Pub; and many other craft-brew spots.

Tasting Flight at Rogue

Everyone has their own opinions about ice cream, but you must try Salt & Straw at least once in your life (and then you’ll be hooked and go to all their locations). There will typically be a line winding out the door at all the locations, but it goes fast, and is worth it.  Please take the advice to splurge for the two flavors and the waffle cone. As a foodie, you’ve heard of the farm-to-table phenomenon, now is your chance to try farm-to-cone!

Butterscotch Crush topped with Freckled Woodblock Chocolate in a fresh made waffle cone at Salt & Straw

There are so many places for dinner throughout Portland that it is hard to choose, and just like any foodie town, new places are constantly opening, so find a local and ask them for advice, but here are a few great staples that have lasted through the last years:

Noble Rot — a 4th floor restaurant across the river with views looking back towards downtown.  The chef picks food from their rooftop garden, need I say more.

Bamboo Sushi — a sushi place in NW serving fresh (and sustainable) fish. Happy Hour is going to be your cheapest bet, and behold there is a Salt & Straw around the corner so skip dessert 🙂

Tasty N Alder — the crab dip and steak are two things you must order, then ask the bartender what else to order, he will not steer you wrong.

TeSoAria — looking for more of a liquid dinner, this “city winery”  has a good variety of wine, plus on Tuesday they serve complimentary pizza with your wine (wine & pizza, yes please!).

Portland, Oregon provides the perfect getaway for any foodie, so strap on your walking shoes and enjoy! Have other favorites you have found from your PDX adventures? Let me know in the comments.