Brunch
Portlanders take their brunching seriously! And also their sleeping, so avoid lines by going early.
Made famous by appearance on food network (for its giant “mancakes”), all their food is great. Try the specials. Looks like a little grungy diner, but it is all part of the act. Staff is very nice, and crowd is local. Crowded for breakfast on weekends (but less crowded than other famous Portland breakfast spots). About a 15 minute walk from my place.
39 locals recommend
Stepping Stone Cafe
2390 NW Quimby StMade famous by appearance on food network (for its giant “mancakes”), all their food is great. Try the specials. Looks like a little grungy diner, but it is all part of the act. Staff is very nice, and crowd is local. Crowded for breakfast on weekends (but less crowded than other famous Portland breakfast spots). About a 15 minute walk from my place.
A close, budget-friendly cafe. Best place to meet fellow travelers from around the world. Baked goods and simple dishes.
Hostel Cafe
1810 NW Glisan StA close, budget-friendly cafe. Best place to meet fellow travelers from around the world. Baked goods and simple dishes.
One of the most popular brunch spots in Portland! Expect great food, and long lines...
379 locals recommend
Screen Door
2337 E Burnside StOne of the most popular brunch spots in Portland! Expect great food, and long lines...
Across the street from Screen Door, and one of my favorites. Mediterranean-inspired hearty fare. Also great for lunch and dinner.
144 locals recommend
Tusk
2448 E Burnside StAcross the street from Screen Door, and one of my favorites. Mediterranean-inspired hearty fare. Also great for lunch and dinner.
Bentley's Bagels
Best bagels in Portland. Period.
Food scene
Awesome Middle-Eastern fusion food. Good people-watching too.
71 locals recommend
Mediterranean Exploration Company
333 NW 13th AveAwesome Middle-Eastern fusion food. Good people-watching too.
Swankiest bar in Portland. Membership club, but non-members have access (they just have to wait in line, in a different good bar, called the Green Room). Come for the whisky selection, stay for the great food!
126 locals recommend
Multnomah Whiskey Library
1124 SW Alder StSwankiest bar in Portland. Membership club, but non-members have access (they just have to wait in line, in a different good bar, called the Green Room). Come for the whisky selection, stay for the great food!
Head to Dundee for a wine tasting afternoon! I am happy to give winery recommendations if you want.
33 locals recommend
Dundee
Head to Dundee for a wine tasting afternoon! I am happy to give winery recommendations if you want.
Fish Sauce
407 NW 17th AveGreat, unique Thai food, and a quick walk from here!
St. Jack
1610 NW 23rd AveCool French vibe. Great food, and even better drinks.
Natural Attractions
There are great natural attractions that are an easy drive from Portland. Try the Columbia Gorge (and specifically Multnomah Falls - you need a ticket ahead of time). There are plenty of "falls hikes" in that area.
974 locals recommend
Multnomah Falls station
There are great natural attractions that are an easy drive from Portland. Try the Columbia Gorge (and specifically Multnomah Falls - you need a ticket ahead of time). There are plenty of "falls hikes" in that area.
Nice beach with good tidepools at the right time. Can be crowded in town, but Oregon beaches generally are pretty open.
68 locals recommend
Haystack Rock
Nice beach with good tidepools at the right time. Can be crowded in town, but Oregon beaches generally are pretty open.
A beautiful, but strenuous hike. The reward is a gigantic view of the mountains, especially nearby Mount Hood.
14 locals recommend
Tom Dick and Harry Mountain
A beautiful, but strenuous hike. The reward is a gigantic view of the mountains, especially nearby Mount Hood.
Trillium Lake
Best views in Oregon, with easy hike and parking.
When the skies are clear, it is a lovely driving trip to see the crater. Johnson Observatory is closed (check for current status), but hiking and views abound on the way.
157 locals recommend
Mount Saint Helens
When the skies are clear, it is a lovely driving trip to see the crater. Johnson Observatory is closed (check for current status), but hiking and views abound on the way.
Sightseeing
Drive up to the historic Timberline Lodge (where The Shining was filmed). Good skiing in the winter (although I prefer nearby Mt. Hood Meadows for more advances choices).
338 locals recommend
Timberline Lodge Ski Area
27500 E Timberline RoadDrive up to the historic Timberline Lodge (where The Shining was filmed). Good skiing in the winter (although I prefer nearby Mt. Hood Meadows for more advances choices).
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
A great scenic drive!
City/town information
Manzanita is a local favorite for a trip to the coast. It is a small beach town. Nothing fancy, but also not generally crowded.
20 locals recommend
Manzanita
Manzanita is a local favorite for a trip to the coast. It is a small beach town. Nothing fancy, but also not generally crowded.
Head to Dundee for a wine tasting afternoon! Nearby Newberg and McMinnville are also wine and food hotspots. I am happy to give winery recommendations if you want.
33 locals recommend
Dundee
Head to Dundee for a wine tasting afternoon! Nearby Newberg and McMinnville are also wine and food hotspots. I am happy to give winery recommendations if you want.
Neighborhoods
An iconic Portland area for eating, drinking and people-watching!
https://pdx.eater.com/maps/dining-guide-to-north-mississippi-avenue-portland-neighborhood
217 locals recommend
North Mississippi Avenue
North Mississippi AvenueAn iconic Portland area for eating, drinking and people-watching!
https://pdx.eater.com/maps/dining-guide-to-north-mississippi-avenue-portland-neighborhood
Easy walking distance from the apartment, and full of boutiques, restaurants and bars.
239 locals recommend
Northwest 23rd Avenue
Northwest 23rd AvenueEasy walking distance from the apartment, and full of boutiques, restaurants and bars.
NW 23rd is known for its boutique shopping and restaurants, but NW 21st has its own great food and drink! And even closer to walk to!
239 locals recommend
Northwest 23rd Avenue
Northwest 23rd AvenueNW 23rd is known for its boutique shopping and restaurants, but NW 21st has its own great food and drink! And even closer to walk to!
The “Pearl” has modern and classic architecture, and is the spot for high end shopping, eating and drinking! Only a five minute walk!
264 locals recommend
Pearl District
The “Pearl” has modern and classic architecture, and is the spot for high end shopping, eating and drinking! Only a five minute walk!