A few weeks ago, I got to visit Portland, OR and man! I had a blast!
It was the funkiest and quirkiest little place but I’ll never forget how much fun we had and all of the new food, the new ice cream flavors and sights I got to see. I highly recommend Portland if you find yourself in the Pacific Northwest.
We ate our way around, had about 6 meals a day, but now I know my favorites and I can’t wait to share them with you!
S H O P T H I S P O S T
Coffee + tea
Tea Bar
The sweetest and most simple coffee shop around town, Tea Bar, serves only tea. If you’re in the mood for a sweet pick me up without the espresso, this is your spot.
Other coffee + tea to try:
Barista
Good Coffee
Upper Left Roasters
Restaraunt
¿Por Que No?
Craving Mexican? Look no further! ¿Por Que No? serves the greatest taco combinations, burrito bowls and the most delicious margaritas (in a small and big pint size), add fruit juice to your margarita and you’re set (I added mango, yum!). It’s the fun, walk in to a tiny restaurant, pray there’s seating inside or outside, grab your number and they bring it to you type of restaurant.
Other restaurants to try:
Altabira City Tavern
The Daily Feast
Tusk – really cute and clean looking, modern with a feminine flare, good for pics
Dessert
Blue Star Donuts
You can find this donut shop at 6 different locations around Portland. You can check out all of the different flavors here.
My favorites? Lemon poppy, the OG, and Blueberry Bourbon Basil. *Drooling*
Salt and Straw
Must, must, must visit! This sweet treat destination has the most interesting flavors of ice cream! Lavender vanilla, olive oil (actually so scrumptious), Black Olive Brittle & Goat Cheese, Double Fold Vanilla, Roasted Strawberry Coconut and more! Don’t be frightened to ask for multiple flavor samples. If you didn’t try at least 8, you didn’t do it right.
Pro tip: you can combine flavors, too!
Pips Original Donuts
With 3 different locations all around Portland, you can’t miss it! Pip’s serves smaller sugared donuts with fresh brewed coffee. Get there early, there can be a longer line but if you catch it at a busy time, no sweat, they move quickly!
Brunch
Proud Mary
This Australian cuisine is one that takes American food and gives it a small twist. They’re fried egg sandwich makes the perfect brunch with a cup of Australian coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice, you’re all set for a different type of brunch, a West Coast brunch.
To Do
Multnomah Falls (40 minutes away)
This short little trip from the heart of Portland will fulfill all of your adventurous desires. It’s only a 5 minute walk/hike from the parking lot right off of the highway. The breathtaking view can’t be missed if you find yourself in Portland. You can make it as quick or as long as a trip as you’d like. If it’s chilly, make sure to grab a cup of coffee or a treat from their information center – it’s easy to make this stop a cozy one.
St. Johns Bridge – Nike bikes
If you’re desiring to get your heart racing a bit or just want to take a load off of your feet, grab a Nike bike from one of the many bicycle stations around Portland. Using the Biketown app, you can “check in” and “check out” a bike at any destination you please. You don’t even have to return it to the same station you picked it up from – brilliant!
Shops
Powell’s City of Books
If you’ve thought/heard of Portland you’ve probably heard of Powell’s. It’s the largest bookstore with plenty of levels and groups of literature. Wanting to know more about a specific subject? There’s a corner for you at Powell’s. From best-selling, antiques, non-fiction to coffee table books, they have it all!
Made Here PDX (tons of Portland stuff)
If you want a trinket to take home while supporting local Portland businesses, you’ll love Made Here PDX. Leather, perfume, blankets, shirt, coffee mugs and more, it’s not your average gift shop!
Solabee Flower Shop
The most beautiful nursery I’ve ever stepped foot in. The colors and greenery will leave you speechless with it’s Parisian vibes and eclectic pot holders. You can find just about anything for your home here. Or, just stop and stare at the beautiful tiled floor, glance at the multitude of plant species, or just take a picture. Worth it!
Portland was the cutest, spunkiest, quirkiest (without being weird) town I’ve every enjoyed! A “must-go” if you find yourself in the Pacific North West.
Where’s your favorite place to visit in the PNW?
Omg I love these places! I’m a Portlandian myself and highly recommend every single place on this list! Something to be aware of though, salt and straw is extremely popular and may have a larger line then you except. Bye! Love your blog!