Afuri

Afuri, a renowned ramen chain from Tokyo, chose Portland for its first overseas restaurant, thanks to the city’s soft water that closely resembles Japan's, even bypassing major cities like London and New York. The chain quickly expanded to two locations, each serving its famous yuzu shio ramen, which features a delicate "chintan" chicken broth. This broth offers a subtler flavor compared to the thicker "paitan" pork broth used in tonkotsu ramen. Afuri’s menu also includes both types of ramen, along with sushi, nigiri, and the popular "chef’s spoons"—miniature samples showcasing seasonal dishes.

• Web:

  https://afuri.us

• E-mail:

  info@afuri.us

• Address:

  923 SE 7th Avenue, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 971 386 2945

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 5pm–10pm, Fri–Sun 11:30am–10pm

Canard

Canard, the highly anticipated sibling restaurant of Le Pigeon, quickly garnered acclaim after its opening in 2018, earning the title of "Restaurant of the Year." Led by renowned chef Gabriel Rucker, Canard is a chic French restaurant that draws inspiration from various global cuisines. Its biggest draws continue to be the innovative brunch offerings and expertly crafted cocktails.

• Web:

  www.canardrestaurant.com

• E-mail:

  info@canardpdx.com

• Address:

  734 E Burnside Street, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 971 279 2356

• Opening hours:

  Daily 4pm–10pm

Dirty Lettuce

Dirty Lettuce is a fully vegan restaurant offering hearty and flavorful soul food. If you're into Cajun or Southern cuisine but have a plant-based diet, this place has got you covered. Its menu features a vast array of vegan comfort food, including seitan-based BBQ ribs, Konjac shrimp fries, and other vegan Southern staples.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/dirtylettucepdx

• Address:

  4727 NE Fremont Street, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 503 875 2350

• Opening hours:

  Wed 4pm–8pm, Thu–Sun noon–8pm, Mon & Tue closed

Gracie’s Apizza

Gracie’s Apizza is a one-person, wood-fired pizza shop in North Portland, serving what many locals and visitors alike claim to be the best pizza in the city. Known for its fresh, seasonal ingredients and creative salads, the restaurant also offers a great selection of affordable wines. Seating includes a few cozy indoor spots and picnic tables in a charming little courtyard. Due to its popularity, be sure to place your order online or arrive soon after they open — they frequently sell out.

• Web:

  www.graciesapizza.com

• E-mail:

  hello@graciesapizza.com

• Address:

  7304 N Leavitt Avenue, Portland

• Opening hours:

  Thu–Sat 5pm–8pm

Güero

What began as a humble food cart proved so successful that it now occupies a permanent spot in the Kerns neighborhood, along the foodie-beloved Northeast 28th Avenue. Güero initially gained popularity for its splendid "tortas"—generously sized Mexican sandwiches—but it has since expanded its appeal with a laid-back ambiance, quick service, and an impressive selection of tequila and mezcal.

• Web:

  https://guerotortas.com

• Address:

  200 NE 28th Avenue, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 503 887 9258

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–10pm

Kachka

One of Portland’s most intriguing restaurants offers a kitschy mock-up of the Soviet Union through an American lens: think old propaganda posters, Khrushchyovka-style wallpaper, and an impressive vodka selection. Experience what Russians call 'salad' by trying the "herring under a fur coat" (no greens, but plenty of mayo), or opt for the full "zakuski" spread to sample a bit of everything.

• Web:

  www.kachkapdx.com

• E-mail:

  info@kachkapdx.com

• Address:

  960 SE 11th Avenue, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 503 235 0059

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Tue & Thu 11am–3pm / 4pm–9pm; Fri & Sat 11am–3pm / 4pm–10pm; Wed closed

Barrel Room

Crowd-pleasing events at the Barrel Room happen on Friday and Saturday evenings when their signature "dueling pianos" take place: two performers take turns entertaining guests by playing requested songs. They even host fundraising and holiday parties, mostly in the airy outdoor area, equipped with bars serving drinks and snacks.

• Web:

  www.barrelroompdx.com

• E-mail:

  reservations@barrelroompdx.com

• Address:

  120 NW Couch Street, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 503 242 0700

Crystal Ballroom

Housed in a historic building over a century old, the Crystal Ballroom is a one-of-a-kind music venue where charm and artistry come together. The grand chandeliers, stunning murals, and unique floating dance floor—which adds an extra spring to your step—create an unforgettable atmosphere. The venue hosts a dynamic lineup of national and international artists, from big names to rising stars, across a wide range of musical genres. Check the Crystal Ballroom’s website to see what’s happening during your visit and catch a show while you're in town.

• Web:

  www.crystalballroompdx.com

• E-mail:

  crystal@mcmenamins.com

• Address:

  1332 W Burnside Street, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 503 384 2511

Expatriate

Expatriate is a hip cocktail lounge offering a unique selection of drinks, including Taiwanese beer and Italian white wine. Although limited, their drink menu is original and sure to please. To complement your beverage, Expatriate serves small bites like James Beard's onion and butter sandwich alongside more substantial dishes such as hot fried chicken strips and their signature Expatriate Nachos.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/expatriatepdx

• Address:

  5424 NE 30th Avenue, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 503 867 5309

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat 5pm–midnight, Sun 5pm–10pm, Mon closed

McMenamins Kennedy School

Housed in a renovated 1915 elementary school, this venue combines history and entertainment, featuring multiple bars, a restaurant, a brewery, a movie theater, and even a soaking pool. Each bar has its own distinctive atmosphere, from the cozy, book-lined Library Bar to the more lively Boiler Room Bar. The Kennedy School hosts live music, events, and movie screenings, making it a fun destination for a laid-back evening or a night of exploring different experiences in one location.

• Web:

  www.mcmenamins.com

• E-mail:

  generalinfo@mcmenamins.com

• Address:

  5736 NE 33rd Avenue, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 503 249 3983

Revolution Hall

Once a high school auditorium, Revolution Hall has been brilliantly reimagined into one of Portland’s most exciting venues for music, entertainment, and socializing. Perched atop the building is the Roof Deck, offering stunning 360-degree views of downtown Portland. Open seasonally from April through October (weather permitting), it’s the perfect spot to enjoy craft cocktails, local beers, and casual bites like bratwurst platters while soaking in the scenery. For more indoor fun, head down to the Show Bar, where you can catch live sports, especially on Monday nights, or enjoy a concert, movie, or comedy show in their state-of-the-art auditorium.

• Web:

  www.revolutionhall.com

• Address:

  1300 SE Stark Street #203, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 971 808 5094

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 7:30am–11pm, Fri & Sat 7:30am–midnight

Scotch Lodge

Scotch Lodge is a whiskey-focused cocktail bar that also serves Pacific Northwest-inspired small plates in an unpretentious yet elegant setting. You'll have a tough time choosing from their cocktail menu, which features unique options like the Blade Runner (made with cognac, sweet vermouth, cocoa butter washed-Campari & liqueur d'orange), the Pandan Old Fashioned (featuring tequila), and the Sport Mode (crafted with Japanese gin), among other delicious options.

• Web:

  www.scotchlodge.com

• E-mail:

  hello@scotchlodge.com

• Address:

  215 Southeast 9th Avenue, Suite 102, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 503 208 2039

• Opening hours:

  Daily 4pm–midnight

Coava Coffee Roasters

Picking only a few of Portland's many excellent coffee shops and roasteries is an impossible task, but Coava truly does check most boxes: they use single-origin beans, have several spacious, laptop-friendly outlets in Portland, and their coffee, quite simply, tastes amazing. Coava started as a one-man (Michael Higgins) garage roasting and brewing operation, now growing to become one of Portland's most beloved places to get coffee – which is saying a lot.

• Web:

  www.coavacoffee.com

• E-mail:

  info@coavacoffee.com

• Address:

  1300 SE Grand Avenue, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 503 894 8134

• Opening hours:

  Daily 7am–6pm

Deadstock Coffee Roasters

Deadstock Coffee Roasters is a sneaker-themed coffee shop offering both classic and inventive signature drinks in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. Rather than a fixed menu, you simply tell the baristas your preferences, and they will skillfully prepare it for you.

• Web:

  https://deadstockcoffee.com

• Address:

  408 NW Couch Street, Suite 408, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 971 220 8727

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 8am–3pm, Sat 8am–4pm, Sun 9am–4pm

Måurice

Måurice is too popular to be as quaint as everyone says it is, yet the pace really slows inside this self-described "pastry luncheonette" as you grace your taste buds with one of Kristen Murray's Nordic-French creations. The menu changes daily, so we can't promise you'll get to try those same heavenly creations you've heard others rave about, but we're certain you won't be leaving disappointed.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/maurice_pdx

• E-mail:

  hello@mauricepdx.com

• Address:

  921 SW Oak Street, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 503 208 4177

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Sat 11am–4pm, Sun–Tue closed

Pix Patisserie

Pix Patisserie is a charming French-style dessert shop that offers a mouth-watering array of pastries, including macarons, pear rosemary cake, and the award-winning Amelie, a cake made with orange vanilla crème brûlée and chocolate mousse. The patisserie's impressive champagne and wine list has also garnered acclaim.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/pixpatisserie

• Address:

  2225 E Burnside Street, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 971 271 7166

Proud Mary Cafe

Proud Mary Cafe is a modern Aussie-style café featuring bright wooden interiors combined with exposed brick walls and window-facing counters. This hip café offers a diverse menu, ranging from the sweet, like almond and coconut chia pudding to the savory, with its smoked pork belly sandwich and marinated chicken salad. Vegetarian options are also available alongside a limited selection of cocktails and smoothies.

• Web:

  https://proudmarycoffee.com

• Address:

  2012 NE Alberta Street, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 503 208 3475

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–4pm

Salt & Straw

Salt & Straw is a trendy artisanal ice cream parlor renowned for its inventive and unique flavor combinations, such as honey lavender, pear & blue cheese, and arbequina olive oil. Its popularity often leads to lines forming quickly, but a visit is definitely worth it—even on chilly days.

• Web:

  https://saltandstraw.com

• E-mail:

  hello@saltandstraw.com

• Address:

  838 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland

• Phone:

  +1 971 271 8168

• Opening hours:

  Daily 11am–11pm