We visit Portland for the coffee. It’s our main attraction when we’re here - and we usually try to hit up 3-5 spots a day. We always share a cup from each spot to avoid a total caffeine headache! ;) Here are some of the favorites from our ever-growing list:
Coava Coffee: They have three locations around town, all of which serve a premium cup of joe. Definitely one of the most well-known coffee shops in town. (@coavacoffee)
Heart Coffee: Heart also has three locations, and they’re hands down one of our very favorite. Their Woodstock location serves all-day breakfast too! (@heartroasters) (Bobby’s favorite coffee shop!)
Good Coffee: This spot should really be called Great Coffee. They have three locations as well - all of which are great for making friends or getting some work done. (@goodcoffeepdx)
Stumptown Coffee Roasters: We’d be remiss if we didn’t include Stumptown on our list. Even though it’s one of the more mainstream shops in town, it’s still sooo good. They have numerous locations - but our favorite one is located in The Ace Hotel. (@stumptowncoffee)
Never Coffee Lab: This may be our new favorite shop in town. From the colorful branding and decor to the innovative coffee menu, we’re hooked. Try the Holy Grail latte! (@neverlab) (Alli’s favorite coffee shop!)
Upper Left Roasters: Coffee and toast. Two of our favorite things. Order a pour over with a nut butter toast… you can thank us later. (@upperleftroasters)
Breakfast
Jam on Hawthorne: What we would give to have a Jam on Hawthorne in our hometown. (Probably a good thing we don’t though - we’d live there.) Their extensive breakfast menu will have you googly-eyed for a solid twenty minutes trying to figure out what to order. But don’t stress about it too much - everything is awesome. (@jamonhawthorne)
Bobby’s pick: Bacon Eggs Benedict
Alli’s pick: Oatmeal Chai Blueberry Pancakes
Mother’s Bistro: This spot has been serving some of the best breakfast in Downtown Portland for years, and word is definitely out. Expect a wait (unless you go early), and prepare yourself for some hearty home cooking! (@mothersbistro)
Bobby’s pick: Mike’s Special Scramble
Alli’s pick: Greek Frittata
Fried Egg I’m In Love: This downtown food truck whips up some incredible fried egg sandwiches - and you can’t beat the price! Our favorites are the Free-Range Against The Machine and the Yolko Ono. (@friedegglove)
Lunch/Dinner
Lardo: This is our go-to lunch spot in Downtown Portland. Their sandwiches are fresh, hearty, and totally unique. We crave their Pork Meatball Banh Mi on the daily. And if you want to be really crazy, order the Dirty Fries. (@lardopdx)
Bobby’s pick: Pork Meatball Banh Mi
Alli’s pick: Wake & Bake
Olympia Provisions: Known for their quality charcuterie, this is hands down the best spot in town to share a charcuterie board and bottle of wine. Their Northwest location has a happy hour from 3-5 where their “Midday Board” is only $9! (@olympiaprovisions)
¿Por Que No?: If the lines out the door tell ya anything, it’s that this place is good. Their barbacoa taco is a flavor explosion (that’s a good thing). Wash it down with a Mezcal Margarita and you’ll be in a Mexican food coma in no time! (¿Por Que No? on Instagram)
Departure: Located on the rooftop of the Nines Hotel, this is one of our favorite spots to grab happy hour and watch the sun set over the city. The Spicy Tuna Bowl is a must! (@departurepdx)
Han Oak: A Korean-American family restaurant that’s anything but traditional. If you’re down for a fun adventure, try their eleven item set menu ($55/person). If not, you can’t go wrong with their dumplings and noodles. Their cocktails are amazing too! (@hanoakpdx)
Tusk: Shared Mediterranean plates that are seasonally sourced and beautifully prepared. For $60/person they’ll choose the plates for you, and even pair the wine for an additional $30. It’s well worth the cost. Make a reservation in advance. (@tuskpdx)
Ava Gene’s: From the same masterminds behind Tusk, Ava Gene’s is a family-style Italian eatery that’s always first on our list when we’re Portland-bound. It’s delicious - especially the house-made pasta. Make a reservation in advance. (@avagenes)
Bobby’s pick: Fried Rockfish
Alli’s pick: Fusili, Cauliflower Ragu, Rosemary & Lemon
Pok Pok: Thai street food that’s innovative, creative, and definitely lives up to the hype. They have several locations, but our favorite is on Division St. (@pokpokpdx)
Bobby’s pick: The Pok Pok Special
Alli’s pick: The Papaya Pok Pok
The Solo Club: Voted one of the prettiest bars in Portland, and we have to agree. While cocktails are their main attraction, they also make an amazing warm chocolate chip cookie. (@thesoloclub)
Bobby’s pick: The Fernet Con Cola
Alli’s pick: The Hanky Panky (lol)
Multnomah Whiskey Library: Oh, how we love this place. We would travel to Portland just for cocktails and brussel sprouts at MWL! (Weird we know, but their brussel sprouts are that good.) Their Old Fashioned is the first whiskey drink Alli ever liked, but no matter what you’re in the mood for, they’re bound to have it. They have over 1,500 spirits lining their walls! Unless you’re a member, you’ll need to put your name in as a “Walk In”. We suggest going early (they open at four), then grabbing dinner while you wait. (@multnomahwhiskeylibrary)
Expatriate: Candlelit and vibey, this is definitely one of the coolest cocktail bars in all of the PNW. Their bartenders are masters at their craft, and the drinks prove it. Order the Canary. (@expatriatepdx)
Kimpton Hotel Monaco: Besides the fact that they’re SUPER dog-friendly (no added charge if you bring your pup!), the location is ideal and the staff becomes like family. In typical Kimpton form, they serve a nightly wine hour and hot coffee in the morning, and the rooms are cozy and eclectic. (@monacoportland)
The Nines: We love this hotel for its location and whimsical decor. For a real splurge, book a room on their Club Level, where you can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks almost all day long! (@thenineshotel)
Hi-Lo Hotel: This modern, brand-new hotel is about as Instagrammable as you can get. Their decor is minimal and chic, and the staff treats you in a warm and welcoming manner that makes you feel like family. They’re extremely dog-friendly, too! (@hi_lo_hotel)
International Rose Test Garden: This world-famous park features over 10,000 rose bushes and over 650 varieties. If you find yourself in Portland between April-October, this is a must. After all, it is the City of Roses!
Portland Saturday Market: The largest continuously operated outdoor market in the US happens every Saturday and Sunday in Downtown Portland. Admission is free, and leashed dogs are allowed! Tons of food vendors, locally made arts and crafts, and live music. It’s a blast! (@portlandsaturdaymarket)
Multnomah Falls: Just 35 minutes outside of Portland is Multnomah Falls. This 611 foot-tall waterfall is jaw-droppingly magnificent no matter what time of year you visit. Do the nearby hike to Wakheena Falls, a smaller and less-crowded waterfall that is equally beautiful!
Portland is so dog friendly. Dogs are allowed almost everywhere that has a patio, and even at Multnomah Falls if they’re on leash! Sally loved exploring downtown with us, and when we wanted time away she was fine in our room at The Kimpton Hotel Monaco. While we wouldn’t always suggest bringing your pup to a big city, Portland definitely is very doable with a dog in tow!
