If you’re into food and love to try lots of different options, Portland has lots to offer. My trip was a short one, but I did my best to explore some of the delicious food on offer, from brews (the coffee kind and the beer kind) to meals.
First, let’s get this out of the way: Portland has gotten a bad rap in the past few years. Let me just say: it’s mostly unwarranted. Sure, I ran across some unsavory residents. But what city doesn’t have some?
I stayed alert as every lady traveler does, but I never felt threatened.
There were public safety officers roaming the streets and street cleaners keeping the place tidy everywhere I went.
Happily, it allowed me to walk comfortably as I explored all of the tasty local options that are on offer in this city.
Coffee
Portland is renowned for its vibrant and eclectic coffee culture. From cozy corner cafes to trendy artisanal roasteries, the coffee scene in this Pacific Northwest city offers plenty for locals and visitors alike.
Quality and sustainability are high on the list of attributes of local coffees, with many coffee purveyors prioritizing beans from local and ethically-minded roasters. This commitment to sustainability extends beyond sourcing to include eco-friendly practices such as composting, recycling, and reducing waste, which I LOVE.
During my stay, the weather was quite chilly, and it was evident that the locals enjoyed the multitude of cafes as a gathering place to unwind and warm up.
In addition to traditional espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, you’ll find an array of specialty beverages featuring house-made syrups, alternative milks, and unexpected flavor combinations. From lavender-infused lattes to honey-cardamom cold brews, there’s always something new and exciting to try in Portland’s coffee scene.
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado seeking the perfect pour-over or simply looking for a cozy spot to relax with friends, you’ll find plenty of options in the City of Roses.
Sterling Coffee Roasters
I stopped at Sterling Coffee Roasters with my (former barista) son and we both agreed our coffees were some of the best we’d ever had. The smooth, rich, creamy flavor of our lattes and cortados offered a satisfyingly indulgent afternoon pick-me-up with each sip.
St. Honore Boulangerie
Offering an array of delicious baked goods and coffees, this Portland French bakery has several locations in the city. The staff at the Broadway Street location was a bit stuffy when one of our party wanted a plain brewed decaf, which is apparently not something they offer. (We ended up with a decaf Americano, but we could have done without the attitude.)
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
With several locations in Portland, Stumptown Coffee Roasters is actively working to reduce energy and water consumption, and have set a goal to have zero landfill-bound waste in their manufacturing operations by 2025. The downtown location was very quiet and the coffee delicious.
Food Carts
Portland’s food carts – and yes, they call them food carts rather than food trucks – offer a diverse array of cuisines from around the globe, providing an eclectic dining experience for locals and visitors alike.
I noticed that they foster a sense of community, with residents and visitors alike gathering where the carts are clustered together. The variety of food on offer is impressive, making these groups of food carts a good option for groups who all have diverse tastes.
Midtown Beer Garden
Featuring 2 dozen food carts there’s something for everyone here. Picnic tables are housed under cover with portable heaters, making it a feasible stop even when the weather is dismal. As you might guess from the location’s name, beer is on offer from Fracture Brewing.
Dining options include Thai, Hawaiian, Indian, Chinese, Smash Burgers, and even a stop for dog treats. I had Columbian empanadas with yucca fries that were exactly what I needed to warm up on a chilly day.
Pioneer Courthouse Square
A half-dozen or so food carts gather and the bustling Pioneer Courthouse Square. The options during my visit included sushi, Philly cheesesteaks, and some amazingly authentic Mexican food.
The square is conveniently located next to two Max train stops and there’s a Starbucks situated on one corner if you’re in need of a quick coffee before you skedaddle off to see more of the city.
Fried Egg I’m in Love
This little yellow food cart has several locations in Portland and I’m telling you, it is aptly named! There weren’t a lot of breakfast options near my hotel, so I ventured out one morning and discovered the best breakfast sandwiches!
The fried egg sandwiches are served on sourdough bread (with gluten free bread as an option) are cleverly named – Yolko Ono is their signature sandwich – and topped with breakfast meat. Your choice of bacon or a sausage patty will determine what you order. (The sausage is spicy and amazing!) Other toppings include cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, avocado, and pesto.
This is a good breakfast sandwich stop for vegans, too, surprisingly. They offer an “egg” sandwich with veggie sausage.
A breakfast burrito is also an option for morning meals on the go, but I stuck with the egg sandwich – both times I visited! (Yep, I had to go back for more the next day!)
Breweries and Cider
Portland’s beer scene is an integral part of the city’s identity, with its thriving culture of craft brewing. With roughly 70 breweries to choose from, Portland has earned its reputation as one of the craft beer capitals of the world.
From traditional German-style lagers to a variety of ciders, there’s something for every beverage enthusiast to discover and enjoy. Many operations use locally-sourced ingredients, barrel aging techniques, and unique flavor profiles to create distinctive brews.
There are plenty of brew pubs to choose from where you can order a flight of drinks to sample alongside a burger and fries or other assorted pub meals.
Deschutes Public House
On my one free day in Portland, I walked the streets of the Pearl District and landed at Deshutes Public House for a late lunch. The burger and fries were delicious, as was the beer. Their 26 taps feature both seasonal and experimental brews. I’m not a whiskey drinker, but I was intrigued to know that they’ve created an award-winning Black Butte Whiskey distilled from the wash of their famed Black Butte Porter beer.
Groundbreaker Brewing
While I didn’t have a chance to try this while in Portland, I think it’s notable that there is a brewery catering to the gluten-free crowd. Check them out at their brewery or look for this beer in cans at Portland grocers.
Bottled and Canned
The sheer number of local beer and cider available on the market is astounding. Even the little hole-in-the-wall, kind of sketchy market a couple blocks from my hotel had a surprisingly large collection to choose from. Perfect for chilling out in the hotel room after a long day of conference chatter. Avid Cider’s Jungle Juice was my favorite!
Just a Sample
I was in Portland for less than a week, and some of that time was devoted to a conference. This is just a small sampling of what was readily available near me. Do you have a Portland foodie favorite? Add it in the comments below!
If you’re looking for a day trip out of Portland, consider making a loop through Hillsboro and Tillamook out to the coast.
Leave a Reply