The City of Roses
We hope you added a couple of extra days to your trip because Portland has a number of amazing activities, restaurants and sites to check out. We love this city and all it has to offer and we couldn't imagine ourselves living anywhere else. Listed here you will find a list of places we recommend you visit. Enjoy your stay in the city of roses!
Activities
Art in the Pearl
Labor Day weekend marks the annual event on the Park Blocks celebrating local artisans and their crafts. The fesival is just a short walk north from Embassy Suites. For more information check here.
Kumoricon: Oregon's Largest Anime Convention
If you've always wanted to dress up as your favorite anime character for a weekend (and who hasn't?!?!), then this convention is for you. Basicially, we're just telling you about this so you know the reason behind all the dressed up characters in downtown this weekend. For more information check here.
Portland by Bike!
This is your chance to blend in with native Portlanders - rent a bike! Portland has routinely been voted the most friendly bike city in the United States. You can either rent a bike by the hour or day OR you could join one of the many bike tours run by Pedal Bike Tours. Some of the theme tours include Historic Downtown, Oregon Brewery Trail, Coffee Crawl and Bites by Bike. Check it out here.
Sites and Museums
Portland Art Museum
If you are looking for some art and culture during your trip to Portland, check out the Portland Art Museum. Along with an outstanding permanent collection, PAM will have special exhibitions of R. Crumb, Leon Golub and "A Pioneering Collection: Master drawings from Crocker Art Museum." Check here for more details.
International Rose Test Garden
This famous rose garden is located in Washington Park, very close to our wedding ceremony location. While September is not the height of rose season, you will still see many blooms and see excellent views of the city and Mt. Hood. You can easily get to the rose garden via the MAX. For more information check here.
Portland Japanese Garden
This garden is also located near Washington Park. This park is louded as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. If you are looking for a tranquil place to relax, you should visit these gardens. More information here.
Portland Chinese Garden
Right in the middle of downtown Portland, you can find a little oasis at the Portland Chinese Garden. As you can see, Portland loves its gardens. More info here.
Oregon History Museum
Want to know more about the Oregon Trail? How about one of the longest running rodeos in the country, the Pendleton Round-Up? Did you know the Batteship Oregon played an important role in the Spanish-American War? Check out this informative and interesting museum (even for non-Oregonians) for everything Oregon. Social Studies teacher Becky would approve! More info here.
Food and Drink
Since most guest are staying downtown, the majority of our selections listed below are on the west side of the river accessible by foot or public transport. Portland is a city of foodies, so these are just a few of our faves!
Breakfast and Coffee
Bijou Cafe, 132 SW 3rd Ave
Bijou Cafe is located just across the street from Embassy Suites. They have delicious breakfast with a wide selection of omelets, but the real treat here are the AMAZING pancakes and french toast! They also serve great sandwiches and burgers for lunch.
Mother's Bistro, 212 SW Stark St
Year after year, this place is voted one of the BEST brunch spots in Portland, and that's saying a lot in a brunch town like Portland. This is the breakfast you wish your mom made - buttery eggs benedict, homemade buttermilk biscuits and gravy, fluffy frittatas...yum! The best thing about this place? They have an outstanding breakfast cocktail menu. Th only problem - the wait for a table on the weekends can be loooong.
Daily Cafe, 902 NW 13th Ave
Located in the Pearl, Daily Cafe is a great place to stop for fresh and healthy breakfast options. Nothing too fussy here, just tasty food. They also have a pretty extensive sandwich and salad options for lunch.
VooDoo Doughnuts, 22 SW 3rd Ave
This is the famous doughnut shop that has been written up in just about every article about Portland. It features unique doughnuts like the Maple Bacon Bar (a traditional maple bar with strips of cooked bacon on top) or the Captain my Captain (frosted glazed doughnut covered in Captain Crunch). Conveniently located right around the corner from Embassy Suites, but you generally have to wait in line to experience these delights.
Spella Caffe, Corner of SW 9th & Alder
This is actually not so much a cafe as it is one of Portland's infamous food carts. This coffee cart pulls one of the best shots of espresso in the city - classic Italian style. They also have some mighty fine gelato.
Barista, 539 NW 13th Ave
If you're cruising the Pearl and need a caffeine pick-me-up, head to Barista. These people know coffee likes it's their job - well, I guess because it is their job. But really, this is some damn good coffee and espresso.
Lunch
Alder Street Food Carts, Between SW 9th and 11th on Alder
Portland was just voted the #1 street food city in the WORLD! Some of the best options in the city are located in downtown just off of SW Alder St. Most of these carts are only open on the weekdays during lunch hours. Don't miss your chance to check out some of our favorites:
This is once again another excellent selection of food carts. Here's a list of some of our favorites in this pod:
This is a great option for sushi, bento or salads rolls. They also have happy hour Monday-Saturday between 4 - 6 pm and again from 9 pm to close with $2 - $5 sushi options.
Elephant's Delicatessen, 812 SW Park Ave
This is THE place for soup, salads or sandwiches. The tomato orange soup is a must try - they're famous for it. This is one of Becky's favorite places. Walk across the street and enjoy your lunch in one of Portland's newest urban parks.
Kenny & Zuke's, 1038 SW Stark
A true Jewish delicatessen, Kenny and Zuke's is where you'll find mile high pastrami sandwiches and crisp pickles. I think even New Yorkers would approve.
Dinner
Saucebox, 214 SW Broadway
Pan-Asian and Pacific Island cuisine with a trendy, modern lounge vibe. Routinely voted one of Portland's best restaurants since 1995 it's also received national attention in the New York Times, Bon Apetit Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. The cocktails are truly amazing and unique.
Veritable Quandary, 1220 SW 1st Ave
This is one of the best outdoor dining options in Portland with a flower lined patio. It serves Northwest cuisine like salmon, beef and farm fresh veggies and fruits. Also has a great brunch menu.
Higgins, 1239 SW Broadway
This is one of Becky's favorite restaurants in Portland - the food is simply amazing. Almost every single ingredient on their menu was either caught, raised or grown right here in Oregon. A great option for vegetarians and fish lovers.
Rogue Ales Public House, 1339 NW Flanders St.
Great beer, great burgers and sausage - what more could you want out of a microbrew pub? If you're looking for a more casual dining experience, check it out.
Happy Hour and Cocktails
Portland City Grill, 111 SW 5th Ave
Located on the 30th floor of Big Pink (the tallest building in Portland), this is worth the visit just for the panoramic views of Portland. Go for happy hour from 4:30 - 6:30 pm Mon-Sat and all day Sunday. Drinks are still full price, but you can get soem great deals on food.
Huber's, 411 SW 3rd Ave
This is Portland's oldest watering hole (opened in 1879). Happy hour food specials daily from 4:00 - 6:30 pm and from 9 pm - close. The real reason for going to Huber's is the Spanish Coffee which includes a table side drink creation presentation.
Saucebox, 214 SW Broadway
As I mentioned above, Saucebox is known for their creative cocktails. Check it out during happy hour Mon-Fri from 4:30 - 6:30 pm and on Saturday from 5:00 - 6:30 pm for $5 drink specials and $1- $5 food options.
The Gilt Club, 306 NW Broadway
Well priced creative cocktails averaging around $8. The Gilt Club has a fun an glamorous atmosphere to enjoy your cocktails and food. Check out happy hour weekdays from 5:00 - 6:30 pm.
Olive & Twist, 925 NW 11th Ave
Located in the Pearl this martini bar has over 15 martinis to choose from classic to exotic options. Reasonably priced around $8.
Activities
Art in the Pearl
Labor Day weekend marks the annual event on the Park Blocks celebrating local artisans and their crafts. The fesival is just a short walk north from Embassy Suites. For more information check here.
Kumoricon: Oregon's Largest Anime Convention
If you've always wanted to dress up as your favorite anime character for a weekend (and who hasn't?!?!), then this convention is for you. Basicially, we're just telling you about this so you know the reason behind all the dressed up characters in downtown this weekend. For more information check here.
Portland by Bike!
This is your chance to blend in with native Portlanders - rent a bike! Portland has routinely been voted the most friendly bike city in the United States. You can either rent a bike by the hour or day OR you could join one of the many bike tours run by Pedal Bike Tours. Some of the theme tours include Historic Downtown, Oregon Brewery Trail, Coffee Crawl and Bites by Bike. Check it out here.
Sites and Museums
Portland Art Museum
If you are looking for some art and culture during your trip to Portland, check out the Portland Art Museum. Along with an outstanding permanent collection, PAM will have special exhibitions of R. Crumb, Leon Golub and "A Pioneering Collection: Master drawings from Crocker Art Museum." Check here for more details.
International Rose Test Garden
This famous rose garden is located in Washington Park, very close to our wedding ceremony location. While September is not the height of rose season, you will still see many blooms and see excellent views of the city and Mt. Hood. You can easily get to the rose garden via the MAX. For more information check here.
Portland Japanese Garden
This garden is also located near Washington Park. This park is louded as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. If you are looking for a tranquil place to relax, you should visit these gardens. More information here.
Portland Chinese Garden
Right in the middle of downtown Portland, you can find a little oasis at the Portland Chinese Garden. As you can see, Portland loves its gardens. More info here.
Oregon History Museum
Want to know more about the Oregon Trail? How about one of the longest running rodeos in the country, the Pendleton Round-Up? Did you know the Batteship Oregon played an important role in the Spanish-American War? Check out this informative and interesting museum (even for non-Oregonians) for everything Oregon. Social Studies teacher Becky would approve! More info here.
Food and Drink
Since most guest are staying downtown, the majority of our selections listed below are on the west side of the river accessible by foot or public transport. Portland is a city of foodies, so these are just a few of our faves!
Breakfast and Coffee
Bijou Cafe, 132 SW 3rd Ave
Bijou Cafe is located just across the street from Embassy Suites. They have delicious breakfast with a wide selection of omelets, but the real treat here are the AMAZING pancakes and french toast! They also serve great sandwiches and burgers for lunch.
Mother's Bistro, 212 SW Stark St
Year after year, this place is voted one of the BEST brunch spots in Portland, and that's saying a lot in a brunch town like Portland. This is the breakfast you wish your mom made - buttery eggs benedict, homemade buttermilk biscuits and gravy, fluffy frittatas...yum! The best thing about this place? They have an outstanding breakfast cocktail menu. Th only problem - the wait for a table on the weekends can be loooong.
Daily Cafe, 902 NW 13th Ave
Located in the Pearl, Daily Cafe is a great place to stop for fresh and healthy breakfast options. Nothing too fussy here, just tasty food. They also have a pretty extensive sandwich and salad options for lunch.
VooDoo Doughnuts, 22 SW 3rd Ave
This is the famous doughnut shop that has been written up in just about every article about Portland. It features unique doughnuts like the Maple Bacon Bar (a traditional maple bar with strips of cooked bacon on top) or the Captain my Captain (frosted glazed doughnut covered in Captain Crunch). Conveniently located right around the corner from Embassy Suites, but you generally have to wait in line to experience these delights.
Spella Caffe, Corner of SW 9th & Alder
This is actually not so much a cafe as it is one of Portland's infamous food carts. This coffee cart pulls one of the best shots of espresso in the city - classic Italian style. They also have some mighty fine gelato.
Barista, 539 NW 13th Ave
If you're cruising the Pearl and need a caffeine pick-me-up, head to Barista. These people know coffee likes it's their job - well, I guess because it is their job. But really, this is some damn good coffee and espresso.
Lunch
Alder Street Food Carts, Between SW 9th and 11th on Alder
Portland was just voted the #1 street food city in the WORLD! Some of the best options in the city are located in downtown just off of SW Alder St. Most of these carts are only open on the weekdays during lunch hours. Don't miss your chance to check out some of our favorites:
- The Whole Bowl - a bowl layered with brown rice, beans, avocado, salsa, olives, sour cream, cheese, cilantro and their secret Tali Sauce.
- Aybla Grill - falafel and gyros that will blow your mind!
- The Dump Truck - traditional and not so traditional (bacon cheese burger anyone?) filled steamed dumplings. The owners are pretty awesome people too (Ultimate Frisbee friends of ours).
- Savor Soup House - fresh made daily soup and great sandwiches - try the grilled cheese.
This is once again another excellent selection of food carts. Here's a list of some of our favorites in this pod:
- It's a Beautiful Pizza - handmade organic pizza crust with organic and local toppings.
- Aybla Grill - sister location to the one on Alder St. - just as delicious.
- Bro Dogs - for your sausage and hot dog fix.
- The BrunchBox - they have a burger with grilled cheese sandwiches for the bun - it's called the Redonkadonk!
- Smokin' Pig BBQ - pulled pork sandwiches are the way to go at this cart.
This is a great option for sushi, bento or salads rolls. They also have happy hour Monday-Saturday between 4 - 6 pm and again from 9 pm to close with $2 - $5 sushi options.
Elephant's Delicatessen, 812 SW Park Ave
This is THE place for soup, salads or sandwiches. The tomato orange soup is a must try - they're famous for it. This is one of Becky's favorite places. Walk across the street and enjoy your lunch in one of Portland's newest urban parks.
Kenny & Zuke's, 1038 SW Stark
A true Jewish delicatessen, Kenny and Zuke's is where you'll find mile high pastrami sandwiches and crisp pickles. I think even New Yorkers would approve.
Dinner
Saucebox, 214 SW Broadway
Pan-Asian and Pacific Island cuisine with a trendy, modern lounge vibe. Routinely voted one of Portland's best restaurants since 1995 it's also received national attention in the New York Times, Bon Apetit Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. The cocktails are truly amazing and unique.
Veritable Quandary, 1220 SW 1st Ave
This is one of the best outdoor dining options in Portland with a flower lined patio. It serves Northwest cuisine like salmon, beef and farm fresh veggies and fruits. Also has a great brunch menu.
Higgins, 1239 SW Broadway
This is one of Becky's favorite restaurants in Portland - the food is simply amazing. Almost every single ingredient on their menu was either caught, raised or grown right here in Oregon. A great option for vegetarians and fish lovers.
Rogue Ales Public House, 1339 NW Flanders St.
Great beer, great burgers and sausage - what more could you want out of a microbrew pub? If you're looking for a more casual dining experience, check it out.
Happy Hour and Cocktails
Portland City Grill, 111 SW 5th Ave
Located on the 30th floor of Big Pink (the tallest building in Portland), this is worth the visit just for the panoramic views of Portland. Go for happy hour from 4:30 - 6:30 pm Mon-Sat and all day Sunday. Drinks are still full price, but you can get soem great deals on food.
Huber's, 411 SW 3rd Ave
This is Portland's oldest watering hole (opened in 1879). Happy hour food specials daily from 4:00 - 6:30 pm and from 9 pm - close. The real reason for going to Huber's is the Spanish Coffee which includes a table side drink creation presentation.
Saucebox, 214 SW Broadway
As I mentioned above, Saucebox is known for their creative cocktails. Check it out during happy hour Mon-Fri from 4:30 - 6:30 pm and on Saturday from 5:00 - 6:30 pm for $5 drink specials and $1- $5 food options.
The Gilt Club, 306 NW Broadway
Well priced creative cocktails averaging around $8. The Gilt Club has a fun an glamorous atmosphere to enjoy your cocktails and food. Check out happy hour weekdays from 5:00 - 6:30 pm.
Olive & Twist, 925 NW 11th Ave
Located in the Pearl this martini bar has over 15 martinis to choose from classic to exotic options. Reasonably priced around $8.
