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When the folks in Bridgetown congregate at one of their many waterfront festivals, amazing things can be found in the center of the throng. Booths and tents dispense steaming fragrant coffees, wines are offered from a valley so rich and perfect it rivals the finest vineyards of France, and there are fun takes on old food favorites. Microbrew, a craft this town almost single-handedly made popular in the U.S. is much more than simple beer, it is beer with a pedigree. No matter what brings you to Puddletown, do not leave without sampling at least one or two of the following suggested establishments. With more restaurants per capita than nearly any other city in the United States, you simply cannot say you have been to Portland without enjoying a taste.
Downtown
One of the best restaurants in Portland, or possibly anywhere, is the Jake’s Famous Crawfish, which has not changed much since opening in 1892. Savor a few pre-dinner drinks in the lively bar, then settle into a roomy mahogany booth and be pampered for a while. Those with refined tastes will enjoy the upscale setting at the Harborside Pilsner Room. Any of the three bars in the Heathman Hotel are perfect for an intimate evening. There are many more fabulous music and drinking venues, including Berbati’s Pan.
Another excellent Downtown reservation is Pazzo Ristorante. As the name tells you, the food is Italian and so is the atmosphere, with overhead bouquets of garlic and candlelit tables. For cocktails, do not miss the lobby bar in the Benson Hotel. Drinking doesn't get more civilized than this.
Other sterling Downtown choices include Typhoon! On Broadway, Dan and Louis Oyster Bar and Saucebox. Do not miss the dim sum served daily at restaurants in Chinatown. If you like your coffee with more kick than mere caffeine can provide, head over to Huber’s, Portland’s oldest restaurant, where a delightful wait staff will serve you all the Spanish coffee you desire. Finally, for a wild night of drinking, try the upstairs space at the Downtown Deli and Greek Cuisina. Before your eyes, the polite 8pm crowd transforms into a plate-smashing (literally, they sell you the plates to smash), wild-dancing, free-for-all.
Northwest and Nob Hill
Northwest Portland, the heart of which is called the Pearl District, begins at Burnside Street and is extremely easy to navigate. The area is loaded with the trendiest, most daring restaurants in town, most located in renovated, turn-of-the-century homes or warehouses.
When a former trendy Northwest restaurant closed its doors, the owner of Bluehour was quick to assuage the loss with an upscale restaurant worthy of local buzz. The coffee shop with a funny name, Anna Bannanas, is a relaxing place to grab a good cup of joe.
A relative newcomer, Paley’s Place is one of the spots to be seen. Chef Vitaly Paley has put his special mark on Northwest cuisine with a creative menu that speaks to the season. Memorable dishes include Pacific Rock Cod with Truffle Potato Puree.
On 21st Avenue, savor the lovely decor and delicate crab cakes at Wildwood. There is no shortage of microbrew choices in Portland, and there are even more places to find the brew of your choice. Any McMenamins Pub, right down to the basic McMenamins Tavern, will do nicely, and there is bound to be one within a mile or two. Kells is another great choice, offering a bounty for Scotch whiskey aficionados.
Eastside
Pick up the phone and make a reservation for dinner at Caprial’s Bistro and Wine. Chef Caprial Pence cooks her heart out on her television show, and does much the same at her Milwaukie Avenue restaurant. This is a terrific place to sample the finest Oregon wines.
Visit the tiny dining room at Genoa and choose from four- or seven-course meals. Linger over fresh-baked bread, marinated salad, soup, a delectable entree and dessert. It is darkly romantic and delicious. For a genuine pub experience, get involved in the extremely colorful atmosphere of the Horse Brass Pub.
For more Italian delights, try the Zuppa di Pesce, a hearty Italian fish stew with snapper, mussels and vegetables, at Il Piatto.
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