Guidebook for Portland
Food Scene
Fun atmosphere, kid-friendly, but they have good cocktails and excellent Mexican-style food. Non-GMO ingredients. Walk up ordering, fun, lively, can be crowded. Try the Brian's bowl.
318 locals recommend
¿Por Qué No?
4635 Southeast Hawthorne BoulevardFun atmosphere, kid-friendly, but they have good cocktails and excellent Mexican-style food. Non-GMO ingredients. Walk up ordering, fun, lively, can be crowded. Try the Brian's bowl.
Brewery and bar-food that is average, but really nice casual spot in the warm months because there is a nice grass field where kids can play.
22 locals recommend
Hedge House
Brewery and bar-food that is average, but really nice casual spot in the warm months because there is a nice grass field where kids can play.
Just a short walk away is a local brewery and eatery. Super kid-friendly with two play areas. Better than average bar food. Adults only bar too. Good brew!
126 locals recommend
Hopworks Urban Brewery
2944 SE Powell BlvdJust a short walk away is a local brewery and eatery. Super kid-friendly with two play areas. Better than average bar food. Adults only bar too. Good brew!
Yummy breakfasts with wild salmon and egg sandwiches on focaccia bread. Espresso drinks. Outdoor seating.
10 locals recommend
Detour Cafe
3035 Southeast Division StreetYummy breakfasts with wild salmon and egg sandwiches on focaccia bread. Espresso drinks. Outdoor seating.
Uber healthy eatery with yummy, garlicy sauces, real fruit smoothies, and other treats for health-nuts.
202 locals recommend
Harlow
3632 SE Hawthorne BlvdUber healthy eatery with yummy, garlicy sauces, real fruit smoothies, and other treats for health-nuts.
Grass-fed beef and wild game hamburgers, delicious baked fries, casual atmosphere. Family-friendly.
42 locals recommend
Dick's Kitchen SE
Grass-fed beef and wild game hamburgers, delicious baked fries, casual atmosphere. Family-friendly.
Eugenios
3584 Southeast Division StreetGreat meatball sandwiches!! Live music often in the evenings.
Average ambience, but really good sushi for a good price. Kid-friendly.
14 locals recommend
Ichidai Japanese Restaurant
5714 SE Powell BlvdAverage ambience, but really good sushi for a good price. Kid-friendly.
Good pizza by the slice, about 1.5 miles from our house.
28 locals recommend
HOTLIPS Pizza - Hawthorne
2211 SE Hawthorne BlvdGood pizza by the slice, about 1.5 miles from our house.
Walk-up waffle bar. I don't eat gluten, so I've never tried it, but a lot of people love this place.
135 locals recommend
The Waffle Window
3610 SE Hawthorne BlvdWalk-up waffle bar. I don't eat gluten, so I've never tried it, but a lot of people love this place.
Townshend's Division Street Teahouse
3531 SE Division StActually, not coffee. Tea. Lots of good tea.
Stump town pretty much ruled Portland until recently. It is very decent coffee.
347 locals recommend
Stumptown Coffee Roasters
4525 SE Division StStump town pretty much ruled Portland until recently. It is very decent coffee.
High end and so, so good! Every salad is incredible. Actually, everything I've tried has been excellent. A short walk away. We usually leave the kids behind.
236 locals recommend
Ava Gene's
3377 SE Division StHigh end and so, so good! Every salad is incredible. Actually, everything I've tried has been excellent. A short walk away. We usually leave the kids behind.
Excellent restaurant. Pretty high brow, but family-friendly. Located across town in a cool neighborhood that you might want to check out for the shops and culture. Mississippi St.
482 locals recommend
Tasty n Daughters
4537 SE Division StExcellent restaurant. Pretty high brow, but family-friendly. Located across town in a cool neighborhood that you might want to check out for the shops and culture. Mississippi St.
Hip, casual food cart dining not far from our home. Outdoor fire place and lots of food options.
22 locals recommend
a la Carts Food Pavilion
4926 Southeast Division StreetHip, casual food cart dining not far from our home. Outdoor fire place and lots of food options.
These guys may be a fast food chain, but they make a solid burger and have the best fries in town.
57 locals recommend
Little Big Burger - Division
3810 SE Division StThese guys may be a fast food chain, but they make a solid burger and have the best fries in town.
Coffee and bakery in French tradition. The chef's salad is huge and wonderful. I like the open, bright ambience as well.
104 locals recommend
St. Honoré Bakery SE Division
3333 SE Division StCoffee and bakery in French tradition. The chef's salad is huge and wonderful. I like the open, bright ambience as well.
Really good thin crust pizza. Kid-friendly. The Caesar salad is good too. Sometimes there is a line, but it is always worth it.
221 locals recommend
Apizza Scholls
4741 SE Hawthorne BlvdReally good thin crust pizza. Kid-friendly. The Caesar salad is good too. Sometimes there is a line, but it is always worth it.
Dapper and Wise Roasters
317 East Main StreetNew hipster coffee house on Division street.
Famous, well-patroned restaurant with delicious Thai food based on traditional street fair. The cocktails are really good too! Expect a wait.
460 locals recommend
Pok Pok
3226 SE Division StFamous, well-patroned restaurant with delicious Thai food based on traditional street fair. The cocktails are really good too! Expect a wait.
My favorite fancy Mexican restaurant in Portland. We usually leave our kids at home, but it is totally kid-friendly and the guacamole is outrageous.
23 locals recommend
Taqueria Nueve
727 SE Washington StMy favorite fancy Mexican restaurant in Portland. We usually leave our kids at home, but it is totally kid-friendly and the guacamole is outrageous.
Long-standing very good Italian food in a the nice, nearby neighborhood of Sellwood. Shop antiques and then order the outstanding Cioppino for dinner at Gino's.
68 locals recommend
Gino's
8051 SE 13th AveLong-standing very good Italian food in a the nice, nearby neighborhood of Sellwood. Shop antiques and then order the outstanding Cioppino for dinner at Gino's.
Super casual, very authentic D.F Mexican food with hand patted (non-GMO) corn tortillas and brilliant margaritas. Try taco Tuesdays! (closed Mondays)
31 locals recommend
Mi Mero Mole
32 NW 5th AveSuper casual, very authentic D.F Mexican food with hand patted (non-GMO) corn tortillas and brilliant margaritas. Try taco Tuesdays! (closed Mondays)
Shopping
World-famous Portland new and used book store with cafe. The Hawthorne location is about a mile north, straight out the front door. Must visit if you like to read.
230 locals recommend
Powell's Books on Hawthorne
3723 SE Hawthorne BlvdWorld-famous Portland new and used book store with cafe. The Hawthorne location is about a mile north, straight out the front door. Must visit if you like to read.
A fun mix of hand-picked vintage home goods, really cool artisan jewelry, and gifts with a cupcake store in the front.
18 locals recommend
Noun: a person's place for things
3300 SE Belmont StA fun mix of hand-picked vintage home goods, really cool artisan jewelry, and gifts with a cupcake store in the front.
Crazy vintage clothes and flamboyant costume wear. Only for the fun at heart!
51 locals recommend
Red Light Clothing Exchange
3590 SE Hawthorne BlvdCrazy vintage clothes and flamboyant costume wear. Only for the fun at heart!
Essentials
The closest little store in the neighborhood, just two blocks north of us. Huge beer and wine selection and some canned foods, staples, candy, ice cream, soda, etc. Barry, the owner, is a nice guy.
18 locals recommend
Clinton Market
3400 SE Clinton StThe closest little store in the neighborhood, just two blocks north of us. Huge beer and wine selection and some canned foods, staples, candy, ice cream, soda, etc. Barry, the owner, is a nice guy.
Our neighborhood food co-op. Vegetarian only, fresh, organic produce, and an all year farmer's market every Wednesday. Lots of bulk nuts and grains.
113 locals recommend
People's Food Co-op
3029 SE 21st AveOur neighborhood food co-op. Vegetarian only, fresh, organic produce, and an all year farmer's market every Wednesday. Lots of bulk nuts and grains.
Our awesome natural foods store with a wide range of choices, plus salad and sandwich bar and hot case. We are about equal distance between this location and Hawthorne store on SE 41st.
974 locals recommend
New Seasons Market
1954 SE Division StOur awesome natural foods store with a wide range of choices, plus salad and sandwich bar and hot case. We are about equal distance between this location and Hawthorne store on SE 41st.
Trader Joe's
2122 NW Glisan StAffordable groceries near-by.
Entertainment & Activities
Ice-cream done Portland-style, meaning locally sourced ingredient, artesian quality, and quirky. Lines often out the door, but for a good reason!
1078 locals recommend
Salt & Straw
2035 NE Alberta StIce-cream done Portland-style, meaning locally sourced ingredient, artesian quality, and quirky. Lines often out the door, but for a good reason!
Good pizza (even the gluten-free options). They deliver, but make sure to tell them that you want their SE location.
52 locals recommend
Sizzle Pie Central Eastside
624 E Burnside StGood pizza (even the gluten-free options). They deliver, but make sure to tell them that you want their SE location.
A great place to burn off some kid energy! Across from the zoo, forest center and Hoyt Arboretum. We like to take the bus and then MAX rail to this area.
13 locals recommend
HOTLIPS Pizza - Pearl
721 NW 9th AveA great place to burn off some kid energy! Across from the zoo, forest center and Hoyt Arboretum. We like to take the bus and then MAX rail to this area.
A bit crazy for adults if it's busy, but this indoor play gym is a life-saver for those with young kids in the rainy season. Easy cafe seating for adults while kids play. Bring socks.
14 locals recommend
PlayDate PDX
1434 NW 17th AveA bit crazy for adults if it's busy, but this indoor play gym is a life-saver for those with young kids in the rainy season. Easy cafe seating for adults while kids play. Bring socks.
Sweet neighborhood park. No bathroom, but nearby cafes and shops are kind enough to oblige.
17 locals recommend
Piccolo City Park
2535 SE 28th AveSweet neighborhood park. No bathroom, but nearby cafes and shops are kind enough to oblige.
Electric Castle's Wunderland
3451 SE Belmont StKid-centered arcade with mostly video games.
Excellent ice cream and not as crowded or trendy as Salt n' Straw. If you like to support the little guy, patron this place and enjoy there delicious flavors.
87 locals recommend
Fifty Licks Ice Cream
2021 SE Clinton StExcellent ice cream and not as crowded or trendy as Salt n' Straw. If you like to support the little guy, patron this place and enjoy there delicious flavors.
A small amusement park with kiddy rides and bigger rides like Tilt-a-Whirl and Screaming Eagle. Mini train. Super cool retro skating rink. Build for the World's Fair. Seasonal.
208 locals recommend
Oaks Amusement Park
7805 SE Oaks Park WayA small amusement park with kiddy rides and bigger rides like Tilt-a-Whirl and Screaming Eagle. Mini train. Super cool retro skating rink. Build for the World's Fair. Seasonal.
Fun fountain for young kids in a nice plaza in NW on the street car line.
41 locals recommend
Jamison Square
810 NW 11th AveFun fountain for young kids in a nice plaza in NW on the street car line.
Kid-friendly street lit up with holiday lights for the two weeks before Christmas.
Southeast Peacock Lane
Southeast Peacock LaneKid-friendly street lit up with holiday lights for the two weeks before Christmas.
Drinks & Nightlife
Downtown rooftop restaurant and bar, the Departure. Very L.A, but see. beautiful Portland views; sit in the outdoor bar. The ambience was styled after 50s airline decor. The sushi is orgasmic.
7 locals recommend
The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland
525 SW Morrison StDowntown rooftop restaurant and bar, the Departure. Very L.A, but see. beautiful Portland views; sit in the outdoor bar. The ambience was styled after 50s airline decor. The sushi is orgasmic.
Beer-focused bar & shop in a space with communal tables & exposed beams offers taps & 100+ bottles.
64 locals recommend
Imperial Bottle Shop & Taproom
3090 SE Division StBeer-focused bar & shop in a space with communal tables & exposed beams offers taps & 100+ bottles.
Local shop focusing on small-production wines, sakes, sherries & ciders, with biweekly tastings.
48 locals recommend
Division Wines
3564 SE Division StLocal shop focusing on small-production wines, sakes, sherries & ciders, with biweekly tastings.
People love this place for its forest-like ambience and great outdoor seating. Food is only okay. They have some good concerts downstairs.
249 locals recommend
Doug Fir Lounge
301 E Burnside StPeople love this place for its forest-like ambience and great outdoor seating. Food is only okay. They have some good concerts downstairs.
Sightseeing
Portland's central downtown plaza. Near Fifth Street Plaza (shopping). Stand on the metal circle in the amphitheatre & here your echo. Also catch the MAX to the zoo.
60 locals recommend
SW 6th & Yamhill Northbound station
Portland's central downtown plaza. Near Fifth Street Plaza (shopping). Stand on the metal circle in the amphitheatre & here your echo. Also catch the MAX to the zoo.
Multnomah Falls is a bit touristic, but beautiful and worth the drive. It is the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 feet. Latourell Falls is nearby and more low key.
974 locals recommend
Multnomah Falls station
Multnomah Falls is a bit touristic, but beautiful and worth the drive. It is the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 feet. Latourell Falls is nearby and more low key.
Arts & Culture
Our basic neighborhood outdoor pool. Closed seasonally. For more slides and extras, try Wilson Pool in NE Portland. For a nice pool near a forested park and the river, Sellwood Pool in SE.
10 locals recommend
Creston Pool
4454 SE Powell BlvdOur basic neighborhood outdoor pool. Closed seasonally. For more slides and extras, try Wilson Pool in NE Portland. For a nice pool near a forested park and the river, Sellwood Pool in SE.
Historical movie house within walking distance. Drink a beer or wine and have dinner while watching a movie! Also check out the Academy Theatre, which offers childcare or www.fandango.com for more.
351 locals recommend
McMenamins Bagdad Theater and Pub
3702 SE Hawthorne BlvdHistorical movie house within walking distance. Drink a beer or wine and have dinner while watching a movie! Also check out the Academy Theatre, which offers childcare or www.fandango.com for more.
Actually a volcano. Fun, easy hike, ride or drive to the top. Most adults and children should be able to handle this. Worth the pretty views.
420 locals recommend
Mount Tabor
Actually a volcano. Fun, easy hike, ride or drive to the top. Most adults and children should be able to handle this. Worth the pretty views.
My top pick for yoga in the neighborhood. There are also several studios on Division street.
24 locals recommend
The Bhaktishop
2500 SE 26th AveMy top pick for yoga in the neighborhood. There are also several studios on Division street.
A bit of a drive (40 minutes?), but well worth it if you like to golf, see live music, or just stroll around and visit the many pubs and restaurants. There is also a soaking pool.
203 locals recommend
McMenamins Edgefield Winery Tasting Room
2126 SW Halsey StA bit of a drive (40 minutes?), but well worth it if you like to golf, see live music, or just stroll around and visit the many pubs and restaurants. There is also a soaking pool.
Nice outdoor track and field for exercising, playing soccer, etc. Just a few blocks down the hill to the SW.
Cleveland High School Track & Sports Field
3459 SE 31st AveNice outdoor track and field for exercising, playing soccer, etc. Just a few blocks down the hill to the SW.
A nice place for hiking and trail running in the city. It is a huge park, so I suggest doing a google search and picking a trail that fits your needs.
940 locals recommend
Forest Park
A nice place for hiking and trail running in the city. It is a huge park, so I suggest doing a google search and picking a trail that fits your needs.
Must see if you are into art. (Look for my dad's, Dave McBride's paintings, they may look familiar from the house.)
785 locals recommend
Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park AveMust see if you are into art. (Look for my dad's, Dave McBride's paintings, they may look familiar from the house.)
A cool little park with fountain and gigantic chess board. Catch a movie at the Fox Tower across the street. Eat casually at Elephant's Deli.
20 locals recommend
Director Park
815 SW Park AveA cool little park with fountain and gigantic chess board. Catch a movie at the Fox Tower across the street. Eat casually at Elephant's Deli.
Mt. Hood Meadows
14040 OR-35Skiing during the wintertime.
Ping pong, anyone? A fun place to check out if you like table tennis. Modern decor with retro 80s t.v. stars pictured throughout. Ah, Portland. Drinks.
35 locals recommend
Pips & Bounce
833 SE Belmont StPing pong, anyone? A fun place to check out if you like table tennis. Modern decor with retro 80s t.v. stars pictured throughout. Ah, Portland. Drinks.
An outdoors DIY arts and crafts market every Saturday and Sunday from March until December 24th. Food trucks available.
425 locals recommend
Portland Saturday Market
2 SW Naito PkwyAn outdoors DIY arts and crafts market every Saturday and Sunday from March until December 24th. Food trucks available.
An old elementary school converted into a smashing mix of pubs, restaurants, a soaking pool, and movie theatre. The food is average, but it is a fun novelty.
538 locals recommend
McMenamins Kennedy School
5736 NE 33rd AveAn old elementary school converted into a smashing mix of pubs, restaurants, a soaking pool, and movie theatre. The food is average, but it is a fun novelty.
A big and beautiful forested park with paved paths, a pond, tennis courts and a kid's play area. We often picnic here in nice weather.
437 locals recommend
Laurelhurst Park
SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd & Stark StA big and beautiful forested park with paved paths, a pond, tennis courts and a kid's play area. We often picnic here in nice weather.
Beautiful rose gardens to enjoy a stroll, picnic, or concert.
627 locals recommend
International Rose Test Garden
400 SW Kingston AveBeautiful rose gardens to enjoy a stroll, picnic, or concert.
Really cool garden to visit if you like asian landscaping. Near the rose gardens.
1015 locals recommend
Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston AveReally cool garden to visit if you like asian landscaping. Near the rose gardens.
Council Crest Park
1120 SW Council Crest DrNice spot for views of the city.
A fun play to wade in the river or play frisbee. Get there on the river bike path. Monkey trails lead into the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and Oaks Amusement Park.
59 locals recommend
Sellwood Riverfront Park
1221 SE Oaks Park WayA fun play to wade in the river or play frisbee. Get there on the river bike path. Monkey trails lead into the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and Oaks Amusement Park.
Visit Sauvie Island for hiking, fruit-picking, and swimming at Walton Beach (or Collins Beach, if you prefer clothing optional).
181 locals recommend
Sauvies Island
38799 NW Reeder RdVisit Sauvie Island for hiking, fruit-picking, and swimming at Walton Beach (or Collins Beach, if you prefer clothing optional).
What?! Vintage games arcade? Had to include this place, because who doesn't love retro? Kind of a rougher urban neighborhood, but kid-friendly during the day (adults only after five, I believe.)
139 locals recommend
Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade
115 NW 5th AveWhat?! Vintage games arcade? Had to include this place, because who doesn't love retro? Kind of a rougher urban neighborhood, but kid-friendly during the day (adults only after five, I believe.)
If you like the idea of dancing to live music on a ballroom floor that bounces, check out this awesome venue.
159 locals recommend
McMenamins Crystal Ballroom
1332 W Burnside StIf you like the idea of dancing to live music on a ballroom floor that bounces, check out this awesome venue.
A nice downtown park set on the Willamette River. Kids like to play in the fountain and watch the boats. There are seasonal festivals here.
212 locals recommend
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
98 SW Naito PkwyA nice downtown park set on the Willamette River. Kids like to play in the fountain and watch the boats. There are seasonal festivals here.
Take the bikes for a spin over the new Tilikum pedestrian bridge. Not far from the house and right next to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (for those with kids).
10 locals recommend
Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People
Tilikum CrossingTake the bikes for a spin over the new Tilikum pedestrian bridge. Not far from the house and right next to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (for those with kids).