Last month I went on a wild girl’s getaway weekend to exotic and beachy Portland, Oregon! I gotta say, the tropics have always been on my list and they did not disappoint!
Lol bad jokes aside, my cousins and I had such a fun time checking out the food scene in Portland and visiting cozy wine bars for hours to get away from the rain. Not so we could drink wine for 72 hours. That had nothing to do with it. 🙂
We had been to Portland years ago but since it had been so long we decided to go back (especially now that we all have real jobs and can afford to actually enjoy nice meals) and explore all Portland has to offer. Minus the hiking trails and the hipster beards. We steered clear of those.
We like to plan weekend trips every year to visit a new city purely with the intention of checking out the best food spots. We are food people and it is our top priority when traveling. That and wine, duh. While of course, we’re down to explore and check out the sights a little bit, the main events are breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
My cousin Nina is a lady who loves to plan which is great because Olivia and I aren’t huge on spending hours researching so we get to just show up and have a fully planned trip waiting for us. Thank you Nino!
All of the places we visited were found by Nina so she pretty much is the only reason this travel guide is even going up because she took us to some truly phenomenal places that I probably wouldn’t have been able to find on my own.
So if you’re planning an upcoming trip to Portland here is my list of food/wine recommendations that was carefully curated by Nina Passero that I am now shamelessly sharing as my own. Enjoy!
¿POR QUÉ NO? TAQUERIA
Olivia and I landed in the early afternoon and met Nina at our PRECIOUS Airbnb that was a mini house in someone’s backyard that was rustic af. We were feeling the vibes 100%.
We were starving so Nina suggested we walk around the block to get tacos from ¿Por Qué No?, a popular taqueria where you can often find a line out the door. Thankfully we didn’t have to wait since we called ahead and scooped up our tacos and skipped back to our Airbnb (after getting lost briefly) and indulged in what I feel like as a Californian I have the authority to say were some damn good tacos. I’m a fish girl but my cousin got the veggie tacos and she said they were fab.
In a cute twist of fate, we also ended up grabbing lunch here on our last day before we headed to the airport because it was so tasty the first time and it was so close to our Airbnb. It has some fun “I could see myself getting outrageously day drunk” vibes and the service was friendly and efficient. This time around I got a shrimp quesadilla because I love myself. It was also delicious and their guac was fresh af. Highly recommend!
Check out ¿Por Qué No? here!
BAR NORMAN
After we scarfed down our tacos and guzzled the bottle of red that our Airbnb host left for us (unparalleled service) we changed and hit the town! Our first stop was an adorable wine bar called Bar Norman with a wide variety of unique wines, including natural wines.
The hanging potted plants, mismatched tables and chairs, black and white photos and romantic candlelight make it feel like you’re at home if your home was very chic and cool. The bartender was super knowledgeable and friendly (probably because he was from the Bay Area) and we had the best time catching up over a couple(ish) glasses of wine. I always go for the bubbles but Nina got a really tasty natural wine that was tangy and tart and just an overall true delight.
Check out Bar Norman here!
AVA GENES
After our wine stop, it was onto the main event of the evening, and also pretty much the entire trip. As a food lover and fabulous home chef, Nina was over the moon excited to visit this very hyped upscale Roman-inspired restaurant and I am happy to report it lived up to her dreams.
We shared a gorgeous bottle of Lambrusco and then proceeded to have an exquisite meal that far exceeded any expectations. We started with the apple brussel sprout salad and kale caesar which were both so well balanced in flavor and truly felt like an indulgence even though we were eating salads.
Next was the fried calamari with lemon, black pepper, and pecorino that was so satisfying in terms of texture and the balance between the acidity of the lemon and the sharpness of the pecorino. I am a calamari fiend and this is hands down the best I’ve ever had.
We shared what might have been my favorite dish of the meal, barlotti beans with rosemary, lemon and garlic atop a thick slice of country bread. The sauce was so masterfully concocted that it tasted like it must have some sort of cream or dairy product in it but in reality, it was 100% vegan. It was creamy and garlicky (I am a professional food writer clearly) and truly a celebration of beans which is the type of party I am always RSVPing yes to.
Finally, we ordered three pastas because we live life on the edge and follow our hearts. Of the three, my favorite was the agnolotti with taleggio and black pepper. Creamy, cheesy perfection inside and out. Huge fan. I also died over the linguine con le sarde with squid ink pasta. As a seafood lover, I can get on board with even the fishiest of ingredients so I was super into this salty sardine/anchovy situation. The last pasta we got was probably the best-cooked gnocchi I’ve ever had. With a flawless kale and almond sauce and sprinkled with Parmigiano, it was both light and decadent all at once.
We ended the meal with a coconut dessert with a candle to celebrate Nina’s upcoming 25th birthday and another chocolatey one that was also delicious but I cannot recall the names of either and perhaps I am not cut out for this travel blogging life. Forgive me!
My cousins ordered a Fernett flight which they enjoyed greatly. I tried them and they confirmed my hatred for Fernett. Tastes like bathroom cleaner. To each her own!
If you’re going to Portland Ava Genes is non-negotiable. Just be sure to make a reservation!
Check out Ava Genes here!
GRAND CENTRAL BAKERY
To kick off day two we walked down the street to pick up coffee at a cute and spacious bakery that had what was simply the best croissant of my life. They made a cheesy everything croissant. I’m sorry. What the FUCK?!
It was outrageous and a dream and while the donut muffin we also got was also very good I just can’t even talk about that right now because this croissant is my one true love.
Coffee was good too.
Check out Grand Central Bakery here!
GÜERO
We decided to brunch it up with frozen margs and chips & guac for days. Güero is a Mexican restaurant that specializes in tortas and also has a ton of vegetarian options. I ordered a gorgeous bowl that was filled to the brim with cooked-to-perfection shredded beef, lime rice, so much cotija, pickled everything, and poblano crema. Plus a ton of other stuff but wow wow wow it was a DREAM.
The guac was perfect with thin crispy housemade tortilla chips sprinkled with cotija and chile oil which is now my new requirement for all chips that I consume.
Sadly I had a cold that weekend but was determined to not allow it to get in my way of over drinking and declared right then and there that I was fine with ruining my body and yes let’s order another round of margs.
I will say I was pretty bummed out that my cold was clearly masking the full potential of my meal’s divine flavors but I think that actually just speaks to how fucking good this place is because even with nasty congestion I could still tell that my food was cooked and seasoned to PERFECTION. So good you guys.
We stayed for a few hours most likely annoying the staff as we ordered frozen marg after frozen marg (no I will not stop saying “marg”) and gossiped non-stop as ladies do when on a ladies trip.
The bright interior is perfect for the gram with tall windows, hanging plants (apparently a big thing in Portland?), wicker chairs and framed local art.
Check out Güero here!
AALTO
We took a brief drinking break before heading to our next stop because we are responsible, healthy young women. Lol jk, the bar hadn’t opened yet so we went to a coffee shop next door to wait for 30 minutes.
Once Aalto Lounge, a chic cocktail bar in Belmont, opened at 5 we looked very cool and not at all like alcoholics when we were the first people to walk in.
The bar has a very hip modern vibe with low lighting, wood paneling on the walls and in my opinion, a very clean bathroom for bar. If that isn’t class I don’t know what is.
We were delighted to learn that Aalto has a truly spectacular happy hour special where you can get a bottle of house red or white wine for $10. TEN DOLLARS. Wtf. We promptly ordered one of each.
Although we had all had pretty hefty meals at lunch that did not stop us from ordering a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup, the likes of which were tasty enough but nothing to get too excited about. We were there for the wine and therefore that is all that is relevant to this story.
As a frequent consumer of wine you would think I would be just even remotely knowledgeable but alas I am trash so I wish I could tell you about the notes and the undertones(???) and the body…? But I can’t. What I can tell you is that $10 for a bottle of wine is a damn good deal and when it is offered to you, you take it and you like it.
Check out Aalto Lounge here!
LOVELY’S FIFTY FIFTY
At this point in the evening, we had all had around 6-7 drinks and by some miracle were all sitting up straight and still creating coherent sentences. We did creep out our lyft driver but all in all I’d say we were doing all right.
Pizza is always the answer when you’ve been day drinking for 8 hours so we headed to Lovely’s Fifty Fifty, a wood-fired pizza spot Nina had heard rave reviews about.
We each ordered another glass of wine because why stop? Based on the waiter’s recommendation we shared their beet and fromage blanc stuffed ravioli with poppy seed and sage brown butter to start. I mean. Come on. Who does that?! This place is definitely not your typical pizza joint and I think the thing we were most impressed with was the risk-taking they did with their flavors. They were unique and also totally cohesive. Everything complimented each other perfectly and overall everything tasted very fresh and kind of..earthy? Yes I know describing food is not my thing, I won’t quit my day job.
Next, we shared two pizzas, the first topped with hedgehog mushrooms, mustard, radish greens, roasted kohlrabi, etxegarai, and gremolata. I know what two of those things are, but I also know that it was delicious and unlike any pizza I’ve ever had.
The second pizza had sundried astiana tomatoes, calabrian chiles, shaved kale sprouts, orange agrumato and fresh mozzarella (my cheese of choice). This was my favorite of the two because I love a solid tomato/mozzarella marriage but the chiles added an expected but welcome kick that I loved very much.
If you’re looking for a unique pizza eating experience this is your spot!
Check out Lovely’s Fifty Fifty here!
KEN’S ARTISAN BAKERY
We defied all logic the next morning when we all woke up without hangovers and decided this must mean we’re invincible and we should definitely continuing drinking.
But first, breakfast.
We went to Ken’s Artisan Bakery, a popular morning spot that was crowded af with people fighting to get a table. I will say this was my only complaint. It was incredibly disorganized without any way to regulate who got a table, which meant some people ordered full-on meals and had nowhere to sit when the waiter brought them a bowl of soup and a giant salad. Do we just hold the soup and salad? Do we eat standing up? It seemed to me that while traditional bakeries don’t obviously seat people if you know you’re a hot spot maybe figure out a system? Probably would cut down on the soup and salad spills, ya know?
My cousins and I stole a table in a real dbag move (you gotta do what you gotta do) and were finally able to eat, although we had to hold some of our food in our laps because their tables are also very small. They have some work to do.
However, where they do not need to change a damn thing is the menu. Their pastries were out of this world you guys. We shared the morning bun, leek croissant (outrageously good), and hazelnut pound cake. Each was decadent and flavorful and allowed me to do my best Paul Hollywood impression (“the flavors are all there”). If you can only get one thing get the croissant because a savory croissant is not a croissant to be missed.
I ordered the mushroom soup and house salad which were both delicious and satisfying. I love a good creamy mushroom soup so I forgave them for having horrendous seating!
Their coffee was also delish and very cute (love me some latte art) but couldn’t fit on the table. So.
My point is just get everything to go!
Check out Ken’s Artisan Bakery here!
THELONIOUS WINES
After breakfast/brunch (is it breakfast if I got mushroom soup at 11am?) we did a quick google search to find a nearby wine bar because we are spontaneous and wild women who can change plans on a whim. We walked ten minutes while I complained about the cold (a very charming habit of mine) until we made it to Thelonious Wines.
Thelonious Wines is a cozy, hip wine bar with a huge curated selection of bottles and a super friendly and knowledgable staff. And by staff, I mean the sweet girl who was the only one there and answered all of our dumb questions. Christine? She was extremely nice and helpful. That is all you need to know.
We ended up having a couple glasses and then later taking home two bottles of, Hipster Juice (LOL), a natural sparkling riesling that was both refreshing af and also super tangy and interesting. We went upstairs and got comfy on a couch and talked about friendship and were just generally cute.
You can find a ton of comfy leather chairs and couches upstairs, with cool newspaper printings all over the walls, wine barrels as tables and, you guessed it, more fucking plants. We get it, Portland. You like to breathe.
Check out Thelonious Wines here!
TUSK
On our last night, we had what was hands down my favorite meal of the trip. Tusk is owned by the same people who own Ava Genes so I knew it would be good, but I was not prepared for how truly delightful it ended up being.
Tusk is a beautiful, bright Middle Eastern restaurant with pink detailing, funky wall art, and a fun atmosphere. It would make for the perfect girl’s night dinner! And it twas.
We really went for it and over ordered big time but that’s just what you do when you try a great restaurant that you may never eat at again. We started with the classic hummus (a must), the chickpea fries, mezze platter (a spread of veggies, feta, and olives) and the lamb & sumac flatbread. Wowie wow wow wow where do I even begin. I am jealous of MYSELF just thinking about it.
The chickpea fries are not at all what you would expect and have the perfect texture and they are garlicky (back at it again with my expansive vocabulary) and lemony and just fucking fab.
I love love lovedddd the flatbread because I am a big fan of lamb and thought it was perfectly crisp and flavorful. The spread of hummus and feta and olives was the perfect appetizer and really showcased how seriously Tusk takes keeping their menu seasonal and locally sourced.
Then we moved onto BAKED CHEESE. Dude. Potatoes and a delish tomato sauce topped in baked fucking cheese. I do not know how I am still alive because I was deceased.
Thank god I lived though because next, we shared the grilled trumpet mushrooms which were 100% my favorite part of the meal. I don’t know how they did it but they somehow seasoned and cooked these mushrooms in a way that made them have the texture of seafood and it was an absolute dream. Juicy and doused in lemon and parsley and just everything I’ve ever wanted a mushroom to be. Big fan over here.
We shared the chicken skewer which was tender and grilled to perfection and the rainbow trout with hominy, chiles and cilantro to end the meal. Overall I found the menu to be creative and full of expected gems that left me wishing I could move to Portland which, love ya PDX but not exactly something I ever thought I would say.
If you only have a brief stay in Portland you must go to Tusk. End of story.
Check out Tusk here!
Well, my friends, I hope you enjoyed and found this food/wine guide remotely helpful! Obviously, it’s not exactly my thing but I really felt like we went to so many amazing spots and therefore I was obligated to share them with you. Where are you traveling to this year? Tell me in the comments below!
Xo, She
