I am so proud of my city. And finally, Portland has been officially recognized as the best foodie city in the U.S.
Because you know something? It’s true! I live here, and I shudder like a bikini girl in Alaska when I think of all of the incredible places to eat where I haven’t yet been! To do so would require careful, military-precision-like planning, and I just don’t have that kind of time!
The website Wallet Hub compared more than 180 cities across the U.S. and ranked them based on affordability not only on restaurants but on grocery prices, accessibility of high-quality restaurants and food festivals per capita. To be more specific, out of the 180 cities, Portland ranked #5 for diversity, accessibility, and quality (with New York City at #1). And came in #17 for affordability (San Antonio came in #1 for that). Read the article here.
But enough boring statistics! Let me just gush about all of the great Portland food! And let me start off by saying PLEASE don’t go to a chain restaurant if you are visiting here. You will be doing yourself a disservice. There are SO many food carts, mom-and-pop and fine-dining establishments. And everything in between. So many chefs using farm-to-table local ingredients, made with passion and love and it shines through on every bite you take!
Don’t let me catch you at an Olive Garden! Grrr….
Food carts are the answer to a foodie’s version of heaven. Convenient, affordable and oh so delicious! For a comprehensive look at Portland’s food cart scene, read my article on the subject. But for the time being, three of the best are Matt’s BBQ (duh!), MF Tasty (Southwest-inspired, Portland made), and Stretch the Noodle (the best damn Chinese noodles this side of the Pacific).
My Best Brunches
Kingsland Kitchen. What do ya know? Another food cart turned brick and mortar. Their success is well deserved, as they serve killer food inspired by the United Kingdom (the head chef and owner is British). Fresh and delicious, with beautiful presentation.
Pine State Biscuits. I’m not usually a fan of biscuits and gravy (too many carbs make me want to take a long winter’s nap) but I’m willing to suffer exquisitely for Pine State, They kick B&G up 100% by adding a breaded chicken breast, cheese, bacon, and egg, calling the masterpiece the Reggie Deluxe.
These are restaurants I go back to time and again:
XLB. An intimate xiao long bao soup dumpling joint. These guys have a limited menu, but that just means they do every single dish to perfection. The Pork Shrimp Noodle bowl is my favorite and gets the umami flavor down to a science.
People’s Pig. What used to be a food cart is now a charming robin’s egg blue shack with 60’s style Formica booths inside and an outdoor eating area in the back. You can smell the smoker’s working from two blocks away. BBQ at its absolute best in the entire city.
Fire on the Mountain. The best. Wings. EVER! They are freshly made and offer a plethora of unique hot sauces with which to drown your bird in. You can even sample all of their sauces at the counter when before you order. SOLD. They also have an extended menu with sandwiches for you non-wing-loving eating companions.
The Sudra. I am an omnivore, but if I had the budget to eat out every day, I’d spend a lot of those dollars in this restaurant. A vegan restaurant with some of the best-tasting veggies plates I’ve ever had.
Either/Or. Tucked into a corner on N. Williams street, this is a hip spot with phenomenal coffee and DJ spinning records on certain nights! It’s a coffee shop by day and a bar by night (also a little bit during the day). I had a coffee sampler plate with dessert bites and was humming all the way home.
These are restaurants on my Wish List:
Le Pigeon. Fine dining Portland style. Reservations are required unless you can snag a coveted spot at the bar and watch the chefs at work.
Tusk. I’ve seen this place on so man “best-of” lists, I just have to make it here someday! They serve Middle Eastern food with a PNW flair.
Laurelhurst Market. The front of the house is a neighborhood butcher shop, but at the back is a popular eatery, serving steak and sandwiches.
Coquine. Name Portland’ best restaurant of 2018, this neighborhood restaurant is similar to Le Pigeon in its price point. Don’t forget your wallet!
If you think I have missed something important in this list, let me know! I am always looking for the next great place to eat! Portland’s food scene is ever changing and continually growing. No doubt this blog post will be outdated rather quickly!
