Portland Gems
The city of roses is absolutely packed with unique things to do. In our attempt to narrow it down for Jacobberger House guests, we’ve come up with this list.
Go Shopping
Portland is made up of neighborhoods. If you’re trying to shop for clothes, gifts and souvenirs, there are a few areas in particular that fit the bill.
NW23rd Street is lined with shops. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, grab an ice cream at Salt & Straw or have dinner at one of the many restaurants within walking distance.
Pioneer Square Mall is a perfect shopping experience for those who love the classics. You’ll find Louis Vuitton and Coach here as well as a few Portland specific places. The mall itself is separated into two buildings and connected by a lovely glass pedestrian bridge.
Hawthorne Street, especially between SE 35th and Cesar E. Chavez Blvd. has dozens of quirky local shops. If you’re looking for something that carries the heart of Portland with it, this is one of the places to explore.
The Pearl District is spread out, but has some of the finest shops in town. Halo Shoes, MadeHere PDX and House of Lolo are all in the Pearl. For those who want to experience the luxurious side of downtown, check it out.
Down to Earth Eats
One of the many things Rip City is known for is its world-class dining scene. From dive bar gourmet to five star excellence, Portland’s got you covered. Here are a few suggestions for a casual, but mouthwatering, bite.
FOOD CARTS! We love them. There are cart pods all over the city that are open regardless of the weather. Try Cartopia or The Asylum if you’re looking for a broad suggestion. In fact, these pods are within walking distance of one another, so you’re sure to find something for everyone. The FoPo Carts is another gem if you love Mexican food, and the carts at 5th Avenue are conveniently located downtown.
Screen Door is located on East Burnside and will not disappoint. They serve Southern comfort food and make what is arguably the best fried chicken in the city. Or maybe the The Waiting Room right off of NW 23rd takes the cake... you’ll have to try them both and let us know.
The Lightning Bar Collective is a collection of bars that serve up tasty cocktails and delicious, Portland-style eats. Thunderbird, Victoria, Bye and Bye, Jackknife, and The Sweet Hereafter are all part of the collective.
If you ask a Portland foodie what their favorite PDX slice is, Scottie’s Pizza Parlor will come up over and over again. It’s everything you want when you’re looking for a classic NY-style pie.
Next time you’re trying to find a place to eat, turn to Eater. They’ve put together the most comprehensive and esteemed lists highlighting Portland’s best chefs, restaurants and plates.
Have a Coffee
Portland ranks 5th in terms of cities with the most coffee shops per capita, with many cafes consistently receiving awards for the best cup, shop or roaster in the US. The scene is dynamic, inventive and promises a one-of-a-kind experience.
Proud Mary is a fantastic place to have a world-class cup. They take their craft seriously and serve up some of the most unique coffees in the city, if not the country. To top it all off, they have a full food menu that will leave your breakfast-time hunger beyond satisfied.
Deadstock Coffee’s tag line is “Snob-Free Coffee.” The sneaker-themed cafe is a judgment-free zone and attracts magnetic characters. It’s definitely a must-visit for streetwear lovers and anyone who appreciates a good cup of coffee.
You’ve surely heard of Stumptown Coffee Roasters. Stumptown was founded in Portland in 1999 and is still going strong. Stop by any one of their four cafes to try one of the classics.
See a Film
This city loves its independent theaters. No matter if you’re looking to see a new release or something from the past, you’ll be able to enjoy your film and skip the corporate cinema experience.
Hollywood Theater is as true to Portland’s heart as anything else. This historic theater shows new releases as well as the classics and is a stopping point for many actors, directors and other celebrities.
The Living Room Theater is exactly what it sounds like. Enjoy your film on a sofa or a recliner chair. You can even order food and drinks from your seat.
The Academy Theater is further away from downtown than most of the other independent theaters, but is a worthy stop for anyone that is trying to see a classic. Check their site to see what reruns are showing now.