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Portland, Oregon, is a foodie playground like no different, the place creativity and taste collide in probably the most sudden methods. Recognized for its funky vibes and anything-goes perspective, the town’s restaurant scene is as distinctive as its well-known “Preserve Portland Bizarre” mantra. From a sushi bar inside a hidden speakeasy to a whimsical donut haven that breaks all the foundations, Portland is full of one-of-a-kind spots that elevate eating to an artwork type.
Whether or not you’re craving vegan consolation meals, creative international fusion, or meals served with a aspect of quirky ambiance, this information has you coated. These aren’t simply locations to eat—they’re full-blown experiences that showcase the town’s ardour for pushing culinary boundaries. Listed here are 12 of Portland’s most unusual eating places you completely have to strive.
Distinctive Eating places in Portland OR: 12 Unbelievable Portland Eateries
Portland’s meals scene is stuffed with sudden finds and funky surprises. Let’s bounce into the journey and see what makes Portland’s eateries stand out!
1. Raven’s Manor
Raven’s Manor is a themed restaurant in Portland that takes the idea of eating and drinks to a spine-tingling stage. Located within the historic Henry Failing Constructing, this haunted mansion-themed cocktail lounge has shortly change into a downtown favourite for each ghouls and friends alike.
Homeowners Jared Bradley and Rebecca Vega have reworked this area into a sublime, but eerie, manor the place the main points matter—from the decor to the drinks. Think about sipping on a cocktail that smokes, catches fireplace, or modifications colours. Or how about diving right into a “Grilled cheese of darkness” served on house-made black bread with bleeding cheese? It’s all a part of the expertise at Raven’s Manor.
Past the meals and drinks, there’s an interactive elixir expertise ready for the adventurous. Visitors can don a lab coat, head to Dr. Raven’s basement laboratory, and concoct their very own customized cocktails. With decor largely constructed and thrifted by the house owners themselves, each nook of Raven’s Manor provides a narrative and an invite to discover.
2. Eem
Ever puzzled what occurs when Texas barbecue crashes a Thai ceremonial dinner? Eem in Portland is the reply. It’s a spot the place the smoky goodness of Texas meats meets the daring, zesty flavors of Thai delicacies. Consider it as a culinary mash-up that’s music to your style buds.
Right here’s the inside track on Eem: it’s the brainchild of a trio who love to combine issues up. We’ve obtained Earl, the Thai delicacies wizard; Eric, who is aware of his manner round a cocktail bar; and Matt, a pitmaster who’s all about that barbecue life. Collectively, they’re serving up one thing really particular.
As one of many distinctive locations to eat in Portland, Eem brings the warmth with dishes like pork steak dripping in fish caramel and brisket that’s discovered its soulmate in spicy curry. This place is the place barbecue is not only grilled, it’s smoked to perfection, including a complete new stage of taste to the Thai meals all of us love.
3. Kinnamon’s
Portland’s bakery scene simply obtained sweeter with the opening of Kinnamon’s. Tucked into the Pearl District, this spot is all about taking cinnamon rolls to the subsequent stage. Think about strolling right into a bakery the place the common-or-garden cinnamon roll is the star of the present. That’s precisely what you get at Kinnamon’s.
The brainchild of native foodie heroes Micah Camden and Ndamukong Suh, Kinnamon’s is a cinnamon roll lover’s dream. From espresso to flavored espresso, they’ve obtained your drink wants coated, however let’s speak rolls. These aren’t your common rolls; they’re reimagined with native and seasonal twists like Oregon strawberries and progressive glazes together with cookies and cream.
As one of many enjoyable eating places in Oregon, Kinnamon’s invitations you to dive into a wide range of flavors, every roll a mini masterpiece. Blueberry crumble, raspberry pistachio, and even tiramisu flavors await. And for individuals who love the classics, there’s a cream cheese glazed roll calling your title. Open day by day from 8 am to eight pm
4. Suckerpunch
Suckerpunch is shaking issues up in Portland, making a splash as one of many coolest eating places in Portland. This spot started its journey in 2020, initially crafting alcohol-free cocktail kits. Quick ahead, and it’s reworked into the town’s first-ever zero-proof cocktail bar. The thrill round nonalcoholic drinks is rising nationwide, and Suckerpunch is main the cost in Portland.
In the course of the summer season of 2022, whereas on the hunt for a everlasting spot, Suckerpunch popped up in SE Portland at Goat Blocks. This “speakeasy” wasn’t your peculiar bar. It delivered a sneak peek of their booze-free wonders, mixing creativity and mixology minus the alcohol.
Components like verjus, tonic, and honeycomb cordials exchange conventional spirits, crafting drinks which are each complicated and pleasant. Think about sipping on a Gentle Rail Coyote, a concoction of verjus, pear, turmeric, sage, and aquafaba. It’s clear Suckerpunch is not only about drinks; it’s about an expertise.
5. Creepy’s
Including a twist to the record of enjoyable locations to eat in Portland is Creepy’s. It’s a bar with a vibe you gained’t overlook, decked out in clowns and animatronics. Think about sipping your drink whereas surrounded by classic beer sweaters and painted by hand film posters. It’s quirky, distinctive, and completely Portland.
Opened by the staff behind the White Owl Social Membership, Creepy’s fills its area with oddities from private collections, together with a portrait of John Quincy Adams whose eyes would possibly simply observe you round. They’ve obtained animatronics performing sudden stunts, because of a little bit of artistic engineering.
What concerning the meals and drinks? Creepy’s is severe about serving top-notch bar meals, ensuring there’s one thing for everybody whereas conserving sustainability in thoughts. No beef right here, however a great deal of creativity in each the menu and the decor. Open day by day from 3 p.m. till the wee hours, it’s a spot for late-night eats and intriguing sights. This restaurant will show to you why Portland is among the many finest locations to reside in Oregon.
6. Doug Fir Lounge
Doug Fir Lounge is a standout among the many finest locations to eat in Portland, Oregon, providing a style of the forest within the coronary heart of the town. Tucked contained in the Jupiter Lodge, this spot charms with its log cabin vibes and a contact of the ’70s. Think about settling into a comfortable sales space or stepping out onto a spacious patio, all whereas being watched over by a Bigfoot totem.
It’s a spot that serves breakfast within the morning and switches gears to serve vegan jackfruit tacos by evening, towards a backdrop of reside rock music. The menu? It’s all about consolation with a twist. Image digging into steak frites with waffle fries or savoring a spicy Harissa stew.
And for the drink lovers, there’s a mixture of traditional cocktails, native wines, and crisp beers to select from. Open from day to nighttime, Doug Fir Lounge supplies a singular expertise that blends nice meals, drinks, and music, making it an ideal spot for issues to do in Portland, Oregon at evening.
7. The Sports activities Bra
Think about a spot the place it’s all about celebrating girls in sports activities. That’s The Sports activities Bra for you. The brainchild of Jenny Nguyen, it’s a bar the place the sport on TV is all the time girls’s sports activities. Fairly neat, proper?
Tucked among the many finest eating places in Portland, The Sports activities Bra brings one thing completely different to the desk. Their menu? It’s obtained all of the pub classics however with a enjoyable twist. Suppose mother’s secret recipe for ribs or wings that’ll remind you of Vietnam. And for people in search of gluten-free or vegan choices, they’ve obtained you coated. The drinks are all about lifting up women-owned manufacturers, too.
However right here’s the cool half: The Sports activities Bra isn’t nearly watching the sport. It’s a spot the place everybody comes collectively. Whether or not it’s cheering on Serena Williams or simply needing a spot to hang around and really feel understood, this bar’s obtained a vibe that’s all about neighborhood.
8. Freakybuttrue Peculiarium
Step into the world of the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium, a spot that really stands out among the many distinctive eating places in Portland, OR. Nestled within the charming Nob Hill neighborhood, this place is a wild mixture of artwork gallery, museum, haunted home, and ice cream store all rolled into one. Overlook concerning the peculiar; this place dives deep into the quirky coronary heart of Portland.
Don’t let the demon figurine on the door scare you off. Inside, it’s extra about laughs and surprises than scares. The displays? They’re a riot, from myths like Krampus to the weird like spontaneous human combustion. After which there’s the ice cream.
Not simply any ice cream, however bug sundaes. Sure, you heard that proper. Think about diving right into a scoop of ice cream topped with caramel, chocolate, an ant cookie, and sure, actual bug larvae. It’s the type of daring deal with that lands you of their corridor of fame.
Daring, peculiar, and completely unforgettable, the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium is a must-visit for anybody seeking to style the wild aspect of Portland.
9. By no means Espresso Lab
Getting into By no means Espresso Lab is like getting into a world the place espresso is not only a drink; it’s an artwork type. This vibrant espresso store lights up Portland with its daring colours and distinctive vibe. It’s the type of place the place the decor is minimalist however vigorous, inviting you into an area that’s as inspiring as it’s cozy.
At By no means Espresso Lab, it’s all concerning the espresso, and boy, do they get artistic. Their specialty lattes are one thing out of a espresso lover’s dream. Take the ‘Holy Grail’ mix, for example, a cup brimming with complicated flavors, or the ‘Prince’, which is a candy hug of clover honey and selfmade hazelnut milk. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill espresso concoctions; they’re rigorously crafted experiences.
The baristas right here? They’re passionate espresso wizards, armed with the data and love for his or her craft that turns each go to into one thing particular. Whether or not you’re a espresso aficionado or simply in want of a comfortable nook and a heat cup, By no means Espresso Lab guarantees an expertise that’s something however peculiar.
10. Voodoo Doughnut
Dive into Voodoo Doughnut, a real authentic within the lineup of distinctive Portland eating places. It’s a spot the place creativity in doughnut-making is aware of no bounds. Opened in 2003 by Kenneth “Cat Daddy” Pogson and Tres Shannon, Voodoo Doughnut began as a small store in Outdated City Portland. Now, it’s a doughnut empire with areas throughout seven states.
On the coronary heart of Voodoo Doughnut is a spirit of enjoyable and journey. Image doughnuts topped with cereal, bacon, and even Tang. They’ve even tried Tums (although well being inspectors had one thing to say about that). Voodoo Doughnut is the place you possibly can fulfill your midnight doughnut cravings, because of its all-night hours. It’s change into a Portland icon, drawing traces of evening owls and early birds alike.
However Voodoo Doughnut isn’t simply concerning the meals. It’s concerning the expertise. The store’s founders are so into their theme, that they grew to become ordained ministers to carry out weddings of their shops. And let’s not overlook, Portland declared the Voodoo Portland Cream doughnut the town’s official doughnut.
11. SteepleJack Brewing
SteepleJack Brewing brings one thing completely distinctive to the desk, or ought to we are saying, to the altar. Situated in a century-old church in northeast Portland, it’s brewing up a storm, making it a must-visit amongst distinctive eating places in Portland for dinner.
The place has historical past, character, and, after all, nice beer. Think about sipping on a craft beer underneath the glow of stained glass home windows, surrounded by authentic woodworking and beams. It’s not only a brewery; it’s a bit of Portland’s historical past reborn.
The brewpub doesn’t skimp on high quality, from the beer to the bites. With an all-women lead brewing staff, SteepleJack is serving up recent, progressive brews proper from the guts of the church. And the meals? It’s designed to please anybody and everybody, from informal drinkers to severe foodies.
SteepleJack is a neighborhood spot the place everybody’s welcome. Whether or not you’re right here for the brews, the comfortable cafe service within the morning, or a hearty dinner, this place goals to make everybody really feel proper at dwelling.
12. HunnyMilk
HunnyMilk makes having fun with low cost eats in Portland an absolute brunch delight. Right here’s the inside track: It’s a weekend pop-up that spun out of a dream for an ice cream and doughnut store. As an alternative, they’re serving up a playful brunch in Rose Metropolis Park. For 20 bucks, you get a savory course, a candy course, and a drink. Feels like a steal, proper?
The dishes are as enjoyable as they sound. Image a deep-dish quiche that’s as fluffy as a cloud or a Scotch egg that’s simply the correct of indulgent. Then, there’s the dessert – assume waffles with honey butter or a tiny Dutch child pancake that’s out of this world.
Need a aspect? Toss in candy potato hash browns or monkey bread for simply 4 extra {dollars}. Plus, the place has a comfortable vibe with a blue-haired server who would possibly simply hand you a pocket book for haiku or some crayons for coloring. Present up early to beat the frenzy and luxuriate in a quiet, quirky breakfast at HunnyMilk.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions About these Distinctive Locations to Eat in Portland
Right here’s every thing you might want to know from our Portland, Oregon restaurant information, full of solutions to all of your burning questions.
What meals is exclusive to Portland Oregon?
Portland is legendary for its meals cart tradition, providing every thing from gourmand sandwiches to worldwide delicacies. A must-try distinctive to Portland is the town’s twist on doughnuts. From classics with a twist to wild creations like these discovered at Voodoo Doughnut, they’re a staple of Portland’s finest eating places. Additionally, don’t miss out on the town’s farm-to-table dishes, showcasing one of the best native produce and meats in creative methods.
Which Portland restaurant is listed as probably the greatest new locations to eat within the US?
Just lately, a Portland eatery that made waves is Eem, mixing Thai delicacies with Texas barbecue. It’s a first-rate instance of one of the best meals in Portland OR, showcasing how native cooks are mixing various culinary traditions to create one thing really distinctive. This spot, together with others within the metropolis, continues to earn nationwide approval for innovation and high quality.
What’s the hardest restaurant to get into in Portland?
Langbaan is the spot with a rep for being the hardest reservation to land. This place is a hidden gem in Oregon, actually tucked away inside Phuket Cafe. They serve up historic regional Thai dishes, some straight from historical royalty’s cookbooks. The catch? It’s so wanted, you might want to e book a month upfront. For those who’re into unique eating experiences, Langbaan is the place it’s at in Portland.
The place can I discover scenic locations in Portland Oregon to eat?
For breathtaking views, head to eating places alongside the Willamette River just like the Portland Metropolis Grill. Right here, you possibly can get pleasure from a number of the scenic locations in Portland to eat whereas searching over the town skyline and the river. Out of doors eating in Portland’s many parks and gardens additionally provides a scenic and serene eating expertise, excellent for these heat summer season evenings, inviting you to keep in Oregon.
What are some hidden gem eating places in Portland?
Portland is stuffed with hidden gems, from cozy cafés tucked away within the metropolis’s vibrant neighborhoods to unique speakeasies that require a password for entry. For a really distinctive expertise, discover areas just like the Alberta Arts District or Division Avenue. Right here, locations like hidden gem eating places in Portland serve up unbelievable meals away from the bustling downtown crowds, providing intimate settings and progressive menus.
How do I select a restaurant in Portland?
Contemplate what you’re craving, then dive into Portland’s various culinary scene. Need one thing uniquely Portland? Search for a meals cart. Within the temper for effective eating in Portland? Town’s array of upscale eating places gained’t disappoint. For one of the best expertise, take a look at on-line opinions, ask locals for his or her suggestions, and don’t be afraid to strive one thing new.
Can I discover worldwide delicacies in Portland?
Completely. Portland is a melting pot of worldwide delicacies, providing every thing from genuine Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese dishes to Italian, French, and Center Japanese delicacies. Areas just like the Worldwide District are nice beginning factors, however you’ll discover pockets of worldwide flavors scattered all through the town. It’s a testomony to one of the best meals in Portland, showcasing a world of flavors proper right here within the metropolis, making it one of many high locations to reside and go to within the Pacific Northwest.
What makes Portland’s meals scene distinctive?
Portland’s meals scene stands out for its dedication to sustainability, farm-to-table eating, and a neighborhood of artistic cooks who aren’t afraid to experiment. Town’s meals carts play an enormous position, providing gourmand eating experiences on a finances. The embrace of hidden gem eating places in Portland together with the help for native, seasonal elements, makes eating right here a singular journey set towards Oregon’s magnificence. Whether or not it’s effective eating or a fast chunk from a meals cart.
What’s one of the simplest ways to expertise Portland’s meals scene with out breaking the financial institution?
Portland is superior for meals lovers on a finances as a result of so a lot of its finest spots provide superb meals with out a hefty price ticket. Take a look at the meals carts scattered all through the town for some significantly tasty and reasonably priced meals. Additionally, maintain an eye fixed out for completely satisfied hour offers at eating places, the place you possibly can pattern one of the best meals in Portland with out spending rather a lot. Plus, many distinctive locations provide combos or tasting menus that offer you a bang on your buck.
Remaining Ideas On Distinctive Portland Eating places
And that wraps up our journey by means of the culinary delights of the town! We hope our Portland, Oregon restaurant information has sparked your urge for food for journey and given you a style of what this vibrant metropolis has to supply. From quirky doughnut outlets to historic brewpubs inside church buildings, Portland is a spot the place meals goals come true. So, seize your forks and knives, and dive into the flavors ready for you!
