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Created by Andy McMillan Updated On: November 5, 2021
A meticulously researched and regularly updated list of my all-time favourite restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and stores in Portland, OR. (PSA: Currently being rewritten.)
4741 SE Hawthorne Blvd (at SE 47th Ave), Portland, OR
Pizzeria · 83 tips and reviews
Andy McMillan: This place transcends Foursquare tips. It is simply not possible to convey just how good this pizza is, or even suggest a pie that stands above the others. But order the margarita with truffle oil.
1134 NW Everett St (btw NW 12th & 11th Ave), Portland, OR
Pizzeria · Pearl District · 126 tips and reviews
Andy McMillan: Good news, it's salami night! Order the salami board to start (omfg the talegio jesus h christ) and the salami pizza (its drizzled in mf'n honey) to follow. Tie it all together with an Old Fashioned.
8029 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97215, Portland, OR
Sake Bar · 22 tips and reviews
Andy McMillan: Yep, omakase. Ranges from $15 - $30, but any amount paid seems to translate to "we'll feed you until you die". The kimchi, ojingoh, and pork buns are a definite highlight before your untimely demise.
Andy McMillan: Start with tsukemono & kimchi, then follow with the ramen, straight up. As you leave, you may notice you're radiating a warm glow, accompanied by a feeling of complete fulfilment, but that's normal.
2225 NE M L King Blvd (btw NE Thompson & Sacramento St), Portland, OR
Argentinian Restaurant · 79 tips and reviews
Andy McMillan: Everyone will recommend the Asado Argentino, but also be sure to start with a cheese board, and end with a Rabid Mastiff. Quite possibly the best restaurant in Portland.
107 SE Washington St (at SE 3rd Ave), Portland, OR
Modern European Restaurant · 113 tips and reviews
Andy McMillan: If I ever find myself on death row and the guard asks what I want for my last meal, I'll snap his neck, break out of the prison and come here for the Classic Sweetheart Ham Benedict to celebrate.
Andy McMillan: Get the italian cured meats with peppers and provolone. No, the pulled pork with apple cabbage slaw, pickles and mustard. No, the meatball hero. Fuck it, get anything, it's all so, so good.
621 SE Morrison St (btw SE 6th & 7th Ave), Portland, OR
Sandwich Spot · 57 tips and reviews
Andy McMillan: The breakfast sandwich is both award-winning, and served all day. Swap the bacon out for ham, grab a coffee, and start your day with a healthy dose of carbohydrates.
Andy McMillan: Yep. The Pork Meatball Bamh Mi, for sure. With a side of fries. They top them off with a little grated parmesan, so tasty. Oh, and root beer on tap! This place wins.
1235 SE Division St (at SE 12th Ave), Portland, OR
Bar · 36 tips and reviews
Andy McMillan: Picking a sandwich at Double Dragon is like falling in love. Sure, there are probably other options (read: sandwiches) out there, but once you've found true love (read: the pulled pork), who cares?
Andy McMillan: If you're visiting Portland, consider extending your trip a few weeks to allow yourself time to work through every item on the menu. Alternatively, the Polenta & Sausage Ragu, and the Potatoes Bravas.
Andy McMillan: One of the best brunch spots in the city that no one seems to know about. Start with a Mixed Bag, then graduate to Mary’s Organic Fried Chicken & Waffles. Amazing Bloody Mary too.
2337 E Burnside St (at NE 24th Ave.), Portland, OR
Southern Food Restaurant · 222 tips and reviews
Andy McMillan: If you've scrolled this far through the tips and not decided to order the fried chicken and waffles, what the hell is wrong with you? Can't you take a hint?
1155 SW Morrison St (at SW 12th Ave), Portland, OR
Donut Shop · 227 tips and reviews
Andy McMillan: The brioche dough alone is enough, but add that everything is fresh baked, organic and cooked in rice oil and you're on to a winner with just about anything from the rotating selection.
2035 NE Alberta St (btwn NE 20th & NE 21st Ave), Portland, OR
Ice Cream Parlor · 168 tips and reviews
Andy McMillan: After extensive research I can indeed confirm, this is the greatest ice cream ever made by anyone in the history of ever. If it's on the board, try the pear with blue cheese. Amazing.
Andy McMillan: Don't make plans to work from here. It's a great spot for a coffee and a chat, or to plant with a book and an IPA, but the wifi is slow and power outlets aren't in great abundance.
Andy McMillan: Hands down the best bar in SW Portland. Taps change too regularly to nail a favourite, but the staff know their shit—tell them what you're into and prepare for some of the best beer you'll ever drink.
736 SE Grand Ave (at SE Morrison St), Portland, OR
Bar · 47 tips and reviews
Andy McMillan: Beers, cocktails and a few midsized plates all $3 from 5-7pm every day. Pretty good bargain, especially if you order one of the larger sandwiches.
1014 SW Stark St (btw SW 10th & 11th Ave.), Portland, OR
American Restaurant · 220 tips and reviews
Andy McMillan: Oft considered the de-facto Portland experience ("oh, you have to go to Clyde Common!"), so it gets pretty packed. My tip: order a sazerac from the bar and take it out to the sofas in the Ace lobby.