25 Essential Portland Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Portland.
Pizza Thief
Oregon
Basic venue with a cozy bar serving cocktails, wine & beer, plus pizza, focaccia, salads & pastries.
Life of Pie Pizza
Oregon
Unique pizzas made in a wood-fired oven & served in hip, garagelike environs.
Boxcar Pizza
Oregon
Straightforward vegan eatery in a unique building specializing in Detroit-style pizzas & wings.
Salty's on the Columbia River
Portland, Oregon
Upscale seafood & steak outpost in a waterfront locale serving a luxurious buffet brunch.
Jacqueline
Portland, Oregon
Seasonal, seafood-centric New American fare is offered in an intimate setting with quirky artwork.
RingSide Steakhouse
Portland, Oregon
Upscale, old-school spot for steaks & chops features tuxedoed servers & a 10,000-bottle wine cellar.
Sayler's Old Country Kitchen
Portland, Oregon
Historic steakhouse garners raves for its fillets & American fare served in a comfy interior.
Cabezon Restaurant
Portland, Oregon
Local seafood dishes & a broad wine list served in a wooden-raftered cafe with a small fish counter.
Kinara Thai
Portland, Oregon
Neighborhood nook with contemporary decor preparing a menu of traditional Thai specialties.
Meat Cheese Bread
Portland, Oregon
Snug joint with a patio offering sandwiches with local ingredients & housemade bread, plus salads.
Papa Haydn
Portland, Oregon
European-style desserts, plus upscale sandwiches, salads & entrees at this established cafe.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
Portland, Oregon
Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
Midpoint Food & Drink
Portland, Oregon
Laid-back neighborhood diner serving from a menu of classic American food & cocktails.
Pepper Tree Thai Cuisine
Portland, Oregon
Welcoming eatery in a strip mall featuring traditional Thai favorites for dine-in or takeout.
John Street Cafe
Portland, Oregon
Local option dishing up American breakfast & lunches in quaint quarters with a patio.
Lo's Burgers
Portland, Oregon
Service options: Outdoor seating, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
McMenamins St. Johns Theater & Pub
Portland, Oregon
Pub food, beer & 2nd-run movies star in a historic domed building with a patio & comfy couches.
Lardo
Portland, Oregon
Compact & casual sandwich specialist with a focus on pork, also offering draft beers.
Pleasure Burger
Portland, Oregon
Service options: Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Gyro House SE Portland
Portland, Oregon
Service options: Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Serves local specialty. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Huber's Cafe
Portland, Oregon
American eatery with clubby bar, founded in 1879, is known for roast turkey & Spanish coffee.
City State Diner and Bakery
Portland, Oregon
This stylish contemporary diner serves classic American breakfasts & lunches with an upmarket twist.
La Patroncita
Portland, Oregon
Service options: Curbside pickup, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner.
Petite Provence Boulangerie & Patisserie
Portland, Oregon
French-inspired cafe offering meals from breakfast to dinner, plus baked goods & espresso drinks.
The Waffle Window
Portland, Oregon
Window-serve takeaway joint offering sweet & savory Belgian-style waffles plus seasonal creations.