My Portland

Coffee

Crema - Crema is my favorite coffee shop! I happen to live very close to it, but even if I didn't I still think it would be at the top of my list. Recommended: Spanish Latte, Caramel Sutra, Vietnamese Iced Coffee, all pastries. 

Cacao Drink Chocolate - Hot Chocolate Flight. That's really all you need. 

Ovation - Fantastic coffee in a beautiful setting. The coffee shop has giant windows and a gorgeous park beside it. 

Pearl Bakery - I was walking around the Pearl and wandered into this amazing bakery. I had a delicious cappuccino and a rugelach (probably the best since Israel). I can't wait to go back and try more of their goodies!

Heart - Heart has a fantastic vibe and delicious Americanos. I'm kind of hooked. 

Happy Sparrow - Have you ever had a kolache (stuffed doughy goodness)? No? Go there now. 

Food Trucks

Chez Dodo - I don't really know how to describe the amazingness of this food truck. It's like a mix of Indian, African, and Chinese food. There is just too much goodness at this place.

Grilled Cheese Grill - When I was young, I ate Jalapeño Poppers like it was nobody's business. When I tried the Grilled Cheese Grill's version of my favorite frozen snack, I ate it in probably about 3 bites. Grilled Jalapeños, Colby Jack, Cream Cheese, and Corn Tortilla Chips on Sourdough; what more could you want?

PBJs Grilled - Do you see a theme with me and grilled sandwiches. If you want a creative and delicious sandwich, this is your place. 

Pyro Pizza - This food cart makes pizza, true, but they also make damn good garlic, cheese bread. I'm talking full cloves of garlic generously tossed onto pizza dough with cheese. 

Eats

Shut up and Eat - Giant, delicious sandwiches. Need I say more? They make an outstanding Philly Cheese Steak sandwich.

Little Big Burger - Fantastic burgers, amazing fries, tiny prices. Basically fancy-ish fast food. 

Pine State Biscuits - I feel that since I'm a southerner, I have a solid radar for good biscuits. And these, my friends, are fantastic. I'm not vegan either, but their Shiitake Mushroom Gravy is PHENOMENAL. 

Pok Pok - They have a cult following in PDX, and for good reason.

Porque No? - After living in Tucson for five years, I developed a bit of a taco obsession. This place has fantastic tacos at reasonable prices. Get Bryan's Bowl.

Lardo - I don't think this restaurant serves anything that doesn't have pig in it. So darn dreamy... They also have these Dirty Fries, which are so good it's entering PG-13 status.

Swagat - Insanely good Indian food. Like on another level. 

Ken's Artisan Pizza - Wood-fired deliciousness. This pizza is thin, crispy, and ultra-flavorful. They have some traditional pies as well as some unique flavor combinations. 

Screen Door - The wait to have brunch here is often pretty long (in excess of an hour), but the food is southern comfort meets Portland. The chicken and waffles is giant and the hushpuppies are heavenly. 

Paadee - Delicious Thai food with a fun atmosphere. 

Bunk Sandwiches - There was a sandwich place in Tucson called Beyond Bread. I was pretty obsessed with it. The Sandwiches at Bunk may just become my new favorites. I had their special with marinated chickpeas and feta. So, so good. 

Sweets

Voodoo Doughnuts - Sweet, delicious, and inappropriately named doughnuts.

Salt and Straw - This ice cream is hella good. They have delicious flavors and a monthly seasonal rotation of flavors too. And they make their own cones. My current favorite is the Almond Brittle + Ganache and the Snickerdoodle.

St. Honoré Boulangerie - Fantastic coffee. Fantastic cakes. 

Ruby Jewel - The ice cream sandwiches are ridiculous. I had the Chocolate Cookie with Salted Caramel, but they have other tempting flavors like Lemon Cookie with Honey Lavender and Double Chocolate Cookie with Peanut Butter. 

Petite Provence - This boulangerie & patisserie is filled with freshly baked pastries, cookies, coffee, and other yummy cafe treats. I decided that I was going to be a real adult and eat macarons and drink fancy coffee for breakfast. Needless to say, it was such a good decision. The lemon macaron is perfection.

What's the Scoop - The waffle cones here are sensational. Try it with the Browned Butter Almond Brittle ice cream. 

Booze

Waypost - an Arizona themed bar with FANTASTIC margaritas. I recommend the Hot Stuff Margarita. It's habanero flavored!

Cascade Brewing Barrel House - This place specializes in sour beer, which is a fruity, tart beer. They have these tiny tasters which allow you to try a ton of different beers.

Basecamp Brewery - Yummy beer and cool spot to hang out on the Southeast side.

White Owl Social Club - This is a great bar in Southeast featuring tasty food and drinks and an awesome patio. 

Rogue Ales and Spirits - Rogue has some super funky and delicious brews. They also have sparkling lemonade on tap. 

Entertainment

Voicebox - a delightful karaoke bar with private suites. I'm not into karaoke, but the private suites make it much more fun/comfortable for singing your heart out.

Pips and Bounce - Ping pong and booze. 

Shopping

Powell's City of Books - Powell's is a Portland staple. They have four (or maybe even five) floors of books and take up an entire block. It's also a great place to go if you're looking for Portland themed gifts. 

Outside

Mt. Hamilton, Columbia River Gorge - This is one of the most exquisite places I have ever been. The views are outstanding, the hike is challenging, and the memories I'll have are unforgettable.

Angel's Rest - This hike is pretty well known among Portlanders. It has a gorgeous view of Washington and the Columbia River. It's pretty popular, so get there early. 

Portland Saturday Market - Wacky, weird, and tons of fun. 

Indian Beach - This beach is relatively secluded (there's a $5 entrance fee because it's in Ecola State Park). Totally worth it if you'd like to have a peaceful day on the coast.

Cape Perpetua - Home to several natural wonders like Thor's Well, Cape Perpetua is a beautiful, escape from Portland.