A Beginners Guide to Portland
- Jan 19, 2023
- 4 min read
(Ceci's Version)
The city of Portland, or the PDX has a lot to offer, from its weirdos, trails, food culture and book scene there is much to appreciate. Here are somethings I think are worth noting as someone who moved here just five months ago ;)
Foodies and the Netflix buzz
As a born and raised San Diegan I am clearly biased when I say the 619 has the best food, notorious specifically for having the best Mexican food on the west coast (says me), and sea food cuisine! Yet I cannot discredit Portland. Before visiting the city you may be interested in watching the various different Netflix shows that feature segments on the bustling food scene here:
Street Food USA: Episode 2 "Portland, Oregon" 30 min
Somebody Feed Phil: Season 5 "Portland" 45 min
Chef's Table Pizza: Episode 6 "Sarah Minnick" 42 min
My favorite thing has been stalking different foodie Instagram personalities to see what restaurants are actually worth the hype and the wait...
After careful deliberation and insightful reviews from accounts like @here.portlnad, @eatingpdx, and @travelportland I can say with confidence the best restaurants I've tried have been Monte Lupo for its Italian food/market, Lardo's for a classic burger and fries, and Jam when its comes to all things brunch!
What's a major city without its coffee? Portland is "snobsville" when it comes to quality coffee and so it's no surprise there are more than a few worthwhile cafes worth checking out XD
If you're looking for both tasty and aesthetic coffee look no further than Less and More located on Sixth and Main, the ube latte, tiramisu latte, and espresso tonic are the perfect treat and photo op!
For a classic Vietnamese caffeinated beverage I recommend Lúc lác's rich Ca phe cola or iced coffee.
I also can't forget my share of favorite Mexican beverages! Guero boasts a delicious horchata cold brew that is to die for. La Perlita serves a Mexican mocha and Esperanza offers a beautiful cortadito you can't beat.
Last but certainly not least it wouldn't be a conversation about Portland's food scene without mentioning the infamous food trucks that are peppered on basically every major street. The appeal not only being how quick the service is but additionally the endless unique specialties can be.
Some trucks are known for one specific dish, especially those in places like the Hawthorne Asylum, Cartopia or Nob Hill that feature a variety of trucks in a communal area. The pods of carts are a great way to help bolster community and highlight the many different people of all different cultures here in the PDX.
House name breakfast joints like Fried Egg I'm in Love (gawd they are so smart for this name, stan The Cure) actually got their big break by first having a truck! Stop by their truck located in Pioneer square downtown for a classic food truck experience and try the Yoko Ono - you can thank me later.
Keep Portland Weird !
This city is the intersection for love and understanding at its core. It is a beaming hub that is welcoming to all. It offers us a unique perspective of society where we can see people truly express themselves and find comfort in the abnormal and outrageous.
I never thought I would feel so at home in a city so far removed from where I grew up, and yet I find myself doing something that has taken me so long. I am learning to love myself, and am leaning into who I want to be and doing so surrounded by people who like me came here looking for that something (insert glitter emoji). Portland may not be your personal cup of tea but it is mine, and its weird, and that's what makes it so enticing!
Obligatory photo op if you ask me ;)
Naturaleza
If there is anything anyone can appreciate about this city and the pacific north west in general it is the abundance of the greenery. Even during the winter and practically grey season (late October through the end of February) there is still so much green to see.
There are endless trails here that even I love as someone who has almost no endurance. My recommendations include The Wildwood trail more commonly known as the witches castle, Dogwood trailhead, or even just a lap around my favorite park Laurel Hearst.
Additionally just thirty minutes outside the city you can find the stunning Multnomah Falls. The Native American tale about them is that the falls were created as a private place for a princess to bathe in order to win her favor. Although it is widely accessible to the public and not so private now, the falls are just as enchanting as the themes the tale shares. I recommend you visit them during the spring or summer for the best experience.
Live, Laugh, Literature
I think my favorite thing here in the city has to be the bountiful book stores and specifically Powells.
Powells is the largest new and used bookstore in America that takes up a whole city block, it has 3,500 sections three floors and nine rooms that are categorized by color and genre. This book store is home to over 1 million books, it is truly mine and every book lovers dream.
It is a tourist attraction that never disappoints and has something for everyone.
Although Powells is not the only worthwhile bookstore I want to highlight, there are so many more that are so special.
On the more unconventional side there is Nationale on Burnside, which is an art space that features an amazing selection of poetry, non-fiction and moving essays! Admire the exhibits, pick up prints, calendars, records, ceramics and even beauty products.
For a more quaint experience I recommend Melville Books on Alberta. They offer a great selection of so many classics tucked into a tiny corner that gives it an otherworldly or even Ghibli feel.
Not to toot my own horn as I still have so much to see and so many places to go but I am confident that if you used my recommendations on a trip here to the PDX you'd have a grand time
All my love, Ceci x
P.S. it's been awhile... it's nice to see you again <3
P.P.S. special thanks to Jazmyn Gonzalez for her help with graphics, and for constantly inspiring my creative vision and spirit
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