Despite only living 6 hours north of Portland, I’ve never really had the chance to visit. The city is known for its art scene, food, coffee, and craft beers. I’m not sure why I didn’t visit more often! 

Last week, I was invited by Travel Portland to experience their Portland dining month, where more than 120 restaurants offer 3 course menus for $29. I couldn’t be more excited to come, especially in the spring. There were so many on the list to choose from. Luckily, I had the help of the wonderful instagram community and different zine guides for coffee, donuts, beers, anything!. Here are some of the highlights of the trip. 

stumptown coffee at the Ace Hotel

Clyde Common

Well, no trip to Portland is complete without a visit to the iconic Ace Hotel, and having a coffee from Stumptown Roasters. After enjoying my coffee, I headed over to Clyde Common for my first dining month experience. The main course, a preserved ramp butter risotto with chili oil and chicken chicharrones, was to die for! Clyde also has a great cocktail program. With great coffee, food, and cocktail attached to the hotel, I didn’t think it could get any better. 

a walk around the Pearl district

cocktails at interurban

We crossed over to the Northeast, to Interurban, for a happy hour cocktail. One thing I was already noticing about Portland is how nicely the restaurant interior design is. Interurban is rustic, comfortable, and serves well balance, creative cocktails.  

courier coffee and blue star donuts

Following suggestions from the coffee zine, we ended up at Courier coffee. Portland has no shortage of great coffee, and friendly baristas. After coffee, we had a craving for sweets, thankfully we found Blue Star donuts from the Donutocalypse zine and headed right over. 

According to Saveur magazine, Olympia Provisions makes one of the finest charcuteries and I couldn’t agree more. They have a salami of the month club, which I would totally sign up for if I lived in Portland!  

Before my trip to Portland, everybody told me I had to come to Kachka. Admittedly, I’ve never been to a Russian restaurant. Kachka really blew my mind. All the dishes were so simple and comforting. I pictured them being made by a sweet, Russian grandmother. They also just released their own horseradish vodka. Isn’t the label just the cutest? 

Portland dining month was such a great way to have a taste of the diverse restaurant options the city has to offer. Thank you Travel Portland for having me!