Earlier this year, I had a job that required me to travel to Portland, Oregon. I went three times and each time, I had amazing food! Every time someone tells me they are about to travel to Portland…I give them a list of things they MUST try. So here's my list of five things you must eat in Portland. (All photos are iPhone photos, by the way.)
1. gorgonzola fries at Henry's Tavern
A-amazing. I love love blue cheese and these fries were so decadent. We couldn't finish these…I still think about these fries all the time!
Henry's Tavern, 10 NW 12th Ave.
2. mac-n-cheese at the original
Baked mac and cheese perfection. One of the best I have had in my life, my zucchini gratin was inspired by this mac & cheese! They use cheddar and parmesan cheese which makes it perfect – topped with panko breadcrumbs, it adds a little crunch. (Sorry no picture!)
The Original, 300 SW 6th Ave.
3. hawaiian fried chicken from the 808 grinds food cart
I had never had Hawaiian fried chicken before and definitely want to try to make it! It's dark meat chicken fried in a very very light batter. Incredibly crunchy and moist at the same time. You just need to try it!
808 Grinds Food Cart, check out their facebook page for locations
4. litte big burger
Umm, yeah burger and fries for $6…and they are truffle fries! It's incredibly simple and amazing all at once. Cheap food but not cheap ingredients. The beef, buns and cheese are local and the fries are to die for.
Little Big Burger, 122 NW 10th Ave. (several locations too)
5. mini cupcakes at saint cupcake
last but certainly not least. The best mini cupcakes!! They are amazing. Their vanilla buttercream and their cream cheese frosting are just perfect. You can't go wrong and 5 cupcakes equal one large one right? I haven't had a bad one and I have had too many of them! Red velvet and pumpkin spice are my favorites…and I'm not even a huge pumpkin fan!
Saint Cupcake, 1138 SW Morrison (2 locations but this is the one I have been to)
What are your favorites in Portland? Did I miss any of your favorites (I want to hear about it)? What do you recommend to your friends if you have been there? If not…have you ever wanted to visit Portland?
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes says
I’ve not been to been to Portland … but you are making me HUNGRY!!!
Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says
Well, considering I’m a carnivore, I love Podnah’s Pit. They have the best bbq in town.
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
It kills me that I didn’t do any good eating in Portland or Seattle when my husband and I were up there for a trip! Ugh. It’s just painful. I’m going to use this as a good the next time I go! Or move there. Whichever comes first. 馃檪
The Suzzzz says
I’m planning on going to Portland next August to visit a friend and I’m bookmarking this post so I remember to harass her into taking me on a food tour of the city, those fries are killing me!
Samantha says
I’ve always wanted to go to Portland. If I ever get there I want those Gorgonzola fries, STAT!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel says
I am dyyyyying to get to Portland! This food is definitely providing wonderful motivation to go 馃檪
Parsley Sage says
Never had ANY interest in going to Portland….but those gorgonzola fries might be worth the trip. Wowsa!
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies says
Ooh, those cupcakes! I’ll take one of each. 馃檪
Carlas Confections says
Oh I am so excited to go try these places now that we moved up here! I had a lot of fun eating the ice cream at Salt and of course Voodoo with Julie, Lauren and Megan when they were all here! But I sure cant wait to try these places! Those fries on top look so amazing 馃榾
Kelly Senyei says
How in the world did I miss the Hawaiian fried chicken!? What an awesome roundup of treats, Julie!
Vics says
We were in Portland earlier this year – gutted I missed those gorgonzola fries, they look incredible!
Have you eaten at Ping? Everything we had there was incredible, but the deep fried pork shank with mustard greens and sour chilli dipping sauce was out of this world! http://www.pingpdx.com
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
Booking my flight now! What a feast for the eyes… it all looks SO good!
Linda | The Urban Mrs says
Wonderful – I went to Saint Cupcake last time and they all soooo yummy. I was having trouble picking favorites. And food cart – ow yeah, that’s one of the best places. I’ll try the rest when I’m back in Portland.
Shaina says
I needed this in August! Still, you should add Salt & Straw to this list. The ice cream was nothing short of fabulous. Buttermilk Sweet Corn? Mm-hmm.
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
Oh girl, that Hawaiian Fried Chicken looks ridiculous good! Need to get to Portland….
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
Ohh man, there’s a pub close to me which sells the most amazing gorgonzola fries ever! I keep meaning to try and recreate but now your just fully inspiring me! Everything looks delicious…
Denise @ Creative Kitchen says
Julie,
I’ve never been to Portland, but your food recommendations look incredible! Thanks for sharing!! 馃槈
Jennifer The Quirky Momma says
I live in Portland, I live in Portland! Next time hit Grilled Cheese Grill in SE, Gravy on N Mississippi (the last time time I was there GRIMM was filming a block away,) Hush Hush in downtown PDX–the list is never ending!
addie | culicurious says
I’ve never been to Portland but plan on going one day. Thanks for the list. All these things look amazingly good.
Katie says
We have family in Portland and make a yearly trip to visit and pick tons of blueberries. A must visit for us is burgerville. All local ingredients including their shakes which are to die for and their wala wala onion rings. They even have gluten free buns and fries cooked in different oil than the onion rings for the gluten free folks. It’s a must try! Can’t wait until next August to go back
Cindy Brickley says
I live in Pa and I don’t see a trip to Portland any time soon. I lived in Seattle in the early 80’s and I miss it a lot. So here is the deal, I need a CopyKat recipe for the Gorgonzola Fries and the Hawaiin fried Chicken, even if you have to hold their children for ransom (HEE, HEE) okay maybe just a bribe.
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Oh goodness, those gorgonzola fries – TO. DIE. FOR. I’d love to go to Seattle soon so I will most definitely save your recommendations!
Barbara says
Omg you forgot http://voodoodoughnut.com/about.html
They have crazy delishious combos like the maple bacon donut that made this Canadian feel right at home in Portland<3
alexandra @ sweet betweens [blog] says
Oh yes! Portland is my most favorite city in the world. I feel like it’s where my soul [and my tastebuds] belong. Sigh…
I’ll be adding these to my must-eat list for our next visit. Saint Cupcake will be a revisit..and a revisit..and another revisit. 馃檪
On our trip last year our food highlights were:
– Greek Fries [garlic + feta] from Yo Yo + Lefties food cart
– Pierogies from the downtown Portland Farmers Market
– Pancit but I can’t remember what food cart it was from. Epic glass noodles + veg. So good.
– Kenny + Zukes – pickle mania!
– Poutine from Potato Champion
– any and all fried pies from Whiffies
Sigh. Now I’m going to drown my tastebud’s longing in leftover Halloween candy.
Cassie | Bake Your Day says
I was hoping Henry’s gorgonzola fries were on this list. I am salivating just thinking about those fries. I guess I need to make another trip to Portland for some!