Why on earth do they do this? I didn’t have the time to ask between my enjoyment of half-priced drinks that were already at NYC happy hour prices (GOD BLESS OREGON and drinks are on me)! For a more chill pub-like atmosphere, try Life of Riley (10th Ave/NW Everett, smoking downstairs with the pool tables, non-smoking upstairs), for a fondue-serving neighborhood bar with outdoor seating try Bartini (I recommend the Jasminetini, Tomatoe Soup, and House Salad) on 21st Ave/NW Glisan, and for kickin’ DJs and/or live music, decently priced drinks, and a photobooth to memorialize the experience (they seem to be everywhere in this town), try Holocene on the east side (10th Ave/SE Morrison). You won’t be disappointed.
For the foodies out there, here are a few of the places that made it to the top of my list:
- Mothers Bistro (best brunch—the salmon hash is a must for first timers and is served until 2:30 p.m.)
- Mama Mia Trattoria (best Italian—but save room for the panna cotta)
- Pita Pit (best late-night cravings)
- Portland City Grill (best view of the city with great cocktails, sushi, and live pianist)
And for the day trips you may want to take, here are a few places that may convince you to keep that return flight open just a few days more:
- Drive-thru theater (Newberg, OR—thirty minutes outside the city)—yes, they still exist; for half the cost of regular movie ticket you can catch a double feature at this fantastically family-friendly throw back to the great days of hot-dog-jumping-previews and convenient make-out session set-ups.
- Manzanita, Oregon—Surfer’s paradise in Oregon
- Mt. Hood—World renowned windsurfers paradise, as well as home to many amazing fruit orchards, vineyards, and B&Bs
- Multnomah Falls—Tallest year-round waterfall in the nation and great (paved) 2.2 mile hike to the top. Waterfall is about thirty miles outside the city)
- Dundee and Newberg, Oregon—Wine-tasting hub of the Willamette Valley, including tasting rooms for Argyle’s bubbly flights, and Berstrom, Erath, Ponzi, and Willamette Valley’s award winning Pinots. For a more unique experience, try one of the tour services.
While I selfishly debated whether or not to divulge this insider info, deep down I know most won’t be able to stomach the rainy season. So while the weather is good through September, go be a fair-weather Oregonian for a week. It will most likely be the best vacay choice you’ve made this year.
