Allison & Dan
Things To Do
Wayfinder Beer
Breweries are a big part of the culture in Portland. Wayfinder has a wonderful space, a killer outdoor patio, and some of the best beer in Portland. Wayfinder specializes in complex lager styles, but they also have some killer IPAs. The food menu is great as well. Dan heartily recommends Wayfinder; it's one of the five best breweries in Portland.
Upright Brewing
Upright is a local gem that is underground both literally and figuratively. Upright specializes in saison and farmhouse styles that are both complex and refreshing. Most importantly, Upright is Allison's favorite brewery. It's truly one of the gems of the Portland brewery scene and another of Dan's Portland top 5. To get there, go to the left bank building, go down to the basement, and follow the signs to the brewery. Although food options are limited at Upright, you will not be sorry that you visited.
Breakside Brewery - NW Slabtown
Breakside is the correct answer if anyone asks you what is the best/most highly decorated Portland brewery. Breakside brews excellent beers in pretty much any style, but it focuses on West Coast (bitter and floral) IPAs. Breakside has tasting rooms in Slabtown, the North Portland Dekum area, and at the brewery in Milwaukie Oregon, but Dan's favorite food options and space are at the Slabtown location. Breakside is not one to be missed if you are a beer fan visiting Portland.
Von Ebert Brewing Pearl
Von Ebert is another great Portland brewery which brews excellent beers in multiple different styles. Von Ebert got a jumpstart when it hired multiple brewers from the now-defunct (R.I.P.) Commons Brewery. Von Ebert is very family friendly and centrally located. It also has very good food.
Ruse Brewing
Ruse brewing is an impossibly trendy SE Portland brewery that has been turning out some of the most excellent beer in the state. Ruse focuses on hazy IPAs and barrel-aged styles. Food options are limited, but Ruse has rapidly become a must-see Portland brewery.
Sasquatch Brewing Co.
If you are looking for a short trip out of the downtown area to a cute spot to grab a beer and/or food, then Sasquatch is an excellent choice. It is in the very cute Hillsdale neighborhood. It will always have a special place in Allison and Dan's hearts because it was where they had their first date on a snowy/icy day in 2016. Needless to say, they enjoyed each other's company.
Junior's Cafe
Junior's is Allison and Dan's favorite low-key breakfast/brunch spot. It has excellent omelettes, scrambles, biscuits, and applesauce. Also an excellent option for vegans.
Pine State Biscuits | NW 23rd
PIne State Biscuits is a Portland institution! Very, very good biscuit sandwiches (Allison's favorite). There are four locations throughout the city. Lines can be long, so we recommend going earlier in the day.
Lauretta Jean's
Lauretta Jean's is another great breakfast/brunch place. Excellent biscuits (some may say they are closer to crumpets) and some of the best pie in town.
Luce
Luce is a wonderful neighborhood italian restaurant that is super cute and has excellent food and service. It's a great option for dinner.
Mediterranean Exploration Company
M.E.C. is a prime spot for highbrow mediterranean food in a classy Pearl location. Allison recommends the roasted eggplant with lamb and feta.
Canard
Canard is a hybrid wine bar/bistro from Portland's best chef. The menu tends towards the slightly gluttonous, but it is certainly one of the coolest and best restaurants in town.
Eem - Thai BBQ & Cocktails
Lines can be long at this innovative mashup of Portland's best bbq (from Matt Vicedomini), best thai food (Earl Ninsom), and beach drinks (Eric Nelson). If you are willing to try something new, this is a uniquely Portland place that’s an absolute standout. On most days it’s Allison and Dan's favorite restaurant. It’s just "so hot right now."
Washington Park
Washington Park offers many things to do. It has the Oregon Zoo, historical memorials, and a beautiful rose garden. It also offers some great hiking options.
Forest Park NW PDX Entrance
Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. It offers amazing hiking, including an old growth forest. It is one of the best places to escape the city without leaving it.
OMSI
OMSI is an amazing option for families and the curious. It has rotating science and engineering exhibits, and a decommissioned attack submarine that can be toured.