Seth + Amy
Things To Do
Kachka
When we're looking to entertain, our eyes often turn to Kachka, where dinner is more like an event — one with a decidedly Russian flavor. Try the horseradish vodka!
Quaintrelle
We went to Quaintrelle with friends when it first opened, got mesmerized by its menu and gave the waiter permission to let the kitchen bring us whatever they wanted. One of our favorite meals together ever.
Tienda Santa Cruz
You're in our inner circle so we're willing to let you in on a little secret: Portland's best tacos can be found in the back of a Mexican market in upper North Portland. Shh!
P's & Q's Market
We are big believers in the power of a good sandwich, and our favorites are at P's & Q's Market. Brisket lovers shouldn't even grab a menu; just thank us later.
Proud Mary
Dare we say it? Best brunch in Portland. They've got it all: Entrées decked with flower petals begging for aerial photography. Hearty options for pancakes-and-eggs types. And counter seats with a killer view of some honest-to-God kitchen magic.
Ned Ludd
Named for the originator of the Luddite movement, this farm-to-table spot only heats food with a wood-fire oven — and still manages to out-delicious everyone else. Veggie options aplenty, and a great patio to boot.
Paydirt
A pleasant and cozy bar, where — yes — Seth bought Amy her favorite whiskey (Stranahan's, neat) on their first date. Paydirt can be found in The Zipper building, which offers indoor/outdoor seating and, as a bonus, our favorite fried chicken sandwich at Basilisk.
Pépé le Moko
An intimate basement bar, Pépé le Moko serves creative house cocktails amid oysters and bocadillos. Ship-like and dimly lit, this is your spot if you want to disappear for a few hours. (We frequently do.)
Angel Face
There's no drink list at Angel Face. Instead, oracular bartenders prepare cocktails based on whatever you tell them: preferences, mood, maybe just a look. We love a place that gives us something we desperately wanted without us having even known it existed.
Bible Club
A Prohibition-themed speakeasy that outshines its schtick, Bible Club prides itself in period-specific details, complete with jazz soundtrack and "proprietary libations." More-modern touches are found on the menu, probably for the best.
Angels Donuts
We're going to be blunt because we love you: Voodoo Donuts is overrated, low-rent and too long a wait to be anything more than a regrettable use of precious time in Portland. The good news is there are superb donuts to be had; our favorites are at Angels, where the maple old-fashioned is something dreams are made of.
Salt & Straw
Not all hype is unearned. Salt & Straw specializes in a monthly rotation of off-kilter flavors that never fail to have something majestic. Taste as many as you can; their liberal policy regarding samples is a godsend.
Eb & Bean
If frozen yogurt is more your style, we love Eb & Bean for a lighter, locally sourced treat. It’s a naturalist approach to dessert with artisan toppings and organic flavors. Look, we’re not gluttons here.
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House
Only in Portland: Rimsky-Korsakoffee House offers live classical music and expert desserts in an allegedly haunted Victorian. Their tables — each named for a dead composer — can exhibit some strange behaviors, like growing and shrinking, or rotating so slowly that you may reach for your coffee and find it in front of the guy next to you. And the bathroom is best seen for yourself.
Powell's City of Books
Powell’s is nothing less than the largest independent new and used bookstore in the world. The rooms are color-coded, and the store provides a map, as if getting lost isn’t half the fun. Our favorite spot is the Rare Books Room, map color: pearl, of course.
Mississippi Avenue
We always recommend visitors walk down Mississippi, which just might capture everything that makes Portland great on one little stretch of retail + food/drink. From a science/taxidermy store to a boutique that specializes in chocolate, salt and bitters, it’s an afternoon well spent. We also love Hawthorne Avenue for a more vintage shopping experience.
Betsy & Iya
If you’re in the market for a curated collection of locally sourced jewelry and clothing items, Betsy & Iya is an excellent option. The pieces on display here can’t be found anywhere else; at least that’s what one of us tells herself when she buys something every time she visits.
Crossroads Music
With so many great record stores in town, it’s tempting to get cute and recommend one of the tiny, hole-in-the-wall options. But Crossroads remains the smartest place to go record-hunting in Portland. With used vinyl from more than 30 different vendors, it’s a year-round record show, eclectic and knowing as the city itself.
Knot Springs
Relaxation writ large: soaking pools — hot and cool — a sauna, steam room, an entire massage facility and more in indoor and outdoor spaces all with awesome views of the city. You could spend an entire day submerged in bliss, and frankly why wouldn’t you?
Crystal Springs
Crystal Springs is a natural oasis in the middle of the city, complete with small lakes and bridges as far as the eye can see. Take a photo; if you’re feeling lucky, maybe you’ve captured the spot we kissed on our second date.
Lady Hill Winery
Seems likely some of you might want to hit up a winery. Lady Hill Winery is a smaller, newer option, but a truly great location to check out the Willamette Valley wine scene you’ve heard so much about.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden, located within Washington Park, just does not look like anything else in town. It’s an incredibly well-kept spot to walk around and enjoy a little tea in the teahouse. Super calming, as if that were something anyone might need during a wedding weekend.
Forest Park
You don’t have to go far for a great walk in nature. Portland’s Forest Park is the largest wooded urban park in the United States, with more than 70 miles of walking and hiking trails. One of us loves trail running along the Leif Erickson trail; the other just likes being near trees.
Dog Mountain
If you’re in the market for a legit hike, our top rec is Dog Mountain, which despite a relatively short distance offers beautiful views of the Gorge. In the springtime it explodes with color. (Permit needed.)
Mt. Tabor
Built atop a dormant volcano located inside the city, Mt. Tabor park is a favorite destination for runners, walkers, hikers, picnickers and — once a year — soap box racers. It doesn't matter where your Airbnb is; expansive views of downtown Portland are yours for the having.
Timberline Lodge
For Portlanders, Mt. Hood isn’t just a nearby mountain. It’s more like a beloved, religious icon that stands watch over us. There’s hikes and skiing aplenty, but we particularly love Timberline Lodge, where we once spent a weekend mostly in a hot tub surrounded by snow. (Fun fact: Timberline was used by Kubrick for the hotel exteriors in The Shining. And yes, they have it on DVD to watch, which we did by ourselves in their screening room. Sometimes the obvious choice is the right choice. Welcome to Portland.)