What to Do in Portland

This list was compiled from Portland Mercury's readers' and editors' top picks.

Restaurant/Cafe

Aalto Lounge (Bar, Pub Grub, Small Plates)
3356 SE Belmont St. Portland OR
503.235.6041
go aardvarks says: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvar_Aalto the atmosphere, servers, and beer selection is great. get leffe. More...
Ash Street Saloon (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Pub Grub)
225 SW Ash St. Portland OR
503.226.0430
twist969 says: I saw a show from Amber Voltaire last Thursday and holy balls! They really rocked, seriously great local band. The food at ash street was good and the drinks were better. Good show! More...
Aura (Bar, Club, American, Haute Cuisine)
1022 W Burnside St. Portland OR
503.597.2872
J says: For those who have never been to Aura then you should try it out, more than likely you will come back again. The place is always upbeat with good music. The food service is a little slow but not bad More...
Beaker & Flask (Bar, Haute Cuisine)
727 SE Washington Portland OR
503-235-8180
caliente says: Beaker & Flask is nowhere near a dump. True, you're not going to go there to order fried mac & cheese and a PBR, or play video poker. But it's a supreme bargain for the talent and quality you get. More...
Berbati's Pan (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Pub Grub, Mediterranean/Greek/Middle Eastern)
10 SW 3rd Ave. Portland OR
503.226.2122
Pezshannan says: Let's just say when you are getting drunk, nothing can satisfy your cravings like greek fries and feta dip. More...
Crystal Ballroom (Bar, Club, Theater, Pizza, Brewpub)
1332 W Burnside St. Portland OR
503.225.0047
Dante's (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Pub Grub, Italian, Pizza)
1 SW 3rd Ave. Portland OR
503.226.6630
Mack says: Actually, the pizza there is pretty killer. The trick is to order it from the bartender. More...
Doug Fir (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Diner)
830 E Burnside St. Portland OR
503.221.9663
sparkly ADD girl says: The breakfast at the Doug Fir is pretty standard fare but consistent, the Bloody Marys are tasty and I have NEVER had to wait for a table! On a morning when you've gotta have your eggs NOW, skip the lines More...
East End (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, American, Pub Grub)
203 SE Grand Ave. Portland OR
503.232.0056
Big Tree says: I love the food at East End. The French Onion soup rules! The home made pot stickers I love. But the Tacos are amazing!! More...
Gold Dust Meridian (Bar, American, Seafood, Soup and/or Sandwich)
3267 SE Hawthorne Blvd. Portland OR
503.239.1143
Slick says: The scene here is wonderful. The DJ is friendly and will play a request if possible. Great service, great atmosphere. You can't find a better place on Hawthorne to spend a friday night. More...
Goodfoot (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Gallery, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Soup and/or Sandwich)
2845 SE Stark St. Portland OR
503.239.9292
fanny says: I haven't eaten meat in 14 years but I still wouldn't normally order a "tofu wrap" - At some point I did - at the upstairs of the goodfoot and it was so delicious. With fries and a beer its More...
Holocene (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Haute Cuisine)
1001 SE Morrison Portland OR
503-239-7639
forlornfox says: They make a fine whiskey ginger using fresh ginger root - awesome! More...
Kelly's Olympian (Bar, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Diner, Breakfast Brunch)
426 SW Washington Portland OR
503-228-3669
blackoutonthebushome says: I love this bar. The bartenders have to be some of the coolest,friendliest,in town.Perfet place to relax after work.The happy hour menu is decent. I recommend the chicken sliders and french fries.Wherever I am in downtown, I will wind up More...
LaurelThirst Public House (Bar, DistroLocation, Burgers)
2958 NE Glisan St. Portland OR
503.232.1504
JONES says: Dear The Laurelthirst, Your breakfasts are the best in this part of the city. You make my hangovers better. I've tried new things every time I have been there and my mind has always been completely blown. I appreciate your More...
Matador (Bar, DistroLocation, Pub Grub)
1967 W Burnside St. Portland OR
503.222.5822
Rontoms (Bar, American, Small Plates, German)
600 E Burnside Portland OR
503-236-4536
Backer than the blackest times infinity says: Seantos is the greatest bartender of all time- Seanturage! More...
Roseland (Bar, Club, Concert Hall/Ampitheater, Pub Grub)
8 NW 6th Portland OR
503-224-2038
Rotture (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Pub Grub)
315 SE 3rd Ave. Portland OR
503-234-5683
dj gray says: This is the ONLY place in town to consistently get down to dirty electro with Neon Knights, SuperKids and FuckBadMusic holding down repeat events. More...
Saucebox (Bar, Club, Asian, Haute Cuisine)
214 SW Broadway Portland OR
503.241.3393
retr0urbanc0wb0y says: what a great spot. i have yet to find a drink on there amazing drink menu that i did not like. the food never disapoints and the staff is very atentave. this is a great spot to start your night More...
Slow Bar (Bar, DistroLocation, American, Burgers, Pub Grub)
533 SE Grand Ave. Portland OR
503.230.7767
Louise says: For such a little bar, their food is really fantastic! I was blown away by their seared tuna salad. It's a little small, so go for lunch when it's not crowded. More...
Someday Lounge (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Arts Center, Soup and/or Sandwich, Vegetarian/Vegan)
125 NW 5th Portland OR
503-248-1030
Teardrop Lounge (Bar, American, Asian, Small Plates, International)
1015 NW Everett St. Portland OR
503.445.8109
Liebekrieg says: Stunning drinks (like a perfect sidecar) mixed with the skill of an artist high on life. The absinthe is served with a fantastic ice decanter that makes you and your date the center of attention. Silent films projected on the More...
Tonic Lounge (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, American, Pub Grub)
3100 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland OR
503.238.0543
I'm New Here says: dskasdklaskl

Bars & Clubs

Aalto Lounge (Bar, Pub Grub, Small Plates)
3356 SE Belmont St. Portland OR
503.235.6041
go aardvarks says: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvar_Aalto the atmosphere, servers, and beer selection is great. get leffe. More...
Aladdin Theater (Club, DistroLocation, Theater, Movie Theater)
3017 SE Milwaukie Portland OR
233-1994
Ash Street Saloon (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Pub Grub)
225 SW Ash St. Portland OR
503.226.0430
twist969 says: I saw a show from Amber Voltaire last Thursday and holy balls! They really rocked, seriously great local band. The food at ash street was good and the drinks were better. Good show! More...
Aura (Bar, Club, American, Haute Cuisine)
1022 W Burnside St. Portland OR
503.597.2872
J says: For those who have never been to Aura then you should try it out, more than likely you will come back again. The place is always upbeat with good music. The food service is a little slow but not bad More...
Beaker & Flask (Bar, Haute Cuisine)
727 SE Washington Portland OR
503-235-8180
caliente says: Beaker & Flask is nowhere near a dump. True, you're not going to go there to order fried mac & cheese and a PBR, or play video poker. But it's a supreme bargain for the talent and quality you get. More...
Berbati's Pan (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Pub Grub, Mediterranean/Greek/Middle Eastern)
10 SW 3rd Ave. Portland OR
503.226.2122
Pezshannan says: Let's just say when you are getting drunk, nothing can satisfy your cravings like greek fries and feta dip. More...
Dante's (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Pub Grub, Italian, Pizza)
1 SW 3rd Ave. Portland OR
503.226.6630
Mack says: Actually, the pizza there is pretty killer. The trick is to order it from the bartender. More...
Doug Fir (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Diner)
830 E Burnside St. Portland OR
503.221.9663
sparkly ADD girl says: The breakfast at the Doug Fir is pretty standard fare but consistent, the Bloody Marys are tasty and I have NEVER had to wait for a table! On a morning when you've gotta have your eggs NOW, skip the lines More...
East End (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, American, Pub Grub)
203 SE Grand Ave. Portland OR
503.232.0056
Big Tree says: I love the food at East End. The French Onion soup rules! The home made pot stickers I love. But the Tacos are amazing!! More...
Fez Ballroom (Ballroom/Event hall, Bar, Club, DistroLocation)
316 SW 11th Ave. Portland OR
503.221.7262
Goodfoot (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Gallery, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Soup and/or Sandwich)
2845 SE Stark St. Portland OR
503.239.9292
chopsley321 says: I have seen some EXCELLENT live music downstairs on many occasions. But on nights where there isn't anything going on downstairs, it's always cool to hang out upstairs and play pool on one of the four nice large pool tables. More...
Ground Kontrol (Bar, Club, DistroLocation)
511 NW Couch St. Portland OR
503.796.9364
Graham says: If they just got some real booze it'd be the best ever. Other than that, fuckin' A right! Awesome. More...
Hawthorne Theatre (Club, Concert Hall/Ampitheater, Theater)
1507 SE 39th Portland OR
503-233-7100
Kelly's Olympian (Bar, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Diner, Breakfast Brunch)
426 SW Washington Portland OR
503-228-3669
loves,downtown says: I don't agree with the last review. This is a place to relax and unload with friends after work, not a bunch "vermon". This reviewer before me has obviously not visited Chinatown. Kelly's is a fine place, the only complaint More...
Mary's Club (Bar, DistroLocation, Strip Club)
129 SW Broadway Portland OR
5030.227.3023
tommyrusso says: I loved this bar as a tourist and totally agree with above comments. The connecting burrito joint was pretty decent as well. More...
Rontoms (Bar, American, Small Plates, German)
600 E Burnside Portland OR
503-236-4536
Stop being predictable says: Sometimes self-righteousness is a good thing. It preserves a sense of pride and quality that is so-often lacking at other bars (and people) who opt for the cheapest, dumbed-down versions of everything. Rontoms nails it with his constant commitment to More...
Roseland (Bar, Club, Concert Hall/Ampitheater, Pub Grub)
8 NW 6th Portland OR
503-224-2038
Rotture (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Pub Grub)
315 SE 3rd Ave. Portland OR
503-234-5683
dj gray says: This is the ONLY place in town to consistently get down to dirty electro with Neon Knights, SuperKids and FuckBadMusic holding down repeat events. More...
Saucebox (Bar, Club, Asian, Haute Cuisine)
214 SW Broadway Portland OR
503.241.3393
astrogirl says: Believe me- I should know... I've been swilling it up around these parts for a baker's dozen... and the drinks at Saucebox are ALWAYS IMPECCABLE- and stylishly served by a stellar staff. It's swank w/o being pretentious with amazingly tantalizing More...
Slow Bar (Bar, DistroLocation, American, Burgers, Pub Grub)
533 SE Grand Ave. Portland OR
503.230.7767
ben says: best drinks, best food, best people. slow burger is the best burger in town. great manhattans, great crowd. More...
Someday Lounge (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Arts Center, Soup and/or Sandwich, Vegetarian/Vegan)
125 NW 5th Portland OR
503-248-1030
Teardrop Lounge (Bar, American, Asian, Small Plates, International)
1015 NW Everett St. Portland OR
503.445.8109
Liebekrieg says: Stunning drinks (like a perfect sidecar) mixed with the skill of an artist high on life. The absinthe is served with a fantastic ice decanter that makes you and your date the center of attention. Silent films projected on the More...
Tonic Lounge (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, American, Pub Grub)
3100 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland OR
503.238.0543
I'm New Here says: dskasdklaskl
Union Jack's (Bar, Strip Club)
938 E Burnside St. Portland OR
503.236.1125
Wonder Ballroom (Club, Concert Hall/Ampitheater, DistroLocation)
128 NE Russell Portland OR
503-284-8686

Arts

Artists Repertory Theatre (Arts Center, Theater)
1515 SW Morrison Portland OR
241-1278
Augen Gallery DeSoto (Gallery)
716 NW Davis St. Portland OR
503.546.5056
CoHo Theater (Theater)
2257 NW Raleigh Portland OR
(503) 220-2646
DJSnoopy says: Wonderful theater!! Very good use of space, the seating was great. Parking was not bad at all. The staff made you feel very at home and welcomed. More...
Crystal Ballroom (Bar, Club, Theater, Pizza, Brewpub)
1332 W Burnside St. Portland OR
503.225.0047
Elizabeth Leach Gallery (Gallery)
417 NW 9th Portland OR
503-224-0521
Floating World Comics (Books/Magazines/Comics, Movie Theater)
20 NW 5th Ave. #101 Portland OR
241-0227
Hawthorne Theatre (Club, Concert Hall/Ampitheater, Theater)
1507 SE 39th Portland OR
503-233-7100
Hipbone Studios (Arts Center, Studio/Rehersal Space, Theater)
1847 E Burnside #104 Portland OR
503-231-3994
Keller Auditorium (Arts Center, Theater)
222 SW Clay St. Portland OR
503.248.4335.
Kelly's Olympian (Bar, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Diner, Breakfast Brunch)
426 SW Washington Portland OR
503-228-3669
blackoutonthebushome says: I love this bar. The bartenders have to be some of the coolest,friendliest,in town.Perfet place to relax after work.The happy hour menu is decent. I recommend the chicken sliders and french fries.Wherever I am in downtown, I will wind up More...
Laura Russo Gallery (Gallery)
805 NW 21st Ave. Portland OR
503.226.2754
Marylhurst University (School/Instruction, Gallery)
17600 Pacific Hwy. Portland OR
503.636.8141
New American Art Union (Arts Center, Gallery, Movie Theater)
922 SE Ankeny Portland OR
231-8294
Portland Art Museum (Arts Center, Museum)
1219 SW Park Portland OR
(503) 226-2811
Portland Center Stage (Theater, Arts Center, Concert Hall/Ampitheater)
128 NW 11th Avenue Portland OR
503-445-3700
Portland Playhouse (Theater)
602 NE Prescott St. Portland OR
503.488.5822
Reed College, Cooley Gallery (Gallery, School/Instruction)
3203 SE Woodstock Blvd. Portland OR
Rocksbox Fine Art (Gallery)
6540 N Interstate Ave. Portland OR
971.506.8938
Shaking the Tree Studio (Theater)
1407 SE Stark Portland OR
503-235-0635
Someday Lounge (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Arts Center, Soup and/or Sandwich, Vegetarian/Vegan)
125 NW 5th Portland OR
503-248-1030
The Brody Theater (Theater)
16 NW Broadway Portland OR
503-224-2227
Theater! Theatre! (Theater)
3430 SE Belmont Portland OR
the other Juan says: someone told me it was like the first time they ate bacon. Yum More...
Winningstad Theatre (Arts Center)
"PCPA Building, 1111 SW Broadway" Portland OR
Worksound (Arts Center, Gallery, Movie Theater)
820 SE Alder St. Portland OR
World Trade Center Theater (Theater, Movie Theater)
121 SW Salmon Bldg. #2 Portland OR

Services

BodyVox Studio (Arts Center, Studio/Rehersal Space)
1201 NW 17th Ave. Portland OR
Hipbone Studios (Arts Center, Studio/Rehersal Space, Theater)
1847 E Burnside #104 Portland OR
503-231-3994
Mississippi Studios (Ballroom/Event hall, Movie Theater, Studio/Rehersal Space)
3939 N Mississippi Portland OR
503-288-3895

Shopping

Floating World Comics (Books/Magazines/Comics, Movie Theater)
20 NW 5th Ave. #101 Portland OR
241-0227
Grass Hut (Gallery, Store, DistroLocation)
811 E Burnside Portland OR
503-445-9924

Public Places

Marylhurst University (School/Instruction, Gallery)
17600 Pacific Hwy. Portland OR
503.636.8141
Museum of Contemporary Craft (Gallery, Museum)
724 NW Davis St. Portland OR
503.223.2654
PNCA Feldman Gallery (Gallery, School/Instruction)
1241 NW Johnson St. Portland OR
503.226.4391
Portland Art Museum (Arts Center, Museum)
1219 SW Park Portland OR
(503) 226-2811
Reed College, Cooley Gallery (Gallery, School/Instruction)
3203 SE Woodstock Blvd. Portland OR

Most Commented

 

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