What to Do in Portland

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

Arts

Aladdin Theater (DistroLocation, Theater, Movie Theater)
3017 SE Milwaukie Portland OR
503-233-1994
BodyVox Dance Center (Arts Center, Studio/Rehearsal Space, Rental)
1201 NW 17th Ave. Portland OR
503-229-0627
Brody Theater (Theater, Bar)
16 NW Broadway Portland OR
503-224-2227
Charles A. Hartman Fine Art (Gallery)
134 NW 8th Portland OR
503-287-3886
Curious Comedy Theater (Theater, Movie Theater, Ballroom/Event hall, Rental)
5225 NE MLK Portland OR
503-477-9477
Badinia says: I'm so glad Famous and the team has a new home at Curious Comedy theater, where they don't mind helping to pry candy out from between the floorboards every month! Every first Wednesday at 9, the fun doesn't stop until 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...
Floating World Comics (Books/Magazines/Comics, Movie Theater)
400 NW Couch Portland OR
503-241-0227
Fontanelle Gallery (Arts Center)
205 SW Pine Portland OR
GalleryHOMELAND (Gallery, Movie Theater)
2505 SE 11th Portland OR
503-819-9656
Goodfoot (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Gallery, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Soup/Salad and/or Sandwich)
2845 SE Stark 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...
Grass Hut (Gallery, Store)
400 NW Couch St Portland OR
503-241-0227
hungry eyeball says: Grass Hut has moved again, 400 NW Couch St. Portland, Or. 97209... First Thursday art openings from 6pm-9pm every month. Regular Business Hours 11am-7pm seven days a week. Find crafts, goofy toys, limited edition prints and random other stuff. 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...
Keller Auditorium (Arts Center, Theater)
222 SW Clay 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
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...
Laura Russo Gallery (Gallery)
805 NW 21st Ave. Portland OR
503.226.2754
Mississippi Studios (Ballroom/Event hall, Movie Theater, Studio/Rehearsal Space)
3939 N Mississippi Portland OR
288-3895
pdxsurfer says: love this place, the staff, and the owners. great sound and always changing environ. re: the previous post above: interesting stuff indeed! knowing a few of the owners, i find your post offensive and not attuned to what miss studios More...
New American Art Union (Arts Center, Gallery, Movie Theater)
922 SE Ankeny Portland OR
503-231-8294
Newmark Theatre (Arts Center, Theater, Movie Theater)
1111 SW Broadway Portland OR
503-248-4335
PNCA Feldman Gallery (Gallery, School/Instruction)
1241 NW Johnson Portland OR
503.226.4391
Roseland (Bar, Club, Concert Hall/Ampitheater/Live Music Venue, Pub Grub)
8 NW 6th Portland OR
503-224-2038
Shaking the Tree Studio (Theater)
1407 SE Stark Portland OR
503-235-0635
The Church (Theater)
602 NE Prescott St. Portland OR
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...
Wonder Ballroom (Club, Concert Hall/Ampitheater/Live Music Venue, DistroLocation)
128 NE Russell Portland OR
503-284-8686
World Trade Center Theater (Theater, Movie Theater)
121 SW Salmon, Bldg. #2 Portland OR

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...
Beaker & Flask (Bar, Haute Cuisine)
720 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...
Crystal Ballroom (Bar, Club, Theater, Pizza, Brewpub)
1332 W Burnside Portland OR
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
503-231-9663
danton says: may14th...to see cold. I am so excited for these guys. I really hope that they make some money. I am pretty sure that past record label woes stemming from multiple labels and their new contract with 11- seven music has More...
East End (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, American, Pub Grub)
203 SE Grand 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/Salad and/or Sandwich)
3267 SE Hawthorne Portland OR
503-239-1143
drinkienfoodie says: wow! what is great about this place is that hawthorne has two types of place to go hang out. expensive chain restaurant/bars and dive bars. GDM has mananged to find to find that beautiful place in the middle. not too More...
Goodfoot (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, Gallery, American, Burgers, Pub Grub, Soup/Salad and/or Sandwich)
2845 SE Stark 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...
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
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...
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 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/Live Music Venue, 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
Dallas Maverick says: Saucebox may look hoity-toity and intimidating... And rightfully so, the decor is fancy schmancy, and the servers are all quite well groomed... But everyone is nice and attentive, there's good music, the drinks are always on point, and most importantly, More...
Slow Bar (Bar, DistroLocation, American, Burgers, Pub Grub)
533 SE Grand Portland OR
503-230-7767
Adriana says: The best burger I've EVER had. Sexy red booths with high walls make your experience intimate and cozy. I love this place! More...
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 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...
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...
Beaker & Flask (Bar, Haute Cuisine)
720 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...
Brody Theater (Theater, Bar)
16 NW Broadway Portland OR
503-224-2227
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
503-231-9663
MamaCass says: great cocktails, big salads and reasonably priced. I loved the atmosphere and our server was wonderful. More...
East End (Bar, Club, DistroLocation, American, Pub Grub)
203 SE Grand 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
Gold Dust Meridian (Bar, American, Seafood, Soup/Salad and/or Sandwich)
3267 SE Hawthorne Portland OR
503-239-1143
Molleeeb says: Finally a bar I want to go to on that part of the Hawthorne strip! More...
Ground Kontrol (Bar, Club, DistroLocation)
511 NW Couch 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/Live Music Venue, Theater)
1507 SE 39th Portland OR
503-233-7100
Holocene (Bar, Club, Movie Theater, DistroLocation, Haute Cuisine)
1001 SE Morrison Portland OR
503-239-7639
rubyhale says: I seriously take myself all the time. :) More...
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...
LaurelThirst Public House (Bar, DistroLocation, Burgers)
2958 NE Glisan St. Portland OR
503-232-1504
cymbaline77 says: oops I meant to give it a five star rating!! 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...
Matador (Bar, DistroLocation, Pub Grub)
1967 W Burnside Portland OR
503-222-5822
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/Live Music Venue, 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
EmperorWatcher says: Any place that features Copy can't be less than 5 Stars! This time you get Truckasauras too! 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 Portland OR
503-230-7767
Adriana says: The best burger I've EVER had. Sexy red booths with high walls make your experience intimate and cozy. I love this place! More...
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 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/Live Music Venue, DistroLocation)
128 NE Russell Portland OR
503-284-8686

Services

Autzen Gallery (PSU) (Gallery, School/Instruction)
724 SW Harrison St. Neuberger Hall 2nd Floor Portland OR
Blue Sky Gallery (Arts Center, Gallery, Rental)
122 NW 8th Portland OR
503-225-0210
BodyVox Dance Center (Arts Center, Studio/Rehearsal Space, Rental)
1201 NW 17th Ave. Portland OR
503-229-0627
Curious Comedy Theater (Theater, Movie Theater, Ballroom/Event hall, Rental)
5225 NE MLK Portland OR
503-477-9477
MArkV says: Feb 3rd - FMA, Musical Guest SPRINKLES
Hipbone Studios (Arts Center, Studio/Rehearsal Space, Theater)
1847 E Burnside #104 Portland OR
503-231-3994
Marylhurst University (School/Instruction, Gallery)
17600 Pacific Hwy. Portland OR
503.636.8141
Mississippi Studios (Ballroom/Event hall, Movie Theater, Studio/Rehearsal Space)
3939 N Mississippi Portland OR
288-3895
pdxsurfer says: love this place, the staff, and the owners. great sound and always changing environ. re: the previous post above: interesting stuff indeed! knowing a few of the owners, i find your post offensive and not attuned to what miss studios More...
PNCA Feldman Gallery (Gallery, School/Instruction)
1241 NW Johnson Portland OR
503.226.4391
Reed College, Cooley Gallery (Gallery, School/Instruction)
3203 SE Woodstock Portland OR

Shopping

Floating World Comics (Books/Magazines/Comics, Movie Theater)
400 NW Couch Portland OR
503-241-0227
Grass Hut (Gallery, Store)
400 NW Couch St Portland OR
503-241-0227
hungry eyeball says: Grass Hut has moved again, 400 NW Couch St. Portland, Or. 97209... First Thursday art openings from 6pm-9pm every month. Regular Business Hours 11am-7pm seven days a week. Find crafts, goofy toys, limited edition prints and random other stuff. More...

Public Places

Museum of Contemporary Craft (Gallery, Museum)
724 NW Davis Portland OR
503-223-2654
Portland Art Museum (Arts Center, Museum)
1219 SW Park Portland OR
503-226-2811

Most Commented

 

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