Portland Eats ???????

It's rare that my pharma network makes their way out to Portland, Oregon.

But to those who do, we're known for food, keeping Portland weird, rain (but 3-4 amazing months of sunshine), no sales tax, and... well... a few other things.

It's time to focus on food—because who doesn't like food?

This is my Portland guide on the best eats around the city. I'll also note if they're a good place to take clients and what I like about it. These are ranked in no particular order either:

1. Eem Thai BBQ (3808 N Williams Ave #127, Portland, OR 97227)- Thai x BBQ- what a combo. It's a hip, fun vibe. Coming in with a solid 4.7 stars with almost 2000 reviews- you won't be disappointed. The negative: no reservations- it can be a wait but there are shops in the neighborhood. Great for groups under 6. Bar seating for solo or a co-worker that can move pretty quickly.
2. Pizzicato (multiple locations around the city—all will deliver) offers gluten-free and non-dairy pizza options and incredible salads if you're feeling healthy. If you're a pizza fan- this is an absolute must. Most locations offer lots of seating for 8+ people, and the inside is very nice. It's not a slimy old pizza parlor, but a modern, well-lit establishment. Unlike a dimly lit, grimy place with a musty smell, sticky floors, and mismatched furniture, this place is clean and inviting. The walls are fresh and bright, and the counter is organized and tidy. Instead of outdated, greasy ovens, there are state-of-the-art appliances, ensuring a pleasant and hygienic atmosphere.
3. Por Que No (4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215)- your classic trendy Portland taco spot. Order at the counter, get your number, and wait type of place. Chips and guac are a no-brainer. Not a spot to come with clients, but a great spot to go with a few colleagues. Margs are homemade daily and they have all sorts of fun flavors. If it's sunny- the back patio is fun. Fairly noisy- not the best for clients, but great for smaller groups of 2-4.
4. Hat Yai (605 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214)—Hat Yai’s shallow-fried chicken, salty and crunchy, pairs exceptionally well with Malayu-style curry and crispy roti, all available in the popular combo No. 1. It's good for groups of 5-6 max.
5. Ginos (8051 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202)- happens to be in my neighborhood. A classic Italian restaurant serving locally sourced ingredients. The interior is a throwback to the old-school vibes of the neighborhood. The cozy bar area is accented by a turn-of-the-century Brunswick bar. The dining room—once a silent movie theater. Great for clients.
6. OX (2225 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.Portland, OR 97212)—Showcasing prime local meats and fish, OX also features seasonal produce in distinctive preparations. Argentinean-inspired NW fare is cooked on a wood-fired grill. Great for taking clients.
7. kaan (548 SE Ash St, Portland, OR 97214)- Haitian cuisine meets Pacific Northwest bounty at kann, a live-fire restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Gregory Gourdet. Make sure to make a reservation 2+ months out. If you take clients here- you're closing the deal before you walk in the door. This place is incredible.
8. Oma's Hideaway (3131 SE Division St, Portland, Oregon) - a vibrant, maximalist restaurant inspired by the life and spirit of Chef Thomas Pisha Duffly's grandmother, Kiong Tien Vandenberg. Born during the pandemic as a pop-up, Oma’s became a permanent beacon of iridescent light in Portland’s Richmond neighborhood. Good for small groups, including clients.
9. Urban Farmer (525 SW Morrison St, Portland, OR 97204) - Modern NW fare emphasizing steak at a country-chic restaurant in the 8th-floor atrium of the Nines Hotel.
10. Andina ( 1314 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR 97209): This restaurant draws inspiration from Peru's native culinary traditions and the cooking of the country's leading chefs. It brings the warmth of the Peruvian spirit into every aspect of the dining experience.
11. Pine Street Market (126 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204) is an indoor food hall offering many options. My favorite is Little Thai Peacock. It's great for rainy days or if you want variety.
12. Matts BBQ (4233 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217)- surrounded by about 10 other food carts (also walking distance to Por Que No location #2), Matts does BBQ right. My wife, Maryrose Poloni a Texas native, where BBQ has a rich history, found Matts and says it's the only BBQ in the Northwest that compares to back home in TX.
13. Nong Khao Man Gai (609 SE Ankeny St C, Portland, OR 97214 OR food cart: 417 SW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97205)- From an immigrant with two suitcases and $70 in her pocket to an award-winning entrepreneur, this is Nong’s. The food is 10/10. Depending on the client, you can take. Small dining room, picnic tables outside.

Did I forget any?

I'm sure I did—there are a ton of great restaurants/food carts in Portland. Let me know in the comments, and I'll add it to this list.

Bon appétit,

NP