While we were working in California we got the opportunity for a 4-day weekend over Thanksgiving, so we wanted to go explore someplace new and find an awesome Thanksgiving dinner. We contacted our friend Steph whose hometown is Lake Oswego, OR to see if we may join her family for a long weekend. She graciously said yes and off we went to have our first visit to the Portland area!
The Long family who so kindly took us in for Thanksgiving on the west coast!
Portland Breweries
During our short stay in Portland we had to check out some of their well-known breweries. Luckily, pretty much every brew spot is downtown and in close proximity, even walking distance between some. We started off seeing the Deschutes Pub in downtown for a quick bite to eat before more sampling of good beer. While Deschutes did not start in Portland, their pub certainly is a mainstay. Our top choices were Jubelale (winter ale), Pacific Wonderland (lager), and The Abyss (barrel aged imperial stout).
Deschutes Brewery
Our next stop was the Rogue brewpub which is walking distance, just north from Deschutes. While it does not have the massive size of Deschutes, it is also still a mainstay in Portland that is not going away anytime soon. Our top tries here were the Dead Guy Ale and Hazelnut Brown Nectar Ale.
Just to the west of Rogue is the newer 10 Barrel Brewing Co. pub which is again, very much within walking distance. This place has a much more vibrant and upbeat feel with a ton of nicely done woodwork for their walls and bar top along with giant garage door windows. Every sitting or standing area was already packed here when we arrived, so we just hung out by the end of the bar. Our favorite here was Pray for Snow (winter ale).
We then drove east over the river that divides downtown and decided to give Cascade Brewing a go. Unfortunately, this was a very poor choice for us, as we are not huge fans of any sour beers and this company pretty much only makes sours. Nevertheless, we wanted a different experience. We thankfully had only decided to split a flight and it confirmed that we did not ever need to try a sour beer again. We’re sure if you enjoy this type of beer then this would be an amazing spot, as the brewery has a good location and a good vibe. Just not for us.
Deciding that our brewery tour couldn’t end on this note, we hit up one more place called Base Camp Brewing Co. This is also on the east side of the city and has a fantastic up and coming feel surrounding it. They have a giant tent outside the taproom with ample seating to enjoy your time here, and their long bar area has plenty of standing room as your eyes dart around their walls at the outdoor memorabilia. Our top choice here- the S’more Stout- where they light up and roast a marshmallow on top of your beer.
Portland Eats
We hit up Le Bistro Montage, a creole/Cajun restaurant, for dinner one night and waited around 20 minutes for a table to open. To be honest, if we were not with a local, we wouldn’t have ever given this a chance. It’s pretty much located under a highway bridge and has numerous homeless camps around it, but do not let that deter you. This is simply Portland. While we waited for our table, we headed to the back of the restaurant where they have a good-sized bar area. After shooting an oyster shot and grabbing a drink, we were led to our table in the boisterous main room. The best part about this experience- they provide huge portion sizes, and when you inevitably don’t finish your meal, they wrap it up in some sort of aluminum foil creature, such as a narwhal.
Le Bistro Montage – These creations are their to-go boxes!
My first oyster shot 🙂
Le Bistro Montage – These creations are their to-go boxes!
My first oyster shot 🙂
Downtown Farmers Market
On Saturday, our host, Steph, drove us up to the downtown west side riverbank to experience one of the better farmers markets we’ve been to. It was full of tons of different tents loaded with exquisite and odd artwork, mementos, and a wide range of food from Greek gyros to mini donuts.
Voodoo Donuts
Speaking of donuts, we had to make a late-night stop at one of the most renowned bakeries in Portland. Nearly everyone has heard of Voodoo Doughnuts due to their voodoo donut man who bleeds red filling when you stab him with the pretzel stick which is already implanted in him. We got a baker’s dozen with a range from maple bacon to cocoa puffs toppings and were not disappointed.
Voodoo Doughnuts – a Portland classic
Creative and delicious
Adam enjoying a Voodoo doughnut
Voodoo Doughnuts – a Portland classic
Creative and delicious
Adam enjoying a Voodoo doughnut
Other Treats in Portland
If you want something other than donuts to curb your sweet tooth, you can check out Salt & Straw, a homemade ice cream shop serving unique flavors both sweet and savory. Or you can stop by the Cookie Dough Cafe for all types of cookie dough served in a variety of forms!
Salt & Straw – a unique ice cream place
The Cookie Dough Cafe
Salt & Straw – a unique ice cream place
The Cookie Dough Cafe
McMenamins Edgefield
Located east on highway 84 heading along the Columbia River toward the Dalles, McMenamins is another Pacific northwest staple worth a drop in. Their Edgefield property is no doubt one of the cooler options to visit or stay if traveling to Portland. They have a hotel, brewery, distillery, garden, underground game room (shuffleboard, darts, pool) , two restaurants, and moreover an open-air concert venue where a surprising many popular artists have played.
Portland Entertainment
On another night, we were introduced to the darker side of Portland history by going on the Haunted Pub Tour. This was a great way to explore some of the older pubs, venture down into some of the city’s underground “Shanghai” tunnels and get a little spooked out at the ghost stories surrounding a corrupt early Portland scene.
If you’re interested: https://beerquestpdx.com
BeerQuest Haunted Pub Tour
The underground tunnel system in Portland
We explored the creepy tunnels
Attempting to take pictures of ghosts
BeerQuest Haunted Pub Tour
The underground tunnel system in Portland
We explored the creepy tunnels
Attempting to take pictures of ghosts
Definitely a trip worth the 10+ hour drive into the night, and another shout out to Steph and her family for being so awesome and letting us crash their Thanksgiving!