Guidebook for Portland
Food Scene
Delicious, simple breakfast. Cheap growler fills ($13-17) and good coffee.
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Ross Island Grocery & Cafe
3502 S Corbett AveDelicious, simple breakfast. Cheap growler fills ($13-17) and good coffee.
Lunch will set you back $5-6 dollars. It's delicious and you won't be able to eat it all.
Sutisa Thai Food
3714 S Moody AveLunch will set you back $5-6 dollars. It's delicious and you won't be able to eat it all.
Don't let the size fool you, these little burgers pack a punch. The fries are some of the best in town.
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Bambuza
3704 South Bond AvenueDon't let the size fool you, these little burgers pack a punch. The fries are some of the best in town.
Excellent food, great happy hour specials, growler fills and more.
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Lair Hill Bistro
2823 SW 1st AveExcellent food, great happy hour specials, growler fills and more.
If you don't know what a gastropub is, you owe it to yourself to check this place out. Dishes and beers are all hand-selected and rotated regularly.
The Groaning Board
3500 South River ParkwayIf you don't know what a gastropub is, you owe it to yourself to check this place out. Dishes and beers are all hand-selected and rotated regularly.
The antithesis of the gluten-free, eco-conscious Portland restaurant culture. Every burger comes with bacon and unlimited fries. Check out the 5-5-5 special: a burger, beer and well shot for $15.
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Killer Burger
4644 NE Sandy BlvdThe antithesis of the gluten-free, eco-conscious Portland restaurant culture. Every burger comes with bacon and unlimited fries. Check out the 5-5-5 special: a burger, beer and well shot for $15.
Everything is delicious. If you're at a loss for a place to eat, go here and thank me later.
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Miho Izakaya
4057 N Interstate AveEverything is delicious. If you're at a loss for a place to eat, go here and thank me later.
Double Dragon
1235 SE Division StThe Banh Mi burger won burger of the year for a reason.
First time I went here, I was nonplussed at the prospect of having to eat vegan food, but I stopped caring after the first bite. Delicious!
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The Sweet Hereafter
3326 SE Belmont StFirst time I went here, I was nonplussed at the prospect of having to eat vegan food, but I stopped caring after the first bite. Delicious!
Best stop for noodles in Portland. Just. plain. delicious.
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Frank's Noodle House
822 Northeast BroadwayBest stop for noodles in Portland. Just. plain. delicious.
Water Avenue Coffee
1028 SE Water AveThis is my favorite spot for coffee in the world.
Bunk Bar Water
1028 SE Water AveGet the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It's amazing.
My favorite place for breakfast in Portland. It's the only restaurant that I've been here a bunch and have ordered everything off the menu. The potatoes are simply perfect.
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Genies Cafe
1101 SE Division StMy favorite place for breakfast in Portland. It's the only restaurant that I've been here a bunch and have ordered everything off the menu. The potatoes are simply perfect.
My third-favorite pizza place in Portland. All the pies are named after the classic metal songs that blare overhead.
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Sizzle Pie West Portland
949 W Burnside StMy third-favorite pizza place in Portland. All the pies are named after the classic metal songs that blare overhead.
Horse Brass is a British style pub with a wide selection of beers on tap and a horse in the race for the best Fish and Chips in the city..
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Horse Brass Pub
4534 SE Belmont StHorse Brass is a British style pub with a wide selection of beers on tap and a horse in the race for the best Fish and Chips in the city..
Pick the rolls off the train as it clacks by. Rolls are fresh and delicious. Even if you gorge yourself you'll likely get out for less than $20.
Sushi Takahashi 2
2415 SW 5th AvePick the rolls off the train as it clacks by. Rolls are fresh and delicious. Even if you gorge yourself you'll likely get out for less than $20.
Generously-proportioned sandwiches. What makes this place special is the fresh-baked bread and locally-sourced ingredients.
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Shut Up and Eat
3848 SE Gladstone StGenerously-proportioned sandwiches. What makes this place special is the fresh-baked bread and locally-sourced ingredients.
Oregon's own answer to In N Out. The burgers aren't anything special. What makes this place shine is its seasonal fries and shakes.
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Burgerville
1135 NE Martin Luther King Jr BlvdOregon's own answer to In N Out. The burgers aren't anything special. What makes this place shine is its seasonal fries and shakes.
Brilliant French-style cafe. Pastries are fresh and delicious. I don't know how it's spelled, but ask for the "Queen Amon." It's delicious.
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St. Honoré Bakery SE Division
3333 SE Division StBrilliant French-style cafe. Pastries are fresh and delicious. I don't know how it's spelled, but ask for the "Queen Amon." It's delicious.
Owned and operated by my old supervisor, Janet. The all-you-can-eat catfish on Wednesdays is unbeatable this side of the Pecos / Mason-Dixon line.
Bailey's Pub & Grub
23788 OR-211Owned and operated by my old supervisor, Janet. The all-you-can-eat catfish on Wednesdays is unbeatable this side of the Pecos / Mason-Dixon line.
The happy hour nachos are delicious and one of my favorites in town. What makes this place special is the daily alcoholic slushy.
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Dots Cafe
2521 SE Clinton StThe happy hour nachos are delicious and one of my favorites in town. What makes this place special is the daily alcoholic slushy.
I'd avoid this place unless your current situation requires a subpar gyro for survival.
Aybla Grill - Grab n Go / Catering Kitchen
I'd avoid this place unless your current situation requires a subpar gyro for survival.
Have you ever been excited at the prospect of waffles? Me neither until I tried this place. Be excited for waffles.
Get an entree and a waffle on the side.
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Off The Waffle Clinton St.
Have you ever been excited at the prospect of waffles? Me neither until I tried this place. Be excited for waffles.
Get an entree and a waffle on the side.
Wood-fired baked goods and pizza. It's nearby Salt and Straw so you can kill two birds with one stone.
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Holiday
Wood-fired baked goods and pizza. It's nearby Salt and Straw so you can kill two birds with one stone.
One of the best pizzas in town. Grab a slice while you gear up for a night of dancing at Goodfoot.
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Baby Doll Pizza
2835 SE Stark StOne of the best pizzas in town. Grab a slice while you gear up for a night of dancing at Goodfoot.
Atlas Pizza
6529 SE Foster RdOne of the best spots for pizza in Portland
Go here after you gorge yourself on tacos at Stella Taco. Great selection of beers, seasonal cocktails and fantastic atmosphere.
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The Station Pizza Pub
2703 NE Alberta StGo here after you gorge yourself on tacos at Stella Taco. Great selection of beers, seasonal cocktails and fantastic atmosphere.
The owners are from El Paso, Texas, where I moved here from. This is the closest you'll get to El Paso-style Mexican food this side of the Pecos. This is one of my most favorite places in Portland.
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Stella Taco
3060 SE Division StThe owners are from El Paso, Texas, where I moved here from. This is the closest you'll get to El Paso-style Mexican food this side of the Pecos. This is one of my most favorite places in Portland.
If you feel like taking the bus to Milwaukie, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better Thai place. Get the Thai coffee!
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Thai Square
8601 SE 17th AveIf you feel like taking the bus to Milwaukie, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better Thai place. Get the Thai coffee!
My new favorite Mexican place in Portland! They have authentic dishes like grilled cactus and the margaritas are perfect!
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Rocio's Mexican Restaurant
2850 SE Gladstone StMy new favorite Mexican place in Portland! They have authentic dishes like grilled cactus and the margaritas are perfect!
Delicious burgers. What makes this place special is the "Cockshakes," or cocktails with alcohol blended in.
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Foster Burger
5339 SE Foster RdDelicious burgers. What makes this place special is the "Cockshakes," or cocktails with alcohol blended in.
Another one of Portland's local ice cream shops. Like the others, they offer monthly flavors in addition to unique staples. What sets this place apart is the option to make your scoop a sandwich between two fresh-baked cookies. Get the lemon shortbread!
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Ruby Jewel Ice Cream
3713 N Mississippi AveAnother one of Portland's local ice cream shops. Like the others, they offer monthly flavors in addition to unique staples. What sets this place apart is the option to make your scoop a sandwich between two fresh-baked cookies. Get the lemon shortbread!
Do you like pork things? This place has almost every cut of pork between two slices of bread. Highly recommended.
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Lardo
1212 SE Hawthorne BlvdDo you like pork things? This place has almost every cut of pork between two slices of bread. Highly recommended.
Go here on Monday's. My friend Mac plays piano from 6:30 until about nine.
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Clyde's Prime Rib Restaurant and Bar
5474 NE Sandy BlvdGo here on Monday's. My friend Mac plays piano from 6:30 until about nine.
Hopworks is a local brewery that prides itself on environmental and social awareness. All ingredients are locally-sourced and sustainable. The art on the walls is by local artists and for sale. All furnishings are reclaimed in one way or another.
Oh, and the food and beer are delicious.
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Hopworks Urban Brewery
2944 SE Powell BlvdHopworks is a local brewery that prides itself on environmental and social awareness. All ingredients are locally-sourced and sustainable. The art on the walls is by local artists and for sale. All furnishings are reclaimed in one way or another.
Oh, and the food and beer are delicious.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
1201 NW Lovejoy StIt's Chipotle.
Truly unique and Oregonian fare. I had the marionberry and habanero wings and they were fantastic.
The Perestroika is one of the best cocktails I've ever had.
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Gold Dust Meridian
3267 SE Hawthorne BlvdTruly unique and Oregonian fare. I had the marionberry and habanero wings and they were fantastic.
The Perestroika is one of the best cocktails I've ever had.
If you want to grab a bite on your way out, Hissho Sushi offers moderately priced and tasty sushi and other Japanese fare in the D concourse.
Hissho Sushi
7000 NE Airport WayIf you want to grab a bite on your way out, Hissho Sushi offers moderately priced and tasty sushi and other Japanese fare in the D concourse.
Hey, do you want to spend $13 on a salad? No, you don't. You're on vacation. Splurge.
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Garden Bar by Evergreens
Hey, do you want to spend $13 on a salad? No, you don't. You're on vacation. Splurge.
A San Francisco-based coffee chain that is on par with Starbucks. There are better options (remember, you're in Portland).
Peet's Coffee & Tea
2340 W Burnside StA San Francisco-based coffee chain that is on par with Starbucks. There are better options (remember, you're in Portland).
Excellent food and cask brews. There's an Irish folk band that plays every other Thursday that is always good.
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The Moon and Sixpence
2014 NE 42nd AveExcellent food and cask brews. There's an Irish folk band that plays every other Thursday that is always good.
Saraveza is a bottle shop and bar that smokes its own sausage. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the northeast.
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Saraveza
1004 N Killingsworth StSaraveza is a bottle shop and bar that smokes its own sausage. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the northeast.
Romantic atmosphere, excellent cocktails and fondue! You cannot go wrong.
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The Melting Pot
1050 SW 6th AveRomantic atmosphere, excellent cocktails and fondue! You cannot go wrong.
Frank wine and flower does exactly what its name suggests. What it doesn't tell you is that they bring in a chef on Thursdays at five who does whatever he wants until close. Check it out!
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Frank Wine Bar
3712 S Bond AveFrank wine and flower does exactly what its name suggests. What it doesn't tell you is that they bring in a chef on Thursdays at five who does whatever he wants until close. Check it out!
My new favorite spot for Chinese food, and it's so close! Get the honey prawns. Absolutely delicious.
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Szechuan Chef
7007 South Macadam AvenueMy new favorite spot for Chinese food, and it's so close! Get the honey prawns. Absolutely delicious.
Jersey Mike's Subs
10035 SW Nimbus AveA chain sandwich shop. Go to Shut up and Eat instead.
Very unique breakfast spot on Mississippi. Get the creme brulee oatmeal!
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Gravy
3957 N Mississippi AveVery unique breakfast spot on Mississippi. Get the creme brulee oatmeal!
Surprisingly delicious restaurant right next to one of Portland's best private movie theaters. Go here before your movie.
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Limelight Restaurant & Lounge
6708 SE Milwaukie AveSurprisingly delicious restaurant right next to one of Portland's best private movie theaters. Go here before your movie.
Ramen shops are the new “thing” in Portland due our water being chemically similar to that in Tokyo. Some shops in Japan have even franchised into Portland. Try the spicy miso!
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Nama Ramen
7952 SE 13th Ave
Ramen shops are the new “thing” in Portland due our water being chemically similar to that in Tokyo. Some shops in Japan have even franchised into Portland. Try the spicy miso!
Go for all-you-can-eat lunch buffet between 11AM and 3PM on weekdays (check their website before you go).
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K-Town Korean BBQ Restaurant
5450 SE 82nd AveGo for all-you-can-eat lunch buffet between 11AM and 3PM on weekdays (check their website before you go).
One of my favorite places to get breakfast in Portland. If you’re familiar with Aardvark sauce, you’ll be pleased to know that the sauce was originally made with their dishes in mind.
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Bertie Lou's Cafe
8051 SE 17th AveOne of my favorite places to get breakfast in Portland. If you’re familiar with Aardvark sauce, you’ll be pleased to know that the sauce was originally made with their dishes in mind.
Excellent bar with fantastic food and cocktails. Head here on a nice day and sit in the expansive patio area.
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White Owl Social Club
1305 SE 8th AveExcellent bar with fantastic food and cocktails. Head here on a nice day and sit in the expansive patio area.
Super hip restaurant in the Mt. Tabor neighborhood. Delicious food and craft cocktails. A bit on the spendy side.
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Redwood
7915 SE Stark StSuper hip restaurant in the Mt. Tabor neighborhood. Delicious food and craft cocktails. A bit on the spendy side.
Poutine fries, fried chicken and waffles, and a great beer selection. What more could you want?
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Hawthorne Theatre
1507 SE 39th AvePoutine fries, fried chicken and waffles, and a great beer selection. What more could you want?
Upscale Asian-inspired restaurant with craft cocktails. A bit on the spendy side, but the view is more than worth it,
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Departure Restaurant + Lounge
525 SW Morrison StUpscale Asian-inspired restaurant with craft cocktails. A bit on the spendy side, but the view is more than worth it,
Great burgers that travel well through airport security. Check out the vintage cars that rotate through the dining room.
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Beaches Restaurant & Bar
1919 SE Columbia River DrGreat burgers that travel well through airport security. Check out the vintage cars that rotate through the dining room.
Southern style food in the Mt Tabor neighborhood. All the restaurants in this area are great, so go to the one with the shortest line.
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Roscoe's
8105 SE Stark StSouthern style food in the Mt Tabor neighborhood. All the restaurants in this area are great, so go to the one with the shortest line.
Awesome dive bar in Eastmorland. The Black Mac is my go-to here, but their TexMex is their claim to fame.
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Kay's Bar
6903 SE Milwaukie AveAwesome dive bar in Eastmorland. The Black Mac is my go-to here, but their TexMex is their claim to fame.
If you're a health nut, you're already familiar with Bob's Red Mill grains. Did you know the mill itself is here in Portland? They also have a small cafe where you can taste their products in person.
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Bob's Red Mill
5000 SE International WayIf you're a health nut, you're already familiar with Bob's Red Mill grains. Did you know the mill itself is here in Portland? They also have a small cafe where you can taste their products in person.
Kachka
960 SE 11th AveAbsolutely delicious Russian food.
Picnic House
723 SW Salmon StGreat downtown bar with delicious food. Check it out!
Drinks & Nightlife
Excellent beer selection. Grab one of my growlers and bring it home.
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The Growler Guys
3739 S Bond AveExcellent beer selection. Grab one of my growlers and bring it home.
Muselet Restaurant & Wine Bar
3730 S Bond AveAmazing cocktails and upscale atmosphere.
A bar modeled after the writings of H.P. Lovecraft.
Answer the call of C'Thulu.
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The Coffin Club (previously known as Lovecraft Bar)
421 SE Grand AveA bar modeled after the writings of H.P. Lovecraft.
Answer the call of C'Thulu.
Fifty beers on tap and even more in bottles. On a nice day, sit on the massive patio and enjoy one of the best bars in Portland.
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APEX
1216 SE Division StFifty beers on tap and even more in bottles. On a nice day, sit on the massive patio and enjoy one of the best bars in Portland.
My old neighborhood watering hole. Go for whiskey and beer (only), stay to watch Groundhog Day (which is always on repeat).
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Brooklyn Park Pub
3400 SE Milwaukie AveMy old neighborhood watering hole. Go for whiskey and beer (only), stay to watch Groundhog Day (which is always on repeat).
A Tiki bar in northeast Portland. Go for the atmosphere that will blow you away. Stay for the delicious Hawaiian food, 300 rums on tap, and fun cocktails.
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Hale Pele
2733 NE BroadwayA Tiki bar in northeast Portland. Go for the atmosphere that will blow you away. Stay for the delicious Hawaiian food, 300 rums on tap, and fun cocktails.
Dark and dancy. This is the place to dance your heart out like nobody's watching (because they can't see you.
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Goodfoot Pub & Lounge
2845 SE Stark StDark and dancy. This is the place to dance your heart out like nobody's watching (because they can't see you.
If you're familiar with Pabst Blue Ribbon, this is the bar that started its worldwide spread.
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Lutz Tavern
4639 SE Woodstock BlvdIf you're familiar with Pabst Blue Ribbon, this is the bar that started its worldwide spread.
One of Portland's premier live-music locations. This bar specializes in Jazz music and has one of the best pianos in the city.
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Jimmy Mak's
One of Portland's premier live-music locations. This bar specializes in Jazz music and has one of the best pianos in the city.
Fresh pie every day, excellent beers on tap and a live DJ. Plus, it's right around the corner from Cheese and Crack!
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Beulahland
118 NE 28th AveFresh pie every day, excellent beers on tap and a live DJ. Plus, it's right around the corner from Cheese and Crack!
Wanna get a beer or good cocktail on your way out? This is a good spot to do that. Plus, you can walk to the airport.
Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel
8235 NE Airport WayWanna get a beer or good cocktail on your way out? This is a good spot to do that. Plus, you can walk to the airport.
Super cool bar on SE Belmont. Lots of other cool bars and restaurants nearby.
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The Liquor Store
Super cool bar on SE Belmont. Lots of other cool bars and restaurants nearby.
High-end bar with low-end prices. Go for the craft cocktails, stay for the live DJ and atmosphere.
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Aalto Lounge
3356 SE Belmont StHigh-end bar with low-end prices. Go for the craft cocktails, stay for the live DJ and atmosphere.
Tryst
19 SW 2nd AveHip bar / club downtown with good burger and craft coctails.
Arts & Culture
Plays indie movies and documentaries. Enjoy a beer, handcrafted popcorn or gourmet meal while you watch.
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Living Room Theater
341 SW 10th AvePlays indie movies and documentaries. Enjoy a beer, handcrafted popcorn or gourmet meal while you watch.
Everything Else
Local, private (non-chain) theater. They show old and first-run movies, documentaries and indie films. Check out their showings. It may surprise you academytheaterpdx.com
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Academy Theater
7818 SE Stark StLocal, private (non-chain) theater. They show old and first-run movies, documentaries and indie films. Check out their showings. It may surprise you academytheaterpdx.com
Parks & Nature
Portland's zoo is home to a newly-reconstructed elephant habitat. Learn about the local wildlife and ecosystems. In summer you can catch a concert here (and it's amazing).
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Oregon Zoo
4001 SW Canyon RdPortland's zoo is home to a newly-reconstructed elephant habitat. Learn about the local wildlife and ecosystems. In summer you can catch a concert here (and it's amazing).
Entertainment & Activities
This is a cool place to see a movie because the seats are assigned, plush leather, and recline aaaaaaal the way. I recommend going to an indie theater first, because they're all over the place here, but this place is nice as far as chains go.
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Century 16 Eastport Plaza
4040 SE 82nd AveThis is a cool place to see a movie because the seats are assigned, plush leather, and recline aaaaaaal the way. I recommend going to an indie theater first, because they're all over the place here, but this place is nice as far as chains go.
Movie theater, arcade, and family fun center. This place is an absolute blast, and cheap to boot! You can get a ticket, popcorn and soda for less than $15.
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Wunderland Milwaukie Cinemas
11011 SE Main StMovie theater, arcade, and family fun center. This place is an absolute blast, and cheap to boot! You can get a ticket, popcorn and soda for less than $15.
Fantastic hookah lounge. Great, gothic atmosphere and music. Go here for desert after dinner at Sweet Hereafter.
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12 King StreetFantastic hookah lounge. Great, gothic atmosphere and music. Go here for desert after dinner at Sweet Hereafter.