Things to do in Portland
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Pad Thai Kitchen
Delicious Thai food served with a no-nonsense briskness. Order the drunken noodles, pumpkin curry or, of course, sweet and sticky pad thai.
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Otto's Sausage Kitchen
Awesome house wieners, chicken sausages and pork links grilled up outside a deli in the Woodstock neighborhood. Look for the smoke.
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Oregon Convention Center
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Old Town & Chinatown
The core of rambunctious 1890s Portland, the once-seedy Old Town used to be the lurking grounds of unsavory characters, but today disco queens outnumber drug dealers. It's one of the livelier places in town after dark, when nightclubs and bars open their doors and the hipsters start showing up.
Running beneath Old Town's streets are the shanghai tunnels, a series of underground corridors through which unscrupulous people would kidnap or 'shanghai' drunken men and sell them to sea captains looking for indentured workers. Call the Cascade Geographic Society for tours.
The ornate Chinatown Gates define the southern edge of Portland's so-called Chinatown – you'll be lucky to…
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Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Located in Sellwood, this large wetland has a nearby bike path and good bird-watching.
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Nostrana
Wood-fired pizzas (served uncut for authenticity), pasta with lamb bacon and flat iron steak with arugula round out the classic Italian dishes at this very popular gem of a restaurant. Chef Cathy Whims makes meals feel special, and the three-course dinner for $25 is a steal. Reservations are a good idea.
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Northwest Motorcycles Adventures
Rentals and tours.
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North Clackamas Aquatic Park
About 10 miles south of downtown Portland are these water slides and indoor wave pool. There's also an outdoor volleyball court and climbing wall, along with adults-only hot tub. Hours vary widely, so call ahead.
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Nong's Khao Man Gai
Tender poached chicken with rice. That's it – and enough.
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Navarre
The kind of place that feels truly European: no frills, with a serious food focus. A paper-list menu lists various small plates (don't call them tapas), which rotate daily – though a few popular dishes are fixed commodities. Expect a simple and truly delicious approach to crab cakes, lamb and roasted veggies. Weekend brunch is just as good.
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Music Millennium
In the age of dying record shops, this place is a revelation. Extensive collections of everything from classic rock to straight-up classical. Check the listings of live in-store performances and grab a 'Keep Portland Weird!' sticker while you're here.
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Museum of Contemporary Craft
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Mother's Bistro
Upscale downtown brunch spot offering a guaranteed wait.
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Mission Theater
Come early for a front-row balcony seat at this beautiful McMenamins theater.
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Mill Ends Park
Having the largest park (Forest Park) within city limits perhaps isn't an oddity, but having the smallest one might be. Mills End Park – located on the median strip at SW Naito Parkway and Taylor St – is a circle of green 24in in diameter (it's the reputed home to leprechauns).
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Mazamas
Plug into the outdoor-adventure community with courses on mountaineering, rock climbing and Nordic skiing, among others, run by this educational organization.
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Loyly
- Portland, USA
- Activities › Spa
Scandinavian-style steam and sauna facilities, plus Swedish massage.
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Lovejoy Bakers
An open, airy space fills with the sweet smells of fine baked goods. Fresh breads become memorable sandwiches, served alongside crisp salads and warming soups. An affordable dinner menu means mussels, cheese plates, fish, burgers and wines by the glass, or simply stop by for a croissant and coffee to start the day.
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Lloyd Center
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Little T American Baker
Best baguette in town, as well as quiches, salads and pastries.
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Little Big Burger
A simple six-item menu takes fast food to the next level with mini burgers made from prime ingredients. Try a beef or veggie burger topped with cheddar, Swiss, chevre or blue cheese, with a side of truffled fries – then wash it down with a can of craft beer or a root-beer float. Heaven on earth.
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Laurelwood Public House & Brewery
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Laurelwood Public House & Brewery
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Laurelhurst Theater
Great pizza-and-beer theater with nearby nightlife.
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Laurelhurst Market
Hugely vegetarian-unfriendly is this hip and meaty spot, where grass-fed steaks, pork chops, briskets and mussels frites (!) dominate the menu. Or try the popular and excellent bacon cheeseburger with white cheddar and aioli – yum. Just be prepared to wait; no reservations for parties under six. There's also a small butcher counter selling quality meats and great lunchtime sandwiches.
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