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10 Reasons To Visit Portland, Oregon, This Spring

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Portland is a city that’s easy to regularly check in on, and that’s because promising new spots, especially restaurants and bars, are popping up all the time. And with spring officially in the air and summer just around the corner, right now – just ahead of the upcoming travel rush – is a sublime time to schedule a trip to the City of Roses.

Below, 10 reasons why you should visit Portland, Oregon, this spring.

Ace Hotel Portland

What’s old is new again at this Portland mainstay. Though the boutique hotel occupying a historic downtown structure has maintained its hip reputation since opening in 2007, the pandemic offered a unique opportunity to shift gears and freshen up. The 79 rooms are lighter and brighter than ever, thanks to a crisp paint job, lots of added greenery, and custom touches like batten wall features, APC denim blankets, and black chairs. And though the property’s restaurant Clyde Common regrettably shuttered earlier this year, in its place a complimentary breakfast of Stumptown Coffee, Smith Teas, and St. Honore pastries is offered daily in The Pantry to hotel guests.

Kimpton Riverplace Hotel

Despite being one of Portland’s more classic properties, Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel manages to feel reserved for those in-the-know – which is a surprise, given its scenic waterfront location, 84 rooms and suites done up in a handsome, lodge-inspired design, and new chef at its restaurant King Tide Fish and Shell. Peruvian-born Alexander Diestra brings 18 years of experience to the revamped menu, which translates into artful, seafood-driven plates with Peruvian and Japanese flourishes. His Kanpachi Crudo, for example, features slices of buttery fish dressed with avocado, capers, blood orange, and chili vinaigrette so every bite is equal parts savory, tangy, and spicy.

Albina Soul Walk

Available for free on the ECHOES mobile app, Albina Soul Walk is a self-guided, one-mile audio tour created by artist Megan Hattie Stahl, curated by Bobby Smith, and narrated by lifelong Portland musicians Calvin Walker and Norman Sylvester. It chronicles how the Northeast neighborhood was once home to an incredibly vibrant soul music scene from the 1960s to 1980s, and gradually dissolved because of systemic racism and gentrification.

Oyatsupan

It’s not new. It’s not even technically in Portland, though Beaverton an easy drive from downtown. But this charming and inviting Japanese bakery owned by veteran baker Hiro Horie is an absolute must when you’re in town. Though Oyatsupan bakes about 70 treats all from scratch, you can’t go wrong with more classic items like the pillowy-soft and subtly sweet milk bread – Horie’s dough undergoes a 24-hour fermentation – custardy egg salad sandwich, and savory beef curry donuts.

Phuket Cafe

Because hot spot Phuket Cafe doesn’t take reservations, arrive at least ten minutes ahead of opening – yes, there will already be a line – to secure a table. Your patience will be rewarded with chef and owner Akkapong “Earl” Ninsom’s imaginative Thai-inspired menu of savory-sweet pandan cheese roti (add the salmon roe), zesty striped bass ceviche, and showstopping Thai Paella with plump mussels and a “dry” tom yum. Save room for the crepe cake flavored with black sesame, coffee, and passionfruit.

Lazy Susan

Another buzzy spot by Earl Ninsom, Montavilla’s Lazy Susan whips up approachable, comforting dishes – many of which are cooked over a natural coal fire. Start with the smoked whitefish spread with fried saltines, before diving into the Backyard BBQ Grill-Burger. Easily one of the city’s best, this version with a beef patty, American cheese, special sauce, and pickles is everything a burger should be: straightforward and satisfying. Even better? It arrives with two gloriously crispy hash browns.

St. Beatrix

It’s nearly impossible to drop by St. Beatrix, the tiny but mighty bakery owned by Jess Smith, without wanting to try, well, everything. And that’s because of Smith’s penchant for unexpected, but surprisingly cravable flavor combinations – on my visit, there were blackberry marshmallow coconut muffins and scones with green chili, cheddar, and cream cheese – and her positively pretty custom cakes adorned with fresh flowers.

The Sports Bra

Jenny Nguyen opened The Sports Bra on NE Broadway for one reason: to address the glaring inequality between men’s and women’s sports. To that end, her cleverly-named bar is dedicated exclusively to women's sports. From the paraphernalia decorating the space to the women’s games playing on the TV screens, everything here champions the largely overlooked athetic accomplishments of women.

Gabbiano’s

Gabbiano’s has everything you’d expect in a classic, red sauce joint. The vibe is laid back and lively, and the portions are generous. But where it differs from other old-school spots is in its subtly elevated recipes. The spaghetti with marinara is made with chewy, handmade noodles enrobed in a silky and buttery tomato sauce, while the popular fried mozzarella is shaped into “shots” and filled with the house marinara.

Mikiko Mochi Donuts

The mochi donut trend that’s sweeping across the country has landed in the City of Roses at Mikiko Mochi Donuts. Owned by partners in work and life Alex McGillivray and Emily Mikiko Strocher, this cozy Northeast shop turns out the springy, chewy treats in whimsical flavors such as Yuzu Vanilla Funfetti and Horchata Pudding. And because they’re baked and dairy- and gluten-free, you can indulge in more than one.

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