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PORTLAND
CULINARY EXPLORATION IN OREGON
PORTLAND = POD CITY
Portland isn't the biggest city in America, but there are few places that I enjoy going to more to explore food. The Bridge city is second to none for street food, crazy pod groupings, and amazing places to eat. It may not have all the crazy ethnic boroughs or the draw of New York for famous chefs, but Portland is one DAMN good food town. You can easily get lost eating here for weeks and not run out of options. Thirsty? Just throw a stone and you may hit one of their award-winning microbreweries. Portland is my type of city, amazing outdoor activities, great restaurants, ethnic food pods, and an almost unlimited supply of craft beer. Want to know where to eat in Portland, then take a stroll down my Pig's list for the pod city.
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The Pig
VIDEO: TRAVEL GUIDE - PORTLAND, OR
PIG'S PICKS
Where to eat Thai, find food pods, and drink micro-brews in Portland.
POK-POK
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: THAI STREET FOOD
WHEN: You want to try some of the best Thai in the country, in a casual setting.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Fish sauce chicken wings
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Neua Naam Tok
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WHY: A landmark Thai restaurant, and a bucket list stop. Pok-Pok will change how you look at Thai food.
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SALT & STRAW
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: CRAZY GREAT ICE CREAM
WHEN: You want to try the best.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT: (multiple locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Sea salt with caramel ribbons
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Try a flavor of the month
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WHY: Their common flavors are others fringe, like Pear & Blue Cheese, Olive Oil, or Strawberry Honey with Balsamic vinegar. This is an Ice cream place that didn't loose sight that ice cream is fun.
NONG'S KHAO MAN GAI
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHY: The sauce is borderline transcending. It is simple Thai street food at its best. They have two locations, one cart in the Alder street food pod, and a brick and motor, both are worth the trip.
WHAT: THAI STREET FOOD
WHEN: You want to experience street Thai in a super relaxed casual setting.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT: (2 locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Chicken & rice
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ARTIGIANO'S
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: FINE DINING ITALIAN CART
WHEN: You have a couple hours for date night.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Menu changes daily
WHY: Locally sourced Italian food served family style from a small red food cart. The food was fine dining quality served on disposable plates, and truly inspired flavors from a dedicated chef. Possibly the best food cart experience in a city known for street food. It is seasonal, so verify that they will be open before you go.
BLUE STAR DOUGHNUTS
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: UPSCALE DOUGHNUTS
WHEN: you're ready for adult doughnuts, at adult prices.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Orange olive oil
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Cointreau creme brulee
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Blueberry Bourbon Basil
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WHY: The best doughnuts I have had from a flavor and technical point. Sure they may not have a captain crunch crueler, but they do have creative adult flavors. They are an amazing treat any time of the day. blue star makes a strong case that doughnuts may be the new cupcake. Their motto is quality over quantity and they deliver on it.
HAT YAI
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: THAI FRIED CHICKEN
WHEN: A couple of friends and want to a casual dinner.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Hat Yai fried chicken
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Roti and house curry
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WHY: The fried chicken is amazing on its own, but then they give you a sauce to pour over, oh my goodness. Get a side of roti and some of the house curry, and get ready to fall in love.
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TIDBIT / DIVISION STREET FOOD POD
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: AWESOME STREET FOOD
WHEN: A quick lunch or a group of friends who want to hang out and have a beer with dinner.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Paper bag stone fired pizza
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Smaaken, waffle sandwiches
WHY: This is my first stop everytime I'm in Portland and the weather is decent. Tidbit has great food options and nice places to sit and enjoy your lunch. I would rank this as a must walk through if close by.
APIZZA SCHOLLS
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: TOP SHELF HANDCRAFTED THIN CRUST PIES
WHEN: A family or friends night out for pizza.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
4741 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Diablo Blanco
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Amatricana
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WHY: I ate at over ten pizza places in Portland, and these guys were the best. Great crust and top notch toppings.
PYRO'S PIZZA
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: STONE FIRED PIZZA
WHEN: In the mood for one of Portland's many great street pizzas.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
Portland, OR 97214
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Margherita
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WHY: They serve up authentic Italian wood fired pizza late into the night. The crust is aged for 48 hours and the sauce is fresh and light. The best pizza from a cart this Pig has had.
TASTY N ALDER
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: INVENTIVE AMERICAN
WHEN: Brunch with family and friends.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Bim bop bacon and eggs
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WHY: Tasty n Alder has very inventive brunch food, in fact they serve brunch every day of the week. This is another Portland institution where the locals line up.
LITTLE BIG BURGER
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: LITTLE BURGERS BIG TASTE
WHEN: You have to feed some kids who want burgers in this city of amazing food.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT: (multiple locations)
WHAT TO ORDER:
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Cheeseburger
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Truffle fries
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WHY: Tiny juicy burgers, but the fries were the real star inmy eyes. Crispy yukon gold potatoes flavored with sea salt and white truffle oil. This is a regional chain with hipster vibes.
ALDER STREET FOOD POD
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: STREET FOOD PODS
WHEN: You have a couple of people, and want to explore for lunch.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Nong's Khao man gai
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Bing Mi
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WHY: I could spend all day eating and exploring at the corner of Alder & 10th. More than 40 different food shacks wrapping around a full city block. They can range from upscale grilled cheese to traditional Ethiopian dishes. While some of the carts are open for dinner it is primarily a lunch spot.
AN XUNEN BAKERY
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: VIETNAMESE BAKERY
WHEN: A super casual little bakery for a Vietnamese classic to go. No seating.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Combination
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WHY: I was told about this bakery by a waiter at Artigiano's, as the best Banh mi in the city. It was simple and surprising at the same time. Made on in house made bread, it was plain magnificent, and worth multiple trips.
LUCKY LABRADOR
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: HAND CRAFTED BEER
WHEN: Looking for a place to hang out and grab a few beers with friends.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT: (4 locations)
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WHAT TO DRINK:
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Bike route rye
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Black lab stout
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WHY: Small batch beer from milling the grist all the way through the fermentation. Lucky Labrador has a few locations, but this is the original spot. With the great beer and a lively rustic atmosphere, the Lucky Labrador wasn't just my favorite Portland brewery, it lands in my top five across the country.
MAURKIN RAMEN
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: JAPANESE NOODLES
WHEN: It's a cold day and you want a warm bowl of soup to warm you up.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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WHERE: (2 Locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Tonkotsu red
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WHY: Maurkin was described to me by other chefs as the most authentic ramen outside of Japan. After a little research, I found that they are actually a Japanese based restaurant. This was spectacular ramen and some of the best I have had.
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TOV COFFEE
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: COOL COFFEE
WHEN: You want a caffine buzz in a funky creative environment.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Mocha
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Egyptian Coffee
WHY: Because a great coffee experience shouldn't be rushed, and shouldn't be average. Tov's is the coolest use of a double decker bus I have seen and maybe the best cup of Turkish coffee in the city. Make sure to give yourself a little time and treat yourself to a Egyptian coffee in the funkiest coffee shop around.
PINE STATE BISCUIT CO.
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHY: They make magic with biscuits. The gravy is something to behold, every last thick gooey drop. Go early, hungry, and ready to enjoy every sloppy bite. Get the Reggie deluxe with extra gravy.
WHAT: BISCUIT SANDWICHES
WHEN: You want a stick to your ribs breakfast.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT: (multiple locations)
1100 SE Division street
Portland, OR 97202
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Reggie deluxe
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FRIED EGG I'M IN LOVE
PIG SCORE: 3.85 / 4.0
WHAT: BREAKFAST FOOD TRUCK
WHEN: A quick breakfast on the go
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Sriracha-Mix-A-Lot
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Yolko Ono
WHY: This little stationary food truck, makes serious breakfast sandwiches a chef can be proud of. I loved the quality of the bread and toppings, and went back twice.
CHICKEN & GUNS
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: RUSTIC PERUVIAN CHICKEN
WHEN: You are hankering for grilled chicken in an outdoor setting.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Latin roast chicken
WHY: A Latin chicken shack with a Peruvian groove. Chicken & Guns is one of my favorite food stands in Portland; it is one of my top places to grab a bite in general. They focus on one thing and do a great job at it. Just ignore the sticky counter.
THE ORIGINAL HALIBUTS
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: FISH FRY
WHEN: Great after work dinner.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO EAT:
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Wild caught Halibut
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Deep fried Salmon
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Fried prawns
WHY: I'm a Milwaukeeian, home of the countries fish fry capital, and Original Halibut has some really high quality twist that are far and away some of the best I
PINE STREET MARKET
(INDOOR FOOD POD)
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: INDOOR FOOD POD
WHEN: It's raining yet again and you want some street food.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Maurkin Ramen
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Kim Jung Smokehouse
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OP Wurst
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WHY: Raining in Portland, but want some food pod action? Pine street market is the cure, it is an urban indoor food pod. It has big communal tables as well as small personal areas, and plenty of great food options.
KEN'S ARTISIAN BAKERY
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: ARTISENAL BAKERY AND DELI
WHEN: A quiet lunch with a great cup of coffee.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Grilled Cheese
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Croque Monsieur
WHY: Artisanal baked goods and bistro fare in a relaxed setting. Not to mention that this is some of the top craft bread your going to find in the country.
DESCHUTES BREWERY
PIG SCORE: 3.75 / 4.0
WHAT: MICRO-BREWERY
WHEN: A great place for hanging with friends.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
210 NW 11TH Avenue
Portland, OR 97209
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WHAT TO DRINK:
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Black butte Porter
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WHY: Deschutes has been one of my favorites for years, and for that reason, I will give it a pass on the fact that it has a VERY big micro brewery feel with gourmet pub food, still locally owned and operated. It is a fantastic place to go for a casual beer.
BIBLE CLUB
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: A PROIBITION STYLE SPEAKEASY
WHEN: A special night out for drinks with just a few people.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Penicillin
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Tamarind punch
WHY: It looks like a quiet house on a residential block but behind the unassuming front door is a secret speakeasy. It is a small walk in only and they only have 38 seats, no more. But they do have a secret secret outside patio bar in the backyard called the revival while you wait.
FRANK'S NOODLE HOUSE
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: HAND PULLED NOODLES
WHEN: A Casual night out for Asian pasta
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO EAT:
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Hand pulled noodles with shrimp
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Hand pulled noodles with black bean sauce
WHY: They specialize in hand pulled noodles and Northwest Chinese dishes.
THE ORIGINAL SCHNITZElWICH
FROM TABOR
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHY: This monstrosity of a sandwich is enough for a small family or a hungry teen in the middle of a growth spurt. Breaded pork loin in a Ciabatta roll with lettuce, paprika spread, sautéed onion, and horseradish.
WHAT: ONE HELL OF A SANDWICH
WHEN: Street food for lunch
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Schnitzelwich
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SMAACKEN WAFFLE SANDWICHES
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: WAFFLE SANDWICHES
WHEN: You want waffle and a sandwich.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
2880 SE Division St
Portland, OR 97202
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Fat Elvis
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Britewood
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WHY: Hello, waffle sandwiches, that's why! Who needs boring old bread when you can slap together two crispy griddled waffles. I got the fat Elvis and yes it was worth it. Smaacken which is Dutch for "Tasty" is located inside the tidbit / Division street food pod.
LARDO'S
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: PIG FOCUSED SANDWICH SHOP
WHEN: Casual time out with friends.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT: (2 Locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Tonkotsu red
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WHY: Be prepared to be wowed by the size and quality of these sandwiches. This is a food truck that turned to brick and motor. The sandwiches are meat focused with a cool international flare.
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WAFFLE WINDOW
PIG SCORE: 3.6 / 4.0
WHAT: WAFFLE CENTRIC MENU
WHEN: Casual breakfast or lunch
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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map it: (4 locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Fried chicken and waffle​
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The three B's (bacon, brie, & basil)
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A dessert waffle
WHY: How creative can you get with waffles? Here is your answer. This is a cool place with tasty food.
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BOLLYWOOD
PIG SCORE: 3.5 / 4.0
WHAT: INDIA STREET FOOD
WHEN: A casual sit down dinner of Indian street food.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT: (2 locations)
WHAT TO ORDER:
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Tonkotsu red
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WHY: A casual stop for Indian street food in Portland. Served on steel plates and cups. This is very authentic and yet approachable Indian street food.
STANICH'S
PIG SCORE: 3.5 / 4.0
WHAT: BEST BAR BURGER
WHEN: You want a great bar burger with friends.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Nick's cheeseburger
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WHY: A messy joy known as the Nick with onions. The special creamy sauce they put on it takes this to a higher level than a normal bar cheeseburger.
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HAIR OF THE DOG BREWERY
PIG SCORE: 3.4 / 4.0
WHAT: HIGH ALCOHOL BREWERY
WHEN: You're in the mood for a strong beer.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO DRINK:
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The Fred
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Lila
WHY: A microbrewery in every sense of the word. It is small, single unit, locally owned, and the beer is brewed on the premises by the owner Alan Sprints. The beer's names may seem weird, he names them after people who inspired him. Make sure you try the FRED it was my personal favorite, no clue who Fred is though.
GRASSA
PIG SCORE: 3.4 / 4.0
WHAT: HAND CRAFTED PASTAS
WHEN: Your looking for a fun pasta night with family or friends.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Pasta Carbonara
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Pork belly mac & ccheese
WHY: A Italian café slinging hand crafted pasta in an industrial setting. Come sit at the communial tables, and enjoy fresh pasta in a fun atmousphere.
VOODOO DONUTS
PIG SCORE: 3.4 / 4.0
WHAT: WILD DOUGHNUTS
WHEN: It's late and you want a sugar rush.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Voodoo doll doughnut
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Bacon Maple long john
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WHY: Voodoo is a Portland institution. They have crazy imaginative flavors and hilarious voodoo doll doughnuts. They are a little on the sweet side, but delicious. Every dozen comes in a pink box that is easily identifiable from 50 feet away. Be prepared to wait in line as this is a popular destination.
THE GANTRY AT ZIDELL YARD FOOD POD
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: FOOD PODS
WHEN: It's lunch and you want to explore food pods.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Ash pizza
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Mini burgers
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WHY: The Gantry has some fantastic food options but closes a little early, so make this just a lunch option.
REEL M' INN TAVERN
PIG SCORE: 3.2 / 4.0
WHAT: FRIED BAR FOOD
WHEN: You want a dive to hang out in with good fried chicken.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Fried chicken
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Jo-Jos
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WHY: A dive bar with great broasted chicken and penny slots. Each basket of fried chicken comes with six different sauces. Get some jo-jo's, the thickest largest fry you have seen. Reel e'm inn is small and may have a line for the chicken, but grab a beer and enjoy the wait.
WEBSITE: N/A
POR QUE NO? TAQUERIA
PIG SCORE: 3.2 / 4.0
WHAT: MEXICAN TACOS
WHEN: Yo Quiero tacos
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Barbacoa Taco
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Aguas Fresca
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WHY: A fun Mexican taco offerings with a eclectic Mexican atmosphere. The seating options are plenty and the building has a true Portland vibe.
BING MI
PIG SCORE: 3.2 / 4.0
WHAT: CHINESE STREET FOOD
WHEN: You want to try Chinese street food for breakfast.
PRICE: $
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Jian Bing, extra egg
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WHY: Asian crepes are getting real hot, and this is very cool Chinese street food. It's made to order and it is a light breakfast or lunch.
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TIN SHED GARDEN CAFE
PIG SCORE: 3.2 / 4.0
WHAT: BREAKFAST WITH DOGS
WHEN: You want to have a leisurely breakfast with mans best friend.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Everything Naughty
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The Benni HIll
WHY: They serve good American cuisine in a casual dog friendly setting. BONUS, they even have a dog menu for your best friend.
LIFE OF PIE
PIG SCORE: 3.2 / 4.0
WHAT: WOODFIRED PIZZA
WHEN: For a Italian pizza and a glass of wine
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
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MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Marinara
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Seasonal Mushroom with truffles
WHY: A casual environment serving some fanastic pies with quality toppings. Great crust with house made mozzarella cheese.
