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The namesake dish at Le Pigeon: grilled breast of pigeon.

Dining Best Bets

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Menu shopping outside Ava Gene’s.

Best New Fine-Dining Restaurant

★★★ Muselet $$$ 3730 SW Bond Ave. (p 105)

Best for Festive Celebrations

★★★ Andina $$$ 1314 NW Glisan St. (p 100)

Best for Romance

Chameleon $$$ 2000 NE 40th Ave. (p 102)

Best for Sophisticated Dining

★★★ Blue Hour $$$ 250 NW 13th Ave. (p 101)

Best Dinner Entertainment

Marrakesh $$ 1201 NW 21st Ave. (p 105)

Best for Gourmet Carnivores

★★ Beast $$$ 5425 NE 30th Ave. (p 101)

Best for Vegetarians

Prasad $ 925 NW Davis St. (p 107)

Best Italian

★★ Caffè Mingo $$ 807 NW 21st Ave. (p 102)

Best Pan Asian

★★ Pok Pok $$ 3226 SE Division St. (p 107)

Best Tapas

★★★ Toro Bravo $$ 120 NE Russell St. (p 109)

Best Burger

★★ Yakuza Lounge $$ 5411 NE 30th Ave. (p 110)

Best Pizza

Apizza Scholls $$ 4741 SE Hawthorne Blvd. (p 100); and Ken’s Artisan Pizza $$ 304 SE 28th Ave. (p 105)

Best for Deli Delights

Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen $$ 1038 SW Stark St. (p 105)

Best Cheap Eats

Bunk Sandwiches $ 621 SE Morrison St. (p 102)

Best Brunch

★★ Tasty n Alder $$ 580 SW 12th Ave. (p 108)

Best Happy Hour

Saucebox $$ 214 SW Broadway Ave. (p 108)

Best Desserts

Papa Haydn $$$ 701 NW 23rd Ave. (p 106)

Downtown, Pearl & NW Dining

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Southeast Dining

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North & Northeast Dining

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Dining A to Z


3 Doors Down HAWTHORNE AMERICAN    This neighborhood cafe, hidden down a Hawthorne side street, is a local darling for its happy hour, attentive service, and overall bang for your buck. 1429 SE 37th Ave. (at Hawthorne Blvd.).  503/236-6886. www.3doorsdowncafe.com. Entrees $18–$25. AE, MC, V. Dinner Tues–Sun. Bus: 14. Map p 98.

★★★ Andina PEARL PERUVIAN    You’ve never had nuevo andino cuisine like this: stuffed piquillo peppers, house-made ceviche, squash stew. Many plates are sized to share. Loud, lively atmosphere and very popular, so reserve in advance. 1314 NW Glisan St. (at 13th Ave.).  503/228-9535. www.andinarestaurant.com. Entrees $19–$30; small plates $9 and up. AE, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 17. Map p 97.

Apizza Scholls HAWTHORNE PIZZA    Get in line early for some of Portland’s best pizza—think hot truffle oil, goat horn peppers, and cured pork shoulder—and hope they don’t run out of homemade dough, which does happen. 4741 SE Hawthorne Blvd. (at 48th Ave.).  503/233-1286. www.apizzascholls.com. Pizzas $19–$25. AE, MC, V. Dinner daily, lunch Sat–Sun. Bus: 14. Map p 98.

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Andina’s sophisticated twist on Peruvian food.

★★ Ava Gene’s CLINTON ITALIAN    The sophisticated, Italian-inspired cooking at this contemporary trattoria is inventive without being overly complicated. Share some smaller plates and split a pasta dish and you’ll leave happy. 3377 SE Division. [tel ]971/229-0571. www.avagenes.com. Entrees $18–$37. AE, MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 4. Map p 98.

Back to Eden Bakery Boutique ALBERTA BAKERY    This eco-conscious concern is your source for gluten-free vegan cookies, cakes, pies, and other goodies using mostly local, organic ingredients. Try a green tea whoopie pie. 2217 NE Alberta St. (at 23rd Ave.).  503/477-5022. www.backtoedenbakery.com. Entrees $3–$8. MC, V. All meals daily. Bus: 72. Map p 99.

2397.jpg Bagelworks NORTHWEST BAGELS    Sometimes nothing will do but a toasted bagel with lox and cream cheese. That’s when you head to Bagelworks, the bagel-centric sister of Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen (p 105). Order a breakfast bagel sandwich or a big pastrami, turkey, or whitefish-filled bagel for lunch. 2376 NW Thurman St.  503/954-1737. www.kennyandzukes.com/bagelworks. Entrees: $5–$17. AE, MC, V. Breakfast & lunch daily. Bus: 15. Map p 97.

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Bar Avignon.

Bamboo Sushi LAURELHURST SUSHI    The country’s first certified sustainable sushi restaurant serves guilt-free seafood that happens to be delicious, too. Other locations: 836 NW 23rd Ave. ( 971/229-1925) and 1409 NE Alberta St. ( 503/889-0336). 310 SE 28th Ave. (at Pine St.).  503/232-5255. www.bamboosushi.com. Entrees $9–$14; rolls $4–$8. AE, MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 20. Map p 97, 98, and 99.

Bar Avignon CLINTON PACIFIC NORTHWEST/FRENCH    Criminally delicious craft cocktails taste even better with foraged lettuces, homemade charcuterie, and artisan cheeses. Daily specials may range from rabbit agnolotti to halibut with onions. 2138 SE Division.  503/517-0808. www.baravignon.com. Entrees $22–$27. MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 4. Map p 98.

★★ Beast ALBERTA FRENCH/AMERICAN    Local celeb chef Naomi Pomeroy’s meat-tastic prix-fixe meals—six-course dinners and a four-course brunch—will send vegetarians screaming, but make carnivores swoon. 5425 NE 30th Ave. (at Killingsworth St.).  503/841-6968. www.beastpdx.com. AE, MC, V. Dinner Wed–Sat $102; Sun brunch $45. Bus: 72. Map p 99.

Bijou Café DOWNTOWN AMERICAN    Long before Portland had a food scene, Bijou was serving breakfast and lunch to happy downtown diners. It’s the only place I know of that serves oyster hash. 132 SW Third Ave.  503/222-3187. www.bijoucafepdx.com. Entrees $7–$15. AE, MC, V. Breakfast & lunch daily, dinner Friday. MAX: Oak St. Map p 97.

Biwa INNER SOUTHEAST JAPANESE    Come downstairs into this cozy space for Japanese comfort/bar food like ramen bowls, grilled rice balls, and pickled everything, plus loads of sake choices. 215 SE 9th St. (at Ash St.).  503/239-8830. www.biwarestaurant.com. AE, MC, V. Dinner daily. Entrees $6–$13. Bus: 12, 19, 20, or 70. Map p 98.

★★★ Blue Hour PEARL MEDITERRANEAN/NEW AMERICAN    This long-established restaurant helped put Portland on the foodie map. The menu offers just a few choices, always deliciously prepared and beautifully served (try the 11-course tasting menu for $60). Expect only the freshest local ingredients and a superb wine list. A happy-hour hotspot for downtown and Pearl District professionals. 250 NW 13th St. (at Everett).  503/226-3394. www.bluehouronline.com. Entrees: $26–$38. AE, MC, V. Lunch & dinner Mon–Fri; dinner Sat. Bus: 17. Map p 97.

BRIX Tavern PEARL AMERICAN    This comfortable pub offers unpretentious but solid choices like wild-mushroom pizza, mac and cheese, and potpies, plus pool tables and sports on big screens. 1338 NW Hoyt St. (at 14th Ave.).  503/943-5995. www.brixtavern.com. Entrees: $10–$24. AE, MC, V. Lunch & dinner Mon–Fri; all meals Sat & Sun. Bus: 17. Map p 97.

★★ Broder CLINTON SWEDISH    Smaklig måltid! Tuck into Danish pancakes, a Stockholm hot dog, and, of course, Swedish meatballs at this Scandinavian eatery. Their box lunch is a winner. Broder Nord, 2240 N. Interstate Ave. ( 503/282-5555) serves a smorgasbord dinner on Fridays. 2508 SE Clinton St. (at 25th Ave.).  503/736-3333. www.broderpdx.com. Entrees: $7–$15. AE, MC, V. Breakfast & lunch daily. Bus: 10. Map p 98.

Bunk Sandwiches INNER SOUTHEAST SANDWICHES    Nationally known sandwiches? That’s Bunk, an unprepossessing spot serving a delectable pork belly Cubano and roast chicken salad with applewood smoked bacon and avocado. Check the website for additional locations. 621 SE Morrison St. (at 6th Ave.).  503/477-9515. www.bunksandwiches.com. Entrees $5–$11. MC, V. Breakfast & lunch Mon–Sat. Bus: 6 or 15. Map p 98.

★★ Caffè Mingo NORTHWEST ITALIAN    If you’re looking for a friendly neighborhood restaurant serving fine, simple Italian food made with exclusively local ingredients, show up at Mingo. But show up early or late, or you’ll have to wait—they don’t take reservations. 807 NW 21st Ave.  503/226-4646. www.caffemingo.com. Entrees $12–$28. AE, MC, V. Dinner daily. Streetcar: NW 21st and Northrup. Map p 97.

★★ Castagna HAWTHORNE MODERN EUROPEAN    A prix-fixe dinner here is always a culinary adventure, with fresh ingredients and a mix of textures and flavors. (Cafe Castagna next door is less expensive and open for lunch.) 1752 SE Hawthorne Blvd. (at 17th Ave.).  503/231-7373. www.castagnarestaurant.com. Prix-fixe dinner $65; chef’s tasting menu $98. AE, MC, V. Dinner Wed–Sat. Bus: 14. Map p 98.

Chameleon HOLLYWOOD AMERICAN    This under-the-radar spot earns raves for its intimate atmosphere and covered patio as well as its butternut squash ravioli and coconut cream pie. Most of the veggies come from the chef’s own farm. 2000 NE 40th Ave. (at U.S. Grant Place).  503/460-2682. www.chameleonpdx.com. Entrees: $17–$24. AE, MC, V. Dinner Wed–Sat. Bus: 75. Map p 99.

Chart House SOUTHWEST SEAFOOD    Portlanders have patronized this restaurant for decades. Foodies tend to ignore it, because there’s nothing cutting-edge about its traditionally prepared dishes. But for reliably good food with the best view over the city, drive up the hill to Chart House. 5700 SW Terwilliger Blvd.  503/246-6963. www.chart-house.com. Entrees $23–$37. AE, MC, V. Lunch Sun–Fri, dinner daily. Bus: 1. Map p 97.

Portland Specialties

Regional Northwest cooking is distinguished by its pairings of meats and seafood with local greens, vegetables, fruits, and wines. Salmon (king, Coho, chinook) is the king of Oregon fish, though, to be honest, most of the salmon served and sold in Portland is now from Alaska. Salmon is prepared in seemingly endless ways, but the most traditional method is alder-planked salmon. This Native American cooking style entails preparing a salmon as a single filet, splaying it on alder wood, and slow-cooking it over a wood fire. After salmon, Dungeness crab is the region’s top seafood offering, and crab cakes are ubiquitous on Oregon restaurant menus. The Northwest’s combination of climate and abundant rainfall has also made Oregon one of the nation’s major fruit-growing regions, producing a bounty of pears, blushing Rainier cherries, and berries, including strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. Wild mushrooms are featured on menus throughout the city, so by all means try to have some while you’re here. Oregon is also one of the few places in the world that still grows hazelnuts.

Cheese Bar BELMONT CHEESE/DELI    Portlander Steve Jones won the 2011 Cheesemonger Invitational, making him the world’s top cheese expert, so you know his upscale deli is the place for quality fromage. 6031 SE Belmont St. (at 61st Ave.).  503/222-6014. www.cheese-bar.com. Entrees $8–$11. Tues–Sun lunch & dinner. Bus: 15 or 71. Map p 98.

Chef Naoko Bento Café DOWNTOWN JAPANESE    This downtown lunch favorite uses organic local ingredients in its noodle dishes, tofu bowls, and bento box lunches (try the wild Coho salmon). 1237 SW Jefferson St. (at 12th Ave.).  503/227-4136. www.chefnaoko.com. Entrees $8–$19. AE, MC, V. Lunch Tues–Sat, dinner Wed–Fri. Bus: 6, 43, 45, 55, 58, or 68. Map p 97.

clarklewis INNER SOUTHEAST AMERICAN    Sliding garage doors and a fireplace give one of Portland’s original farm-to-table restaurants a “cozy industrial” atmosphere, with an open kitchen turning out savory dishes such as grilled lamb and black cod. 1001 SE Water Ave. #160 (at Yamhill St.).  503/235-2294. www.clarklewispdx.com. Entrees $14–$39. AE, MC, V. Lunch Mon–Fri; dinner Mon–Sat. Bus: 15. Map p 98.

Coppia PEARL ITALIAN    People come to this quiet wine bar in the Pearl for the golden beet soufflé and delicious Piedmontese specialties like risotto or pappardelle with oxtail ragu—or simply to enjoy a glass of wine with an appetizer. 417 NW 10th Ave.  503/295-9536, www.coppiapdx.com. SE, MC, V. Entrees $22–$28. Dinner Tues–Sat. Streetcar: NW 10th & Glisan. Map p. 97.

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Wings and craft beer at Fire on the Mountain.

Farm Café INNER SOUTHEAST AMERICAN    This snug, homey place with creaky floors brings the farm to your table in the form of imaginative dishes like beet carpaccio, herb-crusted tofu, and a standout veggie burger. 10 SE 7th Ave. (at Burnside).  503/736-3276. www.thefarmcafe.com. Entrees $16–$23. AE, MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 12, 19, or 20. Map p 98.

Fire on the Mountain INNER SOUTHEAST BBQ    Buffalo wings are raised to high art here, with sauces ranging from bourbon chipotle and Jamaican jerk to raspberry habanero and the tongue-melting “El Jefe.” Great beer selection, too. Check website for additional locations. 1706 E. Burnside St. (at 17th Ave.).  503/230-9464. www.portlandwings.com. Entrees $7–$12. MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 20. Map p 98.

Frank’s Noodle House LLOYD DISTRICT KOREAN/CHINESE    Hand-pulled noodles made daily are the specialty here, but the dumplings and hot-and-sour soup are also worth writing home about. 822 NE Broadway St. (at 8th Ave.).  503/288-1007. www.franksnoodlehouseportland.com. Entrees $6–$10. MC, V. Lunch & dinner Mon–Sat. Bus: 9. Map p 99.

2422.jpg Grilled Cheese Grill ALBERTA SANDWICHES    Set in an old school bus, the grill turns out all kinds of gourmet grilled cheese, from the “Kindergartner” to “The Cheesus,” a hamburger between grilled-cheese sandwiches instead of a bun. They also have a cart downtown at SW Alder and Washington. 1027 NE Alberta Ave. (at 11th Ave.).  503/206-8959. www.grilledcheesegrill.com. Entrees $4.50–$9. MC, V. Lunch Fri–Sat; lunch & dinner Sun–Thurs. Bus: 72. Map p 99.

Jake’s Famous Crawfish DOWNTOWN SEAFOOD    Portland’s oldest restaurant, this atmospheric warren of rooms features an ornate bar and a menu dedicated to fish and meat (come at happy hour for less expensive samplings). Jake’s is famous for its crawfish, which come from Lake Billy Chinook in Oregon’s high desert. 401 SW 12th Ave. (at Stark St.).  503/226-1419. www.jakesfamouscrawfish.com. Entrees $15–$48. AE, MC, V. Streetcar: SW 10th & Stark. Map p 97.

Karam Lebanese Cuisine DOWNTOWN LEBANESE    Friendly service and consistently good Lebanese dishes like couscous, kebobs, and fresh-baked pita bread set this place apart. 515 SW 4th Ave.  503/223-0830. www.karamrestaurant.com. Entrees $14–$24. AE, MC, V. Lunch & dinner Mon–Sat; Sun 2pm–8pm. Bus: 15 or 51. Map p 97.

Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen DOWNTOWN DELI    This is Portland, so it’s not just deli food, it’s artisan-made deli food. All your faves are here: chicken soup with matzah balls, chopped liver, latkes, blintzes, knishes, and overstuffed hot pastrami sandwiches. 1038 SW Stark St. (at 11th Ave.).  503/222-3354. www.kennyandzukes.com. Entrees $10–$18. AE, MC, V. All meals daily. Streetcar: SW 10th & Stark. Map p 97.

Ken’s Artisan Pizza SOUTHEAST PIZZA    With an emphasis on the “art,” the crisp-crusted pies at this stone-oven pizzeria are worth the wait. Try the prosciutto and soppressata. 304 SE 28th Ave. (at Pine St.).  503/517-9951. www.kensartisan.com. Entrees $12–$17. AE, MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 28. Map p 98.

Khun Pic’s Bahn Thai BELMONT THAI    It looks like someone’s old Victorian house, but it’s actually one of Portland’s best and most authentic Thai eateries, albeit with leisurely service. 3429 SE Belmont St. (at 34th Ave.).  503/235-1610. Entrees $8–$14. No credit cards. Dinner Tues–Sat. Bus: 15. Map p 98.

Le Happy NORTHWEST CREPERIE    Sweet and savory crepes are served in a charming red-walled nook that seems straight out of a Paris side street (disco ball notwithstanding). 1011 NW 16th Ave. (at Lovejoy St.).  503/226-1258. www.lehappy.com. Entrees $7–$12. MC, V. Dinner Mon–Sat, brunch Sat–Sun. Streetcar: NW Lovejoy & 18th; Bus: 77. Map p 97.

★★★ Le Pigeon INNER SOUTHEAST FRENCH    An open kitchen and a James Beard Award–winning chef (Gabriel Rucker) make this snug spot a consistent standout. It’s a creative spin on traditional French cuisine, from pigeon confit ramen to beef cheek bourguignon. Make a reservation now. 738 E Burnside St. (at 7th Ave.).  503/546-8796. www.lepigeon.com. Entrees $23–$29. AE, MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 12, 19, or 20. Map p 98.

Marrakesh NORTHWEST MOROCCAN    Come for the live belly dancing and North African atmosphere; stay for the surprisingly good five-course dinners. 1201 NW 21st Ave. (at 22nd St.).  503/248-9442. www.marrakeshportland.com. 5-course dinner $20. MC, V. Dinner daily. Streetcar: NW Northrup & 22nd; Bus: 77. Map p 97.

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The open kitchen at Le Pigeon.

★★★ Muselet SOUTH WATERFRONT MODERN AMERICAN    Chef Greg Zanotti’s creative cuisine draws out rich, mouthwatering flavor from local produce, meats, and fish, while Ron Acierto’s encyclopedic wine knowledge takes flight with superlative, sometimes surprising wine pairings. Voted one of Wine Spectator’s top U.S. wine restaurants in 2015. 3730 SW Bond Ave.  503/265-8133. www.museletpdx.com. Entrees $23–$26. AE, MC, V. Dinner Tues–Sat. Streetcar: SW Lane & Bond. Map p 97.

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Spot prawns at Muselet.

★★ Nostrana INNER SOUTHEAST ITALIAN    The wood-oven pizzas and pork dishes get high praise, but it’s the little things that make Nostrana special, such as the fresh-crushed olive oil and a great happy hour. 1401 SE Morrison St. (at 14th Ave.).  503/234-2427. www.nostrana.com. Entrees $16–26. AE, MC, V. Lunch Mon–Fri; dinner daily. Bus: 15. Map p 98.

Olympia Provisions INNER SOUTHEAST CHARCUTERIE    The big lighted sign that says “meat” sums up this place, with some of the best chorizo, pancetta, and charcuterie plates in town. There’s now a second location at 1632 NW Thurman St. ( 503/894-8136). 107 SE Washington St. (at 2nd Ave.).  503/954-3663. www.olympiaprovisions.com. Entrees $14–$18. AE, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 6 or 15. Map p 98.

★★ Paley’s Place NORTHWEST FRENCH    Iron Chef America winner Vitaly Paley turns out exquisite razor clams and rabbit ravioli in a Victorian home in Nob Hill. If it’s nice out, sit on the front porch. 204 NW 21st Ave. (at Northrup St.).  503/243-2403. www.paleysplace.net. Entrees $19–$39. AE, MC, V. Dinner daily. Streetcar: NW Northrup & 22nd; Bus: 17. Map p 97.

Pambiche NORTHEAST CUBAN    You can’t miss the colorful building, and the Cuban creole food is just as exciting, from the “Plato Comunista” to the classic pork sandwiches. 2811 NE Glisan St. (at 28th Ave.).  503/233-0511. www.pambiche.com. Entrees $11–$21. AE, MC, V. Breakfast Sat & Sun; lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 19. Map p 99.

Papa Haydn NORTHWEST AMERICAN    Sure, they serve fresh, tasty bistro fare here—they’ve been doing that for over 35 years—but what really packs ’em in is the dessert case, groaning with banana cream pies and chocolate hazelnut tortes. 701 NW 23rd Ave. (at Irving St.).  503/228-7317. www.papahaydn.com. Entrees $13–$26. AE, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 15. Map p 97.

Park Kitchen PEARL AMERICAN    This parkside place has an ever-changing menu of fresh, seasonal delights, both standard-size and small plates (hot and cold) to share. The blind tasting menu is always a hit. 422 NW 8th Ave. (at Glisan St.).  503/223-7275. www.parkkitchen.com. Entrees $28–$36; small plates $6–$14. MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 17. Map p 97.

Podnah’s Pit NORTHEAST BBQ    Don’t mess with Texas—BBQ, that is, done right at this northeast staple. Pulled pork, ribs, potato salad, it’s all Lone Star–worthy. 1625 NE Killingsworth St. (at 17th Ave.).  503/281-3700. www.podnahspit.com. Entrees: $13–$17. MC, V. Breakfast Sat & Sun; lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 8. Map p 99.

★★ Pok Pok SOUTHEAST ASIAN    You may not be able to pronounce the dishes, but Pok Pok’s tasty take on Asian street food makes it a local favorite. Their Vietnamese fish-sauce wings are a Portland classic. It’s so good that Pok Pok has now expanded to New York and L.A. 3226 SE Division St. (at 32nd Ave.).  503/232-1387. www.pokpokpdx.com. Entrees $12–$17. MC, V. Daily lunch & dinner. Bus: 4. Map p 98.

Por Que No? HAWTHORNE MEXICAN    “Why not?” indeed—this colorful taqueria is excelente in the atmosphere and food departments both, especially during sidewalk-dining weather. 4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd. (at 46th St.).  503/954-3138. www.porquenotacos.com. Tacos $3–$4; entrees $6–$10. MC, V. Daily lunch & dinner. Bus: 14. Map p 98.

Prasad PEARL VEGETARIAN    The name means “holy food” in Sanskrit, and the menu is all organic, gluten-free, and vegan. Choices include curry bowls, wraps, salads, and tempeh scrambles. 925 NW Davis St. (at 9th Ave.).  503/224-3993. www.prasadcuisine.com. Entrees $6–$9. MC, V. All meals daily. Streetcar: NW 10th & Everett. Map p 97.

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Casual Prasad specializes in organic, vegan food.

Produce Row Café INNER SOUTHEAST AMERICAN    Gourmet pub fare—cheese steaks, meatloaf, a stellar burger—and an outdoor patio put this Inner Southeast destination on the map. Try a beer and whiskey pairing. 204 SE Oak St. (at 2nd Ave.).  503/232-8355. www.producerowcafe.com. Entrees $9–$13. AE, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 6. Map p 98.

Rheinlander NORTHEAST GERMAN    Sauerbraten, bratwurst, and käsespätzle, with servers in lederhosen and accordion music while you eat—it’s like a mini–Bavarian village on NE Sandy. 5035 NE Sandy Blvd. (at 50th Ave.).  503/288-5503. www.rheinlander.com. Entrees $13–$19. AE, MC, V. Dinner Tues–Sun. Bus: 12. Map p 99.

★★★ Ringside Steakhouse NORTHWEST STEAKHOUSE    Dining at Stumptown’s oldest steakhouse isn’t cheap, but the steaks are super, there’s an outstanding wine list, and the onion rings were praised by James Beard himself. That’s why this place has been popular for 70 years and is still going strong. 2165 W. Burnside St. (at King Ave.).  503/223-1513. www.ringsidesteakhouse.com. Entrees $30–$65. AE, MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 15, 18, or 20. Map p 97.

Saucebox DOWNTOWN PAN-ASIAN    A chic crowd sips creative cocktails and nibbles dim sum and curries as DJs spin in the evenings; earlier, smart singles come for the super happy hour deals. 214 SW Broadway (at Pine St.).  503/241-3393. www.saucebox.com. Entrees $15–$28. AE, MC, V. Dinner Tues–Sat. Bus: 1, 12, 19, 20, 54, or 56. Map p 97.

Screen Door SOUTHEAST SOUTHERN    Here you’ll find favorites from across the South, including shrimp and grits, beef brisket, and their celebrated buttermilk-battered fried chicken. There’s always a line out the door for brunch—for a reason. 2337 East Burnside St. (at 24th Ave.).  503/542-0880. www.screendoorrestaurant.com. Entrees $10–$18. MC, V. All means daily. Bus: 20. Map p 98.

Shandong Restaurant NORTHEAST CHINESE    A bright spot in Portland’s subpar Chinese-food scene, Shandong offers reasonably priced dishes from northern China, such as crab curry and cherry pork, plus house-pulled noodles. 3724 NE Broadway St. (at 37th Ave.).  503/287-0331. www.shandongportland.com. Entrees $8–$13. MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 77. Map p 99.

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Dry aged beef at Ringside Steakhouse.

Swiss Hibiscus ALBERTA SWISS    Swiss cuisine with a Hawaiian influence (seriously), from fondue to Wiener schnitzel, draws fans to this hidden gem—as does the famous house-made dressing. 4950 NW 14th Ave. (at Alberta St.).  503/477-9224. www.martinsswissdressing.com. Entrees $9–$23. AE, MC, V. Lunch Sat; dinner Tues–Sat. Bus: 72. Map p 99.

St. Jack NORTHWEST FRENCH    Many of the dishes here are old-school classics, with tastes that are delightfully worth rediscovering. Try the cream of tomato soup cooked in a puff pastry, seared foie gras on brioche, or the Lyonnaise onion tart. 1610 NW 23rd Ave.  503/360-1281. www.stjackpdx.com. Entrees $11–$37. AE, MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 15. Map p 97.

★★ Tasty n Alder DOWNTOWN PACIFIC NORTHWEST    Bustling, unpretentious, and on everyone’s short list, this downtown restaurant—sister to Toro Bravo and Tasty n Sons (below)—is a shared-plate kind of place with dishes like crispy fried oysters, radicchio salad, and alder-plank-baked salmon. Super-popular weekend brunch. 580 SW 12th Ave. (at Alder St.).  503/621-9251. www.tastynalder.com. Entrees $15–$44. AE, MC, V. All meals daily. Streetcar: SW 11th & Alder. Map p 97.

★★ Tasty n Sons NORTH PORTLAND AMERICAN    Bacon-wrapped dates with maple syrup are just the beginning at this new American diner spot, a sister restaurant to Toro Bravo (below) and Tasty n Alder (above). Known for gourmet breakfasts. 3808 N. Williams Ave. (at Failing St.).  503/621-1400. www.tastynsons.com. Entrees $8–$22. AE, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 44. Map p 99.

Tin Shed ALBERTA AMERICAN    Vying for the title of top breakfast in town, this “garden cafe” also does a solid lunch and dinner—but starters like sweet-potato French toast and biscuits with bacon gravy are the real draw. 1438 NE Alberta St. (at 14th Place).  503/288-6966. www.tinshedgardencafe.com. Entrees $7–$22. MC, V. All meals daily. Bus: 72. Map p 99.

★★★ Toro Bravo NORTHEAST SPANISH    The tapas at “Brave Bull” are so good you might choose to defend them from your friends instead of share. Standouts include duck liver mousse terrine and the salt cod fritters. 120 NE Russell St. (at Rodney Ave.).  503/281-4464. www.torobravopdx.com. Entrees $7–$17. AE, MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 6. Map p 99.

Urban Farmer DOWNTOWN STEAKHOUSE    A dramatic position in the atrium of the Nines Hotel sets off mostly organic, farm-to-table fare, with outstanding cuts of beef. 525 SW Morrison St. (at 5th Ave.).  503/222-4900. www.urbanfarmerrestaurant.com. Entrees $25–$60. AE, MC, V. All meals daily. MAX: Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave. Bus: 1, 8, 12, or 94. Map p 97.

Veritable Quandary DOWNTOWN AMERICAN    With a prime outdoor patio at one end of the Hawthorne Bridge, this 45-year-old institution is known for its osso buco and duck-confit spring rolls. 1220 SW 1st Ave. (at Jefferson St.).  503/227-7342. www.veritablequandary.com. Entrees $13–$20. AE, MC, V. Lunch & dinner daily. Bus: 4, 6, 10, 14, 31, 32, 33, or 99. Map p 97.

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Spanish tapas rule at Toro Bravo.

Pod People

Food carts have become an official Portland “thing,” on par with fixed-gear bikes and well-worn raingear. These mobile food purveyors merge the city’s idiosyncratic, do-it-yourself vibe with the local passion for good food at a good price, and there are at least a few hundred on the streets at any given time. They usually park in one place for a while (check www.foodcartsportland.com for updates), forming “pods” (clusters) all over town. Here are some of the most established spots:

Downtown:

• SW 5th Avenue and Oak Street (the original Portland pod)

• SW 9th and 10th avenues between Alder and Washington streets

North & Northeast:

• N Mississippi Street and Skidmore Avenue (Mississippi Marketplace)

• NE 21st Avenue and Alberta Street

Southeast:

• SE 12th Avenue and Hawthorne Boulevard (Cartopia)

• SE 32nd Avenue and Division Street (D Street Noshery)

• SE 43rd Avenue and Belmont Street (Good Food Here)

• SE 50th Avenue and Ivon Street (A La Carts)

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Downtown “pod” of food trucks.

Whiskey Soda Lounge DIVISION THAI    Enjoy ahaan kap klaem, Thai drinking food, across the street from sister restaurant Pok Pok: dried cuttlefish, drinking vinegars, and, yes, those famous fish-sauce wings. 3131 SE Division St. (at 31st Ave.).  503/232-0102. www.whiskeysodalounge.com. Entrees $5–$18. MC, V. Dinner daily. Bus: 4. Map p 98.

★★ Yakuza Lounge NORTHEAST JAPANESE    Serving a contemporary version of Japanese bar food, this place offers many small plates to share and an outstanding burger (Kobe beef, of course). 5411 NE 30th Ave. (at Killingsworth St.).  503/ 450-0893. www.yakuzalounge.com. Entrees $10–$18. AE, MC, V. Dinner Wed–Sun. Bus: 72. Map p 99.