Portland is a city we have always wanted to get to. Well, Portland didn’t disappoint. What a fun and crazy city. They do a lot of things well in Portland including food, beer, chocolate, coffee and all things weird and wonderful.

When

We visited Portland in October and the weather was rainy and grey most of the time. We feel we had the true Portland experience! However, it was not super pleasant to be walking around in the rain so visiting in June, July or August may be a better option weather wise.

We Stayed

We stayed in Nob Hill in the Northwest 23^rd St area and we absolutely loved it there! Ingrid’s apartment was really spacious and well equipped, as well as a really convenient location as a base to explore Portland. Within easy walking distance we had loads of restaurants and shops, and more importantly, a Salt & Straw ice cream shop and Blue Star donuts just around the corner.

Getting around

We arranged an Uber to and from the airport and it cost approximately $USD30 each way. You can also catch the MAX (light rail) from Portland airport to downtown. We found Portland very walkable and also used the bus and light rail at times.

You can purchase a $USD5 day pass from machines at some stops, or the driver (correct cash only) and this is the best option if you are doing more than 2 trips in one day.

Must Visit

Dan

When in Portland you just have to visit a Microbrewery! There are over 70 breweries in Portland so there are plenty to choose from. Try ordering a flight so you can try a range of different beers in one visit.

Erika

Food Cart Pod – These are another unique experience in Portland and they offer a wide variety of different cuisines all available on the same block. We tried the Jiang Bing at Bing Mi! and LOVED it – like nothing I have ever eaten before.

Must Eats

Dan

Bunk meatball sandwich – This was hands down the best thing I ate on my whole US trip. I am still dreaming about it. We had searched online for the best Cubano sandwich in Portland, and Bunk seemed to be the pick.

We ordered a Cubano and the meatball sandwich to share and both were delicious. But the meatball was honestly one of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten.

Erika

Salt & Straw – As an avid icecream lover I was really excited to try Salt & Straw. We headed there basically straight from the airport when we arrived in Portland, and were surprised to see a queue on a cold and dreary Monday night.

Let me tell you it is worth the wait and I enjoyed all the flavours I tried over our multiple visits. They are very generous with allowing you to taste test which was awesome.

Keto Finds

Elephant Delicatessen – There are multiple locations around Portland and it is a great place to grab a lunch or coffee. Plenty of salads, meats, cheeses and really great homemade soups.

Mediterranean Exploration Company – We went for happy hour and really enjoyed all the dishes we tried. The baked feta and grilled octopus were great keto friendly options and the staff were open to helping with special dietary requirements. Happy hour is a fantastic option to try the food at a cheaper price and a lot of restaurants offer this option in Portland.

Southland Whiskey Kitchen – When the first thing listed on the menu is crispy pork rinds with pepper dust you know it is a great keto find!

Favourite Experience

Walking Tour – We booked the Epicurean Excursion with Portland Walking Tours at the last minute when the other tour we were planning on doing was not operating, and we were so glad we did! Pat was our guide and she was very knowledgeable about Portland and the food scene.

There were only three of us in the group, we stopped at nine different places and had plenty to eat across the tour. We find a food walking tour is a great way to get your bearings in a new place and also to find restaurants you may want to come back to during your stay.

Wish We Had

Dan

See the Portland Timbers or Thorns play – Unfortunately there were no games on during our stay.

Erika

Waterfalls & Mt Hood – Due to the damage caused by wildfires earlier in the year access to the Columbia River Gorge area was restricted.  The tour we had planned on doing to visit Multnomah Falls was no longer operating. Oh well, I will just have to go back to Portland!

Give it is a Miss

Dan

Japanese Garden – This is a lovely place to have a wander around but based on the cost versus the time we spent there I would not visit it again.

Erika

Voodoo Donuts – Overrated. Go to Bluestar Donuts instead and try the Apple Fritter. You will not be disappointed.

Have you been to Portland? Are you planning a trip there? We would love to here from you in the comments below. Tell us your favourite Portland experience or about any amazing keto finds.

Check out our other time in posts.

• Our time in Hong Kong
• Our time in San Francisco
• Our Time In Big Sur
• Our Time In Yosemite
• Our Time in Portland