Union Station
Neighborhood: Old Town

800 NW 6th Avenue
Portland, OR 97209

Ed U. writes: "Pardon me, boy, is this the Chattanooga Choo Choo?"
"Who the hell are you callin' 'Boy'?"

I love classic train stations, and Portland has one. So does LA. But not San Francisco. At least not until the Transbay Terminal becomes what it's supposed to be…

Brazen Bean
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

2075 NW Glisan St
Portland, OR 97209

Gabe C. writes: I'm a little on the fence here...so while I'm giving it 4-stars, it's only because the service was friendly...it's a 3.5.  

Cheap martinis.  I can dig it.  I'm a lover of vodka and makers mark....and most other kinds of booze.  All the drinks I had or…

Jimmy Mak's
Neighborhood: Pearl District

300 NW 10th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

Andrew C. writes: The one thing I miss the most about Dizzy's in San Diego is how upon the first note played, the entire house went dead silent. Not a peep, not a whisper. Hell, SNEEZING made you feel guilty and was enough for most folks to excuse themselves from the…

Pizza Schmizza
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

320 NW 21st Ave
Portland, OR 97209

Kelly M. writes: Pizza Schmizza is one of Portland's thriving local pizza chains, easy to pick out by their bright interior decorating scheme and their triangle-shaped-boxes to carry slices in.  

While Pizza Schmizza is far from being my favorite slice in town, their…

Ken's Artisan Pizza
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland

304 SE 28th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209

Laura N. writes: It is so strange to be able to eat Ken's pizza everyday. It was all a part of the ritual, you see.  Standing in line on NW 21st, eagerly awaiting the once-a-week treat of Ken's Pizza, dusting off my TGIM sticker on my bike... In all honesty, Ken's…

Marinepolis Sushi Land
Neighborhood: Pearl District

135 NW 10th St
Portland, OR 97209

Meghann M. writes: That poor guy who married me.  Little did he know what he was getting into.  He feels bad about the whole thing where he wont eat anything adventurous, so he took a trip to Sushi Land with me.  Because I'll pretty much go anywhere with "land" in the…

Mabel and Zora
Neighborhood: Alberta Arts District, Northeast Portland

1468 NE Alberta
Portland, OR 97211

Laura N. writes: Laura rhymes with Zora.

Will you adopt me?

I'm not too sure who these famed "Mabel and Zora" figures are, but I betcha they're young...betcha they're smart...because they have managed to put an affordable collection of the cutest clothes, shoes, art,…

Halo Thai
Neighborhood: Alberta Arts District, Northeast Portland

1625 NE Alberta St
Portland, OR 97211

Lish R. writes: Just got back from my fist visit to Halo Thai and WOW. My first impression was fantastic.

My husband and I tend to enjoy REALLY spicy food. We have tried several other places claiming to cater to different spice preferences but have always been,…

REI
Neighborhood: Pearl District

1405 NW Johnson St
Portland, OR 97209

Michelle B. writes: I want to ride my bicycle...
I want to ride my BIKE!!!!

Sure, this location didn't have the fancy waterfalls or the rock climbing atrium like the flagship REI in Seattle.

But, they do have the same simple bicycle sales techniques.

And, they don't…

Carlyle
Neighborhood: Northwest

1632 NW Thurman St
Portland, OR 97209

Andrea V. writes: Fussy. Pretentious. Teensy tiny portions. Not so teensy prices. Stuck up wait staff. OK food.

There's other places (The Farm, for one) in Portland that aren't so freakin' stuffy and that serve excellent food. And not that I'm vegetarian, but I eat…

Backspace
Neighborhood: Old Town

115 NW 5th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

Laura N. writes: Backspace was full of win this morning when the barrista offered me unsweetened Dragonfly Iced Tea. This may sound, umm, how to say...lame and inconsequential, but let me explain.

Dragonfly makes a couple killer iced teas, but they are all far too…

Anthropologie
Neighborhood: Pearl District

1125 NW Couch St
Portland, OR 97209

Katie S. writes: Wow.. This store is gorgeous.

I hit it up, in the hopes of a little 'fall wardrobe tax free purchasing action,' on my way out of PDX today. This is one of the prettiest, best merchandised Anthropologies I've ever been into.. and it seems like they…

ActivSpace At Lovejoy
Neighborhood: Northwest

1720 NW Lovejoy Street
Portland, OR 97209

Angela B. writes: ActivSpace is a cool concept for artists and creatives craving an urban work space without paying top dollar for rent. In addition to interior units as small as 100 square feet and less than $200 per month, they also offer storefront boutique space…

Utrecht Art Supplies
Neighborhood: Pearl District

1122 NW Everett Street
Portland, OR 97209

Jenny C. writes: "Well that's what happens when you're stupid and in love!"

Everyone has that one family member who can be relied upon for pearls of wisdom.  Mine happens to be my Grandpa, who usually drops these phrases when reminiscing about his early years or being…

Whole Foods Market
Neighborhood: Pearl District

1210 NW Couch St
Portland, OR 97209

Michelle B. writes: I am renaming the Portland Whole Foods to Michelle's Portland Pantry. You don't have to call it that or anything, but it's definitely a more appropriate name for the place when I'm in town.

I go there for bananas, baked goods, and juice in the…

Pizza Schmizza
Neighborhood: Pearl District

1036 NW Glisan St
Portland, OR 97209

Elizabeth E. writes: Pizza Schmizza offers decent pizza that can definitely satisfy that carb, cheese, n' sauce craving that strikes me so often.

Its a bit like a carnival inside - with wacky metal 'art'? and interesting stuff plastered every which way.  Overall the…

Port of Portland the
Neighborhood: Old Town

121 NW Everett St
Portland, OR 97209

Marilynn C. writes: Wooooooo! The Port of Portland rocks!

Owen Jones and Partners
Neighborhood: Pearl District

431 NW Flanders St
Portland, OR 97209

Sav B. writes: The toxic bachelor's stomping agency until a few years back. The bachelor was the account planner/brand steward on Macromedia and Flexcar accounts. Great agency, awesome clients and kickass parties all packed into Portland's Old Town Chinatown…

Genuine Imitation
Neighborhood: St. Johns, North Portland

8926 N Lombard St
Portland, OR 97203

jaine p. writes: The Genuine Imitation Gallery has moved from Old Town to St Johns- making an excellent addition to the neighborhood.  

Vincent & Cassie (owners) have transformed a vacant storefront into a fabulous art venue.  The artwork is so cool, well displayed…

Sydney's
Neighborhood: Northwest

1800 NW 16th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

Danielle K. writes: Sydney's: A place where not only children are seen but not heard, but also adults are seen but not heard.

I mean, this is the quietest coffee shop I've been in. Ever. It's gorgeous with brick walls, vaulted ceilings, and an interesting shape (not to…

Pala
Neighborhood: Old Town

105 NW 3rd Ave
Portland, OR 97209

Chris L. writes: After the Ohm decided to turn its back on the House / Techno scene that served it oh so well for so many years, Pala is really the only downtown club still pumping out that deep chunky house music on a regular basis.  It is hard to review a place…

Liner & Elsen Wine Merchants
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

2222 NW Quimby St
Portland, OR 97210

Alissa R. writes: This place is so amazing, I think its worth an ode...

Liner & Elsen, oh how I love thee,
Your fabulous tastings, all of which are free

Your wine selection reaches far and wide
And your expertise you are happy to provide

What makes you our favorite wine…

Amtrak
Neighborhood: Old Town

800 NW 6th Ave Ste 122
Portland, OR 97209

Brice B. writes: I like riding the train because it makes me feel two ways simultaneously:

-Erudite and European-ish
AND
-Old timey and pioneering

Since I'm typing this on the train,  go ahead and imagine me in a beret with a handlebar mustache.  I promise, it's a very…

Anna Bannanas
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

1214 NW 21st Ave
Portland, OR 97209

Douglas Y. writes: This used to be the alternative to the Coffee Time (which is just up the street) crowd, but now its got the same hipster patrons... sorry, I hate using the word "hipster," but when the Talking Heads come on and three tables are asking if it's The…

Rose's Deli & Bakery
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

838 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR 97210

Laura N. writes: To Rose or not to Rose: A short analytical essay.

Rose's has nice, spunky wait staff.
Rose's has tables.
Rose's has a turkey sandwich with one tomato and one leaf of lettuce.
Rose's turkey sandwich costs $6.99.
Rose's has checkered floors.
Rose's has…

Food Front Cooperative Grocery
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

2375 NW Thurman Street
Portland, OR 97210

Elizabeth N. writes: I do love how everything here is fresh and organic, but compared to the bigger chains or markets, this place isn't something to rave about. I do wish a store like this was near my home, only because of the concept. My main complaint is that we bought…

Kiehl's
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

712 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR 97210

Ron T. writes: Should have an icon for the first guy to review the establishment?

I've graduated from the Creme de Corps moisturizer to Men's Facial Fuel.

I dunno. There is something I can't explain but I feel lighter and fresher with the Facial Fuel.

The staff is…

Twist
Neighborhood: Goose Hollow

30 NW 23rd Pl
Portland, OR 97210

Liz Z. writes: My favorite thing about Twist is the jewelry - they carry a unique selection, ranging in price from reasonable to very expensive. I have bought Vass Luducer, Chrome Hearts, Me & Ro here, to name a few. Also a lovely and artful collection of serving,…

Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy
Neighborhood: Northwest

13 NW 23rd Pl
Portland, OR 97210

Carissa w. writes: This high end pharmacy is a good place to fill a prescription and spend the waiting time shopping around the store for high end organic products. The soaps and shampoos as well as the make-ups are all organic and full of delicious smells. The hair…

NW Neighborhood Veterinary Hospital
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

2680 NW Thurman St
Portland, OR 97210

juliette o. writes: Shortly after my first baby was born, my adorable pooch took to eating my baby's poop filled diapers. I know, TMI! But there is a point. Apparently disposable diapers and fecal matter do not digest well in a dog. It causes lots of barfing and runny…

Alotto Gelato
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

931 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR 97210

Laura N. writes: I know ice cream like Violet Beauregarde knows gum.  And let me tell you: Alotto Gelato is a delight beyond delights for us - the self-proclaimed coinsurers of the creameries.

Only one previous review for this scoop of frozen Italian heaven?   For…

Zuppa Cones
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

2122 NW Glisan St
Portland, OR 97210

Rachel J. writes: I can't find it anywhere online, so I'm unsure of the spelling, (maybe it's "Zuppa") but I do know that it's tasty.  Next time you shop at the NW Trader Joe's, go around lunchtime and hit up this soup cart right next door.  Now you may be thinking,…

Mamma Ro La Bottega Di
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

940 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR 97210

Leonard A. writes: NAME: Mamma Ro'

TYPE OF PRODUCT OR SERVICE: Italian tableware, ceramics, home accessories

ADDRESS: 940 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97210

PHONE: 503-241-4960

GENERAL LOCATION: Right in the middle of the 23rd Avenue shopping strip

HOURS: Tu-St 1- am-9 pm;…

Typhoon
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

2310 NW Everett St
Portland, OR 97210

Izzy N. writes: I came here for happy hour and it was ok. We were early birds so the place was completely empty at first. Their happy hour menu is cool with different categories in prices. I had their calamari which I loved because it was airy and crispy, pieces…

Girlfriends
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

904 NW 23rd Avenue
Portland, OR 97210

Amy O. writes: Great service, cute store, and awesome clothes! I bought the best sweater here!

Bewon Korean Restaurant
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

1203 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR 97210

marki v. writes: BeWarn-ed, things I know and like about Korean food:
   1. I like kimchi
   2. I like bulgogi
   3. I like saying bibimbap, follow me ..bibimbap..bibimbap..bib imbap
   4. That's pretty much it

BeWarn-ed again, I don't really have anything funny to…

Yuki Japanese Restaurant
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

930 N.W. 23rd Avenue
Portland, OR 97210

altaira h. writes: I was in Buenos Aires, in my friend's sushi restaurant after hours, trying to explain to the exceedingly patient cook how a Yuki's Crunchy Arizona Roll was made, with only my broken Spanish and hand gestures to aid me.
The sad truth was that I was in…