Lunch: Cheap Eats One of the secrets behind Portland’s legendary food scene is that many chefs got their start in a tiny food cart, serving up their inventive culinary creations to the hungry masses for not much more than $10. Many go on to open some of the city’s favorite brick-and-mortar restaurants, featuring their now-classic dishes — Lardo’s sandwiches, Jojo’s fried chicken and Guero’s tortas among them. With their eclectic, quick, tasty and affordable fare, food-cart pods continue to attract hungry crowds across the city, both downtown and in the neighborhoods (easily accessible by bus or light rail). You can start in Portland’s living room, Pioneer Courthouse Square. Portland’s beloved Whole Bowl serves up bowls of brown rice and bean deliciousness that are free of gluten and wheat. Fried Egg I’m in Love satisfies breakfast-all-day lovers with its egg sandwiches on toasty sourdough. The Block has got your perfectly seasoned cheesesteak, and Rollin’ Fresh offers tasty poke bowls and a signature sushi burrito. Walk nine blocks northeast to Pine Street Market (126 SW Second Ave.) for a buzzy indoor food hall that boasts seven of the city’s best chefs and purveyors — everything from vegan ramen at Matsunoki Ramen (don’t miss the fried shishitos) to smoky pollo arepa at Teote Outpost. Also on the east side, Portland Mercado (7238 SE Foster Road) is a happy array of six Latino-focused food carts (and four indoor businesses), with everything from Puerto Rican mofongo (fried mashed green plantains) to spicy chorizo and black bean papas bravas. Portland Mercado Sip and nosh while taking in Portland’s skylines and streetscapes. XPORT BAR & LOUNGE 1355 SW Second Ave., XportPortland.com With dramatic lighting on its 16th-floor space, xport Lounge at the Porter Hotel sets the tone for glitz and glamour. Enjoy your bubbles and bites inside, or take them outside to one of two large covered and heated patios with sweeping views of the West Hills and Willamette River to the east. DEPARTURE RESTAURANT + LOUNGE 525 SW Morrison St., DeparturePortland.com Revelers have for the past decade been heading to Departure at the Nines hotel to see and be seen. Panoramic rooftop views make for a glamorous, Instagrammable backdrop. Artfully plated sushi, Asian chicken wings and cocktails will have you living your best life. TOPE 15 NW Fourth Ave., TheHoxton.com Inspired by the street food of Mexico City, this rooftop taqueria at The Hoxton hotel has got everything to get the party started. Try peppery achiote chicken or roasted-cauliflower tacos, queso fundido or rockfish ceviche — all paired with a dizzying array of smoky and spicy cocktails, mezcals and tequilas. McCORMICK & SCHMICK’S HARBORSIDE 309 SW Montgomery St., McCormickAndSchmicks.com A classic Portland waterfront experience, McCormick & Schmick’s Harborside at the RiverPlace marina features indoor and (weather permitting) outdoor dining with a spectacular view of the Willamette River. CHART HOUSE 5700 SW Terwilliger Blvd., Chart-House.com Take your dining to the next level with sweeping views of the city from your perch at Chart House, an iconic establishment in the Southwest Portland hills. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a white-tablecloth atmosphere set the stage for indulgence. Order a martini with the slow-cooked prime rib, and marvel over views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams on a clear day. BEST VIEWS 5 SHAWN LINEHAN 19 PortlandUncovered.com
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