It’s no secret one of my favorite things about traveling is all the good food involved. Normally I’m researching months and weeks in advance of a trip, but I admittedly was a bit more relaxed with this trip, knowing we were visiting two new locals who love good food — while also knowing D is an amazing hostess and chef. This trip also had no shortage of champagne and local beers.
Ambonnay Champagne Bar: This cozy and quaint champagne bar was a bit off the beaten path (at least it seemed to be for me), but ended up being the perfect little spot for pre-dinner drinks, conversation and yummy champagne of course! With a rotating menu of different, hand sourced champagnes you can’t go wrong especially if you are a champagne connoisseur – we simply described our preferred bubbly finish and the lovely owner recommended a delicious glass… or two!
Blue Star Donuts & Albina Coffee Press: Both within walking distance from F & D’s (although opposite directions) – these were the perfect spots for delicious coffee and tasty treats. At Blue Star Donuts, we split and shared four flavors including the Blueberry Bourbon Basil, Hard Apple Cider Fritter, The O.G., and a CBD Chocolate Ganache with Hazelnut. Albina Coffee Press was another great morning spot with outdoor seating, and delicious almond milk latte’s and fluffy, melt in your mouth croissants.
Solera Brewery: This was also mentioned in my last PDX travel recap, as a favorite spot for their incredible mountain views. In addition to the front row seats to Mt. Hood, the beers flowed and the food was delicious for being a smaller spot. The hummus platter, complimentary popcorn, chips and salsa, and turkey club hit the spot after an afternoon of hiking. The beer fan favorite was the Izzy Stardust Raspberry Sour (even for me, I took a sip!). This was a little over an hour from Portland, but definitely worth the trip and views, especially with a stop at Mt. Hood River to breakup the trip.
Tasty n Daughters: This was our last supper with F & D and it was an awesome pick to over indulge in the finer things in life, like oysters, grilled octopus, delicious pastas, and a good ol’ tavern burger (yes, I ordered the burger). We of course had to finish with dessert and ordered their old fashioned chocolate pudding, which was served with a graham cookie and toasted marshmallow, and then the chocolate chip cookie skillet, and we asked for the ice cream served on the side. So. Good.!
Honorable mentions: When looking for a dog friendly spot with afternoon drinks, Harlow was a great spot with fresh pressed orange juice mimosas with ginger – plus if felt like a bit what the doctor ordered, ya know? The Sapphire Hotel also had a great happy hour with bubbles, mixed green salad and warm nuts and olives – they also were dog friendly with a spacious outdoor space. The Hoxton, Tope Rooftop bar is a trendy spot with comfortable outdoor seating and great views of downtown and the rolling hills that surround the city – this was another perfect pre-dinner drink spot full of lots of laughs!
Beer Shoutouts: Since I’m not a beer drinker, I asked B our household beer expert his top picks and Cascade Brewing which offered a variety of sours, which B and F have loved since having some in Asheville. Another fave was Great Notion Brewing and B loved them for their creative IPA’s especially their Orange Creamsicle IPA.
As I mentioned in our overall recap, we also enjoyed a TON of delicious eats prepped by the one and only D – like her famous popcorn (legendary) and delicious guacamole, a vegetarian breakfast quiche, french toast casserole and pasta salad – and not to mention fresh fruit from the farmer’s market that we picked up the first day we were in town! We were definitely spoiled with all sorts of delicious eats, and now I will be detoxing from alcohol and carbs.
Do you have any PDX food favorites? Leave me a comment below!
the bee life 
2 thoughts on “Travel: Portland Eats & Drinks”