THE STORY_

THE "CITY OF ROSES" AND SPECIALTY BEVERAGES (COCKTAILS x CAFFEINE). 

The "City of Roses" has evolved from "granola and grungy,"  into a leader of specialty foods, beverages, and creativity, all with an enthusiastic eco-green attitude.  Sustainable living is apparent wherever you go.  You will want to stay in the downtown area, but venture across to the hip “east side" where a burgeoning art and creative community thrives, warehouses have transformed into tasting rooms, restaurant trends begin, and boutiques (and trees) line the streets (Don't worry. We'll take you there). 

DAY ONE_

MORNING

EAT_ TASTY N ALDER. Walk to Tasty N Alder to add your name to the brunch list.  Even at 9am, the wait can be over an hour.  You’ll understand why we say it is one of the best brunches we’ve ever had.  To kill time while you wait...

SEE_ POWELL'S BOOKS. Head North on Alder to POWELLS' BOOKS. Before or after brunch, take some time to browse.  Check out The Rare Book Room (on the top floor) where beautiful and one-of-a-kind antique books line the shelves, some so rare you'll need a special pass to enter. 

When it's time for brunch at TASTY N ALDER, go all in and order the egg and cheddar biscuit (with the fried chicken, of course) or the Korean Fried Chicken dish with two fried eggs. The sweets and cocktails are also pure perfection. 

AFTERNOON

SEE_INTERNATIONAL ROSE TEST GARDEN and PORTLAND JAPANESE GARDEN. Uber up the hill to the Rose Garden (admission is free).  Enjoy hundreds of rose varieties and spectacular views of downtown. Make your way up the hill to the JAPANESE GARDEN, (Admission is $10 and you'll understand why).  It is meticulously groomed and claims to be the most “authentic garden outside of Japan.”  Take a tour to learn more about the importance of the garden in Japanese culture and how the garden is maintained.  

EAT_ CHIZU BAR.  This is not a bar. If you love (or even just like) cheese, be prepared for the most innovative cheese experience you'll ever have.  Think a sushi bar omakase style, but with cheese. You can create your own or have a chef’s choice experience.   

NITE

DRINK_ DEPARTURE.  The roof of THE NINES hotel is home to one of the sleekest restaurants in town with backdrop views of PDX.  With its ultra-modern furnishings and fluorescent-lit hallways, you'll fell as if you've entered World Avatar.   Grab a drink at the bar and take it outside to the lounge area for a front row seat of Portland's skyline.

EAT_ TORO BRAVO or OLYMPIA PROVISIONS SE.  Head across the bridge to the hip east side to TORO BRAVO for tapas and raciones.  You really can’t go wrong here.  The squid ink pasta and ANY tapa will leave you satisfied.  Or if you're wanting something more meaty and hearty, head to OLYMPIA PROVISIONS SE which has remained one of the top restaurants in the city, known for their quality meats and charcuterie boards epicureans dream about.  

DRINK_  PEPE LE MOKO or  TEARDROP LOUNGE.  Continue your evening with a craft cocktail at PEPE LE MOKO.  This speakeasy is cool and so are the drinks, literally.  The grasshopper milkshake is their signature drink, but you can't go wrong when ordering.  You'll want to make a reservation; the underground space is intimate and standing at the bar is not allowed, so as not to disturb anyone's experience. They also have light bites which are delicious. If you're not ready to call it a night and are in the mood for PDX's more stuffy nightlife scene, head to TEARDROP LOUNGE in the Pearl District for craft cocktails at the bar.  This legendary Portland spot, has been a hub for locals who flock there to meet and mingle. 

EAT_  SIZZLE PIE.  If you get that midnight craving, head to Sizzle Pie for a slice of pizza.  There are multiple locations across the city that stay open late (like 4am late.. you can decide if that's a good or bad thing).  The Spiral Tap pizza made with caramelized onion is probably one of the all time best pies we've ever had... oh, that one is vegan.  

DAY TWO_

MORNING

DRINK_ BARISTA.  (the one in the Pearl District).  When it's time for caffeine, head to Barista. In a city where all genres of craft beverages shine, Barista remains the coffee choice for locals. 

EAT_ BESAWS and 23RD STREET.  Before you get too hungry, put your name down at BESAWS. Yes, you're sensing a theme with PDX's popular brunch spots.  If the wait is long, kill time with a walk (a couple blocks) to 23RD STREET.  This charming street, lined with restaurants, boutiques, and specialty shops, many of which are in houses, is home to some of Portland's finest exports-- Blue Star Donuts and Salt & Straw to name a few. If you're lucky and the wait at Besaw's is doable, then take the walk afterwards.  You'll need the steps after brunch, for sure.

At BESAWS, the avocado toast puts most others to shame and any egg dish is cooked to perfection.  Their brunch cocktails aren't bad either.  The restaurant space is notable as well.  High ceilings, a beautiful sleek bar area, and large windows makes for the perfect light-filled brunch setting.

afterNOON

DETOX_ SMITH'S TEA ROOM.  Uber across the bridge to SMITH'S TEA ROOM. I know what you're thinking... tea?  This is the guy that started Tazo and Stash teas and transformed a large warehouse into a modern tea tasting room to sip, taste, discover, and relax with a purpose-driven tea selection.  

WALK_  DIVISION STREET.  Uber (or rent a Nike City Bike)  just south to Portland's SouthEast side to Division Street (ask to be dropped off around 28th street & Division) and start your stroll there.  DIVISION STREET  is the heartbeat of the creative, hip, east side; it's lined with shops, restaurants, theaters, and cafes.  Be sure to check out ARTIFACT for cool vintage finds (rugs, bags, decor, clothes) and end your walk at SE WINE COLLECTIVE. 

DRINK_  SE WINE COLLECTIVE.  The Willamette Valley might be a bit of a trek for Stayover, but SE WINE COLLECTIVE is the next best thing.  Sample local wines with a tasting flight.  This "urban winery" is perfect for a late afternoon drink on the outside patio.

NITE

EAT_  TUSK or AVA GENES.  Stay on the East Side for dinner and head to TUSK (named after a Fleetwood Mac song, so you know it's cool).  They focus on Mediterranean mains, dips, and small plates with local sources and do it right.  Their brightly colored decor is cheery and vibrant which draws a similar crowd.  You'll quickly understand why this restaurant, which opened in late 2016, has already received national awards and topped lists from the most prestigious food critics.  

The team behind tusk originally gained notoriety from their original PDX staple, AVA GENES.   Pacific Northwest fare that focuses on quality meats and vegetables with delicious pastas on lively Division Street has everything going for it. 

DRINK_  RONTOMS or ROOKERY BAR. Walk (or Uber, depending on the season) west down Burnside towards the city and head to Rontoms. Despite its large indoor and outdoor spaces, RONTOMS is a cozy, intimate bar with a friendly crowd.  The clientele is young and attractive, and on Sundays they go for the Sunday Sessions with live music.  Alternatively, if you want a more upscale atmosphere head to the top of Raven & Rose to ROOKERY BAR where artisan cocktails are taken seriously.

day_

nite_

CAFFEINE_

COCKTAILS_

HOTELS _

STREETS/ RETAIL_

OUTDOORS_