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 or TUSK.  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.   

Since opening in 2016, TUSK has dominated the PNW list as best restaurants and its easy to see why. We love brunch, because their creative take on modern mediterranean— think hummus with a poached egg, lamb hash, and a deconstructed smoked fish platter. You'll quickly understand why this restaurant, has already received national awards and topped lists from the most prestigious food critics.  

If you eat at TUSK, definitely take a stroll down BURNSIDE STREET. This hip-section on the East Side is lined with boutiques, bars, and antique stores.

WALK_ THE PEARL DISTRICT, MUNMONTH FALLS. Head to the heart of downtown to the Pearl District. We love this lively section of downtown as its the most walkable part of the things we love— BACKTALK, MAAKLAB, POWELLS BOOKS, THE ACE HOTEL, and WAILUA SHAVE ICE.

And make sure you *accidentally walk-by MAURICE, to try their famous black pepper cheesecake, or really just try anything.

If the International Rose Test Garden and Japanese Garden didn’t satisfy your nature craving, head to MUNMONTH FALLS, about 30 mins outside the city. This natural waterfall has guests coming from all over to check out this beauty just minutes from downtown.

NITE

DRINK_ DEPARTURE or PALMOAR or PORTLAND CITY GRILL.  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 (pro tip: get here when it opens to avoid the crowds or make it a nightcap if you prefer to get rowdy). Or head over to PALOMAR on the east-side, for a Cuban inspired bar where Pina coladas flow and the music transports you to the Caribbean Sea. For views, views and views of downtown, head to PORTLAND CITY GRILL Don’t go for the food, but head over for happy hour for some local wine and all around views of the city and beyond.

EAT_ HAN OAK or OLYMPIA PROVISIONS SE or TORO BRAVO.  Head to chef, Peter Cho’s home for the best Korean food you will eat. No really, the chef lives in this house turned hip restaurant with his family, where dining in his backyard is one of the hottest tables in town. The chicken wings, dumplings, kimchee with not disspaoint. A local called HAN OAK a “special experience” and we couldn’t agree more. Just make your reservation now, like now.

Also on the east-side is 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  EXPATRIATE.  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. EXPATRIATE has about everything going for it. The crowd, the cocktiails and the vibe is what Portlanders are proud of.

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 or MOTHERS BISTRO and 23RD STREET.  

If you’re staying at HiLo it’s next door, but head on over to MOTHERS BISTRO for some chicken n waffles for an indulgent breakfast. You’ll probably have to wait, but its worth every second.

Alternately, 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.

WALK_ WATERFRONT AND PINE STREET MARKET. Head down to the waterfront area. If it is a Saturday, be sure to check out the PORTLAND SATURDAY MARKET for all your flea-market finds. Be sure to pop into PINE STREET MARKET, where foodies and epricurans can indulge in Salt & Straws “WIZ BANG BAR” concept (think hand dipped cones) and a variety of other local vendors that do everything from pizza to noodles right.

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.  Last time we tried the nitro-brew Chai and we’re still dreaming about it.

AFTERNOON

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_   AVA GENES or COQUINE. The team behind Tusk originally gained notoriety from their original PDX staple, AVA GENES.   Pacific Northwests take on modern Italian that focuses on quality meats and vegetables with delicious pastas. Think perfectly ripe ( and delicious) fruits and vegetables, light and refreshing pastas with cocktails to match. The dark dining room and prime location on lively Division street makes it one of the most romantic date spots in town. We have yet to find a local who doesn’t say this makes their favorite restaurant list.

The newest spot in the Mt. Tabor area, COQUINE, is small, intimate, and friendly restaurant that pays close attention to the food. The price-fix daily changing menu is preferred, but select of the a la carte menu French inspired dishes that are seasonal and thoughtful.

DRINK_  RAVEN & ROSE Or ALABI ROOM If you want to stay downtown, head to RAVEN & ROSE has all of the east-side feels, with it being intimate and unique but is conveniently located downtown. ALABI ROOM a hip and colorful “tiki bar” on the east side of town is a Portland staple.