McMenamins Kennedy School Soaking Pool
Neighborhood: Concordia, Northeast Portland

5736 NE 33rd Ave
Portland, OR 97253

Danny D. writes: Of my dear PDX! Every Sunday night I think about all the fun I had in Portland.

If by any chance you are in a cloudy, cold, rainy day ... which is not really common in PDX. LOL.
Please take yourself to The Kennedy School.
Walk to the re reception and…

Cheeky B
Neighborhood: Pearl District

906 NW 14th Ave
Portland, OR 97253

Laura N. writes: Sassy, saucy, and smart, Cheeky B is where I will forever head for all of my gifting needs...and here's why: this shop is full of things that you would never think to buy for yourself, but would always want.

Jesus tape?    Check.
Cat-a-pult guns?  …

syoy

Portland, OR 97253

Myke R. writes: Syoy Is rad....Sometimes when I'm naked I like to smear mayonaisse on my syoy....

Ruby Violet
Neighborhood: Alberta Arts District, Concordia, Northeast Portland

2641 NE Alberta St
Portland, OR 97253

Brenda W. writes: I have had a massage here 3x. I just had a facial and I am really pleased. Sounds like I'm spoiled, but I went to Dosha last week and the whole time I wished I was back at Ruby Violet. The vibe is really nice. You feel like you are really being…

Salty's on the Columbia River

3839 NE Marine Dr
Portland, OR 97253

Kimberly V. writes: Best ways to prepare for brunch:

Elastic waist band, if you dare.

Pledge to pace yourself like a considerate young man on prom night. Except instead of sex, the deferred payoff is total stomach overload too soon into the morning. Buffets are like the…

Redwing Coffee & Baking
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland, Central Eastside

1700 SE 6th
Portland, OR 97253

christine s. writes: Awww! What a cute little coffee house! The barista took his time to make a simply fantastic hazelnut latte. If you've ever tried to make nice thick foam with non-fat milk then you know how difficult it is! Despite the circumstances he managed to…

Blue Gardenia
Neighborhood: Mississippi, North Portland

3747 N Mississippi Ave
Portland, OR 97253

Emee P. writes: I had a really nice spicy mocha there that was a work of art.  I ordered and the barista said, "it might be a minute because I have to make some more whipped cream".  That should tell you right there where there quality bar is set.  She went in the…

W magazine

Portland, OR 97255

Krista T. writes: By far, my favorite magazine. The visual stimulation is overwhelming. The oversized glossy pages make the editorials so enthralling. Sometimes the spreads are out there, but they always make statements and are well outside the "fashion" box.
I don't…

Pier Park
Neighborhood: North Portland

N Lombard St & Bruce Ave
Portland, OR 97255

Esther H. writes: Full-pipe in the skate park kicks asss. Frisbee golf course kicks asss (and none of those hazards where you lose your disc in the bottom of a pond, unlike Milo McIver). Old skool playground kicks assssssss!!!

Cats

All over the place
The puurrrrfect pet
Portland, OR 97255

Mark S. writes: Cats are my best and closest friends.  I love sleeping with them!  I take my cats out in the backyard, on a leash!  I have to run when they do, especially when they feel like "hunting."   I like to get up on Saturday morning and serve "tuna…

Dr. Huff

Portland, OR 97255

Dingle B. writes: Dr. Huff at Pet Samaritan took care of our little 11 year old Parakeet Polpot. Our bird was egg bound and Dr. Huff pulled off an egg implosion episiotomy. A tiny birdy episiotomy! Holy crapola, can you imagine!? Dr. Huff is pure magic!!

Five stars…

Lone Fir Cemetery
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland, Belmont

SE 20th and Morrison
Portland, OR 97255

Krista T. writes: Beautiful. Oh and breathtaking. Genius place for a photo shoot, if I do say so myself. Loved shooting there and I hope to use it again soon.

ALF Windsock
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland, Laurelhurst

425 SE 32nd Ave
Portland, OR 97255

Andrew F. writes: Oh my god my house, it's gone.  Everything I own has been destroyed!  Why would you burn my house down?!

Because I... Love... your ALF windsock!

Check out my pictures if you want to see the windsock.

Hotel Monaco
Neighborhood: Southwest Portland, Downtown

506 SW Washington St
Portland, OR 97255

Adam P. writes: Stayed at the Monaco 2x in Portland, and 1x in San Fran, so yeah, guess it's time.  The Kimpton chain in general is a wonderful series of unique hotels, with a custom feel, a personal touch.  

It's been mentioned  a few times but bears repeating: They…

Pirates Tavern

2839 NW St Helens Rd
Portland, OR 97255

Kristen B. writes: When you order a salad with ranch from most restaurants, you expect that ranch to appear from some unseen vat of ranch-like dressing stored deep within the bowels of the restaurant. Not this place. Pirate's Tavern not only rejects the status quo with…

Square Deal Wine Company
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

2321 NW Thurman
Portland, OR 97255

Stanley T. writes: These guys and gals are the tops! It's a bit chilly in there because their wine requires it. The wine required it (and got it) before it got to them. It's a chain of custody thing - you know that every bottle of wine you buy at Square Deal has been…

Mabel's Cafe and Knittery
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland, Clinton

3041 SE Division St
Portland, OR 97255

Kelly M. writes: Despite my claim that the Yarn Garden is to yarn as Powells is to books, Mabel's still remains my most favorite and frequented PDX yarnerie.  First of all, Mabel's carves out a special place in any New Englander's heart by serving maple syrup lattes…

Get Bento
Neighborhood: Pearl District

505 NW 14th Ave
Portland, OR 97255

Sasha R. writes: I've only eaten here once, but it's one of those places that you could just tell was consistently good.

This is a place that is housed in what looks to be  a converted service station, which makes it even cooler. They offer four staple kebabs,veggie,…

St. John's Theatre
Neighborhood: St. Johns, North Portland

8704 N Lombard St
Portland, OR 97255

jaine p. writes: All of the pizza & beer you could want with NONE of the McMenamins hype!

The St Johns theatre is a cornerstone of my awesome neighborhood.   This is an independent, locally owned family business.  They show first run movies for $3.75 on two screens.…

Hawthorne Hideaway
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland, Hawthorne

2221 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR 97255

shane e. writes: I like Hawthorne Hideaway - they've always been friendly and the pool is free.

Generally, I come here for trivia on Monday nights (and I totally own at it, just in case you were wondering.) Unlike other trivia nights, this one is actually highly…

Thai Pod
Neighborhood: Northeast Portland, Irvington

2015 NE Broadway St
Portland, OR 97232

Andy W. writes: Enough with the puns on "Thai," people! Thai Noon, Typhoon, My Thai, Beau Thai, Thai Rack... Actually, I think that last one is a tie store called Tie Rack, but either way, it's a terrible name, given the US's military engagement in Iraq, the MAD TV…

Lucky Labrador Beer Hall
Neighborhood: Alphabet District, Northwest

1945 NW Quimby
Portland, OR 97255

Lorri E. writes: SuperDogDupular.  I love Lucky Lab.  It's a big friggin warehouse, nothing special, the food selection kinda bites except for a few choice options others have mentioned, but the beer is tasty and cold, it is a great 100% come as you are laid back…

Portland Underground - Shanghai Tunnels Tour
Neighborhood: Old Town

P.O. Box 398
Portland, OR 97255

Corwin M. writes: I have to admit, it's not the most exciting tour out there...well, are there exciting tours? I tend to avoid them, but I was doing a paper on local hauntings and figured this would make for excellent source material, and that maybe my instructor…

Woodstock Mystery Hole

I-205
Portland, OR 97255

Esther H. writes: The Woodstock Mystery Hole and Amusement Park, a Center for Land Use Interpretation "unusual and exemplary site of land use" listed site, is worth repeated visits (if you can garner an invitation).  Its proprietor Barron is an exemplary and…

Mt Scott Community Center & Pool
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland

5530 SE 72nd Ave
Portland, OR 97255

Katrina W. writes: From the fantastic photo collage in the back hallway, Mt. Scott appears to have been providing the essence of community spirit for the Mt. Scott/Arleta neighborhood since at least the 1970s. Fees are low, classes are taught by neighbors, and…

Clackamas Town Center
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland

12000 SE 82nd Ave Ste 1093
Clackamas, OR 97266

Chris L. writes: During an afternoon of Staycation '08 I found myself hanging out for a short time at the Town Center with the Tall Leggy Blonde.  We had arrived with the intention of seeing the new Dark Night movie, but the weather outside was just too nice, so we…

Thai Orchid Restaurant

1004 Washington St
Vancouver, WA 98660

cindy w. writes: I'm rating this on a lower scale. Normally I would give this 2-3 star for its simple curries and fried fish served by an authentic Thai staff. The extra star shows how greatful I am to see them in business. This is such a dead town,  any eateries is…

Burgerville USA
Neighborhood: Southwest Portland

11900 SW Canyon Rd
Beaverton, OR 97005

Tiffany T. writes: Our first time trying Burgerville USA, my hubby gives it the stamp of approval. We have picked up a burger to go since trying this place as the craving set in for him. I really like that they use produce from local farmers and hormone free beef. My…

Hammy's Pizza
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland, Clinton

2114 SE Clinton
Portland, OR 97202

Lauren G. writes: Hammy's. Hamwell's. Slammy's. Slamwich. HamSlamwich.

It's pizza pie. And they deliver late. These are the most important facts. Hear me now!

What I'm ashamed to admit is that I don't totally love the pizza. I know! Who do I think I am? I am Lauren…

Hedge House
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland, Clinton

3412 SE Division St
Portland, OR 97202

David M. writes: This place would be ideal if it weren't entirely awkward everytime I visit.  I dunno, some people think I'm rather intimidating, but I laugh at those people cuz I have no idea what they're talking about.  I'm like a god damn Jesus butterfly baby…

Malay Satay Hut
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland

2850 SE 82nd Ave
Portland, OR 97266

marki v. writes: Have you ever been to Malaysia? Or have you seen the pictures of the  Malaysian twin towers?

If you haven't then just go to Malay Satay Hut, they got Malaysia on the wall and SE Asia in the kitchen!

"Sucks, no                         "What, can't…

Pho Hung
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland

3120 SE 82nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97266

Nina N. writes: How can you go wrong with pho? well you can, and at pho hung it's the bomb dizzle time tizzle hahaha..

I pho'n love it here, and if you don't like it.. pho you :)

1220 Main Restaurant & Bar

1220 Main St
Ste 100
Vancouver, WA 98660

Mike M. writes: I went to 1220 Main for a friend's birthday. The waiter was very accommodating and helpful with selecting appetizers and entrees. I decided on their salmon special.

In short, this was one of the salmon dishes I have ever had, and I come from a family…

Heathman Lodge

7801 NE Greenwood Dr
Vancouver, WA 98662

Jenny C. writes: Monty Python's Lumberjack Song is probably one of my favorites from the entire series. It's almost cliché now... but there's something about the whole setup of a demented barber who'd rather be chopping the forests in British Columbia than his…

Hazel Dell Brewpub

8513 NE Highway 99
Vancouver, WA 98665

Jenny C. writes: I've never really considered myself a true beer aficionado, but living in this part of the country has made me realize how biased I've become towards good brews.  That being said, I'm all for good spirits served with good food, which I've learned is…

Cinetopia

11700 SE 7th St
Vancouver, WA 98683

mel r. writes: reasons why Cinetopia is cooler than my house:

big ass screen
somebody is serving my lazy behind, while I'm sitting in the theater
good beer selections
comfy reclining chairs that I fit in when I roll up in a little ball
the volume goes to 11 and the…

Kids At Heart
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland, Hawthorne

3445 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR 97214

Connie C. writes: "OMG I remember when I used to come here when I was little & be obsessed w/ toys." -the little girl walking by the store as I walk into the store....

How can you walk by a toy store & not be mesmerized...OK fine. Maybe it IS just me.

They have so much…

Cool Cottons
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland, Hawthorne

2417 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR 97214

Sarah L. writes: This is the epitome of your neighborhood fabric store. The owners - Marie and Pam - are wonderful. They are helpful, knowledgeable and give helpful sewing tips. They have great sales, classes, giveaways and beautiful fabrics. While their prices tend…

Wild Abandon
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland, Belmont

2411 SE Belmont St
Portland, OR 97214

Jenny H. writes: Oh, Wild Abandon.

I too forsook you, for your silly name (and didn't you used to have salmon art outside?Just askin.) and for this I apologize. Because the joke was totally on me, friend! All the brunches I missed out on! Delicious scrambles! Vegan…

Gold Door Jewelry & Art
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland, Hawthorne

1434 SE 37th Ave
Portland, OR 97214

Kelly M. writes: The Gold Door, housed just off Hawthorne, prides itself on offering an eclectic mix of jewelry, trinkets, and furniture from exotic places around the world.  From Mexican Day of the Dead products, African barber shop signs, Indian saris, and entire…