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Portland is an eclectic city. With the stickers on street signs and the different themed shops, you are sure to be entertained. I loved the colorfulness of Portland and like to think I contributed to it when I visited. The Mississippi neighborhood of Portland is residential with awesome bars and vintage stores. We had a blast walking the few blocks and dropping into different places. This post outlines 5 bars in the Mississippi neighborhood of Portland.
1. Bar Bar
It was a bucket list item to drive to Portland. The 12+ hour drive was a doozy. I was hungover, tired, sleepy and borderline dead. That is a slight dramatization but you get the point. The drive once we got into Oregon was a beautiful one and I could not wait to arrive. The first stop we made in Portland was Bar Bar.
See over 300 reviews of Bar Bar on Yelp.
We did not know that the day we arrived in Portland the state had shut down again. Damn covid. We were worried that our trip would be ruined but Portland was prepared! We sat on the patio at Bar Bar. I ordered a cheeseburger after not eating all day. To say it was the best cheeseburger I have ever gotten from a bar is not an over exaggeration. It hit the spot.
Visit Bar Bar‘s website for menus and reservations.
2. Psychic Bar
After we left Bar Bar, we were looking for another cool spot. We stumbled into Psychic Bar. I loved the gothic feel. What I can only assume used to be a residential house has been transformed into a memorable bar.
Check out why Psychic Bar has 4.5 stars on YELP.
It was a Friday afternoon at 5pm. There was no indoor seating so there was a wait for the patio. We waited about 10 minutes before being seated. A drink at the other table caught my eye. I have cocktail FOMO so I found out it was a Mangonada. A blended slushy drink with a tajin rim, I was in heaven.
Visit Psychic Bar‘s website for food and drink menus.
3. Maui’s
This place is a total dive bar. As much as I love dimly lit dive bars, it was a beautiful day in Portland so we opted to sit outside. We were reaching a tiring part in our afternoon so we enjoyed just sitting on the patio sipping on drinks.
Check out Maui’s on YELP.
4. Vendetta
We popped into Vendetta on a whim. Due to covid restrictions, there was a line to get drinks. It gave us a chance to choose our drink and check out the space. After ordering a few shots, we sat on the patio. We loved the quiet spot outside. We were able to sink into a corner and enjoy sitting outside in Portland.
Check out Vendetta on YELP or view their website for more information.
5. Shine Distillery
Located on a convenient corner, we passed Shine Distillery many times before popping in. With an indoor and outdoor seating area available, there is space for everyone. With the covid shutdowns, only outdoor seating was available. The patio provides a view for people watching and drinking a cold beer.
See why Shine Distillery has 4.5 stars on YELP.
Visit Shine Distillery‘s website for menus, reservations and more!
6. Grains of Wrath
The exterior of Grains of Wrath caught my eye many times during our trip. It reminded me of Nickelodeon meets Rick and Morty meets Portland. This place brews their own beer and serves it proudly. In addition to their homegrown brews, you have your choice in bar food.
Check out Grains of Wrath on YELP or visit their website.
Book Your Trip Now
The Mississippi neighborhood has the dive bars you need in Portland. We had a blast bouncing into each of these restaurants during our trip.
Portland has so many good places to eat and drink. The more unique, the better! These bars in Portland became my favorite in the Mississippi neighborhood.
Looking for more of Portland? Check out 9+ Of The Best Things To Do In Portland, Oregon.
I love recommendations. If you have any favorite bars in Portland, please share them below!
Cheers!
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Anytime I go on vacation I gravitate towards the water. There is just something about drinking a cocktail at a waterfront restaurant. While in Portland, we found ourselves scootering along the Willamette River. We had no idea stopping at McCormick & Schmick’s for a quick drink would be our next move. Once we had a seat on the patio with the river in the background, we never wanted to leave. This post outlines 5 reasons McCormick and Schmick’s is one of the best restaurants in Portland.
All photos in this post are mine except otherwise indicated. This post was written based on my personal experience. I was not paid, reimbursed or otherwise solicited to write this post. Just a girl looking to share her favorite places. Cheers!
1. The Food
The Clam Chowder was a no-brainer for me. Just as I gravitate towards water while on vacation, I also stand by getting Clam Chowder whenever possible. With the weather calling for a small jacket, the Clam Chowder warmed me up and filled me up.
I learned a thing or two about Lobster Mashed Potatoes while in Boston; I learned that I am obsessed! Therefore, I find myself ordering this side dish for my meal. It was the comfort dish I did not know I needed.
Over 600 reviews for McCormick & Schmick’s on YELP.
2. The Cocktails
If you have not guessed by now, I ordered a lemon drop. There is something about that sugar rim when I am on vacation. I cannot get enough. The lemon drop paired nicely with the backdrop.
My friend and I shared a bottle of wine. The 2019 Acrobat Pinot Gris from Oregon was reasonably priced and was the chilled libation we needed for the rest of our afternoon.
View their website for menus, hours of operations, and more.
3. The Menu
This was yet another restaurant where I wanted to order every item on the menu. There is something for everyone at McCormick & Schmick’s from seafood to cheeseburgers to soups and salads.
Do not miss out on this amazing food! Make your reservation on Open Table.
4. The View
The views at McCormick & Schmick’s make this one of the best restaurants in Portland. To the south of the restaurant are views of Hawthorne Bridge and the Riverplace Marina Public Dock. Both times I have visited this restaurant the Willamette River’s activity has been little to none. It is a calm presence out there with only local boats seemingly coming and going.
To the north of the restaurant are views of Marquam Bridge. It has a massive presence as cars enter Portland.
Want a meal with a view? Check out 5 reasons Salty’s in Portland is an amazing restaurant.
5. The Location
This waterfront restaurant is approximately 1 mile away from Downtown Portland. It is also conveniently located near multiple bridges should you need to cross over.
Whether you are planning a trip to Portland or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about one of the best restaurants in Portland. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have tried McCormick & Schmick’s and tell me how you liked it.
Craving more of Portland’s waterfront? Check out 9+ of the best things to do in Portland, Oregon.
I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots in Portland, please share them below!
Cheers!
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When I visited Portland, I knew that I needed to try VooDoo Donuts and go see the Multnomah Falls, but what else? Many places I read told me to visit Powell’s Books. As a total book nerd, I pictured myself walking the rows lined with books. A week before my trip, my friend sent me a picture of the line of people outside of Powell’s Books. The line went down the street and people waited to get inside. That is something you do not see online. While I am not telling you to skip out on visiting Powell’s Books, you should also branch out for different experiences. Using what I learned from locals, this list includes 9+ of the best things to do in Portland, Oregon.
1. Visit The Wishing Tree
When we arrived to The Wishing Tree, I would be lying if I said it was not a magical moment. You walk down a residential street when all of a sudden you see a tree covered in peoples’ hopes and dreams.
The instructions are simple: Write a wish. Tie to the tree.
This is a lot of pressure. Well, I want a new car, but I also should not waste my one wish on that. Maybe I should wish for good health? Whatever you wish for, you get to write it down and tie it to the tree to manifest in Portland.
According to the Williams District, The Wishing Tree began in 2016. Since it began, over 40,000 wishes have been made (and hopefully come true!). Small acts of kindness are rare in our torn- apart world. Be a part of this experience and visit this special spot at 2954 NE 7th Ave, Portland, OR 97212.
2. Go Bar Hopping
Along with different types of stores and shops, Portland has a variety of bars to check out. Many places have created patios ever since covid. If it is not raining, you can try to sit outside. Serving a variety of beers and wines from the area, many of the bars in Portland are local.
Want to see more? Here are 6 bars in the Mississippi neighborhood of Portland.
3. Go to Vintage Shops
Macklemore sings about thrift shopping but I had no idea how much I loved it. We visited several vintage shops in the Mississippi neighborhood of Portland. We fell in love with different styles of jewelry and walked out with friendship rings. To be fair, we did visit a few bars before our shopping began.
To add to the growing list of things I bought at vintage shops in Portland include a sweater and a fedora hat. This is a fun way to spend an afternoon. There are some higher end vintage shops, and there are some that imitate thrift stores. Poke your head in and find ones that you like.
My favorite store in Portland is Workshop Vintage!
4. Go Shopping on Alberta
Alberta Arts District is an area in Portland with vibrant rainbow sidewalks and fun shops. It has the same vibe as Capitol Hill in Seattle with the different stores to peek at and the vibrant colors all around.
Remember, you are in Portland, so there are a lot of quirky things to see and buy. Two stores stood out as my favorite and I have since visited them twice. Frock Boutique has tons of colorful clothes and accessories. They also have fun finds such as sunglasses, coffee cups, candles and more.
Another favorite store of ours turned out to be Collage. An arts and crafts store, they had fun stickers, pins, and other finds. Both times I have visited these stores I have wanted to buy just about everything.
For more about Alberta Arts District, visit the nonprofit Alberta Main Street.
Bonus: Petite Provence
Petite Provence is a restaurant on Alberta Street. As you are walking around, you can stop in for a bite to eat and drink. I opted for the La Provence Benedict and butternut squash side. It was the perfect brunch to hold me over for the rest of the day.
Visit their website for the full menu, hours of operation, and more.
Bonus: Donnie Vegas
Located on the corner of Alberta Street and North East 12th Avenue lives Donnie Vegas. The spot sells jello shots and liquor. We stopped in for one last drink before heading into the airport. It is a total dive bar and a quirky place to stop in for a drink or shot.
Check out Donnie Vegas on YELP or view their website for more information.
5. Go To The Waterfront
Portland has a beautiful waterfront. Being in the Pacific Northwest, there is so much water and greenery that I am not used to. The Marquam Bridge looms over the Willamette River. Boats sit in the marina. Flowers are in bloom. This is such a picturesque landscape we stayed and took an abundance of pictures.
Bonus: Go Scootering
As we were hanging out on the waterfront, we stumbled upon some scooters. We had a blast exploring Portland on scooters. It was a fun way to enjoy the weather while zipping around from place to place. We were able to cruise all along the riverfront and take amazing pictures.
Bonus: Eat at McCormick & Schmick’s
Located along the water, McCormick & Schmick’s offers views of the Willamette River and Marquam Bridge. The marina sits beside you as boats float in the water.
We absolutely loved the two times we stopped into this restaurant. We splurged on white wine, lemon drops, lobster mashed potatoes and more!
Love this view? See why McCormick & Schmick’s is the best restaurant on the Portland waterfront.
6. Walk On The Dock
Right next to McCormick & Scmicks is the RiverPlace Marina Public Dock. We just started to wander around and we loved this little area. The best pictures we took on our trip ended up being in this little area. As you walk around boats and yachts, you will see everything from house boats to expensive vessels. The dock is literally on the water so it feels like you are just walking on top of the river.
7. Take Pictures at the White Stag Sign
The White Stag Sign dawns Portland Oregon and is visible throughout different parts of the city. We had seen it from across the river and were determined to track it down. Located along the waterfront, you can take pictures in front of different bridges and the Willamette River. Our pictures with the sign turned out cute and was an obvious must-see spot on our trip.
Bonus: The Portland Sign
We were driving downtown and I looked out the window to see the Portland sign. I turned around and was able to snap a quick picture of it. It gives off vibes from an earlier time. Located outside the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, the sign is visible from the corner of SW Broadway and Main Street in Portland. The sign illuminates at night.
8. Put Stickers On A Street Sign
As you arrive in Portland, you will begin to notice the street signs are covered in stickers. I took time to study a few of them and there are literally stickers of EVERYTHING! I knew that in order to officially be initiated into Portland life, we had to put a sticker on a street sign. While we were walking Alberta Street, we found a store that sold all sorts of stickers. They had everything from Golden Girl stickers to Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Schitt’s Creek.
When I spotted the Keanu Reeves stickers, I knew we hit the jackpot. We found the perfect street sign and discreetly put our new stickers on. BAM! We have now left our mark on the city.
9. Buy Souvenirs
Before you leave Portland, make sure you bought something to document your trip! Some of my favorite clothes represent the Portland name!
My Souvenirs Were Purchased From:
- Hello From Portland
- Starbucks
- Etsy
- Powell’s Books
Additional Souvenir Shops:
- Made in Portland
- MadeHere
- Portland International Airport
Plan Your Trip Now
Whether you are planning a trip to Portland or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have visited Portland share your experience.
Looking for more? Check out 5 reasons Salty’s in Portland is an amazing restaurant.
I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots in Portland, please share them below!
Cheers!
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]]>Just by Portland International Airport lives a waterfront restaurant with views spanning across the Washington Oregon border. Salty’s on the Colombia River is not located in downtown Portland. Just as its name suggests, this eatery is along the river and offering glimpses of Vancouver. Whether you are near the airport or looking for seafood with a view of the water, Salty’s in Portland is a restaurant you must try.
All photos in this post are mine except otherwise indicated. This post was written based on my personal experience. I was not paid, reimbursed or otherwise solicited to write this post. Just a girl looking to share her favorite places. Cheers!
1. The Food
Usually when visiting a restaurant with decadent seafood, I will starve myself in advance. I really want to be able to enjoy my meal! This time was no different as we arrived hungry looking for a brunch meal. The Prawn Pasta was an obvious choice since I lean towards any dish with butter and noodles. Throw in shrimp and seafood and I am sold.
Since we visited for breakfast, we got the traditional biscuits and gravy. I do not think I shared fairly since I devoured them. They were the perfect comfort meal and I knew I was treating myself.
There are several other brunch options to choose from. On the regular menu, there are seafood dishes to pick. You are right one the water…. eat the fish when it is fresh!
See over 1,000 reviews of Salty’s on the Colombia River on YELP.
2. The Drinks
If you go to a brunch and get a Bloody Mary and a Mimosa, you have the best of both worlds. Starting with a Bloody Mary, we sipped as we looked out at the water. We got a base as we ordered and talked about our Portland trip coming to an end.
While we sat on the patio at Salty’s in Portland, we ordered mimosas. They paired well with the food as it came out. It was a sunny day though not quite warm enough to take our jackets off. Along the water there was a slight breeze. We loved sipping on champagne while looking at the boats go by.
Visit their website for the full menu, hours of operation, and more.
3. The View
Salty’s in Portland has an indoor dining area with views of the Colombia River and the nearby marina. Just beyond the water, Oregon turns into Washington. Vancouver, Washington waves back at you from across the river.
4. The Patio
We arrived to Salty’s in Portland right when they opened. Aside from being hungry and craving brunch, I also wanted to secure a seat on the patio. We had a reservation in advance, though we did not need it that early in the morning. We were able to choose where we wanted to sit and we loved having views in every direction.
Planning to visit Salty’s on the Colombia River? Make your reservation on Open Table.
5. Location
Salty’s on the Colombia River says its location in its name. Nestled along the Colombia River, the restaurant is across the water from Vancouver, Washington. The waterfront restaurant is about 15 minutes from Downtown Portland. If you are looking to get outside of the city for a bit, Salty’s in Portland is close by. As an added bonus, the restaurant is right next to the airport. We visited as we were concluding our trip and getting ready to fly home.
Whether you are planning a trip to Portland or are just looking for inspiration for your next vacation, I hope you enjoyed reading about one of my favorite places. The only thing better than visiting these spots and enjoying them is getting to share them with friends and family. Please comment if you have tried Salty’s on the Colombia River and tell me how you liked it.
Want more of Portland? Check out 9+ of the best things to do in Portland, Oregon.
I am always open to recommendations. If you have any favorite spots in Portland, please share them below!
Cheers!
The post 5 Reasons Salty’s in Portland is an Amazing Restaurant appeared first on The Lemon Drop Chronicles.
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