Best of the West (Side)

Bites in Beaverton, history in Old Town, big arts ambitions, and more. Plus: Behind the scenes of 'Hasaan Hates Portland,' the James Beard Public Market, goatscaping, the Gorge vintage trail, and the area's top dentists.

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

Gimme Five

5 Portland Record Labels to Know

Local music publishers with sharp taste and inspiring missions.

04/01/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

Teen Spirit

In a Former Strip Club, Portland’s All-Ages Music Scene Finds New Life

With the Off Beat, nonprofit Friends of Noise is set to open the city’s first dedicated underage concert venue in over a decade.

03/31/2025 By Shannon Daehnke Illustrations by Amanda Lanzone

Long Story Short

At Oregon Ballet Theatre, Dani Rowe Takes on Marilyn Monroe

Rowe, the first woman to serve as the company's artistic director, has wanted to tell Monroe's story since Kim Kardashian wore the actor’s dress to the Met Gala.

03/24/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson Photography by Jason Hill

Q&A

Ripping the City with Zyah Belle, Portland’s Rihanna-Approved R&B Vocalist

The singer dishes on spring, simplicity, and Akadi’s suya wings.

03/10/2025 By Dalila Brent Illustrations by Betty Turbo

On and Off Broadway

The Theater Designer Who Designed a Theater

After The Lion King on Broadway, Olympic ceremonies, Taylor Swift stages, and Super Bowl halftime shows, Michael Curry wants a bigger stage.

03/03/2025 By Matthew Trueherz Photography by Jason Hill Illustrations by Michael Byers

Book Review

Omar El Akkad Returns to Nonfiction to Undress American Mythology

Spurred by the war in Gaza, the celebrated American War novelist tests propaganda against the sanctity of human life.

02/19/2025 By Diana Abu-Jaber

Sketch Comedy

Hasaan Hates Portland Casts an Uncomfortably Funny Light

In the series of web shorts, a Black Portlander’s day-to-day experience unravels the stories the city tells about itself.

01/08/2025 By Matthew Trueherz

Eat & Drink

Eat Here Now

The Culinary Case for Beaverton

The suburb’s new restaurants are giving Portland a run for its money.

03/06/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden Photography by Thomas Teal

Bar Boom

Beaverton Is Finally Getting a Real-Deal Bar Scene

Beaverton’s cocktail world was dry for years. But now, a wave is cresting.

03/05/2025 By Alex Frane Photography by Thomas Teal

Dining Picks

Where to Eat in Beaverton, According to the Portland Restaurant World

Where the people behind Gado Gado, Mariscos con Onda, and more eat in the burbs.

03/04/2025 By Alex Frane

Dish Exploder

Pasture PDX’s Mouthwatering O.G. Sandwich, Broken Down

A banh mi–inspired pastrami sandwich with hazelnut chile oil is a Portland rising star.

03/04/2025 By Alex Frane Illustrations by Amber Day

Portland vs. The World

Ditch the Suburban Stigma and Eat at These Beaverton Chains

Where to find a taste of Portland—or Mongolian hot pot—in the burbs.

02/20/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

Interview

The Korean Mama’s Favorite Beaverton Restaurants

The TikTok and Instagram star dishes her go-to spots for spicy short rib soup, tendon-filled pho, and cheeseburgers.

02/19/2025 By Alex Frane

Beaverton and Beyond

Asian Flavors Inspire Some of Beaverton’s Best New Pizzerias

The cohort of Beaverton pizzaiolos with a galaxy-brain approach to toppings.

02/14/2025 By Emily Teel Photography by Thomas Teal

Sugar Rush

3 Beaverton Dessert Shops Worth a Detour

Find a sweet finish to any suburban food crawl, baklava to red bean buns.

02/12/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden

The Comeback Queen

Nan Chaison Is the Most Prolific Restaurateur You Don’t Know Yet

From Thai vegan restaurants to Mexican cocktail lounges, Ketsuda ‘Nan’ Chaison has been hard at work.

02/11/2025 By Alex Frane

Restaurant Review

Jerry’s Tavern Is Wise Beyond Its Years

Instead of its famed pizza, the beloved pop-up’s bar serves wings and curds with an intoxicating Midwest charm.

01/29/2025 By Jordan Michelman Photography by Michael Novak

Suburban Splendor

15 Beaverton Restaurants and Food Carts Worth the Slog Down 26

Crab manicotti, saucy Korean fried chicken, hubcap-size dosas, and more.

01/21/2025 By Brooke Jackson-Glidden, Matthew Trueherz, and Alex Frane Photography by Thomas Teal

Superfan

Children of the Cornmeal Crust

Alison Hilton gave her neighborhood pizza joint plenty of business, and the staff gave her their kids (sort of).

11/12/2024 By Margaret Seiler Photography by Michael Raines

Food News

The James Beard Public Market Is Finally Opening in Portland—for Real This Time

After decades of starts and stalls, the market has found a location in downtown Portland, to be completed by fall 2026.

10/28/2024 By Alex Frane

Health & Wellness

Best of the City

Top Dentists 2025

Our annual list of the best dental practitioners in the Portland area.

03/19/2025 Edited by Portland Monthly Staff

Public Health

Portland’s Fraught Fluoride History, Explained

The city has voted down fluoridation four times. How did we get here?

03/19/2025 By Erin Ross

Home & Real Estate

Where to Live Now

Neighborhood Guide: John’s Landing

Find bungalow-lined streets, cozy cafés, a pirate-themed dive, and top-notch river recreation.

04/28/2025 By Rebecca Jacobson

Real Estate

Portland Suburbs by the Numbers

Are you hot for Happy Valley? Rarin' for Ridgefield? Gaga for Gresham? Check out home sales prices, rent costs, demographics, and walkability for Portland's suburbs.

04/14/2025 Edited by Margaret Seiler With Owen Scholes and David Banis