First Impressions

Holy Trinity Is Some of the City’s Best New Barbecue

An upstart food cart on SE Powell Blvd is making brisket like you wouldn’t believe.

05/28/2019 By Benjamin Tepler

First Impressions

Vivienne Kitchen & Pantry Rolls Out New, Homey Dinner

The Hollywood brunch mainstay debuts a delicious, unfussy evening menu.

01/30/2018 By Benjamin Tepler

First Impressions

Downtown’s New Afuri Ramen Outpost Brings Double the Dumplings

The Tokyo chain’s newest Portland location wields a slimmed-down menu with zippy service, poke, and more gyoza.

11/21/2017 By Benjamin Tepler

First Impressions

Beyond Muffins: Brunch at Water Avenue Coffee

The local roaster steps up with massive hotcakes, espresso mole, and chorizo-egg sandwiches.

08/23/2017 By Benjamin Tepler

First Impressions

Danwei Canting Brings Beijing's Melting-Pot Flavors to Southeast Portland

From Chongqing egg noodles to Xianjiang lamb skewers, the SE Stark Street spot serves up a best-of playlist.

02/20/2017 By Benjamin Tepler

First Impressions

Danwei Canting’s Wide World of Beijing Cuisine

A new fast-casual Chinese eatery offers a playlist of the capital’s diverse offerings.

01/23/2017 By Benjamin Tepler

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Poke Party at Bamboo Annex

The sustainable sushi spot turns to the trendy Hawaiian staple.

08/17/2016 By Benjamin Tepler

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Teutonic Urban Winery and the Wild Hunt: A German-Nordic Match Made in Heaven

The folks behind Viking Soul Food shack up with one of Oregon’s hottest small-production urban wineries.

05/04/2016 By Benjamin Tepler

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Unbeatable Bowls at Marukin Ramen

The newest player in Portland’s increasingly authentic Japanese ramen game might be the city’s best.

04/05/2016 By Benjamin Tepler

EAT THIS NOW

Jook Joint's Awesome South by Southeast Asian Eats

Texas brisket–topped Thai porridge to coconut hush puppies, this downtown cart makes the Southern-fried Asian eats you never knew you craved.

03/11/2016 By Kelly Clarke

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Early Slurps at Olympia Oyster Bar

The latest addition to Portland’s oyster scene brings cocktail talent and gussied bivalves.

01/06/2016 By Benjamin Tepler

DRINK HERE NOW

Bone, Mugs, and Harmony

Haters gonna hate, but Broth Bar heals winter chills, one sip at a time.

12/21/2015 By Kelly Clarke

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Tastebud Fires Up in Multnomah Village

Mark Doxtader’s wood-fired spot opens with burly, smoky crusts and juicy whole roasted chickens.

11/17/2015 By Karen Brooks

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Mussels and Fries at St. Jack’s Sister Bar, La Moule

The shellfish-centric eatery brings the classic Belgian combo to Portland, with top-notch cocktails and a seafood-friendly tap list.

11/09/2015 By Benjamin Tepler

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Portland Gets a Taste of Southern Appalachia at Mae

Former Beast sous Maya Lovelace gives her grandmother’s Appalachian cooking the Portland treatment: 10-course pop-up dinners, food cart experiments, and more.

09/30/2015 By Karen Brooks

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

How to Eat Your Way Through Portland's Newest Food Court, the Zipper

We chowed down inside NE Sandy’s new micro-restaurant complex. The consensus? Go for the falafel, stay for the whiskey.

09/15/2015 By Benjamin Tepler

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Despite a French Menu and Location Nostalgia, Renard is Not St. Jack

The storied corner restaurant's successor brings accessible, vanilla French to Clinton.

09/02/2015 By Benjamin Tepler

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Bit House Saloon is Shaking Up Portland's Best Summer Cocktails

A new Central Eastside watering hole crafts stellar, fancy-free cocktails.

08/21/2015 By Benjamin Tepler

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

True Tuscan Flavors at SE Division's New Pinolo Gelateria

Serious gelato heads, listen up! In a sweet space next to Xico, a Pisa native is churning intensely wonderful flavors, freshly made daily.

07/22/2015 By Karen Brooks

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Shandong's Sister Restaurant Brings the Sichuan Heat to NW Portland

Kung Pow! turns it up with damn fine Chinese take-out.

05/20/2015 By Benjamin Tepler