On the Road: Best Restaurants in Portland, Oregon
As home to a variety of craft beers, artisanal coffees and fresh farm-to-fork fare, Portland’s growing culinary scene caters to both drinks and dinner.
Bunk Sandwiches
On The Best Thing I Ever Ate, pork fanatic Chris Cosentino spoke anything but bunk about Bunk's Pork Belly Cubano. Bunk's take on the iconic Cuban sandwich uses knockout pork belly grilled with mustard, Swiss and ham. Other favorites include the roast beef sandwich with sharp cheddar.
Pine State Biscuits
At this comfort food restaurant, everything is served up on biscuits. Guy could not get enough of the classic biscuits and gravy, noting that the biscuits had the "best texture ever." He also devoured The Reggie, with fried chicken, bacon, cheddar and gravy, all inside a "flaky and light" biscuit.
The Farm Café
The eggplant Farmhouse Veggie Burger at this establishment rocked Duff's world. Made with homemade zucchini pickles, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, baby greens and spicy brown mustard in an artisanal bun, the burger earns Duff's vote as one "amazing" combination.
Arleta Library Bakery & Cafe
Look no further than this neighborhood cafe for comfort food with a culinary-school flair. Guy appreciated the complexity found in the savory Sicilian hash made with braciola. The sweet potato biscuits with pork and rosemary sausage were "dynamite." Diners also enjoy the Semolina Griddlecakes.
Byways Cafe
On Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy uncovered some retro cuisine at the Byways Cafe, a neighborhood destination for locals and tourists alike.
Higgins Restaurant & Bar
On $40 a Day, Rachael Ray hit Higgins, a classic French bistro located in a historic home.
Blueplate Lunch Counter & Soda Fountain
Guy's visit to downtown Portland led him to the Blueplate Lunch Counter, where Chef Jeff Reiter excels in classic American comfort foods. Guy loved the gourmet burger sliders made with basil mayonnaise, and the "primo" mushroom and bacon mac 'n' cheese, saying, "Here's a guy who is making it work."
Blueplate Lunch Counter & Soda Fountain
Otto's Sausage Kitchen & Meat Market
At Otto's they're serving up 50 different kinds of sausages seven days a week. The old-fashioned hot dogs are "tender and creamy," according to Guy. Besides assorted bratwursts, deli meats like corned beef and roast beef are also available. For his sandwich, Guy got the "killer" smoked pastrami.
Otto's Sausage Kitchen & Meat Market
Pacific Pie Company
On Meat & Potatoes, Rahm Fama discovered Pacific Pie Company and feasted on an Australian-style Beef and Stout savory meat pie with organic carrots and Yukon gold potatoes.
Podnah's Pit
This spot cranks out 30 tons of 'cue a year. Guy was won over by the lamb ribs, saying they “melt in your mouth.” The Pitboss Plate is also a popular pick, as shown on Best. Ever. It comes piled with Central Texas-style brisket, ribs and sausage. Cornbread and sides round out this mouthwatering meal.
Pok Pok
The heavy Oregon rain doesn't keep Chef Andy Rickers from cooking up some of his favorite dishes he brought home from his travels across Asia. Guy was all smiles as he ate the grilled boar with chile-lime garlic sauce and the spicy Vietnamese chicken wings topped with fried garlic.
Sahagun Chocolate Shop
Pat and Gina sampled the Oregon Kiss and more handmade chocolates at Sahagun Chocolate Shop, on Road Tasted with the Neelys.