Calling Portland (OR) Dopers!

[TroutMan]

I’ll quote my response from your other thread so you have all this in one place. Buckman is a great neighborhood. Rimsky-Korsakoffee House will probably be walking distance for you, and the Hawthorne Asylum food carts are in the neighborhood too. Zell’s Cafe has good pancakes and other breakfast stuff.

I’ll also throw in Revolution Hall as a place to check out. It’s an old high school that was converted into a few restaurants, creative and office space for small businesses, and a concert venue. There’s a rooftop bar that serves burgers and is open to minors until 7:00. It’s a great place on a sunny day and gives a good view of the city. It’s right in the middle of Buckman.

Have fun! Hit me up with any other questions.

@TroutMan

The Japanese Garden is nice, but I’d suggest starting at the (free) International Rose Test Garden just down the hill. The roses should be brilliant when you go, and you can get nice glimpses of the city, river, and Mt. Hood through the trees. If you enjoy that and want more, walk up the stairs to the Japanese Garden. But it’s $20 entry, can be crowded, and might still have access restrictions in June (i.e., you might need a reservation).

Your kids (and you) will enjoy Rimsky-Korsakoffee House for after dinner dessert and coffee. It’s a funky old victorian house converted into late-night hangout, often with a live piano player or other musician. There’s no booze and therefore no age restrictions, so you’ll often see a table or two of high school hipsters-in-training. Check the hours before you go, and take cash.

I’m required by city law to recommend visiting Powell’s bookstore. But really, I’d recommend it anyway. Have lunch and/or dinner at a food cart pod, where everyone gets their own choice. I’d recommend the Hawthorne Asylum for the right mix of good food and cool surroundings. I’m not as big a fan of the downtown pods, which seem to cater more toward people on their lunch break so the food is hit or miss.