It might be the need to fuel up for hiking, biking or other outdoor activities the City is known for, but a typical weekend in “Puddletown” generally means a large leisurely nosh and endless cups of strong coffee before noon. Just don’t expect your typical eggs-bacon-potatoes combo in this town. Simpatica Dining Hall, provides a weekly rotating menu and regularly packs ’em in at their communal dining tables for things like chicken fried bison steak, seasonal veggie stratas, and endless cups of strong, locally roasted Stumptown Coffee. Pine State Biscuits is a bit more casual, but no less good, and draws long lines for their authentic Southern biscuits and gravy, stone ground grits and imaginative breakfast sandwiches. Try the “Reggie Deluxe” sandwich; a heart attack inducing wallop of fried chicken, gravy, and fried egg and bacon, which was recently named one of the best sandwiches in America by Esquire Magazine. Locals and tourists alike flock to Kenny and Zukes, which is the Portland restaurant answer to the Jewish Deli. House cured pastrami is melt in your mouth and tender, and the Pastrami and egg frittata is a brunch classic to be.
On the other side of the spectrum at lunch or dinner, Ten-01 is a place to dress up and wow for a multi-course European-modern wine cuisine focused menu served in quietly chic surroundings. Standouts include silky sautéed day boat scallops with white bean puree, fork tender pinot noir braised short ribs or the quality house made charcrute plate. For a bargain bite, soak in the quiet sophisticated decor at the intimate bar and sample the discounted happy hour menu of things like lamb burger sliders, aromatic truffle fries and mushroom chicken liver croquettes. Another newish contender, with a vibe that is more Soho than Napa Valley, is the hopping Clyde Common. Located next to the hip Ace Hotel off West Burnside St., this is a great high energy spot for people watching, including visiting rock stars and Portland’s large esoteric artistic community. The gourmet “Gastropub” menu balances things like fried fresh sardines with lemon aoili, and sweet bread ravioli with lighter fare such as a cold smoked shrimp lentil salad and sides of roasted seasonal vegetables. Like Ten-01, Clyde’s happy hour is also a fantastic bargain with discounted cocktails and wines by the glass along with nibbles like pimenton pepper sprinkled popcorn.