salsa

The downtown Milwaukie area is getting cuter and cuter every day. The opening of a Cha Cha Cha on the main strip is a sign that they are up and coming.  The interior is smallish but the darker wood floors and decor makes you feel like you are in a hip restaurant in the Pearl. My favorite dish here is the mashed potato taquitos that are smothered in sour cream, lettuce and fresh salsa.  They will make you want to instantly curl up and take a nap the moment you finish eating so you might want to get them to go. I am pretty conviced that downtown Milwaukie will soon be the new Sellwood so you might want to get in while it is still affordable.

I have been to the Papa Hydn on NW 23rd a couple of times but this is the first time that I have been to the Sellwood location.  It is in a very cute, older building and there is a pretty good amount of seating.  We were there for a birthday celebration and they were very accomodating for a larger group (plus they have outdoor seating for warmer days).  I had the berry cobbler with vanilla ice cream and it was so delisious, served warm so that the ice cream is slightly melted (I was only able to eat about 1/3 of it so next time I will have to share with someone).  I love the Sellwood neighborhood and on this paricular evening it was slightly warmer outside and the whole area smelled like an amazing scented candle.  I can see why everyone that I know is dying to live here.

yummy

If you haven’t tried a Voodoo Doughnut then you should get into your car or onto your bike and head down there right now and put one in your mouth. The Sandy store is my favorite, located inside of an old Arctic Circle restaurant that is painted Pepto pink and decorated with tons of bizzarre things. Old school desks scattered around to sit at while you eat doughnuts with Capn’ Crunch cereal or Oreo’s on top. They even have a maple bar with a strip of bacon on top! Be careful not to get the one with cayenne pepper on it, it is spicy! In case you were wondering, they also perform wedding ceremonies. Open 21 hours (closed from 3am-6am), great place to stop in after a show. There are always cop cars out front so you know it is good.

Located in the Kerns neighborhood:

1501 NE Davis

Portland, OR 97232

one of the best breakfast spot in Portland OR

I’m not sure how long this restaurant has been open but I can remember coming here for what seems like forever. I was surprised to see that the Hawthorne location that I went to this morning had expanded into what used to be the old Coffee Merchant (RIP Coffee Merchant…tears) store.  This transformation probably happened a while ago, it’s just been a long time since I have been to the Cup & Saucer. In fact, the reason why I have not been to the Cup & Saucer in a while is because every time I think about going, I dread the horribly long wait, but it looks like that problem is solved (they also have 2 more locations to split things up a little more). The breakfast was really good and I didn’t feel rushed by people cramming around the front door waiting for a table because there was enough room for everyone! My 2 year old had a pancake that was cooked in the shape of a bears face, decorate with fruit slices….very cute and it kept him busy for quite a while sawing the ears off etc.

Located at:

Hawthorne

3566 SE Hawthorne Blvd
Portland, OR 97214

NE PDX

3000 NE Killingsworth
Portland, OR 97211

NoPo

8237 N Denver Ave
Portland, OR 97217

Yes, that is a picture of me blogging or twittering at the cafe!  This has quickly become one of my new favorite cafes in Portland due to it’s proximity to the main office (not that I spend very much time there) and due to the great drinks and food.  They have a cute area for kids that has toys and a couple of flat screens that show constant nature animal footage.

Located at:

1800 NW 16th

Portland, OR 97209

Yummy, just typing the name of this restaurant makes me salivate. They make one of the best Pad Kee Mao’s (drunken noodles) in Portland, and it’s only a couple of blocks from my house! Located in the heart of Montavilla in a bright purple and green Portland bungalow style house. Owned by the same people that run Thai Peacock in downtown with pretty much the same menu.

Located across from Vestal Elementary School:

150 NE 82nd Ave

Portland, OR 97220

Located next to Cooper’s Coffee Shop:

6031 SE Stark

Portland, OR  97215

The name makes me think that everyone here is going to be barefoot and have pieces of straw hanging out of their mouth when you walk in (actually the chefs wear blue jean overalls in the kitchen). The food is hardcore American with an organic, gourmet twist and absolutely amazing! I am a vegetarian so I have and will only experience a small section of the menu, it tends to cater more towards meat eaters. If you have room at the end of the meal try the rhubarb cobbler or a cookie that is made to order so it comes piping hot mmmmmm. The decor is also fantastic from the logo cat mosaic that greets you before you enter and the huge twisted iron door handle to the olive green bucket seats and lots and lots of wood. It makes me miss the farm that I never had.

P.S. They also serve brunch on the weekends

Located next door to Ya Hala in Montavilla:

7937 SE Stark

Portland, OR 97215

Located in Montavilla:

7804 SE Stark

Portland, OR 97215

Just saying the name makes me feel like I’m starring in a rap video….but seriously the Baba Ghanouj at this place will make you Holla! I feel so blessed to live only a few blocks from this restaurant because it has proven to be one of my favorites and if we are ever snowed in for multiple days or weeks I still have access to it! If you want to try it out, be aware that on a weekend night you will probably have to wait 30 mins to 1 hour for a table because it is no secret how amazing their food is. You can order meals individually or family style for larger groups. After dinner, get a piece of Baklava to go and skip your happy tummy down to the Bipartisan Cafe to wash it down with some Stumptown Coffee. Perfect.

Located in Montavilla:

8005 SE Stark

Portland, OR 97215