Forget the food, the music and arts scenes, the proximity to mountains and oceans. The actual best thing about Portland is the beer. I don’t simply mean it’s tastier or easier to find than in other cities (although those things are very true). I mean there’s more of it—Portland is home to dozens of craft […]
Visitors’ Guide
Posted inFood and Drink
A Quick Introduction to Portland’s Beautiful Beer Scene
Forget the food, the music and arts scenes, the proximity to mountains and oceans. The actual best thing about Portland is the beer. I don’t simply mean it’s tastier or more easily found than in other cities (although those things are very true). I mean there’s more of it—Portland is home to dozens of craft breweries within city limits, […]
Posted inFood and Drink
Bike Like a Portlander
with the Biketown Bike-Sharing System
Ding ding! Hey, visitor, get the hell out of the way! We’re joking, of course. We’re so excited you decided to visit Portland, and enjoy watching you meandering around the waterfront as we breeze past on our bicycles. But why not join the real Portlanders and ditch walking for a bike of your own? If […]
Posted inFashion
Where to Shop for Portland’s Best Fashion, Shoes, Bags, and More!
Like food, music, comedy, and craft beers, Portland is internationally known for being fashion-forward and its local boutiques, which strive for sustainable, eco-friendly style. If you appreciate looking good, don’t miss these hot spots. WOMEN’S FASHION TOP PICK: Una The women’s fashion found here is of super-fine quality—but the pieces are also conversation starters, often so […]
Posted inShopping
The Best Places in Portland to Shop for… Everything Else
Portland is also a great place to spend your travel allowance on the cool stuff that will make your friends back home drool with jealousy. Such as… RECORD STORES TOP PICK: Mississippi Records This independent record store crams countless vinyl into its small confines, but given space and time to explore, one visit can yield rare […]
Posted inVisitors’ Guide
Portland’s Best Strip Clubs
Portland is a very sex-positive town, and our strippers are fierce, independent women who are very proud of what they do. And they do it well! So do like the locals: If you’re sitting up at the rack next to the stage, bring some dollar bills and tip often and with gusto. Because you’d expect […]
Posted inBars & Clubs
The Best in LGBTQ+ Nightlife, Bars, Parties, Comedy, and More
Nightlife is central to LGBTQ+ history and experiences. Whether you’re visiting or new to Portland, here’s an in-depth guide on where to plan your epic queer outing—from the theater to the club to the party to the morning after. Check out the Things to Do calendar at portlandmercury.com for upcoming dates and times. Bars, Strip […]
Posted inFood and Drink
Relax at Portland’s Best Coffee Joints
Stumptown Coffee Roasters Various locations, stumptowncoffee.com Stumptown is as basic to Portlanders as Starbucks is to America, but it’s still worth checking out if you’ve never been. Their coffee is great, which is why it’s now available nationwide and even in many foreign countries. Our personal favorite is their cold brew, which is available in cartons […]
Posted inThings to Do
Things To Do Summer 2018
MUSIC FESTIVALS Good in the Hood Multicultural Music, Arts, & Food Festival The annual Good in the Hood festival is one of the most diverse and fun music, arts, and food events in Portland—full stop! So support this critically important three-day event that offers tons of hip-hop, gospel, and funk as well as delicious food, […]
Posted inFood and Drink
How to Get Around Portland
(Without Dealing with Parking)
Do yourself a favor and get around Portland car-free. Driving here can be annoying, and parking can be super expensive. On the other hand, our public transportation system is perfectly adequate and relatively convenient. We’ve got taxis and ride-hailing apps, and much of Portland is bikeable—so you can, and should, get around without your car. […]
Posted inBars & Clubs
Love Karaoke? Check Out Portland’s Top Singing Spots!
The Alibi Billed as “Portland’s original Tiki bar,” the Alibi is like the adult version of the Rainforest Café, with lush tropical flora, fountains, and potent cocktails with names like “Miami Vice” and “Shark Attack.” The back of the bar is where the magic happens, but beware—this is one of the busiest karaoke joints I’ve […]
Posted inFood and Drink
Portland’s Best Bars (Beer, Wine, and Cocktails)
Welcome, traveler. Let’s toast your arrival with an alcoholic drink, which Portlanders love even more than coffee or weed. In the spirit of assimilation, here’s a visitor’s guide to drinking in Portland: BEER Horse Brass Pub 4534 SE Belmont Portland beer culture would be nothing without Don Younger, a beer drinker’s beer drinker and adviser […]