WHETHER YOU'RE NEW to Portland or a longtime resident, you need STUFF. And while you could always order things online, or purchase said stuff at a big-box chain, you can rest assured that if you do, your new stuff won't be as interesting and the experience won't be as rewarding. One of the great things about buying local is you're buying from people who give a shit about Portland—and are doing their bit to make our city a better place. Plus, the money you spend stays in the local economy, paying the wages of your friends and neighbors. So the next time you need a new bike tire tube, cute bag, classic Ramones LP, used video game, slab of pork belly, or ounce of pot, BUY IT LOCALLY. As you'll see from the Mercury's picks of best local shops in town, it'll be worth the trip.


SHOP LOCAL—WOMEN'S FASHION

TOP PICK: Una
If you want subtlety and durability, look to heritage brands. If you want cheap, look to Target, and if you want to wear a logo in lieu of paying rent, look to corporate high fashion. Una traffics in the far more interesting avenues between these extremes. The women's fashion found here is of super-fine quality—but the pieces are also conversation starters, often so exquisite you could nail them to a wall. This is where you go to find clothing that is consistently and literally remarkable. Owner Giovanna Parolari takes a global approach to her selections, with a great representation from Europe (the detail-rich, colorful French-made knits of Catherine Andre are a favorite) mixed with cult-y American lines (A Détacher, Maryam Nassir Zadeh), notable Japanese brands (like Issey Miyake's Pleats Please), and carefully vetted local designs (Kate Towers, Alexa Stark). As a rule, Una isn't cheap, but things are constantly cycled into sale mode, including a rock bottom-priced bin that's always ripe for the rummaging—and there ain't no shame in that game. MARJORIE SKINNER
922 SE Ankeny, unanegozio.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Stand Up Comedy (511 SW Broadway). Boutique shopping meets conceptual art, with the edgiest and most androgynous tendencies in town.

Le Souk Le Souk (820 NW 23rd). If you're into rich textiles and a globetrotting boho vibe, this shop specializes in just that.

Palace (2205 E Burnside). The racks here are helpfully arranged by color, and feature a blend of chic, casual vintage, and new styles.

West End Select Shop (927 SW Oak). Relaxed, of-the-moment pieces, with a section devoted to the vintage Levi's of your dreams.

Imogene + Willie (1306 W Burnside). When you want to break them in yourself, this specialty denim shop's American-made jeans seem to nail fit every time.


SHOP LOCAL—SHOES

Halo Shoes

TOP PICK: Halo
Founded in 1999, Halo Shoes is basically the grandfather of Portland's shoe scene. They've stuck it out while other shops have come and gone, and no other specialty shoe store has ever matched them in terms of their combined pedigree and selection. Things can get real expensive here (they have the Chloés your heart sings for and your bank account fears), but they've always had an eye out for more moderately priced collections like French clog company Bosabo and American classic Red Wing. Plus it's ill-advised to pass their door without popping in to check the always-healthy sale section, which is a goldmine of deep discounts. Over the years, they've beefed up the men's selection to a roughly 60/40 split, plus there's hosiery, jewelry, bags, and other leather-leaning surprises. Pro tip: There's always more in-store than on their website, but their Instagram is a robust supplement for pre-shopping. MARJORIE SKINNER
938 NW Everett, haloshoes.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

The Annex (4018 N Mississippi). This spinoff of the Animal Traffic mini-empire tends to be boot-heavy—don't miss the custom jobs by White's Boots—but the longer they're around, the more they're diversifying, with plenty of representation on the moderately priced side.

Frances May (1003 SW Washington). Shoes are far from the only thing happening at this bigger-than-average boutique, but the shoe wall is mad-decent: It's ground zero for Rachel Comey, Common Projects, Robert Clergerie, Acne, Dieppa Restrepo, A.P.C., Golden Goose... 

Manifesto Shoes (3806 N Mississippi)/pedX (2005 NE Alberta). Lots of clogs and other cute options from brands like Coclico and Tretorn that don't tend to hit you in the wallet too hard.

Imelda's & Louie's (3426 SE Hawthorne). Wide, diverse selections for men and women—you're practically guaranteed to see stuff you love and stuff you hate—plus it's a good source for stocking up on hosiery.

HalfPint (3920 N Mississippi). These guys specialize in various vintage leather accessories, but boots are their backbone, and they're finding all the good ones.


SHOP LOCAL—MEN'S FASHION

 

TOP PICK: Machus 
What I love about Machus is also what some people might find polarizing. It's super niche. And while Portland men might not gravitate toward a few of their lines, the large selection of John Elliott and Won Hundred are on point and keep me coming back to shop for the men in my life. EXTRA CREDIT: Machus has its own line of tee-shirts and sweatshirts, which are washed with a silicon finish that makes them extra soft—like a vintage tee. MARISSA SULLIVAN
542 E Burnside, machusonline.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Compound (107 NW 5th). I know what I'm going to get at Compound: Herschel backpacks, a selection of sneakers you won't find at the Nike store, and a whole floor filled with UNDFTD and Stussy. Portland is not a town oozing with "hypebeasts," but the few we have can go here for their head-to-toe needs. The store also has its own line of tees, jackets, hats, and more that are made in Portland proper, and they're unisex! (While researching, I picked up a rad wind-breaker that reminds me of the one I used to wear by X-Girl back in '97.)

Danner (1022 W Burnside). The place to shop for bearded men who use pomade. And I'm saying that as a fan.

Animal Traffic (various locations, animaltrafficpdx.com). Carrying lines like Schott, Filson, and Red Wing, this new and vintage store makes men's lives easier if they're in need of something new and hip to wear... and great customer service, too.

Frances May (1003 SW Washington). While it might be out of most Portlanders' budgets, don't miss their vast selection of APC denim. And at around $185, you're not necessarily going to need a second job to cop 'em.


SHOP LOCAL—ACCESSORIES

TOP PICK: North of West
North of West carries a beautifully curated selection of lifestyle goods, and in the accessories category probably has the best bags and backpacks in Portland. Pay special attention to house line Nell & Mary, which prints and sews the cutest backpack you ever did see, right here in PDX. CASSIE RIDGWAY
203 SW 9th, shopnorthofwest.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Seven Sisters (811 E Burnside). This boutique boasts the theme "share something beautiful," and their accessory offerings are true to form.

Queen Bee (3961 N Williams). A long-standing leather goods company that manufactures bags and wallets built to last.

Tanner Goods (1308 W Burnside). A leather goods manufacturer that makes sturdy, well-made products for men and women.


SHOP LOCAL—VINTAGE

 

TOP PICK: Palace
This is one of the first vintage stores of its kind in Portland, and features a highly curated selection that blends in lifestyle components from featured independent manufacturers. Palace seems to imbue the entire store with a unique vision, which makes it a really special store with lots of beautiful things. CASSIE RIDGWAY
2205 E Burnside, palacestore.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Rock & Rose (616 E Burnside). A great store for both men and women of the rocker persuasion, fully stocked with vintage and handmade goods.

Red Light Clothing Exchange (3590 SE Hawthorne). Arguably the most famous vintage store in Portland with an ample stock for men and women.

Workshop Vintage (4011 N Williams). Beautifully curated vintage apparel and accessories with some killer handmade goods as well.


SHOP LOCAL—LINGERIE

Lille

TOP PICK: Lille Boutique
This is the definitive lingerie boutique in Portland— which says a lot because the runners-up are a strong league as well. Lille offers an exquisite selection of carefully curated lingerie for any occasion, as well as an extremely knowledgeable staff that can help navigate size gradations and silhouettes. The taste level is at its finest in this boutique, and you will love everything. CASSIE RIDGWAY
1007 E Burnside, lilleboutique.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

The Pencil Test (2407 NE Alberta). Highly trained staff will teach you about your bra size, and it will be a surprisingly invaluable resource.

Oh Baby (722 NW 23rd). A great shop for boudoir intimates and accessories.

North of West (203 SW 9th). Brick-and-mortar location for Make It Good apparel, which is well known for its men's and women's underwear; printed and sewn in Portland.


SHOP LOCAL—JEWELRY

Gem Set Love

TOP PICK: Gem Set Love (formerly Gilt)
When I was planning my wedding there was pretty much no question about where my future husband and I would find our rings, and it was Gilt (who have just rebranded as Gem Set Love—same owner, same store, different name, different website). They have a HUGE selection of vintage and new engagement rings and wedding bands, and their knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you find that perfect ring you will wear every day for however long you happen to be married. (Hey, I'm not a romantic—shit ends sometimes.) Of course that's not all they carry. They also have an equally huge selection of constantly rotating vintage and antique jewelry, as well as selections from small studio designers. ELIZABETH MOLLO
720 NW 23rd, gemsetlove.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Altar (3279 SE Hawthorne). This shop has so many different kinds of jewelry, it's insane—everything from understated and pretty, to big and witchy. (Full disclosure: This store is co-owned by Merc contributor Cassie Ridgway.)

Betsy & Iya (2403 NW Thurman). A longtime staple in the Portland jewelry scene, they make Sall of their jewelry in the back of their brick-and-mortar store. They also carry accessories and jewelry from other curated brands.

Cassidy (3562 SE Hawthorne). This shop also has a wide variety of jewelry from vendors across the country at every price point, and it's a great place for gifts.


SHOP LOCAL—BAGS

TOP PICK: Ellington
Ellington is a one-stop-shopping kind of place when it comes to bags. They have everything from cross bodies, hobos, totes, and wallets in a wide variety of styles and colors. All styles have lots of pockets to hold all your crap, and these things are built to LAST. Add in their specialty leather finishes and you've got a company that customers love. ELIZABETH MOLLO.
1211 NW 23rd, ellingtonhandbags.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Black Star Bags (2033 SE Hawthorne). This is the place for all of your waterproof bike bags needs. They make everything in-house, and are about to launch an awesome online customizer to build the exact bag you want.

Queen Bee (3961 N Williams). Another great place to get locally produced, waterproof bike bags, but of the more feminine variety. They also carry diaper bags from their offshoot Chickpea Baby brand.

North St. Bags (2716 SE 23rd). Yet another in-house-produced waterproof bike bag brand, which also sells great duffels, laptop cases, tool rolls, and pouches.


SHOP LOCAL—HATS

John Helmer Haberdasher

TOP PICK: John Helmer Haberdasher
Established in 1921, this shop is now owned and operated by John Helmer III—the third generation of the Helmer family. While the shop may seem like it's geared toward men (and it is), in this age of gender-specific clothing being a thing of the past, there are tons of hats available in a wide variety of sizes for whoever wants to wear them. They carry berets, Irish tweed caps, Greek fisherman caps, felt fedoras, straw hats, porkpie hats, top hats, and lots more. They also carry clothing and accessories. ELIZABETH MOLLO
969 SW Broadway, johnhelmer.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Classic Collection Hats (353 SW Oak & 3508 SE Hawthorne). This shop has a huge collection of hats for men and women in many different styles and sizes, ranging from XS to XXXL (plus hats for children).

Pinkham Millinery (1012 SW Washington). As one of the few operating milliners in the city, this shop sells ready-to-wear and custom hats for men and women, and everything is designed and constructed in their Southwest Portland boutique/studio.

Bonnet (2342 NW Thurman). Another local milliner, this shop mainly focuses on feminine styles, designing and producing their own hat collection in-house using vintage fabrics and techniques.


OTHER SHOP LOCAL STORES YOU CAN'T MISS

SHOP LOCAL RECORD STORES

TOP PICK: Mississippi Records
Although it's kind of a shoebox, Mississippi Records holds entire worlds within its walls. The independent record store crams countless vinyl into its small, musty confines, which can make weekend perusing a bit claustrophobic. But given the space and time to explore, one visit can yield rare oddities and treasure troves. It's an expertly curated selection, right down to the tunes humming through the speakers—every time I go I have to ask what song they're playing. You can test drive records from its wide variety of genres—blues, jazz, soul, and so many more—at their handy listening station, and savvy, friendly clerks readily answer any questions. While its cramped atmosphere and cash-only policy might put off some potential customers, Mississippi Records provides the most enjoyable and enlightening record store experience in town. CIARA DOLAN
5202 N Albina

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Little Axe Records (4142 NE Sandy). Now at their brand-new location in the Hollywood District, Little Axe has some of the choicest selection and best used vinyl prices in town.

Crossroads Music (3130 SE Hawthorne). Why go to one record store when you could go to 35? Dozens of independent vendors make this the best used vinyl selection in Portland—a browser's paradise and an anal retentive's nightmare.

Musique Plastique (1627 NE Alberta). Obscurities and classics sit side-by-side in this small but welcoming boutique, with an impressive inventory of the coolest records around.

Clinton Street Record and Stereo (2510 SE Clinton). Great service, drool-worthy vintage audio gear, and a terrific selection—boogie, house, disco, film soundtracks, and more—make this cozy shop a must-stop.

Vintage Vintage (2455 SE 11th). From the outside it looks like yet another clothing and furniture store, but Vintage Vintage is actually home to dozens of bins that overflow with cheap $2 records.


SHOP LOCAL—MUSIC GEAR

Old Town Music

TOP PICK: Old Town Music
Portland has plenty of plucky options for the aspiring musician or insatiable gear-head to get their hands on musical equipment, but Old Town Music clinches it both in moniker and by virtue of being nearly swallowed alive by the behemoth condo that sprung up next door in the past year. Old Town Music used to be located in Old Town before moving across the river in 2011, and has ties that go all the way back to 1964, when the shop was known as Denny's Music. It offers oodles of pedals, guitars, drums, and they will gladly let you blare away in one of their sliding glass door try-me rooms so you can tell if you really need to spend your rent money on something other than a place to call home. Just don't do "Stairway." JOE DAVIS  
55 SE 11th, oldtownmusicportland.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Trade Up Music (4701 SE Division & 1834 NE Alberta). Both Trade Up locations have hung tough during nearby construction, and offer great selections on wind instruments, too (if you're going to band camp this summer).

Centaur Guitar (2833 NE Sandy). Amazing pedal selection, and they host a great summer concert series in their parking lot.

Amphead (5225 SE 78th). Jim Taylor has been re-tubing and reviving amps for 20 years in Portland, and the shop also does custom repairs and installs on guitars.


SHOP LOCAL—BOOKSTORES

TOP PICK: Reading Frenzy
Oh, I love small but mighty Reading Frenzy! If stacks of yellowing paperbacks arrayed in alarmingly claustrophobic Jenga-block configurations trigger your claustrophobia, dust, and cat-fur allergies (*raises hand sheepishly*), Reading Frenzy's the perfect alternative. It's a Portland institution, perhaps because it's an immaculately appointed, extremely pleasant browsing space (seriously, it has a gallery) stocked with a strongly curated mix of small-press offerings, comics, and zines, with an eye toward the hyper-local (Portland authors abound), feminist-informed (buy Rad American Women A-Z for every baby girl you know!), and the social justice-focused (think Claudia Rankine and Walidah Imarisha)—plus art prints, postcards, and all manner of delightful paper goods. Bookstores have been my happy place, my refuge, my mood stabilizer, my book-problem enabler since forever, and Reading Frenzy is one I always feel good about supporting. Feeling guilty about your Amazon purchases? Do penance here. MEGAN BURBANK
3628 N Mississippi, readingfrenzy.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Mother Foucault's (523 SE Morrison). Mother Foucault's is a proud Luddite in a digital world. Looking for a copy of Georges Perec's Things in the original French? You'll find it.

Wallace Books (7241 SE Milwaukie). My grandparents used to adorably organize their book collection by genre, using homemade labels on their bookcases; Wallace Books is the store version of that.

Powell's Books on Hawthorne (3723 SE Hawthorne). Escape the out-of-town crowds at Big Powell's Powell's City of Books for a cozy neighborhood bookstore vibe—with an excellent selection of independent press titles.


SHOP LOCAL—COMICS

TOP PICK: Floating World Comics
Portland's full of great comics shops, but Floating World goes a step beyond—owner Jason Leivian's comics mecca also hosts Landfill Rescue Unit, which boasts all sorts of hard-to-find vinyl, giving you a perfect excuse to pick up some rare tunes to serve as soundtracks for your comics. As for those comics: Floating World's got a dazzling array of weird indie and European titles, all nestled right alongside chapbooks, zines, and superheroic opera from Marvel and DC. Just a few steps away from shelves of collected editions (not to mention the wall of new comics), you'll find well-curated selections of all-ages and YA books. And a few steps from those, feast your eyes (and drain your debit card) on slick art books, retro trading cards, and more. ERIK HENRIKSEN
400 NW Couch, floatingworldcomics.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Bridge City Comics (3725 N Mississippi). With great deals on collected editions, a fantastic kids' section, and some of the most passionate employees in town, Bridge City's a required stop whenever you're even close to Mississippi.

Cosmic Monkey Comics (5335 NE Sandy). The sprawling Cosmic Monkey has it all: Boxes of back issues, shelves of browse-worthy trades, enough new issues to lose yourself in for days, and a trusty staff that's happy to offer recommendations.


SHOP LOCAL—GAMES

Red Castle Games

TOP PICK: Red Castle Games
Tabletop gaming is exciting and addictive—but getting into it can be daunting. Not only can fancy-pants board games run $50 to $100, but their manuals are usually the size of a novella. For those looking for guidance on breaking in—or for devotees who want something new for their next game night—Red Castle's the spot to go. Boasting a bright, welcoming, window-filled storefront and a super-helpful staff, Red Castle offers the basics—like playing cards, chess clocks, and mainstream games like Scrabble and Cards Against Humanity—as well as the tools to go deep nerd, from Pathfinder modules and Dungeons & Dragons miniatures to Warhammer literature and roughly 4,802 games that all somehow involve Cthulhu. Throw in a lively space in the back that's full of tables for gaming, a lending library of games, and a robust selection of billion-sided dice and rare Magic cards, and you're set. ERIK HENRIKSEN
6406 SE Foster, redcastlegames.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Guardian Games (345 SE Taylor). Guardian Games' massive space has just about everything you could need for gaming. And a dragon painted on the wall! And a tub of disembodied Lego people?

Time Vault Games (1224 SW Broadway). Not only is the charming, friendly Time Vault located downtown—i.e., super accessible from public transit—but they once totally saved me when I needed a D&D dice set STAT.

Video Game Wizards (9712 SE Foster). If you're looking for video games, block off some time to get lost in Video Game Wizards' dense, cozy shelves—they've got everything from PS4 blockbusters to SNES classics.


SHOP LOCAL—MOVIES

Hollywood Theatre

TOP PICK: Hollywood Theatre
In an era of streaming, actually leaving the house to watch something can seem like a challenge. But one visit to the Hollywood Theatre will remind you why heaving yourself off the couch is worth it. While the theater's dramatic façade pays tribute to old-school grandeur, what's inside makes it one of the preeminent arts organizations in Portland. In addition to offering both mainstream and arthouse films, the Hollywood's the only theater in town that regularly shows films on both 35mm and 70mm (this July, they'll have 2001: A Space Odyssey, Lawrence of Arabia, West Side Story, AND Aliens in 70mm), and they host super-fun, recurring series like Kung Fu Theater, B-Movie Bingo, and Hecklevision. Throw in filmmaker Q&As, one-night-only screenings of classics and oddities, community-minded educational programs, and great beer and popcorn, and you can see why the 90-year-old, nonprofit Hollywood isn't just the best theater in Portland—it's one of the best theaters, period. ERIK HENRIKSEN
4122 NE Sandy, hollywoodtheatre.org

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Academy Theater (7818 SE Stark) and Laurelhurst Theater (2735 E Burnside). With cheap tickets ($4!), pizza, and second-run movies—plus old-school repertory titles—these are two of Portland's finest beer theaters.

Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne). Part of the McMenamins empire, this grandiose movie palace is Portland's best place to see blockbusters—it's cheaper, nicer, and has better picture and sound than any of the chain theaters.

Cinema 21 (616 NW 21st). Northwest Portland's recently expanded arthouse theater (now with three screens instead of one!) consistently books some of the best films in release.

Movie Madness (4320 SE Belmont). Part museum of Hollywood props, costumes, and creatures, and part massive video store, you're guaranteed to find amazing stuff here that Netflix and Hulu don't even know about. (Start by browsing the "Rampaging Teenagers" and "Turkish Action Cinema" sections.)


SHOP LOCAL—BIKE SHOP

TOP PICK: Revolver Bikes
I built up a bike recently from a bare frame. I'd recommend the experience to any committed rider, and not just because of the new confidence it'll give you in bike maintenance. The process lent me a hard-won familiarity with a spectrum of the city's bike shops. With each tool I didn't realize I'd need, each part I'd forgotten, I was sent scampering to some local business—whichever was nearest, cheapest, or had the best selection. You talk to a lot of shop employees that way, and it quickly becomes clear that some places simply hire friendlier, more-helpful folks. That's a big reason I like Revolver. The small North Interstate shop won't have every specialty part you're looking for, but it offers up reasonably priced, friendly, and practical service. Example: When I needed a part attached (which required a specialized tool) the guys at Revolver did it for free, while sleeker, larger shops around town quoted me $30 for five minutes of work. It's a bike shop's bike shop, with a selection of great rides and people behind the counter who know their stuff and won't bullshit you. In a town stuffed to bursting with solid shops, that counts for something. DIRK VANDERHART
6509 N Interstate, revolverbikes.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Citybikes Repair Shop (1914 SE Ankeny). With its used parts bins and chill staff, this co-op will get you rolling for cheap.

Community Cycling Center (1700 NE Alberta). You'll pay a little more than at other stores, but be damn sure it's going toward a good cause (like giving disadvantaged kids bikes).

Bike Farm (1810 NE 1st). An all-volunteer, do-it-yourself nonprofit bike collective that's as Portland-y as bike shops get, and can teach you anything you need to know about your ride.

Sugar Wheel Works (3808 N Williams). Not a full-service bike shop, but if you need nice wheels, or have dumb questions about wheels, they're great.


SHOP LOCAL—POT SHOPS

Panacea Katie Summer

TOP PICK: Panacea
You'd have to be underemployed and insane to have the time and interest to visit all of Portland's recreational dispensaries. Meaning: This city has WAY TOO MANY places to buy legal weed. Following the recommendations of the Mercury Cannabis Advisory Board, however, we've concluded that the most welcoming, cost-effective, and feel-good spot to pick up something for the weekend is NE Sandy's Panacea, which also functions as an art gallery and gives away a portion of its profits to charity! Panacea offers occasional price-busting specials on select strains, and they don't give you the hard sell or fill you with a bunch of mumbo-jumbo about terpenes and stuff. With taxes built into their sticker prices (something other dispensaries aren't always straightforward about), cool staff, and zero waiting time, Panacea is the place to be. NED LANNAMANN
6714 NE Sandy

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Farma (916 SE Hawthorne). Knowledgeable help and attractive displays make this an ideal spot to show your visiting parents what legal weed is all about.

Calyxes (7501 SW Capitol). The folks here are maybe too nice—you might feel like you're being indoctrinated into a cult—but this is the first dispensary in the country to be Clean Green Certified (with prices to match).

420 Holiday (2028 10th, Longview, WA). Until June 2, recreational users still have to go to Washington to buy concentrates and edibles. Longview isn't all that much farther than Vancouver, and 420 Holiday's homey vibe and super-chill staff make this our over-the-river pick.


SHOP LOCAL—BOTTLE SHOPS

TOP PICK: 1856
While other stores offer more extensive choices, 1856's strength is in its selection: beer, cider, wine, vermouth, and sake lists that are smartly curated, prudent, and affordable, with a dash of quirkiness to keep things interesting. The focus is on smaller producers, both local and global—in particular, there are excellent value wines from Europe and South America, uncommon ciders from the heartlands of France and Spain, and beer options that hail all the way from the Czech Republic and Scotland. Growler fills are also available from a half-dozen taps, and anything in store can also be enjoyed at the cozy bar without a corkage fee. MJ SKEGG
1465 NE Prescott, 1856pdx.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Belmont Station (4500 SE Stark). Beer specialists with a first-rate collection of more than 1,200 bottles from around the globe.

Europa Wine Merchant (1111 SW Alder). Downtown location offering an interesting and extensive range of wines, from everyday affordable to special-occasion blowout.

The BeerMongers (1125 SE Division). A beer-lover's fantasy: part bar, part shop, offering hundreds of bottles of beer and cider from all corners of the world.

Blackbird Wine (4323 NE Fremont). A broad selection of wine that focuses on value, pulled together by owner Andy Diaz, who will have a story to tell about each one. (Plus they have a cheese bar!)

Chill N Fill (5215 N Lombard). Worthy if limited bottle selection—but what a great tap list, featuring 30 craft beers and ciders for filling growlers.


SHOP LOCAL—SEX TOYS

TOP PICK: She Bop
If you're the type of person who enjoys the "added value" of sex toys, but get creepy vibes from walking into porno palaces, She Bop is the shop for you. This women-owned store might appear to be aimed at the ladies, but one look at their products, and super-informative casual staff, and you'll know they cater to everyone, regardless of gender. They specialize in well-made, non-toxic toys for every possible interest and kink, and are very happy to answer any embarrassing question you have—but don't sweat it, because they've heard it all. Plus they have monthly classes on need-to-know topics like BDSM, anal play, polyamory, oral gratification, and more. And they have books, DVDs, and sexy underpants, too, if you're into that kind of thing. (And you are!) WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY
909 N Beech & 3213 SE Division, sheboptheshop.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Spartacus (300 SW 12th). A great shop if you work in the exotic dance industry, or if you just love leather or a wicked hot pair of heels. (A respectable room of sex toys are in the back.)

Oh Baby (722 NW 23rd). Gorgeous lingerie is the focus here, but they also feature a healthy selection of toys from legit companies like LELO, We-Vibe, and Jimmyjane.

Fantasy for Adults Only (various locations, see fantasyforadultsonly.com). Kind of like a Costco for sex toys, Fantasy has a HUGE selection, a friendly staff, and lots of fetish wear as well.


SHOP LOCAL—TATTOOS

Oddball Tattoo

TOP PICK: Oddball Tattoo
Chances are if you're asking where to get a tattoo, you haven't got one yet. So for your first tattoo (in these days of regret and removal), it's more important than ever to take your time, communicate, and do your research before inking. Oddball is a medium-sized shop, constantly moving with people, and it gives me the right feels: from their constant dedication to creating art for art's sake, to employing artists with diverse techniques and approaches. They've also developed an atmosphere that's very suitable for taking a needle to the skin 1,000 times per minute, for hours on end. KATHLEEN MARIE
2716 SE 21st, oddballstudios.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Scapegoat (1223 SE Stark). Specializing in techniques using all plant-based materials, the artists' work here is nothing short of amazing.

Ever True Tattoo (213 SW Ash). Featuring longtime experienced artists, who execute large-scale custom work flawlessly.

Adorn (3941 SE Hawthorne). Women-owned, their approach is inherently more atypical and progressive than traditional Western style.


SHOP LOCAL—VINTAGE FURNITURE

TOP PICK: Lounge Lizard
You've probably been drawn to Lounge Lizard's stores on vintage row (AKA SE Hawthorne) like a cha-cha-heeled moth. So many pretty colored lights—fixtures dangling from the ceiling, lamps sprouting up from the floor, in every shade possible. The long-standing vintage furniture store specializes in reproduction '50s lamp shades, decorated with blanket stitches, starbursts, and funky patterns. All those glowing orbs also serve as excellent lighting for their vintage furniture collection, which is vast, reasonably priced, and spruced up. And the staff is friendly and helpful, to boot. It's pretty much impossible to walk out of their stores without grasping something mod in your hot little paws. COURTNEY FERGUSON
1310 SE Hawthorne & 1426 SE Hawthorne, pdxloungelizard.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Hawthorne Vintage (4722 SE Hawthorne). This wonderful vintage store has the furniture piece you've been searching for (or vintage drawer pull!). Like the perfect credenza, in tip-top shape, that magically fits into that one oddly shaped alcove.

Vintage Pink (2500 SE Hawthorne). Always brimming with furniture and retro accoutrement, last visit we spotted a beautiful metal kitchen table with a cherry-red formica top.

Red Snapper (4726 SE Hawthorne). A hidey-hole of clean, restored, and well-selected mid-century pieces.

The Reclaimory (4720 SE Hawthorne). You'll most likely wander in for the jewelry or doodads, but their tiny selection of furniture is excellent.


SHOP LOCAL—GROCERY STORE

TOP PICK: QFC
I know it's probably just my age talking, but QFC makes me nostalgic for the days when we had choices for "regular" groceries, besides Fred Meyer or Safeway. Why, back in my day, we had small grocery stores in almost every neighborhood. There was enough room in the game for Albertsons, Thriftway, IGA, and Red Apple. Although they're owned by Kroger now (like Fred Meyer), QFC used to be based in Washington, so you could feel good that your money was staying in the Northwest. But what I still like about QFC is that they have the very best prices on tons of things I always need to buy—especially wine! I go there when I need to stock up on chicken, and they often have BOGO deals on highfalutin Draper Valley, enabling you to fill your freezer with locally grown skinless/boneless chicken breasts and roasters for a song. HEATHER ARNDT ANDERSON
Multiple locations, but I shop at 5544 E Burnside, qfc.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Uwajimaya (10500 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale). It's kind of a hike to get there, but Uwajimaya has everything you need to execute proper Japanese cooking at home (including locally made miso!), plus a full range of Sanrio stationery, and geta sandals.

WinCo Foods (1222 NE 102nd). They're great because you get that creepy Costco vibe but in a 24-hour location. And they have the best selection of bulk bin items (hello, bulk cheese powder and individual Stash tea bags!), and high-quality Latino produce.


SHOP LOCAL—MEAT

TOP PICK: Gartner's Country Meat Market
When you walk through the doors of Gartner's, don't be distracted by the bacon, the knockwurst, the insane collection of marinated meats ready to grill. Proceed directly to the counter and take a number—then use your inevitable wait time, especially on the weekends, to get freaky with the meat ogling. Gartner's is an unabashed old-school joint, where hunters can take their game for butchering, and where you will certainly make more impulse carnivorous purchases of pre-prepared chicken cordon bleu, pork belly, and smoked bratwurst with cheese than intended. Prices are fair, and the counter help is unfailingly willing to explain the difference between baby back ribs and St. Louis-style ribs, and geek out with you over your plans for spice rubs and smoking technique. Grab a 75 cent pepperoni stick for the road. ANDREA DAMEWOOD
7450 NE Killingsworth, gartnersmeats.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Laurelhurst Market (3155 E Burnside). Along with being the best steakhouse in Portland, Laurelhurst's in-house butcher shop has saved my bacon—literally. It was the lone place I could track down beef cheeks when I needed to make Le Pigeon's famous dish.

Chop Butchery & Charcuterie (Inside City Market, 735 NW 21st & PSU Farmers' Market, SW Park & Montgomery). Chop's house-made charcuterie is unfailingly a crowd-pleaser, and you'll be able to track down Nicky Farms rabbit, Mary's chickens, and grass-fed beef from Montana Ranch, along with ducks, boar, and quail.

Tails & Trotters (525 NE 24th & PSU Farmers' Market, SW Park & Montgomery). This pork-only butchery is a direct line to the farm's hazelnut-finished pigs. Be ready to find several cuts of loin, brisket, and a cut called secreto, described as the most luxurious and beefy cut of pig. Just don't ask for ears—Aviary claims them all for its famous dish.


SHOP LOCAL—FARM STORE

Naomi's Organic Farm Supply

TOP PICK: Naomi's Organic Farm Supply
Romanticizing agronomy is easy when you have a patch of garden and a spot by the garage for a few chickens. You, too, can produce your own food! Self-sufficiency, here you come—without any of that icky "prepper" vibe! Interested in getting started? Your first stop is Naomi's. Besides all the cute, overall-clad urban farmer-types who work there, what I enjoy about Naomi's is that I can go in for layer feed for my hens, and walk out with a bunch of mushroom compost, heirloom melon seeds, and gallon-sized pots of thorn-less blackberry plants—without going broke! (Besides, you tell yourself, it's for "the house.") They have sweet goats to visit while you wait for your order to be rung up. Plus they're on Supportland, so over the course of a year or two of that farm life, you end up with enough merits to get yourself something nice! HEATHER ARNDT ANDERSON
3454 SE Powell, naomisorganic.blogspot.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Urban Farm Store (1108 SE 9th). This place rules for having everything you need to get started in your new life of animal husbandry—they even have chicken-rearing classes!

Birds & Bees Nursery (3709 SE Gladstone). This place is great because they have beekeeping supplies, carnivorous plants, and they're next to Gladstone Street Pizza.

Portland Homestead Supply Co. (8012 SE 13th). They have really pretty Weck jars for canning, and a bantam rooster who struts around the driveway.


SHOP LOCAL—CANDY

Candy Babel

TOP PICK: Candy Babel
While classic, old-fashioned candy stores have largely faded into sepia-toned nostalgia, Amani Greer's Candy Babel carries the torch. The tiny shop on NE Alberta offers 75 varieties of bulk, imported candies, with little flag stickers alerting you to the sweets' home country—the Swedish sour berry-flavored lips are my personal favorite. Neighborhood children color the candy-collecting bags, making every aspect of the Candy Babel experience feel familiar and lovely. While none of the bulk candy is made locally, the shop showcases other products made by sugar wizards in the Portland area, like Bees & Beans' fingerlickin' Snickers-like Honey Bar. Greer also sells her own homemade cotton candy in a tub—the boysenberry flavor blew my mind. CIARA DOLAN
1219 NE Alberta, candybabel.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Quin Candy (2805 SE Ankeny & 1025 SW Stark). It's got odd experimental flavors ("Smoked Cola" gumdrops, for example), and an undeniably bougie atmosphere, but Quin's popcorn caramels and "Sniffle Slayer" lemon-ginger-cayenne lollipops are magical.

Cacao (414 SW 13th & at the Heathman, 712 SW Salmon). This highbrow chocolate library boasts an extensive and expensive variety of chocolate bars from around the globe, but Cacao's real highlight is its house-made hot and drinking chocolates.


SHOP LOCAL—ODDS 'N' ENDS

TOP PICK: Flutter
I love this store so much. It's like a set designer's vision of a sophisticated little girl's bedroom. The space is festooned with pretty vintage dresses, jewelry, tarot cards, zines about Prince, ribbons, perfume, postcards, art books, candy, and a store cat who likes to nest in silky scarves. So dreamy. If I had my way, I'd live at Flutter, tucked into a well-curated corner of odd 'n' ends like a satin-obsessed hobo, nibbling on a bar of Woodblock chocolate. Guess you'll know where to find me when I go off the grid. COURTNEY FERGUSON
3948 N Mississippi, flutterpdx.com

ALSO DON'T MISS:

Presents of Mind (3633 SE Hawthorne). Your one-stop shop for unicorn rainbow-fart T-shirts, roller-skating socks, local jewelry, and awesome knickknacks.

City Liquidators (823 SE 3rd). This time-suck is weird, wonderful, and vast. It's great for furniture, Egyptian sarcophagi, Urkel dolls, office supplies, PDX carpet, and so much more.

Tender Loving Empire (various locations, tenderlovingempire.com). It doesn't get much more Portlandy than TLE when it comes to records, cards, and ephemera.

Cargo (81 SE Yamhill). This place is stuffed with stuff you'll never need—textiles, carvings, paper lanterns, tin toys, baskets, vases—but everything's so lovely you'll want it all.

ZimZim (144 NE 28th). Do you like saint candles with Amy Schumer on them? Star Wars leggings? How about tote bags depicting pole-dancing sloths? This place is going to blow your mind.