Portland

Matt’s BBQ: Best barbecue in Portland, Oregon

The colorful BBQ Plate of brisket, pulled pork, and sausage, Matt's BBQ, Portland, Oregon

When I think of the must-eat foods in Portland, Oregon, the last thing that comes to mind is Texas-style BBQ. While Portland is a foodie paradise, the city isn’t known for its smoked meats and BBQ scene. Portland is best known for seafood, doughnuts, Asian food, and craft beer. But if you are looking for Texas BBQ, you might need to visit another city—or so I thought. Everything changed in 2015 when a small food cart known as Matt’s BBQ …

Read more

Nong’s Khao Man Gai: Chicken Rice in Portland, Oregon

The specialty of the house, Khao Man Gai, Portland, Oregon

In 2003, Nong Poonsukwattana moved across the world from Bangkok, Thailand to Portland, Oregon. When she arrived, Nong only had two suitcases and $70 to her name. To make ends meet, Nong took a job at a local Thai restaurant. After years of hard work and saving money, Nong opened her first food cart in 2009 in downtown Portland. The name of her cart was Nong’s Khao Man Gai. As with many restaurants and food stalls in Asia, the food …

Read more

Little Big Burger: Cheeseburgers in Portland, Oregon

The Double Down with bacon, Little Big Burger, Portland, Oregon

Note: Since posting this review, the restaurant has closed. It was a typical November night in downtown Portland, Oregon. Cold, rainy, and dreary. After hopping from brewery to brewery, it was getting late. And I was getting hungry after one too many beers. Due to restrictions, I had limited late-night food options in downtown Portland. The Pearl District was empty, with deserted streets and dark windows. After passing by Deschutes Brewery, I aimlessly turned down 10th Avenue. I noticed a …

Read more

Pine State Biscuits: Biscuits and brunch in Portland, Oregon

The decadent Reggie Deluxe with an egg, Pine State Biscuits, Portland, Oregon

In 2006, a group of three friends, who were transplants from North Carolina, founded Pine State Biscuits in Portland, Oregon. Their goal was to share their love of Southeast cuisine with the Pacific Northwest. And, the one food they craved and grew up eating, and wanted to share with Portland, was the ubiquitous southern biscuit. After months of trial and error, the group perfected their recipe of a buttery, flakey scratch-made biscuit. In May 2006, they started selling their homemade …

Read more

Screen Door: Southern Brunch in Portland's Pearl District

A southern classic, the Chicken & Waffles, Screen Door, Portland, Oregon

Screen Door, with two locations in Portland, Oregon, is a southern and soul food restaurant popular for its decadent menu. In 2006, Louisiana transplants Nicole and David Mouton opened the first Screen Door location on Burnside Street in eastern Portland. In 2021, a second location opened on Couch Street in the Pearl District. You will find all your favorite southern comfort foods on the brunch and dinner menus at Screen Door. This includes fried chicken, catfish, chicken & waffles, shrimp …

Read more