Got a vacation or business trip to the City of Roses in the works and looking for cool Portland places to visit? While each of this city’s neighborhoods has much to offer, if you stay near The Pearl District, you’ll put much of the city’s best dining, cultural attractions and shopping an easy walk away. Here are some of our top Pearl District picks.
Cerulean Wine
1439 NW Marshall Street
Located in a 100-year-old building, this Hood River based winery’s Pearl District tasting room is an elegant space – inspired by a Montalcino, Italy tasting room – where you and your friends or coworkers can enjoy sips of organic wine produced from Columbia Gorge AVA grapes, along with charcuterie, cheeses and other bites made from locally-sourced ingredients. Visiting in warmer months? Do a little alfresco wining and dining in their outdoor seating area.
Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade
115 NW 5th Avenue
This “barcade” features 150 games, from Definder to Pac Man, along with classic Pinball machines – plus a full bar and food options like grilled-cheese and BLT sandwiches, hummus, chili, nachos, hot dogs, and even sundaes and floats.The venue also hosts a variety of competitions, and live music shows and DJs make frequent appearances.
Powell’s City of Books
1005 W Burnside Street
Laying claim to the title “The largest independent new and used bookstore in the world,’ Powell’s occupies a full city block with nearly 70,000 square feet of retail space. It’s a Portland institution and a destination that’s on the bucket list of every bibliophile. Have books you need to sell? Bring them along: Powell’s buys an average of 3000 books every day.
Von Ebert Brewing
131 NW 13th Avenue
Enjoy delicious craft beer and “elevated pub food” under the exposed rafters of a bright-lit warehouse space. Von Ebert brews over 100 varieties of beer annually, and their list of draft beers changes every few days. The hot wings and steak + fries are absolutely amazing, but vegetarian fare is available, too.
Bambuza Vietnam Kitchen & Bar
100 NW 10th Avenue
Satisfy your pho cravings at this family-run Vietnamise-fusion establishment that offers generous portions, reasonable prices… and, of course, delicious flavor combinations. LIke your Pho hot, hot, hot? Ask the cook to at some heat, and they’ll be happy to oblige. In the mood for a cocktail? You’re in luck – Bambuza features a full bar.
Alchemy
1022 NW Lovejoy
This jewelry store showcases the work of over dozen unique artists and is dedicated to helping you find that perfect piece for you or someone special. Explore their in-store collection or, if you’ve got something brewing in your imagination, work with their team of experienced designers and metallurgists to bring your dream to life.
The Cookie Dough Cafe
120 NW 13th Avenue
How did this concept never exist before? The best part of making cookies at home is licking dough off of the beaters while the cookies are in the oven. The founders of The Cookie Dough Cafe struck gold when they decided to dedicate an entire store to the best part of baking. They even have gluten-free and vegan options – because absolutely everyone should be able to enjoy something this wonderful.
Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park Avenue
Established in 1892, the nation’s seventh-oldest museum features a permanent collection that includes American, Native American, Asian, European, and modern art, ranging from the ancient to the modern. Explore a room filled with Korean artifacts before taking in a large collection of eclectic Northwest art. Visit on Friday after 5 p.m., and admission is only $5. While it’s not actually located in the Pearl District itself, it’s too good to miss.
