8 ms·

Ask HN: What to do in Portland?

61 points by rgrieselhuber 16y ago

I'm going to be in Portland, OR for about 10 days or so, starting on 11/3. I'd love to meet up with any hackers in the area. If you're thinking about applying (or have applied) to YC, I'm also happy to answer any questions / share my experience. (I'll buy the beer.) Also looking for recommendations of things to do, groups to check out, etc.

deltaqueue 16y ago
I just spent a week in Portland last month, and agree with everything posted so far (also agree Voodoo is overrated, but I'm a health nut so it was difficult to stomach the maple-bacon donut without dreading the aftermath). I haven't seen anything about Multnomah falls to the east or Cannon beach on the coast -- both are beautiful places to check out if you're renting a car and like nature. Here are some pictures I took on the trip, since they might give you a good idea of some of the places others have mentioned: http://www.jasoncazes.com/photos/portland/ http://www.jasoncazes.com/photos/portland/
garrettgillas 16y ago
Voodoo Doughnuts Ground Control PDX Japanese Gardens OMSI
arturo 16y ago
I can't believe no one has mentioned this yet: http://dorkbotpdx.org/ http://dorkbotpdx.org/ It meets every other Monday at Backspace(on NW 5th Ave just north of Burnside). So, for your time window that will be at 7pm on November 8th. You will at least get a chance to meet the originator of the wiki(Ward Cunningham) who is a regular. The crowd ranges from artists, electronics & robotics enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs who have hardware and software products in all stages of development. It is a very informal beer filled atmosphere with live demonstrations of projects and discussions of topics common on HN.
thedjpetersen 16y ago
I really enjoy going to Powell's when I am there. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powell%27s_Books http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Powell%27s_Books
- davepeck 16y ago
  +1 Powell's has a separate science and technology bookstore. Even if you don't want to buy a book, it's worth visiting this separate building to see the quite small (but entertaining) collection of vintage computers and manuals.
- bayareaguy 16y ago
  Powell's has a great technical bookstore a block away from their main store. Budget plenty of time to take it all in. If the weather permits I would recommend riding a bike and taking public transportation to get around. Portland is much better than the bay area in this respect. If you are into postgres be sure and say hi to the folks at Rentrak if you can. They have some great query / analytics technology built on it. There are some fabulous farmer's markets there too.
  - rgrieselhuber 16y ago
    Thanks! Rentrak looks like a cool company - I'll try to get in touch.
softbuilder 16y ago
http://calagator.org/ http://calagator.org/ is your friend.
- rgrieselhuber 16y ago
  Nice - thanks!
temugen 16y ago
Walk down NW 23rd.
wallflower 16y ago
Mt Tabor Park (beautiful views of city) http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=275&action=ViewPark http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?Propert... Japanese Zen Garden (awesome woodwork, one of the largest in the States) http://www.japanesegarden.com/ http://www.japanesegarden.com/ Nuestra Cocina (superb Mexican cuisine) http://www.nuestra-cocina.com http://www.nuestra-cocina.com
prawn 16y ago
I was there in August (Australian, spent a month on the West Coast with my wife). Went to a great Japanese restaurant called Hiroshi, hit a few pubs/brewpubs and did a walking tour which was actually pretty interesting. Stayed at Kennedy School which was great too. With more time I would've checked out the Japanese garden and (were the timing better) got to a Blazers game.
dualboot 16y ago
Some good links/ideas here. http://linuxfund.org/portland/ http://linuxfund.org/portland/
monological 16y ago
Pearl district is the place to be. Also if you like coffee, check out Barista.
- deleted 16y ago
  [deleted]
grahamr 16y ago
Powell's books, and don't forget the separate technical books location: http://www.yelp.com/biz/powells-city-of-books-portland-3 http://www.yelp.com/biz/powells-city-of-books-portland-3 http://www.powells.com/locations/powells-technical-books/ http://www.powells.com/locations/powells-technical-books/ Great coffee: http://www.yelp.com/biz/coffeehouse-northwest-portland http://www.yelp.com/biz/coffeehouse-northwest-portland http://stumptowncoffee.com/ http://stumptowncoffee.com/ Fun bars: http://www.dougfirlounge.com/ http://www.dougfirlounge.com/ http://www.rontoms.net/ http://www.rontoms.net/ Cool neighborhoods to explore: - SE Hawthorne - Pearl District - Northwest
- comfrey 16y ago
  so powells technical moved up 2 blocks (just across the main store on 10th and Couch) and is now called powells 2. as of last month.
misstillytilly 16y ago
There are 2 things that Portland does best. Strippers and beer: http://www.devilspointbar.com/ http://www.devilspointbar.com/ http://www.sassysbar.com/welcome.html http://www.sassysbar.com/welcome.html http://www.luckydevillounge.com/ http://www.luckydevillounge.com/ http://www.unionjacksclub.com/ http://www.unionjacksclub.com/ http://www.hopworksbeer.com/ http://www.hopworksbeer.com/ http://www.rogue.com/ http://www.rogue.com/ http://www.mcmenamins.com/ http://www.mcmenamins.com/ http://www.rockbottom.com/ http://www.rockbottom.com/ Have fun, and bring your umbrella
- softbuilder 16y ago
  I was just thinking that mention of strip clubs was noticeably absent. Beer is nearly unavoidable. Strippers, less so.
grinich 16y ago
• Powell's Books (and Technical books) • 23rd Street and NW Portland area • Voodoo doughnuts • Rose Garden • OMSI • the Pearl district • Hawthorne district (around the Bagdad theatre) • Events in Pioneer Courthouse Sq. • Hit up the dozens of microbrews • peek in the offices of weiden+kennedy • shows at the doug fir lounge • kennedy school • take the OHSU tram once (weird and fun) • some fun stuff around Alberta St. and the Hollywood district • parks! (I like laurelhurst, the arboretum, and forest park) • washington park zoo, if you like zoos. (really great for kids)
- rgrieselhuber 16y ago
  Wow, great list. Thanks!
- allangu 16y ago
  microbrews - bridgeport, any of the mcmenamin hike at the gorge - angel's rest, wakeena fall eat at apizza scholl, pok pok
  - cullenking 16y ago
    Pok Pok is expensive, but I have never in my life had better buffalo wings. I am salivating just thinking of them. Speaking of buffalo wings, for a so-so but still tasty/fun experience (lots of sauces to choose from!) hittup fire on the mountain. Two locations so it's easy to get to. Watch out for the gorge hikes mentioned - don't bother if it's a weekend and not raining - the amount of people on the trails is unenjoyable. Swing a weekday to avoid the crowds, or hike when it's rainy (still cool, but I am an oregonian...)
    - joelhooks 16y ago
      > Pok Pok is expensive, but I have never in my life had better buffalo wings. I am salivating just thinking of them. $11 for the plate of wings is actually not bad. It is pretty big. And they are really delicious. If you get cocktails and go all out it is gets expensive. No doubt. The cocktails are killer too
danhon 16y ago
Check out PIE, the startup incubator housed at Wieden+Kennedy. Drop me a line at dan.hon@wk.com if you'd like an intro.
- rgrieselhuber 16y ago
  Just emailed - thanks!
pat2man 16y ago
Eat! Best food in the country. I like Ping in the international district.
jbr 16y ago
Lived in Portland for 7 years (went to school in SE, Reed College). Hence, nostalgia dump: When I left for the bay area a few years ago, NE Alberta and North Portland were picking up inertia. If you're into coffee, try Albina Press. The lucky lab on SE Hawthorne (close in) is a Great pub and I'm not much of a pubgoer. Eat street food. The Portland street food scene makes the mission district look behind the times. Get some tea in the teahouse in the Chinese gardens (right downtown). It's often overlooked by Portlanders, but the Chinese gardens are really quite wonderful. The tea menu is run by the Tao of Tea, which is one of the better tea importers in America. Check out the nickel arcade (wonderland, I think it's called) on SE Belmont. Powells & Powell's Technical. If you're a book person, set aside at least half a day for this. Read some books in the cafe. Hang out a while - there's no better book store in America (including the strand - nyc, moe's - berkeley, serendipity, etc) I know I'm disagreeing with other posters, but avoid the pearl like the plague. It's the least "truly portland" and is for people from other cities who are looking for shiny glass highrises and warehouses. Everything is more expensive and upscale. Similarly, NW 23rd and 21st have a distinctly "east coast haven" flavor. Go to NYC or SF for that, enjoy portland for what it does best — the quirky stuff that you can't get elsewhere, and there's plenty of that. Speaking of quirky, get a doughnut in the middle of the night at voodoo. Check out the saturday market (sat and sun), if it's running when you're in town. Another uniquely portland experience, but you probably won't buy anything. Beers: Hair of the dog, rogue, lucky lab. Try something on cask or nitro if you haven't lived in a place that really geeks out on beer.
- jbr 16y ago
  Oh: ride public transit. Notice that it runs on time, is fairly easy to understand, and is clean. There's a sky tram, a light rail, a streetcar, and an extensive bus system. Everything is free downtown in the fareless square.
  - softbuilder 16y ago
    >Everything is free downtown in the fareless square. Sadly, not anymore. "Free Rail Zone" is the Newspeak for Fareless Square. Buses now cost you.
jonah 16y ago
Take a day or an afternoon and drive east along the Columbia River out to Hood River. Take the "fruit loop" through the orchards between the town and Mt. Hood, drink some microbrews after. (Bonus if it's beautifully sunny while there and pouring rain on the drive back like it was when I went.)
- kbob 16y ago
  And visit some waterfalls on the way to/from. There is a whole sequence of waterfalls along the south side of the Columbia. Multnomah, Bridal Veil, and [I forget the others' names]. All that rain's good for powering the scenic wonders.
klodolph 16y ago
Resident here. These are off the top of my head, so I'll miss some. Food: I recommend the following two food carts for eating lunch downtown: "Ziba's Pitas" on SW Alder and 9th Ave (try the ajvar), and "KOi Fusion", whose location is posted via twitter at http://www.twitter.com/koifusionpdx http://www.twitter.com/koifusionpdx . Voodoo donuts is open 24/7 and conducts wedding ceremonies. Tech: I second the recommendation for http://calagator.org/ http://calagator.org/ . Powell's books is also a must, the technical store is now across the street from the main store which is convenient. Science: Your timing is unlucky in a sense, you won't be able to go to OMSI after dark (Oct 27, http://www.omsi.edu/afterdark http://www.omsi.edu/afterdark) or science pub (Nov 1, Nov 16, http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepubportland http://www.omsi.edu/sciencepubportland). I'd say OMSI is one of the top five science museums nationwide, and the best science museum on the west coast. Art: On the first Thursday of every month (Nov 4), there are a bunch of art galleries and stands that open up in NW Portland starting in the afternoon and picking up in the evening. http://www.firstthursdayportland.com/ http://www.firstthursdayportland.com/ The Portland Art Museum is also excellent. http://portlandartmuseum.org/ http://portlandartmuseum.org/ Parks: Japanese gardens, rose gardens. Neighborhoods: SE Hawthorne ST and NW 23RD AVE are interesting places and friendly to explorers. The vicinity of NE Alberta ST has a disproportionate number of cool parties, but good luck figuring out when / where / whether you need an invitation. Music: The Doug Fir, Berbati's Pan, Jimmy Mak's, Someday Lounge, Backspace, Satyricon are just a few examples. The Doug Fir stands out, especially if you like indy rock. Go to Jimmy Mak's if you like jazz. Random: "Ground Kontrol" if you like arcade games. It is also a bar. (Someone mentioned Wonderland, which is cheaper, but Ground Kontrol has the classics and I don't think they serve beer at Wonderland.) Hmm, you've convinced me to take my precious savings (unemployed at the moment) and go out.
- klodolph 16y ago
  Oops, I almost forgot. I'd like to mention "Japan Night" on Mon, Nov 8 at Portland State University's Smith ballroom. It's a big annual event put on by the Japanese Student Society. I think tickets are $10 for non-students. Support the local university students! (Disclosure: I am tangentially involved in the event, so I feel the need to advertise it.)
Flemlord 16y ago
Chuck Palahniuk's sole foray into travel literature is called "Fugitives and Refugees: A Walk in Portland, Oregon". This is the author of Fight Club and Choke. http://www.amazon.com/Fugitives-Refugees-Portland-Oregon-Journeys/dp/1400047838 http://www.amazon.com/Fugitives-Refugees-Portland-Oregon-Jou...
dylanz 16y ago
Tons! Just emailed you. Would love to show a fellow HN'er some of the goods that this place has to offer. Just moved here a few months ago and loving every minute of it :)
- rgrieselhuber 16y ago
  Just emailed back - looking forward to meeting you!
ColinDabritz 16y ago
The Portland Saturday Market has some nice arts and crafts, and it's a nice place to hang out by the waterfront. It has a nice food court as well, good food and variety. http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/ http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/ Most of the rest seems to have been covered, enjoy your trip!
- rgrieselhuber 16y ago
  Thanks!
zrail 16y ago
Thirding http://calagator.org/ http://calagator.org/ Specifically, PDX Hackathon is a pretty good time and happens every Thursday night at the Luckly Lab on SE Hawthorne. Show up, hack on a project, talk with other hackers about whatever.
Shamiq 16y ago
Tongue in cheek: The strip joints there have quite a reputation.
- cullenking 16y ago
  My favourite locals story was hearing how a guy got rolled by two large prostitutes outside Mary's. He walked out, was offered a deal, declined and walked away. Next thing he knows he's on the ground - one of the two cold clocked him in the head with a rock and the other stole his wallet. Go strip clubs!
  - mrinterweb 16y ago
    There is a taqueria adjacent to Mary's Club and I noticed two signs on the back wall of the taqueria, "Restrooms" and "No Minors Allowed". I had to use the restroom mid-meal, and I suddenly found myself surrounded by strippers in Mary's Club. Pro Tip: I also noticed that the 1337 Mary's Club patrons just walk through the taqueria to avoid the door fee.
jcsalterego 16y ago
I visited earlier this year and here were my highlights (YMMV): - Fuller's Diner - Powell's Books and Technical books -- a few blocks from each other IIRC - Pearl district in general - Tender Loving Empire (I went to the SW 10th St one) - Sweet Masterpiece (awesome chocolate + wine/coffee pairings!) - Saturday (weekend) market - OMSI (first time in a planetarium since the mid-90s) - Portland Aeriel Tram - Portland Art Museum - Japanese and Rose Gardens, Oregon Zoo
lenards 16y ago
Voodoo donut!
cullenking 16y ago
Before my long-winded reply: I am in North Portland and haven't had a decent technical conversation for a while, so hit me up if you want to grab a beer and nerd out, or possible go climbing weather permitted. cullen@ridewithgps.com A huge part of Portland is the beer, and there are a few different styles of brewpubs. The first I'll address is the style I like the least, which are the annexes of larger distributors. These include Rogue, Widmer, Bridgeport etc. They don't have any charm to them, they are just restaurants attached to a beer label, and there is better beer to be had. Also, McMenamins has cool locations but their beer sucks and so does their food, prices and service. If you like drinking in cool buildings (old church, old elementary school with lots of bars inside) then check them out, otherwise don't bother. If you are going to go to a McMenamins, make sure it's the Kennedy School, since that one offers the most redemption. As far as the good places to go: Hopworks makes damn good pizza and damn good beer. Their red and their IPA are both fantastic, and the bar is really freaking cool. Lucky Lab is another place with good beer, but their vibe is completely different - if you don't like dogs and a big open cafeteria style game room, then don't bother. Right now my favourite place to grab a beer is the Fifth Quadrant (a Lompoc brewery location) - they have the best burger I have yet had in Portland, and Tuesdays they offer $2.50 pints. Their c-note IPA is great! Haven't had a bad server yet, which is saying something. Unless you want a seedy experience, avoid the strip clubs. I am not a fan but have been to a couple over the years. I think it takes a certain person, and I can say it's easy to ignore someone when they say "but this one is really good!" - there's nothing special about portland strip clubs except the sheer number of them, so unless it's your thing don't bother. Some of the best things about portland have nothing to do with portland itself, but rather the proximity of cool shit nearby. The gorge is gorgeous (haha), lots of cool stuff around mount hood as well. The coast is something else - if you haven't been to a northwest coast, it's a must. Don't expect nice weather and fun, but rather intense scenery, weather and wind. Head straight to either Astoria (see the Goonies house), or Manzanita for a cool small beach town feel. If you are a rock climber, there are cool things to climb within a reasonable distance. I am happy to get some climbing in if you have some experience and want to tie into a rope, though I can't promise nice weather or warm hands. Something that could be fun for around portland is one of the many pedicab routes offered. You can get a basic tour, or they have specialty tours going on for things like whiskey tasting among others. http://pdxpedicab.com/ http://pdxpedicab.com/ and look for their pub tour and distillery tour.
mparr4 16y ago
Street food!! And if you like Thai, hit up Pok Pok in SE then hit the Mcmeniman's pubs in the area.
shaunmartin 16y ago
Kenny and Zuke's - The best reuben you will ever have. They make their own pastrami. About 2 blocks from Powell's. http://www.kennyandzukes.com/ http://www.kennyandzukes.com/
- shaunmartin 16y ago
  ...which is next to Stumptown...which is next to Ace Hotel...which is next to Clyde Common. Man, what a block.
- arjn 16y ago
  They're ok, not great. And a bit pricy.
drallison 16y ago
Saturday Market: http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/ http://www.portlandsaturdaymarket.com/ Good stuff to browse and buy.
lyime 16y ago
Hey come hang out at PIE. There are bunch of startups that are working there (UrbanAirship, Mugasha and Bank Simple) send me an email if you want to drop by.
- rgrieselhuber 16y ago
  I'd love to. Just emailed.
  - thiele 16y ago
    I'm a PIE guy too. We can hook you up with a desk and wifi if you need to set up shop. We could also do a geek meetup afterhours at PIE if your down. Here's the PIE website: http://piepdx.com/ http://piepdx.com/ My email is in my profile. Cheers!
    - rgrieselhuber 16y ago
      That sounds awesome. :-) I'll email you.
simonporter99 16y ago
Gallery Zero (34th & Burnside; www.thegalleryzero.com). Big show 11/5 (free beer/wine).
sown 16y ago
Is everyone's suggestion really just bars and restaurants?
chrismealy 16y ago
Food carts! http://www.foodcartsportland.com/ http://www.foodcartsportland.com/
chrismealy 16y ago
Rent real Dutch bikes at Clever Cycles (call ahead to reserve) http://clevercycles.com/ http://clevercycles.com/
chrismealy 16y ago
It's true, Voodoo is overrated. It's fun but not wait in line for 45 minutes fun.
charlier 16y ago
If you have a chance to get out of town a touch try the Evergreen Air and Space Museum, home of the Spruce Goose, a Titan II missle, SR-71, B-17, a few space capsules, and various other goodies for aero-nuts. The collection is fantastic but the knowledgeable volunteers really put it over the top. All are friendly and the level of detail was incredible. One gentleman walked me around the J58 (from the SR-71) and knew temps and pressures at various stages, cruise airflow etc. It was pretty damn cool... http://www.sprucegoose.org/ http://www.sprucegoose.org/ btw... Voodoo is an experience, but the donuts aren't that fine. For beer I'd recommend the Tug Boat, right downtown. Cool little pub with lots of crazy old books stacked to the ceilings...
bacarter 16y ago
Coffee! In Portland it's practically religion. There's at least a dozen microroasters and hundreds of coffee shops. My favorites: Spella (5th and Washington) Stumptown, and Barista (you choose the beans for your drink!)
al3x 16y ago
Ping me. al3x@al3x.net
- rgrieselhuber 16y ago
  Cool, just did!
forkandwait 16y ago
Get a tour at FreeGeek (5pm daily, but google it to make sure).
- alanstorm 16y ago
  The Freek Geek thrift store is worth a trip, if only to view The NEXT cube they have on display.
arjn 16y ago
Also: - Saturday Farmer's market near PSU - Burnside bridge market - Food carts - Southeast Portland's many nice restaurants. - 1 hour drive to the coast (Cannon Beach etc.)
HardyLeung 16y ago
I lived in Beaverton (very close to Portland) many years ago. I highly recommend the Gorge (Multnomah fall in particular), Crater Lake, and Cannon Beach.
dgaur 16y ago
Portland Startup Weekend (http://portland.startupweekend.org/ http://portland.startupweekend.org/) is the weekend of Nov 12-14, if you're still in town.
- rgrieselhuber 16y ago
  Very cool. I should be able to make it on the 12th.
mkramlich 16y ago
Aren't there entire websites and books already dedicated to answering this question?
Breefield 16y ago
Last time I was in Portland I followed my friend's Gowalla trip. See it here: http://gowalla.com/trips/15349 http://gowalla.com/trips/15349
deleted 16y ago
[deleted]
presto8 16y ago
In addition to the many great suggestions already made, here are a few more: Rent a (road) bicycle and ride a nice 2-hour loop along the waterfront (starting at OMSI and going along the Springwater Corridor) Rent a (mountain) bike and bike in Forest Park (near NW 23rd) Go to Council Crest Park, the highest point in Portland. Great views of the city and, if the weather is clear, at least 4 glaciated peaks. Attend the farmer's market at Portland State University on Saturday mornings Walk through Washington Park (head up Burnside to NW 23rd and then enter the park). From here, you can access the rose gardens, the Japanese gardens, Hoyt Arborteum, and the zoo. Go skiing at Timberline lodge (they open for the season this weekend). Go surfing at the coast (you can rent everything you need, including a warm wet suit, at Cannon Beach) Go hiking on the coast: Saddle Mountain or Neahkahnie Mountain is good Go hiking in the Gorge: numerous options of varying difficulties, consult Google See Multnomah Falls, and take one of many numerous hikes in the area See a movie at the Bagdad, a neat theater, and walk around the neighborhood there Hike in Forest Park. The Wildwood Trail goes on for 30 miles. Pittock Mansion is cool. The Audobahn Society is a convenient stop. See Mt. St. Helens. I'm not sure if the visitor center is open. Drive to Hood River (can be combined on a long day trip to Mt Hood) Drive to Mt Hood and hike up to the glacier Go wine tasting in the Willamette Valley (numerous vineyards available) Attend free art show on First Thursday Rent a kayak and paddle the river, or go on a river cruise
zoowar 16y ago
Great Portland promotional video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1B2_r6Azvg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1B2_r6Azvg