Portland is increasingly a convention destination. While the convention center has restaurants, they are expensive. If you come all the way to Portland, you’ll certainly want to get out and explore more than just the convention center. You’ll notice that I’ve taken some time to talk about which restaurants are especially good or especially bad at handling things like food allergies. Someone visiting for a convention may not have tons of time to plan, and I’ve found apps like AllergyEats to be unreliable at best.
Let’s start with where to grab lunch. The closest fast food place outside of the convention center is Burgerville, a local fast food chain featuring sustainable food and fifties style decor. They’re so Portland that the wall graphics tell you who grows your meal and how the fryer oil is recycled. The convention center Burgerville is apt to be crowded. It’s the only fast food option that’s really close, and it also serves customers of the nearby Moda center. Burgerville posts allergen information on their website, though cross contamination is still a risk during the cooking process.
Heading out a little further, you’ll find some less-Portlandish restaurants. Strangely, there is no cart pod in the vicinity. Red Robin, Burger King, and Denny’s are all just what you’d find anywhere. Among them is Muchas Gracias, a local Mexican fast food chain. They’re a bit more expensive than the Taco Bell next door, but the quality is substantially better. If you take the light rail one stop east of the convention center (or simply walk), you’ll encounter Cafe Yumm, and Oregon-based rice bowl chain. Cafe Yumm also provides dietary and allergy information on their website. Lloyd Center Mall– two light rail stops east– has an unremarkable food court.
There are a few gems in the Lloyd District for those who have a little time to sit down and enjoy themselves. Frank’s House of Noodles, which you may ave seen on Food Network, is my area favorite. Expect a wait for a table at Frank’s. If you order take out, it will take longer than they say on the phone. Across the street from Frank’s is Black Water, a vegan pirate bar with surprisingly good meatless meals. Up the street you’ll find McMennamin’s a local brew pub chain with cold beer and hearty food. McMennamin’s also makes information about certain dietary restrictions available online. It’s worth mentioning that the Broadway/Lloyd District McMennamin’s staff are actually fairly good about handling dietary issues. While the chain used to be a go-to when someone in our group had a restricted diet, many of their other locations have staff that are frighteningly unprepared for this. I’d trust the Broadway staff with a food allergy, but don’t extend that trust to less-well run branches. Aztec Willie and Jake’s is a decent taqueria in the vicinity. The only real don’t for the district is Sushi Yuki, who does bad things to perfectly good fish. I can only presume that their convenient location keeps them in business– it’s certainly not their cooking or service.
I would not recommend taking light rail west for lunch in Chinatown. Unlike many other cities, Portland’s Chinatown is largely devoid of Chinese people– and Chinese restaurants. There is decent Dim Sum to be had at House of Louie, but I’d save Chinatown for a day off rather than lunch between presentations.
Relaxing after your day is over is a bit easier. With more time to spare, you might consider catching the #6 bus to go to the Russell Street Barbecue. Prepare for that stuffed feeling that you get at Thanksgiving–you won’t be able to stop eating, even if you order a meal that burns your face off. The tab can add up quickly if you order drinks, but it’s the kind of place that it’s worth letting loose at. Most of the Lloyd District lunch options are also open for dinner, and McMennamin’s is a great place to relax with a pint. Further up Broadway you’ll find The Rose and Thistle Pub, which seems to benefit frequently from convention goers relaxing after a long day. I’d go there for a hot drink by the fire, but I would not recommend eating there if you have any food allergies whatsoever. When that many staff members are ignorant about the subject, rather than merely rushed or careless, it’s likely an issue with management’s hiring standards.
Taking the street car east will lead you to the Southeast Industrial District. Letting loose in Distillery Row, if you have a free afternoon, is a fun way to unwind and maybe pick up a souvenir bottle. You may wish to consider picking up a Distillery Passport if you’re making a day of it. Quirky dive bar My Father’s Place is the kind of place that locals go to unwind inexpensively on Friday nights. The Lovecraft Bar– named for the horror author– can make for a fun but crowded night out. The only downside to the Lovecraft is the other patrons– while most are also there to have fun, you sometimes run into the goth equivalent of a high school mean girl, there to assert dominance with catty comments at all in her path.
Montage restaurant is must if you can. They’re open late, and serve up rich cream-heavy meals. I recommend trying the alligator if you’re up for an adventure.
Tea In The Rain 