Visiting Portland in September (renting, live, restaurant)

[zdogg]

We will be visiting the Portland area in September and we would like some suggestions on things to do/places to eat/beer to drink.

We are looking for a bbq joint. One of the thousands of "Best BBQ in America" articles listed a restaurant in Portland but neither of us can remember the name. What's your suggestion? We know that Portland, or the NW in general, isn't known for it's bbq so we know we won't be getting Salt Lick or Franklin's. But we like to try new places.

We are active and have hiked through Forest Park and backpacked through Eagle Creek and we would like to do more of that. We also run 5k's or 10k's so if you have a favorite run, let us know about it.

We really like to visit local breweries on our travels. We've been to Hair of the Dog and Amnesia and we enjoyed both. What is your favorite brewery?

[hamellr]

Originally Posted by zdogg

We are looking for a bbq joint. One of the thousands of "Best BBQ in America" articles listed a restaurant in Portland but neither of us can remember the name. What's your suggestion? We know that Portland, or the NW in general, isn't known for it's bbq so we know we won't be getting Salt Lick or Franklin's. But we like to try new places.

Likely Podnah's Pit (food cart) or Russell Street were in the article. Personally, I'm a fan of Buster's because their meat is moist and I firmly believe that good BBQ starts with good quality meat. You can put good sauce on poor quality meat, but it's still poor quality meat.

Clay's is good too, but according to Yelp the top five are:

Leroy's Familiar Vittles
Road Runner BBQ
Homegrown Smoker
Bottles
Daddy's D's (in Vancouver)

Two of those are food carts, and the top ten list has a least two more food carts.

[SETabor]

Podnah's Pit is now a restaurant and is likely the place listed.

For runs, if you've already done Forest Park (and there's a lot of it), you can try Mt. Tabor. There are a lot of trails once you get in there and get lost.

For brewpubs, try Cascade Brewing or Gigantic Brewing. Really, there's at least two for whatever kind of beer you like - porters or IPAs or whatever.

[zdogg]

Originally Posted by hamellr

Likely Podnah's Pit (food cart) or Russell Street were in the article. Personally, I'm a fan of Buster's because their meat is moist and I firmly believe that good BBQ starts with good quality meat. You can put good sauce on poor quality meat, but it's still poor quality meat.

Clay's is good too, but according to Yelp the top five are:

Leroy's Familiar Vittles
Road Runner BBQ
Homegrown Smoker
Bottles
Daddy's D's (in Vancouver)

Two of those are food carts, and the top ten list has a least two more food carts.

I agree that you need to start with good quality meat. Thanks for the suggestions. I might just try them all!

[zdogg]

Originally Posted by SETabor

Podnah's Pit is now a restaurant and is likely the place listed.

For runs, if you've already done Forest Park (and there's a lot of it), you can try Mt. Tabor. There are a lot of trails once you get in there and get lost.

For brewpubs, try Cascade Brewing or Gigantic Brewing. Really, there's at least two for whatever kind of beer you like - porters or IPAs or whatever.

I've been looking at Mt. Tabor but it didn't look that big. I will definitely check it out.

I've heard of Gigantic Brewing but not Cascade. I'm looking for IPA's but will consider branching out. Sample trays are helpful when I'm in a strange town.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[LiveUrban]

Consider renting some bikes and exploring the city. Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country (if not #1). They're everywhere there. It'd be convenient to bike from place to place like many locals do and there is always ample parking. It would also give you some exercise between the BBQ and alcohol you might consume

[EnricoV]

You might be interested in one of the brewery tours:

BrewTour
Brewvana
BrewCycle

[Deezus]

Originally Posted by zdogg

I've been looking at Mt. Tabor but it didn't look that big. I will definitely check it out.

I've heard of Gigantic Brewing but not Cascade. I'm looking for IPA's but will consider branching out. Sample trays are helpful when I'm in a strange town.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Cascade Brewing is great. They have one of the most unique beer menus for any one microbrewery. The sour beers is are a matter of taste, but they have great IPAs, copper ales, and some really interesting dark or chocolate stouts as well as their own variations on Belgian styles. Just for reference, I was there last night for the first time and I felt bad I hadn't gone there earlier and I tried a lot of beers(slightly hungover today). Great mix of beers and you can order samples of everything--though only two at a time. But it has a serious beer-drinkers attitude--it's not like the more bar and grill type places that people might go to for just a burger and brew--it's for people who are really into trying very unique beers.

Portland also has some amazing Belgian beer bars and bottle shop bars(where you pick beers from a huge selection of domestic and international beers in the coolers next door and then take it to drink at the bar). Belmont Station is a good one along with Sarveza and the Concordia Ale House.

As far as BBQ goes, I like Podnah's Pit--though everyone else does too these days... Clay's used to be good, though, I might like Russell Street more. They've got good pulled pork, Carolina-style vinegar sauces and the sides are awesome. For Podnah's Pit it's all about the brisket. I've heard Leroy's Vittles is good. Just for reference, Hometown Smoker BBQ cart is vegan BBQ--so that might not be what you're looking for. I read a few good reviews lately of Smokehouse 21 over on NW 21st as well...

I live by Mt. Tabor--it's good for a nice afternoon run or hike and some exercise--nice view from up top. If you want to go to the Gorge and go on a good hike, I suggest Dog Mountain--amazing setting up top above the Columbia...