Visiting portland end of summer (Tillamook, Donald: restaurants, price, stores)

[jjpop]

It's tough to beat In-N-Out. There are no chains up here that are like that. Maybe Five Guys comes close, but burgers are a very personal thing, I've found, so I don't want to start a pee pee match about the superior burger joint.

Burgerville's hook is exactly what everyone is describing--the seasonal/fresh/local angle, and they do it well. Plus I like the rosemary chicken sandwich--it's very plain, but that's part of what I like about it.

[psichick]

Originally Posted by jjpop

It's tough to beat In-N-Out. There are no chains up here that are like that. Maybe Five Guys comes close, but burgers are a very personal thing, I've found, so I don't want to start a pee pee match about the superior burger joint.

Burgerville's hook is exactly what everyone is describing--the seasonal/fresh/local angle, and they do it well. Plus I like the rosemary chicken sandwich--it's very plain, but that's part of what I like about it.

Well, that's why I said, "if you like In-N-Out a LOT", because I love in-n-out. From the people I have met that like in-n-out, they don't care for Burgerville burgers. I do like their hook and they do it well, no arguments there. But honestly, if that's the only thing that sells their food, that's kinda sad. There are lots of restaurants here that do the seasonal/fresh/local angle and taste great! I'd much rather pay for that.

But to the OP, you may as well try it. It's akin to going to SoCal and NOT trying in-n-out. Just be ready for a hefty bill for "fast food". I'm new here, so no real suggestions from me. I think everyone gave you lots to choose from.

[EnricoV]

Well, I don't eat beef. So Burgerville wins it for me by having turkey burgers, and the best damn fish & chips and fish sandwiches. In addition to all those extra goodies. The onion rings, the sweet potato fries, and the berry sundaes.

[urbanlife78]

Originally Posted by psichick

If you like In-n-Out a LOT, do not bother with Burgerville for the burgers. Bleah. Go for the seasonal sides and shakes instead, yum. Granted, their chocolate milk shake tastes exactly like In-n-Out's, so maybe pass on that one.

It must be a regional thing because I think In-n-Out is on the mediocre side compared to Burgerville.

[hamellr]

Originally Posted by urbanlife78

It must be a regional thing because I think In-n-Out is on the mediocre side compared to Burgerville.

I think they're firmly in the same camp as McDonalds.

[SETabor]

I like In-n-Out burgers, I always get them with grilled onions. Their fries can range from soggy to really good, depending on the fry cook and their shakes are solid but nothing to write home about. Burgerville's seasonal items are incredible - it's coming up on strawberry shake and asparagus time again and you have to strike while their available. I also like their fish but their burgers aren't all that and I wouldn't go again if I only had tried their burgers. Maybe they should be renamed Seasonalville.

As for what to do with two days in Portland while driving through, it depends on how much of the two days you actually have and what you like to do. I would most likely stay downtown or within walkable distance and then visit the Pearl district and downtown to hit up Powell's and some food carts. Maybe go up to the arboretum or rose test garden if you're into that kind of thing. If you go to Pittock Mansion (fees to tour house, outside is free) or Council Crest, you can get a nice view of the city.

Then, if you want to drive, you can head out to the coast - climb the tower at Astoria and see tide pools at Cannon Beach and head back. That's a fairly long day. Multnomah Falls and stopping at various waterfalls is scenic and less driving.

If you're into drinking various things, you could do a wine country tour (some driving) or visit wineries in Portland proper or there are distilled spirits places as well as a mess of breweries and cideries.

I would check to see if there are any festivals going on while you're in town. You may want to either go to them or avoid them. Some are larger than others.

[oldtintype]

Originally Posted by urbanlife78

It must be a regional thing because I think In-n-Out is on the mediocre side compared to Burgerville.

I've eaten at In-n-Out when I visit relatives in southern CA and I don't see what's so exciting about it.

[bler144]

Originally Posted by SETabor

I also like their fish but their burgers aren't all that and I wouldn't go again if I only had tried their burgers. Maybe they should be renamed Seasonalville.

Selling hamburgers is a competitive market. Portland's 'In-n-Out' equivalent would really be 5 Guys and not Burgerville.

The crispy chicken sandwich with bacon is good as well as the fish. At $5.25 it's not cheap either, but then anywhere that sells a decent chicken sandwich you'll pay more. So it 'feels' less expensive in relation to comparable products.

But I agree the seasonal items are the primary draw. The berry lemonades (or shakes) in the summer are great, the rosemary fries, the asparagus, etc.

[urbanlife78]

Originally Posted by hamellr

I think they're firmly in the same camp as McDonalds.

Huh? Both places are so much better than McDonalds.

[urbanlife78]

Originally Posted by bler144

Selling hamburgers is a competitive market. Portland's 'In-n-Out' equivalent would really be 5 Guys and not Burgerville.

The crispy chicken sandwich with bacon is good as well as the fish. At $5.25 it's not cheap either, but then anywhere that sells a decent chicken sandwich you'll pay more. So it 'feels' less expensive in relation to comparable products.

But I agree the seasonal items are the primary draw. The berry lemonades (or shakes) in the summer are great, the rosemary fries, the asparagus, etc.

5 Guys is a national chain from Virginia, Burgerville is a regional chain.