What can I do in Portland?

[BeckysBarn]

In less than a week, I'll be on my way from SPI (Springield, IL) to SJC (San Jose) via the Empire Builder & Coast Starlight. I have layovers in Chicago & Portland. I want to have lunch at Lou Mitchell's and see "where the Mother Road begins" in Chicago. (I've had Giordano's many, many times. It's good, but I've never been to Lou Mitchell's)

I'm looking for suggestions for Portland. I saw in other posts that the restaurant in the station is good, so that is an option if EB is late or the weather is horrible. But I would really like to eat and/or shop away from the station. Any ideas?

 

[DET63]

In less than a week, I'll be on my way from SPI (Springield, IL) to SJC (San Jose) via the Empire Builder & Coast Starlight. I have layovers in Chicago & Portland. I want to have lunch at Lou Mitchell's and see "where the Mother Road begins" in Chicago. (I've had Giordano's many, many times. It's good, but I've never been to Lou Mitchell's)
I'm looking for suggestions for Portland. I saw in other posts that the restaurant in the station is good, so that is an option if EB is late or the weather is horrible. But I would really like to eat and/or shop away from the station. Any ideas?

There's always Powell's Books at 10th & Burnside. It's a few blocks from the station, and not in the best part of town, but it's a huge place with lots of books.

 

[DivMiler]

To shop: Powell's City of Books, an independent bookstore. You could spend your entire Portland time there browsing the new and used books. It is within (long) walking distance from the train station.

DET63 beat me to it!

 

[Neil_M]

http://www.bridgeportbrew.com/ is not that far away from the station, brewery, bakery and restaurant. I ate there a few times in Portland earlier in the year.

The place on the station is good as well.

 

[jmbgeg]

In less than a week, I'll be on my way from SPI (Springield, IL) to SJC (San Jose) via the Empire Builder & Coast Starlight. I have layovers in Chicago & Portland. I want to have lunch at Lou Mitchell's and see "where the Mother Road begins" in Chicago. (I've had Giordano's many, many times. It's good, but I've never been to Lou Mitchell's)
I'm looking for suggestions for Portland. I saw in other posts that the restaurant in the station is good, so that is an option if EB is late or the weather is horrible. But I would really like to eat and/or shop away from the station. Any ideas?

Is your PDX stopover where you want to explore westbound or eastbound? You will have four hours westbound or an hour or less headed east.

 

[DET63]

In less than a week, I'll be on my way from SPI (Springield, IL) to SJC (San Jose) via the Empire Builder & Coast Starlight. I have layovers in Chicago & Portland. I want to have lunch at Lou Mitchell's and see "where the Mother Road begins" in Chicago. (I've had Giordano's many, many times. It's good, but I've never been to Lou Mitchell's)
I'm looking for suggestions for Portland. I saw in other posts that the restaurant in the station is good, so that is an option if EB is late or the weather is horrible. But I would really like to eat and/or shop away from the station. Any ideas?

Is your PDX stopover where you want to explore westbound or eastbound? You will have four hours westbound or an hour or less headed east.

According to the OP:

In less than a week, I'll be on my way from SPI (Springield, IL) to SJC (San Jose) via the Empire Builder & Coast Starlight.

Sounds like it would be a w/b transfer, unless it's some convoluted trip like one of those that the_traveler might take.

 

[jmbgeg]

In less than a week, I'll be on my way from SPI (Springield, IL) to SJC (San Jose) via the Empire Builder & Coast Starlight. I have layovers in Chicago & Portland. I want to have lunch at Lou Mitchell's and see "where the Mother Road begins" in Chicago. (I've had Giordano's many, many times. It's good, but I've never been to Lou Mitchell's)
I'm looking for suggestions for Portland. I saw in other posts that the restaurant in the station is good, so that is an option if EB is late or the weather is horrible. But I would really like to eat and/or shop away from the station. Any ideas?

Is your PDX stopover where you want to explore westbound or eastbound? You will have four hours westbound or an hour or less headed east.

According to the OP:

In less than a week, I'll be on my way from SPI (Springield, IL) to SJC (San Jose) via the Empire Builder & Coast Starlight.

Sounds like it would be a w/b transfer, unless it's some convoluted trip like one of those that the_traveler might take.

There are some needs shops at the RiverPlace promenade on the riverfront downtown with a few eateries there. Depends upon whether the poster likes the restaurant chains, unique spots, or casual walk-in dining as to places to eat downtown. Lots of choices. Wilf's at Union Station is OK, but not my number 1 choice. Here is a place I like at RiverPlace:

http://goseeoregon.com/place/106233-stanfo...r-at-riverplace

 

[BeckysBarn]

Sounds like it would be a w/b transfer, unless it's some convoluted trip like one of those that the_traveler might take.

No, nothing as imaginative as the_traveler :lol: ! Just a simple westbound 4 hour layover.

I'll look up all the links. I knew about Powell's Books, it would be nothing for me to spend hours in a bookstore. Just hoping to also find a unique place to eat.

 

[GoldenSpike]

Sounds like it would be a w/b transfer, unless it's some convoluted trip like one of those that the_traveler might take.

Just hoping to also find a unique place to eat.

What type of food are you into? You've got a lot of area to take in.

The Max light-rail now has a new route and stops in front of Greyhound across from Amtrak. From there it will take you

to the Rose Quarter stop where you can go anywhere in the metro area.

Coming back they stop on the backside of Greyhound 1/2 block from Amtrak.

 

[Ispolkom]

Very close to Portland Union station are two places I'd recommend.

1) Bridgeport Brewpub. This is once of Portland's first brewpubs, and had pretty good food.

2) Hotlips pizza. Pretty good pizza (I remember a particularly good curried squash pizza), good taps, interesting wines.

 

[sechs]

http://www.voodoodoughnut.com/

 

[DET63]

Just hoping to also find a unique place to eat.

One of the more unique places to eat in Portland used to be Baloney Joe's. It was a homeless shelter run by an advocate named Michael Stoops. After Stoops was caught in a sex scandal involving homeless boys, the Salvation Army took over the place and renamed it Recovery Inn. As of 1999 (apparently), it was boarded up and unused.

 

[lyke99]

I'll second the recommendations of both Bridgeport Brew Pub - excellent beer and tasty food - and Powell's Books. I'll be spending some time at both of these places in early July.

 

[the_traveler]

Sounds like it would be a w/b transfer, unless it's some convoluted trip like one of those that the_traveler might take.

No, nothing as imaginative as the_traveler :lol: ! Just a simple westbound 4 hour layover.

Why not! :lol:

As GoldenSpike mentioned, the Green Line of MAX stops in front of the Greyhound Terminal - which is next to Union Station. And this is within the "fare-free zone"! (Most of downtown is!) But remember, you'll only have 4 hours.

Sorry I can't recommend any place for lunch. During the 1 time I connected at PDX, I had lunch at my freind's house - but he's not taking reservations! :lol:

 

[jmbgeg]

In less than a week, I'll be on my way from SPI (Springield, IL) to SJC (San Jose) via the Empire Builder & Coast Starlight. I have layovers in Chicago & Portland. I want to have lunch at Lou Mitchell's and see "where the Mother Road begins" in Chicago. (I've had Giordano's many, many times. It's good, but I've never been to Lou Mitchell's)
I'm looking for suggestions for Portland. I saw in other posts that the restaurant in the station is good, so that is an option if EB is late or the weather is horrible. But I would really like to eat and/or shop away from the station. Any ideas?

I have also eaten at http://portland.diningguide.com/data/d102248.htm twice

 

[PackerBacker]

Byways cafe which has been featured on Diners Drive ins and dives on the food chanel is a good place for breakfast and lunch. It is about a 5 block walk from the station.

 

[BeckysBarn]

I'm very partial to Mel-O-Cream donuts, so I'll pass on the VooDoo. The Bridgeport Brew Pub looks really interesting. That may be where I'll end up.

It seems like I'll have more than enough to do in 4 hours. Thanks for all the info. If anyone else has more suggestions - keep 'em coming.

I can check my bags in the lounge, right? (Yes, have a sleeper for both segments)

Traveler, does your friend deliver?

 

[Bob Dylan]

I'm very partial to Mel-O-Cream donuts, so I'll pass on the VooDoo. The Bridgeport Brew Pub looks really interesting. That may be where I'll end up.

It seems like I'll have more than enough to do in 4 hours. Thanks for all the info. If anyone else has more suggestions - keep 'em coming.

I can check my bags in the lounge, right? (Yes, have a sleeper for both segments)

Traveler, does your friend deliver?

If you like reasonable Pizza and sandwiches theres a joint a block from Powells where all the street kids hangout and eat, cant remember the name but
its also close to the ACE hotel and had excellent pizza, my significant other is a New Yorker and she thought it was great! Its not Giordanos but its very good and quick and is a mom and pop place as opposed to a chain which is always good IMHO!As the traveler said there is a free downtown trolley zone also and busses and light rail are very good! There are lots of panhandlers in this area of town also, lots are run away kids!

Powells has an annex with lots of speciality books, if you cant find what you want,ask, its an amazing joint!And dont forget your umbrella, the natives sneer @ tourists who use them but it beats getting wet in the Portland dew! :lol:

The lounge has a room for storing bags that is free, its by the desk as you enter the lounge across from the desk! Its a small but nice lounge, the attendant is a nice guy! Good coffee, juice and sodas also while you wait and direct access to the platform from the lounge when the thundering herd is lined up @ the gates in the main terminal is a real plus to!

 

[jmbgeg]

I'm very partial to Mel-O-Cream donuts, so I'll pass on the VooDoo. The Bridgeport Brew Pub looks really interesting. That may be where I'll end up.
It seems like I'll have more than enough to do in 4 hours. Thanks for all the info. If anyone else has more suggestions - keep 'em coming.

I can check my bags in the lounge, right? (Yes, have a sleeper for both segments)

Traveler, does your friend deliver?

This is one of the better Metro Lounges, and is easy and free to store your bags.

 

[the_traveler]

I can check my bags in the lounge, right? (Yes, have a sleeper for both segments)
Traveler, does your friend deliver?

There is a place to put your bags in the lounge, but it is not secured - like in CHI, it is similar to the WAS or NYP CA's storage.

No, but he did deliver ME back to Union Station so I could take the CS! Does that count? :huh: :lol:

 

[jmbgeg]

I can check my bags in the lounge, right? (Yes, have a sleeper for both segments)
Traveler, does your friend deliver?

There is a place to put your bags in the lounge, but it is not secured - like in CHI, it is similar to the WAS or NYP CA's storage.

No, but he did deliver ME back to Union Station so I could take the CS! Does that count? :huh: :lol:

Correct TVL. I leave evrything but but ticket, cash and wallet and Metro Lounge service service baggage. Trust, but keep the valuables on person.

 

[Ranke]

Not knowing your tastes, I don't know how helpful this suggestion will be. But I was in a similar situation earlier this year - except that I chose to stay the night in Portland rather than rely on a same-day CS/EB connection - and based on that experience, this is what I would suggest: head for the Portland Classical Chinese Garden a few blocks from the station; spend an hour or two there before moving on to Alexis (a good Greek restaurant on Burnside) for lunch, saving 20 minutes or so to get back to the station.

 

[Phila 30th St]

I would reccomend a meal here. After I took the Coast Starlight last month I had dinner here:

http://www.hubers.com/

Enjoy your time in Portland...it's a great city!

 

[Cascadia]

I can check my bags in the lounge, right? (Yes, have a sleeper for both segments)

There is a place to put your bags in the lounge, but it is not secured - like in CHI, it is similar to the WAS or NYP CA's storage.

They also do have a place you can check your bags that is secure, they only charge a couple of bucks a bag. I had two bags that were both just small overnight or tote bags, and the lady attendant only charged me for one bag, that was sweet.

Every staff person who I spoke with at the Portland station was so nice and helpful, they volunteered information, were funny and joked around with me and with each other.

 

[Cascadia]

Not knowing your tastes, I don't know how helpful this suggestion will be. But I was in a similar situation earlier this year - except that I chose to stay the night in Portland rather than rely on a same-day CS/EB connection - and based on that experience, this is what I would suggest: head for the Portland Classical Chinese Garden a few blocks from the station; spend an hour or two there before moving on to Alexis (a good Greek restaurant on Burnside) for lunch, saving 20 minutes or so to get back to the station.

Hi, your first post on the forum is helpful to me! We are looking at Portland in March, and both of the things you suggested are things I would be interested in! Thanks!

We are thinking of going from Vancouver BC to Portland in business class on AGR points, staying a couple of nights and renting a car to go up to the racetrack at Portland Meadows, just for something to do. They have an odd season there, running during the winter in the rain.

I have only been to Portland once, on a four hour layover between the EB and Cascades, I went to Powell's, and walked around downtown, and had a picnic in Pioneer Square.

I wanted to go back this summer to check out the Rose Gardens but that didn't happen.

Welcome to the forum!