What is Riley’s Recs?
Riley’s Recs is your guide for what to eat, drink, and do in Portland, Oregon.
You’ll find reviews and itineraries for when you feel like Going Out. And recipe ideas for when you feel like Staying In.
If you keep an endless list of restaurants and bars to try on your phone, this newsletter is for you.
Who is Riley?
I’m a born-and-raised Portlander who loves food. A few fun facts: I used to run a pop-up restaurant called the Quesadilla Lounge, my first job out of college was at the Waffle Window, and my favorite restaurant is No Saint.
This project started off as a Google Doc in 2016, but after seeing it get shared around, I thought it would be fun to make it into something more.
Now, I write this Substack and have a column with the same name in the Hollywood Star, Northeast Portland’s community newspaper.
Why upgrade to Paid?
As a paid subscriber, you unlock access to bonus content. You’d also be telling me “Hey, this is fun to read,” and that’s the greatest gift in the world ❤️
Plus, a paid subscription is only $5 $3 a month :)
Free subscription:
“Going Out” recommendations. Takes on Portland restaurants, bars, and hot spots. Every other week on Thursdays.
“Staying In” recommendations. Recipe ideas—mostly dinner—from places like NYTimes Cooking and my favorite cookbooks. Every week on Sunday.
Travel guides to places like Ensenada, Mexico, and Baltimore. Including downloadable Google Maps.
Paid subscription:
All of the above AND…
Bonus editions. Thoughts on new restaurants, Portland food trends/news, cookbook reviews, and more.
Mini Itini #4: Columbia River Gorge. A list of things to do on your next day trip to Hood River.
Going Out No. 22: Scotch Lodge. This spirit-forward whiskey bar leaves pretension at the door.
My guide to Baltimore and Washington DC. Including my off-the-beaten-path museum recommendation.
Best bites of 2025: in Portland and beyond.
