Mini Itini No. 8: North Portland
A day along the Columbia River
Hi! Mini-Itinis answer the questions: “Where should I take out-of-towners?” and “What should I do this weekend?” Each Mini Itini includes three activities that pair well together plus a few alternatives so you can customize depending on your mood and timing.
My mom has a set of “Life is Better by the Lake” pillows that we kids lightly ridicule. But joke’s on me because, as I’ve aged, I’ve caught myself thinking “Honestly, so true.” Life really is better by the water. I’m increasingly wanting to spend my time kayaking on the Tualatin River, playing fetch at Sandy River Delta with my dog, or biking along the Willamette.
This itinerary takes you to the Columbia River. To a strip of floating homes, bike paths, and residential communities nestled in between North Portland and Vancouver. Once you go, you’ll want to come back every weekend this summer. Because sitting on a deck with a cold beer and a basket of fries watching boats jet by sure beats staying inside with the A/C running.
Have fun!
Riley
Stop #1: Pal’s
In a sentence: a dreamy cafe/restaurant/wine bar that overlooks the Tomahawk Bay Marina.
Order: breakfast sandwich, shrimp poboy, fish sandwich, and wine.
Address: 515 NE Tomahawk Island Dr #105
If you can figure out how to navigate the twists and turns that lead to Hayden Island, you’re in for a treat at Pal’s. It’s an oasis right off I-5. Outdoor tables are surrounded by a pollinator garden filled with lavender and echinacea. There’s plenty of deck seating overlooking the marina, and (families will be happy to know) a large green lawn, a play area, and a fire pit.
But Pal’s is more than its setting. The food is far and away the best you can get in this part of town. They’re known for their soft serve and fish and chips sandwich—kettle chip-crusted local trout, fried on a sesame bun with fishtrap sauce, shredded lettuce, and pickles—that could reasonably feed two people. Other favorites include the shrimp roll and the Albacore tuna sandwich. All reasonably priced.
Open from 9-9, Pal’s is a great option to either start or end your day.
Alternate Breakfast Spots:
P and Qs Market: this Woodlawn charmer has been serving up some of the best breakfast in town for years.
The Flavor Spot: If you like Waffle Window, you’ll like Flavor Spot. It used to be located on the corner of Fremont and Mississippi, in case that jogs anyone’s memory.
Stop #2: Oregon Humane Society
In a sentence: very cute animals you’ll want to rescue.
Address: 1067 NE Columbia Blvd
I met my dream dog at the Humane Society last week. I, unfortunately, did not adopt the 8-week-old Basset Hound mix (because I already own my actual dream dog). But you could?
I’ve always loved walking through pet stores (shoutout to Pets on Broadway) and browsing Petfinder. But Oregon Humane Society is the OG—they’ve been around since 1868! Although they’re located a bit outside of town, it’s worth the trip. Since you’ll be out here anyways for Pal’s, might as well stop in and find your new best friend. Remember to check out the rabbits/small animals section and be warned that the dog kennel….smells.
Alternate Activities:
Kayak on the Columbia: Alder Creek is my favorite kayaking company. Reasonably priced and reliable!
Bike: the Marine Drive bike path runs from Kelley Point Park to the Troutdale airport. It can get really hot and/or windy, but it’s a protected path and for that I love it.
Stop #3: Lil’ Barbecue
In a sentence: Michelin-starred barbecue in North Portland by way of Austin, Texas
Order: tacos (if it’s a Tuesday), brisket sandwich, tater tots, and sausage
Address: 1771 NE Dekum St
Lil’ Barbecue, the new-ish restaurant housed in neighborhood bar Tough Luck on NE Dekum, is bringing Texas-famous meats and sides to Woodlawn. Its Austin-based sister restaurant, La Barbecue, has garnered national attention (and lines around the block) with its Michelin-starred slow-cooked brisket and pulled pork.
Now, we can get a taste of Austin’s beloved barbecue in Portland. First-timers should order the Lone Star state’s holy trinity: brisket, pork ribs, and sausage. The brisket, fatty and flavorful. The sausages, snappy and never dry. And the pork ribs—worth the extra napkins.
There are plenty of sides to add to your tray, but do not, under any circumstances, overlook the tater tots. These pillowy pockets of fried potato will challenge anyone’s conception of what a tater tot can be.
Alternate Restaurants:
Ranch Pizza: pizza for squares, as they say. This Dekum outpost is a fun spot for an easy lunch that always satisfies.
No Saint: a tinnyyy bit out of the way, but this Italian spot on Killingsworth is an excellent choice for brunch/lunch. They just launched a new morning menu, and everything looks 10/10.
The Route
