The Oregon sky is weeping again. A gentle, persistent drizzle clings to the evergreens, painting the city in shades of gray. It’s a quintessential Portland scene, and while the lush greenery thrives on the moisture, sometimes, your soul just craves something…warmer. Something more satisfying. Something that whispers of nostalgia and good times. You need comfort food.
But what is comfort food, really? It’s different for everyone. For some, it’s a creamy bowl of mac and cheese that takes them back to childhood. For others, it’s the spicy kick of ramen on a cold night or the warm hug of a perfectly baked pie. Ultimately, comfort food is that dish that evokes feelings of warmth, happiness, and well-being. It’s the food that soothes, nourishes, and reminds you that everything is going to be alright.
Luckily, you’re in Portland. This city, with its vibrant food scene and its commitment to local, sustainable ingredients, is a haven for comfort food lovers. Portland chefs excel at both honoring the traditions of classic dishes and experimenting with creative, modern twists. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a visitor exploring the city’s culinary landscape, Portland has the perfect comfort food to satisfy your cravings. This guide will lead you to some of the very best spots in town to find soul-satisfying food, dishes that will warm you from the inside out, and leave you feeling happy and content. So grab your umbrella, put on your warmest sweater, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey through Portland’s comfort food scene.
Classic American Comfort: The Timeless Favorites
Let’s start with the foundations, the dishes that define comfort food for generations. These are the plates that evoke memories of family dinners and simpler times, executed with care and elevated by Portland’s dedication to quality ingredients.
Mac and Cheese, A Cheesy Dream
Who doesn’t love Mac and Cheese? The creamy, cheesy goodness is a universal comfort. In Portland, you can find everything from simple, classic preparations to gourmet versions that push the boundaries of this beloved dish.
Cheese Bar on Southeast Belmont Street is a must-visit for cheese lovers. As the name suggests, their expertise lies in all things cheese. Their Mac and Cheese is a testament to this, featuring a blend of carefully selected local cheeses that create a rich, complex flavor profile. The creamy texture is unparalleled, and you can even add gourmet toppings like crispy bacon or truffle oil for an extra touch of indulgence. Order the “Macaroni and Three Cheeses” for the full experience.
For a more budget-friendly and family-friendly option, check out Screen Door on East Burnside Street. While primarily known for its Southern cuisine, their Mac and Cheese is a sleeper hit. It’s a classic, creamy, cheddar-based mac and cheese that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly affordable, making it a great choice for a quick and easy comfort food fix.
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup: A Perfect Pairing
The simple beauty of a grilled cheese sandwich paired with a bowl of warm tomato soup is undeniable. The crispy, buttery bread, the gooey, melted cheese, and the tangy, comforting soup – it’s a match made in heaven.
Lardo has multiple locations throughout Portland and is the place to go for decadent sandwiches. Their grilled cheese, often featuring artisanal cheeses and creative additions like pickled onions or spicy aioli, is a work of art. The bread is perfectly toasted, the cheese is melty and delicious, and the soup is rich and flavorful. A perfect remedy for a gray day. Try their “Griddled Pimento Cheese” for a Southern inspired twist on a classic.
For a more refined take on the classic pairing, visit Mother’s Bistro & Bar in downtown Portland. This spot focuses on simple, comforting dishes prepared with the finest ingredients. Their grilled cheese features high-quality cheese and perfectly toasted bread, and their tomato soup is made from scratch with fresh, ripe tomatoes. It’s a testament to the power of simple, well-executed food.
Fried Chicken: Crispy, Juicy Goodness
Few things are as comforting as the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken. Whether you prefer it spicy, sweet, or savory, Portland has a fried chicken spot to satisfy your cravings.
Pok Pok on Southeast Division Street, although primarily known for its Thai cuisine, actually boasts some amazing fried chicken. Their Ike’s Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings is an extremely popular offering. Although not traditional fried chicken it has the crispy goodness factor to put it on the comfort food map. The unique flavor profile and crispy skin make it unlike any other.
For a taste of the South in Portland, head to Reel M Inn on Southeast Division Street. This no-frills dive bar has amazing fried chicken jo-jos (thick potato wedges). Don’t be fooled by its unassuming exterior, it’s a very popular spot.
International Comfort: Flavors from Around the World
Comfort food knows no borders. Portland’s diverse culinary scene offers a wealth of international dishes that are just as comforting as the American classics.
Ramen: A Bowl of Warmth
A steaming bowl of ramen, with its rich broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and flavorful toppings, is a perfect antidote to a cold or rainy day. Portland has numerous ramen shops, each offering its own unique take on this Japanese staple.
Marukin Ramen in downtown Portland is known for its authentic Hakata-style ramen. Their broth is rich and creamy, their noodles are perfectly cooked, and their toppings are fresh and flavorful. They have a wide variety of ramen options, from classic tonkotsu to spicy miso. Try the “Tonkotsu DX” for a truly indulgent experience.
For a more modern and creative take on ramen, check out Afuri on Southeast 12th Avenue. Their ramen is lighter and more delicate, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. They also offer vegan and vegetarian options, making it a great choice for diners with dietary restrictions.
Pozole or Menudo: Mexican Soul Food
These traditional Mexican soups, often served on weekends or special occasions, are deeply comforting and packed with flavor. Pozole is made with hominy and meat in a flavorful broth, while menudo is a hearty tripe soup with a long history.
Los Gorditos with various locations around Portland, they offer an array of traditional Mexican dishes, but their Pozole is a standout. The broth is rich and flavorful, the hominy is perfectly cooked, and the meat is tender and juicy. Served with all the traditional toppings, it’s a truly authentic and comforting experience.
For a truly home-style, family-owned experience, try Tienda Santa Cruz on North Lombard Street. They are known for their delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine, the menudo is a must try.
Poutine: A Canadian Classic
This Quebecois dish, consisting of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy, is the ultimate comfort food indulgence. It’s rich, decadent, and incredibly satisfying.
Potato Champion on Southeast Clinton Street is a food cart dedicated to all things potato. Their poutine is legendary, featuring fresh cheese curds, rich gravy, and perfectly crispy fries. They also offer a variety of creative variations, including poutine with pulled pork, kimchi, and even vegan gravy.
Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House on Northwest 11th Avenue also offers a great poutine option. With a hearty serving and delicious taste you won’t be disappointed.
Sweet Treats: The Perfect Ending
No comfort food meal is complete without a sweet treat. Portland is a city of bakers and pastry chefs, offering a seemingly endless array of delicious desserts.
Donuts: A Little Bit of Happiness
From classic glazed donuts to creative, gourmet creations, Portland has a donut for every taste.
Voodoo Doughnut with various locations is a Portland institution. Their creative and often outrageous donut flavors have made them famous around the world. From the Bacon Maple Bar to the Grape Ape, there’s always something new and exciting to try.
For a more classic donut experience, head to Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai on Northeast Fremont Street. Their mini donuts are made fresh to order and served warm with a variety of delicious toppings. The cinnamon sugar and the honey and sea salt are perennial favorites.
Pie: A Slice of Home
A slice of warm pie, whether it’s fruit-filled, cream-topped, or chocolatey, is the ultimate comfort dessert.
Lauretta Jean’s with locations on Southeast Division and Northwest 34th, is known for its delicious, homemade pies. They use seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes to create pies that are both comforting and unforgettable. The fruit pies, especially the marionberry pie, are a must-try.
Random Order Coffeehouse on Northeast Alberta Street also offers a variety of delicious pies. Their focus is on high-quality ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
Cookies: Simple Indulgence
Sometimes, all you need is a warm, gooey cookie to make everything better.
Ken’s Artisan Bakery on Northwest 21st Avenue is known for its incredible breads and pastries, including their chocolate chip cookies. These cookies are warm, gooey, and packed with chocolate.
Doe Donuts on Southeast Morrison is a local vegan bakery that offers delicious cookies, donuts and other treats.
Beyond the Usual: Unexpected Comfort Food Gems
Portland is full of surprises, and that extends to its comfort food scene. Here are a few unique options that you might not expect.
Many food carts throughout Portland offer surprising and delicious comfort food options. Keep an eye out for carts specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, unique poutine variations, or international comfort food dishes that you might not find elsewhere.
Conclusion: Your Portland Comfort Food Adventure Awaits
Portland’s comfort food scene is as diverse and eclectic as the city itself. From classic American dishes to international flavors and decadent sweets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This guide is just a starting point. So, get out there, explore the city’s culinary landscape, and discover your own personal comfort food favorites. The next time you’re feeling down, cold, or just in need of a little pick-me-up, remember that Portland has a comforting dish waiting to warm your heart and soul. So, the next time you need a little warmth and happiness, head to one of these Portland spots and let the comfort food do its magic.
