Introduction
That familiar rumble in your stomach. The craving hits. You could cook, sure, but the allure of a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your own couch is just too strong. Welcome to the world of takeout in Portland, Oregon, a city renowned for its incredible culinary scene. While Portland’s dining rooms are a delight, sometimes the best experiences come in a thoughtfully packaged box, ready to be enjoyed in your pajamas. In a city as food-obsessed as Portland, choosing the best takeout can feel overwhelming. But fear not, fellow food lovers! This guide provides a curated list of the finest takeout options in Portland, spanning diverse cuisines and catering to all tastes and budgets. From delectable pizza to aromatic Thai curries, get ready to discover your next favorite takeout treasure in the Rose City. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor wanting to experience Portland’s food scene on your own terms, this guide will help you navigate the delicious world of Portland takeout. And remember, “takeout” here includes everything from delivery straight to your door, swift curb-side pickup, and those quick pop-ins to grab your order directly from the restaurant.
Portland’s Pizza Paradise: Slices to Savor at Home
Portland boasts a pizza scene as diverse and vibrant as its population. From classic New York-style slices to innovative wood-fired creations, there’s a pizza for every palate. Finding the perfect takeout pizza means finding the right balance of quality, speed, and portability, and these spots deliver on all fronts.
Apizza Scholls
An institution in Portland’s pizza landscape, Apizza Scholls is known for its crispy, thin-crust pies cooked to perfection. Expect a wait, even for takeout, but the reward is well worth it. Their simple, high-quality ingredients shine through, making each slice a masterpiece. The Margherita and Sausage pies are highly recommended for a classic taste of Apizza Scholls at home. Apizza Scholls is a classic example of best takeout food portland
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty
This Northeast Portland gem offers wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings and a focus on seasonal ingredients. Their pizzas travel surprisingly well, maintaining their crispness and flavor. Don’t miss their innovative combinations, which often feature locally sourced produce and artisanal cheeses. Takeout orders are efficiently handled, making it a breeze to enjoy Lovely’s Fifty Fifty’s culinary artistry in your own space.
Authentic Asian Flavors: From Pad See Ew to Ramen Bowls
Portland’s Asian food scene is a melting pot of flavors, offering everything from spicy Thai curries to comforting bowls of ramen. These restaurants have mastered the art of delivering delicious Asian cuisine that’s perfect for takeout.
Pok Pok
While Pok Pok tragically closed its original Division location, its legacy lives on through spin-off locations and its indelible impact on Portland’s food scene. If you find a restaurant in Portland that embraces Pok Pok’s philosophy of authentic Southeast Asian flavors, especially Northern Thai cuisine, order everything. The carefully balanced flavors and unique dishes translate surprisingly well to takeout. The famous Ike’s Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings are a must-try, even if they might be a bit messy to eat on the couch.
Le Pigeon
While primarily a fine dining restaurant, Le Pigeon often features creative and delicious Asian-inspired dishes on its takeout menu. Keep an eye on their website or social media for special takeout offerings, which might include ramen kits, dumpling sets, or other culinary delights. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality shines through, even in their takeout creations.
Marukin Ramen
Sometimes all you need is a warm, comforting bowl of ramen. Marukin Ramen, with its multiple locations across Portland, consistently delivers authentic and flavorful ramen that’s perfect for a chilly evening at home. Their Hakata-style ramen is a classic, featuring a rich pork broth and thin, chewy noodles. Marukin is the place for best takeout food portland
Mexican Fiesta at Home: Tacos, Burritos, and More
Craving a taste of Mexico? Portland’s Mexican restaurants offer a vibrant array of tacos, burritos, and other traditional dishes that are ideal for a takeout feast.
¿Por Qué No? Taqueria
This Portland favorite is known for its authentic Mexican street food, especially its delicious tacos. Their handmade tortillas and flavorful fillings are a winning combination, and their takeout service is efficient and reliable. Try the carnitas tacos for a classic taste of ¿Por Qué No? or explore their vegetarian options for a equally flavorful meal. The bustling atmosphere adds to the experience even when you’re picking up your order.
Taqueria Los Gorditos
For hearty, generously portioned Mexican food, look no further than Taqueria Los Gorditos. Their burritos are legendary, packed with flavorful meats, rice, beans, and all the fixings. They are one of the providers of best takeout food portland for a reason. Be prepared for a food coma afterward! Their takeout service is fast and friendly, making it easy to grab a quick and satisfying meal.
American Comfort Food Classics: Burgers, Sandwiches, and Fried Chicken
Sometimes, all you need is a classic American comfort food fix. Portland’s restaurants offer a tempting selection of burgers, sandwiches, and fried chicken that are perfect for a casual takeout meal.
Screen Door
Known for its Southern-inspired comfort food, Screen Door’s fried chicken is a must-try. Crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, it’s a takeout treat that’s sure to satisfy. Their other Southern classics, such as mac and cheese and collard greens, are also excellent choices. While they are known for dine-in, they are still one of the best takeout food portland. Be prepared for a potential wait, as Screen Door is a popular spot.
Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House
While primarily a brewery, Deschutes Brewery Portland Public House also offers a surprisingly good selection of burgers and sandwiches. Their burgers are juicy and flavorful, and their sandwiches are creative and well-crafted. Pair your meal with one of their craft beers for a complete takeout experience (check if they offer beer to go).
Mediterranean Delights: Falafel, Shawarma, and Hummus
For fresh, flavorful, and healthy takeout options, look to Portland’s Mediterranean restaurants. Falafel, shawarma, hummus, and other Mediterranean classics are perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Nicholas Restaurant
This family-owned restaurant has been serving up delicious Lebanese food for decades. Their falafel is crispy and flavorful, and their hummus is creamy and smooth. Their takeout platters are a great way to sample a variety of their dishes. It has been considered best takeout food portland for decades. Don’t forget to order some pita bread to complete your meal.
Mediterranean Exploration Company (MEC)
This restaurant offers a modern take on Mediterranean cuisine, with creative dishes and a focus on fresh ingredients. Their shawarma is a standout, featuring tender meat and flavorful sauces. Their takeout menu is extensive, offering something for everyone.
Hidden Gems: Undiscovered Takeout Treasures
Beyond the well-known restaurants, Portland is full of hidden gems offering exceptional takeout food. These are the places that locals rave about, but that might not be on everyone’s radar.
Mama Đút
This unassuming restaurant serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine, with a focus on family recipes. Their pho is particularly noteworthy, featuring a rich broth and tender noodles. Their takeout portions are generous, and their prices are reasonable.
Afuri Ramen + Dumpling
While Afuri has several locations, this lesser-known one in NW Portland is a favorite among locals. Their yuzu-infused ramen is a refreshing and flavorful twist on a classic. Their dumplings are also excellent, filled with savory meats and vegetables.
Considerations for a Great Takeout Experience
To ensure a seamless and enjoyable takeout experience, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Check Restaurant Hours and Availability: Many restaurants have limited takeout hours, especially during peak times.
Order Online or by Phone: Ordering ahead is always a good idea, especially for popular restaurants.
Specify Pickup Time: Let the restaurant know when you plan to pick up your order.
Consider Delivery Options: If you prefer delivery, check if the restaurant offers its own service or partners with third-party apps.
Check for COVID-19 Protocols: Many restaurants are still following safety guidelines for takeout, such as requiring masks or offering contactless pickup.
Dietary Needs: Always make sure to specify any dietry needs, so there is no error in your order.
Conclusion: Embrace Portland’s Takeout Culture
Portland’s takeout scene is a reflection of its vibrant culinary landscape: diverse, innovative, and always delicious. From classic pizzas to exotic Asian flavors, there’s a takeout option for every craving. So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious and convenient meal, explore the takeout treasures of Portland. Support local businesses, discover new flavors, and enjoy the comfort of a restaurant-quality meal in your own home. Portland is waiting to satisfy your appetite, one takeout order at a time. Now get out there and eat!
