What happens when traffic is horrible, there’s wildfires shutting down part of the highway, and you’re exhausted? You meet up with a few friends and stay at The Ace Hotel in Downtown Portland.
I’ve made a few trips to Portland in the past and always have a few standbys for each trip. Portland is an amazing city to visit and I think I grow to love it with each stay. (You can find our previous city guide here.)
Drink: Heart Coffee
Located just around the corner from Blue Star, this is a downtown favorite for all things espresso. With tall white walls and a stunning physical space and picture windows, make sure to grab a cappuccino or americano prior to grabbing your doughnuts from Blue Star.
Eat:
Breakfast on the go (or a sweet treat): Blue Star Doughnuts
Portland is a city known for it’s doughnuts. While Blue Star is now available beyond Portland, it is a must stop while in the city. Our favorite? The old fashioned buttermilk is the best. Offering an updated take on the classic cake doughnut, Blue Star adds buttermilk for a bit of added tang. The result? Absolute nostalgia and perfection in a bite.
Dinner at Tasty and Alder
Perfect for small plates and farm to table cuisine, Tasty and Alder is a must-eat when visiting Portland. On this stop, I opted to go for duck two ways- fries in duck fat and duck breast served with a port cherry reduction. I paired my meal with a local brew on tap that highlighted the depth of flavor within the fries.
Brunch at Proud Mary Cafe
With locations throughout Victoria, Australia, this is the first stateside location of Proud Mary Cafe. With a clean and stunning interior, their coffee is amazing as is their food. Whether you go for a brekkie classic like eggs or avocado toast or something more decadent like the strawberry hotcake, everything on their menu is excellent. While there I ordered the hotcake. You could easily call this dish dessert over breakfast.
Stay: The Ace Hotel Downtown Portland
If you’re anything like my fellow hipsters, it’s a dream to stay at the Ace Hotel in Downtown Portland. Whether you pick a room that is s set up like a suite or (like us) you can opt for a basic room. Located on the site of the historic Clyde Hotel, they’ve added modern sensibilities and aesthetic to a signature timepiece in downtown Portland. Our room featured toiletries from Malin + Goetz and the best teas with local honey. Our beds were finished in daybed fashion with custom wool blankets from local, Pendleton Wool. Whether you’re staying for a quick overnight or an extended stay in Portland, you’ll love the Ace.