Explore Portland

Explore Portland

Portland offers a unique blend of experiences that make it an unforgettable destination! Known for its food, forests and fun, you can enjoy more than 500 food carts serving a diverse array of cuisines, tax-free shopping and outdoor adventures for every type of enthusiast. Learn more about what Portland has to offer!  

The city is a haven for food lovers seeking culinary adventure. Shopping here is another delight, as Portland’s tax-free status means you can explore a range of local boutiques, from handmade crafts to designer fashions, without added costs. Beyond the city streets, Portland’s natural beauty is on full display. Outdoor enthusiasts can venture into nearby mountains, rivers and forests, making it a perfect base for exploration.

Also known as the “City of Roses,” Portland is rich in culture and diversity, with distinct neighborhoods full of vibrant stories and unique local charm. Whether you go for nature, food, shopping, or simply the eclectic vibe, Portland promises a memorable experience that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest.

 

ASPET Tours/Tickets

Tours and Tickets Available for Purchase Through ASPET

A limited number of tickets are available for ASPET attendees to experience key tourist activities and events in the city. All tickets through ASPET are non-refundable. Each registered attendee is limited to the purchase of two tickets per tour for themselves and a guest.

Check back in January 2025 for ticket information.

Sightseeing On Your Own - Recommendations

Recommended Activities Available on Your Own

There are plenty of attractions you can do on your own in Portland. The ASPET meeting schedule doesn’t start until 2:30 pm on Thursday, and we finish on Sunday by 2:30 pm. Below are just a few staff recommendations.

Urban walking spots, biking and hiking trails. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the best of Portland’s outdoors!

Willamette River

 

No sales tax can draw shoppers into the shopping experience. From homemade to designer items, shoppers can explore and take advantage of the tax-free experience.

Clothes Shopping

 

Portland’s beer culture offers over 80 breweries to explore, including tours and tastings.

Beer Tours

Book lovers can browse the world’s largest independent bookstore, with more than 68,000 square feet of books, books and more books!

Image Credit: Celeste Noche

Image Credit: Celeste Noche

Be sure to get your photo of the iconic “Deer Sign” while you’re exploring Portland. "The Portland Oregon" sign is located on the top of the White Stag Building at 70 NW Couch Street in downtown Portland, Oregon.

Portland Deer Sign

 

Some Other Ideas Of Things To Explore

Members are welcome to add their favorite recommendations to the list!

Guide to the city: https://www.travelportland.com/

  Food Recommendations

Restaurants

One – Two Minutes from the Hilton

Fogo de Chao  fogodechao.com
Brazilian.  Fogo de Chão is an internationally renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn.
Sunday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm | Monday & Tuesday 11:30 am – 9:30 pm | Wednesday-Saturday 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
(503) 241-0900
930 SW 6th Avenue – one-minute walk from the Hilton
$$$

The Melting Pot  www.meltingpot.com
Fondue.  The Melting Pot is a fondue restaurant that offers a unique fine dining experience for friends, family and loved ones.
Monday – Friday 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Saturday & Sunday 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
(503) 517-8960
1050 SW 6th Avenue, Suite 100 – one-minute walk from the Hilton
$$$

Ruth’s Chris Steak House   www.ruthschris.com
Seafood, Steak.  Ruth's Chris Steak House specializes in serving USDA Prime steaks, each seared to perfection, finished with butter and freshly chopped parsley and served sizzling on a 500-degree plate.
Monday – Thursday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday & Saturday 4:00 pm – 10:30 pm | Sunday 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
(503) 221-4518
850 SW Broadway – two-minute walk from the Hilton
$$$

Three – Four Minutes from the Hilton

Departure at the Nines Hotel www.departureportland.com
Asian, PanAsian. From street food-styled starters and meal-sized classics to rice and noodle specialties to ethically sourced sushi, Departure Portland embraces the bounty of the Pacific Northwest to deliver the fiery flavors of the Far East.
Open daily 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
(503) 802-5370
525 SW Morrison Street, 15th Floor – three-minute walk from the Hilton
$$$

Pastini www.pastini.com
Italian. Inspired by the farms, vineyards and waters of the Pacific Northwest, Pastini’s is dedicated to serving up two of life’s greatest pleasures — pasta and wine.
Monday – Thursday 11:00 am – 8:30 pm | Friday & Saturday 11:00 am – 9:30 pm | Sunday 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm
(503) 863-5188
911 SW Taylor Street – three-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Shigezo www.shigezo-pdx.com
Japanese. Shigezo Izakaya serves cutting edge Japanese pub food with a blend of modern and traditional Japanese dishes.
Monday & Tuesday Closed | Wednesday & Thursday Noon – 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Friday – Sunday Noon – 9:00 pm
(503) 688-5202
910 SW Salmon Street – three-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Urban Farmer at the Nines Hotel www.urbanfarmersteakhouse.com
Steakhouse. The menus reflect an emphasis on Northwest sustainable ingredients and simple, straightforward preparations.
Open daily 7:00 am – 9:30 pm
(503) 222-5700
525 Southwest Morrison Street – three-minute walk from the Hilton
$$$

Higgins higginsportland.com
American. Oregon’s original farm-to-table restaurant, opened in 1994 with chef and co-owner Greg Higgins using his close ties to Pacific Northwest farmers to spearhead his pioneering menus.
Monday Closed | Tuesday & Saturday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Wednesday – Friday 11:30 am – 2:00 pm | Saturday 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
(503) 222-9070
1239 SW Broadway – four-minute walk from the Hilton
$$$

Five Minutes or More from the Hilton

Luc Lac luclackitchen.com
Vietnamese. Luc Lac brings a taste of Vietnamese cuisine to the United States. Luc Lac is an authentic Vietnamese food establishment which stays true to its traditional flavors.
Open daily 11:00 am – 2:30 pm and 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm
(503) 222-0047
835 SW 2nd Avenue – five-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Punchbowl Social punchbowlsocial.com
American. Punch Bowl Social in Portland, downtown by the Waterfront, is the ultimate destination for a lively blend of craft cocktails and punchbowls, scratch kitchen eats, and fun activities such as bowling, karaoke, darts, pool and free board games.
Monday – Thursday 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday & Saturday Noon – midnight | Sunday Noon – 10:00 pm
(503) 334-0360
340 SW Morrison Street, Suite 4305 – five-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Q Restaurant & Bar q-portland.com
American. Q Restaurant & Bar is a family-owned restaurant in downtown Portland, Oregon. Established in 2016, they created a uniquely beautiful space to share love of great food, fine wines, and the belief that dining itself is an enriching experience.
Sunday & Monday Closed | Tuesday – Friday 11:30 am – 9:00 pm
(503) 850-8915
828 SW 2nd Avenue – five-minute walk from the Hilton
$$$

Southpark Seafood southparkseafood.com
Seafood. Southpark Seafood is a seafood restaurant in Portland, Oregon. Southpark Seafood serves seafood in downtown Portland. The menu includes oysters on the half shell.
Monday – Friday 11:30 am – 8:30 pm | Saturday & Sunday 3:00 pm – 8:30 pm
(503) 326-1300
901 SW Salmon Street – five-minute walk from the Hilton
$$$

Virginia Café www.virginiacafepdx.com
American. Virginia Cafe is a charming and cozy establishment located in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Situated at 820 Southwest 10th Avenue, this bar and cafe offers a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests to enjoy delicious food and drinks.
Sunday – Thursday Noon – 2:30 am | Friday & Saturday Noon – 1:00 am
(503) 227-0033
820 SW 10th Avenue – five-minute walk from the Hilton
$

Mayas Taqueria
Mexican
(503) 226-1946
1000 SW Morrison Street – six-minute walk from the Hilton
$

DarSalam darsalamrestaurant.com
Halal. They specialize in fire-grilled meats, vegan and vegetarian options, low calorie, good food for the body and soul. Their meat is 100% organic and halal.
Sunday – Thursday 11:00 am – 8:30 pm | Friday & Saturday 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
(503) 444-7813
320 SW Alder Street – seven-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

India House www.indiahouseportland.com
Indian. They are one of the oldest Indian restaurants in downtown Portland, serving authentic Indian preparations for more than 25 years in the same location.
Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Saturday & Sunday 1:00 pm – 9:30 pm
(503) 274-1017
1038 SW Morrison Street – seven-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Jake’s Grill www.jakesgrill.com
Seafood, Steak. Inspired by tradition, Jake's Grill is proud to serve the finest meat and seafood in a classic, uncomplicated style. You will find the best steak in the city and of course, the best fresh seafood. This classic bar serves hand-built, hand-mixed cocktails and a wide selection of single malt whiskies.
Monday – Thursday 7:00 am – 9:00 pm | Friday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday 7:30 am – 10:00 pm | Sunday 7:30 am – 9:00 pm
(503) 220-1850
611 SW 10th Avenue – seven-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Mucca Osteria muccaosteria.com
Italian. Mucca Osteria serves authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, elegant atmosphere. They make pasta, bread and desserts fresh in house using both traditional Italian recipes and modern techniques.
Monday – Saturday 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Sunday Closed
(503) 227-5521
1022 SW Morrison Street – seven-minute walk from the Hilton
$$$

Andina www.andinarestaurant.com/
Modern Peruvian.
Dinner daily 5:00 pm – Close
(503) 228-9535
1314 NW Glisan Street – 0.8 miles / 19-minute walk or five-minute drive from Hilton
$$$

Brix Tavern brixtavern.com/
American tavern fare and craft beers.
Lunch: Mon - Fri 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Dinner: Sun - Thurs 5:00 pm-10:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 5:00 pm-11pm
1338 NW Hoyt Street – 0.9 miles / 20-minute walk or six-minute drive from Hilton
$$

Mother’s Bistro & Bar www.mothersbistro.com/
Comfort Food.
Mon: Closed.
Breakfast/Lunch: Tues - Sun: 9am-2pm.
Dinner: Tues – Thurs: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Fri & Sat: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
121 SW 3rd Avenue – 0.6 miles / 12-minute walk or a five-minute drive from Hilton
$$

Janken www.jankenrestaurant.com/
Pan Asian.
Dinner: Tues – Thurs 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Fri & Sat 4:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Sun 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
(503) 841-6406
250 NW 13th Avenue – 0.7 miles / 16-minute walk or a six-minute drive from Hilton
$$$

Food Carts

Portland Food Cart Directory
https://www.travelportland.com/meetings/food-trucks/

One – Two Minutes from the Hilton

The Block www.theblockpdx.com
Sandwiches. Serving Cheesesteak, Cubano, and Reuben Sandwiches Since 1997! One of the oldest food carts in Portland, Oregon.
Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm | Saturday Noon – 4:00 pm | Sunday Closed
(503) 422-8993
701 SW 6th Avenue – two-minute walk from the Hilton
$

Rollin’ Fresh www.rollinfreshnw.com
Sushi, Japanese. It serves meat and vegan options available. This sushi food truck specializes in sushi burritos, poke bowls and salads.
Open daily 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
(971) 678-7417
701 SW 6th Avenue – two-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

The Whole Bowl thewholebowl.com
Vegan, Vegetarian.
Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
(503) 901-0405
1300 SW 6th Avenue – two-minute walk from the Hilton
$$
Three Minutes from the Hilton

Fried Egg I’m in Love www.friedegglove.com
Brunch. Fried Egg I'm In Love makes Portland's best breakfast sandwiches. Each fried egg sandwich has a punny name, a perfectly cooked egg and is crafted with love. They also have the best gluten-free breakfast sandwiches in Portland. Their vegan breakfast burrito is immensely popular, and everyone (even carnivores) LOVES the house vegan sausage--made from gluten-free oats, polenta, and veggies. They boast the best vegan “egg” sandwich in town.
Open Daily 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
(503) 704-3358
780 SW Broadway – three-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Fast Casual

One – Two Minutes from the Hilton

Mas Veggies Vegan Taqueria www.veggiegrill.com
Vegan, Vegetarian Mexican Tacos
508 SW Taylor Street – one-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Subway restaurants.subway.com
Sandwiches
1031 SW 6th Avenue – one-minute walk from the Hilton
$

Veggie Grill www.veggiegrill.com
Vegan, Vegetarian
508 SW Taylor Street – one-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Potbelly www.potbelly.com
Sandwiches
802 SW 6th Avenue – two-minute walk from the Hilton
$

Three – Four Minutes from the Hilton

Flying Elephants at Fox Tower www.elephantsdeli.com
Deli, American
812 SW Park Avenue – three-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Addy’s addyssandwichbar.com
Sandwiches
911 SW 10th Avenue – four-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Five Minutes or More from the Hilton

365 Sushi www.365sushipdx.com
Japanese
1625 SW 4th Avenue – five-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Cuon Vietnamese Street Food www.cuonpdx.com
Vietnamese
600 SW 4th Avenue – five-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Portland Food Hall portlandfoodhall.org
Food court
827 SW 2nd Avenue – five-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Break Bread
Sandwiches
101 SW Main Street, Suite 125 – six-minute walk from the Hilton
$

Habibi www.habibirestaurantpdx.com
Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
1012 SW Morrison Street – six-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Taylor Street Kitchen www.taylorstreetkitchen.com
Deli
1125 SW Taylor Street – six-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Ramen Ryoma www.ramenryoma.net
Japanese
1037 SW Morrison Street – seven-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Coffee Shops

One-two Minutes from the Hilton

Less and More Coffee
Less and More Coffee is a charming café, known for its great-tasting and well-priced drinks. The barista is friendly and welcoming. Popular menu items include their unique Ube Latte, Tiramisu Latte, and Spanish Latte. Chai Tea is also a favorite and appreciated for its balanced spice.
Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
(213) 999-7251
1003 SW 5th Avenue – two-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Three Minutes from the Hilton

Caffe Umbria
Fresh roasted coffee blends and single origin coffees roasted by Master Roaster Emanuele Bizzarri.
Open daily 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
(503) 719-5248
710 SW Madison Street – three-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Five Minutes or More from the Hilton

40 LBS Coffee Bar
Serving the best local coffee, beer, wine and food, 40 LBS Coffee Bar in downtown Portland is the perfect place to relax, meet or host your next private event.
Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 3:00 pm | Saturday & Sunday Closed
(503) 329-5782
824 SW 2nd Avenue – five-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Case Study Coffee Roasters
Case Study Coffee Roasters is a cozy and inviting cafe located in the heart of Portland, Oregon. Situated at 802 Southwest 10th Avenue, this establishment is a haven for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Open daily 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
(503) 477-8221
802 SW 10th Avenue – five-minute walk from the Hilton
$$

Lotus & Bean Espresso Bar
At Lotus & Beans Espresso Bar, they believe in the transformative power of coffee. Each cup is more than just a beverage; it's an experience, a moment of indulgence and a journey into the rich world of flavors.
Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 5:00 pm | Saturday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm | Sunday Closed
(503) 975-6863
536 SW 3rd Avenue – seven-minute walk from the Hilton
$

Donut Shops

One-Two Minutes from the Hilton

Coco Donuts & Coffee Downtown
Monday through Friday 7:00 am – 2:00 pm
https://www.cocodonuts.com/
814 SW 6th Avenue – one-minute walk from the Hilton

Five Minutes or More from the Hilton

Voodoo Doughnut
Mon – Wed: 6:00 am – 11:00 pm. Thurs – Sun: 6:00 am – 3:00 am
https://www.voodoodoughnut.com/
22 SW 3rd Avenue – 0.6 miles / 13-minute walk or four-minute drive from the Hilton

Blue Star Donuts
Daily 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
https://bluestardonuts.com/
1701 SW Jefferson Street – 0.7 miles / 16-minute walk or four-minute drive from the Hilton

Explore Portland | Resources

Travel Portland: Discover Portland's food, forests and fun with this comprehensive guide to the Rose City. Find out why Portland is a great destination for foodies, shoppers, outdoor enthusiasts and more.  Portland, Oregon - The Official City Guide (travelportland.com)

Near Me Now App: You’ve arrived in the City of Roses. You’re excited to see the sights. You’re hungry (and ready for a beverage, too). But how do you know what’s nearby and which spots you simply can’t miss? The Near Me Now app has you covered: https://www.travelportland.com/plan/near-me-now-app/

Important Dates

Jan

16

2nd Round Abstracts Due

Jan

30

Deepest Registration Discounts End

Feb

10-21

Online Town Halls

Mar

11

Regular Registration Discounts End

Apr

3-6

ASPET 2025 Annual Meeting

Portland Deer Sign

Portland Deer Sign