Portland’s perfect picks: Smart splurges for every taste & budget
Two queer Portlanders offer insider tips on their favorite finds, from fine dining to a no-frills womens' sports bar.
How do you define a smart splurge?
A smart splurge doesn’t have to be expensive, but it certainly needs to be rich in inspiration. I define a smart splurge as something that will stimulate my senses. My hometown of Portland, Oregon, has no shortage of great restaurants and bars, and for me, it’s exploring this vast array of culinary culture that keeps me wanting to dig in and try even more. It’s true that the finer things in life are better enjoyed among good company. When I was out for an evening with friends, I stumbled upon Friendship Kitchen for the first time.
Trang Nguyen Tan and Wei-En Tan, the minds behind Friendship Kitchen and Stem Wine Bar, describe their businesses as inclusive spaces meant to “bond people together.” As a former flight attendant, Trang often cooked for her friends and co-workers while traveling around the world. “Food is how I express myself the most,” she tells GayCities. Perfecting her craft, Trang opened Stem Wine Bar in March 2020. Just one year later, she opened Friendship Kitchen and met Wei-En over a glass of wine at the bar.
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Featuring an array of local wines from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Stem Wine Bar also offers Old World varietals and trending pours like orange wine. “We love French wine; Bordeaux and orange wines are our absolute favorites,” says Trang. As an inclusive space, Stem has started opening its doors earlier in the day for a different kind of beverage: coffee from Gay Awakening Coffee, a queer-owned local coffee roaster. Trang is especially excited to release the new “Gay Awakening,” arriving just in time for Portland Pride.
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For a bit of local luxury, here are Trang and Wei-En’s favorite picks around Portland:
What are your favorite restaurants where you can spoil yourself?
“Quaintrelle — I can spoil myself with something really fancy. It’s American-style food, with flowers on everything. The food is luxurious,” Trang says without hesitation. Of course, not a stranger to the city’s globally-inspired offerings, Trang also recommends anyone visiting Portland to try the Thai chicken from Hat Yai, ramen from Kinboshi, and a dish from Nong’s Khao Man Gai.
Where do you go for retail therapy?
“Mississippi Avenue has the cutest shops,” says Trang. From little trinkets to one-of-a-kind art pieces, Mississippi Avenue is like a Portland dream. “We love Kate’s Ice Cream on Mississippi Ave. They serve all vegan and gluten-free treats.” Another great area to check out for shopping is 23rd Avenue in Portland’s Alphabet District. “It’s very close to Friendship Kitchen. Sibieho is a great place to shop and has the best Singapore sauces.”
Where would you go for a Portland staycation?
“I love the Moxy Portland Downtown. It’s very queer-friendly. They do drag shows, and they also have Sun Rice there, one of the best Filipino restaurants in Portland,” says Trang, who also quickly mentions Nines Hotel’s rooftop bar, perfect sunset cocktails.
What are your favorite cocktail bars?
“My favorite is The Sports Bra,” says Trang. “They play women’s sports inside, which is just an awesome thing to have playing in a bar.” As a Portland staple, The Sports Bra is a highly popular no-frills venue with strong drinks and an equally strong reputation. “We also love the food and vibes at Palomar. It’s a very beautiful and spacious space, and the rooftop has excellent views.” Lastly, the Multnomah Whiskey Library is a gorgeous and sophisticated bar with top-tier drinks. “It’s very exclusive. When I get there, I’m like, ‘Oh okay, I’m with the big dogs now!’ “
Whether you’re looking for retail therapy, treating yourself to a luxurious meal, or going out for a cocktail with friends, Portland has plenty of opportunities to splurge. The city is full of multi-sensory experiences, so the next time you need a weekend getaway or a total unplug from the daily grind (except for that locally roasted coffee), head to the City of Roses.
Essential Portland picks
Friendship Kitchen
Bright and airy Vietnamese spot 2333 NE Glisan St · Portland, OR 97232(503) 206-8441
Website
Moxy Portland Downtown
Centrally located stay 585 SW 10th Ave · Portland, OR 97205(971) 339-4717
Website
The Sports Bra
Women’s sports on every screen 2512 NE Broadway · Portland, OR 97232(503) 327-8401
Website
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