Staff Favorites
From award-winning local breweries and wineries to gourmet restaurants and exciting nightlife, many of the diverse sights and sounds of Portland are located at the doorsteps of The Westin Portland. Whether you are here for a Portland Trail Blazers game, to peruse the shelves at Powell's Books, or just to relax and unwind, here are a few of our favorite local hot spots.
Happy Travels!
Chris Lorino - General Manager
Multnomah Falls
Troutdale, OR
A visit to Portland is not complete without a short trip out to Multnomah Falls. Located within the Columbia River Gorge National Park, this staggering 620 foot waterfall is the second tallest year-round waterfall in the U.S. Some two million people visit Multnomah Falls each year. Located just 20 miles from downtown, a trip here can easily be completed, say in the morning, and allow you to explore other parts of the city or surrounding areas afterwards. I suggest taking Interstate 84 East and then getting off on the Historic Columbia Highway exit. The scenic Three mile drive thereafter takes you along winding roads with beautiful vistas across the Columbia River Gorge.
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Michelle Suchanek - Revenue Manager
Masu Sushi
Being from Seattle I love my sushi. Masu Sushi at 406 SW 13th Avenue is my favorite find thus far. From the intricate design details of the dining room to the perfect and thoughtful display of the entrees, Masu doesn't miss a beat. They even have live music on Friday and Saturday nights, providing an extra special touch to the dining experience. For a relaxing and tasteful night out with friends try Masu Sushi. I recommend the Pearl Roll.
VooDoo Doughnuts
Who can resist a good doughnut? Better yet who can resist an eclectic array of freshly prepared and uniquely flavored doughnuts. From the signature Voo Doo Doughnut- a Voo Doo doll-shaped treat, to the Dirt Doughnut- raised doughnut covered with vanilla glaze and oreo cookies, there is something for everyone. Make sure to bring cash to this legendary Portland doughnut shop, no plastic allowed! Oh and don't forget, if you're up to it, have a wedding with your doughnut. Voo Doo Dougnuts performs wedding ceremonies upon request, too!
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Lauren Karpstein - Front Office Manager
Eating my way around the globe without getting near an airport!
Piazza Italia
I'm not going to lie, I've never been to Italy, but this must be what it tastes like. Thick sauce, thick accents, and you'll leave with a thick wallet.
Mio Sushi
Okay, I have been to Tokyo and I know this is good sushi. Their no nonsense approach won't distract you from the real reason you're there. The perfect lunch: edemame, miso soup, and the Mio roll (the NW Hoyt location is convenient, but their NW 23rd location is cozy).
Cha Taqueria
One of the few taquerias in the downtown area. Happy hour starts at 4:00pm and ends when they turn off the lights and kick you out. Try their white sangria or prickly pear shaken margarita (NW 21st and Everett).
Hubers
Who doesn't like a turkey dinner in July? Huber's might be known for their Spanish coffee entertainment, but for the non-coffee drinker like myself, I'm all about the open faced hot turkey sandwich (SW 3rd and Stark).
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Katie Werner - Group Sales Manager
McMenamin's Mission Theatre Pub
With roots as a Swedish Evangelical Mission and Longshoreman's Union in Northwest Portland, the Mission Theater shows recent releases of the silver screen, cult classics, art films and more (for a mere $3) in a comfortable, inviting setting. An ornately decorated balcony overlooks a pulpit and the expansive main floor is naturally lit by several large windows. McMenamins pub fare and handcrafted ales, wines and spirits are available to enjoy during the show. It's a true "Portland" experience in one of the most renowned Pacific Northwest restaurant chains. You can experience a great dinner, an inexpensive movie in a true movie theatre style- you won't find a better way to enjoy some of the most recent films than with this, or any, McMenamins theatre pub! I suggest going on Wednesday nights where you can purchase a movie, a beer and a burger for only $10! I also suggest their Ruby microbrew with a Gyro.
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Sean Stewart - Chief Engineer
USS Blueback at OMSI
A museum exhibit featuring a guided tour of the last diesel powered submarine form the Navy's fleet. OMSI is the home to the U.S. Navy's last non-nuclear, fast-attack submarine, the USS Blueback (SS-581). The blueback was the first battle-ready class of submarines to use the teardrop hull. It was in official operations throughout the Pacific Ocean for 31 years. It is also a cast member in the movie The Hunt for Red October, an episode of Hawaii Five-O, and various commercials.
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Lisa Broughton - Director of Rooms
Washington Park
Description of the place: Washington Park is one of the oldest, best-loved and well-used parks in Portland. With over 400 acres of trees, gardens, attractions, and playgrounds, and 15 miles of trails, this is an oasis of green space just minutes from downtown Portland. It is on the Max line and home to the Oregon Zoo, Rose Gardens, Japanese Gardens, Children's Museum, Forestry Center and hiking trails.
It's a perfect day outing for a family. Close to downtown with a taste of everything that makes Portland so great. Outdoor activities, educational activities, animals, etc.
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Wanda Costi - Director of Finance
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
This fabulous concert hall is home to the Oregon Symphony Orchestra and other live attractions coming to Portland. This stately building was the Portland Public Theatre, built in 1928, then became the Paramount Theatre, and was converted to the Concert Hall it is today in 1984. The Italian Rococo Revival architecture, very ornate and distinguished, is still prevalent every where you go inside, from the statue in the lobby to the ornate ceilings to the carpeted winding stairways. Easy to locate, the "Portland" sign above the Broadway marquee, with 6,000 theatrical lights, is very visible walking down Broadway and is its true signature at night. I have enjoyed many musical concerts at the Concert Hall along with Warren Miller ski movies and dance productions. Some of the best seats in the house are the first few rows of the 1st balcony.
Artists Repertoire Theatre
Small, cozy theatre where you are very close to the actors who do not use amplification. Very respectful of the actors and audience, you do not enter after the play has started, so be sure you are there early. A nice reception area greets you when you walk in the door where you can get a glass of wine or soft drink. All seats are reserved and the front row, main floor seating is fabulous. You can see everything. I like to go there for the cozy, intimate feel where you can almost reach out and touch the actors. I have seen some very dramatic plays and some that have a message that you continue to think of for a couple of days.
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Laura Cavanaugh - Business Travel Sales Manager
Lovely Hula Hands
When you arrive at this quaint restaurant on Mississippi Avenue, you are greeted with a friendly hello, an offer to order a drink off their lovely menu (they don't take reservations, so expect a bit of a wait) and a view of the shabby chic dining room. This is one of my favorite restaurants in Portland for a few reasons. The names of the cocktails are as inventive as the libations themselves. I would recommend Rosie's room...it is the perfect balance of cranberry and vodka (and rose water!) without being too sweet. The menu is rotating and delicious, but you can always count on the hamburger...it competes with Le Pigeon as my favorite burger in Portland. Two sisters co-own this restaurant and create a warm, eclectic ambience that lends itself to an Anthropology-like environment. Everything about this restaurant, from its gourmet food to it's engaging staff, make it a truly memorable place to experience.
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Daniel Kahn - Concierge
Hiking Trails off Scenic Highway 30 The area is full of trails that lead to beautiful raging waterfalls and amazing views of The Columbia Gorge. It is about a 35 minute drive to Highway 30 and about another 10 to the first view point, Crown Point. The road is a narrow 2 lanes that is shaded by trees and protected by white picket fences along the cliff side. It is reason enough to make the journey however, the hiking, photo opportunities, and fresh air are added bonuses! The hikes can take from 2 1/2 to 4 hours round trip. The most popular is the picturesque Multnomah Falls which is the second-tallest year-round waterfall in the nation. However, the trailhead next to Horsetail falls is one of my favorites. After a pretty steep 20 minute hike the trail leads under Ponytail Falls. It then flattens out and continues along a creek that ends at Triple Falls. For a gorgeous view of The Columbia Gorge I recommend Angels Rest Trail. This is a more difficult hike up to the top of the cliff, but is well worth it. After arriving to the top sit and let your feet dangle over the side as you take in the view of the Gorge and across the Columbia River into Washington.
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Zie Zie Senzaki - Director of Sales & Marketing
Food Carts Dining
As a new resident of Portland, one of my favorite things that I have grown to love are the food carts. There are pods of these carts that are set up in parking lots, sidewalks, and parks all over the city. All these "pods" feature cuisine from all over the world. It is the one place where you can have a Japanese bento box, a schnitzelwich, Belgian fries, and authentic crepes for dessert (maybe all in one day). The food carts are also supporting the small, locally-owned businesses, and small start-ups. Many of them are operated and served some of the most amazing tastiest ethnic specialties. Plus, the food carts can be a bargain! It is great for travelers looking for delicious food but cheap and quick.
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Kyle Britten - Housekeeping Manager
Portland's Coffee Culture
No visit to the Pacific Northwest is complete without sampling our renowned artisan espresso beverages. Within a short walk of The Westin Portland are some wonderful espresso bars. My favorites include Stumptown on SW Stark at SW 10th, Barista on SW 13th at SW Hoyt, and Coffee Plant on SW Washington at SW Broadway. For a truly Portland experience, visit the newest addiction: Spella Caffe. You will find it among the famous food carts on SW Alder at SW 9th.
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Helen Xongmixay - Catering Manager
First Thursday in the Pearl District
What once used to be the industrial area for Portland has now remarkably grown into the Pearl District, Portland's best example of urban renewal. You can simply explore the local art galleries and enjoy a refreshment or First Thursday can be a spot for friends to meet and gather before heading out to the many popular restaurants or hip boutiques - First Thursday in the Pearl District is a monthly happening that was created for everyone to discover and enjoy the unique art, culture and music of Portland all for free. This is a community event not to miss.