Words and images by Kate Weiner
A friend of mine from Portland, OR told me that her home city is for “biking and eating and not much else.” That works for me! During the summertime, I often took a bike route bracketed by fig and plum trees just the right height for plucking from as I pedaled past. Perfection.
Herewith, a short and sweet recipe for taking a day tour of Portland’s cheap eats and charming destinations.
START: NE 26TH AVENUE & ALBERTA
NE Alberta is chockfull of full-belly breakfast spots: biscuits and bacon at Pine State Biscuits, biscuits and veggie scrambles at The Tin, Shed biscuits and apple pie at the retro Random Order. Much as I love a good biscuit, a day dedicated to biking warrants a wholesome breakfast (save the food coma for when you’re ready to rest). The plant-based goodies at BACK TO EDEN defy logic (no gluten and no dairy isn’t always an easy to digest recipe for deliciousness). Savor a scallion, mushroom, and cashew cheese tart before popping across the street to the SIP JUICE TRUCK for an Incredible Hulk Smoothie enlivened with a shot of wheatgrass.
Once you’ve had your fill of good-for-the-planet alimentation, bike the couple blocks or so to GOING STREET. This broad boulevard is a designated safe haven for bicyclists. Enjoy a leisurely spin toward downtown, keeping your eyes peeled for flowering fruit trees.
Take a left on VANCOUVER AVENUE and follow the signs to the BROADWAY BRIDGE. Continue onto NW BROADWAY. Take a right onto SW WASHINGTON and a left onto SW 12th STREET to reach my slice of heaven in the otherwise chaotic downtown: the Bim Bop at TASTY N’ALDER. This hot pot of crunchy rice and brightly colored vegetables is anointed by an egg so perfectly poached it’s a (delicious) shame to break the yolk. Walk off second breakfast (because if there’s any place that warrants second breakfast, it’s Portland) with a trip to the legendary POWELL’S BOOKS just down the street.
After a hearty dose of intellectual stimulation, set your GPS to the SPRINGWATER CORRIDOR TRAIL via the EASTBANK ESPLANADE. I first stumbled upon this three-mile waterfront bike path during a trip to a family friend’s house. Good thing I got so lost: this trail is a gem well worth the long ride to and from. The tree-lined route provides easy on and off access as well should you be inspired to explore Portland’s urban environs in greater depth. Craving a midday sweet? Check out SE DIVISION STREET for a tour of some of Portland’s most popular eats and succulent-studded shops. And be sure to make your way to the low-key SE CLINTON STREET for a creamy scoop of seasonally inspired goodness at FIFTY LICKS.
Navigate home to the NE through LAURELHURST PARK. Although you’ll likely have to walk your bike, this lush green park is often bustling with pop-up plays and classical concerts. Dig into an early dinner at the nearby EL CUBO DE CUBA for unconventional Cuban food designed to share with friends. Celebrate a day well spent with a soak at McMENAMINS KENNEDY SCHOOL. Because what better way to see the world than from the seat of a bike?
END: NE 33RD STREET & NE SIMPSON STREET