The Best Place to Vacation in the US for Foodies

Most self-proclaimed foodies have their bucket (of chicken) list planned out for a few years. And if you haven’t heard (psst…listen up), Portland, Oregon, is likely sitting at the top of many a list like a dollop of butter on some waffles. It is the best place to vacation in the US for foodies.

In fact, Portland doesn’t get the near enough of the attention it deserves from a culinary standpoint (and it gets a lot). The city’s dining establishments blend cuisines from around the world while simultaneously embracing locally grown and sourced foods. To experience (and eat) as much as you can, get a reservation where you need to and arrive as early as possible at the places that don’t take reservations. You might find some rather long lines, so plan ahead. And if you can’t plan? It’s okay — these places are worth the wait.

Breakfast
Start your day in Southwest Portland at the location that started it all, The (Original) Pancake House. The Pancake House opened in 1953 and quickly became a national restaurant chain. The Dutch Baby’s sheer size will make you think you need to share the ooey-gooey apple-filled goodness, but you’ll decide not to. After you’ve paid your bill (don’t forget to bring cash — no checks or credit cards accepted), spend the morning walking through Multnomah Village’s boutiques and bookstores.

Lunch
On Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard on Portland’s Eastside, Por Qué No has authentic street tacos and burrito bowls that are as tasty as they are large — there’s no skimping on ingredients here. If you go right at lunchtime, there will be a line. Try to time your arrival around 11:00 am or just after 2:00 pm to avoid the lunch rush.

Dinner
In the heart of downtown Portland, located inside the Embassy Suites Hotel, is Mother’s Bistro and Bar. Think comfort food meets country-chic. Everything on the menu is made in-house, from scratch. Dishes like biscuits and gravy (they’re open for breakfast, lunch, and brunch from 9:00 am till 2:00 pm and close between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm), chicken and dumplings, or pot roast (dinner is served from 5:00 pm till 10:00 pm). The house chef makes a different mac and cheese every day — and there’s nothing quite like the decadent cheeses that make these dishes.

Then, the only thing left to do after a day of such sustenance, is to suck it in and go for broke — dessert at Piece of Cake Bakery on SE 17th Avenue. They’re open till 10:30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

If you are a foodie looking for your next great vacation, head to Portland, Oregon, the best place to vacation in the US for foodies.