Ovid's Pretty Gay Guidebook for Portland
Parks & Nature
The Japanese Garden is a beautiful serene place. It is especially wonderful and serene on a rainy winter day.
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Portland Japanese Garden
611 SW Kingston AveThe Japanese Garden is a beautiful serene place. It is especially wonderful and serene on a rainy winter day.
Who would expect there is a peaceful Suzhou style garden in the middle of Downtown? But there is!
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Taman Cina Lan Su
239 NW Everett StWho would expect there is a peaceful Suzhou style garden in the middle of Downtown? But there is!
Rooster Rock is simply the most wonderful place on Earth. Period.
There's the beautiful Gorge around you, sandy beach to play on, water to swim in, and a magical crowd of naked gay folks. Yes, butts everywhere. I visit at least once a week during the summer, and often much more. There's now a bus, called Columbia Gorge Express, so you don't even need to drive to get there.
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Taman Negara Rooster Rock
Rooster Rock is simply the most wonderful place on Earth. Period.
There's the beautiful Gorge around you, sandy beach to play on, water to swim in, and a magical crowd of naked gay folks. Yes, butts everywhere. I visit at least once a week during the summer, and often much more. There's now a bus, called Columbia Gorge Express, so you don't even need to drive to get there.
Forest Park is said to be the largest urban park in the world. You can hike all the ways from Lake Oswego to Sauvie's Island. It runs right next to downtown, so hiking is within walking distance of my place.
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Taman Hutan
Forest Park is said to be the largest urban park in the world. You can hike all the ways from Lake Oswego to Sauvie's Island. It runs right next to downtown, so hiking is within walking distance of my place.
Built by a man who saw God in Cascadia, this is a serene contemplative park filled with shrines designed to elicit your spirituality from the natural world.
In the winter, all of Portland's choral groups sing here every evening.
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Gua
8840 NE Skidmore StBuilt by a man who saw God in Cascadia, this is a serene contemplative park filled with shrines designed to elicit your spirituality from the natural world.
In the winter, all of Portland's choral groups sing here every evening.
This isn't Portland's famous rose garden, but in many ways it's more spectacular. Splash around in the fountain on a summer day.
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Taman Peninsula dan Taman Mawar
700 N Rosa Parks WayThis isn't Portland's famous rose garden, but in many ways it's more spectacular. Splash around in the fountain on a summer day.
The closest Hot Springs to Portland, perfect for a day trip. A gorgeous drive, then a wonderful but not excessive hike, and then the hot pools. The facilities are currently a little under-maintained, but it is still worth it. If you go on a hot day, keep hiking a bit further to shower off in a waterfall less than 10 minutes past the hot springs.
Snows bury the springs in the winter, so check conditions first.
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Bagby Hot Springs
The closest Hot Springs to Portland, perfect for a day trip. A gorgeous drive, then a wonderful but not excessive hike, and then the hot pools. The facilities are currently a little under-maintained, but it is still worth it. If you go on a hot day, keep hiking a bit further to shower off in a waterfall less than 10 minutes past the hot springs.
Snows bury the springs in the winter, so check conditions first.
A hidden hillside park, built by those who saw religion through nature. Come here to contemplate. You may have the beautiful park to yourself, it is not well known, but it is well worth knowing.
AirBnb is showing the wrong address for this spot. It is at the end of SW Military *Lane*
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Elk Rock Garden
11800 S Military LnA hidden hillside park, built by those who saw religion through nature. Come here to contemplate. You may have the beautiful park to yourself, it is not well known, but it is well worth knowing.
AirBnb is showing the wrong address for this spot. It is at the end of SW Military *Lane*
Food
The best vegan cheese shop in town! Nay, the world! Genuinely yummy food and the one place I recommend you definitely go eat. I've had guests go back multiple times. It really is that good.
Vtopia All Vegan Restaurant & Cheese Shop
The best vegan cheese shop in town! Nay, the world! Genuinely yummy food and the one place I recommend you definitely go eat. I've had guests go back multiple times. It really is that good.
Oven and Shaker
1134 NW Everett StThe best pizza downtown. Yummy and not expensive.
Boxer Ramen
3003 NE Alberta StOne of Portland's mini-chains, truly delicious Ramen.
The best "fancy vegetarian" restaurant in town if you ask me.
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Blossoming Lotus
1713 NE 15th AveThe best "fancy vegetarian" restaurant in town if you ask me.
Hobo's is Portland's only gay restaurant. There's usually a piano player to serenade you and some fireplaces to sit by. Hobo's is an older established institution, and the food is hit-or-miss (there's a few really delicious things on the menu though); it's an older style of Portland's dining scene. An institution worth visiting, you can also just have a drink in the lounge. The crowd is very mixed, but still distinctly a gay space.
Hobo's | Restaurant & Lounge
120 NW 3rd AveHobo's is Portland's only gay restaurant. There's usually a piano player to serenade you and some fireplaces to sit by. Hobo's is an older established institution, and the food is hit-or-miss (there's a few really delicious things on the menu though); it's an older style of Portland's dining scene. An institution worth visiting, you can also just have a drink in the lounge. The crowd is very mixed, but still distinctly a gay space.
The best poke in town, with an excellently delicious vegetarian version.
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Poke Mon
1485 SE Hawthorne BlvdThe best poke in town, with an excellently delicious vegetarian version.
This is very much like the vegan Buddhist restaurants I knew from China, and is the go-to spot for that fare. They also make really delicious chai, and I recommend going just for that.
Loving Hut Vegan Cuisine
1239 SW Jefferson StThis is very much like the vegan Buddhist restaurants I knew from China, and is the go-to spot for that fare. They also make really delicious chai, and I recommend going just for that.
A perfectly lovely Indian place, and also the closest restaurant to my house. If you need a nice bite, not a bad place to do it.
Dil Se Indian Cuisine
1201 Southwest Jefferson StreetA perfectly lovely Indian place, and also the closest restaurant to my house. If you need a nice bite, not a bad place to do it.
Little Big Burger is one those Portland mini-chains that has recently been expanding a bit outside of town. Best place to get fast food downtown. I highly recommend you get the veggie burger with goat cheese. The fries are completely delicious (truffle oil on them), so get those too.
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Little Big Burger - Pearl District
122 NW 10th AveLittle Big Burger is one those Portland mini-chains that has recently been expanding a bit outside of town. Best place to get fast food downtown. I highly recommend you get the veggie burger with goat cheese. The fries are completely delicious (truffle oil on them), so get those too.
Crepes! Very good crepes! Super cute and cozy inside too.
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Le HAPPY Crêperie & Bar
1011 NW 16th AveCrepes! Very good crepes! Super cute and cozy inside too.
Yes, it is famous and ridiculously hyped. *But* it legitimately deserves that. The best ice-cream you'll ever have.
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Salt & Straw
2035 NE Alberta StYes, it is famous and ridiculously hyped. *But* it legitimately deserves that. The best ice-cream you'll ever have.
Good food directly across the street, they also have great cocktails. Try their Mule.
Karam Restaurant and Bar
1111 Southwest Jefferson StreetGood food directly across the street, they also have great cocktails. Try their Mule.
Experiences
Saturday morning's you will find Oregon's largest farmer's market a few blocks from my house.
The map is showing the location incorrectly, go to SW Park and Montgomery.
It also operates (a smaller version) Wednesday mornings at Shemanski Park.
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Portland Farmers Market at PSU
1803 SW Park AveSaturday morning's you will find Oregon's largest farmer's market a few blocks from my house.
The map is showing the location incorrectly, go to SW Park and Montgomery.
It also operates (a smaller version) Wednesday mornings at Shemanski Park.
The spa has a hot tub, two saunas and a steam room in a charming nearby streetcar suburb. There's a tea house, and other spa services for an additional price. A very lovely place to relax.
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The Everett House Healing Center & Spa
2927 NE Everett StThe spa has a hot tub, two saunas and a steam room in a charming nearby streetcar suburb. There's a tea house, and other spa services for an additional price. A very lovely place to relax.
If you are looking for cannabis, I recommend this spot. It is right by the Convention Center, so staff is good about explaining rules and issues to visitors (or residents who don't know anything about marijuana like me).
In my home, nibbling edibles is fine, but please no smoking/vaping. Just make sure you don't nibble too much!
Oregon's Finest - Convention Center Dispensary
505 Northeast Grand AvenueIf you are looking for cannabis, I recommend this spot. It is right by the Convention Center, so staff is good about explaining rules and issues to visitors (or residents who don't know anything about marijuana like me).
In my home, nibbling edibles is fine, but please no smoking/vaping. Just make sure you don't nibble too much!
Just a block away, the art museum is a bit of a maze. Make sure you travel across the underground tunnel to see the other half.
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Muzium Seni Portland
1219 SW Park AveJust a block away, the art museum is a bit of a maze. Make sure you travel across the underground tunnel to see the other half.
Sightseeing
Do a walking or biking loop along the waterfront park and Eastbank Esplanade. The westside is charming, and from the eastside you get the best views of downtown.
There's bikes to rent for the ride.
I recommend crossing the Steel Bridge, and then returning back on either the Hawthorne or Tilikum Crossing.
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Taman Tom McCall Waterfront
98 SW Naito PkwyDo a walking or biking loop along the waterfront park and Eastbank Esplanade. The westside is charming, and from the eastside you get the best views of downtown.
There's bikes to rent for the ride.
I recommend crossing the Steel Bridge, and then returning back on either the Hawthorne or Tilikum Crossing.
The aerial tram is what gets all the doctors, nurses and patients to the hospitals, but it is also a delightful way to get a beautiful view of the city. Take the N/S streetcar to the base of it and ride up. Well worth it.
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Portland Aerial Tram
3303 South Bond AvenueThe aerial tram is what gets all the doctors, nurses and patients to the hospitals, but it is also a delightful way to get a beautiful view of the city. Take the N/S streetcar to the base of it and ride up. Well worth it.
The Gorge is beautiful and so the people of Portland built a castle in it. It is beautiful.
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Rumah Vista
40700 Historic Columbia River HwyThe Gorge is beautiful and so the people of Portland built a castle in it. It is beautiful.
The Gorge is beautiful, so why wouldn't the Portland Women's Forum meet here? A beautiful view shortly before Vista House. You can see the castle from here. So, stop here too for a look.
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Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint
39210 Historic Columbia River HighwayThe Gorge is beautiful, so why wouldn't the Portland Women's Forum meet here? A beautiful view shortly before Vista House. You can see the castle from here. So, stop here too for a look.
Drinks
Until a year ago, this place had more ciders on tap than anywhere else in the world. Most of the ciders are from around Cascadia, but they have a few from outside at the region as well. Get a flight to try a few.
Cider Bite
1230 NW Hoyt StUntil a year ago, this place had more ciders on tap than anywhere else in the world. Most of the ciders are from around Cascadia, but they have a few from outside at the region as well. Get a flight to try a few.
This place has defeated Cider Bite with the most ciders on tap. Most are also from Cascadia, but they have a selection from elsewhere in the US and from around the world as well. Nice view from their deck.
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Schilling Cider House Portland
930 SE 10th AveThis place has defeated Cider Bite with the most ciders on tap. Most are also from Cascadia, but they have a selection from elsewhere in the US and from around the world as well. Nice view from their deck.
One of the older cideries in Portland now, they make a few excellent ciders. The only place I know making a Spanish-style one in Cascadia (try the Sidre). I miss their bar cat, but glad he found a home.
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Reverend Nat's Hard Cider
2425 Southeast 35th PlaceOne of the older cideries in Portland now, they make a few excellent ciders. The only place I know making a Spanish-style one in Cascadia (try the Sidre). I miss their bar cat, but glad he found a home.
A very large selection of beers, as well as a couple ciders. Wine selection is upstairs. They have a cool digital display showing how much is left in each of their kegs. This is where I go when I am not sure if my date likes cider, because there's plenty of beers to keep them happy. While not a gay pub, a large number of gay folks visit here.
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Bailey's Taproom
A very large selection of beers, as well as a couple ciders. Wine selection is upstairs. They have a cool digital display showing how much is left in each of their kegs. This is where I go when I am not sure if my date likes cider, because there's plenty of beers to keep them happy. While not a gay pub, a large number of gay folks visit here.
Gay Bathhouses
One of Portland's two gay bathouses (or perhaps more accurately a sex club as it has no pool). The layout is excellent, and sort of pushes folks together where they are forced to interact. There's a sauna, steam room, and outdoor spot. The seedier dirtier of the bathhouses, but sometimes that's a plus.
Hawks PDX
335 Southeast 99th AvenueOne of Portland's two gay bathouses (or perhaps more accurately a sex club as it has no pool). The layout is excellent, and sort of pushes folks together where they are forced to interact. There's a sauna, steam room, and outdoor spot. The seedier dirtier of the bathhouses, but sometimes that's a plus.
Portland's other bathhouse, this one actually has a spa and is the cleaner classier of the two. The rooftop outdoor deck is a great place to get some naked sunshine (but who knows how that will work after the new building next door gets finished). The space itself is sprawling and it tends to pull folks away from each other unlike Hawks, which I'm not a fan of. But, that makes it the nicer spot if you are bringing a friend with you.
Steam Portland
2885 NE Sandy BlvdPortland's other bathhouse, this one actually has a spa and is the cleaner classier of the two. The rooftop outdoor deck is a great place to get some naked sunshine (but who knows how that will work after the new building next door gets finished). The space itself is sprawling and it tends to pull folks away from each other unlike Hawks, which I'm not a fan of. But, that makes it the nicer spot if you are bringing a friend with you.
Gay Strip Clubs
Better known as "New Silverado" and one of the only two gay strip clubs on the West Coast (the other is a few blocks away). Silverado's is the established institution, but in a new home a few blocks from its old one.
I much prefer the new space, and it is now my go-to strip club. The stripping area is in the basement, and super tight and intimate, as it should be.
The crowd is somewhat mixed.
Silver Dollar Pizza II
610 NW Couch StBetter known as "New Silverado" and one of the only two gay strip clubs on the West Coast (the other is a few blocks away). Silverado's is the established institution, but in a new home a few blocks from its old one.
I much prefer the new space, and it is now my go-to strip club. The stripping area is in the basement, and super tight and intimate, as it should be.
The crowd is somewhat mixed.
One of the only two gay strip clubs on the West Coast. This is the newer one. The stripping stage is very cozy and intimate with the audience right up near the performers. It seems to be slowly transforming into a queer rather than gay strip club, which is pretty cool.
Strippers draw in a mixed crowd.
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Stag PDX
317 NW BroadwayOne of the only two gay strip clubs on the West Coast. This is the newer one. The stripping stage is very cozy and intimate with the audience right up near the performers. It seems to be slowly transforming into a queer rather than gay strip club, which is pretty cool.
Strippers draw in a mixed crowd.