Must-Go Places in San Francisco, Portland, and Seattle
Hello SE readers! I'll be heading out to these amazing West Coast cities this Monday for 10 days... I'd love to hear recommendations for some must-go places. I so far have about 20 recommendations for SF, only a couple for Portland, and a few for Seattle. Obviously I can't go everywhere but I would love your best suggestions–for a mid-twenties budget-conscious Serious Eats intern.
Thank you!
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47 Comments:
If you're budget-conscious and in your mid-twenties, and particularly if your style falls more on the casual end of things, you will *love* Portland. If you're there on the weekend, go to the Farmer's Market at Portland State. For cheap, hip, authentic-enough Tex-Mex, try Cha Cha Cha (3 or 4 locations?). For somewhat pricier but real Mexican, try Autentico. My must-go-to place is Fire on the Mountain, a wing place with microbrews on draft (well, like most everywhere in PDX) and amazing fries served in a frisbee. Have fun!
emilydev at 8:37PM on 10/30/08
While in Seattle, the best meal for your dollar has to be El Puerco Laron on the pike place stair climb-cheap,wonderfully prepared mexican food(fresh made corn tortillas with every dish)and fantastic fresh salsa. I was in Seattle in June and missed my stop there and I deeply regret it-cant find good mexican in Sydney. But we did make it to the Crab Cooker down on the waterfront( my wife's favorite Seattle place) A bit more cash but well worth it-don't go past the seafood combinations that are put in the middle of the table covered in plastic-wack on a bib and grab a mallet-and enjoy the feast-fresh tasty and filling- one last one- we also liked Piroshki Piroshki in Pike place- a great taste selection there and not too pricey for the quality-
yankeedownunder at 7:38AM on 10/31/08
a correction for up above-the seafood place in Seattle is called The Crab Pot,not the Crab Cooker-sorry about that! One last one- when I was a teenager and went to concerts and events in Seattle we always stopped at Ivars Seafood bar before jumping on the ferry home- if you go by it you will see lots of folks there enjoying the food-popular stop-that's all from me
yankeedownunder at 7:58AM on 10/31/08
I would go to Schultyz's on the Ave. if in Seattle.
pjracz10 at 9:48AM on 10/31/08
We had a first rate meal at Flying Fish is Seattle. Good seafood with an open kitchen for your wait list entertainment. Very popular, I would suggest reservations if they are accepted. Of course, don't miss Pike Place Market, a real amusement park for foodies. We still regret not finding time for Piroshki Piroshki. We also enjoyed the boat tour of Puget Sound, which was informative without taking the whole day. Of course, the Space Needle...I lived near Seattle as a baby when it was constructed for the 1962 World's Fair. My parents talked about it for years. Remember that was the beginning of the space age, and people were facsinated with the future. Now, it's a great view.
lambowner at 11:43AM on 10/31/08
If you like tea, I found the Tao of Tea to be one of my favorite places in Portland.
You can find more here: http://www.taooftea.com/teahouse.php3?id=&teahouse=Original+Tao
And, though this may be out of the way, if you make it to Berkeley, CA (not far from SF) you should check out the Cheese Board. They have AMAZING pizza and an array of fresh breads that I never have, and never will forget (Wednesday is shepard bread day).
Linnea Covington at 12:24PM on 10/31/08
LUNCHBOX LABORATORY IN SEATTLE!!! Tiny place on 15th NW in Ballard that rocks huge, amazing burgers. Several patty selections: beef, buffalo, duck/pork (dork), lamb, prime rib, filet mignon, and something else I can't remember. At least 14 cheeses, 20 something sauces, awesome mac n cheese du jour (maybe bacony, maybe blue cheesy, ya never know til ya get there), beans, o rings. This place might be tiny and have weird hours, but it is worth the confusion and fast pace.
http://lunchboxlaboratory.com/
They can experiment on me any time!!!!!!!
jfljoe at 12:38PM on 10/31/08
In SF the Ferry Building is a must for a foodie. It's located along the Embarcadero at the foot of Market Street. There are shops large and small that celebrate food in all its forms, offering everything from artisan cheeses to the freshest of local fish. Restaurants and cafés serve cuisine representing the quality and cultural diversity of San Francisco's best chefs. You could go there everyday and get something completely different.
There are literally hundreds of Chinese restaurants in San Francisco but my favourite is the House of Nanking. By far best Chinese food I've ever had! The food is unique and not your typical chinese - you will not find any orange sweet and sour sauce here! Do bear in mind that the service may be lacking some (they are fast and efficient but perhaps not quite so friendly), the decor is definitely NOT upscale and there is often a queue but, to my mind, the food (and the experience) is totally worth it.
LauraD at 1:24PM on 10/31/08
More for Seattle...
1. Madame K's pizza in Ballard. A piece of history and pizza...great atmosphere, affordable, and delicious.
2. Steelhead Diner in Pike Place Market. Affordable local dishes alongside pricier options. Because they focus on seasonal food, every visit is a surprise. Wonderful perch overlooking the market and Elliott Bay.
3. Maneki's in the International District. Oldest Japanese restaurant in Seattle and some of the best sushi in town.
Have Fun!
ellimac at 1:39PM on 10/31/08
In SF, the experience and freshness of Swan Oyster Depot can't be beat. Though, if watching someone slice a fish in front of you while you're eating your meal makes you queasy, then approach with caution. Ton Kiang has really good dimsum and their salt baked chicken and dungeness crab preparation is amazing!
plantainsandkimchi at 1:53PM on 10/31/08
What? Nobody has said Voodoo Doughnut in Portland?
missvenuz at 2:29PM on 10/31/08
In Portland, try happy hour at Portland City Grill, Henry's Tavern or the Harborside. I second the great food at the Steelhead Diner in Seattle, but not sure it's for the budget conscious. I always spend a lot there :)
kalajo at 3:14PM on 10/31/08
I had a GREAT time at the Higgins Bar (not restaurant) in Portland - great house-cured chacuterrie plate and mussels with chorizo and polenta (served with a never-ending bread bowl) and lots of good, local brews.
Pine State Biscuits is GREAT too - fried chicken, honey, grainy mustard and pickles on a fresh biscuit. MMM!
And have lots of Espresso!
bitchincamero at 3:30PM on 10/31/08
I just had a tasty burger at the Portland City Grill. Not the best ever, but it comes with a great view. If you aren't on your lunch hour, the drinks are tasty, too.
RegrettableFoodie at 4:15PM on 10/31/08
I second the Ferry Building where I had a great Bahn Mi and Mithchell's Ice Cream. Oh boy, it's been 2 years since I've been out West...I might have to make a trip soon!
earlybirdkate at 4:42PM on 10/31/08
In Seattle, try Cafe Presse for classic French cafe food! I also hear great things about Le Pichet (also Seattle), although am under the impression it's pricier.
And I second the suggestion for Swan Oyster Depot in SF - fantastic.
fishyswede at 5:02PM on 10/31/08
Le Pichet is a bit pricier, but it's closer to downtown and you could always just do a few appetizers. It's quite excellent French bistro food.
dylinw at 5:34PM on 10/31/08
clyde common in portland for a nice meal
apizza scholls in portland for excellent thin crust pizza
concordia ale house in portland for a laid back vibe and the best available regional microbrews (and smoke-free, unlike many PDX bars)
goodbyeohio at 5:51PM on 10/31/08
@LauraD - Yes!!! House Of Nanking is the best. Go with a group and have them pick your meal for you and it will be amaaaaaaaaaazing.
I used to live in Portland so I have way too much baggage. But yeah, go to Voodoo Donut, sure.
producestories at 6:00PM on 10/31/08
These are all great suggestions, thanks so much! Also, food carts if you know of any. We are planning to have hopefully one nice meal, which will probably be at Tilth in Seattle. Anyone been?
Allison Hemler at 6:10PM on 10/31/08
Portland - http://foodcartsportland.com/ there really are so many great carts I'd check this site out to help guide you.
Voodoo - I've had better doughnuts but it is an experience for sure. Bacon Maple bars don't come out until drinking hours.
This town really has a crazy number of stellar restaurants for it's size. Downtown - Clyde Common for sure.....SE PokPok ....TearDrop in the pearl for fantastic cocktails! portland city grill is a fantastic view but other than that....
SF - Swan Oyster for sure - the earlier the better, you can sit at the bar seats with the locals while enjoying a pint of Anchor & some fresh what ever. It's a small joint but it's a must. Ferry Building indeed, other than that there are so many great ones.
Kim Nyland at 6:22PM on 10/31/08
Tilth is fabulous, one of my favorite local restaurants. They have a regular testing menu and a vegan menu. Everything there is organic, too.
Other places include:
Skillet Street Food - exactly what it says
La Carta de Oaxaca - delicious Mexican, especially the mole
Beecher's Handmade Cheese - get the tomato soup and grilled cheese
Quinn's - gastropub
culinaryrabbit at 6:25PM on 10/31/08
go to taqueria cancun on mission street between 18th and 19th (i think) in san francisco for, in my opinion, the best burrito in the city. i grew up there and cancun is always one of the first stops i have to make when i go home for a visit. make sure to get some avocado in your burrito! also check out Q on clement st. for affordable foodie-friendly (emphasis on local and seasonal) eats. their brunch is killer.
if you like ethiopian food, my favorite place is axum, on haight street a few blocks off fillmore (lower haight). portland has tons of great ethiopian too!
boltchloer at 8:57PM on 10/31/08
There is a food cart in Wallingford near Dick's Drive In that has great Mexican food. Another great Mexican food place in Aqua Verde in the U Dist. I think on Boat Street, right on the North side of Portage Bay that's if you can get in, they always have a line.
pjracz10 at 4:42AM on 11/01/08
I say skip House of Nanking -- somewhat touristy and all the sauces taste the same (probably because they use only one mother sauce). Instead, head out to San Tung in the Inner Sunset. Their dry fried chicken is legendary (order diced!).
vmacsf at 11:45AM on 11/01/08
Portland - I was just out there and went to some great places. Pokpok & Le Piegon and two place I would go to for sure. Teardrop is a great place for cocktails. Any of the Macminnimans are great too, I really liked the Kennedy School. Be warned through, a lot of places are closed sundays or mondays or both!! And many places stop serving dinner much earlier than any NYer is used too.
addROC at 11:53AM on 11/01/08
Higgins is my favorite spendy restaurant in Portland, but this is the best town for cheap eats! Toro Bravo has AMAZING (and well priced) tapas, and you shouldn't miss a local brew pub (Lucky Lab is very Portland.) Stumptown Coffee is great for a pick-me-up and the Stumptown Annex (on Belmont) has daily cuppings. My favorite hidden gem is a total pit of a taco shack on SE 82nd near Woodstock called Urapan- the best salsas and tacos al pastor I've ever had. Have fun!
alexb at 1:05PM on 11/01/08
If you're in the Ferry Building in SF - The Slanted Door has wonderful food.
We like Yank Sing for Dim Sum and Brad Ogden's restaurant in the San Francisco Center close by Nordstrom and Bloomindale's is a great place with good service and delicious food -
suegsf at 4:44PM on 11/01/08
I agree with emilydev that Fire on the Mountain in Portland is the best place for wings, microbrews and fun. Their "soon to be famous peanut sauce" is addictive! And everything else is good too. Ever have a fried twinkie- if not go and enjoy one. You won't be sorry. The Burnside location is bigger and newer.
bubbie at 5:13PM on 11/01/08
I agree with emilydev that Fire on the Mountain in Portland is the best place for wings, microbrews and fun. Their "soon to be famous peanut sauce" is addictive! And everything else is good too. Ever have a fried twinkie- if not go and enjoy one. You won't be sorry. The Burnside location is bigger and newer.
bubbie at 5:16PM on 11/01/08
Just got back from San Francisco, and had great food at Chiaroscuro, Destino, Frascati, and Regalito (in the financial district, the Castro, Russian Hill, and the Mission, respectively).
None are incredibly cheap (my boyfriend and I alternated between eating granola bars and eating at restaurants), but none are outrageous.
There is also a place called The Little Chihuahua on Divisadero Street, which is quite decently priced, and quite good.
Links (their descriptions are better than mine would be):
http://www.chiaroscurosf.com
http://www.destinosf.com
http://www.frascatisf.com
http://www.regalitosf.com
http://www.thelittlechihuahua.com
Highest on my list are the sandwiches served at lunchtime at Chiaroscuro, and the bread pudding at Frascati. And a baby burrito at Little Chihuahua will stave off hunger for many many hours :)
You may also want to try the baked goods at Miette (in the Ferry Building and another location which I cannot remember).
mongoose at 5:19PM on 11/01/08
Portland memory came to me when thinking of an Asian-food story for that contest thread - go to Saburo for sushi. It's really wonderful.
producestories at 5:56PM on 11/01/08
Hopworks is great in portland for an amazing ipa, and the best soft pretzel sticks... ever. I haven't tried the rest of the food, but im sure it's good. The enviroment is really cool too. I recommend
Andina in the peral is awesome Peruvian food, it's a bit expensive though.
Esparza's has amazing texmex in se portland. great tamales and mole.
For cheaper lunch food, Laughing Planet on 21st and also on Hawthorne is a favorite of mine-- lots of veggie stuff and interesting burrito combos.
Pok Pok is always popular.... you should probably go there too.
Ah, I miss portland already..
hummus and carrots at 6:51PM on 11/01/08
I read in the comments about Cheeseboard, and that reminded me of Arizmendi's Bakery in the Sunset District of SF. It's a coop bakery that has creative pizzas and the BEST scones! A must for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
runnereater at 9:02PM on 11/01/08
I should've known how hard this would make everything be... now I have to sit down and make some SERIOUS decisions. Luckily I am traveling with a friend with an appetite. We'll be eating little bites from as many places mentioned as possible!
In Seattle, we're staying at the Green Tortoise right across the street from Pike Place Market–looks like I'll be spending at least a good day in there.
Allison Hemler at 9:07PM on 11/01/08
Sushi in Portland should be at Murata and Hiroshi. Le Pigeon, Toro Bravo and Sel Gris are also great restaurants on the eastside. These aren't the most budget conscious I admit, but they are all outstanding.
TitoBlanco at 1:48PM on 11/02/08
No one has mentioned it yet, but Ten-01(which is right across from Powells) has a "power lunch" for $15. A first course, a second course and then a tray of asst' cookies, truffles, and gelees. A real bargain at in a beautiful space.
Pok Pok is also affordable and somewhat unique.
And, there are tons of happy hours here that offer excellent food, including Ten-01 and Clyde Common(also near Powells), which, I think I would normally put in the "pricey" category if I was an intern.
Biwa and Tanuki are also extremely affordable, japanese, izakaya style restaurants(although the owner of Tanuki considers it a bar. But excellent food).
I also recommend Sahagun chocolates if you're around Wed-Sunday in Portland. Excellent hot chocolate, great chocolates plus homemade sodas and ice creams.
Have a great trip.
michellelikestoeat at 2:22PM on 11/02/08
Just moved to SF for college, and we've been exploring the city in search of good, cheap food. Our finds:
-For really good, inexpensive Indian/Pakistani food, check out Shalimar on Polk.
-Obviously North Beach has the best Italian, and for really gooey, amazing pizza, check out North Beach Pizza on Grant.
-Really good pizza on the outskirts of the Tenderloin: Supremo Pizza on O'Farrell.
-For really amazing truffle chocolates, hot chocolate, etc, Coco-luxe Confections on Haight is spectacular.
-Squat and Gobble on Haight serves amaaazing crepes but also breakfast, lunch, sandwiches, etc. We go to S & G probably twice a month at least.
tonks442 at 6:49PM on 11/02/08
If you're right by Pike Place, I second El Puerco Lloron on the Pike Place steps. The machaca is fabulous and you can watch them make the fresh tortillas. I am very bummed to have just found out that my other favorite place closed over a year ago. :( Guess that's what I get for moving away. :( Ivars at any location is good! LOVE the clam chowder. And if you ask "which kind?" don't bother going. :) Oh, and if you want really good coffee (and some mighty tasty baked goods) Cafe Vivace off Broadway is great and a nice break from the worldwide hometown brew. Vivace has another location I haven't tried, and speaking of S-bucks, the original flagship store is right there at Pike Place, too. :) I watched Spoon-man perform right outside there. :)
MaresyDotes at 8:35PM on 11/02/08
In Pike Place Market, if the Clamdigger Restaurant is still in business, go in for lunch and have their Devil on Horseback sandwich.
In Portland, go to Jake's and get the barbecue crab legs. Awesome.
MikeLM at 7:16AM on 11/03/08
cheeseboards for sure and north berkeley's gourmet ghetto is a great place to explore for good food.
disneydreamscometrue at 2:34PM on 11/03/08
I just got back from a trip to Portland last week and let me HIGHLY recommend the Clyde Common recs on here, i had a fantastic meal there. The chicken entree was good, as was the pork belly app. For a good burger, check out slow bar.
MinhLikesFood at 5:11PM on 11/03/08
I second the Cheeseboard in Berkeley... it really is amazing. And if you're in Berkeley, then I also suggest Brazil Cafe. As for SF, skip House of Nanking. As mentioned above, many of the sauces used taste the same.
slindstedt at 10:02PM on 11/03/08
I also looooove La Mediterranee. I frequent the location in Berkeley, but I know they have one in SF with a slightly different menu, and close and trusted friends who have visited both tell me that the one in SF is tastier.
slindstedt at 10:04PM on 11/03/08
May I suggest in Seattle...(in no particular order)
Bakeries / Sweets:
Top Pot Doughnuts
Macrina Bakery
Sugar Rush Bakery
Trophy Cupcakes
Hiroki
North Hill Bakery
Sugar Bakery + Cafe
Not just bakeries:
Kingfish Cafe (soul food / killer red velvet cake)
Roti (Indian food)
Lunchbox Laboratory (craziness as detailed above by another user)
Bimbo's Bitchin' Burrito Kitchen
cakespy at 10:29PM on 11/03/08
As a former Seattleite (Bainbridge Island, actually), I heartily agree with all the recommendations. We had an amazing meal at the Steelhead Diner last year. I also love Shanghai Garden in the International District. If you have a few hours, take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and have brunch/lunch at the Streamliner Diner, about 3 blocks from the ferry terminal. No matter how good or bad the weather is, the 35 minute ride is beautiful. Have a great visit!
Scottzel at 10:04AM on 11/04/08
I highly recommend the Mexican food at Guaymas in Tiburon.
MakeARoux at 1:14AM on 11/05/08