Pine Street Market (126 SW 2nd Ave., Portland) has gained notoriety since its opening in April 2016 as a microcosm of the city’s creative powers and fascination with eclectic, made-from-scratch eats. Portland’s neighborhoods are overflowing with restaurants and artisanal food spots that draw nationwide attention. As food halls have begun to trend across the country, the Market’s similarity to the iconic “mall food court” rests only in the communal tables. A few of Portland’s renowned cooks are the distinguishing factors rather than the usual suspects of fast food chains on one nondescript corner a short walk from Waterfront Park.
These eight eateries, offering a variety of foods from both traditional and vegan ramen to fresh pressed juice, draw regular crowds.
Inspired by the owners’ home states of North and South Carolina, these burgers are made with fresh, natural northwest beef or a veggie burger on a Martin’s potato roll (gluten-free buns too!) Try the unique Carolina burger with chili and coleslaw or add their flavorful coleslaw to any burger of your choice. Quench your thirst with a variety of classic cocktails such as the margaritas or mint julep on draft or a crisp Mexican Coke.
Hours: 11am-10pm every day
Kim Jong Smokehouse
Three Portland chefs put together a menu of Korean-style street food using Southern-style BBQ smoking techniques and focusing on two Korean street food specialities: steamed buns or bibimbap (bowls of scorched rice, sweet potato noodles and seasoned vegetables). Orders of bibimbap come with one of their house-smoked specialties, either galbi short ribs, salmon, pork, chicken or mushrooms. Tofu, pulled pork or honey gochujang chicken can also be added along with four house-made sauces. A variety of sodas and a rotation of seasonal draft beers round out the menu.
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am to 9pm, Fri/Sat 11am-10pm
Kure is a juice bar with more than just juice. Now available at both locations are “mealshakes.” These meals in a cup include such nutritional options as avocado, protein powder and banana all blended into a delicious drink. Founded in 2011 by two friends, Kure also offers kids bowls, green juice, acai bowls, smoothies and even a hot bowl of black beans, rice and a variety of toppings.
Hours: Sun-Fri 9am-3pm, Sat 9am-8pm
Teote’s original location in southeast Portland specializes in Venezualan-inspired arepas, a corn cake served with your choice of protein and topping combinations. The Outpost brings tacos and arepas, burritos and vegetarian plates to Pine Street Market, along with cocktails and other beverages.
Hours: Sun – Thurs 11am – 9pm, Fri – Sat 11am – 10pm
Marukin Ramen, the first stateside outpost of a popular Tokyo chain, now has two locations in Portland, including one in Pine Street Market. Marukin offers traditional as well as vegan ramen. Different days of the week have different versions of ramen along with a few other portable items created with locally sourced ingredients and handmade noodles.
Hours: 11am-10pm every day
Pollo Bravo is a tapas bar and a fast casual concept offering Spanish-style rotisserie chicken to-go by chef Josh Scofield. Try a rotisserie chicken with one of five sauces, or a rotisserie pork loin sandwich. Tapas include traditional options like potatoes bravas, chicken and serrano ham croquettes or mixed olives.
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri/Sat 11am-11pm
Formerly known as Trifecta Annex, the now-named Checkerboard Pizza was opened by owner, baker and James Beard Award-winner Ken Forkish, also owner of Trifecta Tavern and Ken’s Artisan Bakery. Checkerboad’s menu features 18-inch round pies, available by the slice or as whole pies, to stay or to go, along with pastries and breads.
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri/Sat 11am-10pm
Wiz Bang Bar
Portland’s famous Salt & Straw ice cream makers offer the same delicious soft serve, sundaes, novelties (like chocolate tacos) and more at the Pine Street Market. Salt & Straw takes their flavors far beyond chocolate and vanilla, such as strawberry and candied coconut parfaits and honey lavender soft serve.
Hours: Sun-Thurs 12pm-10pm, Fri/Sat 12pm-11pm
Now open from early morning to late-night, eaters can mix ‘n’ mingle over breakfast, lunch, and dinner in this vibrant funky industrial space all day long.
