What's New in Portland, Oregon

The Northwest's best-kept secret isn't much of a secret any longer. Portland keeps landing on everyone's list as one of the best places to live, and for good reason: great restaurants and shopping, along with a creative and recreational flair. Naturally, these criteria also make the city a wonderful place to visit. Our picks for the best of what's hot right now...

Night Spots

Evoking a time when monster sideburns and polyester ruled, Spirit of 77 (500 N.E. Martin Luther King Blvd.; 503/232-9977) celebrates the year the Trailblazers were NBA champs. Located across from the current home of the city’s NBA franchise, 77 features local brews, cocktail ribs and hushpuppies with jalapeño jam.

Tommy Habetz, who cooked at Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill in NYC, just opened Bunk Bar (1028 SE Water Ave.; 503/894-9708). Grab a craft cocktail and a ridiculously good sandwich (our pick: Oregon albacore tuna melt).

Hotels

Over the past few years, the Jupiter Hotel (800 E. Burnside; 503/230-9200) has transformed a former motor lodge on the edge of town into a hipster boutique paradise—right down to its impeccable midcentury décor amongst eco-friendly bath products, portable MP3 devices and free Wi-Fi.

Dining

Butterfish rolled in cocoa and sea urchin with chilled citrus nage grace the menu at Fin (1852 SE Hawthorne Blvd.; 530/517-7770), a new seafood favorite with a wine list selected by its proximity to seas, lakes or rivers. Also, culinary superstar Gregory Perrault just launched June (2215 E. Burnside St.; 503/477-4655), which touts a changing menu of bites, such as stuffed gypsy peppers and Coho salmon. No less laudable are the desserts, including a chocolate financiere and a tarte tatin (apple, caramel, delicate pastry). As for sips, mixologist Kelley Swenson has stocked the bar with exotic spirits he gathered during trips to Mexico.

Great Neighborhoods

Tucked among historic warehouses, the Central Eastside District is emerging as the go-to hood for the next generation of culinary, design and fashion leaders. Slip into Hair of the Dog Brewing (61 SE Yamhill St.; 503/232-6585) and Coava Coffee (1300 SE Grand Ave.; 503/894-8134; coavacoffee.com) to take in the district’s vibe.

Things to Do

The “Design Zone” at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (1945 SE Water Ave.) reveals the secrets behind the success of video-game developers, rollercoaster creators, musical architects and how they tackle design.

Getting There

Daily nonstop flights to Portland on United Airlines from Dulles International.