Photo by EverydaydudeIt seems to me Portland is becoming a trendier and trendier each year. The rent is low, every street has a bike lane, the people are mellow, and there is a coffee shop or bar on every street corner. If you can get over the 4 straight months of rain and gloom, this is hands down the best city to live in the US for someone creative. In this post I'm going to share with you some of my favorite spots around this city I've called home for 13 years. 
This is my block where I live. I've lived on Hawthorne for 5 years now and its super mellow and it has everything. Hawthorne has vintage shops, record stores, music, movies, book stores and great food. 
You can't go wrong just parking and crusing these streets, you'll find awesome food, art, music and boutiques. 
Toro Bravo is my favorite dinner spot in Portland, along with Andina in the Pearl District. I highly recommend both of these restaurants if you live here or are just visiting. Portland is also known for its breakfast spot and every weekend you'll see lines out the door of people waiting. The best breakfast spots are Genies and Tasty and Sons, but be prepared to wait. All my friends and myself love burritos and our favorite spot in town is La Sirenta in NE. Food carts are huge right now in PDX, so be sure to hit a pod or two up and definitely try Koi Fusion
Aalto Lounge is where you'll find me spinning records on most Saturday nights or bellied up to the bar having a whiskey. If I'm up in North Portland, I'll hit the Bye and Bye for some drinks with friends. The Bye and Bye also has an amazing vegan menu. If you love cocktails I suggest Beaker and Flask at 720 SE Sandy, they make some of the best cocktails in town.
Portlanders love coffee! My 3 favorite spots to grab coffee when I have time to choose is Stumptown, Red E, and Albina Press. 
Thrifting and vintage shops are everywhere in Portland and the little I know about vintage these 3 shops are rad. 
Compound and Upper playground are my go to shops for clothing, sneakers, and anything Street Art or Streetwear. 
These are the two record shops I mainly buy my vinyl at, but Mississippi Records and Everyday Music are both awesome alternatives.
Broadway Books is a great locally owner and operated bookstore owned by one of my best friends mom's. They have everything you'll need, great service, and awesome recommendations. The Together Gallery has the best assortment of independent magazines in town a long with really cool art and crafts from local artist.
"Portland is just one of those city that if you give it a hug, it will give you a big hug right back" via my friend Jeremy from SF
This is my breakdown of the city that I love and few spots to check out. I'm sure if you talk to someone else from here they'd have there own list for you. If you live here, ever lived, or have visited I'd love to know some of your favorite spots!
Keep PDX Rad!
-C.O.C.
