Favorite full stop is Gino’s.
Favorite chill after work is the Muddy Rudder.
Favorite patio is the semi secret one a Zenbu Lounge (sushi)
Favorite cocktail is Bible Club PDX
I can’t believe no one has mentioned Jade Teahouse. Everything is great on their menu, but the rice noodles or the heavenly beef are particularly good. They have baked goods too!
Jade has been our default restaurant for 10+ years. I feel like I could eat there almost every day and never get tired of their food. It’s a little more inconsistent than it used to be, but still hard to beat. Everything on the menu is really, really good.
Used to love Bertie Lou’s but last time I went my eggs were VERY undercooked 🤢 Harney Street is very delicious! Never had a bad meal there— Please don’t make it trendy/busy though 🤐
I had some of the worst service I've ever had at Stellina. Server was openly trying to give our table away to a couple who were obviously regulars after we waited 30 minutes and he never called our name. Proceeded to act like anything we asked for was an inconvenience and focus on them the whole time. Never going back.
Bald guy or tall/skinny older guy? I love the pizza there and the owner is nice but service is the weakest/most unfriendly of all the places I frequent.
My wife and I also had bad enough service that we haven’t been back, despite the excellent pizza. We were told to sit outside, then proceeded to watch several parties who got there after us order and get their food before the server ever came to take our order. We eventually went in to place our order, and everything was fine from that point. Why seat people outside if you aren’t capable of serving them?
I was surprised because the first time I went there everybody was super nice and helpful. I work in the service industry myself, which usually means I'm pretty empathetic to service folks. It also means I have no tolerance for exceptionally bad service like that, though.
Our go-to pizza spot has been Gladstone St for many years, but with them closing in April our blinders had to come off. Stellina was good, interesting pizzas, very tasty. Reminds me a bit of Lovely's 50/50, but way closer to home!
I didn't know Gladstone closed for good, that sucks! Last time we tried to go there they had a sign that they were closed til a certain date, but we haven't tried to go back. With Sunny's also closing that's 2 of our favorite pizzas gone. I guess it's all Muddy Rudder all the time for me.
It does suck. They were great, and hung on through all the pandemic and post-pandemic BS without losing a step on quality. Feels weird to say it, but I'm getting palpably giddy remembering those pandemic Fridays when we'd get Muddy Rudder take-out calzones and $10 growler fills. Felt like such a reward after a week of supervising distance learning while trying to work full time.
I live like 6 blocks from Saburo’s and have eaten there once in 9 years. Too much rice and just don’t enjoy their food. And it also smells bad outside.
I’ve always wanted to try this spot but every time I go by there’s a line around the corner. Some people are willing to wait and wait to get a table. I am not one of those people.
Me either lol I discovered this spot during quarantine, so they didn't have the dining room open. So I grew accustomed to just ordering online and picking it up to eat at home.
I've eaten inside once and prefer my house haha
It’s 100% a to go sushi spot. 3 rolls is by far enough for 2 people as well. I always accidentally over order when I go here, and in general I can eat a good deal.
I had heard so much about this place and went but the food was greasy and under seasoned and the service was really uncomfortable. The server and manager(?) were really odd. The busser was really sweet though.
Get a drink at Portland Bottleshop before you head to other recommendations for dinner. They have good food, too, but you should explore more establishments!
I had a surprisingly good sandwich and salad there a while back. The outdoor seating is always full when I try to go there though. Good for them, sad for me.
Jin Dak PDX. It’s a Korean food cart and the man running it is always in the *best* mood and the Korean fried chicken sandwich with the side salad is SO good. I swear, the owners attitude is so worth it, he always puts me in a good mood when I go there.
La Mai Plate is one of the best food carts around--everything they do is incredible. Biting into a piece of their fried chicken w/ the peanut sauce is like opening the door to whatever your version of heaven is.
We are actively grieving the loss of Sunny’s Pizza in my household. The best pizza in Portland, better than Scottie’s IMO. I don’t know what happened— just went to order our usual pie one day and they were gone! 💔
I got pizza from Sunny’s, went on vacation, got back and went to grab a slice and it was gone. No one said they were closing when I went in. Super weird.
The Limelight though I haven’t been in a couple years ! used to be where we’d have our family reunions - maybe I’m more attached to those memories than the actual place itself though so take what I say with a grain of salt :)
I tried to introduce them to an old soda company in New York called Dr. Browns. They have a celery soda there that's wonderful I suggested to them. The owners are aware of it. They just may get it because of me 😂
Wei Wei
Kay’s
Stellina
The bottle shop which also has a great little selection of foods
Montelupo
Most frequent takeout comes from Tinna’s Classic Thai
Love Zenbu for more approachable sushi and Kaede for fancy need-a-reservation sushi
I will never understand the following this restaurant has.
The nigiri is like 3 bites worth, the rolls are insanely large, the fish wasn’t even fully thawed when I gave this place a few shots. So so so many better options for sushi in Portland, and even Sellwood.
Yet people come from all over and line up without fail.
ETA: Zenbu as others mention in this thread is where it’s at if you want sushi in Sellwood. Kaede is also phenomenal but it’s scratching a different itch and I wouldn’t say is comparable.
For real. I've had better sushi from FG Sushi in Forest Grove, but it's not in giant portions and is far out, so probably not gonna get the recognition Saburos does.
I disliked it til I went there tipsy one night, then I appreciated the ridiculous oversized rolls. I've gone there a couple times since, but I still hugely prefer Zenbu. Better sushi, a cozy vibe, and friendly staff.
Saburo’s is enough different from your typical sushi restaurant that it needs to be evaluated on its own merits. Stop comparing it to other sushi restaurants and maybe you will be more able to appreciate it compared to restaurants in general.
Just want to mention one that hasn’t been mentioned for the “healthy” or dietary restriction crowd- Bastion is awesome for breakfast and lunch and the owners are opening a dinner spot in the old Relish location soon. Sounds like it will be another farm to table organic healthy kind of situation.
I'm a bit of a barbeque snob and was looking forward to blasting Reverend's out of the water first time we tried it. Maybe I've just been too long gone from the motherland, but...pretty good stuff.
Anyone remember the Strudel House? It’s been 40 years since I went there but they had the best poppy seed torte. I think it was on Bybee. I wonder what happened to it.
Yukon is a great neighborhood bar with one of the best burgers in Portland. Also, Sebastianos, is new to Sellwood and has amazing breakfast, lunch, and dessert options.
Lot of love for Gino’s on here. Great environment but the dish I had, which was recommended, felt like something I could make at home. It fits a niche that the neighborhood needs and the food isn’t bad, I just don’t think I’ll go back.
I just remembered that their cocktails are impressive, can’t leave that out.
I recommend Kay’s. It feels like a bar for people who outgrew dive bars. Solid burger, Aardvark hot sauce, reasonably priced drinks.
When they first hit as a cart, they struck gold. Cheap lil delicious burgers and exceptional fries.
Post pandemic, inflation, elevated burger competition and brick/mortar makes it a lesser value.
Agreed, I lived near the first brick and mortar for a while and it was expensive even prior to the pandemic. Expensive but super tasty and unique. Now it feels like most places are pushing that 20 dollar mark for a meal and it really makes you consider quality at that price point.
The only fast-food burger place I feel is still a good relative value is Killer Burger. You can get the full size and fries for under 14 bucks.
Portland Bottle Shop for sentimental reasons. When my wife and I lived in sellwood we would go and split the tuna melt and the kale radicchio salad almost weekly. Now I’m miss it, thanks a lot..
Other than that, pizzeria Stellina, Nama ramen, Pdx sliders, Kay’s, that sketchy sushi place across from Kay’s, muddy rudder.
I eat out a couple times per week in Sellwood.. Jade is by far my favorite, think you get the best bang for buck, has good vegetarian options. I forgot the name but one of the food carts has awesome Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Reverends has good brisket..Jake’s place if you just want to get drunk and pig out on fried macaroni
Really depends on what you are craving, though I feel jade just checks so many boxes..
Kay’s all the way!!! Incredible food and I love love love the bar itself. It’s extra nice if you can sit outside!!
Bible club if you’re looking for a fun bar experience!
Favorite full stop is Gino’s. Favorite chill after work is the Muddy Rudder. Favorite patio is the semi secret one a Zenbu Lounge (sushi) Favorite cocktail is Bible Club PDX
Muddy Rudder Stromboli is sooo good.
Ew. Their food is literal Sysco garbage that they can't even cook right.
Zenbu is really good!!
I can’t believe no one has mentioned Jade Teahouse. Everything is great on their menu, but the rice noodles or the heavenly beef are particularly good. They have baked goods too!
I went there for my anniversary last year- and my birthday this year most recently. It’s got a nice atmosphere and great food.
The salad rolls!! 🤤
they have celiac options too
and all the sweets. and their vietnamese coffee. and whatever they have on special.
The green beans dish is to die for.
Chiang Mai noodles are dope, too. And the caramelized pork. And the burger. And the rest of the menu.
Try the red snapper if you haven't already, my fav dish along with the caramelized pork.
This. Sooo good.
Because we’re trying to keep it a secret! 🤫 lol!
If you have 0 taste buds and need everything to meet your diet restriction, Jade is great
Gino's!
This! The pasta with shells is loaded with garlic and butter and is excellent. They also have one of the best Caesar salads in the city.
the best ciopinno in portland! better than jake's and half the price!
Love Gino’s but quite bummed that they charge an automatic 15% fee for carryout orders. 🙁
Jade has been our default restaurant for 10+ years. I feel like I could eat there almost every day and never get tired of their food. It’s a little more inconsistent than it used to be, but still hard to beat. Everything on the menu is really, really good.
Bertie Lou's, all day, every day.
Unless it’s after 1:30 PM.
My apologies. Bertie Lou's, most days, some hours.
Bertie Lou’s, but at Jake’s with a Bloody Mary.
Or Tuesday and Wednesday at all.
My favorite breakfast place :)
Used to love Bertie Lou’s but last time I went my eggs were VERY undercooked 🤢 Harney Street is very delicious! Never had a bad meal there— Please don’t make it trendy/busy though 🤐
Your secret is safe!
My first thought too.
Pizzeria Stellina is a hidden gem, no one I talk to has ever heard of it but to me it’s excellent
I had some of the worst service I've ever had at Stellina. Server was openly trying to give our table away to a couple who were obviously regulars after we waited 30 minutes and he never called our name. Proceeded to act like anything we asked for was an inconvenience and focus on them the whole time. Never going back.
Bald guy or tall/skinny older guy? I love the pizza there and the owner is nice but service is the weakest/most unfriendly of all the places I frequent.
Older guy. Fucked up part is that I still guilt tipped. Only 10%, so I guess that'll show him.
10% isn’t so much of a guilt tip as it is an arraignment - and a well-deserved one, it sounds like!
My wife and I also had bad enough service that we haven’t been back, despite the excellent pizza. We were told to sit outside, then proceeded to watch several parties who got there after us order and get their food before the server ever came to take our order. We eventually went in to place our order, and everything was fine from that point. Why seat people outside if you aren’t capable of serving them?
Sorry to hear that. I’ve never had anything but great service there myself
I was surprised because the first time I went there everybody was super nice and helpful. I work in the service industry myself, which usually means I'm pretty empathetic to service folks. It also means I have no tolerance for exceptionally bad service like that, though.
I can confirm. They are not friendly there at all.
It’s only been open a few months.
They opened up in 2021….
Holy cow. You’re right. Late 2021…guess I just mentally compress March 2020 thru 2023. I noticed them open for dining room service last Fall.
I live right up the block and have consistently been going there to eat, inside and outside, for the past 2 years.
Our go-to pizza spot has been Gladstone St for many years, but with them closing in April our blinders had to come off. Stellina was good, interesting pizzas, very tasty. Reminds me a bit of Lovely's 50/50, but way closer to home!
I didn't know Gladstone closed for good, that sucks! Last time we tried to go there they had a sign that they were closed til a certain date, but we haven't tried to go back. With Sunny's also closing that's 2 of our favorite pizzas gone. I guess it's all Muddy Rudder all the time for me.
It does suck. They were great, and hung on through all the pandemic and post-pandemic BS without losing a step on quality. Feels weird to say it, but I'm getting palpably giddy remembering those pandemic Fridays when we'd get Muddy Rudder take-out calzones and $10 growler fills. Felt like such a reward after a week of supervising distance learning while trying to work full time.
Bridge City Pizza is still holding up lower SE pretty well.
Kays, easy. But that Montelupo focacceria is doing some heavy, heavy pulling.
A Cena is a very good Italian restaurant
Terrible ownership, they keep a rapist employed for years.
Really?? Can you expand on this??
Ex manager date raped a host and the owner/ other managers protected him.
I think they source their polpo from the kids’ rubber toy section
I second Saburo's sushi. People hate on them cause their portion sizes are too big but I never see that as a problem.
I live like 6 blocks from Saburo’s and have eaten there once in 9 years. Too much rice and just don’t enjoy their food. And it also smells bad outside.
I’ve always wanted to try this spot but every time I go by there’s a line around the corner. Some people are willing to wait and wait to get a table. I am not one of those people.
Me either lol I discovered this spot during quarantine, so they didn't have the dining room open. So I grew accustomed to just ordering online and picking it up to eat at home. I've eaten inside once and prefer my house haha
It’s 100% a to go sushi spot. 3 rolls is by far enough for 2 people as well. I always accidentally over order when I go here, and in general I can eat a good deal.
The lack of love for Kay's derby nachos is shocking to me.
Kay’s has one of my favorite burgers in Portland.
One of the more overhyped burgers in my experience, but everything else from that kitchen is absolute fire.
It's Tulip Shop's world and we are all living in it.
Best nachos in Portland!
Strong agree. Lowkey fire cocktails too.
And the Buffalo chicken Wrap. Also, exceptional fries. Just a few can’t miss Kay’s items.
A Cena!
I had heard so much about this place and went but the food was greasy and under seasoned and the service was really uncomfortable. The server and manager(?) were really odd. The busser was really sweet though.
I like the food but agree the service is terrible.
That’s interesting — a friend and I had a really great time there in 2021. We felt very taken care of and the food was great
it must have been really impressive if you still think about it three years later
It honestly was 😂 — and probably the only restaurant I went to in 2021
If you have a food allergy, the place is terrible. Gave horrible service, upsold then underdelivered. Not going back.
Maybe things have changed since the last time I went because this was not the experience I had! :(
Terrible ownership, they keep a rapist employed for years.
Get a drink at Portland Bottleshop before you head to other recommendations for dinner. They have good food, too, but you should explore more establishments!
The food at Portland Bottleshop is outstanding for such a little joint, one of the best burgers in the city
The Italian sub is really nice there too.
I had a surprisingly good sandwich and salad there a while back. The outdoor seating is always full when I try to go there though. Good for them, sad for me.
They don't salt their food.
Wei Wei is awesome and I can’t believe nobody has mentioned it.
Seconding Wei! Everything there is delicious. Highly recommend!
Had to scroll too far.
We have never been more disappointed by such a hyped place lol
Oh that’s sad! I’ve really enjoyed it every time I’ve eaten there.
Shhhhhhh
Wei Wei was soo good when they first opened. It's been downhill since. Not bad, but certainly not as good as it was.
I have not been in a while so that could absolutely be true, and that makes me sad.
Uncle Tsang's Kitchen. Some of the best food ever. It's Chinese and plant based. Food truck so there can be a wait.
Jin Dak PDX. It’s a Korean food cart and the man running it is always in the *best* mood and the Korean fried chicken sandwich with the side salad is SO good. I swear, the owners attitude is so worth it, he always puts me in a good mood when I go there.
La Mai Plate is one of the best food carts around--everything they do is incredible. Biting into a piece of their fried chicken w/ the peanut sauce is like opening the door to whatever your version of heaven is.
I love it too. They had a salad with shrimp and grapefruit last summer that was amazing.
Kaede probably the best, most authentic Japanese sushi in PDX.
Seconding Kaede. Great stuff.
exactly, best sushi in pdx
Papa Haydn is one of my favorite restaurants period. Honorable mention to PDX Sliders and the food cart Jin Dak PDX.
Came planning to say Papa...Sliders is also great. Limelight for sloppy pool with diner fare.
Jade Teahouse!
PDX Sliders! Amazing delicious!
They have a burger there with jam. It's INSANE
100% Gino's for a nice dinner. Jade is my go to for lunch. Kay's is my favorite bar in all of Portland. God damn do I miss Sunny's Pizza.
are you me?
Always down to find kindred spirits!
We are actively grieving the loss of Sunny’s Pizza in my household. The best pizza in Portland, better than Scottie’s IMO. I don’t know what happened— just went to order our usual pie one day and they were gone! 💔
I got pizza from Sunny’s, went on vacation, got back and went to grab a slice and it was gone. No one said they were closing when I went in. Super weird.
Zenbu, Pizza Stelina, A Cena, and Reverends.
Perfect list right here!
Muddy Rudder
The Limelight though I haven’t been in a couple years ! used to be where we’d have our family reunions - maybe I’m more attached to those memories than the actual place itself though so take what I say with a grain of salt :)
Montelupo Italian
I tried to introduce them to an old soda company in New York called Dr. Browns. They have a celery soda there that's wonderful I suggested to them. The owners are aware of it. They just may get it because of me 😂
There are Dr Browns sodas at Henry Higgins.
I saw them. They have the Cel Ray too
I love it too. It's a New-York-style deli staple. They used to have it at Rose's deli.
Only because I haven’t seen it mentioned yet: Limelight!
Wei Wei Kay’s Stellina The bottle shop which also has a great little selection of foods Montelupo Most frequent takeout comes from Tinna’s Classic Thai Love Zenbu for more approachable sushi and Kaede for fancy need-a-reservation sushi
Yes! We love Classic Thai and it’s a frequent take-out go to. The owner is so sweet— bonus points for the freshly-baked cookies 🍪♥️
"You got it...... And?" Love me some Tina!
JADE, Ginos, Nama Ramen
Nama makes a mango basil lemonade that is 11/10 on a hot summer day
I like Saburo’s.
I will never understand the following this restaurant has. The nigiri is like 3 bites worth, the rolls are insanely large, the fish wasn’t even fully thawed when I gave this place a few shots. So so so many better options for sushi in Portland, and even Sellwood. Yet people come from all over and line up without fail. ETA: Zenbu as others mention in this thread is where it’s at if you want sushi in Sellwood. Kaede is also phenomenal but it’s scratching a different itch and I wouldn’t say is comparable.
For real. I've had better sushi from FG Sushi in Forest Grove, but it's not in giant portions and is far out, so probably not gonna get the recognition Saburos does.
I disliked it til I went there tipsy one night, then I appreciated the ridiculous oversized rolls. I've gone there a couple times since, but I still hugely prefer Zenbu. Better sushi, a cozy vibe, and friendly staff.
Saburo’s is enough different from your typical sushi restaurant that it needs to be evaluated on its own merits. Stop comparing it to other sushi restaurants and maybe you will be more able to appreciate it compared to restaurants in general.
If I want great sushi, I'll hit up Yoko's. If I want A TON of good sushi at a low price, I'll go to Saburo's.
Surprised more people haven’t said Reverend’s BBQ
Just want to mention one that hasn’t been mentioned for the “healthy” or dietary restriction crowd- Bastion is awesome for breakfast and lunch and the owners are opening a dinner spot in the old Relish location soon. Sounds like it will be another farm to table organic healthy kind of situation.
That’s great news! I’ve been wondering what will go into the Relish space.
In my opinion Reverends BBQ has the best BBQ in PDX and it’s right there in Sellwood
I love the BBQ chips on their Mac, but I'm still gonna have to go with Matt's BBQ as the best in PDX
Totally fair, it’s a tough toss up imo. Both are great!
I'm a bit of a barbeque snob and was looking forward to blasting Reverend's out of the water first time we tried it. Maybe I've just been too long gone from the motherland, but...pretty good stuff.
Zenbu!
It’s a food cart actually - La Mai Plate 😭 I need to get over there.
The Meddling Lime (901) 232-8991 https://g.co/kgs/suUEpfN Edit: wanted to clarify this is a food truck, but there is seating
Seconding Gino's
Anyone remember the Strudel House? It’s been 40 years since I went there but they had the best poppy seed torte. I think it was on Bybee. I wonder what happened to it.
Zenbu is our go-to, the Thai place next door is now a new favorite too. Montolupo’s is my favorite new place for sure.
Papa Hydn
So many great spots. But for my money, if you take the full package (price, service, quality, atmosphere) it's got to be Kay's, Zenbu, or Gino's.
Yukon is a great neighborhood bar with one of the best burgers in Portland. Also, Sebastianos, is new to Sellwood and has amazing breakfast, lunch, and dessert options.
Jade Cafe.
Does smittys count
Jade Teahouse. Their Wonton soup is the best.
Gino's! The atmosphere, the food and the service are all fantastic.
Technically west Moreland, but Kay’s
Kay’s.
Lot of love for Gino’s on here. Great environment but the dish I had, which was recommended, felt like something I could make at home. It fits a niche that the neighborhood needs and the food isn’t bad, I just don’t think I’ll go back. I just remembered that their cocktails are impressive, can’t leave that out. I recommend Kay’s. It feels like a bar for people who outgrew dive bars. Solid burger, Aardvark hot sauce, reasonably priced drinks.
Kay's Blackened chicken Mac n cheese
If you’re a sucker for really good fries: Sliders PDX
People like to shit on them but their food is always good
When they first hit as a cart, they struck gold. Cheap lil delicious burgers and exceptional fries. Post pandemic, inflation, elevated burger competition and brick/mortar makes it a lesser value.
Agreed, I lived near the first brick and mortar for a while and it was expensive even prior to the pandemic. Expensive but super tasty and unique. Now it feels like most places are pushing that 20 dollar mark for a meal and it really makes you consider quality at that price point. The only fast-food burger place I feel is still a good relative value is Killer Burger. You can get the full size and fries for under 14 bucks.
Or Burgers. I love PDX Sliders
a Cena Ristorante
Taste of Casablanca is my favorite food truck in the city.
Portland Bottle Shop for sentimental reasons. When my wife and I lived in sellwood we would go and split the tuna melt and the kale radicchio salad almost weekly. Now I’m miss it, thanks a lot.. Other than that, pizzeria Stellina, Nama ramen, Pdx sliders, Kay’s, that sketchy sushi place across from Kay’s, muddy rudder.
Taste of Morocco
Oaks Bottom, PDX Sliders, Jade Teahouse - all delicious
Gino's. Gino's. Gino's. Gino's is my favorite restaurant in Portland full stop.
kaede
A Cena!
Jade Teahouse
The short ribs at zenbu and the Japanese whisky flight 🤤
Bastion!
I eat out a couple times per week in Sellwood.. Jade is by far my favorite, think you get the best bang for buck, has good vegetarian options. I forgot the name but one of the food carts has awesome Grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Reverends has good brisket..Jake’s place if you just want to get drunk and pig out on fried macaroni Really depends on what you are craving, though I feel jade just checks so many boxes..
In my opinion, Muddy Rudder has the best pizza in Portland
Is Fat Albert's still around?
Sadly, no. 😔
I love A Cena, specifically the lobster and sweet corn ravioli. I can’t eat gluten anymore and I am still mourning the loss of those ravioli
The Moreland Ale House
Kay’s all the way!!! Incredible food and I love love love the bar itself. It’s extra nice if you can sit outside!! Bible club if you’re looking for a fun bar experience!
Kaede!
Reverend’s BBQ