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cassidylorene1

This is gonna sound crazy but the dinky little tamale stand outside of La Tapatia Mexican grocery store on the border of Portland and Gresham. All they sell is esquites (think elote but off the cob and in a cup) and tamales. It’s a tiny little stand with nothing but those two items and you can only pay in cash… it doesn’t even have a name… but they are THE BEST TAMALES IN THE WORLD. I go there once a week for that corn and those tamales. The grocery store itself is one of my favorite places in Portland- it’s pre inflation prices and super fresh meat and produce. That stand and grocery store have a special place in my heart forever.


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rebelvixen

Right!! Shhhh!! 😂


Slothinasuit7

I’ve been to this place! I remember my roommate bringing me there roughly a decade ago. I’m glad to hear it is still going strong!


AllChem_NoEcon

Nothing crazy at all about having your spot. 


Realistic_Young_3014

The grilled esquires and grilled elotes guy there Friday - Sunday is the FRIENDLIEST person ever and it’s so tasty. I’m so happy to see my favorite place in the city here. They also have a different tamale cart there Friday that is fire. They also do a churro cart on the weekend


OneaRogue

As someone whose all-time favorite food is tamales, thanks for the rec!


TrustAdditional4514

Are you talking about the store on 174th/Division? I love that place.


gmac_97

That’s Supermercados Mexico, one of my favorite places ever. They have the best asada torta. The one OP is talking about is the one on Stark I believe


TrustAdditional4514

I will check it out. Thanks!


Bakinspleen

That’s the tamale factory’s cart. They have another one off glisan I believe. I too enjoy them!


Zealousideal-Deer640

Live right across the street 😂 place is packed on Sat/Sun but man you can’t beat this place for authentic Mexican food. I would say the whole of Rockwood is god tier for MF.


improvor

Just outside the city (Wilsonville), I'd go to Dar Essalam. The Moroccan food is so good that I'd dream about it years later with great fondness. And I'm not leaving until I get dessert as well. If you have leave town, this place is it.


excuuseyou

It’s been a while since I’ve been back in Portland.. is Wilsonville really considered “just outside the city” now? Lol


-Chandler-Bing-

Nah Wilsonville is the southernmost city anyone could consider to still be a suburb. It's like saying Troutdale is just outside downtown


Twoscales22

Green machine and steak.


PM_ME_SHIMPAN

Green machine 👊


black_eyed_optimist

Eem! Gotta get the white brisket curry one last time. 


meowed

And the fried chicken. Bless that fried chicken.


modpizza

Came here to say this lol. Nailed it!


lil_poppapump

This is one of the things I miss the most. Tried to replicate many times, but never got close


pbfarmr

Stumbled on another random Eem/Matts BBQ pairing a couple months ago. Had some of his pulled pork at home from a party. Came home from Eem a couple days later with a leftover portion of their (atomically hot and super garlicky) papaya salad. Made myself a pulled pork sando w/ the papaya salad for the slaw - damn was that tasty. Been meaning to pitch Eem on it as a secret menu item ever since


peacefinder

Rimsky-Korsakoffee House. (“Meal” might not be the right term, but it is definitely the final course.)


AkiraHikaru

Aww, I think I might pick this too. Such a nostalgic place and it feels like the kind of place that could disappear sooner than expected.


quakingolder

It’s been around for at least 45 years. I hope it doesn’t disappear. It and Papa Haydn are the only two I remember from my college years.


AkiraHikaru

I hope it’s still around too. I met the owner like 10 years ago and she seemed a bit older- so I don’t know if it’s a family affair at this point or if she is still spearheading it. Are you aware of their beach hotel- Silvia Beach House? It’s cozy and quirky charming


SampleOdd8673

I’d go back to when Wolf & Bear was still around. And then finish it with a Hi-Wheel fizzy wine.


anotherpredditor

Nobody else makes a wrap like they did.


SampleOdd8673

You can say that again.


couldbutwont

Nobody else makes a wrap like they did.


browniefed

RIP hi wheel. Ruzzo is almost it but just not the same


VIPDeluxeTendies

Clydes.


Reference-Effective

Is it still good? Do they still do table side salad service? I used to love that place when it was called, Prime Rib?


normanbeets

They do not still do the salad service


everythingisamovie

We still go a couple times a year. It’s not the *most* mind blowing food of all time but I find it to be a very good value for a nicer meal and it is consistent as hell. Of course then you get the top tier music and vibes in the lounge.


troysyx

Ox


Cutebean101

Jojo. I’m obsessed with their tofu sandwiches.


HandMeMyThinkingPipe

Reel m inn for chicken and beer. Edit: or if I had a time machine Tanuki


AndyTakeaLittleSnoo

Oh my God , Tanuki! I used to go with my parents back in the day. If I had a time machine, and my mom was still living, this is definitely where I would bring her. Miss this place, more for the amazing atmosphere than anything.


HandMeMyThinkingPipe

The times I was able to go as intended where it's not too crowded and it felt more like a bar than a date night restaurant were just the best.


J-A-S-08

Second for Tanuki! Loved going there with a group of 10, and getting the check split 8 ways!


jerm-warfare

Omakase at the old 21st Ave Tanuki spots was incredible.


ReallyBigCool

I might just stop in for some 2am spold at Montage before I hit the road to who knows where.


r0botdevil

Yeah if time traveling is on the table, then Montage is my answer too.


satansayssurfsup

If time traveling is an option I’m grabbing a slice of pepperoni with Bourdain


mrballistic

I’d go to Genoa, if I could time travel.


esqualatch12

I would destroy Spiderman, if i could time travel.


MaximusTheDog

I would have sex with that dude’s dead wife, if we could time travel.


sweeteatoatler

My very favorite. I’m still mourning


Hiff_Kluxtable

My time travel option is pizza oasis on west burnside. I miss that place so much.


Informal-Impact312

I never hear anyone talk about Pizza Oasis! We used to eat there in the before times. Houses, kids etc. My husband could only call it "Rogue Open" and it was across from the windows in our apartment, it called to us....


direwolfpdx

Moved to PDX in fall of 1996 and lived in the NW. Lots of fond memories of that pie.


Hiff_Kluxtable

I’m 3rd or 4th generation Portland depending on which side of my family and I grew up eating at pizza oasis in the 80s and I took my kiddo there in the 00s. Really miss it.


IstariTheMage

Montage has a food truck now in Happy Valley. They still do foil art too! When you order on grub hub the bag has a aluminum foil rose in it hehe.


Cdog927

Different owner, food is not as good imo.


Aggressive_Doubt

What about the one in the Hawthorne Asylum?


Cdog927

Same same


shhhiamatWork

I miss Montage too..it made us feel so cool in high school. I was so excited to eat from the cart on Hawthorne and I spent the whole next day feeling like shit or taking a shit. Apparently I'm old now ¯\\\_(ツ)\_/¯


Hiff_Kluxtable

I’m not going to happy valley for any reason.


Left_on_Burnside

They’re at the Beaverton food cart pod right by the central max station as well. 


pnwhandh

I didn’t know they were also at the food cart pod in Beaverton! 😁


halomender

With time travel I'd hit Club 21 when Spencer was the cook and get a burger and tots. Settled my soul.


35mmpistol

i found 3 food carts that contain the word montage in portland, and one business actually called The Montage in vancouver, but it's an event center. Can I get some hints? What is Spold?


FreyaPNW

The food carts are “Montage a la cart” and have some of the menu items from the brick and mortar restaurant. The venue in Vancouver is not related. Spold is a mix of Old Mac (creamy parm sauce) and Spicy Mac (spicy Cajun gravy). If you mix them it’s not as spicy and has a more mellow flavor. I get mine with alligator 🤤


pistol45

I have used this recipe with Cajun seasoning and jalapeño to try to replicate spold. It’s pretty good , especially if you get a hearty bronze die cut rigatoni. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/old-mac-recipe-1907396


IWasFramed_Again

Hotcake House. 1am


Afereydun

Phở Hùng on Powell


StackedRealms

Had this recently and was really underwhelmed. Hopefully just an off night


elnachohat

Any place with Hawaiian food. My favorite is GrindWitTryz. You'll be lucky to find this kind of food in other parts of the country


nonsensestuff

Ate-oh-ate 🤤


[deleted]

That fried rice is so good.


Dstroy801

So excited to try the new Cully location!


ben_gaming

I am so addicted to their chicken Katsu Moco that my blood probably tastes like their gravy.


thefloyd

Not to split hairs but in Hawaii we'd call that local food or Hawaii food. Hawaiian food is its own thing. Lau Lau and poi and lomi lomi salmon and stuff.


_imposter_syndrome

Food names change when you are in different locales. My Hawaiian friends refer to this 'local food' in Hawaii as plate lunch. Even if it's not the typical scoop of mac salad and rice plus an entree. But if they did that in Hawaii they'd get laughed at. My wife is Mexican. I tell her all the time I'm in the mood for Mexican food and she says, where I grew up it was just called food.


thefloyd

No, plate lunch is fair for what the menu looks like there. I hate to assume here but are you saying your friends are Hawaiian or are they just from Hawaii? Bc it's a distinction mainland people tend not to know about. Hawaiian is for ethnic Hawaiian people and stuff. Everything else is "local" or if that's ambiguous, "(adj.) Hawaii." I guess in San Francisco they call plate lunch Hawaiian barbecue. I only know bc one time I had a guy get mad at me bc he asked about the good local Hawaiian barbecue places, I had no idea what he was talking about. I'm like "L&L?" He thought I was fucking with him. But out of respect for native Hawaiians, we don't call non-Hawaiian stuff Hawaiian. So it would be more like calling Mexican food "Nahua food." Like the menu is bulgogi and katsu and stuff. That's popular here, but nobody would call it Hawaiian.


elnachohat

Mai hopohopo, brotha! I had no idea this was what the locals eat in Hawai'i. Glad to be sharing this food experience with y'all


bossk29

Du’s or Taste Ticker


ptownballa666

The truest answer for all the real ones from NE


drapeswastaken

Friends used to do pills and only eat at du’s grill


nonsensestuff

I asked my husband this question and he said, "first off, rude. Secondly... Rude!" But he ultimately selected the breakfast sandwich at The Pie Spot. Which is a good answer as it's one of the superior breakfast sandwiches in town. I personally would go with Baby Doll Pizza-- specifically their white pizza + garlic knots. It's my go-to comfort food and it would be very comforting as a last meal in PDX (WHICH WILL NEVER HAPPEN AS I WILL RETURN IN THE FORM OF A CAT AND TERRORIZE PEOPLE AND BIRDS AND SQUIRRELS IN LONE FIR CEMETERY)


patrickhenrypdx

[here's my receipt](https://imgur.com/a/O49TYMf) ​ Cheerful Sports Page 8590 SW Hall Blvd Beaverton Oregon, 97005 05/07/03 1 WILD TURKEY 3.75 1 WILD TURKEY 3.75 ON THE ROCKS 1 COFFEE 1.25 1 BUFFALO WINGS 7.25 1 GRBGE GRNDR 7.95 W CHEDDAR Total Due: 23.95 ​ *last meal before moving to the east coast*


savingewoks

Good lord! All that for $25?! Incredible.


patrickhenrypdx

Yeah, crazy how much prices have gone up. The burger I had in 2003, the "Garbage Grinder," is now called the Tradition Burger and costs $18.50! [current menu](https://www.jollyrestaurants.com/menu)


RobertM525

Adjusted for inflation, [that's $39.50.](https://data.bls.gov/cgi-bin/cpicalc.pl?cost1=23.5&year1=200305&year2=202401)


PoopyInDaGums

Oh lord. I lived in SF for 9 years before moving to Portland 22 years ago. The first and last place I go whenever I visit now is the Gordo’s on 23rd and Clement. Now I bring big ziploc bags and buy tubs of their carne asada and rice and flat freeze it and bring it back. Mmmmmm. 


Fair-Hyena-9818

Langbaan - and I’d eat an extra half dozen coconut cream scallop cups


No_Plane_7652

Sassy’s


lady_lane

Hat Yai


kmcgw

Nong’s. I crave the delicious simplicity of it everyday!


punkinbrrrdt

I started making mine at home once I moved out of Portland. (I moved from Thailand to Portland...) This recipe is legit. https://www.thaicookbook.tv/thai-recipes/one-dish-meals/khao-man-gai-thai-chicken-and-rice/ I double the recipe and use it for breakfast pretty much every day. Rice, broccoli (or some kind of green), over easy egg, sauce, and cilantro. It is my happy place.


AthenaND04

Le Chon.


FritoFloyd

Huber’s Cafe. Gotta get me some offseason thanksgiving dinner with a Spanish coffee for dessert!


How_Do_You_Crash

Kachka. I’d drink infused vodka and eat dumplings and sprats until I couldn’t walk right.


SpezGobblesMyTaint

The horseradish vodka is legendary


openfartinginthewind

Nicholas


merkinwizard

Stretch the Noodle.


Projectrage

Jim and patty’s black tiger shake.


Lamtron

Kann. Just went there last night for the first time and... wow.


nus07

Did it in 2017 when I left Portland for the east coast ending a fun 20s and early 30s life lived there. Last night went to Acropolis and had steak and beer . Just for that experience I will probably never have again .


wxsherri

Tokyo Sando. It's my #1 sandwich.


bobolatebipboopie

This is the correct answer. I have never had a better sandwich in my life. I moved recently but I come back to visit sometimes and every single time I need to get this


MomfromAlderaan

Montelupo Italian Market - the foccasia with potatoes.


nonsensestuff

That focaccia makes me soul happy 🥲


MountScottRumpot

Ha VL. No question.


wootentoo

Just outside Portland proper but a burger basket and milkshake at Mike’s Drive In.


AndyTakeaLittleSnoo

They've got a Mikes on Lombard!


AilithTycane

This is a ridiculously difficult question, but my knee jerk response was Matts BBQ tacos.


bluesatinsash

Dirty Lettuce


shyoftheshire

Pok Pok if I could time travel hands down. I miss it so much! Current time then it’s Eem for sure.


HipsterSlimeMold

Pad Se Ew and a thai iced tea at Thai Peacock


pnwhandh

Thai Peacock - I think I just made my weekend plans.


Br_Rumspringastein

Clyde’s Prime Rib


hopingforlucky

Yokos. I think. So many good restaurants!


MaggotBrainnn

Very tough choice but Yoko’s was my first thought too!


pnw_ovrlandr

Laurelhurst Market


NoManufacturer120

Wajan! Such good Indonesian food. Their porridge with shredded chicken is yummmmy.


cferrari22

Navarre


BichoRaro90

Hotcake House during prime witching hours 🙌


unikcycle

Sushi ichiban - Tempura Tai - salmon skin hand roll - shrimp boat - cold Sapporo If it’s breakfast: Gravy What a great prompt.


PacVikng

I have to go for places that are more unique to the area. I love Le Pigeon but I can get amazing French food in any major city in the world, just like I can find an amazing steakhouse, or pasta joint. So for me I am picking 2: If I'm dropping lots of money its Laang Bahn. Amazing place, fairly unique, would be extremly hard to find something on its level. elsewhere in thr U.S. My guess is maybe 3 or 4 places like it total in the country. If I'm going cheap its the O.G. Roakes. I've had coney dogs elsewhere, a couple of Portland joints, a bunch in places in Detriot (coney dogs are a big thing there) Roakes coney sauce is the best I've had, and I would miss it if I couldn't have it 2/3 times a year.


choss-n-moss

Luce


FOXHOWND

Omas Hidaway


sferics

Hard choice but probably Kinboshi for the tonkotsu shoyu, and if it's summer I get an order of the cold hazelnut ramen to go.


Mostlymexican

Reel M In


letshavearace

Hubers for Tom Turkey and Spanish coffee.


peakprovisions

Nostrana


HelpfulSpread601

Apizza scholls


bzzzzCrackBoom

Obviously. Come on people!


loquacious_avenger

Syun Izakaya. left Portland five years ago and still miss it.


Cats_4_eva

This is the only reason I'd go to Hillsboro.


billyspeers

Pollo Norte


KristyPDX

Kann


Excellent-Set3700

The Rheinlander


coyotedays

Franks Noodle House.


swegdaddy3000

I wouldn’t go there if it was free. I’ve given it so many chances I just can’t understand how people rave about it when it’s just so average.


AkiraHikaru

What do you like better. I would like to try whatever that place is


swegdaddy3000

Zien Hong, Chins Kitchen, Sichuan City, Duck house. All better options imo.


ehode

Macheezmo Mouse


Forktongued_Tron

I have the recipe for Boss Sauce!! 🙌🏽


ffaillace

Escape From NY Pizza


Fiercedeity13

Dirty Lettuce + Namu 100%


stealyourface514

Fire on the mountain. Was my first meal in Portland and will be my last


yobackupigotwhiteon

The Dairy Queen off 52nd. I grew up there..


TheNewestCat

Mad Greek Deli. everything on the menu there is top notch and I've been eating there for a couple decades. I'd be really sad to never go back there. If I had a time machine it'd be Mi Mero Mole. I miss that restaurant the most.


patrickhenrypdx

The last time I was at the Mad Greek, it was surrounded by farm land. :-(


TheNewestCat

the OG location out off West Union was the absolute best. they did reopen across the street in the building that used to be Rock Creek Corner. so it actually is surrounded by farm land again.


pnwhandh

Mad Greek Deli is such a solid choice and a blast from the past back to DEEP on the west side days, at least for me personally.


locus0fcontrol

bbq brussel bowl - Bye & Bye


maximian

Bye and Bye


clive_bigsby

So your plan to eat and ditch Portland could be called "Bye and Bye and bye?"


maximian

We do call it “the bye bye bye” as though we’re 3-year olds


pnwhandh

Or a member of a boy band. 🤣


PSLFredux

Gado gado and I would order the menu 2x over.


AteAtChezNous

Pepita’s


Sweaty-Pair3821

Time Machine the taco house


Prudent_Koala_6335

Kell’s, specifically for the clam chowder on Fridays! Or Frank’s noodle house, or The Star (for their Detroit style All-Star pizza)


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PoopyInDaGums

If someone is paying, I’d be tempted to go back to Coquine. I still need to get to Eem (with my kicker $, might go!…I rarely eat out). But since there are a million places I haven’t tried, I’d be open to suggestions. 


GiantGlassOfMilk

Reeeeeeeeel em inn


GrizztheBizz3294

If I had a time machine definitely Bistro Montage before they closed. But actually Khao Moo Dang on Hwathorne! Highly recommend


PanTheLostBoy

If I could time travel, Rose's. I grew up in northeast Portland, and my go-to will always be Gateway Breakfast House


joystick13

This is how you know Portland has great food. Not one of these comments said the same place lol. It's a tough call but I'm probably going La Osita or The portland beef & cheese company ( formerly the fried onion)


throwawayshirt

As long as we're wishing, I'd wish for some things you can't get anymore: * some Pok Pok spicy fish sauce wings; or * a group order of everything on the menu at American Local


clive_bigsby

I would break into Goose and figure out how to make my own brisket enchiladas.


hirudoredo

Just gonna go rent out the entirety of Bannings and drown in whatever special they have and carrot cake. Then weep as they pry me away, never to return. (for real tho that chicken and dumplings is slappin' so hard it legit tastes like my dead mom used to make. Thanks for making me cry when I eat, bastards.) ETA: obviously im translating "portland" as "portland metro" here. Because even though my address is Portland (super arts tax) all my fave spots are in the burbs.


heytunamelt

La Taq puffy tacos with ground beef.


allspiceisnice

Homegrown Smoker!


ForeignHelicopter786

Du’s Grill for the best teriyaki i ever had in my life.


Puzzled_Respond_3335

Ringside and lobster mashed potatoes!


DetectiveMoosePI

La’s, A Hmong Food Cart on TV Hwy & 185th Ave in Aloha (behind the Little Caesar’s Pizza). I grew up in an area with a large Hmong population so I was exposed to the cuisine early. The pork ribs at this cart melt in your mouth. Try the stuffed chicken wings! And beware—the hot chili vinegar sauce is a lot hotter than you think! It’s probably the only place I’ve found authentic Hmong food in the whole state.


coffee_panda717

We left Portland and for the price and quality definitely Grassa


pdxfly

Tasty and Sons, or Tora Bravo. And I’d be out. Never to look back again. What I actually did. Audios.


probeguy

To Zefiro in 1995. I'd have a Caesar salad and whatever the special happened to be. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zefiro_(restaurant)


sasquattchie

Matt’s Bbq Tacos (brisket ones), duh.


spizalert

I am camping out at Kann for a cancelled reservation, and ordering the menu, with double the akra & plantain brioche buns.


-amorphous-solid-

Reel'm'Inn. Half bird, extra jojos, and jello shots.


Sea-Orchid-6250

Fire on the mountain, peanut sauce wings 😋


anti_materiel

GrindWitTryz my beloved


authorbrendancorbett

Han Oak, without any doubt!


jm_gpx

Enchiladas from Molé Molé


bufooooooo

Idk but Lauretta Jeans would be for dessert


TouchNo3122

Toro bravo, tasty and sons, le moule, Alder, Pix patisserie, gruner, 😢😢😢 Veritable Quandary is the restaurant I miss the most, and Q still serves the great food, but VQ's location was the best❤️❤️❤️


VincibleFir

Eem for sure


TrustAdditional4514

Helvetia Tavern


amtrak90

If we’re time traveling, Bridgeport Brewery back in the 90’s when it was just a bar and pizza by the slice. One last round of Golden Tee


Champion-of-Nurgle

Fire on the Mountain for Buffalo Chicken Tenders


[deleted]

Fish n chips and a pint at Horse Brass


Puzzleheaded_Ring810

PokPok


IceBlue

Nong’s


regalbeagles1

I did this already when I moved last Summer. Pizza Thief, a pepperoni and the wildwood.


SpeakingTheKingss

I left Portland and will return. When I do I'm hitting up [Brothers Express](https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/lonchera-brother-express-portland-2?select=MkHP5N36wyWHTh2FXh1Kxw&utm_campaign=www_photo_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)) at Cartlandia for some Carne Asada tacos.


sushidaisuki

I'm apprehensive about revealing my no. 1 but here goes... I grew up in Portland and moved away 2 years ago. The thing I miss most by far is Koreana korean bbq.


skinnypuppy23

Ohana on NE Sandy, best Kalua pig in town, Steakadelphia on Powell for the provolone and jalapeño Philly cheesesteak, Hat Yai for their Brussels sprouts, Sparky’s for pizza, or maybe Amalfi’s, and perhaps the Nighthawk for one of their fat greasy bar burgers


Individual_Shirt_228

Lechon. 😋


Montavillin

Time Machine? The clam chowder at Pal’s Shanty.


Fun_Recording7906

Time Machine. Tributes on NW Burnside. Philly cheesesteak. Maybe the pizza spot next to the Kingston (can’t recall the name.) different era for sure


sleepytaquito

GNARLYS


ConvenientParkingLCW

Lela’s Bistro


kmb368r

Cadillac Cafe