The Hidden Gems of Portland's Old Town Chinatown

Hipsters, farming, recycling, biking and Portlandia. Chances are, if you're at all familiar with Oregon's largest city, you may even associate it with one (or all) of these things.

But there’s so much more to see and do in the City of Roses, starting with its Old Town Chinatown area. Known more commonly as Portland’s original downtown, Chinatown is home to the very famous Voodoo Doughnut, the Lan Su Chinese Garden and the Portland Saturday Market, which has operated weekly for over 40 years.

I visited this winter and stayed at the hip, revamped and affordable Society Hotel. Though it was snowing a bit heavily for this California girl, I made the most of my trip, bundled up and ventured outside. 

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The Society Hotel

A historic maritime hotel with an open-air rooftop and a lobby cafe, this 36-room boutique has been impeccably restored as a hybrid hotel/hostel—there are bunk rooms, private rooms and airy suites—for the cool budget traveler.

Grab a coffee or a cocktail in the Society Cafe & Lounge, which has a full food and drink menu and stays open until 11pm daily, then people watch from the inside out.

The Ace Hotel

A favorite in many cities including Los Angeles, Seattle and New Orleans, the Ace Hotel is located in Portland’s old Clyde Hotel building and just a block away from the Pearl District—a neighborhood packed with art galleries, boutiques, family-friendly parks and restaurants.

If you’re not staying there, you can still grab a latte, lounge in the lobby and make memories in the photo booth.

Powell's City of Books

Just a block from the Ace, you’ll find Powell’s, which is supposedly the largest indie bookstore in the world. Sections are color-coded, and not only is there a major selection of books (including rare picks on sale), there’s also a carefully curated section of gifts made in and inspired by Portland.

Union Way

A Parisian passageway of sorts, Union Way links Powell’s City of Books to the Ace Hotel and includes cult favorite shops like Marine Layer and Steven Alan.

For the shopper driven by scent, Spruce Apothecary is the place to go. A small, pretty self-proclaimed personal care and grooming shop for both men and women, Spruce carries must-have fragrances, bath products, skin and hair care by brands from Malin+Goetz to D.S. and Durga. (Full disclaimer: I had a tough time walking out of this one empty handed.)

READ MORE: The Bay Area's Underrated Food Destination 

International Rose Test Garden

Not technically in the Chinatown neighborhood, the very beautiful International Rose Test Garden is still a must-visit spot. Just a short 2.5-mile Lyft ride outside of Old Town Chinatown, the Garden—which is the oldest of its kind in the United States—is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year.

It features more than 10,000 rose bushes (of over 650 varieties) and is offering free garden tours through Labor Day. It will also be hosting an official all-ages celebration on Aug. 26th, 2017, which will include cultural entertainment, food and a sunset concert by the Cuban salsa band, Pilon d’Azucar.

Tilt

Portland may not be known for its beef or biscuits, but if you’re looking for a gourmet burger or a mouthwatering bacon, egg and cheese biscuit, Tilt (the Everett St. location) should be one of your first stops in town. The blue collar-inspired restaurant and bar features local craft beers and, on sunny days, is filled with natural light.  

Pine Street Market

A fairly new venture (just over a year old), Pine Street Market is located inside the historic Carriage & Baggage building, has an open layout and is home to various coffee bars and restaurants—including my personal favorite, Trifecta Annex.

Serving fresh bread, croissants and whole pizza pies from 11am daily (not to mention beer, wine, mezcal and tequila shots), the Annex is the sister-restaurant to James Beard Award-Winner Ken Forkish’s three other restaurant concepts.

READ MORE: The Best Seafood Stops in Portland, Oregon 

Tasty n Alder

This steakhouse is a great option whether you’re looking to have brunch or dinner. The family style menu encourages sharing and brunch at Tasty n Alder. It is inspired by Chef John Gorham’s travels (reason enough to dine there!).

If brunching, try the “Elizabeth Taylor,” a sophisticated, violet-colored champagne cocktail. Bubbles in the morning are always fun, but light purple bubbles are even better.

All the Coffee

With more than 40 microroasters, it’s safe to say that Portland is the coffee capital of the country. There is a Stumptown on 3rd Avenue, a Heart Coffee Roasters on 12th Ave. and three Coava locations to choose from.

You can’t go wrong with a local cup of joe, and whatever you’re looking for—latte, cold brew, double shot espresso machiatto—this city has you covered. Want to dive a little deeper into the world of caffeine while visiting? This Discover Portland list is all you need.