Poler Flagship Store
Outdoor stuff purveyor Poler's original store was great, if a little cramped. That's not a problem anymore. The new Poler Flagship Store is a spacious 3,000 sq ft space where you can grab, tug on, chew, and otherwise test out their tees, bags, tents, jackets, beanies, hoodies, hats, and other goods before you decide to buy. There's also a selection of collabs with the likes of Raen, Stance, and Nike SB, camp-friendly goods from Juniper Ridge, Pendleton, Leatherman, and Airblaster, a playful mural by Lori D, and a gallery to serve as a pop-up exhibition space. Basically it's everything the old space was, just bigger and better.
Heritage Barbershop
Sometimes the name says it all, and at Heritage Barbershop, that's very much true. This Northeast PDX destination aims to honor the heritage of the classic neighborhood shop in all the best ways, with a simple menu of services that includes haircuts, buzzcuts, kids cuts, straight razor shaves, and hot oil treatments, and combinations thereof. And while the haircuts and service are top-notch, so is the atmosphere, which reestablishes the barbershop as a meeting place of men.
Bunk Sandwiches
It might have an unusual name, but it makes sense, as you won't be finding any normal ol' ham-and-cheese affairs at Bunk Sandwiches. Instead, they have a chalkboard menu of inventive, hand-held fare that changes daily, but includes such bread-bound delicacies as their pork-belly Cubano and a veggie option with marinated garbanzo bean salad, feta, arugula, and hot peppers. Every sandwich comes with kettle chips, and even better, you can add bacon to any sandwich. Mmmm, Bacon.
Horse Brass Pub
Not all pubs are created equal. Opened in 1976, the Horse Brass Pub has been serving up great beer and tasty food for decades. And unlike some wannabe "pubs", the Horse boasts a traditional English-style atmosphere, with a couple of dart boards, rich wood everywhere, and a friendly atmosphere. The beer list boasts over 50 local, regional, and imported options — including a handful of cask-conditioned selections — served up in 10 oz. glasses or 20 oz. Imperial pints, as appropriate. As for the food, the menu consists of all the British options you'd expect — like pot pies, pasties, and fish & chips — alongside burgers, sandwiches, and salads. As the Pub itself claims, "if it were any more authentic, you'd need a passport."
Pok Pok
Forget your pre-conceived notions of Thai food at the door — if you're looking for Pad Thai, you've come to the wrong place. That said, Pok Pok is serving up some of the best Asian cuisine in the Pacific Northwest, with plenty of surprises — and spice — in store. The Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings are a must-order, and are joined on the menu by a number of sharing-style options, grilled specialties, and single plate meals. And don't forget the drinks, which are good enough on their own to warrant a sister bar across the street.
The Woodsman Tavern
As you'd expect from a place with woodsman in the name, The Woodsman Tavern features a wood-filled interior that puts you in the mind of a hunting lodge. But the interior's not the draw here. Instead, it's the drink menu, which includes a short but solid selection of beer — several Belgians make the list, along with a couple cask ales — excellent craft cocktails, and a handful of wines by the glass. Feeling hungry? They also offer chilled and raw seafood, as well as excellent country hams.
HairM
Unless you're looking for the most utilitarian cut possible — in which case, you might want to just cut your hair yourself — odds are you like to feel well taken care of when you head out for a haircut. And that's exactly the feeling you'll get at HairM. This downtown spot offers a full range of cuts, colors, scalp renewal treatments, massages, hot towel shaves, face treatments, foot treatments, waxing, and everything in between, as well as complementary beverages — including beer and wine — and sports on the various TVs. Can't make it into town? There's a location in Beaverton, as well.
Academy Theater
Going to the movies to watch new films is all well and good — except for, you know, the waiting in line, the high prices, the bad food, and the annoying people — but sometimes catching a classic is a lot more enjoyable. The Academy Theater is PDX's best place to do so. Opened in 1948, abandoned in the '70s, and fully restored in 2006, this classic, independent theater features a metallic, two-story dome in the lobby, and an excellent selection of snacks, including offerings from Flying Pie Pizzeria, Bipartisan Cafe and Miyamoto Sushi, as well as beer and wine. Oh, and if this all sounds good to you, stop by their Indiegogo page and pony up a few bucks to help them convert over to digital projection.
Apex
You don't have to love beer to have a good time at Apex, but if you don't at least like it, you probably shouldn't be there. This hop-heavy bar in southeast PDX offers up a full 50 taps of sudsy goodness, with a real-time digital tap listing display that keeps you up to date on prices, pour sizes, and more. The decor isn't fancy — it's basically just a block building with beer signs — but it does have a few pinball machines and a spacious patio, both of which go a long way when you're enjoying a fine refreshment.
Danner Union Way
For a company that's been in business since 1932, it's surprising that the Danner Union Way shop is only the shoemaker's second. Long known for its quality boots, this new lifestyle store displays Danner's footwear alongside select accessories and apparel from the likes of Topo Designs, Fairends, Taylor Stitch, and more. Beyond the items being stocked, the store hopes to inspire visitors to head outdoors, with features like a 10-foot living wall, a permanent mural, and a dressing room styled to look like a handcrafted wooden teardrop trailer.
Hale Pele
What do you get when you blend a serious dedication to crafting cocktails with a Tiki theme? Something along the lines of Hale Pele. Opened last year in the same spot as former Tiki bar Thatch, Hale Pele approaches the theme with a reverence rarely seen, offering up a menu of 20 tropical drinks made using freshly-squeezed juices, top-shelf liquors, and locally-made B.G.Reynolds' Hand-Crafted Syrups, as well as a small selection of island-inspired small plates. With an interior featuring tiki statues, puffer fish, and similar decor, you know the place doesn't take itself too seriously, making it an ideal place to getaway from normal life for a while — which is exactly what a good tiki bar should be.
Portland Farmers Market
Founded in 1992, the Portland Farmers Market has grown over the years to become the go-to spot for fresh food. While the main market is located on the PSU campus, the market as a whole now encompasses six different sites supporting over 250 vendors. Available ware include everything from produce, meats, and prepared goods to chocolates, sandwiches, and even wine. No matter which market you visit, be sure to bring a reusable bag or two, and get there as early as possible for the best fruit and veggies available.
