Dining alone in Portland

[gillsnthrills]

Help me decide where to eat in Portland next week! I'll be traveling alone and staying at the DoubleTree. I won't have a car, but I might get a bike. I've never been to the Pacific Northwest before, and I'd really like to focus on unique foods I can't get anywhere else (I've lived in Austin, NYC, New Orleans, and Rhode Island). I'm interested in seafood, ethnic foods, charcuterie, and artisan cheeses. I also don't have tons of money to spend. Thanks in advance!

[wernerwl]

I frequently travel to Portland alone and find it to be very friendly for solo diners. There is also good bus service there - so I would check it out. Olympic Provisions has great charcuterie. Tasty n' Sons has nice bar seating and excellent food at a variety of prices. Evoe, housed in Pastaworks on Hawthorne is open from noon - 7 and has interesting small plates. So does Kir, and both should be bus accessible. The food carts in 'pods' have amazing food and offer a wide variety of ethnic dining. (www.foodcartsportland.com) and they have different opening/closing times. PokPok is well known for authentic Thai food - and a new locaton Pok Pok Noi does a lot of carry out. Simpatica Dining Hall open Friday and Saturday has a prix fix four course dinner for typically less than $40 and open seating. A great place to meet people. Enjoy.

[grayelf]

Agree on Evoe. Though I've only been there with someone else, I'd gladly fly solo (there were others doing so the Sunday afternoon we went, enjoying their food and chatting with the chef). Just be aware it's only open Wed-Sun if you go.