Mad Max’s Vacation in 10 Pics: Culinary Adventures and Quirky Escapades in Portland Oregon

I recently returned from my vacation in Portland, Oregon, where I visited friends and attended a concert by the band Devo at Revolution Hall, a creatively repurposed old high school. My initial experience in Portland was filled with numerous activities and attractions.

Get our free mobile app

Portland's food truck scene, fondly referred to as food carts by locals, amazed me with its vast variety. I had the pleasure of dining at Fried Egg I'm in Love, owned by Jace Krause, a former resident of Sidney, Montana. This food spot, with its three locations in Portland, including a full-service restaurant and two food carts, offers delicious breakfast sandwiches. (Each sandwich has a punny name) I opted for the Teri Yak My Wayward Son, a clever twist on the Kansas song "Carry on My Wayward Son." This sandwich featured ham, fried egg, havarti cheese, grilled pineapple, kewpie-style mayo, and teriyaki sauce on toasted sourdough bread—a scrumptious experience.

Another culinary highlight was the Peanut Butter Pickle Bacon burger at Killer Burger. Stacked with bacon, peanut butter sauce, house sauce, mayo, and pickles, this 1/3 pound burger from the Oregon and Washington state-exclusive chain was a satisfying challenge that I conquered with ease.

Portland's renowned donut shops beckoned, and I explored three different spots: Voodoo Doughnuts, Pip’s Doughnuts & Chai, and the Donut Nook in nearby Vancouver, Washington.

While Voodoo Doughnuts, known for its eccentric toppings, left me underwhelmed, Pip’s won me over with their fluffy, hot mini doughnuts. The raw honey-sea salt and candied bacon maple options were particularly delightful. The best donuts awaited me at the Donut Nook in Vancouver, Washington, a family owned place where well-executed classic treats like apple fritters, cinnamon sugar twists, glazed, and cake donuts stole the show.

Residents of Portland also savor brunch experiences, and I had the opportunity to dine without enduring a wait at two well-known spots that typically attract long queues on the weekends. (Screen Door and John Street Cafe)

For my accommodation, I chose the Tiny Dig hotel, featuring 12 uniquely themed custom-designed tiny homes. I stayed in the Rock and Roll house, adorned with Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia, complete with a working record player and records—an unconventional alternative to traditional lodging.

In a unique tattoo experience at Hardcase Tattoos, I embraced the "Get What You Get" concept. Rolling a 100-sided die determined my tattoo, and I rolled #84. See what I got in the gallery below.

Venturing beyond culinary delights in Portland, I sought out street art, indulged in thrift store and record store shopping, found a cat themed art and gift shop, dedicated hours to gaming at Next Level—a museum for pinball and video games—and delved into the peculiar wonders of the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium, a sanctuary for distinctive art, books, comics, gifts, urban legends, and fun interactive exhibits.

Portland left me eager for a return visit, as I only scratched the surface of its diverse and intriguing offerings.