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Frog Ferry pitches public funding model

Residents can donate to help launch ferry service, with perks like naming rights.

News

Backers of Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Frog Ferry project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/14/portland-frog-ferry-service-willamette" data-vars-content-id="8c92047f-9939-4d8a-ae77-cea0a4f6bfd3" data-vars-headline="Frog Ferry pitches public funding model" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/14/portland-frog-ferry-service-willamette" target="_self">Frog Ferry project</a> unveiled a new funding model Tuesday, allowing residents to donate toward launching ferry service.Why it matters: Project leaders are betting Rose City residents will help pay for ferry service to get a boat in the water.

Get to know Portland's bridges: Sellwood

It's the sole Willamette crossing designed to survive a major earthquake.

Portland&#x27;s Sellwood Bridge is the city&#x27;s southernmost Willamette crossing — and the only one <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for several miles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/17/ross-island-bridge-100-rare-cantilever-design" data-vars-content-id="9ad23dab-ec6b-46a6-9c14-cbbbb6a17200" data-vars-headline="Get to know Portland&#x27;s bridges: Sellwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/17/ross-island-bridge-100-rare-cantilever-design" target="_self">for several miles</a> — making it a critical route for Southwest and Southeast residents and commuters alike. The big picture: Opened in 2016, the Sellwood is the newest of the bunch, replacing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an impressively high" data-vars-click-url="https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=oregon/sellwoodbridge/" data-vars-content-id="9ad23dab-ec6b-46a6-9c14-cbbbb6a17200" data-vars-headline="Get to know Portland&#x27;s bridges: Sellwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=oregon/sellwoodbridge/" target="_blank">an impressively high</a> continuous deck truss structure built in 1925.

Oregon diners leave higher tips than West Coast neighbors

Diners are still spilt on whether they prefer tipping or paying a service fee.

Food and Drink

When dining out, Oregonians tend to leave a 19% tip or higher on average, per Toast&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant trends report" data-vars-click-url="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/data/toast-restaurant-trends-report-coffee-prices-2026" data-vars-content-id="6a955075-8a97-426f-aae5-163cda107995" data-vars-headline="Oregon diners leave higher tips than West Coast neighbors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/data/toast-restaurant-trends-report-coffee-prices-2026" target="_blank">restaurant trends report</a>.The big picture: That&#x27;s about the same as the nationwide average for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tips" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/no-tax-on-tips-jobs-trump-bill" data-vars-content-id="6a955075-8a97-426f-aae5-163cda107995" data-vars-headline="Oregon diners leave higher tips than West Coast neighbors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/no-tax-on-tips-jobs-trump-bill" target="_self">tips</a> left at full-service restaurants in Q4 2025, but higher than both our West Coast neighbors.

Why these spring bugs annoy Portlanders most

Even in the nature-loving Pacific Northwest, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some bugs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/28/oregon-spotted-lanternfly-invasive-species" data-vars-content-id="9b308f10-53df-491b-b8a1-3d1acbef07fb" data-vars-headline="Why these spring bugs annoy Portlanders most" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/28/oregon-spotted-lanternfly-invasive-species" target="_self">some bugs</a> are public enemy No. 1.Why it matters: As spring temperatures climb past about 55 degrees, cold-blooded insects emerge from winter hiding spots seemingly all at once, which is why it can suddenly feel like they&#x27;re everywhere.

Guay Tiew brings Thai noodle bowls to Pearl

Portland&#x27;s roster of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stand-out Thai food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/01/ok-chicken-khao-soi-portland-opening" data-vars-content-id="d500fd4b-f4d8-4482-8046-e694491e73ff" data-vars-headline="Guay Tiew brings Thai noodle bowls to Pearl" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/01/ok-chicken-khao-soi-portland-opening" target="_self">stand-out Thai food</a> just got deeper with the recent addition of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Guay Tiew" data-vars-click-url="https://www.guaytiewpdx.com/" data-vars-content-id="d500fd4b-f4d8-4482-8046-e694491e73ff" data-vars-headline="Guay Tiew brings Thai noodle bowls to Pearl" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.guaytiewpdx.com/" target="_blank">Guay Tiew</a> in the Pearl District.The big picture: From the team behind Khao Moo Dang and Thai Peacock, the new counter service restaurant focuses on one of the country&#x27;s most popular street food dishes: build-your-own noodle soup bowls.

Portland chefs land James Beard finalist nods

Several Portland chefs and restaurants are finalists for top culinary honors this year.

Several Portland chefs and restaurants were named finalists for this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/21/james-beard-2026-oregon-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="fd5b0e19-0d8b-46e6-a1cb-d1356a7d1d40" data-vars-headline="Portland chefs land James Beard finalist nods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/21/james-beard-2026-oregon-semifinalists" target="_self">James Beard Awards</a> on Tuesday.The big picture: The names in contention for the industry&#x27;s highest honors might sound familiar to anyone who follows the Portland culinary scene closely.

Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division

What happens when two former Intel executives fall in love while on a work trip in Barcelona? They open a restaurant specializing in paella and tapas to bring the drop-in late-night conviviality of Spanish dining to Portland.The big picture: Vy and Steve Chao — the duo behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Doja Teas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dojateas.com/" data-vars-content-id="3f1fe824-5a4a-40f2-ba5e-6c6d4ee9c12b" data-vars-headline="Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dojateas.com/" target="_blank">Doja Teas</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Balkan restaurant Alma" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/11/alma-debuts-in-portland-spotlighting-bold-balkan-flavors" data-vars-content-id="3f1fe824-5a4a-40f2-ba5e-6c6d4ee9c12b" data-vars-headline="Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/11/alma-debuts-in-portland-spotlighting-bold-balkan-flavors" target="_self">Balkan restaurant Alma</a> — opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vya" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vyapdx.com/" data-vars-content-id="3f1fe824-5a4a-40f2-ba5e-6c6d4ee9c12b" data-vars-headline="Vya brings paella and late-night tapas to Southeast Division" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vyapdx.com/" target="_blank">Vya</a> (pronounced &quot;via&quot;) last month in the former Palomar space on the busy stretch of Southeast Division Street.

Carmack's Doughnuts revives family "spudnut" recipe

Carmack's Doughnuts is run out of a home kitchen steps away from Peninsula Park.

Sean Carmack is bringing a generations-old family <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="doughnut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/03/brandon-lyons-portland-best-doughnut-reviews" data-vars-content-id="b4f16f92-c539-416e-ab2c-4904fcb67634" data-vars-headline="Carmack&#x27;s Doughnuts revives family &quot;spudnut&quot; recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/03/brandon-lyons-portland-best-doughnut-reviews" target="_self">doughnut</a> business back to life in his home kitchen, just steps away from North Portland&#x27;s Peninsula Park. The big picture: Carmack&#x27;s &quot;spudnut&quot; recipe — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="doughnuts " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/best-doughnuts-portland-oregon-2023" data-vars-content-id="b4f16f92-c539-416e-ab2c-4904fcb67634" data-vars-headline="Carmack&#x27;s Doughnuts revives family &quot;spudnut&quot; recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/best-doughnuts-portland-oregon-2023" target="_self">doughnuts </a>made with potato flour — can be traced back to 1953, when his great-grandfather took over a small shop in Bountiful, Utah. It was a cult-classic success for four decades until a fire and failed revival attempt shut it down for good.

L'Echelle excels at fine French fare and swanky vibes

The bistro delivers standout classics in a cozy atmosphere.

Am I late to the party? <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="L&#x27;Echelle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/28/l-chelle-brings-french-cuisine-to-se-division" data-vars-content-id="fc2294a3-17d1-4403-8839-60c09c2226a5" data-vars-headline="L&#x27;Echelle excels at fine French fare and swanky vibes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/28/l-chelle-brings-french-cuisine-to-se-division" target="_self">L&#x27;Echelle</a>, named one of the best new restaurants last year and known locally as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="late chef Naomi Pomery" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/08/14/photos-to-go-celebrating-naomi" data-vars-content-id="fc2294a3-17d1-4403-8839-60c09c2226a5" data-vars-headline="L&#x27;Echelle excels at fine French fare and swanky vibes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/08/14/photos-to-go-celebrating-naomi" target="_self">late chef Naomi Pomery</a>&#x27;s legacy establishment, continues to draw devoted diners and emulates a quaint neighborhood bistro.The big picture: Heralded by Pomeroy&#x27;s longtime collaborators and close friends, restaurateur Luke Dirks and chef Mika Paredes, L&#x27;Echelle isn&#x27;t flashy, but it is refined — focusing on elevating French classics with subtle twists, warm service and an intimate, swanky ambiance.

Comedian Brandon Lyons stirs up Portland's doughnut debate

Brandon Lyons has pretty specific criteria, too.

Blueberry fritters, maple bars, loukoumades and cronuts: Brandon Lyons has eaten them all (and more) over the last month in his quest to find <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the best doughnut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/best-doughnuts-portland-oregon-2023" data-vars-content-id="9db75d86-626a-4023-9cd4-27498773abe2" data-vars-headline="Comedian Brandon Lyons stirs up Portland&#x27;s doughnut debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/best-doughnuts-portland-oregon-2023" target="_self">the best doughnut</a> in and around Portland.The big picture: The Rose City-based comedian has always loved doughnuts — he used to ask for them in lieu of birthday cake growing up — so he decided to turn his obsession into a creative, video-based social media chronicle that could also fuel his standup.

Mako Matcha Mill grinds tea leaves in Portland's West End

The cafe mills Japanese tea leaves on site and serves $4 matcha lattes.

A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="matcha" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/18/food-fight-great-matcha-portland" data-vars-content-id="babbdef8-45fd-4f74-b89e-84afa6258c45" data-vars-headline="Mako Matcha Mill grinds tea leaves in Portland&#x27;s West End" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/18/food-fight-great-matcha-portland" target="_self">matcha</a> cafe is now open in Southwest Portland&#x27;s West End neighborhood, grinding its own dried, shade-grown tea leaves on site.The big picture: Mako Matcha Mill is receiving the same amount of buzz — including hour-plus waits — as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Project Matcha" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2025/07/project-matcha-portland" data-vars-content-id="babbdef8-45fd-4f74-b89e-84afa6258c45" data-vars-headline="Mako Matcha Mill grinds tea leaves in Portland&#x27;s West End" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2025/07/project-matcha-portland" target="_blank">Project Matcha</a>, which opened in Central Eastside last spring, luring in hordes of customers with Instagram-friendly drinks and high-quality tea.

Rhinestone doubles down on fun in year one

The Vegas-cowboy-inspired bar is only serious about one thing: hospitality.

&quot;Keep it fun&quot; is the guiding principle at Rhinestone, Southeast Portland&#x27;s Vegas-cowboy-coded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cocktail bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="fef51546-c35c-4595-b272-ae45b5b71705" data-vars-headline="Rhinestone doubles down on fun in year one" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/food-and-drink" target="_self">cocktail bar</a>, run by bar manager Trevor Thorpe and chef Graham Chaney. <ul><li>The menu is just one reflection of that: Flamin&#x27; Hot Cheeto-crusted spam sliders, carnitas eggs Benedict, chicken-fried baby-back ribs, and cocktails with names like Helldorado, Get Blasted, and Can I Cricket. </li></ul>

Portland Dining Month delivers big restaurant deals

Score three- or five-course meals at top spots for a fraction of the usual cost.

That <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="29962f4d-b39a-4b22-985d-b9149be0d3c3" data-vars-headline="Portland Dining Month delivers big restaurant deals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/food-and-drink" target="_self">new restaurant</a> you&#x27;ve been meaning to try? March may be the time to finally book a reservation.The big picture: More than 100 of the city&#x27;s top dining establishments are participating in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland Dining Month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pdxdiningmonth.com/" data-vars-content-id="29962f4d-b39a-4b22-985d-b9149be0d3c3" data-vars-headline="Portland Dining Month delivers big restaurant deals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pdxdiningmonth.com/" target="_blank">Portland Dining Month</a>, where exclusive, limited-time prix-fixe meals — with either three or five courses — will be a fraction of the cost.

🥯 Bagels worth lining up for

Pipsqueak Bagels opens with New York-style hype

A choropleth map of the United States showing the average tip among restaurants on the Toast platform as of Q4 2025. The national average tip is 18.8%. California has the lowest average tip, 17.2%, while Delaware has the highest, 21.8%.

Food and Drink 🍽

Pipsqueak Bagels opens with New York-style hype

Oregon diners leave higher tips than West Coast neighbors

Guay Tiew brings Thai noodle bowls to Pearl

Portland chefs land James Beard finalist nods

Yanni's Greek Donuts does sticky-sweet, made-to-order loukoumades