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Portland Dining Month delivers big restaurant deals

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

Food and Drink

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.

Oregon paid an estimated $670M in Trump's rejected tariffs

If or when that money is ever returned remains an open question.

News

Roughly $670 million is now potentially up for grabs in Oregon after the Supreme Court <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struck down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" data-vars-content-id="d4e96304-57e9-4bc4-820c-1d871c38c9a6" data-vars-headline="Oregon paid an estimated $670M in Trump&#x27;s rejected tariffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" target="_self">struck down</a> a swath of President Trump&#x27;s tariffs on Friday, according to the Trade Partnership Worldwide economic research firm.Why it matters: Those tariffs, reversed in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a case led by" data-vars-click-url="https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/federal-oversight/federal-litigation-tracker/tariffs-oregon-v-trump-u-s-court-of-international-trade-125-cv-00077/&#x27;" data-vars-content-id="d4e96304-57e9-4bc4-820c-1d871c38c9a6" data-vars-headline="Oregon paid an estimated $670M in Trump&#x27;s rejected tariffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/federal-oversight/federal-litigation-tracker/tariffs-oregon-v-trump-u-s-court-of-international-trade-125-cv-00077/&#x27;" target="_blank">a case led by</a> Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, likely made <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="all kinds of stuff more expensive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/03/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-china-cost" data-vars-content-id="d4e96304-57e9-4bc4-820c-1d871c38c9a6" data-vars-headline="Oregon paid an estimated $670M in Trump&#x27;s rejected tariffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/03/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-china-cost" target="_self">all kinds of stuff more expensive</a> as businesses passed higher costs onto everyday Americans.

Portland homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high

59% of homebuyers last year paid less than the original asking price, per Redfin.

Real Estate

The average discount for Portland <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/08/portland-home-values-drop" data-vars-content-id="1c354fad-c3b0-4b7e-9579-5c8cf7eb838a" data-vars-headline="Portland homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/08/portland-home-values-drop" target="_self">homes</a> that sold below their original asking price last year was 6.6% — the largest such gap since 2012, according to a Redfin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" data-vars-content-id="1c354fad-c3b0-4b7e-9579-5c8cf7eb838a" data-vars-headline="Portland homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" target="_blank">report</a>.Why it matters: Still-high mortgage rates and home prices have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sidelined" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="1c354fad-c3b0-4b7e-9579-5c8cf7eb838a" data-vars-headline="Portland homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" target="_self">sidelined</a> many shoppers. But those who remain in the market are scoring the biggest deals in years.

How Dawson Park's origins contrast with its legacy

The Albina park became a cornerstone of Black Portland and civil rights activism.

Dawson Park has long been considered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a cultural landmark" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/27/historical-black-landmarks-portland" data-vars-content-id="5083da48-740d-4e64-8e0d-b7ba287e52f8" data-vars-headline="How Dawson Park&#x27;s origins contrast with its legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/27/historical-black-landmarks-portland" target="_self">a cultural landmark</a> for Black Portland — where civil rights rallies originated and prominent historical figures visited — but it was originally developed in the early 20th century to keep children segregated.The big picture: The park&#x27;s evolution reflects the Albina neighborhood&#x27;s transformation: Shaped by racial tension and molded by redlining and displacement, it became a symbolic home base for Black life in the city.

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>

The Paper Bridge stands out in Portland's dining scene

Handmade noodles and deep-rooted traditions have made this Central Eastside favorite a new classic.

<figure><img alt="Bowl of Northern Vietnamese noodle soup topped with herbs, crispy shallots and pork, served with fresh greens, bean sprouts and dipping sauce on a wooden table with chopsticks and patterned dishes." height="450" id="4d77840c-4ddf-4565-830d-12fb8be37747" src="https://images.axios.com/Zwo0gcyAzaMPg47ALhNuYSpscF0=/2026/02/18/1771449773450.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A bowl worth the hype. Image: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>In the two years since The Paper Bridge opened in Portland&#x27;s Central Eastside, the Northern Vietnamese-style restaurant has received a handful of national accolades securing its popularity and one-of-a-kindness.The big picture: The buzz is rooted in commitment. Co-owners Quynh Nguyen and Carlo Reinardy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hand-make their rice noodles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/dining/best-restaurants-america.html#the-paper-bridge" data-vars-content-id="ba8154f4-88fa-49a4-8cc2-9dda9e1b3140" data-vars-headline="The Paper Bridge stands out in Portland&#x27;s dining scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/dining/best-restaurants-america.html#the-paper-bridge" target="_blank">hand-make their rice noodles</a> daily and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the 14-page menu" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thepaperbridgepdx.com/menu" data-vars-content-id="ba8154f4-88fa-49a4-8cc2-9dda9e1b3140" data-vars-headline="The Paper Bridge stands out in Portland&#x27;s dining scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thepaperbridgepdx.com/menu" target="_blank">the 14-page menu</a> provides the cultural history of each dish — tracing its lineage to inform diners not of what to expect on their plate, but of the long tradition.

Portland's best cheap eats right now

Times are tight, but your appetite doesn't have to be.

<figure><img alt="A moving image showing a sushi restaurant, with plates of items moving on a conveyor belt as a patron eats." height="450" id="884913a0-d56e-43d6-be08-7c34e930c312" src="https://images.axios.com/IsfVKZyNIYYSn_9A6onrDvd4qSA=/2026/01/22/1769120414708.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Happy hour at Sushi Hada is a busy affair. Image: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>Portland remains undefeated at eating well without breaking the bank — even as inflation lingers and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grocery prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/16/grocery-prices-west-rise-december-2025" data-vars-content-id="3081745a-d316-4284-a541-5c07788c0ee2" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s best cheap eats right now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/16/grocery-prices-west-rise-december-2025" target="_self">grocery prices</a> stay stubbornly high.The big picture: The city offers no shortage of options, from weekday oyster specials and all-day beer deals to late-night dumplings, discounted pasta and old-school happy hours.<ul><li>Here are just a few of the spots we&#x27;ve tried, tested and love.</li></ul>

10 Oregon chefs and restaurants named James Beard semifinalists

Portland's food scene continues to dominate in top categories.

Nearly a dozen <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oregon chefs, bars and restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="855ebd2d-f698-497b-b237-2e99ee769172" data-vars-headline="10 Oregon chefs and restaurants named James Beard semifinalists" 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">Oregon chefs, bars and restaurants</a> are in the running for the industry&#x27;s premier recognition for tastemakers and trendsetters after The James Beard Awards announced their 2026 semifinalists Wednesday.The big picture: This year&#x27;s Oregon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nominees" data-vars-click-url="https://cdn.sanity.io/files/2t27tguw/production/8ac15c71b0e64a276572bf4e7684ef55d583f417.pdf" data-vars-content-id="855ebd2d-f698-497b-b237-2e99ee769172" data-vars-headline="10 Oregon chefs and restaurants named James Beard semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cdn.sanity.io/files/2t27tguw/production/8ac15c71b0e64a276572bf4e7684ef55d583f417.pdf" target="_blank">nominees</a> includes some long timers and some fresh faces.

Portland's 2025 dining scene leaned on comfort

Axios Portland spoke with food critic Andrea Damewood about the things that shaped the city's dining year.

Portland is closing out 2025 with a restaurant landscape defined by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an Italian renaissance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/10/29/portland-italian-food-renaissance-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="ea6c47c7-8682-49f9-9b7b-3f59deb39b68" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s 2025 dining scene leaned on comfort" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/10/29/portland-italian-food-renaissance-restaurant" target="_self">an Italian renaissance</a>, French-leaning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pacific Northwest cuisine" 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="ea6c47c7-8682-49f9-9b7b-3f59deb39b68" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s 2025 dining scene leaned on comfort" 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">Pacific Northwest cuisine</a>, chef-driven <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pop-ups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/19/chef-collaborations-jeju-matta-yaowarat-pok-pok" data-vars-content-id="ea6c47c7-8682-49f9-9b7b-3f59deb39b68" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s 2025 dining scene leaned on comfort" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/19/chef-collaborations-jeju-matta-yaowarat-pok-pok" target="_self">pop-ups</a> and diners craving actual service again.The big picture: To make sense of it, I sat down with longtime Portland Mercury food critic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andrea Damewood" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/11/19/andrea-damewood-best-restaurants-kaede-cafe-olli-kann" data-vars-content-id="ea6c47c7-8682-49f9-9b7b-3f59deb39b68" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s 2025 dining scene leaned on comfort" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/11/19/andrea-damewood-best-restaurants-kaede-cafe-olli-kann" target="_self">Andrea Damewood</a> over brunch to talk about the trends shaping how we eat and where we go from here.

Inside the Slammer Tavern's chaotic holiday glow

The Slammer Tavern puts the pedal to the metal during the holiday season, though.

Things to Do

<figure><img alt="Corner view of a red and blue building with a large sign reading &quot;The Slammer Tavern Cocktails Food.&quot; Holiday decorations include a wreath and snowflake on upper windows." height="5712" id="cb955626-f573-43a7-90cc-64fcaad647ab" src="https://images.axios.com/VURKmQ3Opk2GohH5nP3G9DAGNF4=/2025/12/11/1765486863762.jpeg" width="3213"/><figcaption>The Slammer Tavern is festive year-round. Photo: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>It&#x27;s 8pm and standing-room only on a recent Saturday at Central Eastside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dive bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/04/11/portland-bars-chef-driven-menus" data-vars-content-id="20e2535d-3266-475a-b2b7-d01d51c126d9" data-vars-headline="Inside the Slammer Tavern&#x27;s chaotic holiday glow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/04/11/portland-bars-chef-driven-menus" target="_self">dive bar</a> the Slammer Tavern.<ul><li>&quot;Cough Syrup&quot; by Young the Giant plays on the TouchTunes jukebox in the back, barely audible, while a group of Santa hat-clad twentysomethings walk in and immediately order Jell-O shots.</li></ul>

Dream Deli blends Italian and Jewish traditions

Dream Deli brings sandwiches, sweets and seasonal local ingredients to Southeast Portland.

Matzo balls and Italian meatballs commingle in a &quot;Jewish wedding soup&quot; at Dream Deli, a new daytime restaurant that aims to marry two cultural countertop cuisines and local ingredients on one menu.The big picture: Husband-wife duo John Bissell (formerly of Ava Gene&#x27;s) and Jessie Levine (who works in public relations for restaurants) decided to focus on their shared Italian roots, Levine&#x27;s Jewish heritage, plus their love for old-world delis for the modern concept.

OK Chicken & Khao Soi brings northern Thailand to Division

Set to open in January, the new restaurant will focus on northern Thai cuisine.

The building on Southeast Division that once housed Pok Pok — whose sticky <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fish-sauce wings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2020/10/pok-pok-announces-its-permanent-closure" data-vars-content-id="3f7eec89-4711-4a56-b063-b852eeb74688" data-vars-headline="OK Chicken &amp; Khao Soi brings northern Thailand to Division" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2020/10/pok-pok-announces-its-permanent-closure" target="_blank">fish-sauce wings</a> put Portland on the culinary map — has sat empty since the pandemic, when Andy Ricker closed the chain. The big picture: Early next year, the team behind a slew of other Thai-inspired powerhouse kitchens (Yaowarat, Langbaan and Eem) is planning to bring the building back to life with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="OK Chicken &amp; Khao Soi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/okchickenandkhaosoi/" data-vars-content-id="3f7eec89-4711-4a56-b063-b852eeb74688" data-vars-headline="OK Chicken &amp; Khao Soi brings northern Thailand to Division" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/okchickenandkhaosoi/" target="_blank">OK Chicken &amp; Khao Soi</a>.

Where to find a free Thanksgiving meal in Portland

From Vietnamese-inspired fried chicken to Hawaiian hot plates, Portlanders have many options.

With grocery prices about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="30% higher" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/11/trump-tariffs-grocery-prices-rise-cpi" data-vars-content-id="0b3f33d0-4f0e-416b-b565-280fcfd57ac2" data-vars-headline="Where to find a free Thanksgiving meal in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/11/trump-tariffs-grocery-prices-rise-cpi" target="_self">30% higher</a> than before the pandemic, many Portlanders may be feeling squeezed and facing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food insecurity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/14/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-november-payments" data-vars-content-id="0b3f33d0-4f0e-416b-b565-280fcfd57ac2" data-vars-headline="Where to find a free Thanksgiving meal in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/14/government-shutdown-snap-benefits-november-payments" target="_self">food insecurity</a> as Thanksgiving approaches.The big picture: Alongside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local food banks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2025/11/here-are-places-serving-free-thanksgiving-dinners-in-the-portland-area.html" data-vars-content-id="0b3f33d0-4f0e-416b-b565-280fcfd57ac2" data-vars-headline="Where to find a free Thanksgiving meal in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2025/11/here-are-places-serving-free-thanksgiving-dinners-in-the-portland-area.html" target="_blank">local food banks</a>, community kitchens and churches, several Portland-area businesses are also stepping up to serve free hot meals for those in need this holiday.

Food and Drink 🍽

Rhinestone doubles down on fun in year one

Portland Dining Month delivers big restaurant deals

The Paper Bridge stands out in Portland's dining scene

Southern barbecue star Bryan Furman brings smoked meats to Portland's Kann

Portland's best cheap eats right now