North Mississippi Avenue’s Must-Try Restaurants & Bars

North Mississippi Avenue in Portland’s Boise neighborhood has become one of the city’s hottest food destinations, packed with incredible spots that’ll make your taste buds dance.

From cozy brunch cafes to lively taco joints and craft breweries, this colorful street offers something delicious for everyone. Whether you’re a local looking for your next favorite hangout or a visitor eager to taste what Portland does best, this avenue delivers big time.

Get ready to explore some seriously amazing places that’ll have you coming back for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths!

Gravy

Where fluffy dreams meet savory reality, and trust me, you’ll want to bring your appetite. Gravy became my weekend obsession the moment I tasted their legendary biscuits, drowning in country-style goodness.

The fried egg sandwiches are stacked high with perfectly runny yolks that ooze over every bite. You can choose between veggie gravy or go full carnivore with sausage crumbles mixed in.

Every plate feels like a warm hug from someone who actually knows how to cook. The rustic vibe makes you want to linger over coffee while your food baby settles in nicely.

¿Por Qué No?

This spot answers the eternal question of where to find tacos that actually slap. ¿Por Qué No? serves up some of the most satisfying handheld happiness you’ll encounter on this strip.

Their homemade flour tortillas are pillowy soft and wrapped around fillings that burst with authentic Mexican flavors. The outdoor patio is splashed with colors that match the energy of every single bite.

Grab a few tacos, settle into the sunshine, and watch the neighborhood buzz around you. The cheery atmosphere makes every visit feel like a mini vacation without leaving Portland.

The Uncanny

Step inside and you’re instantly transported to a film noir fantasy bathed in crimson glow. The Uncanny earned its spot as one of America’s best new bars in 2024, and honestly, I’m not surprised one bit.

Their Vieux Carré and Sazerac are mixed with precision that borders on artistry. Black banquettes hug the walls while red neon creates shadows that make every conversation feel deliciously secretive.

This isn’t your typical Portland watering hole, it’s got edge, sophistication, and a vibe that whispers rather than shouts. Perfect for when you want your night out to feel special.

Mendelssohns

Did you ever think you’d belt out opera in a Portland bar while your friends cheer you on? Mendelssohns makes that wild dream a reality with their famous Operaoke nights that blend high culture with low-stakes fun.

Esquire named it one of the best bars in America in 2023, probably because nowhere else lets you channel your inner diva quite like this. The classical music theme runs deep, creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts sophisticated and silly.

Even if you can’t carry a tune, watching others tackle arias is entertainment gold worth the visit alone.

Prost!

However you pronounce it, this German bier haven delivers authenticity that transports you straight to Bavaria. Prost! stocks an impressive lineup of German brews, both on tap and bottled, making every beer lover’s heart skip a beat.

The communal tables encourage you to make new friends while you sip your perfectly poured pilsner. Right next door, Prost! Marketplace hosts food carts, including Matt’s BBQ and Koi Fusion, for when hunger strikes hard.

The whole setup feels like a neighborhood party where everyone’s invited and the good times flow as freely as the beer.

StormBreaker Brewing

When fresh-brewed beer meets comfort food magic, beautiful things happen at every table. StormBreaker Brewing rotates their taps constantly, so there’s always something new to sample alongside their amazing menu.

Their burgers are stacked with toppings that complement whatever brew you’ve chosen, while the grilled cheese sandwiches are gooey masterpieces. The brewery vibe strikes that perfect balance between laid-back and lively without trying too hard.

Whether you’re a beer geek or just someone who appreciates a solid meal, this spot delivers satisfaction in every sip and bite.

Radar

This under-the-radar gem surprises everyone who wanders through its doors looking for something different. Radar specializes in creative twists on comfort classics that make you rethink what casual dining can be.

The menu changes with the seasons, keeping regulars on their toes and first-timers delightfully surprised. Each dish balances familiar flavors with unexpected ingredients that somehow just work together beautifully.

The space itself feels welcoming without being stuffy, perfect for catching up with friends over plates meant for sharing. You’ll leave planning your next visit before you even finish your meal.

The Rambler

Are you tired of bars that try too hard to be cool? The Rambler keeps things refreshingly simple with excellent drinks and a vibe that feels like your friend’s really nice living room.

Their cocktail menu showcases local spirits mixed with care and creativity that never crosses into pretentious territory. Small plates complement the drinks perfectly, giving you just enough food to keep the evening going strong.

The neighborhood crowd that fills this spot nightly proves that sometimes the best places are the ones that don’t need flashy gimmicks.

Ecliptic Brewing

Though the name sounds celestial, the food and beer here are refreshingly down to earth and absolutely delicious. Ecliptic Brewing combines a passion for astronomy with seriously good brewing skills that result in beers worth studying.

Their pizza pairs beautifully with whatever’s pouring from their extensive tap list, which features both core beers and seasonal experiments. The spacious taproom accommodates groups of any size without feeling cramped or too loud for conversation.

It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for hours and never get bored with what’s in your glass.

Interurban

Hence the name paying homage to old streetcar lines, this spot connects you to Portland’s past while serving decidedly modern fare. Interurban focuses on seasonal ingredients that let the natural flavors shine through without unnecessary fussiness.

The rustic-industrial space features exposed brick and warm lighting that makes every meal feel intimate and special. Their menu changes frequently, showcasing whatever’s freshest from local farms and producers.

You’ll taste the difference that quality ingredients make in every thoughtfully prepared dish that arrives at your table. It’s neighborhood dining at its absolute finest.

Lovely’s Fifty Fifty

Where pizza perfection meets frozen treats, and somehow both halves of the equation absolutely nail it. Lovely’s Fifty Fifty earned its quirky name by splitting focus between wood-fired pizzas and house-made ice cream that’ll ruin you for other desserts.

The pizza crust achieves that magical balance of crispy and chewy, topped with seasonal ingredients that change with what’s available. After you demolish your pie, the ice cream flavors rotate constantly with creative combinations you won’t find anywhere else.

It’s casual, it’s delicious, and it’s become a Mississippi Avenue institution for very good reasons.

Stacked Sandwich Shop

When lunchtime hunger hits with serious force, this sandwich sanctuary has your back with towering creations. Stacked Sandwich Shop lives up to its name by piling on fresh ingredients that create flavor explosions in every bite.

Their bread comes from local bakeries and serves as the perfect foundation for combinations ranging from classic to wildly creative. The portions are generous enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites without leaving you feeling uncomfortably stuffed.

Quick service means you can grab something amazing without sacrificing your entire lunch break. Sometimes, simplicity executed perfectly is all you really need.