A local's top 11 places to eat and drink in Portland, including pastry shops, eclectic restaurants, and the best brewery

I always start my day with coffee in Stumptown — the nickname for our city full of tree stumps. It's also the name of Stumptown Coffee Roasters, a beloved local turned national coffee-shop chain.

In my opinion, Seattle and Starbucks have nothing on Oregonian coffee shops like Stumptown. The cold brew is the standout for me, and the cold cans of coffee with oat milk have saved me on many busy workday mornings. I also recommend picking up a bag of Stumptown's French roast or Founder's Blend to share with friends.

Another of my favorite Portland coffee shops is Rose City Coffee Co. It's across from Brooklyn Park and adjacent to the Brooklyn Mall, where I like to hunt for antiques with coffee in hand. One time a barista put seasonal homemade caramel in my apple latte — it was to die for.

Rose City also has a huge selection of plants in a partnership with local plant shop Artemisia, which needed a new home during the pandemic. Once you have your brew, you can browse their cute pots and planters, crystals, succulents, and terrarium kits.

The famous Voodoo Doughnut is a great stop for people with a sweet tooth who'll enjoy doughnuts with toppings like Froot Loops or candy, but I recommend stopping by Blue Star Donuts for what it calls "donuts for grownups." Here you'll find flavors like blueberry bourbon basil and Cointreau crème brûlée — I like the lemon and lime curd or the chocolate almond ganache, but flavors change whenever the chefs get creative.

Find Blue Star along SW Jefferson Street near Providence Park, or at its South Waterfront location along South Gaines Street.

You couldn't be in a better town than Portland for craft beer and artisanal liquors. For a rooftop happy hour, Xport is one of my favorite spots. The bar offers a signature-cocktail menu with seasonal changes — I once had a cocktail here made with beets that I'll never forget.

Located on the 16th floor of The Porter Hotel, the bar has two patio areas with views of downtown and cozy fire pits to keep warm on windy evenings.

10 Barrel Brewing started in Bend, Oregon, in 2006, and now has a Portland location in the Pearl District. Here you'll find limited-release, special-edition, and seasonal brews, and mixed packs to take home. Many Portlanders go for the hoppy IPAs our state is known for, but I prefer the sweet, dark porters (look for one with vanilla or chocolate) — just ask what's local and on tap.

For casual dining, Gino's is a top choice for me. A full-service Italian restaurant, Gino's offers dishes like locally sourced seafood and made-from-scratch pasta that are lauded by locals and tourists alike — even Lady Gaga ate here a few years ago. It's in the southeastern historic neighborhood of Sellwood along 13th Avenue, a lively shopping district worth walking around before settling down for some fresh pasta.

If you're looking for a nightcap after a long day of sightseeing, I recommend dropping by the Multnomah Whiskey Library downtown, which is exactly what it sounds like. The upstairs lounge has a cozy vibe and exposed brick, and the menu features more than 1,500 spirits as well as small plates.

The Whiskey Library is membership-based, but visitors can buy a pass to make a one-time reservation from Tuesday through Thursday.

View Insider's comprehensive guide to visiting Portland, Oregon.