Visiting Portland¶
Wondering where to stay and how to get around once you get to Portland? We have a bunch of great resources for you.
Eating¶
During the main days of the conference, ample snacks and refreshments are provided. For non-conference days and dinners, connect with new friends and explore Portland’s vibrant scene. For those attendees with specific dietary needs, Portland is very inclusive and accommodating.
Recommendations¶
These are some of our favorite destinations. As with any subjective list, we may have omitted some venues or overhyped some of them. Be sure to check hours of service before venturing out.
Quick bites near Revolution Hall¶
- Meat Cheese Bread (excellent sandwiches)
- Flattop & Salamander (great brunch option, may be noisy)
- Sweetpea Baking Co. (popular vegan bakery)
- Sunee Thai and Lao Kitchen (across the street from Revolution Hall)
- Danwei Canting (Chinese dumplings, noodles, and street food)
- Grand Fir Brewing (closed Monday)
- Nostrana (dinner only)
Food cart pods near Revolution Hall¶
Can’t decide what to eat? Visit one of the many food cart pods on the Eastside.
- Li’l America (SE 10th and Stark, carts are all BIPOC and/or LGBTQ+ owned, closest to the venue)
- Cartopia (SE 12th and Hawthorne)
- Hawthorne Asylum Food Truck Pod (SE 11th and Madison)
Other Eastside Portland destinations¶
- Nong’s Khao Man Gai (renowned Thai street food)
- Sizzle Pie (local pizza chain with vegetarian and vegan options)
- Kinboshi Ramen (authentic Japanese ramen, with Hakata-style specialty)
- Snappy’s (sandwiches)
- Sharetea Burnside (bubble tea)
- Voodoo Doughnut (iconic Portland doughnut institution)
- Fire on the Mountain (hot wings–including vegan wing options)
- The Eastburn (comfortable neighborhood pub)
- Hey Love (dinner and fancy cocktails, inside the Jupiter NEXT Hotel)
- Afuri Izakaya (dinner, but gets busy)
- Kachka (renowned dinner destination)
- Level Beer: Level 3 Buckman Kerns (brewery with food from Midcity Smashedburger and Nacho’s House)
Grocery and convenience stores¶
- Market of Choice (SE 11th and Belmont)
- Plaid Pantry (SE 12th and Morrison)
Additional resources¶
- Where to Eat Exceptionally Well in East Portland (Eater PDX)
- Central Eastside (Travel Portland)
- Portland’s Top 50 Restaurants (Portland Monthly)
Where to stay¶
Revolution Hall is a converted high school located in the historic Buckman neighborhood in Portland’s vibrant inner-east side. It is surrounded by a mixture of vintage and modern housing, parks, small businesses, and a variety of local eateries including coffee shops and restaurants.
There are many options on VRBO, Airbnb, and other sites in the neighborhood around the venue. We encourage you to look into these options to find lodging nearest the venue.
There are also a number of hotels located within two miles of the venue. These are a short rideshare trip away! You are welcome to walk, but please note that our beloved city has experienced an increase in unhoused residents in the past few years, and you may see evidence of this.
Eastside Portland (near Revolution Hall)¶
- Affordable private and shared room options
- Coffee/cafe in lobby, coworking space
- 0.4 miles to venue, walkable
- Charming private and shared room options
- Beautiful restaurant in lobby
- 0.8 miles from venue
- Wonderful rooftop restaurant and bar
- 1.2 miles from venue
Downtown/Westside Portland¶
Our Westside hotel recommendations are located within and near Portland’s Pearl District, a vibrant neighborhood with shops, restaurants and Powell’s Books!
- Modern hotel near art and nightlife
- Restaurant in lobby, 24-hour fitness center
- 1.9 miles from venue
- Boutique hotel with private and shared room options
- 1.8 miles from venue
- Historic hotel with upscale accommodations
- 1.9 miles from venue
There are a number of other wonderful hotels in this city. If you have a question about a specific hotel or neighborhood outside of our list, contact portland@writethedocs.org.
Getting around¶
Portland is a very accessible city and there are many transportation options available, public and otherwise. Portland is divided into six quadrants (with Burnside Avenue delineating north and south sections, and the Willamette River separating west and east sections). It is a city of neighborhoods, and each has its own distinct personality. We encourage you to connect with other documentarians and explore our unique neighborhoods during your stay.
Public transportation¶
There are four bus lines that run close to Revolution Hall. If you’re coming from downtown, you can take lines 15 (Belmont), 12 (Sandy Blvd.), 19 (Glisan), or 20 (Burnside). If you are coming from the Convention Center area, the best bet is to take line 70 (12th Ave.). Check the TriMet Trip Planner for more information.
Portland has an extensive bus network as well as a separate streetcar network. The MAX is Portland’s major light-rail system. The MAX primarily connects Portland with the surrounding cities, such as Gresham, Beaverton, Clackamas, and Hillsboro. If you’re flying into Portland Airport (PDX), there is a MAX station for the Red Line in the airport itself.
If you are planning on using MAX, Portland Streetcar and/or city buses frequently during your stay, it may be worth investing in the Hop Fastpass fare card system. Or, it’s easy to tap your credit card for a one-time ride. You may purchase MAX tickets from a ticket machine at the airport. Be sure to buy a ticket before boarding the train.
We recommend you use the TriMet Trip Planner.
Bike rentals¶
There are two bike rental companies in downtown Portland that may be good options if you want to experience Portland by bike (which we very much recommend), and a bikeshare program:
Driving¶
If you drive to the conference, note that the venue doesn’t have parking on-site. You are able to park in the nearby neighborhood in street parking for free.
Any of the streets east of the venue (15th Ave and higher) allow for all-day street parking.
Sundries¶
- There is a Market of Choice located within walking distance of the venue.
