Portland has plenty of quirky restaurants around town, but none takes the cake like the Rimsky-Korsakoffee House in the Buckman neighborhood. One of the city's oldest coffee houses, in operation since 1980, the Rimsky-Korsakoffee House delivers exquisite desserts and coffee in its beautiful Craftsman house location that is thought by many to be haunted.
The dining room has a family communal setting. Dimly lit, the coffee house's tables are named after composers, and some of them are actually "haunted," elevating and spinning randomly throughout the evening.
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Named after the composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, the house has a classical music theme throughout, and occasionally hosts live music performances as well.
They serve up some decadent desserts every night of the week.
The coffee house has been mentioned in many publications for not only its quirky decor, but also its amazing coffee and desserts.
Whether you want seasonal hits or classic favorites like a mocha fudge cake, this is the place to get them.
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When you take a trip to the bathroom, you are in for a unique experience.
Artwork completes the walls in the "Under the Sea" themed bathroom, which may leave you anxious to hurry your business and get out of there.
The coffeehouse is located at 707 SE 12th Avenue. There is no sign on the building so you will have to be sure to have the address on hand when you stop by for a coffee.
The hours are limited, so don't get there too early. And whatever you do, be sure to bring cash, as only it is accepted for payment at this quirky business.
You can smell the smoke from miles away—that captivating, mouthwatering aroma wafting in the air, signaling your senses that great barbecue is on the horizon. It’s what draws people to this outstanding barbecue restaurant in Portland serving up some of the most amazing succulent ribs – and more!
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Podnah's Pit is located at 1625 NE Killingsworth in Portland, Oregon.
The enterprise originally opened in 2006. And since that time it has grown to become one of the most popular restaurants in the Portland area.
Serving up great Texas-style barbecue, Podnah's Pit is named after the nickname of the proprietor’s grandfather—"Podnah”—which, if you “speak Texan,” is the slang for “Partner.”
The focus here is on the succulent ribs. These mouthwatering beauties are high quality, all natural ribs smoked daily on oak hardwood.
If you are a pork rib fan, these will take you to heaven!
Think juicy, fall-off-the-bone, and oh-so delicious! The collard greens, barbecue beans, and cornbread are two of the restaurant’s delicious sides pictured here. Other side options include potato salad, cole slaw, green chile mac ‘n cheese, and Texas caviar.
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Combo plates are a great way to sample several things on the menu.
Feast your eyes on this one with the always-popular pork ribs, sliced brisket, and brisket enchiladas.
The Plato Tejano is another fan favorite at Podnah's Pit.
It comes with your choice of brisket, carnitas, or chicken, which is then accompanied by black beans, chips, salsa, a queso cheese dip, and homemade flour or corn tortillas.
Taco options are plentiful as well.
Choose from The Gringo—a classic beef taco with cheddar cheese, lettuce, and pico de gallo in a crunchy shell—brisket, carnitas, smoked chicken, or Baja fish.
Other menu items that attract patrons from around the Portland area and further afield include smoked link sausages, the ubiquitous Texas Frito Pie, smoked half chicken, and smoked trout.
Have you been to Podnah's Pit? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there. You can also learn more about this popular Portland restaurant on its Facebook page.
There are many unique restaurants in Portland worth dining at when you're in Oregon. As you'll soon learn, the following cool restaurants in Portland will provide you with an unforgettable dining experience thanks to their incredible food, fantastic service, and one-of-a-kind atmosphere. If your interest has peeked and you want to know more, read on to learn about the following unique restaurants in Portland that will wow both you and your taste buds!
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1. Brunch Box Restaurant
Just when you thought a sandwich couldn't get any bigger, along comes Brunch Box Restaurant featuring burgers served between grilled cheese sandwiches. This unique restaurant in Portland is the place to get a hearty and memorable meal.
With portions the size of this sandwich, you can expect to bring leftovers home with you too!
2. Slappy Cakes
Is it hard getting your kids to cook at home? For a unique dining experience in Portland, head to Slappy Cakes so they will gladly join in making their meal. Create pancakes on your table as you like them, and you will see what all the fuss is about.
Kids of all ages will be raving about their unique dining experience in Portland for months to come!
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3. Sushi Mazi
This contemporary sushi restaurant has tons of flare that make it one of the best restaurants in Portland.., Unlike other Japanese eateries around town, you'll find innovative dishes like Grasshopper sushi, as well as rolls topped with real Pop Rocks, on their menu.
If you're an adventurous eater, your taste buds will think you for dining at one of the most unique restaurants in Portland.
4. Living Room Theaters
Dining while watching a movie may be nothing new in your home, but this restaurant theater takes it a step further. Featuring a European-style cafe menu, you can dine on pizza, sandwiches, salads, and tapas while enjoying a movie at one of the cool restaurants in Portland.
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Aside from the unique dining experience you'll have, Living Room Theaters is a fun outing for the entire family.
5. Mcmenamins Kennedy School
If you ever wanted to have a unique dining experience in Portland that entails revisiting elementary school, this is the place to go. Situated in a refurbished school, you can drink in the detention room or boiler room and enjoy a meal in the former cafeteria.
Aside from the atmosphere and food, have fun reminiscing about your childhood when you eat at one of the best restaurants in Oregon.
6. Potato Champion
If you feel like a potato-centric meal, this is one of the
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cool restaurants in Portland to get your fix. Featuring a myriad of variations on the fry, poutine is king here and you will spend as much time choosing a variety as you do eating it.
Since there are so many potato options on the menu, plan on sharing a dish or two.
7. Koi Fusion
Some of the most unique dining experiences in Portland are at food carts. Koi Fusion is at the top of the list. Serving Korean tacos, this restaurant has some deliciously unique food that is a must-try.
Koi Fusion has restaurant locations at Washington Square, Bridgeport Village, and Bethany Village, as well as food trucks on Mississippi and Burnside near Providence Park.
8. Pok Pok (PERMANENTLY CLOSED)
Pok Pok is a Portland institution that is always a unique experience. The flagship location is always bustling and never fails to serve up an amazing meal of Thai street food favorites.
Bring your appetite when you dine at this gem!
What are you waiting for?! Head to these unique restaurants and soak up all they have to offer. Let us know which restaurants lived up to the hype. And, if you're craving Italian when you're in Portland, take a look at these best restaurants in Oregon.