El Inka a Peruvian place over on Division in Gresham. Bomb diggidy. Last week we checked out DiPrima Dolci Trattoria over on Killingsworth & Denver, a little pricey, but off the hook. Mee Sen Thai over on Mississippi is another place. Best Thai food I've had in town. I've been hitting up the food carts lately, as well.
Nongs is the shit. I've only had the khao man gai, but I know her other locations serve other dishes as well.
I've only been to the one on Alder as well, and I even brought some clients from out of town there for the local Portland vibe a few weeks ago. Sodium levels are extreme, but damn, it is soooo good.
It's Santa Fe, NM and not Portland, but I had the two best breakfasts of my life (not on the same day) two weeks ago: http://www.pasquals.com/
I had been talking to MARIS about the Cowboy Dinner Tree, which is SE of Bend about 50 miles. Hopefully, my finace' and I can visit the place when we're down there in early October. MARIS was kind enough to even suggest us double-dating with him and his wife. Haven't discussed it yet with the little lady, but I think it would be fun. http://cowboydinnertree.homestead.com/main.html
If you're ever in Denver, the best buffalo burger around is "The Ralphie" (named after the University of Colorado's mascot) at My Brother's Bar. http://www.westword.com/bestof/2011/award/best-brothers-bar-1770397/ The sign of a great joint? It doesn't require a sign or a website. It's just KNOWN.
It's not really a hole in the wall, but Nona Emilia's out in Aloha is fantastic. No idea if it is still there though?
anyone ever been to that UFC fighter's pizza place in West Linn? extreme pizza or something? edit: http://www.yelp.com/biz/mean-street-pizza-west-linn
just going through this, but was is a Carousel? sounds like it...maybe Glendale? http://www.carouselrestaurant.com/