We’re about to make a bold statement. If you’re originally from New York, you may want to look away.
Portland is the best pizza city in the US.
There, we said it. Are we biased? Of course. But are we alone in our opinion? Definitely not — just ask the authors of “Modernist Pizza.”
Portland’s pizza scene is bubbling with options. If you’re on the quest for the perfect slice, we’ve pie-oneered a list of 12 places to grab pizza that are definitely worth the dough.
Ken’s Artisan Pizza doesn’t take reservations, so showing up 30 minutes before it opens is never a bad idea.
Ken’s Artisan Pizza, 304 SE 28th Ave.
Named the No. 3 pizzeria in the US this year by Italy’s 50 Top Pizza organization, this restaurant makes wood-fired oven pies with fermented dough and primo toppings like hand-pulled mozzarella and Italian tomatoes.
Apizza Scholls, 4741 SE Hawthorne Blvd.
Keeping Ken’s Artisan Pizza company on the 50 Top Pizza list is this shop in the Hawthorne District. Tables are first-come, first-served and we recommend showing up early.
Nostrana, 1401 SE Morrison St., Ste. 101
Rounding out the trifecta of Portland pizzerias recognized by Italy’s elite pizza connoisseurs, this restaurant assembles seasonally-focused pies with a level of care and skill that a fine artist would applaud.
Scottie’s Pizza Parlor only offers whole pies at its southeast location; slices are available at its northwest shop.
Scottie’s Pizza Parlor, 2128 SE Division St. + 685 NW 21st Ave.
Sourdough crust made with PNW-grown wheat and locally sourced toppings are enough to set this crowd-favorite pizzeria apart — but it also offers a “Pay It Forward” program in which customers can help feed those in need.
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty, 4039 N. Mississippi Ave., Ste. 101
The seasonal menu here means options frequently change, but with nearly all of the ingredients sourced locally, it’s hard to go wrong. (We’re talking about toppings like rainbow chard, gold potatoes, peaches, and chanterelle mushrooms.) Keep an eye on Instagram to snag a pie before they sell out.
Portland Cocktail Week | Wednesday, Oct. 4-Thursday, Oct. 5 | Times vary | Jupiter Hotel, 800 E. Burnside St., Portland | Free+ | Bartenders looking to up their game can join this educational program filled with events and classes.
Thursday, Oct. 5
Native Plant Sale | Thursday, Oct. 5-Saturday, Oct. 7 | Times vary | Clark College Native Plant Center, 1802 E. Reserve St., Vancouver | Free | Shop for plant species like fringecup and self-heal that support healthy habitats — fall is the perfect time to introduce new perennials to your garden.
FashioNXT Week | Thursday, Oct. 5-Saturday, Oct. 7 | 6-10 p.m. | United States National Bank Building, 306 SW Broadway, Portland | $20-$245 | Peep collections by international and local designers and mingle with industry pros at runway shows.
Friday, Oct. 6
Portland Night Market | Friday, Oct. 6-Saturday, Oct. 7 | Times vary | 100 SE Alder St., Portland | Free | Support 175+ of Portland’s best vendors celebrating local food, culture, music, drinks, and retail.
H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival | Friday, Oct. 6-Sunday, Oct. 8 | Times vary | Hollywood Theatre, 4122 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland | $30-$85 | Peer into the unknowable at this cinematic showcase of new voices in cosmic horror.
Saturday, Oct. 7
The Big Halloween Parade | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 6:30 p.m. | Columbia Blvd., St. Helens | Free | Festive floats will glide down several blocks of Columbia County’s Halloweentown like ghoulish spirits sent to entertain the living.
Dancing With Our Heroes 2023 | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 7 p.m. | The Nines, 525 SW Morrison St., Portland | $25 | Don your 1940s attire and dancing shoes for an elegant evening supporting US veterans, with a “Dancing with the Stars"-style competition featuring past and present service members.
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News Notes
Number
45. That’s how long Papa Haydn has been serving Viennese-inspired desserts and dishes in Portland. To mark the occasion, the business rolled out a throwback menu featuring dinner-portion items for the (throwback) price of $12. You’re also invited to two “Boccone Birthday Bashes” on Saturday, Oct. 7, and Saturday, Oct. 21.
Opening
When the folks at Portland Monthly predict that a new spot might be Stumptown’s “next big thing,” we listen. This Friday, Oct. 6, Yaowarat opens at 7937 SE Stark St. Its culinary all-star founders (including Akkapong “Earl” Ninsom) aim to immerse guests in the street-food flavors of Bangkok’s Chinatown. (Portland Monthly)
Closing
It’s last call at one of Portland’s oldest sports bars. For 65 years, Claudia’s Sports Pub has been a watering hole and game night hub in the Hawthorne District — but Monday, Oct. 9, will be its last day of business. You can say your farewells at a celebration this Saturday. (KGW)
Sports
The Trail Blazers will tip off their 2023-24 regular season in just a few short weeks. Want to witness the start of the team’s efforts to rebuild in a post-Dame era? Snag yourself a spot at their home opener (tip-off is 7 p.m.) against the Orlando Magic on Friday, Oct. 27.
Show
Adam Sandler will be in Portland for one night next week. On Saturday, Oct. 14, the comedian — who most recently starred in Netflix’s “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah” — will make a stop at Veterans Memorial Coliseum on his stand-up comedy tour. Tickets start at $115.50.
Travel
National Geographic has named Cannon Beach one of the best beach towns in the US to visit in the fall. The publication, which undeniably knows a thing or two about traveling anywhere on Earth, highlighted the Cannon Beach Public Art Walking Tour, where visitors can see the town’s namesake artillery. (National Geographic)
Tech
FEMA plans to test its Emergency Alert system today, between 11:20 a.m. and 11:50 a.m. This means your phone will receive amessagefrom the federal agency around that time frame. Remember: This is a test.
For soap that does the most
Salt & Ash Soap Co.'s Peppermint Eucalyptus Bar Soap. Relax and treat yourself this fall with this clean ingredient skincare line.
For skin pampering
Roosevelt Supply Co’s Anti-Aging Face Lotion, which will keep skin looking fresh and youthful.
To get your Halloween on
These Halloween glass can cups. Because Halloween ghosts have never looked cuter — plus they’re sold from a Star Seller on Etsy (read: smooth shipping + great reviews).
For cozy moments
This best-selling crewneck sweater. The comfy, pullover shape can be customized to your style, thanks to colors from nutmeg to apricot to rose red.
To upgrade outdoor seating
This heated, cushioned folding chair with three heat settings. Because camping, lounging, and cheering from the sidelines doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.
Last night, I went to a “dark fantasy soiree” at the Victorian Belle Mansion in the Kenton neighborhood — and was blown away by the estate’s beauty. Built in 1885, the property now serves as an event space for dreamy weddings and other special celebrations.
If you want to explore this charming piece of Portland history (and immerse yourself in a fantasy setting complete with costumes), there are additional Sword & Veil dates coming up in November and December.
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