Skip to main contentBest of Portland 2026
The oddballs, pipe dreams and hideouts that make this city.
Portland’s Best Reason for Teens to Put Down Snapchat
Two Cleveland High School teachers are behind Teens Connect PDX, a series of regular talking circles for students.
Portland’s Best Semi-Secret Cheese Market
Cowbell sells up to 100 cheeses from its one-car-garage-sized retail shop.
Portland’s Best Gnome- and Faerie-Themed Cafe Attached to a Holistic Medicine Practice
Beer and kombucha is served in goblets at Gnome & Faerie.
Portland’s Best Social Justice Choir
A Notion, A Scream lets anyone in who wants to sing—no audition required.
Portland’s Best Place to Become a Collector of Art Prints
Secret Room is a hodgepodge print shop and storefront.
By Joanna Hou
Portland’s Best Anti-Dungeon Master
Star Dell’Era found a collaborative art form in tabletop roleplaying games. And a place for women.
Portland’s Best Literary Success Story
Mother Foucault’s bookstore feels like a self-contained universe.
Portland’s Best Bargain Life Drawing
High Low Art Space drop-in life-drawing sessions cost a mere $10.
By Sophia Mick
Portland’s Best Secret Poetry Club
House party meets poetry showcase at Bloomers Poetry Club.