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Updating the Eater PDX HeatMap: Where to Eat Now

by Erin DeJesus
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by Erin DeJesus

Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort, etc., and more often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the "it" (ie, newest) places of the moment.

Thus, we offer the Eater HeatMap, which will change often to continually highlight where the food-focused crowds are flocking to at this very second. This time around, four openings to add to the list: Micah Camden's noodle joint Boxer Ramen, Rodney Muirhead's cantina La Taq, the second outpost of Little T Baker, and the very-buzzy bar Multnomah Whiskey Library.


2013 HeatMap Updates:
1/3/2013: Added: Ava Gene's, Verde Cocina en la Perla
2/7/2013: Added: Tasty N Alder, Raven & Rose
3/7/2013: Added: Levant, Racion, Kingdom of Roosevelt, Tarad
4/4/2013: Added: The Fireside
5/2/2013: Added: din din Supper Club, Sok Sab Bai
6/6/2013: Added: Sen Yai, Old Salt Marketplace
7/11/2013: Added: Roman Candle Bakery, Block + Tackle, Grassa
8/1/2012: Added: Teote Areperia, Expatriate, Alberta Street Pub
9/5/2013: Added: Ataula
10/3/2013: Added: The Sugar Cube
11/7/2013: Added: Boxer Ramen, La Taq, Multnomah Whiskey Library, Little T Baker

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Boxer Ramen

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Micah Camden's much-anticipated Boxer Ramen (the sister spot to Boxer Sushi) cultivated strong pre-opening buzz thanks to weeks' worth of preview/soft opening dinners that introduced diners to Camden's untraditional take on ramen and Japanese snacks. (Spicy miso broth is dotted with Parmesan and chili flake; okonomiyaki appears on the menu in tater-tot form.)

1035 sw stark st, Portland, OR
(503) 208-3785
(503) 208-3785

Also featured in:

La Taq

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Podnah's pitboss Rodney Muirhead opens his take on a playful Mexican cantina, with an emphasis on queso, tacos, and the drinks that best accompany them. Muirhead's expertise with meats shines through in dishes like brisket enchiladas, carne asada tacos, and rib tips in broth; onetime Beaker bartender Kevin Ludwig, meanwhile, shakes up his signature carrot margarita.

1625 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97211
(971) 888-5687
(971) 888-5687

Also featured in:

Multnomah Whisky Library

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Certainly one of the buzziest bar openings in memory, the Multnomah Whiskey Library has nursed long lines and wait times seemingly since day one. The crowds are flocking for two reasons: 1) the gorgeously appointed room and 2) you know, the some-1,500 bottles of booze that line the walls.

1124 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97205
(503) 764-9374
(503) 764-9374

Also featured in:

Little T Baker - Union Way

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Four words: Little T, west side. Tucked deep within the Union Way retail alley (also home to Boxer Ramen), baker Tim Healea's second outpost of his popular bakery offers a limited menu, but it's a great addition to the West End neighborhood in need of another breakfast-pastry slinger.

1022 W Burnside St Ste O, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 894-8258
(503) 894-8258

The Sugar Cube

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Baker Kir Jensen brings her Sugar Cube cart to a proper bakery space, expanding her repertoire to include a few savory breakfast items (like a roasted mushroom and tomato strata) and spiced cornbread. But as to be expected, it's the sweets that shine: a chocolatey brownie with olive oil and sea salt; buttery crostatas, and citrusy tea cake with lemon curd.

3039 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211

Also featured in:

ATAULA

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Chef Jose Chesa emphasizes a convivial, familial vibe at his restaurant Ataula, which considers itself a Spanish gastropub more than a stuffy "tapas restaurant." The tapas themselves combine similar levels of comforting familiarity and playfulness: beef and potato "bombas" arrive in a suitably spicy sauce; an almost-savory sangria is the perfect drink for rainy evenings. And as of last month, there's a new addition to the menu, in the form of traditional Spanish brunch.

1818 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 894-8904
(503) 894-8904

Also featured in:

Roman Candle Bakery

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This bakery by Stumptown mastermind Duane Sorenson inches back up the list, thanks to the launch of its long-awaited pizza bianca menu last month, offering massive squares of pizza that don't follow the traditional "bianca" mold. During the day, the case features breads and pastries by Lovejoy Bakers alum Dan Griffin.

3373 Southeast Division Street, Portland, OR 97202
(971) 302-6605
(971) 302-6605

Expatriate

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Beast chef Naomi Pomeroy breaks from French tradition to partner with St. Jack founding bartender Kyle Webster to open a bar featuring an Asian-inflicted take on drinking food. The highlight's a Burmese tea leaf salad, but expect big flavors in dishes like samosa chaats, a tempura halibut sandwich with kimchi, and of course, the cocktails.

5424 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
(503) 805-3750
(503) 805-3750

Also featured in:

Teote Areperia

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Chef Michael Kennett has traded in his food cart Fuego de Lotus for a proper brick-and-mortar restaurant dedicated to masa arepas and a menu of grilled meats. Early buzz suggests you should go for the family-style "La Cena" meal, with grilled lamb and fino ribs.

1615 Southeast 12th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214

Also featured in:

Block + Tackle

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Chef Trent Pierce pulls a switcheroo at his Division spot Wafu, transforming the space and concept into a casual seafood restaurant that celebrates his Oregon roots. The result is an American take on seafood, elevated: hot crab dip is re-imagined as a light interpretation of Wafu's crab roll; seafood "charcuterie" arrives in the form of marlin rillettes and mussels cured in pimenton.

3113 Southeast Division Street, Portland, OR 97202

Grassa

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Like at his familiar sandwich spot Lardo, Rick Genarelli debuts a similarly fast-casual take, this time on fresh pasta. The menu features impressively varied and well-executed takes on carbonara (with a perfected cracked egg), gigli (simply cracked pepper and cheese), and chitarra (with squid ink, octopus, and chorizo).

1205 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97205

Sen Yai

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Andy Ricker takes his familiar approach to Thai cooking — authentic, unexpected, and street-influenced — and applies it to the humble noodle, devoting an entire menu to stir-fried and soup-stewed iterations of the dish. As expected, the place is already packed during lunch and dinner hours, but head in for a leisurely morning brunch.

3384 Southeast Division Street, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 236-3573
(503) 236-3573

Also featured in:

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Boxer Ramen

1035 sw stark st, Portland, OR

Micah Camden's much-anticipated Boxer Ramen (the sister spot to Boxer Sushi) cultivated strong pre-opening buzz thanks to weeks' worth of preview/soft opening dinners that introduced diners to Camden's untraditional take on ramen and Japanese snacks. (Spicy miso broth is dotted with Parmesan and chili flake; okonomiyaki appears on the menu in tater-tot form.)

1035 sw stark st, Portland, OR
(503) 208-3785
(503) 208-3785

La Taq

1625 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97211

Podnah's pitboss Rodney Muirhead opens his take on a playful Mexican cantina, with an emphasis on queso, tacos, and the drinks that best accompany them. Muirhead's expertise with meats shines through in dishes like brisket enchiladas, carne asada tacos, and rib tips in broth; onetime Beaker bartender Kevin Ludwig, meanwhile, shakes up his signature carrot margarita.

1625 NE Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97211
(971) 888-5687
(971) 888-5687

Multnomah Whisky Library

1124 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97205

Certainly one of the buzziest bar openings in memory, the Multnomah Whiskey Library has nursed long lines and wait times seemingly since day one. The crowds are flocking for two reasons: 1) the gorgeously appointed room and 2) you know, the some-1,500 bottles of booze that line the walls.

1124 SW Alder St, Portland, OR 97205
(503) 764-9374
(503) 764-9374

Little T Baker - Union Way

1022 W Burnside St Ste O, Portland, OR 97209

Four words: Little T, west side. Tucked deep within the Union Way retail alley (also home to Boxer Ramen), baker Tim Healea's second outpost of his popular bakery offers a limited menu, but it's a great addition to the West End neighborhood in need of another breakfast-pastry slinger.

1022 W Burnside St Ste O, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 894-8258
(503) 894-8258

The Sugar Cube

3039 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211

Baker Kir Jensen brings her Sugar Cube cart to a proper bakery space, expanding her repertoire to include a few savory breakfast items (like a roasted mushroom and tomato strata) and spiced cornbread. But as to be expected, it's the sweets that shine: a chocolatey brownie with olive oil and sea salt; buttery crostatas, and citrusy tea cake with lemon curd.

3039 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211

ATAULA

1818 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210

Chef Jose Chesa emphasizes a convivial, familial vibe at his restaurant Ataula, which considers itself a Spanish gastropub more than a stuffy "tapas restaurant." The tapas themselves combine similar levels of comforting familiarity and playfulness: beef and potato "bombas" arrive in a suitably spicy sauce; an almost-savory sangria is the perfect drink for rainy evenings. And as of last month, there's a new addition to the menu, in the form of traditional Spanish brunch.

1818 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 894-8904
(503) 894-8904

Roman Candle Bakery

3373 Southeast Division Street, Portland, OR 97202

This bakery by Stumptown mastermind Duane Sorenson inches back up the list, thanks to the launch of its long-awaited pizza bianca menu last month, offering massive squares of pizza that don't follow the traditional "bianca" mold. During the day, the case features breads and pastries by Lovejoy Bakers alum Dan Griffin.

3373 Southeast Division Street, Portland, OR 97202
(971) 302-6605
(971) 302-6605

Expatriate

5424 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211

Beast chef Naomi Pomeroy breaks from French tradition to partner with St. Jack founding bartender Kyle Webster to open a bar featuring an Asian-inflicted take on drinking food. The highlight's a Burmese tea leaf salad, but expect big flavors in dishes like samosa chaats, a tempura halibut sandwich with kimchi, and of course, the cocktails.

5424 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
(503) 805-3750
(503) 805-3750

Teote Areperia

1615 Southeast 12th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214

Chef Michael Kennett has traded in his food cart Fuego de Lotus for a proper brick-and-mortar restaurant dedicated to masa arepas and a menu of grilled meats. Early buzz suggests you should go for the family-style "La Cena" meal, with grilled lamb and fino ribs.

1615 Southeast 12th Avenue, Portland, OR 97214

Block + Tackle

3113 Southeast Division Street, Portland, OR 97202

Chef Trent Pierce pulls a switcheroo at his Division spot Wafu, transforming the space and concept into a casual seafood restaurant that celebrates his Oregon roots. The result is an American take on seafood, elevated: hot crab dip is re-imagined as a light interpretation of Wafu's crab roll; seafood "charcuterie" arrives in the form of marlin rillettes and mussels cured in pimenton.

3113 Southeast Division Street, Portland, OR 97202

Grassa

1205 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97205

Like at his familiar sandwich spot Lardo, Rick Genarelli debuts a similarly fast-casual take, this time on fresh pasta. The menu features impressively varied and well-executed takes on carbonara (with a perfected cracked egg), gigli (simply cracked pepper and cheese), and chitarra (with squid ink, octopus, and chorizo).

1205 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97205

Sen Yai

3384 Southeast Division Street, Portland, OR 97202

Andy Ricker takes his familiar approach to Thai cooking — authentic, unexpected, and street-influenced — and applies it to the humble noodle, devoting an entire menu to stir-fried and soup-stewed iterations of the dish. As expected, the place is already packed during lunch and dinner hours, but head in for a leisurely morning brunch.

3384 Southeast Division Street, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 236-3573
(503) 236-3573

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