User Lists in Portland, OR Metro

Summer is a short, but oh-so-sweet season in the Pacific Northwest, so it's crucial that Portlanders make the most of it. Here's a list of our favorite bars in Portland with outdoor seating, so that you can maximize your Vitamin D exposure without taking up ultimate frisbee. (Photo: flickr user wickenden)

This Valentine's Day, bring the sexy back and soak up old-school romance at one of these five Portland hot spots. We've picked places that provide ambiance, food and drinks--all you have to worry about is keeping the flame burning. (Photo: Flickr user JustinLowery.com)

Why limit champagne toasts to New Year's Eve? Mix up your imbibing traditions this year by indulging in bubbly in all forms. From mimosas to blueberry bellinis and the classic French 75, these local bars are serving sophisticated sips that put champagne to good use.

This city has no shortage of decent watering holes, from brewpubs to classic cocktail lounges. After all, with all that rain, we have to find some way to fill our time nine months of the year and the easy solution is to drink. Here, enjoy our picks for the best places to drink in town, rain or shine.

It's been a good year for Portland foodies, with plentiful new restaurants joining our old favorites in town. Whether you're into highbrow dishes, upscale casual wine country cuisine or sandwich-shack fare, there's something waiting for you. Here's our picks for the top Portland restaurants for 2009.

For a buck, you could get a double cheeseburger from the chain drive-thru. Or, you could head to these local restaurants and watering holes to score daily $1 deals on everything from PBR to artisan ice cream. Here are five places where you can put that dollar to good use. (including the Sapphire Hotel, where PBR tallboys are just a buck during happy hour)

You're no Barefoot Contessa and you certainly don't have time to make Rachael Ray's 30 minute meals this season. Fortunately, when a friend asks you to bring the booze and a little snack to the holiday party, you can skip the cocktail nuts and wow them with homemade pastries, artisan cheeses and seasonal dishes from these gourmet grocers, mercantiles and bakeries.

While the holidays in Portland may be rainy, there's no reason for them to be gloomy. The city's got holiday traditions galore, from a gang of Christmas revelers playing tubas, to a 31-year-running gay men's chorus, to traditional family fare like "The Nutcracker." Whatever you're into this holiday season, we've got you covered, and no matter what event you choose, wear a hat. It's cold out there, people! (Photo: Oregon ZooLights by Flickr user Alice Carrier)

If you've been cleaning out the piggy bank to pay for, well, anything lately, the impending holiday season's no doubt causing you some stress. But even locals with small budgets can shop cheap in Portland during the holidays and beyond. From places that sell designer purses, sporting gear and housewares for less, we've got the inside scoop on the best deals in Portland. (Photo: Shutterstock/Sergios)

Everyone loves a party, but they're a lot of work--the lighting, the music, the cranky neighbors banging on the ceiling with a broom. For your next fiesta in Portland--whether it's an intimate dinner, or an all-out rager--rent out one of these venues, and let the professionals sweat the small stuff. (Photo: Disjecta by Flickr user Kristen Wolff)