User Lists in Portland, OR Metro

Yes, we love our local wine and beer but every so often we get a hankering for a perfectly made mai tai or an authentic Pisco Sour made just like they make them in Peru. Unfortunately, a trip to a far off destination isn't always in the cards. So, when the budget is too tight for traveling, skip the flight and go global with an exotic cocktail at these Portland bars.

When you're stuck in a new town on business, it helps to have the inside scoop on where to eat and where you can make last-minute copies for that early morning presentation--at midnight. Whether you are looking for a centrally-located hotel, a meeting space for a crowd or a restaurant to wow a party of two, we've got a place in mind. And let's not forget those other important traveler amenities: 24-hour copy shops and coffeehouses to keep you caffeinated at all hours of the night.

If you're looking to impress the gal or guy that could potentially become your new significant other, dinner and a movie won't do. Even if you go the traditional route, you can do it in a way that shows you have a ton of personality and charm. Looking to really wow? Try one of our unusual, off-the-wall dates and see where the evening goes. (Photo: Courtesy of the Sapphire Hotel)

Bacon-infused bourbon and fancy pants garnishes wow some imbibers but anyone who prefers an old fashioned martini will be thrilled that classic cocktails are making a comeback. Portland's classic cocktail revival is happening everywhere from showy restaurants to decade's old steakhouses to a hidden, second-story bar. When you get a hankering for that Manhattan or other old-school drink, here's where to head.

As you?d expect from the land of the hipster, you'll find the requisite coffee shops and plentiful independent boutiques in this Northeast neighborhood. But in the ever-expanding shopping and dining district clustered around Mississippi Avenue, you'll also find added reason to visit in a waffle hut, a salt-centric boutique and antique shops ripe for exploring. (Photo courtesy of blackwagondotcom)

Entertaining season is in high swing and nothing goes better with barbecue fare than chilled beer. And if you're hosting, you know that supplying just the right amount of sudsy stuff for your guests is a must. So when a keg sounds too big and showy, and a six pack would be too small and dull, order a few growlers from these local bars that pour takeout beer. (Photo: Olegusk/Shutterstock)

Burgers and brisket are noteworthy grilled dishes to sustain a summer's worth of outdoor eating and imbibing. But when you're ready to try something new, take a global approach. These ethnic restaurants grill up exotic barbecue fare that will have you licking your lips and wondering why you ever settled for the standard hot dog.

With a diverse dining scene like Portland has, you cannot order pad Thai and consider yourself an expert on global cuisine. To earn that title requires a more thorough exploration of Portland's exotic dining destinations. From a Japanese-style pub to an authentic tapas restaurant, there's plenty of opportunity to eat globally without leaving town. Here's where to start your tour.

Whether you're catching up with your college roommates or tossing back a few beers with your cubicle-dwelling pals, there are amenities you seek (outdoor beer garden: check) and places you?d like to avoid (bachelorette party central) when planning a guys night out. If you're looking for place to gather the crew, these bars, restaurants and night clubs can cater to your testosterone-driven needs.

Mealtime meetings in Portland don't always take place over steaks and scotch at dark, masculine restaurants. True, bigwigs can still make reservations at steakhouses that meet this business dining niche but a growing number of suits and skirts also recognize the value of taking their meetings to the city's farm-to-table restaurants and elegant neighborhood joints. Here's where to schedule your next deal-making meal.