Food & Drink

Hygge Cafes, Bars, and Restaurants to Try in Portland

Maurice, Multnomah Whiskey Library, and More
January 18, 2023
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Warm up with whiskey and a fireplace at the Multnomah Whiskey Library. (Multnomah Whiskey Library)

By now, you've probably heard of the concept of "hygge," a Danish and Norwegian buzzword defined as a "mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment." It's also exactly what is called for to get through a drizzly gray Pacific Northwest winter. If you'd like to cultivate more of this feeling in your life, you can find our list of particularly hygge places in Portland below, from bakeshops and cafes to neighborhood bars and Scandinavian-inspired spots. For more ideas, check out our food and drink guide.

Bible Club PDX List
This Sellwood speakeasy hearkens back to the 1920s with a warm, stylish interior full of antiques and a menu of sophisticated craft cocktails.
Sellwood
Dine-in

Broder Café List , Broder Nord List , and Broder Söder List
With its cozy Scandinavian ethos and the largest selection of aquavit in the city, this trio of popular brunch spots perfectly embodies the spirit of hygge. Settle in with a pastry and hot drink for fika (a customary Swedish afternoon break with coffee and a treat), or choose from menu favorites like æbleskiver (Danish pancakes), Swedish meatballs, and smørrebrød (traditional Scandinavian open-faced sandwiches on rye toast).
Hosford-Abernethy, Boise, Metzger
Pickup, dine-in

Cafe Olli List
This worker-owned cafe serves scratch-made baked goods courtesy of co-owner and pastry chef Siobhan Speirits (who you may know from her project Saint Frances), along with wood-fired pizzas, salads, handmade pasta, sandwiches on house-baked bread, charcuterie, and other wood-oven-baked dishes. EverOut associate editor Janey Wong has all the details.
King
Pickup, dine-in


Doug Fir Lounge List
The Jupiter Hotel music venue, restaurant, and bar will transport you to a chic, futuristic log cabin in the woods with its timber-lined interior and sleek leather upholstery. The outdoor patio also features a fire pit for extra warmth.
Buckman
Dine-in
 
The Fireside List
This farm-to-table gastropub takes its name and inspiration from the homey feeling of sitting hearthside beside a crackling fire. The seasonally inspired menu includes eggs Benedict, Hawley Ranch beef smashburgers, braised short ribs, wild mushroom and truffle ravioli, and other hearty comfort fare.
Nob Hill
Pickup, dine-in

Guilder Cafe
Inspired by Scandinavian coffee culture and named in tribute to The Princess Bride, this light-filled cafe and restaurant from Mike and Caryn Nelson serves coffee from its own in-house micro-roastery, Junior's Roasted Coffee. The business also runs a shop inside Powell's City of Books List on Burnside, so you can pick up a good read to enjoy while sipping a hot drink.
Alameda-Irvington, Pearl District
Pickup, dine-in

Keys Lounge List
Restored from a locksmith shop built in 1962, this neighborhood lounge offers blazing fireplaces, retro midcentury vibes, and a wide selection of signature cocktails.
King
Pickup, dine-in

Interurban List
This saloon from co-owners Dan Hart and Chris Navarra offers pre-Prohibition cocktails, a comprehensive whiskey list, and plenty of draft beer. Warm up on the outdoor patio, which features covered fire pits and glowing string lights.
Boise
Pickup, delivery, dine-in

Lauretta Jean's List
Fans love this charming bakeshop for its cheerful atmosphere and classic pies in variations like chocolate bourbon pecan, coconut cream, and tart cherry, plus cakes, pastries, brownies, cookies, and more. 
Richmond
Pickup

Maurice List
This "modern pastry luncheonette" takes its cues from Nordic and French cuisine, with seasonal dishes, a fika menu of pastries and treats, and natural wine and cider.
Downtown
Pickup, dine-in

McMenamins Chapel Pub List
McMenamins' Humboldt location is housed in a former funeral home (which also hosted weddings and concerts) and boasts a gleaming mahogany bar and roaring fireplaces. You can also sit among the greenery in one of the bar's patios, which are outfitted with lanterns and fire pits.
Humboldt
Pickup, delivery, dine-in


Multnomah Whiskey Library List
You'll feel like Don Draper upon entering this dark, distinguished whiskey den, which is stocked with over 1500 spirits and features leather upholstery, a fireplace, and stained glass ceilings. 
Downtown
Pickup, dine-in

Palio Dessert & Espresso House List
If you're looking for a place to study or read, check out this friendly neighborhood coffee shop with an espresso menu and a case full of treats.
Ladd's Addition
Pickup, delivery, dine-in

The Sapphire Hotel List
Sip a "hot peanut buttered rum" or a steaming Irish coffee next to the wood stove at this quaint bar which takes up residence in a former hotel lobby.
Mt. Tabor
Pickup, dine-in

Scotch Lodge List
This swanky whiskey bar has been named one of the best bars in America by Esquire and slings a lineup of sophisticated drinks, from the "Scandinavian Delight" (London dry gin, aquavit, Dolin blanc vermouth, alpine amaro) to the "Orange Sherry Cobbler" (amontillado sherry, Japanese whisky, orange, cinnamon demerara).
Buckman
Pickup, delivery, dine-in

Sweedeedee List
This café offers simple homestyle food like morning buns and roast chicken in a bright, soothing space.
Humboldt
Pickup, dine-in

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