Top 10 Places to Indulge in the Best Mac and Cheese in Portland: A Foodie's Guide

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Portland, Oregon is known for its foodie culture. From artisanal donuts to farm-to-table cuisine, Portland has it all. However, one dish that stands out above the rest is mac and cheese. This comfort food classic has been elevated to new heights in this city, with chefs taking the humble dish and turning it into a gourmet masterpiece. If you're a mac and cheese lover, then you need to know where to find the best mac and cheese in Portland. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the city's top mac and cheese spots.

First up on our list is ________, a cozy little restaurant that specializes in comfort food. Their mac and cheese is a crowd favorite, and it's easy to see why. The dish is made with a blend of three cheeses and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. But what really sets this mac and cheese apart is the addition of ________. It adds a hint of ________ to the dish, making it truly unique.

Next, we have ________, a restaurant that prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients. Their mac and cheese is no exception. They use a blend of ________ and ________ cheeses, which gives the dish a rich and creamy flavor. But what really takes this mac and cheese to the next level is the addition of ________. It adds a touch of ________ to the dish, making it a true standout.

If you're looking for a more upscale mac and cheese experience, then look no further than ________. This high-end restaurant takes mac and cheese to a whole new level. They use only the finest ingredients, including ________ and ________ cheeses. The dish is then finished with a drizzle of ________ oil and a sprinkle of ________. It's the perfect choice for a special occasion or a fancy night out.

For a more casual mac and cheese experience, head to ________. This laid-back eatery serves up a classic mac and cheese that's sure to satisfy. The dish is made with a blend of ________ and ________ cheeses, and it's topped with a generous helping of ________. It's the perfect choice for a lazy Sunday afternoon or a quick weeknight dinner.

If you're looking for a vegan mac and cheese option, then ________ is the place to go. Their mac and cheese is made with a blend of ________ and ________ cheeses, which gives it a rich and creamy flavor. But what really makes this dish stand out is the use of ________. It adds a hint of ________ to the dish, making it a unique and tasty option for vegans and non-vegans alike.

No mac and cheese list would be complete without mentioning ________. This Portland institution has been serving up mac and cheese for years, and it's still one of the best in town. Their mac and cheese is made with a blend of ________ and ________ cheeses, and it's baked to perfection. It's a true comfort food classic that's sure to hit the spot.

If you're in the mood for something a little different, then try the mac and cheese at ________. This restaurant puts a twist on the classic dish by adding ________ and ________ to the mix. It gives the mac and cheese a slightly spicy kick and a hint of sweetness. It's the perfect choice for those who like to mix things up.

For a truly indulgent mac and cheese experience, head to ________. This restaurant serves up a decadent version of the classic dish, which includes ________, ________, and ________. The dish is then topped with a generous helping of ________ and ________. It's not for the faint of heart, but it's definitely worth the calories.

Finally, we have ________, a restaurant that specializes in all things cheesy. Their mac and cheese is no exception. They use a blend of ________ and ________ cheeses, and they top it off with a drizzle of ________. But what really sets this mac and cheese apart is the addition of ________. It adds a touch of ________ to the dish, making it a true standout.

In conclusion, Portland has no shortage of delicious mac and cheese options. Whether you're in the mood for something classic or something with a twist, there's a mac and cheese spot for you. So go out and indulge in some of the best mac and cheese Portland has to offer!


Introduction

Mac and cheese is one of the most beloved comfort foods in America. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. In Portland, there are plenty of options for mac and cheese, but which one is the best? In this article, we’ll explore some of the best mac and cheese in Portland.

Screen Door

Screen Door is a Southern-style restaurant that’s known for their fried chicken and shrimp and grits. However, their mac and cheese is also a standout dish. The mac and cheese is made with a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and topped with breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture. The dish is also served in a cast iron skillet, which adds to its rustic charm.

Grilled Cheese Grill

As the name suggests, Grilled Cheese Grill is a restaurant that specializes in grilled cheese sandwiches. However, they also serve up a mean mac and cheese. Their mac and cheese is made with a blend of cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan cheeses. What sets it apart from other mac and cheese dishes is that it’s grilled, giving it a crispy exterior and a gooey interior.

Produce Row Cafe

Produce Row Cafe is a casual bar and restaurant that’s been around since 1974. They’re known for their extensive beer list, but their mac and cheese is also worth trying. The dish is made with cavatappi pasta and a blend of cheddar and Gouda cheeses. It’s then topped with breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown.

Laurelhurst Market

Laurelhurst Market is a butcher shop and restaurant that prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients. Their mac and cheese is no exception. The dish is made with a blend of cheddar and Gruyere cheeses and topped with breadcrumbs. The dish is also served in a cast iron skillet, which adds to its rustic charm.

Screen Door

Screen Door is a Southern-style restaurant that’s known for their fried chicken and shrimp and grits. However, their mac and cheese is also a standout dish. The mac and cheese is made with a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and topped with breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture. The dish is also served in a cast iron skillet, which adds to its rustic charm.

Le Bistro Montage

Le Bistro Montage is a Cajun-inspired restaurant that’s been around since 1992. Their mac and cheese is a classic take on the dish. It’s made with elbow macaroni and a blend of cheddar and jack cheeses. The dish is then topped with breadcrumbs and baked until it’s bubbly and golden brown.

Smokehouse Tavern

Smokehouse Tavern is a barbecue restaurant that’s known for their brisket and ribs. However, their mac and cheese is also worth trying. The dish is made with shell pasta and a blend of cheddar and Gouda cheeses. It’s then topped with breadcrumbs and baked until it’s crispy and golden brown.

Navarre

Navarre is a small tapas restaurant that’s been around since 2001. Their mac and cheese is a unique take on the dish. It’s made with penne pasta and a blend of cheddar and blue cheeses. The dish is then topped with breadcrumbs and baked until it’s crispy and golden brown. The blue cheese gives the dish a tangy flavor that sets it apart from other mac and cheese dishes.

Conclusion

Portland has no shortage of great mac and cheese options. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic take on the dish or something more unique, there’s something for everyone. The next time you’re in Portland, be sure to check out one of these restaurants for some of the best mac and cheese the city has to offer.


Creamy and Decadent: The Best Mac and Cheese in PortlandMac and cheese has been a comfort food staple for generations, and Portland has some of the best versions of this classic dish. Whether you prefer traditional or creative varieties, vegan or gluten-free options, or gourmet or casual styles, there's something for everyone in Portland's mac and cheese scene.Cheesy Bliss: Where to Get the Tastiest Mac and Cheese in the CityIf you're looking for a cheesy fix, head to one of Portland's top mac and cheese spots. At Laurelhurst Market, their mac and cheese is made with three different types of cheeses and topped with breadcrumbs for added texture. Screen Door's version features smoked cheddar and bacon, while The Country Cat's recipe includes béchamel sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping.Craving Comfort Food? Try These Top Mac and Cheese Spots in PortlandSometimes, nothing beats a classic bowl of mac and cheese. Head to Lardo for their simple yet delicious blend of elbow macaroni and creamy cheese sauce. Or, try Pine State Biscuits' version, which is made with sharp cheddar and served with a side of pickled jalapeños for an extra kick. For a heartier meal, try The Observatory's mac and cheese with pulled pork and BBQ sauce.The Ultimate Guide to Portland's Most Delicious Mac and CheeseFrom food carts to upscale restaurants, Portland's mac and cheese offerings are diverse and delicious. Some other top spots to check out include The Grilled Cheese Grill, where you can add bacon or tomato to your mac and cheese sandwich, and Life of Pie Pizza, which offers a unique mac and cheese pizza. The Sudra also has a vegan mac and cheese option made with cashews and nutritional yeast.From Classic to Creative: Find Your Perfect Mac and Cheese in PortlandPortland's mac and cheese scene isn't just limited to traditional recipes. For a unique twist, try the mac and cheese at Tilt, which includes spicy sausage and roasted red peppers. Or, visit The Dump Truck for their Mac Attack sandwich, which features mac and cheese topped with pulled pork and coleslaw.Mac and Cheese Madness: Exploring Portland's Most Popular VarietiesIf you're in the mood to try something truly over-the-top, head to PDX Sliders for their mac and cheese burger. This crazy creation features a beef patty topped with bacon, mac and cheese, and BBQ sauce. Another popular spot is The Mac Shack, which offers a variety of creative toppings such as truffle oil and lobster.Where to Find Vegan and Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese in PortlandPortland is known for its vegan and gluten-free options, and mac and cheese is no exception. At Blossoming Lotus, their mac and cheese is made with quinoa pasta and a cashew-based cheese sauce. Harlow also offers a vegan version made with gluten-free elbow noodles and a creamy cashew cheese sauce.Gourmet Mac and Cheese: A Tour of Portland's Upscale RestaurantsFor a fancier take on mac and cheese, check out some of Portland's upscale restaurants. At Le Pigeon, their mac and cheese is made with truffle oil and topped with a fried egg. Andina's version features Peruvian-style macaroni with a white cheddar sauce and aji amarillo peppers. At Ox, their mac and cheese is served with chorizo and a crispy breadcrumb topping.The Cheesiest Mac and Cheese in Portland: Our Top PicksWhen it comes to mac and cheese, the cheesier the better. Some of our top picks include The Rockin' Robyn's food cart, which offers a four-cheese blend and a crispy breadcrumb topping. At Oba!, their mac and cheese is made with a blend of four creamy cheeses and served with a side of plantain chips. And at Stella Taco, their mac and cheese is served with poblano peppers for added flavor.Hidden Gems: Discovering the Best Mac and Cheese in Portland's NeighborhoodsWhile there are plenty of popular spots for mac and cheese in Portland's downtown area, there are also hidden gems scattered throughout the city's neighborhoods. In Southeast Portland, try the mac and cheese at The Gladstone Street Pub, which is made with a blend of cheeses and topped with bacon. In North Portland, visit The Old Gold for their smoked gouda mac and cheese with crispy breadcrumbs.No matter what your preferences are for mac and cheese, Portland has something for everyone. With so many options to choose from, it's easy to find your perfect bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness in this foodie city.

The Best Mac and Cheese in Portland: My Point of View

Introduction

Mac and cheese is a comfort food that almost everyone loves. Portland, Oregon, is known for its unique food culture and has some of the best mac and cheese in the country. In this article, I will share my point of view on the best mac and cheese in Portland, along with its pros and cons.

The Best Mac and Cheese in Portland

After trying various restaurants and food trucks, I believe that the best mac and cheese in Portland is served at Tasty n Alder. Their mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and has a perfect blend of spices. The dish is served with a crispy breadcrumb topping that adds a nice crunch to the dish.

Pros of Tasty n Alder's Mac and Cheese

  • The dish is made with high-quality ingredients, including Tillamook cheddar cheese and elbow macaroni.
  • The portion size is generous, making it perfect for sharing or as a main course.
  • The dish is served hot and fresh, straight out of the oven.
  • The restaurant offers an extensive wine list that pairs well with the dish.

Cons of Tasty n Alder's Mac and Cheese

  • The dish is on the pricier side compared to other mac and cheese options in Portland.
  • It may not be suitable for people who have a lactose intolerance or are vegan.
  • Since the dish is quite rich, it may not be suitable for those who prefer lighter meals.

Comparison Table

Restaurant/Food Truck Mac and Cheese Features Pros Cons
Tasty n Alder Creamy mac and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping High-quality ingredients, generous portion size, extensive wine list Expensive, not suitable for lactose intolerant or vegan individuals, rich flavor may not be suitable for those who prefer lighter meals
Mac Mart Cart Classic mac and cheese with various toppings Affordable, large portion size, customizable toppings May not be suitable for those who prefer traditional mac and cheese dishes, outdoor seating may not be ideal during colder months
Screen Door Fried mac and cheese balls Unique twist on classic mac and cheese, perfect for sharing as an appetizer Not suitable for those who prefer traditional mac and cheese dishes, fried may not be ideal for those who prefer healthier options

Conclusion

While there are numerous options for mac and cheese in Portland, my personal favorite is Tasty n Alder's mac and cheese. While it may be on the pricier side, the high-quality ingredients and generous portion size make it worth the splurge. However, everyone has different taste preferences, and I encourage you to try out the various mac and cheese options in Portland and find your own personal favorite.


The Best Mac and Cheese in Portland: A Guide for Foodies

Thank you for taking the time to read our guide on the best mac and cheese in Portland. We hope that this article has been informative and helpful in your quest for the ultimate comfort food. As you may have noticed, Portland is home to a wide variety of restaurants and cafes that serve up delicious takes on this classic dish.

If you're a mac and cheese lover, then you'll definitely want to check out some of the spots we've highlighted in this article. Whether you prefer your mac and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping or loaded with bacon and other toppings, there's something for everyone in Portland.

We've covered a lot of ground in this article, from the classic mac and cheese at Screen Door to the vegan version at Aviv. We've also explored some of the more unconventional mac and cheese dishes, like the lobster mac and cheese at The Fish Counter and the smoked gouda mac and cheese at Smokehouse Tavern.

One thing that all of these restaurants have in common is a dedication to using high-quality ingredients and creating unique flavor combinations. If you're a foodie looking to explore the culinary scene in Portland, then you won't be disappointed by any of these options.

Of course, there are plenty of other great mac and cheese spots in Portland that we didn't have time to cover in this article. If you're a local or just visiting, we encourage you to do some exploring of your own and find your own favorite mac and cheese spot.

When it comes down to it, mac and cheese is a comfort food that's beloved by people of all ages. It's the ultimate indulgence, whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner on a rainy day.

So if you're in the mood for some delicious mac and cheese, we hope that this guide has given you some inspiration. Whether you're a fan of the classic version or something a little more experimental, there's no shortage of options to choose from in Portland.

Thank you again for reading our guide on the best mac and cheese in Portland. We hope that you've found it helpful and informative, and that you'll be able to use it to discover some new favorite restaurants and cafes in the city. Happy eating!


People also ask about best mac and cheese in Portland

What makes a good mac and cheese?

A good mac and cheese should have a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats the pasta evenly. The pasta should be cooked al dente and not mushy. The dish should also have a crispy, golden brown topping on it.

Where can I find the best mac and cheese in Portland?

Portland is home to several restaurants that serve delicious mac and cheese. Some of the best places to try mac and cheese in Portland are:

  1. Screen Door
  2. Laurelhurst Market
  3. The Country Cat
  4. Bollywood Theater
  5. Grilled Cheese Grill

What are some variations of mac and cheese that I can try?

Mac and cheese can be made with different types of cheese and pasta to create unique flavor combinations. Some popular variations of mac and cheese include:

  • Truffle mac and cheese
  • Jalapeno mac and cheese
  • Lobster mac and cheese
  • Bacon mac and cheese
  • Buffalo chicken mac and cheese

Are there any vegan options for mac and cheese in Portland?

Yes, there are several restaurants in Portland that serve vegan mac and cheese. Some of the best places to try vegan mac and cheese in Portland are:

  1. Homegrown Smoker Vegan BBQ
  2. Harlow
  3. Blossoming Lotus
  4. Vtopia Cheese Shop and Deli
  5. Off the Griddle