Byways Cafe
1212 NW Glisan St.
503.221.0011
This retro-inspired diner is located in the heart of the Pearl. It offers classic American fare, with more than 20 different burgers and sandwiches to choose from. Want diner-style food without the excess calories? Byways Cafe offers healthier side options like a green salad or fresh fruit instead of fries. With every plate costing less than $10, Byways offers a Pearl District lunch without the Pearl District price.
Cha Cha Cha Taqueria
1208 NW Glisan St.
503.221.2111
Big portions, cheap prices and quick service define this authentic Mexican lunch spot. Cha Cha Cha offers just about every delicious meat, cheese and bean combination known to man, with equally enticing prices. This is one of the few places in the Pearl where $5 gets you an actual meal, as well as leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
Blue Olive
500 NW 21st Ave.
503.528.2822
Blue Olive restaurant serves healthy Mediterranean food with a touch of Middle-Eastern flare. Warm pita bread, Greek omelets and meat kebabs are the staples of the restaurant’s extensive lunch menu. The newer northwest location has all the authenticity of a Greek food cart without the line and the cash-only limitation. With inexpensive appetizers, Blue Olive is a great place to sample a couple of new dishes with a group of friends.
Limo Peruvian Restaurant
2430 NW Westover Rd.
503.477.8348
For the more adventurous foodies, Limo (pronounced Lee-mo) is the place to eat. Situated in a converted house, Limo’s lunch menu boasts South American dishes with a modern twist. The most popular dish is by far the ceviche, and Limo offers several varieties. With its homey atmosphere and upscale food, Limo makes an impressive lunch or dinner date, and its happy hour menu makes it easy on the wallet.
Nancy’s Kitchen
1611 NW Glisan St.
503.241.1137
Nancy’s Kitchen is the Portland destination for food the way Mom makes it. Home-style breakfasts, burgers and casseroles make up the pleasantly simple menu. Even though Nancy’s is only open for breakfast and lunch, its unique take-out system allows patrons to eat their creations for any meal. Nancy’s Kitchen even lets customers bring in their own casserole dishes for Nancy to fill with her homemade goodness.
Deschutes Brewery Pub
210 NW 11th Ave.
503.296.4906
Located in the Pearl District, this local brewpub houses 18 taps of seasonal and experimental beers, but what sets them apart from other Portland breweries is the food. Deschutes prepares traditional pub favorites with surprising sophistication. The pear, goat cheese and hazelnut pizza is a delicious break from the bland bar food norm. All dishes are made from scratch, the ingredients coming mostly from Central Oregon. They also offer a fairly large gluten-free and vegetarian menu.
Yuki Japanese Restaurant
930 NW 23rd Ave.
503.525.8807
Yuki Japanese Restaurant serves up delicious sushi. With an outdoor patio that’s great for sunny days, a friendly wait staff and reasonable prices, Yuki is the most-recommended Japanese sushi restaurant in Northwest Portland. The chefs at Yuki have created an original sushi menu with dishes and rolls that customers have probably never experienced. Try to gyoza if you go.