Portland OR - Thorns Day Guide

If you haven’t been to Providence Park for a Portland Thorns match be prepared for the ultimate soccer experience. Arguably the most thrilling amazing venue (recently expanded by 4,000 seats) both soccer lovers and haters alike can’t help but to agree on this must-visit venue. Portland is one of our favorite cities to visit with great food, devout soccer fans, and much more to offer.

To Get There...

Take a pro-tip from a pro-player. Meghan Klingenberg of the Portland Thorns gave us the hair-bun’s up to grab a seat on the left side of the plane if you’re coming in from the East and want a great mountain view .

Portland is very walkable once you get downtown. Exit the airport and go across the street to find the Uber/Lyft/Taxi pick up corrals.

To Stay...

Pearl District

Check out the AirBnB listings a month or more before your trip- closer to game day these fill up/sell out. We stayed in Pearl District, about a 15-20 min. walk to/from the stadium & home to some really fantastic restaurants, coffee shops, local stores, and a huge REI- in case you’re into nature.

Coffee...

Ovation Coffee & Tea

941 NW Overton St.

This one gets its own subject because of the people at Ovation Coffee & Tea. Stop in and try one of our favorites recommended by the owners themselves- the pistachio latte. Insider treat- order the moroccan tea. If there is a line, you can stop to play and watch the dogs at the dog park next to the cafe- the wait is worth it and so are the cute pups!

To Eat...

Pizza Schmizza

628 NE Broadway St

I mean what else is there but to find local spots to eat? We stopped into Pizza Schmizza for a few slices. From an East Coaster, where pizza is king, this place has it right. Enjoy the funky decor which reinforces the “keep Portland weird” mantra and stay for the large slices and a beer.

Insider’s tip- Brit’s fave combo was the pepperoni pizza with ranch dressing.

TILT

1355 NW Everett ST Suite 120

If you’re looking for a cool place to hang out and grab a burger, check out TILT. Tons of options, toppings, and if you still have room for dessert, this place has an entire bakery-style counter full of pies! For a different spin on the classic tater tots, these meatball sized gems are a must. Great for big groups, or just a couple of seats at the bar.

Uno Mas Taquiza

1914 Burnside St

I’ll say this now so you all know for the future… I love Mexican food. On gameday as your heading toward Providence Park located just a couple of blocks over is Uno Mas Taquiza. With great indoor and outdoor seating areas Uno Mas is home base for fans pre/post match. Tacos aren’t the only thing on the menu but take my advice- the al pastor are baller. Top them off with one or more of the half-dozen options from the salsa/hot sauce bar, and grab a beers and marg from the friendly bartenders. The food will get you ready to stand and chant for 90, and you can meet other fans from near and far making this spot our game day go to.

To Have Some Fun…

Portland Gear

627 SW 19th Ave

If you want a souvenir from your trip to commemorate your time in the Pacific NW, head over to see the crew at Portland Gear. Located across from Uno Mas (also near Providence Park), this store features some amazing threads. Designed with a love for their city and its climate in mind, their unique pieces are functionally instyle. The gear ranges from hats and t-shirts to some specialty clothing pieces & patches we added to our collection.

International Rose Test Garden

400 SW Kingston Ave

Admittedly I am not a nature person. However, this place made me stop dead in my tracks to appreciate just how amazing it can be. If the picturesque backdrop of mountain tops and tall pines doesn’t impress you, grab a rental car for the day and stop by the International Rose Test Garden inside Washington Park. Parking is available with metered kiosks- it gets busy but don’t let it deter you, you’ll find a spot. A short walk will bring you to a staircase where you descend into the fragrant and meticulously manicured rows of rose bushes as far as the eye can see. As a city dweller with an appreciation for concrete and skyscrapers, the Rose Garden blew me away. All of a sudden I wanted a golden retriever, a latte, and a yoga mat to round out the state of zen this place induces.

Regrets...

Deadstock Coffee

408 NW Couch St

One of the places we missed out on but you definitely shouldn’t is Deadstock Coffee located near Voodoo Doughnut. The ladies of the Chicago Red Stars visited this spot during the NWSL Semi-Finals and we are jealous. The story behind Dead Stock Coffee is almost as good as what we are hearing about the coffee itself.

Next time this is a must!