The food in Portland is probably one of the main factors why I think the city is the best in the USA. Maybe it’s because the tap water here is delicious itself, so food cooked in it tastes better. Maybe it’s because Portland is full of bohemian hippies (not really, but a little). Whatever the reason, I had some of the best American meals during the couple weeks I was in Portland.

Zeus’ Housemade Falafel Burger @ McMenamins Al’s Den

“Goat cheese tzatziki, romaine, aardvark hot sauce, crystal bakery kaiser roll, truffle fries.”

A week after The Rams Head, I met up with a friend at Al’s Den, an underground tavern with a great three-hour music show followed by a comedy hour every Friday and Saturday night. I got the falafel burger. Amazing. Not big, but simply delicious. Not really sure what else to say about it beyond that it’s a must try if you like falafel. And it’s also part of the happy hour menu, so another good choice for budget travel.