What To Eat and Drink in Portland This Fall

There are tasty new meals on offer in Portland right now — and more options coming:

Real-Deal Texas BBQ Incoming

A Michelin-starred Texas barbecue restaurant is opening a Portland outpost next month. Lil’ Barbecue will open at the Woodlawn bar Tough Luck, which will close from Oct. 6 to 12 for a renovation to make way for the new partner. [Oregonian]

The Most Anticipated Fall Openings

Portland Monthly has a run-down of the restaurants and bars opening this fall that are already generating a lot of buzz. They include the Chicago-style pizzeria Proof Pizza as well as chef Akkapong “Earl” Ninsom's OK Chicken & Khaosoi, which will move into the old Pok Pok location. [Portland Monthly]

The New Bistro at the Art Museum

Among the anticipated restaurants that opened (with a soft start) this weekend is Coquelico, a café at the Portland Art Museum. It’s a partnership with Providore Fine Foods, and — in honor of the museum’s new (yet-to-open) Rothko wing — will serve cakes inspired by that artist, starting with the 1956 painting “Orange and Yellow.” [Oregonian]

Fine Dining Vegan-Style at Astera

Longtime Portland chef Aaron Adams’ latest vegan restaurant (which opened last year) has high-end service with a folksy decor. It’s worth a visit, says Oregonian reviewer Michel Russell, particularly for Astera's courses that begin and end the meal on its rotating tasting menu. [Oregonian 🔒]

Plated ‘Works of Art’

The Portland Mercury picked nine dishes that aren’t just delicious; they’re also aesthetically pleasing. They include the cheesecake with a cute hamster and bear face at Soro Soro Coffee & Dessert as well as the burrata at Arden. [Portland Mercury]