The Poorer Gent’s Guide to Shopping in Portland, OR.

I know you’ve already read my life story, especially if you’ve read the Poor Gent’s and Rich Gent’s guides, so I won’t bother you with it anymore. Let’s get to the details. 

photo credit: Google Maps

Wow, you really hitchhiked all the way here from the ‘burbs? I gotta give you credit, that’s a trip. Well, you look like shit. You need some new rags, my brotha. Let’s head over to Burnside and hit up the Goodwill. This Goodwill is by far one of the best in town. I’ve found everything from Lacoste polos to Dunderdon jackets there. It’s not so great when it comes to shoes though, but I got that covered.

Wow, that Thomas Pink shirt fits great. Get it and let’s head over to William Temple and get you some shoes. You’re gonna really like this place. I’ve found the nicest shoes there—everything from Peal & Co. to Allen Edmonds. I feel like today’s you’re lucky day, you’re gonna be lookin’ like a milli before you know it. After you find some shoes we’ll head downtown and grab some grub.

photo credit: Alice Q

Those new Allen Edmonds monks are killah. You’re a lucky man, if I could fit into a 9 1/2, I would’ve fought you for those. Let’s hop on the MAX and go downtown to Give Pizza a Chance and get some pizza and a homemade root beer. 

photo credit: askmerchant

The pizza was delicious, right? It’s one of my favorites in town. There’s another cart on Hawthorne named Pyro Pizza that’s owned by the same people, but Pyro has a homemade brick oven inside. Now that you’re stuffed, let’s hop on the streetcar and ride over to Buffalo Exchange. Don’t worry, riding the streetcar is free downtown.

Buffalo Exchange isn’t as cheap as Goodwill, but you can find some good items for low prices. They often have a decent selection of pants and sneakers. And they’re always stocking Japanese denim and other respected denim brands. I’m certain you’re gonna find somethin’ to cover your drawers. 

photo credit: Barista

Those new jeans look sharp, but you’re lookin’ pretty tired. Too much shopping for you? Maybe you need a pick me up, like some coffee. We have quite a few great options. There’s a shop called Spella, a Stumptown in the Ace Hotel and Barista which is only a few blocks away.

Barista? Nice choice. You’re not going to be disappointed. Barista has by far the best selection of coffee in town. I’ve reviewed quite a few of the coffees they offer on the blog. While we’re walking over, let’s stop by Filson to see if they’re having a sale. It’s good to dream a little.

photo credit: Hawthorne open 

Barista’s coffee selection just keeps getting better and better. That was the perfect pick me up on this cold day. I bet you’re freezin’. You’re definitely going to need a jacket if you’re planning on staying out tonight. I have the perfect place. Let’s go rent some bikes and ride over to Hawthorne St. to check out Red Light. I know they’ll have at least one Schott pea coat in your size. I’ve seen ‘em with my own two eyes. 

photo credit: Orvis

Yep, I told you. You got that pea coat for a steal. Enough shopping, you need to go take a shower and get into those new duds. Afterwards, let’s head out and find you a sophisticated young lady so that I don’t have to go shopping with you anymore.