Eat: Gladstone

It may be easy to miss the local charm Gladstone has to offer when making your way up and down busy McLoughlin Boulevard. When out and about, be sure to make your way off the busy streets and on to Main Street. Drop by these local gems to get a real taste of what Gladstone has to offer. 

Portland Pizza Company - The definition of a mom and pop restaurant, Portland Pizza Company has been operating on Portland Ave. since 2018. Currently they are only open Fridays and Saturdays, plus you can make pre-orders for the weekend on Thursdays. You'll find all the pizza favorites, plus some more unique creations like the Mercury's Retrograde, which is loaded with meat and veggies. They also have some delicious salads for those who are hoping for some lighter fare. 

Tiger Fruit - Like all the best main street businesses, Tiger Fruit is another family-owned shop. They specialize in all-natural, whole fruit smoothies and bowls, plus they also have gluten free and vegan options, meaning everyone in your group can find something to love here. The smoothies and the bowls all receive tremendous praise from reviewers, as does the service. The next time you're in the area and feeling the need for a pick-me-up, be sure to stop by Tiger Fruit, where you'll find that eating healthy can still be pretty dang sweet.

88 Seoul Food - Amazing pun aside, 88 Seoul Food brings traditional Korean flavors to the Gladstone area. They may cook out of a small food truck, but the flavors are huge. Frequent diners rave about the Sassy Pork and the Bulgogi Beef. Other traditional favorites, such as soy wings and kimchi delight both long-time Korean food enthusiasts and newbies who are just discovering the culinary joys of Seoul Food. If you like a little heat when you eat, ask for the Sassy Pork served spicy, and you'll give those taste buds something to sing about.

Roakes - While it has gone by a few different names, Roake's has been a Gladstone area institution since 1937. This is where virtually all of Portland would go to get their hotdog fix. Their menu is replete with various hot dog varieties, from Coney Island style to chili dogs, plus a great selection of burgers, too. As delicious as the food is, the story of this place is even more captivating. You can (and should) read the full tale here, but in short, the current owner bought the establishment after first eating here in 1967. He dreamt of owning the restaurant, and through dogged perseverance made it happen in 1975. Since then Jim Roake has been serving the Portland area's favorite hot dogs along McLoughlin Blvd. 

The Wurst Market - Formally known as "The Sausage Kitchen" the Wurst Market added locally sourced meats to their menu. Now a full service deli and butcher, you can get everything you need to cook an amazing meal at your home, or get a fantastic sandwich to eat right there. When you take the fact that a sandwich always tastes better when made by someone else and combine that with the quality ingredients that the staff uses, you get one of the best sandwiches you'll ever enjoy. 

Menehune Murph's Hawaiian Shave Ice - Few things can hit the spot like some shaved ice on a hot day. Menehune Murph's brings the flavors of authentic Hawaiian shaved ice to downtown Gladstone. They have a huge menu of options to flavor your ice; more than 40 options await. From traditional options like blueberry or bubblegum to more unique choices like wedding cake or lychee, it's virtually impossible to not to find an enticing option here. You can also add ice cream into the mix or just get a bowl of ice cream as well.

Happy's Bar and Grill - With a name like Happy's, you can't go wrong, right? Happy's Bar and Grill is another family-owned establishment in downtown Gladstone. Bring the family before 8pm to enjoy awesome bacon cheeseburgers, carnitas street tacos or chicken strips paired with fresh-cut fries. Of course all the delicious food and more options are available after 8pm too, but that's when the kids go to bed and the grownups can enjoy a little time with friends. 

Masala Box - This is where Gladstone residents (and beyond) go for authentic southern Indian cuisine. The recipes are crafted from generations of experience and give diners the authentic, homestyle meal experience that is so hard to find. You can enjoy traditional favorites like chicken masala curry and shrimp vindaloo. They also have a vegan somosa for those on a plant-based diet. Be sure to get an order of naan and prepare to feel like you've travelled all the way to India with your meal.