Today, more than 80% of global shipping involves containers. They're packed with everything from personal storage items in dry containers to heavy machinery on flat rack containers. For business owners shipping products, getting a container from point A to point B requires precise planning and high-level tracking. But that's easier said than done when global supply chains become over-congested, leading to loading time issues and delays.
That's bad news for business owners who are already under a massive amount of stress. The truth is that container storage delays can cripple a business, but there's a viable solution: drayage brokers in Portland, OR like RelyEx. Drayage companies provide unique solutions to minimize demurrage and help ensure the successful delivery of your freight.
With more than 30 combined years of experience and a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx has quickly become the first choice for streamlined, efficient drayage services. To understand the true value of RelyEx's offerings in the global logistics industry, it helps to understand first what drayage is and why it's used.
If you're a seasoned business owner who uses port drayage to transport your products, you know exactly how important the service can be. But if you were to poll a group of random people, you may get five different definitions of the term "drayage." That begs the question, how is one of the most crucial steps in the supply chain and most vital components of global trade such a confusing concept? When you break it down, it's not too difficult to grasp.
Drayage, by definition, means the transportation of freight from an ocean port to another destination. Today, drayage is also used to describe the process of transporting products and goods over short distances or over "the first mile."
While drayage often means short-distance movements during the supply chain process, it's primarily used in the container shipping space. Drayage loads usually have arrival and departure points in the same city and don't include long-haul, national transportation.
Because a drayage load can mean a few different things, confusion among carriers is common. Many carriers link drayage with going into a port, but that isn't always true. While all drayage loads typically originate from a port of entry, there are often several legs of a drayage journey before a container turns up at its final stop. Legs of a drayage load may include:
You may be thinking, what's so important about drayage? It's such a small step in the container storage transport process. In reality, it's an integral piece needed in the logistics industry and a crucial part of U.S. supply chain management.
To truly understand the importance of drayage, let's use flowers as an example. Most cut flower shipments enter the market from areas in South America until they end up at Dutch auction houses. Once there, wholesalers purchase flowers in bulk and send those products to retail outlets worldwide. Because flowers are perishable, they typically need to be refrigerated and are often shipped in reefer containers. These refrigerated vessels must maintain a certain temp to prevent loss.
Drayage companies like RelyEx allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services. Drayage companies allow flower shippers to send their products from Argentinian ports to airports in the Netherlands with peace of mind, because their products are protected. The only way to accomplish this feat is with the help of swift, meticulous port drayage services.
If port drayage is compromised, it can cause delays and even fines. You know the packages you get delivered to your front door from apps like Amazon? Without drayage and drayage brokers, one or two-day shipping times wouldn't even be possible.
As a multi-billion-dollar industry in the U.S. alone, it seems like drayage shipping issues shouldn't exist. But the fact is inefficiencies and congestion are still major problems at ports. Whether it's a lack of carriers, absent chassis, or overburdened terminals, delays lead to missed deadlines, lost revenue, and worse.
But anytime challenges exist, so too do innovative solutions.
QUOTE REQUESTRelyEx was created because our founders saw a need in the logistics space for more reliability and efficiency. The reality of the shipping and logistics industry is that it has become very transactional. It's an odd evolution, because most businesses seek a third-party logistics partner that is accessible, transparent, and committed to providing solutions.
As the logistics space continues to grow, it creates newfound expenses and complexities. Clients like ours know that and need a supply chain partner who is genuinely interested in their business. By understanding the needs of our customers and carriers, we can provide the most reliable, effective drayage services possible.
Unlike some drayage companies in Portland, OR, we begin managing your containers before they ever hit the ports by mapping out the most efficient pathways of delivery. That way, our team can discover the best drayage pathways to expedite delivery time and reduce fees that cut into profits.
Our valued drayage customers choose RelyEx because:
At RelyEx, we like to consider ourselves problem solvers. The nature of the container drayage industry presents new challenges every day, but we're firm believers that there's a solution to every hurdle we encounter. And while some drayage businesses implement a reactive approach, RelyEx customers choose us for our proactive mindset. We take pride in solving your company's drayage challenges to help you avoid frustrating fees, missed expectations, and delayed shipments. We strive to make every transaction successful and streamlined by partnering with shippers who prioritize transparent, prompt, and accurate communication.
RelyEx approaches your business from the customer's perspective - a unique approach that helps us provide high-quality, effective drayage services. We've been in the customers' shoes, know their pain points, and because of that, provide first-hand solutions to stressful supply chain issues. With over 30 years of collective knowledge, our team excels in:
Our varied, high-level drayage shipping experience helps us achieve our overarching goal: expertly managing your freight movement needs. That way, you can direct your time and focus on growing the core aspects of your business while we handle the heavy lifting. Throw in proactive planning to avoid bottleneck situations and strong communication for transparent customer relations, and you can see why so many companies trust RelyEx.
When it comes to shipping logistics, it only takes one mistake by a mediocre worker to disrupt your business. That's why, at RelyEx, we pride ourselves on forming and nurturing relationships with carriers who match our standards of care. Our founding partner started his career transporting freight for companies as an on-demand carrier. He uses that knowledge to maximize the resources of our carriers so that our customer's expectations aren't just met - they're exceeded.
Based in the port city of Portland, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.
Customers choose RelyEx because:
Some drayage brokers don't care how customers feel about their service as long as they sign a contract and get paid. As a solutions-oriented team, RelyEx takes the opposite approach. We're motivated by the opportunity to overachieve for our customers and to provide them with the best logistics experience possible. With professional experience as carriers and shippers ourselves, we know the roadblocks and challenges you're facing. We excel at mapping out the best plans of action to solve those problems. But that's just the start.
Our tracking experts monitor and manage every aspect of your drayage shipment from booking to delivery, 24/7. Once booked, we look for the availability of your containers hourly once they're at port. When they arrive, our team acts quickly to access your storage containers when they're available.
Plus, RelyEx ensures your company's requirements are met by the carrier during loading and delivery and provide necessary documentation as fast as possible. With real-time tracking updates and access to our customer service professionals, your team has complete visibility throughout the shipping process.
Over the years, RelyEx has built a strong network of drayage carriers, transloading locations, and container storage spaces to provide you with the best possible options to match your drayage service needs. We know that searching for quality service presents an added layer of complexity and stress to our customers. That's why we work hard to take that off your plate by connecting you with our reliable shipping partners.
With a background moving freight as an on-demand carrier, our founding partner understands how to maximize the resources and equipment of our carriers to match your needs.
Like other industries, the global logistics space is complex. Mistakes will be made, and problems will happen. With those truths in mind, RelyEx has built its reputation as problem solvers. Unlike other drayage companies, we don't shy away from this industry's complexities because we take pride in solving problems. Even better, we aim to do what's needed to avoid those problems altogether.
As your logistics partner, we will provide your company with accurate, transparent, and prompt communication. If there are unexpected issues, we'll notify you immediately and will provide several options to remedy the problem. We even offer custom reporting for large clients who need at-the-moment updates and quick access to shipment documentation.
Why let the unpredictability of your industry dictate your success? With a background working in manufacturing, our founders are familiar with the demands of managing production schedules and sales orders. That experience makes it abundantly clear to us that every business and industry is different. If you struggle with seasonal surges or other factors, our team supports your business with a mapped-out plan and schedule, so you stay ahead of the game.
QUOTE REQUESTBased in the port city of Portland, RelyEx has a keen understanding of the challenges of managing the inbound and outbound flow of containers. Our team of container drayage experts provides your business with unique solutions to nuanced shipping problems, minimizing demurrage and ensuring the successful delivery of your freight.
Demurrage is a charge issued by a port, carrier, or railroad company for storing containers that do not load and unload their cargo promptly. Once the daily limit of free time is exceeded, shippers are charged daily demurrage fees until their cargo is shipped. Though different ports have different policies, charges can range from $75 to $150 per container, per day, for a set number of days. Additional demurrage fees are incurred if a shipper exceeds the port's parameters.
Even when shippers maintain a tight schedule for unloading freight, external factors can play an uncontrollable part. Typically, shipping mistakes caused by human error trigger the most demurrage charges. Some of the most common causes of demurrage include:
Typically, shippers need four specific documents to clear shipments through customs: A Bill of Lading (or BOL), a commercial invoice, a packing list, and an arrival notice. Seasoned drayage brokers like RelyEx are used to preparing these documents, but new shippers tend to miss this step due to inexperience.
If a shipper only pays for part of their shipment, a vessel operator may refuse to release their freight until their bill is fully paid. Payment delays lead to cargo detention at the port of entry, which triggers demurrage charges.
QUOTE REQUESTPaperwork is needed when you're shipping goods with a drayage company. When documents like the Certificate of Origin or Bill of Lading arrive at their destination late, you can expect demurrage fees. RelyEx avoids this situation entirely by being proactive when submitting paperwork.
Additional causes for demurrage fees can include:
At RelyEx, we know first-hand how stressful supply chain problems can be for business owners. Though drayage shipping might seem minor on the surface, it affects every stage of your shipping process. And when inevitable hurdles manifest, RelyEx propels you over the proverbial roadblocks with a proactive mindset and a passion for challenging projects. We believe that all problems have a solution, and our unique vantage point allows us to provide first-hand solutions to customers in a wide array of industries.
When it comes to your business, don't settle for anything less than RelyEx. Contact our office today to learn more about how we make your shipping experience streamlined and stress-free.
843-885-3082Portland loves its baked goods. And pie — that magical amalgamation of pastry stuffed with fruit or meat, baked to warm, flaky perfection — is no exception. Portland, a city known for its seasonal fruits and vegetables, is home to a number of pie cafes that feature Oregon produce between their crusts, from summer marionberry to fall apple. Dedicated to the best pies and pie shops, the map below serves some of Portland’s most exce...
Portland loves its baked goods. And pie — that magical amalgamation of pastry stuffed with fruit or meat, baked to warm, flaky perfection — is no exception. Portland, a city known for its seasonal fruits and vegetables, is home to a number of pie cafes that feature Oregon produce between their crusts, from summer marionberry to fall apple. Dedicated to the best pies and pie shops, the map below serves some of Portland’s most exceptional slices and whole pies; these include sweet pies filled with fruit, cream, and/or nuts, as well as savory pies that cram as much meat as possible between two golden crusts. Note that crumbles, tarts, and cakes (including cheesecake) may receive some sort of recognition, but only if the shop already nails its pie. For more pastries, feel free to peruse our bakery map.
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.
Originally a St. Johns pie cart, Paiku now serves its sweet, savory, and occasionally game-filled pies in a roomy cafe space in the North Portland neighborhood. Its rustic fruit pies, with flavors like apple and blueberry, consistently delight, but it’s really all about this cafe’s hard-to-find varieties, like the old school Italian Easter pie with Olympia Provisions ham and salami. The shop’s nut pies, like honey almond and chocolate walnut, are no slouch, either.
This quaint neighborhood coffee shop always offers a wide selection of pies, both by the slice and whole, all visible in a glass case by the cashier. Varieties include Oregon berry, butterscotch, and lemon cream, but the true standout is the key lime pie, with beautifully piped stars of whipped cream and slices of lime. All pies can also be ordered in advance.
Lined with chic subway tile, Kim Boyce’s iconic bakery is known for its whole grain pastry, and the fruit hand pies regularly available in the bakery often feature seasonal ingredients and whole grain flour, whether spelt or wheat. Slices are less common, but you can order individual hand pies and whole pies, like the fall-vibed brown butter apple hand pie, at the shop on the weekends.
Specializing in individual-sized pies, The Pie Spot’s tiny, cutesy cafe offers a fun alternative to the slice, in flavors like s’mores, brown butter pecan, and blueberry ginger. Plus, the restaurant offers killer pot pies, bacon jam hand pies, and quiches for lunchers. Gluten-free options are available, though the kitchen is not 100 percent gluten-free.
Making standout pies within Portland’s crowded gluten-free and vegan scene, owner Lisa Clark churns out flavors like marionberry hazelnut and apple crumb amid her charming cafe’s gleaming white countertops, wood beams, and exposed brick walls. Any given day, diners can pop in for slices of sour-cherry-peach or bumble berry peach pie, loaded with marionberries, raspberries, blueberries, and peaches with a layer of hazelnut and coconut, as well as seasonal slices. Those interested can also pre-order whole pies online.
Other than Lauretta Jean’s, Bipartisan Cafe is one of the most reliable spots for a mid-week slice with a range of options. Operating in Montavilla since 2005, Bipartisan serves a selection of handmade standbys like marionberry and chocolate silk in a space with classic Portland coffeeshop vibes. With slices and whole pies in vegan and gluten-free varieties, the bakery accommodates all, and will make custom pies based on customer preference. Orders are accepted by phone and in-person.
This casual, cheery Aussie-inspired café is a one-stop shop featuring both savory and sweet pies. After a hearty beef-and-mushroom pie or a curried vegetable pasty, pros know to finish with a slice of tangy whiskey-apple or a silky chocolate-peanut butter cream pie. Pacific Pie Company also offers frozen pies that you bake at home in a self-serve refrigerated case.
For those who rank, this homey spot is easily one of the city’s top three pie shops, if not Portland’s best: The crusts are always crisp and the fillings fresh. Lauretta Jean’s is a leader in both summery and holiday-vibed pies — the sweet potato marshmallow meringue screams Thanksgiving, while the coconut Key lime tastes like Fourth of July in Florida. Kate McMillen particularly shines with her cream pies, as well as the standout salted honey pie. Order pies by-the-slice or whole pies from the pie window on Division, or pre-order pies online.
Baker Julie Richardson built her reputation on fresh fruit hand pies sold at farmers markets back in 1998. Today, she makes seasonal pre-ordered whole pies (frozen or fully baked), tartlets, and hand pies at this Hillsdale bakery. Go-tos include the jammy tayberry hand-pies and the intricate pecan tart, though flavors rotate; for pre-ordered pies, customers can call in orders with 24 hours notice or order online.
This old school spot is known for its pies and desserts, with Oregon-centric flavors like marionberry and blueberry-gooseberry. For the holidays, the apple mincemeat pie and sweet potato pie are a long-standing tradition in many Portland homes, which folks can order via email or by calling.
This Tigard-area diner has been a neighborhood standby for a cup of coffee and a slice of fruit pie since the ’70s. Here, the strawberry pies are glistening domes of red, the cream pies — from peanut butter to banana — are luscious and nostalgic, and the mixed berry pie is encased in a golden, toasty crust. The real move is to start with the restaurant’s chicken pot pie, the platonic idea of comfort food.
Originally a St. Johns pie cart, Paiku now serves its sweet, savory, and occasionally game-filled pies in a roomy cafe space in the North Portland neighborhood. Its rustic fruit pies, with flavors like apple and blueberry, consistently delight, but it’s really all about this cafe’s hard-to-find varieties, like the old school Italian Easter pie with Olympia Provisions ham and salami. The shop’s nut pies, like honey almond and chocolate walnut, are no slouch, either.
This quaint neighborhood coffee shop always offers a wide selection of pies, both by the slice and whole, all visible in a glass case by the cashier. Varieties include Oregon berry, butterscotch, and lemon cream, but the true standout is the key lime pie, with beautifully piped stars of whipped cream and slices of lime. All pies can also be ordered in advance.
Lined with chic subway tile, Kim Boyce’s iconic bakery is known for its whole grain pastry, and the fruit hand pies regularly available in the bakery often feature seasonal ingredients and whole grain flour, whether spelt or wheat. Slices are less common, but you can order individual hand pies and whole pies, like the fall-vibed brown butter apple hand pie, at the shop on the weekends.
Specializing in individual-sized pies, The Pie Spot’s tiny, cutesy cafe offers a fun alternative to the slice, in flavors like s’mores, brown butter pecan, and blueberry ginger. Plus, the restaurant offers killer pot pies, bacon jam hand pies, and quiches for lunchers. Gluten-free options are available, though the kitchen is not 100 percent gluten-free.
Making standout pies within Portland’s crowded gluten-free and vegan scene, owner Lisa Clark churns out flavors like marionberry hazelnut and apple crumb amid her charming cafe’s gleaming white countertops, wood beams, and exposed brick walls. Any given day, diners can pop in for slices of sour-cherry-peach or bumble berry peach pie, loaded with marionberries, raspberries, blueberries, and peaches with a layer of hazelnut and coconut, as well as seasonal slices. Those interested can also pre-order whole pies online.
Other than Lauretta Jean’s, Bipartisan Cafe is one of the most reliable spots for a mid-week slice with a range of options. Operating in Montavilla since 2005, Bipartisan serves a selection of handmade standbys like marionberry and chocolate silk in a space with classic Portland coffeeshop vibes. With slices and whole pies in vegan and gluten-free varieties, the bakery accommodates all, and will make custom pies based on customer preference. Orders are accepted by phone and in-person.
This casual, cheery Aussie-inspired café is a one-stop shop featuring both savory and sweet pies. After a hearty beef-and-mushroom pie or a curried vegetable pasty, pros know to finish with a slice of tangy whiskey-apple or a silky chocolate-peanut butter cream pie. Pacific Pie Company also offers frozen pies that you bake at home in a self-serve refrigerated case.
For those who rank, this homey spot is easily one of the city’s top three pie shops, if not Portland’s best: The crusts are always crisp and the fillings fresh. Lauretta Jean’s is a leader in both summery and holiday-vibed pies — the sweet potato marshmallow meringue screams Thanksgiving, while the coconut Key lime tastes like Fourth of July in Florida. Kate McMillen particularly shines with her cream pies, as well as the standout salted honey pie. Order pies by-the-slice or whole pies from the pie window on Division, or pre-order pies online.
Baker Julie Richardson built her reputation on fresh fruit hand pies sold at farmers markets back in 1998. Today, she makes seasonal pre-ordered whole pies (frozen or fully baked), tartlets, and hand pies at this Hillsdale bakery. Go-tos include the jammy tayberry hand-pies and the intricate pecan tart, though flavors rotate; for pre-ordered pies, customers can call in orders with 24 hours notice or order online.
This old school spot is known for its pies and desserts, with Oregon-centric flavors like marionberry and blueberry-gooseberry. For the holidays, the apple mincemeat pie and sweet potato pie are a long-standing tradition in many Portland homes, which folks can order via email or by calling.
This Tigard-area diner has been a neighborhood standby for a cup of coffee and a slice of fruit pie since the ’70s. Here, the strawberry pies are glistening domes of red, the cream pies — from peanut butter to banana — are luscious and nostalgic, and the mixed berry pie is encased in a golden, toasty crust. The real move is to start with the restaurant’s chicken pot pie, the platonic idea of comfort food.
Portland is a town with plenty of fish and seafood, thanks to its access to various rivers and proximity to the ocean; however, East Coast expats often find themselves craving the quintessential New England staple, the lobster roll, with very few sources of relief. Because lobsters primarily scuttle around the waters of the North Atlantic, Pacific Northwestern seafood aficionados often prefer the more local alternative of Dungeness crab rolls or bay shrimp rolls — but firm-yet-tender, sweet and briny lobster cannot be substituted when ...
Portland is a town with plenty of fish and seafood, thanks to its access to various rivers and proximity to the ocean; however, East Coast expats often find themselves craving the quintessential New England staple, the lobster roll, with very few sources of relief. Because lobsters primarily scuttle around the waters of the North Atlantic, Pacific Northwestern seafood aficionados often prefer the more local alternative of Dungeness crab rolls or bay shrimp rolls — but firm-yet-tender, sweet and briny lobster cannot be substituted when the mood strikes. The good news: A number of local carts and restaurants have started serving their version of the quintessential East Coast sandwich, whether it’s served hot with butter (a.k.a. Connecticut-style) or cold with mayo (typical of Maine). And of course, because it’s Portland, a few chefs have even gotten a little creative with their versions, topping the roll with shaved truffle or buttermilk powder.
Below, we dive into the lobster roll offerings available in greater Portland, served out of carts, seafood shacks, and grocery stores around town. Note that the city is home to a few roaming lobster carts to catch — Cousins Maine Lobster travels around greater Portland throughout the week, from Wilsonville to Troutdale, and is worth tracking down if none of the spots on this list strike your fancy. For more seafood, this map should help.
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.
Lobster Dogs laughs in the face of the great butter vs. mayo debate, insisting diners can have it both ways. A swipe of mayo is applied inside their toasted split-top bun, and the lobster roll is drizzled with warm butter. Seafood lovers will appreciate the “ultimate dog,” which contains lobster, crab, and shrimp. Each order comes with a bag of chips. This North Carolina-based chain expanded to Portland this spring, popping up at local businesses in and around Portland in its roving food cart. For a weekly schedule, visit the cart’s Instagram page.
This local grocer has one of the most picnic-friendly lobster rolls you can find in town — order at the deli, where they will be conveniently boxed up and ready to accompany on-the-go diners along with grab-and-go sides, desserts, and drinks. The roll boasts a quarter-pound of North Atlantic lobster tossed with mayo, lemon juice, and herbs and includes a crisp leaf of butter lettuce to minimize bun sogginess for later consumption. Something to note: this lobster roll is available at all Zupan’s locations only on Fridays, starting at 10 a.m.
Chef Alexander Diestra, formerly of Andina, now runs this waterfront seafood restaurant within the Riverplace hotel. His take on the lobster roll doesn’t shy away from the seafood-salad model, pairing the lobster with crunchy complements like red onions and celery. The touch of dill doesn’t overpower the lobster, but adds a nice dimension to the overall roll; the sweetness of the kewpie in the mix plays off the shellfish’s natural sweetness. It all arrives on a brioche bun, paired with fries.
At this coastal-inspired restaurant, large chunks of lobster are mixed in with Dungeness crab, fines herbes, and yuzu aioli before the mixture is nestled on a thick, house-baked brioche roll. For extra decadence and extra bursts of umami, the whole thing is finished with a smattering of trout roe. Round out your meal with some oysters or fries and a glass of sparkling wine.
In Portland, Maine, the brown butter lobster roll at Eventide Oyster Company changed the game when it came to an inventive, bite-sized take on the classic. Câche Câche, tucked behind the Lil’ America pod in Southeast Portland, may offer the West Coast Portland’s version of that roll, bite-sized and truly creative in its approach. A toasty square of brioche, nutty with brown butter, arrives with a wallet slit stuffed with juicy lobster meat, tossed in aioli with just a hint of tarragon for a French touch. But to give the lobster some acidity without watering down the mix, chef John Denison finishes the roll with a dusting of sweet cream buttermilk powder. It’s exceptionally well executed without losing sight of the source material.
Petite lobster buns are regularly rotated on-and-off the menu at this charming seafood destination on Southeast Clinton. Cold, creamy lobster salad meets a warm butter-basted, crunchy-on-the-outside steam bun for a match made in heaven. Time your meal right and start off with dollar oysters, served every day from 5 to 6 p.m.
Chef Spencer Ivankoe’s lobster roll is a bit of a twist — his cafe uses Maine lobster for its Connecticut-style lobster rolls. Fans of garlic and butter will be especially satisfied by this roll, which also comes in a deluxe version crowned with sea urchin and shaved French truffles. The restaurant’s lobster roll Wednesdays are a steal — $20 gets diners a lobster roll and a mimosa, orange or grapefruit. Or, opt for the trio of rolls, a sampler of Maine lobster, Dungeness crab, and Oregon bay shrimp.
What started as a Washington food cart has become a Camas seafood house, with a focus on Midcoast Maine seafood. That means the shop’s take on a lobster roll is straight out of Rockland — A large, buttery roll, stuffed with fresh lobster tossed in little more than a little mayo. New England expats missing home, this is the closest you’re going to get. For something a little more bite-sized, opt for the slider.
Lobster Dogs laughs in the face of the great butter vs. mayo debate, insisting diners can have it both ways. A swipe of mayo is applied inside their toasted split-top bun, and the lobster roll is drizzled with warm butter. Seafood lovers will appreciate the “ultimate dog,” which contains lobster, crab, and shrimp. Each order comes with a bag of chips. This North Carolina-based chain expanded to Portland this spring, popping up at local businesses in and around Portland in its roving food cart. For a weekly schedule, visit the cart’s Instagram page.
This local grocer has one of the most picnic-friendly lobster rolls you can find in town — order at the deli, where they will be conveniently boxed up and ready to accompany on-the-go diners along with grab-and-go sides, desserts, and drinks. The roll boasts a quarter-pound of North Atlantic lobster tossed with mayo, lemon juice, and herbs and includes a crisp leaf of butter lettuce to minimize bun sogginess for later consumption. Something to note: this lobster roll is available at all Zupan’s locations only on Fridays, starting at 10 a.m.
Chef Alexander Diestra, formerly of Andina, now runs this waterfront seafood restaurant within the Riverplace hotel. His take on the lobster roll doesn’t shy away from the seafood-salad model, pairing the lobster with crunchy complements like red onions and celery. The touch of dill doesn’t overpower the lobster, but adds a nice dimension to the overall roll; the sweetness of the kewpie in the mix plays off the shellfish’s natural sweetness. It all arrives on a brioche bun, paired with fries.
At this coastal-inspired restaurant, large chunks of lobster are mixed in with Dungeness crab, fines herbes, and yuzu aioli before the mixture is nestled on a thick, house-baked brioche roll. For extra decadence and extra bursts of umami, the whole thing is finished with a smattering of trout roe. Round out your meal with some oysters or fries and a glass of sparkling wine.
In Portland, Maine, the brown butter lobster roll at Eventide Oyster Company changed the game when it came to an inventive, bite-sized take on the classic. Câche Câche, tucked behind the Lil’ America pod in Southeast Portland, may offer the West Coast Portland’s version of that roll, bite-sized and truly creative in its approach. A toasty square of brioche, nutty with brown butter, arrives with a wallet slit stuffed with juicy lobster meat, tossed in aioli with just a hint of tarragon for a French touch. But to give the lobster some acidity without watering down the mix, chef John Denison finishes the roll with a dusting of sweet cream buttermilk powder. It’s exceptionally well executed without losing sight of the source material.
Petite lobster buns are regularly rotated on-and-off the menu at this charming seafood destination on Southeast Clinton. Cold, creamy lobster salad meets a warm butter-basted, crunchy-on-the-outside steam bun for a match made in heaven. Time your meal right and start off with dollar oysters, served every day from 5 to 6 p.m.
Chef Spencer Ivankoe’s lobster roll is a bit of a twist — his cafe uses Maine lobster for its Connecticut-style lobster rolls. Fans of garlic and butter will be especially satisfied by this roll, which also comes in a deluxe version crowned with sea urchin and shaved French truffles. The restaurant’s lobster roll Wednesdays are a steal — $20 gets diners a lobster roll and a mimosa, orange or grapefruit. Or, opt for the trio of rolls, a sampler of Maine lobster, Dungeness crab, and Oregon bay shrimp.
What started as a Washington food cart has become a Camas seafood house, with a focus on Midcoast Maine seafood. That means the shop’s take on a lobster roll is straight out of Rockland — A large, buttery roll, stuffed with fresh lobster tossed in little more than a little mayo. New England expats missing home, this is the closest you’re going to get. For something a little more bite-sized, opt for the slider.
Residents, property owners and our business community are an essential part of helping the city rebound quickly after a storm. Emergency resources, winter weather basics for residents and businesses, and how the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) prepares for and responds to winter weather.On this pageHow to get emergency informationWhat you need to know now in the event of a winter storm.ROAD CLO...
Residents, property owners and our business community are an essential part of helping the city rebound quickly after a storm. Emergency resources, winter weather basics for residents and businesses, and how the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) prepares for and responds to winter weather.
On this page
What you need to know now in the event of a winter storm.
ROAD CLOSURES Current PBOT winter weather road closures and chain advisories. To report road hazards, call PBOT Maintenance emergency dispatch 24/7 at 503-823-1700
WINTER WEATHER CENTER Interactive map showing PBOT’s snow and ice routes, where we deploy salt, as well as real-time traffic, weather, road closure, and plow information.
PUBLIC ALERTS Sign up for emergency notifications via text, email, or phone from regional agencies including PBOT, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), TriMet, and Multnomah County.
ODOT’s TripCheckWeather and road conditions for area highways as well as U.S. and state routes in Portland such as:
MULTNOMAH COUNTY Bridge closures and county road closures.
GET HOME SAFE: Snow and Ice Travel Tips How to plan ahead for winter weather, plus essential tips for taking transit, walking, biking, and driving in winter weather.
PBOT NOTIFICATIONS Choose the PBOT notifications you want to receive via email or text including news releases, traffic advisories, and winter weather information.
...and be sure to follow @PBOTInfo on all social media. Visit PBOT on Facebook or follow @PBOTInfo on X (formerly known as Twitter) for news, alerts, road closures, advisories and more during winter weather.
Residents, property owners and our business community are an essential part of helping the city rebound quickly after a storm. Clearing sidewalks and other pathways of snow and ice is vital for everyone who relies on public transit in winter weather, as well as for seniors and people with disabilities. Make sure your family and your fellow employees have a plan to get home safe and that you check on vulnerable neighbors who may need assistance, supplies, or medication.
PBOT is ready to respond to weather emergencies 24/7. A single storm can produce wildly different road conditions throughout the city based on timing, weather patterns, and geography. Moisture and cold temperature combine in myriad ways to create hazardous conditions on our roads. Here’s how we prepare and respond in all conditions.
Find out about winter weather services including:
..by visiting the city's Winter weather and City of Portland services page
Downtown Portland is well served by TriMet, the city’s public light rail, Portland Streetcar and bus system.Portland’s compact, walkable downtown offers easy access to great food, green spaces, cultural offerings, tax-free shopping and seemingly endless things to do. Browse the Rose City’s most diverse mix of retail brands, see a show and grab a bite at a food cart or fine restaurant — all convenien...
Downtown Portland is well served by TriMet, the city’s public light rail, Portland Streetcar and bus system.
Portland’s compact, walkable downtown offers easy access to great food, green spaces, cultural offerings, tax-free shopping and seemingly endless things to do. Browse the Rose City’s most diverse mix of retail brands, see a show and grab a bite at a food cart or fine restaurant — all conveniently located in downtown Portland.
The city center offers easy access to shopping, entertainment, culture —and other districts, making downtown Portland a natural jumping-off point for visits to the city. Downtown is home to more than 35 hotels, from independent boutiques to big-name shopping brands. With a direct MAX light rail connection to Portland International Airport, Portland Streetcar service, and short, walkable blocks, downtown is great for a car-free stay.
Coffee connoisseurs select from a hand-written menu of single-origin, house-roasted beans at Courier Coffee Bar. Once you’ve made your choice, baristas grind the beans right in front of you to prepare a perfect pour-over into a steaming mason jar. Never short on local-roasted coffee, for award-winning single-origin coffee, visit the green wall at Coava Coffee for an urban escape after wandering the city center.
Flying Elephants, a Portland-local chain across from Director Park, offers deli fare from a fresh salad or sandwich with classic pastries to sate the sweet tooth. For a modern and romantic experience, head to Q Restaurant & Bar with electric menus featuring dishes inspired by Pacific Northwest cuisine.
As the evening winds down, relax into a leather armchair at Multnomah Whiskey Library, where expert staff offers recommendations from 1,500 available spirits. Count on a line to get in; downstairs, The Green Room serves as a sophisticated (and thirst-quenching) waiting area.
Museums, parks, sports arenas, shopping, and theaters; these attractions in downtown Portland are enough to keep any traveler busy for days. Known as Portland’s living room, Pioneer Courthouse Square is a gathering space where most days, you can see people enjoying their lunch breaks or taking a beat from exploring the city. From food carts to art installations and performances, The Square is a must-see.
Walk along the South Park Blocks, a green strip spanning 12 city blocks ending at the campus of Portland State University, to discover public art, the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Historical Society, and seasonally, the Portland Farmers Market at PSU, in the heart of Downtown’s cultural hub.
Take in some music -folk, jazz, a hundred flavors of indie rock, soul, singer-songwriter- at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, a historic Portland music hall that remains among the most vital and central venues in the city. It features high ceilings, a balcony, grand chandeliers, wide, arched windows, and “floors that bounce.” The ballroom complex includes Lola’s Room, a much smaller venue and bar on the second floor beneath the ballroom. Ringlers Pub is on the street level, featuring beer from the Crystal Brewery. And the Crystal Hotel is nearby, with its own restaurant and music venue.
Parisian-style shopping at Union Way provides only in-Portland shopping. This sleek arcade houses iconic local brands like Danner, the iconic Oregon boot brand, which has opened its first-ever stand-alone retail shop in the alley. Also, find trendy denim boutique Self Edge and if you need a sweet treat after shopping, try Wailua Shave Ice.
Nearby boutiques Frances May, Pinkham Millinery, and Tender Loving Empire feature local designers and artisans, while Woonwinkel offers a curated selection of housewares and jewelry from local and international artists.
Step into WILDFANG, a bastion of tomboy fashion, beloved by celebrities like Janelle Monae and Kristen Stewart for its feminist T-shirts and gender-binary-breaking collection of blazers, bow ties, and button-ups.
Central city’s premier shopping center, Pioneer Place boasts more than 75 stores, including H&M, Apple, and J. Crew. (Did we mention that all shopping in Oregon is tax-free?)
There's a lot more to Portland's urban core than Downtown, a center for retail, restaurants and cultural attractions. Goose Hollow is home to Providence Park soccer stadium, while the Pearl District is famous for upscale bars, boutiques and galleries. Old Town Chinatown offers streetwear shops, Saturday Market and Lan Su Chinese Garden and Northwest/Nob Hill boasts shopping, dining and access to Forest Park and the historic Pittock Mansion. East of the Willamette River, the Central Eastside offers family-friendly attractions, shopping and nightlife, while Lloyd is home to the Oregon Convention Center and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Whether you’re new to chile crisp (read on!) or obsessed, we’ve got answers: we pitted Lao Gan Ma and Fly By Jing against local brands. By Katherine Chew Hamilton November 14, 2023 It’s only been a few years since commercially made chile crisp entered the mainstream American supermarket, but since then, its popularity has spread like hot chile wildfire. In case you’re unfamiliar: there’s no ...
Whether you’re new to chile crisp (read on!) or obsessed, we’ve got answers: we pitted Lao Gan Ma and Fly By Jing against local brands.
By Katherine Chew Hamilton November 14, 2023
It’s only been a few years since commercially made chile crisp entered the mainstream American supermarket, but since then, its popularity has spread like hot chile wildfire. In case you’re unfamiliar: there’s no vinegar in chile crisp like you’d find in a hot sauce. Chile oil and chile crisp are similar, but chile crisp has a higher ratio of particles to oil, including not just chiles but ingredients like onions and garlic, which remain crispy even after they’re drenched in hot oil during the cooking process. Worldwide megabrand Lao Gan Ma launched in China in 1997, while Fly By Jing, an Instagram-viral brand, launched via Kickstarter in 2018. It’s hard to imagine life before chile crisp. What other condiment works just as well on eggs, rice, and avocado toast as it does on dumplings or even soft-serve ice cream, delivering not just on flavor, but also texture?
We tried several small brands from Portland and the Bay Area alongside Lao Gan Ma, Fly By Jing, and Trader Joe’s, all served on white rice with fluffy scrambled eggs. Read on to find our favorite.
This Cambodian-style chile crisp is made in Oakland, California, using a recipe from Mama Teav herself, a Cambodian refugee whose son and daughter founded the business after years of working in restaurants. Testers loved the big, audibly crunchy pieces of garlic and the assertive heat. It was the unanimous favorite. It’s the second-most expensive we tried, at $16 for six ounces, and we think it’s well worth the splurge.
The Flavor Society Pizza Chili Crunch
We were curious how this Portland-made chile crisp could taste like pizza, absent any tomato sauce or dough. Yet it came surprisingly close. “Is that pepperoni?” one tester asked. A glance at the ingredients reveals herbs, garlic, onion, and paprika, plus yeast extract for a wallop of umami. All testers loved its unique flavor and would happily put it on rice, eggs, or avocado toast, though it might overpower more delicate flavors. If you’re looking for spice, though, you won’t find it in this one. It’s also on the pricey side at $15 for six ounces.
While not technically a chile crisp, this Portland-made Good Food Award winner packs a concentrated, spicy punch, with intriguing depth of flavor. We tasted lots of sweet, caramelized onion, plus a hit of ginger. All our testers reached for more water to cool the spice. “That’s quite good,” remarked a tester.
Lao Gan Ma Chili Oil with Black Bean
Our food editor keeps this stocked in her fridge for its all-purpose, hot-but-not-too-hot flavor and low price. (We spotted it at $3.29 for a 9.88-ounce jar.) The black beans give it a hit of salty, funky umami, while the spice is present but not overwhelming. Try it on eggs, meat, rice, noodles, or—as the viral Internet suggests—vanilla ice cream.
Hot Mama Salsa Smoky Coffee Chili Oil
We loved the smoky, toasty notes of this Portland-made version. It’s moderately spicy, and it also has a hint of nuttiness thanks to sesame seeds. The coffee makes it especially appropriate for breakfast; we’d happily put it on eggs and bacon.
Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp
You’ve undoubtedly seen ads for Fly By Jing all over Instagram—yet our testers were unimpressed, finding it both too salty and not particularly crispy. Some testers also weren’t fans of the pronounced spices, which included coriander and mushroom powder. What makes this chile oil stand out: it’s the only one we tried that had Sichuan peppercorn in it, giving it a pleasant tingliness. At $17 for six ounces, it was the priciest chile crisp we tried.
Trader Joe’s Crunchy Chili Onion
While we appreciated the crunchy texture, we found the chile taste barely present, while the onion and garlic overwhelmed the flavor profile. The result is bland, boring, and almost gritty. We were also a little thrown off by the choice to use olive oil as the base (others use neutral oils like grapeseed oil, soybean oil, or peanut oil).