Voodoo vs. Blue Star

In contrast with Portland, not many cities can say that one of their main points of tourism revolves around donuts. One thing many PDX tourists don’t know: Portland natives are just as fond of a different brand of donut that's not Voodoo. 

Blue Star Donuts is essentially the Salt & Straw of its field with an offering of mostly experimental flavors. Blue Star donuts are seen as “specialty donuts” (made from a classic French brioche recipe). Downside: Blue Star donuts average about $3 a pop. Still, the next time you look into that pink Voodoo box, you might wish that your maple bacon donut was actually blueberry bourbon basil or passion fruit cocoa.

Sounders FC vs. Timbers

Seattle is one of the words you will hear the least in Portland, except during the soccer season. Indeed, chants of “F#*! Seattle” radiate out of Providence Park without any conscious understanding of the masses of children also in attendance. Still, Portland soccer fanatics are sure about one thing: Seattle can’t win. After all, they already have the Space Needle. 

West Side vs. East Side

The West Side of Portland is Portland’s city center where tourists fight their way through Powells, Voodoo Donuts, Pioneer Square, and impressive architectural enclaves like the Pearl District and the charming area around NW 23rd Street. However, a photo of the East Side is what represents Portland on Airbnb.

Being the harbinger of Portland’s craftsman, hip suburb aesthetic, Portland’s East Side is where cars are still relevant and business suits are almost unwelcome. If the West Side is Manhattan, the East Side is Brooklyn. Do you prefer the hustle and bustle of downtown or that front porch couch where you have your IPA at your side? 

Drinking vs. Pot Culture

Oregon is a state in an interesting position when it comes to adult substances. With both recreational marijuana and a nationally relevant beer scene, there has never been more of a contrast between Oregon's lovable stoners and Oregon's fast-talking, mustached IPA enthusiasts. Though it is not necessary to choose between the two poisons, local Portland marijuana-related events (where pot is handed out for free) are potentially stealing business from all of the breweries and bars embedded around town. 

Heart vs. Stumptown

What is black, white, and successful all over? Black coffee in a white mug produced in Portland. Portland's third wave coffee scene is alive and booming, but that doesn't mean there isn't some inner city competition. Stumptown and Heart, two of Portland's premiere in-house roasters, are a little too similar. Both have locations on the East and West Side (Stumptown even has locations in NYC, Seattle, and Los Angeles), unusually hip and attractive employees, and not necessarily ideal prices. 

Powells vs. Elliot Bay

Seattle and Portland have a lot in common: they both hate eachother. Though this last sentiment is probably not entirely true, the two biggest cities in the United States' cut of the Pacific Northwest do tend to feel strongly towards one another. Case in point: Powells is the biggest used bookstore in the region and Elliot Bay Books is possibly the cutest one. They are both staples of tourism in their respective cities and both hold special places in local hearts. Also, both have a national following with websites that deliver everywhere, spreading their national influences.

Ruby Jewel vs. Salt&Straw

As with third wave coffee and donuts, Portland has made a national name for itself with its local ice cream industry. Salt & Straw, the ice cream shop that considers the creation of new flavors like an experimental art exhibition, enticed Joe Biden to shut down an entire street just so he could visit during a recent trip. However, Ruby Jewel Scoops has one thing Salt & Straw doesn't: ice cream sandwiches that dominate local grocery stores and plague our workday imaginations. 

In-N-Out vs. Burgerville

California has In-N-Out (as well as some other states) and as it turns out, Oregon does now too. However, Oregon's only In-N-Out is in Medford and because all Oregonians depend on it, its walls (and buns) are nearly impossible to breach. After all, there were live tweets from news stations while waiting in line on opening day. However, Oregon does have its own fast food royalty: Burgerville. Burgerville is technically organic (take that In-N-Out) and its seasonal shakes take on more variety in flavor. 

PDX Beer vs. SD Beer

In a recent Yahoo travel article, the question of which city is the better beer city between Portland or San Diego was written in Portland's favor. Interestingly, the poll attached to the article had San Diego at 65% and Portland at 35%. Do more people in San Diego use Yahoo than in Portland?

There are 93 operating breweries in San Diego county (with 42 more breweries in planning) whereas there are 76 in the Portland metropolitan area alone. With more breweries per capita than any other city in America, Portland seems like it should be the winner, right? Then again, Portlanders can't exactly drink a fine IPA on a sunny beach. 

U of O vs. OSU

UO and OSU are two of Oregon's largest public colleges: though there are still clear differences between the two. UO is harder to get into, whereas OSU is cheaper. With rival sports teams and different geographical locations, these two respective schools (and towns) probably need each other more than they think. 

Crystal Ballroom vs. Moda

The Crystal Ballroom and the Moda Center are two of Portland's largest music venues. Both places rack up some of the best talent passing through town, but each has their own individual flavor. The Crystal Ballroom is a vintage building and tends to have more of a dance party element to it (e.g. 90s nights). The Moda Center is less intimate, but its size allows it to house sports games and political rallies in addition to musicians. 

Ducks vs. Huskies

The University of Oregon Ducks and the University of Washington Huskies entertain a historical rivalry when it comes to college football. Think Princeton vs. Harvard in the Pacific Northwest, or consider all of the Ducks memorabilia you see taped to your average Oregonian SUV. 

Cannon Beach vs. Astoria

So, you want to drive from Portland to the beach but you can't decide between visiting Cannon Beach or Astoria. Do you want to see the giant rock that designates Cannon Beach as a national postcard, or do you want to witness the mastery of the Astoria-Megler Bridge? Technically, you could hit both in one day, but in order to make more tangible the local flavor, it is usually best to set your sights on one or the other. 

Bishops vs. Modern Man

Portlanders love to drink, especially while they're receiving a haircut. Two romanticized local haircut chains are Bishops and The Modern Man. Bishops offers you a free beer (typically a Session or a PBR) during each visit, whereas The Modern Man pours you a shot of whiskey. 

L&C vs. Reed

Notable liberal arts schools are usually few and far between. It just so happens that Portland has two, valued liberal art institutions on its hands: Reed College (known for being weird) and Lewis and Clark College (also known for being weird). Though Reed has Renn Fayre (thought to be a drug-fueled utopia) and an East Coast demeanor, Lewis and Clark is consistently voted both a major school for stoners and an architectural gem due to its aesthetic. 

Portland vs. Austin

Portland, Oregon, being the bastion of liberalism that it is, wouldn't necessarily seem to have any connection with a city in conservative Texas, right? Wrong. Many Texans admit that there is Texas - and then there is Austin, Texas. Austin and Portland are both culturally hot "hipster" towns in America right now with notable music and food scenes, good tech sector jobs, rising rent/home prices, and many invading Californians. 

Sizzle Pie vs. Hot Lips

Sizzle Pie and Hot Lips are two of Portland's trendiest pizzerias. However, there are subtle - and noticeable differences. Sizzle Pie is open late (even until 4 AM on weekends) whereas Hot Lips closes at 10 PM. Hot Lips makes mimosas, Sizzle Pie has good local beer on tap. Sizzle Pie has good vegan options and Hot Lips specializes in using organic materials. 

Western OR vs. East OR

Do you prefer to live in a rainforest or a desert? Western Oregon is a temperate, coastal forest climate with fairly liberal politics. Eastern Oregon is dry and hot with a more conservative stance. 

E. Forest vs. Oaks Park

Enchanted Forest and Oaks Amusement Park are both inviting Sunday family attractions. Enchanted Forest, located near Salem, is fairy-tale themed with Disney-inspired rides to boot. Oaks Amusement Park is more of a traditional amusement park located in Portland. Both places traditionally attract a lot of in-state tourism, though it would be difficult to visit both in one day. 

Crater Lake vs. Tahoe

One of Oregon's top natural gifts is Crater Lake, which is especially popular for camping, hiking, and Instagram photos. However, when considering visitor popularity and physical depth, Crater Lake does have a bit of West Coast travel competition in the form of Lake Tahoe in California. Both spots are inspiring tourist attractions and a possible rivalry between these two camping spots does not help relieve additional tensions between Oregon and California. 

Japanese vs. Chin. Garden

Portland is home to two acclaimed East Asian-inspired gardens: the Portland Japanese Garden and the Lan Su Chinese Garden. The Portland Japanese Garden is nationally recognized for its authentic landscaping just like the Lan Su Chinese Garden, which was designed by Chinese artisans from Portland's sister city Suzhou. 

Screen Door vs. Mothers

Many of you are aware of Portland's title as "Brunchtown, U.S.A.." But out of two of the most popular brunch spots, Screen Door and Mother's Bistro, which one has the longer Saturday morning wait? Recently featured in the New York Times article "36 Hours in Portland, Ore.," Screen Door is bonified Portland restaurant royalty. Whatever line you choose to experience, it's likely that neither business will be too hurt by your absence. 

Hollywood vs Bagdad

What's better than watching new or classic movies in an antique theater? Old-fashioned movie theaters are all the rage in Portland, regardless of the age of the films being presented. The Hollywood Theater often accepts citizen input when choosing iconic movies to display, and it also participates in many film festivals. The Bagdad Theater, on the other hand, is more up-to-date with the latest in Hollywood cinema in addition to possessing a full-length bar. 

Alberta vs. Hawthorne

Unlike many other cities, Portland is mostly split up into streets as opposed to neighborhoods (at least on the East Side). Two of the most representative "hipster" streets are Hawthorne Boulevard in the SE and Alberta Street in NE Portland. Hawthorne is a bit more hippie and unlike Alberta, which is mostly centered around bars and restaurants, Hawthorne is more concerned with vintage clothing and furniture. 

Porque No v. Los Gorditos

Being a West Coast food capital, Oregon has plenty to offer in terms of Mexican cuisine. In Portland alone, citizens can choose between two specific favorites: Porque No and Los Gorditos. Los Gorditos is known for its more authentic taco shop vibes, reminiscent of those you would find nearer to the border. Porque No specializes more in flavorful cocktails, colorful walls, and kitschy decor.