Portland is a long way from pizza meccas like New York and Chicago, but in recent years, Portlanders have a few options for great pizza.
1. Apizza Scholls
4741 SE Hawthorne BlvdThin-crust, New York style pizza. One of the most addictive substances I've consumed in this city. There are rules at Apizza. You cannot call in an order. You cannot get more than one type of meat on your pie. The owner is very protective of the integrity of his pizza, but don't worry -- it's amazing.
2. Ken's Artisan Pizza
304 SE 28th Ave.Italian-style thin crust pizza that focuses on super-fresh, local ingredients. Crispy crust, lovely combinations, and winning salads, too. Ken's is worth the wait. And there's almost always a wait.
3. Wyeast
3131 SE 50th Ave.A food cart along a busy SE Portland street -- this place turns out incredible pies, one at a time. East-coast style (thin crust) with a limited list of toppings. These pies come in one size, and they'll feed two moderately hungry people.
4. Hot Lips
Various locations:SW 18th and Morrison
NE 33rd (at Killingsworth)
SE Hawthorne (at 22nd)
SW 6th (Near Hall)
NW 10th and Irving
This Portland-based chain puts a lot of love into their pizzas. Although they're expensive, the quality is quite high, and they do sell slices (which you can't get at many of the places on this list). Sometimes, the combinations are a bit wacky, so I generally opt for the plainer choices.
5. Escape from New York
622 NW 23rd AveBefore most of these gourmet places popped up, there was Escape from New York. It's a slice place: and it's set up much like an East Coast pie shop. No frills! The slices are a little greasy for some, but it's nothing a little blot of the napkin can't fix. YUM.