North Portland Restaurants - Where to Eat on N. Mississippi Avenue

1. Por Que No

Tacos are the star here, but Por Que No also makes other delicious Mexican dishes. Try the tamales and the Bryan's bowl, which is a lovely mixture of meat, rice, beans and sauce, served with tortillas or chips. Be prepared to wait in line and hover over people if there's no available tables.

2. Laughing Planet

3765 N. Mississippi Avenue

If fresh and healthy ingredients are your thing, Laughing Planet will make you a very happy person. The menu is made up of burritos and bowls (same ingredients, no tortilla) but the fare isn't exactly Mexican. Once you accept that, you'll appreciate the unique items, such as the Bubba, which includes turkey, beans, corn and BBQ sauce. Laughing Planet also offers plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, plus smoothies and baked goods.

3. Monsoon Thai

2436 N Mississippi Ave

Even though Portland is filled to the brim with Thai restaurants, this one is certainly worth trying. It's very casual—pick up your meal and bring it home or stop by for a midday lunch. It's reasonably priced, too. The noodle dishes are especially delicious. Be sure to ask for spicy if you want a bit of kick.

4. Trebol

Focusing on sustainable fare, the dishes on Trebol's menu stand out from other Mexican spots. Think upscale dishes like ceviche and spicy prawns more than tacos and burritos (but there is a taco sampler on the menu). The bar at Trebol also offers a Taco Tuesday deal as well as a "burger and beer" deal on Wednesdays.

5. Equinox

830 North Shaver Street (at the corner of Mississippi)

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in this bright, sunny space (great patio, too). The breakfast menu is most impressive (it includes scrambles, chilaquiles, and several egg sandwiches), and the restaurant caters to everyone from burger lovers to strict vegans. The inventive items at Equinox are always changing, so check the menus before you go.

6. Lovely Hula Hands

4057 N. Mississippi

You might think of Hawaiian food when you hear the name, but Lovely Hula Hands is really about local, seasonal ingredients, served in a setting reminiscent of an island getaway. The menu changes regularly but you'll usually find at least one fish, pork, chicken and vegetarian option. The burger is a standout.

7. Miss Delta

3950 N Mississippi Avenue

Fans of the Delta Cafe in SE Portland will be pleased with this North Portland outpost. Miss Delta serves up traditional Southern and New Orleans-inspired fare, from Po Boys to shrimp creole and yummy sides like mac 'n cheese and red beans and rice. Great cocktail menu, too!

8. Lupa

3955 N. Mississippi Ave.

In addition to being a restaurant and a wine bar, Lupa sells wine at retail, which really comes in handy if you're buying a bottle at dinner. The wine list focuses on Spanish and Italian selections, and food options include snacks and small plates like fried marcona almonds and a selection of meats and cheeses. Great for dates!

9. Gravy

3957 N Mississippi Ave

Big portions and spot-on prices make tables at Gravy worth waiting for on the weekends. Specializing in breakfast with a creative twist, Gravy's popular choices include biscuits and gravy (go figure), oatmeal brulee, and some super-delicious homefries. This place is kid-friendly, too, so bring 'em if you've got 'em.

10. The Fresh Pot

4001 N Mississippi Ave

OK, so it's not really food, but great coffee is essential to culinary happiness, and the baristas here know how to brew the perfect cup. There's Wi-Fi, too. This is a great place to while away a few hours, people watching or socializing.