Enjoy Authentic Hawaiian Food Without Ever Getting On A Plane At This Cozy Oregon Cafe

by | Mar 24, 2024 | Drink, Featured, Food, Food & Drink, Interesting, Portland, Restaurants, Travel, Western Oregon, Willamette Valley

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Colorful drinks, a large tropical themed outdoor patio surrounded by greenery, and oh so delicious authentic Hawaiian food make Noho's in Portland a must-visit when in the Rose City. When you visit, you're taking a deep dive into love filled, home-cooked Hawaiian food and a chill relaxed atmosphere. Sip on a vibrant Mai Tai or a cool Huckleberry Lemon Drop on the hidden patio surrounded by lush plants and the laughter of friends. That's the vibe at Noho's in Portland, Oregon.

Noho's Hawaiian Cafe In Portland, Oregon

The outdoor patio. There are plants everywhere, including a palm tree. Some of the tables are covered with colorful umbrellas.
Photo by Sophie Wang via Google Local.

This chill Hawaiian restaurant started when Noho and his brother Roy decided to bring a slice of their Hawaiian-Portuguese-Italian heritage from the sunny shores of Hawaii to the Pacific Northwest. They initially launched Local Boyz Hawaiian Cafe in Corvallis back in 1991, serving up family recipes that quickly won over the hearts and stomachs of Oregon State University students.

A plate with mac salad, sticky rice and marinated meat with chopped green onion on top.
Photo by Shark Man via Google Local.

After that Noho headed to Portland and started what would become a beloved city staple on NE Fremont Street, complete with a tropical bar and an irresistible back patio surrounded by lush plants.

The outdoor patio. There are plants everywhere, including a palm tree.
Photo by Gery Aversa via Google Local.

Fast forward to today, and Noho's focuses on serving up generous portions of fantastic food and a welcoming aloha spirit. Whether you're there for a full meal or just popping by for drinks and pupus (that's appetizers for the uninitiated), the experience is all about feeling good and eating well.

Sip On A Colorful Cocktail At Noho's

A colorful yellow cocktail with a lime. There is a second cocktail next to it.
Photo by Kawa Kuller via Google Local.

If you're looking for a bit of island flair in your glass, Noho's is the spot to be. From the classic Mai Tai to the inventive Pink Lei, each drink is like a little vacation for your taste buds.

While there are more than a dozen colorful cocktails to choose from, we recommend getting started with the Huckleberry Lemon drop, with huckleberry vodka, lemon and sugar, which makes for a sweet-tart delight. The Dark And Stormy mixes spiced rum with lime and ginger beer, finished with a dark rum float, promising a sip that's as exhilarating as a night on the islands.

The inside of Noho's. There's a surfboard on the wall, and wooden tables and chairs.
Photo by Derrick via Google Local.

The Pink Lei is like a beach party, mixing vanilla vodka with coconut creme, lime, and grenadine, while the Hawaiian Coffee, with a rich blend of dark rum, chocolate liquor, and coffee topped with whipped cream, is the perfect end-of-meal sipper.

While you're sipping on a cocktail and waiting for your meal to arrive, the appetizer menu has you covered with everything from poke to Kalua pork spring rolls. Don't skip the Ono Chicken Sliders or the Kalua Pork Sliders which are local favorites.

Melt In Your Mouth Pulled Pork, Tuna And More

A plate with mac salad, sticky rice and marinated meat with chopped green onion on top.
Korean Chicken. Photo by Nate W. via Yelp.

Everything here is delicious but the entrees are where Noho's really shines. You're going to want to come back and try all the main courses, but if you're not sure what to get your first time around, we recommend the Kalua Pork which is a melt in your mouth slow roasted delight.

A plate with mac salad, sticky rice and marinated meat with chopped green onion on top.
Photo by Toni Rose D. via Yelp.

Another great thing to try on your first trip is the Teriyaki Pork. This thinly sliced pork is marinated in teriyaki sauce and has a hint of lemon. It's all grilled to perfection and goes great with the tasty Hawaiian style mac salad and sticky white rice that all of the entrees come with.

A plate with 9 coconut shrimp in a circle around a small container of red dipping sauce.
Coconut Shrimp. Photo by Adaiah H. via Yelp.

If you're a little more adventurous, order up the Sweet Hot Pan Fried Teryiaki Chicken (your taste buds are going to be alight with this one). The chicken is slow cooked in Noho's special sweet hot sauce.

A plate with mac salad, sticky rice and marinated meat with chopped green onion on top.
Photo by Derrick L. via Yelp.

Ahi Stir Fry is a great option for those who love seafood. The stir fry features bite sized yellow fin tuna with vegetables in your choice of sweet or hot garlic sauce. My mouth is watering just thinking about all the delicious flavors in this dish.

A bowl of broth, noodles, vegetables and boiled egg.
Photo by Rashad Florence via Google Local.

For vegetarians check out Roy's Ono Veggies. Its a fresh mix of broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, snow peas, and onions sautéed in Roy's special sauce.

Grilled meat on yakisoba noodles.
Yakisoba. Photo by Marilyn B. via Yelp.

If you're into noodles there are a variety of Yakisoba and Saimin dishes you'll love. Noho's has so many tasty options that you're going to want to return time and again to try them all.

Noho's Portland Information

Colorful surfboards on the walls of the board room.
Photo by May A. via Yelp.
The outdoor patio. There are plants everywhere, including a palm tree.
Photo by Adaiah H. via Yelp.

Noho's Hawaiian Cafe stands as a shining example of local businesses that we love in Oregon. If you’ve got a favorite spot or business in mind, don’t hesitate to nominate them—they might just be highlighted in an upcoming feature for That Oregon Life.

A plate with mac salad, sticky rice and marinated meat with chopped green onion on top.
Photo by Alexis Bright via Google Local.

Be sure to stay connected with That Oregon Life on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on the most remarkable destinations, attractions, and happenings in the Beaver State.


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Written By Jessica Tomlinson

Jessica Tomlinson is a native Oregonian currently living in Southern Oregon. She has been blogging since 2006. She loves nature, photography, hiking, camping, and exploring Oregon's wilds.

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