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This was my second visit to Portland, Oregon. The first time, I had been living in Seattle for two weeks to see if I wanted to move there. I decided a weekend in Portland to weigh my options was only fair. Back then, my limited research had us eating at some places that didn’t impress much, especially after hearing so much about this feisty food tradition (tattoos required). I decided I would need to put in the work for Round II.

Photos from the Saturday Portland Farmers Market. Read about the rest of the weekend in Portland and Oregon wine country.

Upon announcing I was going to Portland, several people told me to eat at Beast, a (wait for it) meat-worshipping eatery on a northeastern residential side street. Beast unapologetically offers a 6-course prix fixe dinner with two seatings per night at two communal tables, with “substitutions politely declined.” Vegetarians, you’re obviously out of luck. (Though someone at my table said Beast offers a vegetarian menu on certain days. Straying from its brand or giving the people what they want?) Overall, our menu—which changes weekly—was not overwhelmingly carnivorous and utilized an array of vegetables (though the charcuterie plate doesn’t mess around).