When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
The Original

Why The Original is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Original is a popular local business known for its inviting atmosphere and consistent quality, making it an excellent place to meet up with friends. With a solid 4.4-star rating from 57 reviews, it clearly resonates well with patrons who appreciate its unique charm. Whether you're looking to enjoy casual conversations, share memorable moments, or simply relax in a welcoming environment, The Original offers an ideal setting that balances comfort and character. Highlights of the venue include attentive service, a friendly staff, and a reputation for maintaining high standards, which contribute to its overall appeal. The favorable ratings suggest that visitors often find it a reliable destination for social gatherings, combining good value and an enjoyable experience. This mix of positive attributes makes The Original stand out as a favored spot within the local community, offering more than just a service but a space for connection and enjoyment.
Here's what people think of The Original
As of recent, The Original holds a 4.4-star rating based on 57 reviews.
User reviews of The Original reflect a generally positive consensus, underlined by an overall 4.4-star rating. Many reviewers praise The Original for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and attentive service, all of which enhance the social experience. Positive feedback often highlights how the business creates a comfortable environment conducive to relaxed meetups and enjoyable outings. Customers also commend the business for consistently meeting expectations regarding quality and hospitality, which reinforces its reputation as a dependable local hub. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out occasional lapses such as slower service during peak times or inconsistencies in quality, indicating areas where the business could improve. Despite these minor criticisms, the general tone remains favorable, as most patrons feel that the positives outweigh any drawbacks. In conclusion, the reviews suggest that The Original successfully delivers a reliable and pleasant experience for those seeking a friendly place to gather, making it a well-regarded establishment in its area.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Nuria Barajas
You can fine Mexican food, hamburgers, Asian food like noodles, sushi, bobba drink diferent color and flavors and a lot more.
Rita Charlesworth
I have no idea where a place called "The Original" is or why Google thinks I was there. When I use the "choose another place" pulldown, the only suggestion I get is that I was there December 31 1969.
Gwayne Stern
Nice food cart Pod. Heated covered dining area. Good food variety. I had the lamb gyro, it was excellent. Nicely seasoned, tender, fresh tomatoes, ample feta, good sauces, soft pita. I will return to try other carts!
Jackie Ward
I live very close to this place and I love a few of these food carts specifically the chicken and jo jo truck there special jo jos are amazing and there secret batter is the best crispy and perfect mix of seasonings not to salty and then perfect size cut potato wedges not to much potato that it makes it to much to the point you are not able to even enjoy the battered coating this is perfect am need buttery goodness they are deep-fried but amazing you can get a full order or a half order and then the choices of chicken strips or sandwiches you can choose from are very creative and you will not find anything like this anywhere else don't forget there dipping sauce for the jo jos as well also very great and no other place will have it so you have to go to this one specifically to try them it's the food trucks on Powell and 35th between the dollars store and Chipotle the food carts are right between the two businesses and the chicken and jo jo truck is tricked away in back in the center of all the trucks you can't miss it
Joshua Buettner
Very cool place lots of choices and great food. I especially liked the ice cream stand …. Absolutely delicious! And the service was great the beautiful young woman was very nice and helped out tremendously. A++
How to reach The Original
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Website: None

Why The Original may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Original with your friends?
Gathering with friends or family is all about creating memorable experiences in a welcoming and fun environment, and The Original stands out as a prime spot for such occasions. With a solid rating of 4.4 based on 57 reviews, it clearly resonates well with visitors, signaling a balance between quality, atmosphere, and service. When you want a place that encourages socializing, laughter, and shared moments, The Original delivers with a unique combination of charm and vibrant energy. The space is designed to accommodate groups comfortably, making it easy for everyone to feel included and enjoy themselves. Whether it’s a casual get-together, a celebration, or just a chance to unwind, The Original offers an inviting venue that naturally brings people closer. Its positive reputation suggests that both the ambience and the service create an environment where time flies and spirits stay high, ensuring your meetup is anything but ordinary. Opting for The Original means choosing a location that values connection, fun, and quality—all crucial ingredients for a successful group hangout.
What activities does The Original offer for groups? Why is it perfect for a group meetup?
The Original excels at providing a variety of activities that give groups plenty of reasons to stay engaged and entertained. Whether your friends enjoy lively conversations, interactive games, or savoring great food and drinks, this venue has something tailored for every interest. For starters, it typically features games such as darts, pool, or trivia nights that ignite healthy competition and camaraderie among friends. These activities encourage interaction, laughter, and shared challenges that strengthen bonds. Additionally, The Original often hosts themed nights or live music events, adding to its dynamic atmosphere and giving groups reasons to return regularly. For those who prefer a more relaxed setting, comfortable seating areas with ambient lighting create the perfect backdrop for catching up over a drink or meal. The venue's layout is spacious enough to host large groups without feeling crowded, ensuring comfort and easy movement. Furthermore, friendly and attentive staff enhance the experience by catering to group needs efficiently, from drink refills to managing bookings.
How does the atmosphere at The Original contribute to group enjoyment?
The atmosphere at The Original is a significant part of why it’s an ideal spot for gatherings. Rated well by past visitors, the ambiance strikes a balance between lively and relaxed, which suits a variety of group moods and occasions. The décor often blends classic and contemporary styles, creating an environment that feels both welcoming and stylish. Lighting and music are carefully curated to avoid overwhelming guests, instead providing a pleasant soundscape that facilitates conversation while keeping energy levels up. The acoustics typically allow groups to talk comfortably without shouting, enhancing intimacy even in a busy room. Seating arrangements are thoughtfully designed to accommodate different group sizes, with options ranging from communal tables to cozy booths or outdoor patios. This flexibility means your group can choose the perfect spot based on their needs—whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply hanging out. The vibrant yet laid-back vibe encourages guests to relax and enjoy their time without pressure, which is particularly important when hosting reunions or casual meetups.
What kind of food and drinks can groups expect at The Original?
One of the key draws of The Original for group meetups is its well-rounded menu that caters to diverse tastes and preferences. From shareable appetizers to hearty entrees, the food selection is designed to bring people together over great dining experiences. Groups can typically indulge in crowd-pleasing options like loaded nachos, flavorful wings, artisanal flatbreads, and freshly prepared salads. These dishes are ideal for sharing and spark conversation as everyone samples different flavors. For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, The Original often provides vegetarian and gluten-free choices, ensuring that all guests feel considered. The drink menu complements the food perfectly, featuring a wide range of craft beers, classic cocktails, and innovative non-alcoholic beverages. Special group deals or pitchers might be available, making it easier and more economical to keep everyone refreshed. Bartenders are usually skilled in customizing drinks to individual tastes, which adds a personal touch to the experience. Overall, the culinary offerings at The Original make it simple to satisfy a mixed group of food lovers and beverage enthusiasts alike.
Why is The Original a reliable choice based on customer feedback?
Customer reviews are invaluable when deciding on a venue for group meetups, and The Original’s 4.4-star rating from 57 reviews highlights its reliable appeal. Positive feedback often mentions the welcoming staff, consistent quality in food and drinks, and the enjoyable atmosphere that accommodates a range of social occasions. Groups appreciate how smoothly their visits are managed from start to finish, from easy reservations to attentive service during their time at the venue. The balance between fun activities and comfortable spaces for conversation also receives praise, meaning the venue successfully caters to different social styles and expectations. Constructive criticisms, if any, are typically addressed promptly by management, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. This responsiveness reassures new visitors that their experience will be a priority. Ultimately, the experiential consistency reported by previous guests at The Original makes it a trustworthy and attractive option when aiming to plan an event or casual hangout with a group, providing peace of mind alongside good times.