Why I Love Portland! Laughing Planet, My Home Away From Home

If you’ve ever wondered where to find me on a Tuesday at lunch, or a Thursday, or a Saturday, the answer is probably the Laughing Planet on NW 21st. I eat there almost three times a week. My order is so routine I could probably walk in, nod at the counter, and have it in front of me without saying a word.

I don’t think there’s a more Portland restaurant in Portland. Laughing Planet opened its first Portland location on SE Belmont back in 2000, and it has grown into a true neighborhood staple. It never lost the quirky, colorful, a-little-bit-weird spirit that makes this city what it is. They call their burritos “Portable Nutrition Devices.” There’s a famous collection of dinosaur toys. And if you haven’t tried one of their cookies, you haven’t really lived.

My spot is the NW 21st location, right in the heart of the Alphabet District. I love it there. Grabbing lunch, then strolling past the old Victorians and the bustle of shops and cafés on 21st, is one of my favorite little rituals in this city. It’s a reminder of why Northwest Portland is one of the most charming, walkable neighborhoods we have.

What keeps me coming back, though, is the food. It’s fresh, it’s filling, and it’s good for you without feeling like a compromise. They lean on local ingredients like Tillamook cheddar, and the menu works for just about everyone: meat lovers, vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free folks, all at one table. When I’m bouncing between showings, client meetings, and a full calendar, a meal I can feel good about matters.

My go-to is the Tahini Chicken bowl with broccoli: hearty, bright, and exactly what I need to power through a busy day. And I never leave without a fresh sea salt chocolate chip cookie. Salty, sweet, still a little warm. It’s my reward for being good with the bowl, and I’ve decided I’ve earned it every single time.

I also love supporting a business that cares about its people. Years ago, Laughing Planet made headlines for offering paid parental leave to its employees. For a burrito shop, that was ahead of its time, and it’s the kind of thing that makes me proud to spend my money there.

When I help clients find a home in Portland, I’m not just helping them find a house. I’m helping them find their places: the coffee shop, the park, the spot where everyone knows their order. If you’re new to town or just haven’t been, stop by Laughing Planet on NW 21st. Tell them Brian sent you. And save me a cookie.