Happy Tummies at Stella Taco (for under $10!)

Loving a good happy hour, I've been wanting to indulge in Stella Taco's offering.  I always enjoy their tacos (and especially when they're just $2!) however, I've never actually been inside and eaten there. My experience has always been with take out that Dan brings home after the workday.

Atmosphere:
Located just a few blocks from where we live, you can find Stella Taco on the corner of 30th Avenue and Alberta Street.  It marks a pivotal spot in this quintessential NE Portland arts district in that I think it's where the good food starts. 

The interior couldn't be more inviting - it's well lit, boasts high ceilings, a cheery modern design and an overall casual, laid back vibe.  Since we're now always dining with our little one, I must mention that Stella is super family friendly and throughout the course of our visit, I noticed several families with young kids.  There's plenty of room between tables so you won't feel crowded and they even have a fun little activity corner for the kiddies.

Food:
To no one's surprise, we came for the happy hour tacos which only go for $2 a pop between 3-6 p.m. Note that not all tacos are $2, just the street tacos, but rest assured that there's plenty of variety to go around.

Tortilla Soup - Feeling the chill from the outdoors, I was ready to cozy up to some nice, warm soup.  It seemed to be the special of the day so I thought it would be made fresh and I was right.  Loving the chunkiness of the soup, it was packed with lots of hearty ingredients such as shredded chicken, black beans, greens and crispy tortilla chips on top.  There was also lots of cheese on top, which gave it that extra dose of comfort and Mexican flavor.

Tacos - While you can only choose the soft street tacos as part of the happy hour deal, there are 8 varieties to choose from.  Whether you're a meat eater or a vegetarian, there's plenty of excellent options for you.  I was half tempted by the veggie offerings but in the end went for the meatier pork Colombiano and the shredded brisket.  Out of these, the former was my favorite, as the meat was most tender, dressed with some homemade chile sauce and topped with crispy tortillas.  The brisket was good too but a bit on the salty side.  If I had to do it all over again, I think I would go for the carnitas instead.

Service and Cost:
Ordering at the counter and then hanging up our number on their handy-dandy ceiling hooks, the service at Stella was pretty, well...stellar.  We didn't feel like we waited long for anything and loved the attentive folks who cleaned our plates and at the same time made us feel welcome and relaxed to stay a while.

Costs are amazing for the amount of food you get.  It must be said that the tacos are incredibly filling and stuffed to the very top of the tortillas.  The soup was on the generous side as well, and depending on how hungry you are, I think you can walk out quite full for under $10/person.

3 Mmmms

Stella Taco - 2940 NE Alberta Street, Portland OR 97211
971.407.3705
stellatacopdx.com

Happy Hour in Style at Urban Farmer PDX

Deciding to switch things up a bit today, Dan and I happy houred Downtown at a swanky joint called Urban Farmer.  Located in The Nines Hotel on SW 5th Avenue and Morrison Street, it's one of the fancier places in town and offers a beautiful city view from the 8th floor of the hotel.

Atmosphere:
Sleek, sophisticated and a little earthy, Urban Farmer offers some great visual candy right as you walk in.  I was surprised to see that it's nestled inside the lobby of The Nines hotel - as in right in the center of an indoor courtyard.  Instead, I thought it'd be facing the city but you still get some majestic views when you get off the elevator and explore the hotel.

The restaurant is spacious and offers some diverse seating options, including a nice bar, some high top tables, communal seating and the like.  I love its mismatched banquette seating and the beautiful plants and flowers that separate the bar area from the main dining room.  Overall, everything about this place says elegance and style and you expect the food to mirror that as well.

Food:
Loving the rich variety of food options on the happy hour menu, we didn't have trouble deciding what we wanted, but instead had a harder time with the drinks.  The cocktails are still on the expensive side but sounded lovely, so after some deliberation, Dan and I both went with classic Bloody Marys.

Deviled Eggs - The most impressive dish of the night, we oohed and ahhed at the presentation of these bite-sized goodies that were topped with house-made bacon maple strips.  The latter was a big highlight, as the texture was a little chewy, the flavor smoky with a touch of sweetness from the maple.

Beef Slider - Even though the size of the slider was rather small, the quality of the meat trumped everything.  If I had to guess, I think the beef was grass fed and didn't need much to complement it.  The buttery parker house roll that sandwiched this baby was the perfect way to enjoy it and soaked up all the delicious juices coming of the patty.

Lobster Salad Roll - I love me a good lobster roll and haven't yet tried one here on the West Coast.  This was definitely on the fancy side, bejeweled with pickled celery and soft pieces of a cooked egg that lightened things up.  Once again, the bread was soft and moist, absorbing all those yummy lobstery bits of the generously sized sandwich.

Glazed Beef Meatballs - Dan ordered the meatballs, which offered another high-end spin on a classic comfort food.  Resting on a thin layer of dijon mustard sauce, we loved dipping the tender meat into it, as it gave it an unexpected hint of spice.  While I loved the texture of the meat, I thought it could've benefited from a little less salt.

Bloody Mary - Using a homemade Bloody Mary mix, I enjoyed the hearty flavor and the thick consistency of this cocktail.  It wasn't overly spicy and I could've done with a little more horseradish or even pepper to heat things up.  Once again, they went heavy on the salt around the rim of the glass.

Service and Cost:
Since we went in for an early happy hour meal, the restaurants was on the empty side, which was A-OK with us.  It just meant that we received really great service and that things came out pretty fast and we never felt neglected.

Costs are excellent for happy hour items, ranging between $4-$10 for the food and $5-$6 for drinks.

3 Mmmms

Urban Farmer - 525 SW Morrison Street, Portland OR 97204
503.222.4900
urbanfarmerportland.com

Happy Hour with a View at Portland City Grill

On a constant quest to find great Happy Hours around town, Dan and I, along with friends, Barry and Suzanne ventured over to the well known Portland City Grill.  Located in the downtown business district in Portland, PCG is known for their spectacular view and what do you know...the happy hour!

Atmosphere:
Set in the heart of Southwest Portland on the 30th floor of the U.S. Bank Tower, Portland City Grill is designed to showcase panoramic views of Portland and its natural wonders.  On a clear day, you'll be graced with not one but three mountaintop views of Mount Hood, Mount Saint Helens and Mount Adams.  

The restaurant boasts floor to ceiling windows and booth style seating that takes the best advantage of the view.  Those seats are unsurprisingly hard to score so if you'd like to snag a booth for your party, plan on showing up early or making a reservation.  Because the happy hour is such a great deal and lasts until 7 p.m., the atmosphere during this time is busy, boisterous and far from quiet.

Food:
Loving the extensive options offered for happy hour, we ordered a few appetizers between the four of us and were pleasantly surprised by the generous portions.  It's hard to characterize the cuisine, as they have a little bit of everything - from classic American comfort food to sushi and beyond.

Kung Pao Calamari - Definitely one of the more indulgent options of the evening, it consisted of large pieces of generously battered calamari. Further dressed with Asian spices and a medley of red bell peppers, onions, and peanuts, it was everything that a good seafood dish should be - fresh, satisfying and a little bit indulgent.

Curried Fish and Chips - We couldn't resist another fried sensation and this plate was executed to a T.  From the flaky pieces of fish that separated beautifully to the spicy kimchi tartar sauce and the twice fried herb parmesan fries, it was all delectable and very filling.  The fries were especially plentiful and had we known how many come in a portion, we wouldnt've ordered a side of them as well.

Crab & Avocado Roll - This classic take on a sushi roll also delivered with a few chunky pieces of cooked crab and a not-too-ripe avocado that still provided some texture.  While sushi purists won't be too impressed, those that like to play it safe as far as their sushi is concerned will have no qualms.

Fresh Asian Spring Rolls - A healthier option, this roll offered a sampling of veggies including sprouts, carrots, and other greens wrapped in delicate rice paper.  A bed of creamy peanut sauce added a jolt of spice and flavor to this otherwise plain and maybe a little bland dish.

Service and Cost:
Despite the busy happy hour time-frame, the service remained steady and on the mark.  Everything was brought out to us in good time and our waitress did a great job of informing us of the impending end of happy hour, so we can order more food and drinks.  

Costs are inexpensive and range from $4.95 - $10.95 for eats and $4.25 - $6.95 for drinks.

3 Mmmms

Portland City Grill - 111 SW 5th Avenue, Portland OR 97204
503.450.0030
portlandcitygrill.com

Ate-Oh-Ate - Hawaiian Flava in Portland

Still very much in a Hawaii state of mind after our big trip to Maui, we decided to check out Ate-Oh-Ate (a play on words, inspired by Hawaii's area code, 808) in East Portland.  Hearing many good things about this place, including their happy hour deal, Dan and I ventured over in search of familiar eats and drinks that we so recently enjoyed on our vacation.

Atmosphere:
Casual, communal and friendly, the vibe immediately appealed to us - especially when we saw that it's an order at the counter type of place.  On a Friday evening right before happy hour ended, it was quite busy and buzzing needless to say, so we found a comfy seat by the bar right after ordering.  This allowed for a good view of the open kitchen, and while I thought this would be a great thing, I'm not sure I'd go for it again.

On the walls, you'll notice festive, colorful local Hawaiian inspired art as well as lots of color on the walls and the furniture.  The overall effect is uplifting and fun and while I wasn't overly impressed with the food experience, I can't knock the chill atmosphere.

Food:
Happy to see there was a lot to choose from on the happy hour menu, Dan and I went for a double order of the wings, a sampling of their sliders and a little green on the side with edamame.  Although everything sounded great, in reality I was disappointed by the way it actually tasted and I'm not sure I'll be rushing to go back.  Here's how I break it down:

Korean Chicken Wings - Being a huge fan of chicken wings, this was a no brainer for both Dan and me.  Ate-Oh-Ate's version promised a spicy, Korean-style wing, which appealed to both of us and upon first glance, they looked great.  However, when we bit into them, the texture was a little slimy on the inside and the outside a tad too oily.  They could've gone more aggressive on the spice too, in my opinion.

Shoyu Chicken Slider - Opposite from the wings, the chicken slider delivered.  Slathered with a slightly sweet sauce and cooked to a perfectly tender consistency, it was delicious to bite into and the eggy Hawaiian bun held all its components perfectly.  Dan's pork slider was tasty too and if coming here again, we'd opt for more of these in place of the wings.

Spicy Edamame - For just $2 there was no reason not to get these and while they were tasty, I wish they were served warm or at room temperature instead of downright cold.  Spruced up with a few things such as garlic, chili flakes and once again that sweet spicy sauce, they definitely had a Hawaiian flair.

Drinks - Dan ordered the bright Mai Tai cocktail you see above and I got the sweet guava nectar.  I know it sounds strange but I'm almost inclined to say this was our favorite part of our experience, as the drinks were vibrant, refreshing and did a great job of transporting us back to Hawaii.

Service and Cost:
I have only good things to say in this department, as the staff is lovely and welcoming and reminds me of the infectious hospitality you experience in Hawaii.  They were gracious in that they let us still take advantage of the happy hour menu even though we were a few minutes late.

Costs are inexpensive and included $5 for 5 wings, $2.50 for each slider and just $2 for the edamame.  The portions are generous too, so if you're hungry you won't be disappointed.

2 Mmmms

Ate-Oh-Ate - 2454 East Burnside Street, Portland OR 97214
503.445.5101
ate-oh-ate.com

Yama Sushi & Izakaya - Japanese Happy Hour Yummies

The other day, Dan and I ventured over to one of my favorite parts of town in Portland, which is the Southeast.  Wanting to catch an early movie, we planned for happy hour in advance and decided on Yama Sushi & Izakaya on charming Clinton Street.

Atmosphere:
It's interesting to note that our visit to Yama was the first Japanese-style restaurant we've visited in Portland.  Knowing that it's an Izakaya as well, I knew there'd be other options besides sushi.  Loving their extensive happy hour menu, which goes til 6:30 p.m., it gave us plenty of time before the movie and because it was still early, the restaurant wasn't crowded and instead perfectly comfortable.

In terms of the vibe here, it's relaxed, open and sleek.  The sake barrels, which serve as a primary decor element very much reminded me of the ones we saw in Yoyogi Park in Tokyo.  There's an open air feel to the whole place, and you get to observe the sushi chefs do their magic if you wish.  I love that there's plenty of light in the restaurant that comes in through the large floor to ceiling windows, creating that natural, zen atmosphere often associated with a Japanese aesthetic.

Food:
Taking advantage of their fruitful happy hour menu, there was lots to choose from and we went with everything from traditional sushi hand rolls to tempura rolls, fried seafood and more.  Here are my specific food highlights:

Shishito Bacon Skewers - Mmmm...everything about this dish spoke to us.  I love me some shishito peppers, and mixing those together with the smoky bacon just added more greatness.  The bacon was was nicely cooked, being crispy and chewy too, while the shishitos added a little spicy punch.

Popcorn Scallops - Consisting of poppable little bay scallop bites, I was impressed with the happy hour portion.  The dish made for a great appetizer and its flavors came alive even more when spritzed with a little bit of lemon.  Overall, it was a solid dish and I'm happy to report that the scallops tasted fresh and sumptuous.

Baby Octopus Kara-age - Not familiar with the terms "kara-age," we asked our knowledgeable waitress to explain what we could expect from this dish.  She basically described it as another tasty deep fried concoction, which was A-OK with us and upon seeing it, we knew we were in for a treat.  Fried to perfection, the octopus exemplified a nice balance of crunchy texture and once again fresh flavor.  Dipping it into a bit of soy sauce amped up its level of savoriness.

Tempura Salmon Roll - Opting for a cooked sushi roll, this one didn't disappoint, especially in terms of portion size.  I loved the big chunks of salmon that were placed on top of the rice and seaweed bundle and you hardly needed any other fixins to enjoy it.  The spicy mayo and a sweet soy glaze on top went a long way, too.

Service and Cost:
Yama's staff are knowledgeable and friendly and some proved to be Japanese natives.  Impressed by their level of expertise, I had no doubt about the restaurant's authenticity and would happily return here in the future.

Costs are wallet friendly, especially for happy hour, setting us back just $36 for 6 small plates and a drink (tip included).

3 Mmmms

Yama Sushi & Izakaya - 2038 SE Clinton Street, Portland OR 97202
503.231.2859
4 Bus to 20th and Division
yamasushiportland.com

Smokehouse 21 - This little piggy had roast beef...

We went to Smokehouse 21 a few weeks back for (big surprise) happy hour.  We had somewhere to be, and just enough time to pop in for a quick bite on the way.  As is usually the case in this city, stopping by somewhere for happy hour was a good idea.  Everything we had was very good, but there were some highlights that stood out above the rest.  Let's get to it.

Atmosphere:

Located on NW 21st between Glisan and Flanders, Smokehouse 21 is in an area I don't usually get to.   And like many neighborhoods in Portland, there are a ton of great places to eat and drink.  Smokehouse 21 fits right in, with its vibe of a homey bbq joint that manages to elevate its fare, making for a unique and interesting experience.  The decor and feel of the dining room is of the no-frills variety, but there are interesting pieces on the walls that really tie the room together.  For sentimental reasons, my favorite is the pictorial of the story of five little piggies, the first of which goes to market, and the last of which goes "wee-wee-wee"all the way home.  I'm sure you know the middle part.

Food:

We ordered a few different items, and I had a dry cider, which they served in a branded coozy to keep it cold while I enjoyed it.  Pretty classy, I'd say.  Among our choices were the deviled egg, the bacon molasses cornbread, the smoked oyster shooter, and the brisket tacos.

Deviled Egg - A very flavorful bite, made all the more-so because it is topped with a nice sized chunk of hot-link.  The mustardy, creamy yoke with the snappy bite of the well cooked sausage went together perfectly.  If you like deviled eggs, it's a can't miss.

Bacon Molasses Cornbread - Tastes as good as it sounds.  Cooked in an individual cupcake wrapper, the top is that awesome well done but not quite burnt muffin top, and the whole thing is drowned in honey.  There are chunks of bacon in the bread itself, and the molasses comes through as a mild sweetness to back up the salty meat.  Another can't miss if you like cornbread.  And bacon.

Smoked Oyster Shooter - I've had my share of regular old oyster shooters, but never one where the oyster is smoked beforehand.  It was a new and interesting twist for me, and if raw oysters and fish gross you out a bit, you might consider this because it's smoked, not straight up fresh and slimy.  

Brisket Tacos - Another excellent plate of food, the corn tortillas together with the pickled onions, oaxacan cheese, and tender as @#%*! brisket is basically my idea of a perfect dish.  You had me at brisket.  One thing I will caution is that the meat is definitely on the very greasy side.  The fact that there is not a huge amount in each taco works in your favor here.  

Service and Cost: 

Both were totally fine.  The restaurant was pretty busy, and I think there was only one waiter, but he was getting the job done.  As far as cost, we stuck to the happy hour stuff, so as usual, we got out of there for a reasonable price.  I would definitely recommend it, especially if you're going to be in NW sometime soon.

3 Mmmms

Smokehouse 21

413 NW 21st Ave Portland, OR 97209

971.373.8990

smokehouse21.com

Happy Hour with Sophistication at Clarklewis

On a constant journey to explore the best happy hours in this city, Dan and I headed over to Clarklewis this week, which boasted a plentiful happy hour menu.  I've heard great things about this restaurant from several people (from both locals and transplants) and couldn't wait to check it out.

Atmosphere:
I'd call Clarklewis the anti-Portland establishment, as it much more reminds me of a sleek, industrial restaurant I'd see in NYC.  Located on Water Avenue not far from the Hawthorne Bridge, Clarklewis is set on the ground floor of an industrial building overlooking the water and is now surrounded by other such establishments too, the gentrification phenomenon in full effect.

The inside is stunning - simple, modern and not overdone, I like how they've kept some of their original touches such as the industrial concrete floor.  The kitchen is open so you can see exactly what's cooking, and the most impressive part is the wood fired pit that's used to produce their most notable specialties.  Although we were there for happy hour, we were lucky to snag a real table close to the bar, which allowed for just the right amount of privacy.

Food and Drink:
Impressed with the generous happy hour menu, there was lots of food and beverages to choose from, which peaked at just $6.

Spring Greens Salad - Choosing a simple salad to start off with was a good idea, as it got us exposed to the fresh, delicious produce Clarklewis has on hand.  The mixed greens had a beautiful coloring and I especially liked the peppery arugula, which woke the tastebuds.  Carrots and radishes were added for a pop of color, all working well together to produce a yummy spring medley.

Arancini - In the mood for something fried and comforting (because when am I not?), the arancini were a tasty choice.  Essentially fried rice balls with tangy cheese, these made for a savory and very poppable appetizer.  A surprising element was the truffled aioli added to the bottom of each piece, adding a bit of sophistication.

Oak Grilled Hamburger - Serving as our main dish during happy hour, we marveled at this meaty beauty, which was simple but perfectly executed.  The meat patty was slightly charred on the outside yet remained juicy on the inside - the fluffy brioche bun successfully soaking up all those juices.  A few simple accouterments such as pickled onions, baby greens and mustard aoili elevated this all American treat to the next level.

Mocktail - I asked for a mocktail as my drink and wasn't disappointed with the Timber Tantrum.  Consisting of all sorts of fancy ingredients such as smoked tea vanilla syrup, bordeaux cherry syrup, lemonade and soda, it was everything that I wanted from a drink including fizzy, refreshing and a little fruity.  My favorite part was the sour cherry on top, which was literally just that. Perfection!

Service and Cost:
Matching its high quality surroundings and food, the service was just as professional.  The waitstaff was courteous and knowledgeable and took great care of us.  They were thoughtful in their pacing and food delivery, stretching out happy hour way past the usual quick in-and-out experience.

Costs are excellent for the caliber of food and drink you're getting, setting us back just under $40 for 4 appetizers, 2 burgers and 2 drinks.  It goes without saying that we'll surely be back.

3 Mmmms

Clarklewis - 1001 SE Water Street, Portland OR 97214
503.235.2294
clarklewispdx.com

Smallwares - Happy Hour with a Punch

In the mood to try another fun happy hour in our neighborhood, Dan and I recently visited Smallwares, a modern Asian fusion restaurant in the NE Fremont area.  Attracted to their creative menu, offering street style Asian dishes, we knew we'd be in for a treat.

Atmosphere:
Set in the lovely, residential NE Fremont strip of shops and restaurants, Smallwares is located in the center of this commercial area, which makes it easy to find.  Known for its red and white modern motif, the inside reminds me of a cheery Ikea catalog, as the space feels sleek, breathable and attractive.

Dan and I happened to sit outside since it was such a beautiful night, so we didn't really experience the vibe of the interior but we'll have to come back for that.  The outdoor tables are great and provide for some good people watching - and I must say that the alfresco service doesn't suffer at all.

Food:
The happy hour menu, offered from 5-7 p.m. each day isn't extensive, but it's fun and creative and definitely piqued our interest.  There's also a number of cleverly named drinks that made the happy hour menu truly complete.

Chicken Pot Pie Bao - The "gold standard" of the night, the bao provided something inventive and different and I couldn't get enough.  Presented on a fluffy, almost pretzel-like roll, it was stuffed with a savory filling of shredded chicken, peas, carrots and a hearty stew that tied it all together.  My only complaint was that it was so tiny, and I would've loved if the portion included two rolls instead of just one.

Pork Skin Ragu - Intrigued by the description of this dish, it also delivered and instead of being served with pasta, it was was accompanied by sticky rice cakes on the bottom of the bowl.  The latter was my favorite aspect of the dish, as it soaked up the hearty ragu beautifully.  While the ragu was lovely and bright, and speckled with tons of fresh ingredients, it was a tad too salty for my taste.

Shrimp Meatballs - Non traditional in appearance and flavor, the shrimp meatballs looked more like flat patties, which was OK.  Also small in size, the flavor was interesting and included lots of Asian spices, resting on a bed of sweet soy sauce.  Once again, a pretty dish but a tad too salty.

Oysters - The oysters too, were on special for happy hour, so Dan decided to indulge.  Accompanied by natural accouterments such as seaweed, fresh cilantro and lemon juice, it had a flavor-of-the-sea essence, which evoked freshness.

Service and Cost:
From the beginning to the end, our waitress was nothing but attentive and helpful.  As I already mentioned, she made sure we were well taken care of at our outdoor table and always refilled our water glasses, brought us new chopsticks when I dropped mine and had an overall lovely disposition.

Costs are decent but a little high for happy hour, given the modest portions.  We paid about $30 including tip and a specialty cocktail as well.

2 Mmmms

Smallwares - 4605 NE Fremont Street, Portland OR 97213
971.229.0995
smallwarespdx.com

I Have Seen the Light - Happy Hour at North Light on Mississippi

Last week, Fooditka and I went to North Light, a relatively new spot on N. Mississippi, that fits right in among all the other restaurants and bars in this pretty happening section of North Portland.  We went to meet a friend of mine who's visiting from New York and is currently in the grip of the Portland tractor beam, contemplating if she should make the move.  I'd venture a guess that our experience at North Light and the rest of the Mississippi neighborhood would be a check in her "pro" column.

Atmosphere:
The vibe inside North Light is definitely of the sleek and shiny variety.  A lot of the restaurants here go for that "modern rustic" feel that I've often described, but North Light is just modern. It has a very fresh and clean feel, but it is warm and bright at the same time.  The overall space is not very large, but they use it efficiently, and there is plenty of seating, as well as a nice looking bar that you can sit at if the main area seems too crowded.  The location is excellent as I've already pointed out, smack in the middle of Mississippi.  

Food:
North Light has a pretty extensive dinner menu, and they also do brunch on the weekends, but this was another happy hour mission, so we stuck to that.  They offer happy hour from 5-6 p.m. most days, and a late night happy hour from 10-close, as well as all day Tuesday.  The happy hour menu has plenty to choose from, both food and drink, so I'm sure there is something for everyone.  They also have some gluten-free, dairy-free, veggie and vegan options for those with special dietary needs and preferences.  We ordered a nice variety of different food, giving us a pretty good idea of the style and quality of the fare that North Light offers.

Stuffed Cheese Curd Burger - This was Fooditka's choice for her main, and right off the bat, I'd say she was the big winner.  Invoking husband privileges, I helped myself to a few nice sized bites, and I have to say it was solid in every way.  Not huge, but very dense, the cheese curds inside the patty added an extra dimension, as did the kimchi and garlic aioli.  The brioche bun was spot-on as well, bringing the whole thing together very nicely.  This burger goes for $6.00 during happy hour, and is well worth it.  Next time we go, I'm probably going to order one for myself.  

Rosemary Garlic Fries - Another Fooditka addition to the table, the fries were very solid.  Crunchy, salty, and plenty flavorful with the garlic and rosemary, they were a great complement to the burger.  They were pretty addictive, and I'm sure I ate the majority of them.  I'm not sorry.  The happy hour price tag for the fries was $3.00, and the portion was pretty big.  One order was more than enough for the three of us to share.

Crispy Chicken Skins - This was one of my selections, and in all honesty, I'd say it was the one "miss" of the evening.  Basically, it's a plate of deep-fried chicken skin, and more than one or two just weighs too heavy on the palate to really enjoy, but I'm not sure what I was expecting there.  I didn't come close to finishing them, and neither of my companions really helped me out.  They do come with a cayenne-honey dip, and that was great, but I ended up using it for the fries.  Next time, I'll skip the chicken skins and go for the crispy chicken lollipops instead.

Crispy Chicken Lollipops - Hell yeah.  This was Rachel's choice, and they were a close second to Fooditka's burger for tastiest on the table.  Fortunately Rachel is a generous sort, and shared her dish.  They were delish.  Crispy, meaty and juicy, they were exactly what I needed after my disappointment with the chicken skins.  They are prepared with a caramelized tamarind glaze, which adds the perfect amount of sweet to the savory.  I highly recommend them.

Mac & Cheese - This was my main dish.  The pasta happens to be gluten-free, which works for me, and I'd bet that if you didn't know it in advance, you'd have no idea.  The mac & cheese was surprisingly tasty; I say surprising, because when the plate arrived, it didn't really look like much.  Upon first glance, I wasn't too impressed, it just looked a little blah, but the flavor was anything but.  I really enjoyed it, and inhaled the dish pretty quickly.  And because the pasta is gluten-free, that familiar "Ohh, I ate too much too quick, I'm going to explode" feeling was noticeably absent.  Again, this is a dish I'd recommend, especially for people with gluten issues.

In addition to all the good food, the happy hour deal extends to the house cocktails, draft beer, and Oly Tall-Boys.  

Service and Cost:
Another bright spot was our waitress.  She was very attentive, very friendly, and pretty helpful with answers to questions about the menu.  She seemed to be teamed up with another server, and that lady was great as well.  As far as cost, being that we stuck to the happy-hour menu, the total bill was very reasonable, and I'll definitely be going back.

3 Mmmms

North Light - 3746 N Mississippi Ave Portland, OR 97227
503-477-7079
northlightpdx.com

Happy Hour at Halibuts - Fish, Chips, and Chowdah for Only a Couple of Clams

Fooditka and I finally got around to checking out The Original Halibuts the other day.  We've been meaning to go pretty much since we arrived in town; we pass by it almost everyday, as it's right in our neighborhood, and we know they have a happy hour deal.  I'm actually surprised it took us so long to get there, but you know what they say: you can't eat all of the places all of the time.  Well sometimes good things are worth the wait, and this was one of those times.  Let's get to it.

Atmosphere:

Halibuts is in a great location, between 25th and 26th street on Alberta.  There are a lot of other restaurants, bars and shops nearby, keeping the area pretty busy.  Halibuts fits right in.  Like many of the establishments along that stretch of Alberta, it has its own unique style that also vibes well with the rest of the neighborhood. The restaurant is split into two sections; half of the place is a no-frills fish and chips counter and a couple of tables, and the other half is a bar/lounge type of place that features live music Thursday through Saturday Night.  The lounge half is called Halibuts II, and that's were we sat.  It's a nice space with a bunch of tables, and a lot of posters and artwork that reflect all of the live blues music that goes on there.  It was still happy hour time so there wasn't any live music, but the bartender/waitress had her Pandora going, and it was pretty chill.  There were several people inside, also presumably taking advantage of the happy hour.  

Food:

The reason we went in was for a nice piece of fried cod and a basked of french fries, but Halibuts has plenty to offer outside of fish and chips.  The happy hour menu has quite a few selections on it including clam chowder, oyster shooters, coconut prawns and a few other things.  Well drinks and Long Island Ice Teas are discounted, and there's a pint of PBR for $1.50.  Between the two of us, we hit most of the menu.

Clam Chowder - The chowder, CHOW-DAH! as Freddie Quimby would say, was very good.  I'm a fan of clam chowder, especially New England style, but I rarely get it, so this was a treat.  Rich and creamy, and mighty flavorful, I regret not getting my own cup and only having a bit of Fooditka's.  If I would have any criticism of it, I'd say it could be a bit chunkier, with some more chewy bits of clam in there, but I'm nitpicking now. It's a solid chowder for sure.

Coconut Prawns - These were delicious as well.  The coating was perfect, and the cocktail sauce was out of this world.  It was super heavy on the horseradish, which made each crunchy bite of prawn all the more exciting.  They cost $1.25 a piece, but they were pretty big and mighty delicious.  I would have gotten another, but we ordered plenty of food, so I'll have to wait till next time.

Oyster Shooters - Another bullseye, the oysters themselves were some of the biggest, plumpest I've ever eaten.  Seriously, they were huge, to the point of being almost intimidating.  Served in a dixie-cup with some of that rocket-fuel cocktail sauce, they went down very easily.  Fortune smiled upon me somehow, as the waitress brought me two instead of just the one I ordered, so I got to double down.  Yum.

Fish and Chips - Finally.  After all that goodness, I thought we might not have room for the main dish.  We did though, not to worry.  Any of the fish can be cooked gluten-free, and it costs the same as gluten-full, so I opted for the no gluten option.  Fooditka got the traditional variety, and I'll say hers definitely looked like the tastier of the two.  Mine was really good, though.  The cod is incredibly white and flaky, and the overall crunch and flavor of the batter was right on.  The tartar sauce was also terrific, with a tangy creaminess that complements the crunch impeccably.  It's like they have their own genius saucier on retainer cranking out these diabolical twists on traditional condiments.  The other half of the dish, the chips, were as well executed as the rest of the food, and went equally well with both the tartar and cocktail sauces.  The happy hour portion is one piece of cod in a decent sized basket of fries.  Other varieties of fish are available, in either full or half orders that you order off the regular menu.

Service and Cost:

The waitress/bartender was by herself, but she did a fine job, and all of our food came out quick and hot.  She was friendly and polite, and took good care of us.  As we stuck to the happy hour menu, the final bill was totally palatable at around $15 for the food, plus the drinks.  I can't wait to go back.

3 Mmmms

The Original Halibuts - 2525 NE Alberta Street Portland, OR 97211

503.808.9600

theoriginalhalibuts.com

Lincoln: Happy Hour on the Fancy Side of the Street

This week's happy hour stop was at Lincoln, a restaurant on North Williams Ave. in North Portland.  We went with some friends on Friday evening, so everyone was truly in the happy hour frame of mind.  Right off the bat, I'd have to say that Lincoln's menu items are a little more ambitious than some of the pizza and taco-centric happy hours we've been to in recent weeks.  Not to say that's good or bad, but you're going to be eating something closer to rabbit-liver fois gras or pancetta and romesco with fontina cheese than meatball sliders or brick oven pizza.

Atmosphere:
Located on the up and coming strip of restaurants, shops, and bars north of Fremont on N. Williams, Lincoln exudes a classy atmosphere when you first walk in.  It is warmly and dimly lit, with a modern simplicity to the interior fixtures. The bar made a nice impression visually, and all of the staff looked very dapper in their black on black attire.  It wasn't very busy when we arrived, but it wasn't empty either.  Fashionably late, of course, the rest of our group was already seated when we got there.  We sat right down and got to work breaking down the happy hour menu.  Happy hour is from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

Food:
There are a variety of choices on the menu ranging in price from $3 - $10 and ranging in complexity from toasted bread to the aforementioned rabbit liver mousse.  My curiosity overcame my squeamishness, and I ordered the fried pig ear.  Fooditka had to have the rabbit liver mousse bruschetta, and we split an order of the poutine.  For a cocktail, I ordered the Pimm's cup, which was the bartender's choice for happy hour.

Fried Pig Ear - I like pig. I like fried.  I like ears.  Well, that last part I wasn't too sure about, but I figured, two out of the three, I may as well give it a shot. The dish certainly looked very appetizing; a perfectly fried, deep brown color with a wonderful outer texture and a creamy pink sauce for dipping.  The first bite wasn't what I was expecting.  The outside had that great crunch, but the ear itself had a pretty gummy, sticky texture that kind of surprised me.  The flavors were nice though, and I couldn't quite decide if I was grossed out by it, so I took another bite.  Still strange, but less so, and this time I put the creamy mayo on it.  By the third bite, I was hooked.  I now eat three pig ears a day as part of a weird and balanced diet; I'm eating one right now in fact. 

Rabbit Liver Mousse Bruschetta - This was Fooditka's choice, and I only tasted a little bit of it.  I've never been a fan of liver mousse, and in all honesty, I was still a little shell-shocked from my first two bites of pig ear to give it a real attempt.  I will say the bit I had was very creamy and rich, with an interesting, if not exactly appetizing flavor, but that's just me.  Fooditka enjoyed it quite a bit from what I could tell and I'd say that if you like that sort of thing, you will enjoy it also.  

Poutine - Lincoln's poutine was a little on the fancy side as well with root vegetables, fontina, and a nice piece of pancetta complementing the french fries and gravy.  Overall it was a very tasty dish, and a little less exotic than the other two dishes we chose.  I enjoyed it, although I would say that the french fries themselves were a little limp for me; I prefer a nice crispy fry.

Pimm's Cup - I thought the drink was tasty overall, but to say it packed a wallop would be overstating things quite a bit.  As our friend Rollston put it, it was pretty watered down and weak.  If I had one complaint about Lincoln, it would be in the cocktail department.  I will say I was torn between ordering the bartender's choice cocktail and a glass of the house red which was a Portuguese blend according to the waiter.  Next time I'll just go with the vino.  

Service and Cost:
One note about the service; they automatically added a 20% gratuity onto the bill, possibly because we were a party of six.  Normally when gratuity is added onto my bill, it's around 18% and I say something like "Well, that's kind of presumptuous, but Ha! Their loss, because I would have tipped 20%..."  On its face, I'd say adding a 20% gratuity is very presumptuous, except in this case, the waitstaff definitely earned it.  So essentially, they tipped themselves exactly what I would have tipped them anyway but they took the decision out of the patron's hand, and simply delivered exceptional service.  Our waiter was very nice and patient as we hemmed and hawed over all of our different choices, and his partner was lovely as well every time she brought out a dish.  They were happy to answer any and all questions, but weren't overbearing or pushy.

As far as the cost, including drinks, and a 20% tip, our party got out of there for about $22.00 per person.  It was definitely a pricier happy hour than some other places in town, but ultimately worth it for the atmosphere and interesting variety of food.

2.75 Mmmms (minus .25 for the sub par cocktail effort)

Lincoln Restaurant - 3808 N. Williams Ave, Portland OR, 97227
503.288.6200
lincolnpdx.com

Gustav's: Happy Hour German Style (minus the efficiency)

We decided to spend our happy hour this week with Ze Germans; risky, I know.  Fooditka spotted Gustav's Bier Stube while out and about one day and saw that they have happy hour all day on Sunday.  Playoff football followed by beer, schnitzel and giant soft pretzels?  Ummmmm, sure.

Atmosphere:
Gustav's is situated a bit farther out than where we normally go to eat and drink.  It's on a main road, Sandy Blvd, and it's a pretty large establishment with a nice sized parking lot to go with it.  Upon entering you see it's set up like large beer hall with high, vaulted ceilings and rich dark wood everywhere.  We were seated right away, and then had to wait for quite a while before our server showed up.  It wasn't all that busy, but it was Sunday evening after all, and it wasn't deserted by any stretch.  One other note, the floor in the men's room was covered with some kind of wet, slippery film that seemed kind of nasty.  Perhaps it had just been mopped and hadn't yet dried. Who knows?

Food:
We ordered off of the happy hour menu, which had a pretty large selection of different food to choose from.  It's broken into $4, $5, $6, and $7 tiers.  We split a few different items between us; $4.00 potato pancakes, and $5.00 Bavarian pretzels and a chicken schnitzel.  I lobbied for a shepherd's pie as well, but Fooditka talked me out of it.  I got Paulaner Oktoberfest for $4.00, which is also part of the happy hour deal.

Potato Pancakes - The pancakes were not bad, but they were a little on the oily side for my taste, and didn't have that satisfying crunch to the outer layer that I like so much.  They were decently seasoned, but not remarkable really.  The serving was 3 pancakes and a little bit of apple sauce and sour cream on the side.  

Bavarian Pretzels - The pretzels were o.k. as well, but nothing spectacular.  I had in mind an image of a big, crusty, salty, steaming hot thing of beauty that tore apart to reveal a delightfully pillowy inner texture; alas, they were closer to the pretzels you can buy in Costco by the hundreds and then microwave in your kitchen.  Definitely edible, but not really German beer hall quality in my opinion.  In fact, the best part of the pretzels was the mustard that came with them.

Chicken Schnitzel - I'd say the schnitzel was the best of the dishes we ordered, but it didn't really blow me away.  The texture was right; crunchy and tender on the inside, but the overall experience was pretty bland.  Not much flavor to the actual piece of meat, even with the lemon squeezed on top.  Fortunately there was mustard left over from the pretzels to slather on top.

In fairness, I will say that we consumed every single morsel of food that was set before us, which is to say that it wasn't bad overall, just not really very good.  

Service and Cost
I stated earlier that the service left something to be desired and I stick by it.  After we were seated it was a good 10 minutes before anyone came by to take our order.  In fact, I had to flag down someone who wan't actually our server.  But once we got the order in, the food came out pretty quickly and was fresh and hot for sure.  Plus, the beer was delicious.  Something else I should mention, happy hour is also available Monday through Saturday from 2-6 p.m. at the bar.  The all day Sunday happy hour is throughout the entire place.

In terms of cost, I have zero complaints in that department.  Another thrifty meal on our happy hour tour of Portland, we got out of there for $21.00 including tip.

2 Mmmms

Gustav's Bier Stube - 5035 N.E. Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213
503.288.5503
gustavs.net

Yakuza Lounge Serves up a Phenomenal Burger but with Abysmal Service

On our perpetual hunt for the next best Happy Hour deal, we thought to check out Yakuza Lounge in Portland, which came highly recommended by a local foodie.  The menu looked enticing and the space looked colorful and interesting, so we decided to give it a try.

Atmosphere:
Situated in the budding NE Killingsworth area of Portland, Yakuza Lounge & Izakaya is sandwiched between some of Portland's great food establishments such as Beast and Expatriate.  The neighborhood is laid back and certainly on the rise, as we noticed a lot of other interesting specialty shops, wine bars and restaurants that looked inviting.  

Yakuza is pretty large inside and is made up of mainly long communal tables, which are great to sit at with a big group of friends.  In fact, we sat at the edge of one of these tables alongside a bigger party, which I thought may be distracting but turned out not to have an impact on our experience.  Other things such as the sub-par service though, which I'll get to shortly, did have a major impact, however.

Food:
Since Dan and I came for the happy hour special, we were only interested in that menu, but sadly weren't shown this offering at all until we asked for it several times.  Eventually, we did receive the happy hour menu, spelled out on a crumpled postcard, reflecting different prices than their website, and this wasn't to our favor.  After a quick look, we decided on the burger that Yakuza is so well known for, as we wanted to know what the hype was about.

Yakuza Burger - As you can see from the above, the Yakuza burger is truly a thing of beauty.  Generously plump, the meat is perfectly cooked and packs a ton of flavor, obviously made from great quality beef, which may even be grass fed.  The toppings are simple but also very flavorful and innovative, such as the spicy mayo, fresh peppery arugula and the piece-de-resistance, shoestring fries that unapologetically protrude from the bun.  Overall, the burger satiates and inspires the senses and is one of the better burgers I've had in town and in general. Speaking strictly from a food and flavor perspective, I highly recommend it.

Service:
This is where our experience unfortunately goes sour.  From the minute we walked in, we were treated curtly and sadly as if we didn't matter.  No doubt making for an aggravating experience, all the servers at Yakuza were not only inattentive but downright neglectful and rude.  True that they apologized for being "short staffed" and that the kitchen "was out of sorts," but their behavior spoke louder than words (i.e. ignoring our second request for water or us having to ask them explicitly why it took 40 minutes to get us our burger), they stroke out on many occasions.  Dan and I began to seriously doubt our choice to come here in general, and to also sit in the main dining room.  Next time (if there's a next time), we'll probably sit at the bar, where service is usually quicker.

Costs are expensive for a happy hour experience, especially since the actual costs don't reflect what's advertised on the website.  Our two burgers (not including drinks, which ended up being comped) set us back $18.  Ehhh...not sure if we'll be back.

2 Mmmms

Yakuza Lounge & Izakaya - 5411 NE 30th Avenue, Portland OR 97211
503.450.0893
yakuzalounge.com

East Glisan Pizza Lounge: A slice of happiness in Montavilla

Give me a hot slice of pizza and a fancy-pants beer for around $7.00 and I'm happy.  Add to that a really cool atmosphere and a nice warm vibe from everyone in the place, and I'm truly content.  Then add a pepperoni roll.

East Glisan Pizza Lounge accomplished all of the above when Fooditka and I stopped in last week; part of our continuing effort to eat our way through the thrifty and delicious cornucopia that is Portland during happy hour.  It's a bit farther away from our neighborhood than the places we've been so far, but overall, it was well worth the few extra minutes in the car.

Atmosphere:
Upon entering the space feels warm and comfortable, dimly lit but not overly dark, and there is plenty of room to find a table or sit at the bar.  Interesting artwork and colorful menu boards help liven things up, and I'm pretty sure David Bowie Radio was playing on Pandora.  A giant mural of a lion watched over us as we ate.  It's that kind of place.

Food:
As we were there for happy hour, our options were somewhat limited, but they have a pretty decent full size menu with appetizers and some salads to go along with all the pizza options. They actually have two happy hours, early from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and late from 10 p.m. to midnight.  The early deal includes a $2.00 slice of the day, 2 pepperoni rolls for $3.00, and $1.00 off drafts, well drinks, and house wines.  The late happy hour includes $1.00 New York slices and the same 2 pepperoni rolls for $3.00.  

Pizza - We were there for the early happy hour, so we each got a slice of the day.  I got the meat slice, and Fooditka got the veggie.  Her's was a white slice with caramelized onions and potatoes, and mine was more traditional looking with red sauce and bacon.  Both were very good, more of a New York style slice than a Neapolitan, and well cooked.  They were a little on the small side, and on their own wouldn't have been quite enough.  Fortunately we also got a pair of pepperoni rolls. 

Pepperoni Rolls - These were good, but not great.  They definitely helped fill me up, and the pepperoni and cheese were delightful, but I thought the doughy outside was slightly under-cooked.  They came with a little cup of sauce to dip in, but I thought the sauce was a little bland.  All that said, I ate my roll and half of Fooditka's.  So, you know, still pretty good. 

Beer - They have a rotating selection of several different craft beers, all of which are good depending on your preference.  I can't remember exactly what I got, maybe it was a Breakside Pale Ale of some kind.  Anyway, it's a lot of local crafty stuff that a beer drinker would enjoy.

Service and Cost:
Our waitress was very nice and friendly, just like pretty much everywhere else I've eaten since we've moved out here.  She patiently explained the happy hour caveat, that the food specials are only valid if you also get a beverage.  It doesn't need to be alcoholic, and they have a variety of fancy sodas that all sounded interesting as well.

With our slices, pepperoni rolls, one beer and one fancy soda and a tip, we got out of there for around $16.00  

2.75 Mmmms (deduction due to my pepperoni roll snobbery)

East Glisan Pizza Lounge - 8001 NE Glisan Street Portland, OR 97213
971.279.4273
www.eastglisan.com