Talk. Eat. Drink. Portland.

Southpark Seafood Grill & Wine Bar

2011-11-12T20:43:00.000-08:00

901 SW Salmon Street
Happy Hour: 3 - 6 PM, Wine Bar & Patio

I really do love the ambiance of a place like Southpark. The wine bar has a mix tall and short tables, and the long red drapery creates small little pockets of seclusion. Or there's the bar itself, where you can sit and watch the drinks being made. It was pretty slow when we were in on a late afternoon a few Saturdays ago. Downtown wasn't as busy with holiday shopping then. I'm sure that if I went back again within the next month, it'd be packed. Southpark is a perfect place to stop when shopping or before a show.

We stopped in after a long day of dress shopping. (Trying to find the perfect white dress is time consuming...and is best followed up with some sort of relaxing event. My event of choice is almost always happy hour.) I was ready to order a five dollar glass of red wine almost minutes within being seated.

The food selections during happy hour are a bit limited for someone who doesn't eat meat. My sister, the pescatarian, was quite pleased to find both crab cakes and calamari on the menu. Rather than deciding between the two, she and my fiance planned to share a few bites of each. And I stuck with the garbanzo beans.

I've had roasted chickpeas at a couple of other happy hour locations. (I've also had roasted chickpeas from a bag that were intended to replace peanuts...without as much success.) I like them. I like them so much that I really need to make them at home.

Also at the table was a cheese plate. The server did his best to suggest the charcuterie plate because it came with so much more...but without as many meat eaters at the table, it just wasn't going to sell. The cheese plate came with fruit and nuts and three kinds of cheeses but did not come with bread! Thankfully, the server was willing to bring some when requested and then bring even more when we finished the first.

Although this wasn't the only happy hour of the evening, I did enjoy myself quite a bit. So much so that I might just make a return trip before the year's out. Winter Break is scheduled to be extra long this year (thanks to the many furlough days of the school year) and a day spent at the art museum followed by another five dollar glass of red wine sounds inviting.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Exceeds
Value: Meets

-b

The Old Gold

2011-11-10T20:35:00.001-08:00

2105 N Killingsworth
Happy Hour: 4 - 7, Monday through Friday

The Old Gold is not exactly brand new. It's been around for about three weeks, maybe four. We went as a family (mom and dad were in town) within a week of the place opening its doors. And then my fiance and I went back for happy hour (even though a lot of the food is the same) to make this post official.

The Old Gold is approximately 237 steps (my steps, and I have a long-ish stride) from my sister's house. I can't remember exactly what the place used to be used for. It was definitely a car place--like a garage or something--but it had been sitting half-finished for so long, that I kind of forgot. It was obvious that someone had started a new project...but then something happened and it just sat there for what seemed like forever...and then all of a sudden there's a new restaurant. And all of a sudden, it's packed.

And I mean packed. We were able to fit just fine with our party of six on a Sunday evening. But when just the two of us went back on a Thursday (and the neighborhood had all of two weeks to recognize that this place was finally open) it wasn't easy getting a seat. I'm fairly certain that this place is going to stay busy. The neighborhood needs it. I know that there are other places within walking distance...but this place is a pretty good fit. (And the neighborhood's been missing something ever since Roux closed a couple of years ago.)

The OG (as the door says) has some pretty fantastic snacking food. We absolutely LOVE the white bean dip. Sounds boring, I know. But it's NOT. This dip is full of flavor. It's served with crostini (that may or may not be a bit too crunchy), carrots, and celery. The celery is just so-so as a dipper...but I still ate some. (The dip is NOT a happy hour item...but still a good price for the amount of flavor busting through with every bite.)

Also not included on the happy hour menu (but a great price) is the big bowl of popcorn. It is big, I promise. And it comes with three different sprinklings. We prefer the olive oil and salt...but enjoy it as you will.

During happy hour, sandwiches are a dollar off. I had the Tofu Banh Mi sandwich (again). This time I noticed a little bit of a heavier appearance was being made by the jalapeno. (I'm a bit of a wimp.) The flavor and texture combination was still so close to perfection that I ate every bite (and dealt with the pain).

My fiance had the elk burger (again). He seemed to love it (again). Both sandwiches are served with chips (but you can add a couple of bucks to switch out to a salad or fries if you so choose).

To help wash down the spiciness of the sandwich, I finished both a vodka gimlet (which was a little sweeter than I'm used to--and I have quite the sweet tooth) and a glass of red wine. My fiance started with the gimlet but moved onto a pint of beer instead. All of these beverages were discounted during happy hour, bringing our total to a very reasonable number.

If you pay any attention to the time line suggested by my writing, you will have already pieced together that I went to the Old Gold TWICE within one week. (And that's totally okay.) It should be quite obvious that I'll be back...and not just because it is SO very close to my sister's house.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets (but you have to order at the bar)
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

North 45

2011-10-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

517 NW 21st Avenue
Happy Hour: 4 - 6 PM daily, All night Monday, 10 - Midnight Wednesday

North 45 is housed on the food-filled street on NW 21st. Lined with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and the occasional nail studio, twenty-first avenue provides hungry patrons with options. If one place is too full, too pricey, or too dark, it only takes a few more steps to find something else. Finding a restaurant is easy. Finding a parking spot might require a little more patience.

We had planned to meet on Friday night (early afternoon, really) after my fiance experienced the all-night happy hour the Monday prior. (All-night happy hours are THE BEST.) He loved the mac and cheese and I loved the leftovers (which are not always allowed during happy hour...so extra points were earned for North 45 before I even walked in the door).

Vodka gimlets are considered well drinks at North 45 and priced at four dollars during happy hour. We had two to start and two to finish. They are made with fresh lime (no neon green gimlets at this place) and have the perfect proportion of sugar to lime.

I ordered the mac and cheese (partly because I already knew it was going to be good and partly because they didn't have much else to offer without meat--even the green beans were tainted). It was creamy and delicious and a perfect size for the price (just $4.50).

My fiance had the buffalo chicken sliders ($6) that came skewered and served in a tower. They were so attractive that they caught the eyes of the couple nearby and another two towers were served soon after.

Arriving to the table a bit late (it was lost in the shuffle, I suppose) was a plate of the caprese skewers. They were exactly as they sound...mini mozzarella balls and tomatoes served on a skewer and covered with balsamic and olive oil as well as a sprinkling of fresh basil.

Although every part of my experience was enjoyable, there's one thing I missed. I missed the opportunity to relax on one of "best" patios in all of Portland. Until I know for sure, I'll keep the best in quotes...but I hope it's true, because I'd love to add to my list of summertime favorites.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Deschutes Brewery and Public House

2011-10-12T21:18:00.001-07:00

210 NW 11th Avenue
Happy Hour: 4 - 6 PM, Monday through Friday

We stopped at the Deschutes Brewery for a quick bite to eat before an event at the Armory (they are across the street from one another, making the Deschutes Brewery a great option before any showing at the Gerding Theater). Doors opened at five-thirty, so timing was perfect to enjoy the discounted food and drinks that they offer during happy hour. The bar was packed with the majority of the crowd watching the game (what game, I have no idea) and so we were especially pleased to learn that happy hour is offered throughout the entire establishment between four and six on weekdays.

Service was pretty fantastic the entire visit. We were seated within minutes (which I was a teeny bit worried about since we had somewhere to be in just over an hour) and the server assigned to our table was quick to check on us. He was super friendly and gave great suggestions.

It would have made more sense for me to order a beer at the Deschutes Brewery (since that is what they are known for) but that's just not who I am, so I selected a glass of red wine. They have close to a dozen beers on tap at all times, offer sampler trays with teeny-tiny glasses, and include as much beer (or beer-making ingredients) into the food items on the menu as possible (candied malt on the salad, pale ale in the aioli and butter, and creamy stout in the pasta). The wine was good. Probably not as good as the beer, but still good.

For dinner, I selected a side salad (with candied malt sprinkled around the edge of the plate) and a small plate of the macaroni and cheese. The mac and cheese I had had once before. I remembered it being good. It is a special recipe that includes just enough sweet chili sauce. It's good...but it is one of those things that I probably won't recreate at home (mostly because I usually only make mac and cheese at home when I'm in the mood for some serious comfort food). Just because I won't make it at home, though, doesn't mean I won't come back for more.

My fiance had the chicken wings (which was a serious risk while wearing white) and an order of the fries. He made it through the whole meal without making a mess and seemed to enjoy every bite. The fries were good (I know because I had quite a few) but were made even better when dipped in the accompanying sauce. It also had just enough sweet chili flavor.

Thanks to the great service, we made it out on time and were in line at the theater minutes before the wait time tripled. The good food was followed by a good show and made for a pretty great night.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Exceeds
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Portland City Grill

2011-10-02T19:35:00.001-07:00

111 SW 5th
Happy Hour: 4 - 7 & 9 - close Monday - Saturday, All night Sunday

I finally made it to happy hour at Portland City Grill. It's supposed to be one of the best. (I guess I should admit that I'd been here at least twice before...but long before the start of this happy hour food blog.)

It's the place to be according to a lot of people. They've got one of the best views of Portland (comparing restaurant views only...everyone knows the best views of Portland are found on hikes, not while dining). Getting a window seat might take some serious planning...but if you do, it should be well worth the wait (the hovering and the possible elbow jabs). I made it (close enough) to a window once during a thunder and lightening storm. It was mesmerizing.

Service at Portland City Grill is fairly stellar. They get BUSY and move fast, fast, fast to keep up with all of the customers...but they are well-dressed, friendly, can answer any question, and take pretty good care of the customer.

We were at our last stop for the evening, but this place was just getting started. On Sundays, they have happy hour all night long. And everyone knows it. They have a pretty sizable list of discounted food options...and there are more vegetarian options now than the last time I was here. It's kind of a weird mix of food, though. I guess that's what you get with an Asian-, Island-, and Northwest-inspired Steakhouse.

I tried the asparagus salad. It was A LOT like something I had recently at another restaurant and I'm beginning to think that this is a new item that's going to start popping up all over the place (kind of like that time I tried fried chickpeas...and now they are everywhere). Along with the roasted asparagus, it had a little chevre cheese, some pistachios, and just enough arugula. The citrus dressing was light but very flavorful. I'm sure it was the ginger that amplified the taste so well.

Without having a bite, I can't say much about the second dish to arrive at the table. It was a very well-presented spring roll with vermicelli and a cilantro lime sprout salad. The peanut sauce that came with it was the star on the plate, with all sorts of extra crunchiness that added to every bite. (The last bite got a little messy...so if you order this on a first date or even if you are just wearing a white shirt, be very careful about how you go about eating it.)

They've got a pretty fantastic wine selection on the thirtieth floor, but I selected the cosmopolitan on this outing. It was one of the happy hour drink specials (just $5) and went well with the flavors of the salad and the atmosphere (a martini glass is a must in an establishment like this one - everything about it is SO classy).

We didn't make it to a window seat this time. So I guess that means I'll have to work my way to the Portland city Grill an another day. (And next time, I'll be there when the doors open to guarantee a seat with a view.)

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Exceeds
Value: Meets

-b

Pazzo Ristorante

2011-10-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

627 SW Washington
Happy Hour: 3 - 6 PM

Pazzo Ristorante is another one of those fantastic places in Portland offering HUGE portions for discounted prices during happy hour. I love it. I know that I'll be back soon. I'm guessing it will be on one of the rainy Sundays when I just don't feel like cooking. Maybe it'll be next Sunday. Maybe the Sunday after.

It doesn't have to be a Sunday, through. That I know for sure. Happy Hour is available at Pazzo Monday through Sunday from three to six. So anytime you are in the mood for dinner...and you can get in before six...do it. It's good food and good service at a great price.

For six dollars I had a plate of stuffed manicotti that came out all bubbly and cheesy. It was delicious. It had been stuffed with spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini as well as a whole lotta ricotta (I couldn't resist...). The veggies weren't too obvious, though, so if you are one of those anti-zucchini people, you should still give this plate a try. A bite, at least.

I used some of the delicious bread that had been delivered to our table when we first sat down to sop up the extra sauce from my manicotti. (Yes, I said bread. Three kinds of bread...including foccacia. And it was served with olive oil and balsamic.)

On the other end of the table was one of Pazzo's Brick Oven Pizza. Yes, I know that Brick Oven Pizzas aren't all that new. But these ones are extra special because even during happy hour, YOU get to pick the toppings. There's a whole lot to choose from and every pizza gets up to three. The pizza is seven dollars but big enough to reach the edge of the plate. And no one complains if you ask to take a little bit home. (In fact, they'll box it for you.)

Along with the scrumptious Italian favorites came two lovely glasses of wine (one red and one white). Wine is priced at five dollars during happy hour (well drinks and draft beer are just $3.50) but are nice selections.

I was super impressed with the service (both from the hostess and our server) as well. They were friendly, informative, and gave us the space (and the time) we needed without disappearing for too long.

Pazzo is most definitely another favorite to add to the list. (But I'm afraid that my list of TOP happy hours in Portland is getting to be too long. I guess that's good news for Portland, though.)

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Exceeds

-b

Brasserie Montmarte

2011-10-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

626 SW Park
Happy Hour: 2 - 6 PM, Monday through Sunday
Late Night Happy Hour: 10 PM - Midnight, Monday through Saturday

This is the kind of happy hour that I LOVE to write about. The service was exceptional, the atmosphere totally classy, and the food met my standards and then some. Plus, they've got $4 wine for four very happy hours every afternoon. And if one glass isn't enough, the carafe is only eleven bucks.

I arrived first and found us a place at the bar. It was wide open but we needed the space. You see, it was a department meeting. Almost. My favorite math buddy and I had some work to do...and when you have so much work to do that it requires meeting on a weekend, you HAVE to make the most of it. So we met over mimosas. (I suppose I was the only one with the mimosa...but it was Sunday afternoon and a mimosa felt right.)

My mimosa was officially on the brunch menu (which ended earlier in the day) but was offered to us by our lovely server (otherwise known as the bartender). She made a lot of great recommendations that day and even helped me to do a little party planning for the upcoming holiday. (No, not Christmas. My grandma is turning 90!) As the only bartender, she was BUSY...but didn't overlook us in the least.

Sharing space at the table with my mimosa was a glass of the discounted white wine. I'm beginning to appreciate white wine more and more these days and the price was oh-so-tempting...but the mimosa made me smile. And that's a big part of what makes happy hour so happy.

Macaroni and cheese also makes me smile...especially when it is done right. I order it so often that I feel as though I could become an expert. I suppose a lot of it has to do with my own personal preference...but I'm sure most people would agree that this mac and cheese is pretty high on the list. Not the highest, of course (I have my absolute favorite) but still quite high.

To accompany my mac and cheese, I tried their butter lettuce salad. I can't quite say what type of a dressing coated the leaves, but I do know that the quantity was just right. (I am not a fan of soggy salads.) And it was topped with yummy blue cheese crumbles. The alternative to my butter lettuce salad was a plate of mixed greens. It, too, was quite tempting and looked especially tasty with all of those sliced strawberries. (I'm not sure if that's a seasonal addition or not...so don't get too disappointed if you find yours without.)

The most interesting item at the table had to have been the Croque Madame. (It also came with the fanciest of names.) It was a pork belly sandwich made with Brioche, covered with a Mornay sauce and topped with a fried egg. Interesting, but well liked. If only it wasn't made with meat. Maybe next time I'll make a special request.

Although we were able to enjoy the discounted prices of both food and drinks, all of these treats are available in Le Bistro whenever the establishment is open. The prices go up a bit but the flavors and quality are still the same.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Exceeds
Ambiance: Exceeds
Value: Meets

-b

Habibi

2011-10-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

1012 SW Morrison
Happy Hour: All Day

All day happy hour is not completely uncommon. There are quite a few places around Portland that offer this sort of deal on Sunday or Monday (or whatever they have found to be their official "slow" day) as a means to boost numbers. It's a fine idea, in my opinion...but all day, every single day is something that I've yet to come across. (Or if I have, I've completely forgotten.) At Habibi -- either their Chinatown location or the one that's just off the MAX line on Morrison and Tenth -- you can enjoy happy hour whenever they are open. What that really means, of course, is that you can get smaller portions of your favorites. It's more like an ala carte menu then anything.

The smaller portions are perfect for a single serving. If sharing, you might want to order your food in waves like we did. It was just the two of us at first, so we didn't want to fill up before the table did. We started with two falafel balls (you can order them one ball at time), an order of tabouli, and a small plate of hummus to share. My fiance also had a plate of the chicken shawarma. He was impressed...but I missed the opportunity to take a picture.

All of this was served with warm pita, of course. It wasn't giant sized--like I've had at some traditional Lebanese places--but seemed much more manageable. And it's not like we were limited to one.

They don't really have any drink specials (besides a discounted bottle of Sessions) but do offer quite a few fancy cocktails for around seven dollars each. We started with Habibi Hard Lemonade (I had the strawberry version) but decided to move onto something else after one glass. Both were sweet, like Kool-Aid, and not something that I would have thought to go well with the flavors of our small plates.

During the second wave, I ordered a spinach pie and a small plate of Tzatziki. Both were delicious. And now that there were more of us, we could take advantage of the wine suggestion. (When setting the table, they include more than just silverware. A bottle of red wine waits in the center of each table.) On our table was a bottle of Pinot, but we opted for the Chianti.

Service was perfect up until the very end. They were setting up for a large (and I mean LARGE) party and took some time bringing our bill. We made it though, and I'm sure we'll be back.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Nearly Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Portland Prime

2011-10-01T19:27:00.000-07:00

121 SW 3rd Avenue
Happy Hour: 3 - 7, Monday through Saturday
Late Night Happy Hour 10 - close on Saturday
All Day Happy Hour on Sunday

I didn't realize until recently just how many steakhouses Portland has to offer. When in Chicago during the summer, I felt that almost every restaurant was either Italian, a steakhouse, or an Italian steakhouse. Portland has A LOT of the same plus the Thai, Indian, and Lebanese restaurants that I love so much. I suppose I love steakhouses, too. They usually have pretty decent mashed potatoes, some sort of pasta dish, and great big salads with the freshest blue cheese crumbles. And I love all of those things.

Portland Prime is new to me (and I guess that means it's new to Portland...unless of course I just didn't ever notice it before now). They offer live music, friendly servers, and happy hour until 7. And the bar is pretty large, so there's likely to be plenty of seating without having to get there when the doors open (which is nearly required at a lot of places downtown).

We started with two of their five dollar cocktails. I went with the signature pomegranate cosmopolitan while my fiance had a vodka gimlet. It was a little too dark to take a high-quality picture, but you can see that they are both a pretty good size.

The cheese platter (which was officially listed as a Charcuterie & Fromage Sampler in the menu) was THE most artistic display of cheese and meat that I have ever seen. There were swirls of mustard and cute little stacks of sliced cheese. The flavors were strong but the quantities were small.

We also had the Spinach Dip. It was good--not great--and came with the DRIEST crostini bread. I understand that crostini is traditionally toasted...but this was over the top. Croutons would have been better and they are supposed to be dry.

Although the food wasn't too pleasing this time, the service was great. Our server was back with our drinks in what seemed like seconds. She was quick but super friendly.

I'm not dying to go back to Portland Prime for happy hour anytime soon...but that doesn't mean that I won't give their dinner menu a try. They've got macaroni and cheese AND a seasonal ravioli, asparagus, whipped potatoes, and a super yummy baked brie appetizer.

Food: Nearly Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Lucky House

2011-10-01T13:33:00.000-07:00

5905 NE Halsey St.
Happy Hour Daily 3-7 p.m.

I am not a big Chinese food fan, but I am a fan of Lucky House's Happy Hour. I drove past Lucky House countless times on the way to the gym or Trader Joe's, and I thought it was just a dive bar (it kind of is, to be honest). One day my boyfriend was craving Chinese food, so he did an Internet search and found that that bar we've driven past countless times also serves Chinese food. Even better, it is within walking distance of our house!

Since then, we have gone there three more times. They have a pretty good Happy Hour, especially if you like fried Chinese appetizers. All of their micro brews on tap are $3.25, well drinks are $3.00, and they even have a variety of wines for $3.00. They always have a drink special, too, if you want a more interesting mixed drink (last night it was an orange creamsicle).

We've tried their salt and pepper chicken, crab puffs, and BBQ pork from the Happy Hour menu--all were good but small portions. From their regular menu, my boyfriend loves their special fried rice, and I love the beef and broccoli (fresh and cooked perfectly both times). We've also tried the orange chicken (not my favorite) and the Szechuan chicken (really spicy, which is a good thing).

What is even better than the beef and broccoli is the service. Every time I have been here they have been really friendly and make you feel right at home. You can tell why this place is so busy despite its less-than-stellar appearance--the servers are just so nice!

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Exceeds
Ambiance: Nearly Meets (music was too loud on our last visit
and the decor is not my favorite)
Value: Meets

--E

Pok Pok & Whiskey Soda Lounge

2011-09-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

3226 SE Division

Pok Pok does not have an official happy hour. (At least not as far as I can tell.) But they do have good drinks and small plates...which is EXACTLY what most happy hours have. And so I decided that they needed to be included in the blog. (It's okay to break the rules every once in awhile, right?)

I'm not sure what led Pok Pok to its fame in the first place (besides the food, of course). I wish that I could say that I had been there before it got big. (Because it got REALLY big.) I assume that it only took one food review to make this place the top of everyone's "must try" list. By now, though, I'm guessing that it's been reviewed, pictured, or at least mentioned in hundreds of publications nationwide. It's that kind of place.

And it's grown to be so big that they actually had to move what used to be the adjoining Whiskey Soda Lounge across the street. Now instead of sitting at the bar to wait for your table, you can wait out the hour (or more) across the street. The Whiskey Soda Lounge opens for business at five and are happy to let you know when your table at Pok Pok is ready. They've got small plates (quite a few to choose from) and beverages, seating inside and out, and the place might just be enough if you are interested in the flavors of Pok Pok without the long waits.

What they don't have, though, is much to choose from if you are not a meat eater. Almost everything on the menu contains some sort of fish sauce or dried shrimp. I checked in with our server, though, and she was able to make a suggestion. I ended up with the deep fried green papaya salad (minus the dried shrimp). It had an interesting texture and came with a super yummy sauce. It wasn't something that I could have turned into dinner...but it was fun to share.

To drink I had the Rhubarb Blush. It was hot out and this sounded especially refreshing. It was made with gin, fresh lime and rhubarb bitters. It was not, however, the favorite at the table. Multiple glasses of the Mango Alexander were ordered during the short time we were there. I had one small sip and was completely impressed with the flavors. It's made with mango, fresh lime, coconut creme, and vodka. We all decided that this drink was the next to be recreated at home.

Next up is Pok Pok Noi or Ping or whatever else the Pok Pok people come up with. I wouldn't say that they are taking over...but it is nice to know that you can find one in almost every area of town.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Exceeds
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Nearly Meets

Pour Wine Bar & Bistro

2011-09-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

2755 NE Broadway Street
Happy Hour: 4:30 - 6:30

It's been a long time since I've spent SO little at happy hour. Honestly, I could have walked out with a five dollar tab that night. And that's almost unheard of. Pour has three dollar (mystery) pours--both red and white--for three dollars and snacks--just a few--for two. There's plenty to choose from (at reasonable prices) on the regular menu (desserts, too) but we decided to stick to the happy hour offerings.

I had a glass of red wine while my fiance tried the white. Both were heavy pours (which makes the three dollar price tag even more of a value) and both were quite pleasant. And since they were mystery pours, the server described the qualities of the wine as they were delivered. I like the idea of not knowing what's on its way to the table...but I did overhear that the couple across the way weren't as impressed. It wasn't a problem, though, as the server was able to find something more to their liking without much fuss.

The warmed olives added just enough salt to the table (without ruining our appetites for dinner). If we didn't already have dinner plans, I'm sure we could have found something to keep us there. They have plenty of food options and--although they aren't discounted during happy hour--they are all priced quite well. I think the most expensive thing was just eight dollars.

I know that I'll be back again someday for the fantastic prices but I'm also excited about the wine room. I love the idea of being able to search through the racks (with some knowledgeable person leading the way) to select the perfect bottle to share. How fun!

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Exceeds

-b

Salvador Molly's

2011-09-10T11:06:00.000-07:00

1573 SW Sunset Blvd
Happy Hour: 4 - 6 PM

Pirate food! Or at least that's what I've always called it. My first visit to Salvador Molly's was at the other location (that has since closed) on Belmont. I remember having very spicy mac and cheese. Very spicy, of course, according to my spice index. According to my spice index, what Salvador Molly's is really known for--the great balls of fire--would be COMPLETELY off the chart. There are five to a plate and if you (just you) finish the entire plate--along with the spicy sauce--you can get your picture up on the Wall of Flame. (You might also suffer from a spicy hangover the next day.) I will never make it on that wall. In fact, I wouldn't even make it on the cheesy poof wall--if they had one. Those things are spicy enough for me...and they are barely spicy.

Living within walking distance of the only Salvador Molly's left in town means that I am quickly getting to know the menu. I have my favorite dish so far...and a favorite drink. Until this past weekend, though, I hadn't ever been for happy hour. But I will definitely go again (for sure, because I live so close...but also because of the great deals they offer). Two dollar food items and three dollar drink specials. That's pretty fantastic. And it's not like there are just a couple of food items listed at that price...they are ALL two dollars.

I ordered the quinoa salad. It's served on a plate of black beans and has all kinds of flavors mixed in. With any quinoa salad, though, it's the texture that I love best. Plus, it's super fresh and makes me feel like I've just made a healthy choice (which doesn't always happen at happy hour).

My fiance had the pulled pork sliders. There were three to the plate and they were super cute, as all sliders are. No coleslaw, though. I guess for two dollars, you can't be too selective.

To share, we also had the fried apples. The menu said they used a tempura batter, but it didn't seem fluffy enough to be tempura to me. It was more cornmeal-y. And there was enough curry mixed in the batter that the apples were hardly even recognizable. I still like them, though. And the dipping sauce added an extra layer of flavors, making it a fun item to share (but not something I would want to select on its own if I were planning for happy hour to be my dinner).

The three dollar drink special of the day was a margarita. According to the regular drink menu, I was getting quite a savings (even more so, knowing that they make their own sour mix).

Service was pretty fantastic...although I'm almost surprised that some of the servers can keep up like they do in such cramped quarters. It's like a maze in there. It was also super hot (mid nineties outside...and something close to that inside, I'm sure). Very impressive, I say.

And then there's the decor. If you've never been to Salvador Molly's, be prepared to be distracted. There are SO many things to look at. Just from the pictures of the food, I'm sure you can see that almost every square inch is covered with something. There are maps and postcards and pictures and fantastic treasures from across the world.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Exceeds
Value: Exceeds

-b

Daily Grill

2011-09-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

750 SW Alder Street
Happy Hour: 4 - 7 PM, daily

Yes, it's in a hotel. But it's a Westin. That means something, right? After all of the traveling I did this past summer break, I'm starting to appreciate the amenities that a hotel restaurant has to offer. And this place has a lot to offer. They've got super comfy couches and chairs, iPads built into the bar, and everyone working there wears a smile.

Daily Grill offers happy hour pricing (on both food and drinks) from four to seven every single day. And it's not like some places where you can only get certain wines at a discount. They will drop the price by two dollars on any wine you want. For me, though, I was more interested in the $5.50 martinis.

Ordering a vodka Gimlet (especially at a discount) can sometimes lead to a bit of a surprise. I learned pretty early on to request it served up rather than over ice...but I'm not so sure that I can request exactly how it's made. (That might be overstepping just a bit.) So every once in a while when the vodka gimlet comes out to the table, it's a neon green color. And when it's a neon green color, that means that it was made with (most likely Rose's) sweetened lime juice. It's not bad...but it's not as good as when it is made in the more natural way (like, with limes). At Daily Grill, they make the good gimlets. And they make them at a discount. And that makes me happy.

The five of us went through a lot of food at happy hour but I wasn't able to get pictures of everything. (It's hard some days to get everyone at the table to stop and wait while I try to get the best picture possible.) We had sweet potato fries, hummus, wings, artichoke dip, more hummus (this time the trio of hummus from the regular bar menu) and more fries. oh, and the Side Kicks (which are the cutest little sliders ever.) All of it was tasty (at least all of it that I tasted), and all of it was at a fairly good price.

The hummus came served with flatbread, cucumber, and radishes. The happy hour serving is pretty small (compared to some places) but has great flavor. After the trio of hummus arrived, though, I decided that I liked the Kalamata olive hummus the best.

The sweet potato fries came with both ketchup and blue cheese dressing. And they were still hot when they made it to the table.

The spinach and artichoke dip was warmed, topped with an extra layer of melted Parmesan cheese, and come served with grilled crostini. And when we ran out of crostini and still had plenty of dip left, our server was happy to bring more.

The service at Daily Grill was probably the best I've had in a long time. She was beyond friendly, checked on us frequently (we were there for quite a while), and was ready to take one last order just minutes before the discounts during happy hour ended. (That's always a good sign.)

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Exceeds
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Irving Street Kitchen

2011-08-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

701 NW 13th Avenue
Happy Hour: 4:30 - 6:00,

Irving Street Kitchen has been on my to do list for WAY too long. (The last place that stayed on the list that long closed before I made it in.) Thankfully, it's close to a million (okay, not quite) other restaurants in the Pearl...so when they didn't have too many vegetarian-friendly items on the food menu at one place, this was our next stop. And although they don't have too many food items on their menu, they do have mac and cheese.

Macaroni and cheese is a staple on so many happy hour menus. Some people might think it is a little too overdone. For me, it's safe. And it is sometimes the only meat-free option. So I say, keep 'em coming. They are, however, not all created equal. And a lot of it really depends on personal preference. For me, this one was pretty good. It didn't have too much breadcrumb topping, it didn't taste too much like flour and not enough like cheese, and it came out hot but not burn-the-roof-of-your-mouth hot. The extra special addition that they use at Irving Street Kitchen to make their mac and cheese extra special is smoked salt. For me, it added just enough smokey flavor to make me wonder if there might have been some ham or bacon built in. It didn't, but the smell (and taste) of smokey things always makes me wonder.

Also at the table was a good-sized portion of the Smoked Tasso Jambalaya. (Again with the smokey flavors!) This one had enough smokey smell to it to give off the impression that it was going to be TOO spicy. Luckily, it was not.

The two of us had wine with our meal, one glass of the Syrah Blend and one of the Grenache Blanc. Both are just six dollars during happy hour...but are smaller pours than what are regularly served. (I noticed across the way that when you order wine off of the regular menu, it is served in a cute little Mason jar allowing you to fill your glass and have some extra waiting on the side.)

I didn't have a chance to look through the regular dinner menu, but I enjoyed the atmosphere so much that I'm pretty certain I will be back for dinner sometime soon. Or maybe just another visit for happy hour.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Trader Vic's

2011-08-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

1203 NW Glisan
Happy Hour: 3 - 6:30 and 10:00 - close, weekdays

Trader Vic's is back in Portland. After how many years, I'm not sure. (I suppose I should look that up. I'll do that now.) Fifteen years! No wonder. I was just about to say that I don't even remember being to or driving by or anything...but I guess I wasn't here to have had the option. Trader Vic's moved out of the Benson Hotel in 1996, just one year before I moved into the dorms in '97. But knowing that it came back after all this time is kinda interesting, right? I suppose some people are super exciting to relive certain traditions or memories or whatever. I was just excited to try a new happy hour.

Happy hour at Trader Vic's runs from 3:00 to 6:30 and again from 10:00 to close...but only on weekdays. And the seating area for happy hour is pretty much HUGE. It includes the bar, the upper area that stretches WAY around the backside of the bar, and some outdoor seating, too. (It's big like Henry's but you can actually get a seat!)

The drink menu is just as big (and it's my understanding that so are some of the drinks--the menu claims that one drink serves four!). Not all drinks are discounted during happy hour...but quite a few are. I tried the Kamaiina which is full of coconut flavored rum and served, appropriately enough, in a coconut shell (plastic, of course). It was sweet like candy and I probably could have ordered four more. I didn't, thank goodness. But I could have. And if I had, it wouldn't have been too spendy because during happy hour the Kamaiina are only five dollars each. That's a good price.

Not included in the happy hour discounts (but served with a keepsake, making it totally worth it) is the Menehune Juice. I had never heard of these little Menehune but I figure that they were the inspiration for the Doozers. (I also think that they might be a distant relative of the Oompa Loompas.) It's some pretty interesting folklore that I think you outta look up if you haven't already. And when you order the Menehune Juice, you get to keep the little Menehune Man.

The snacks listed on the happy hour menu would probably please the meat eaters more than they did me. I guess there were three things total that I could have ordered... but I just wasn't in the mood for fries or chips, despite the fancy dipping sauces. So I ordered the Edamame Hummus. It was definitely pretty but didn't have the most exceptional flavor.

Our server was fantastic (super friendly, answered questions, commented on the choices we made, etc.) but was working alone in a pretty big area for most of the time we were there. (Poor thing!) I hope it was just a one time thing and that they aren't trying to save by having too few servers in the place. I guess I'll have to return to see if it's any different (and next time I think I'll bring enough people to order one of those giant fishbowl drinks).

Food: Nearly Meets
Drinks: Exceeds
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Mee Sen Thai Eatery

2011-08-31T21:03:00.000-07:00

3924 N Mississippi Ave
Happy Hour: 3PM - 6 PM and 9PM - close, daily (All Day Tuesday)

I really need to find someone who is willing to go back for happy hour at Mee Sen Thai Eatery just for the grasshoppers. I don't eat meat so I'm not about to eat a grasshopper...but I'm finding that not a lot of other people are ready to down a plate of fried bugs either. Maybe I can convince my dad to go next time he's in town. I bet he'd do it.

The plate of fried grasshoppers is just five dollars during happy hour. Most of the food options (and there are quite a few of them) are between three and six dollars. And if what you see isn't enough, the regular menu has a long list of small plates that are all about the same price.

Drinks are discounted too, which is always a plus at happy hour (the best ones SHOULD have discounts on both food AND drink). Two dollar discounts on six of their fancy cocktails brings the price down to be quite reasonable. Choosing the perfect mix is a little bit more challenging since they all sound so yummy. I opted for the Mee Sen Margarita which came from the bar looking a little too patriotic (I quickly stirred the colors into a nice pinky-purple before taking my first sip). My math buddy ordered the Lychee Crush (this happy hour--a.k.a. math department meeting--DID include a little "shop talk"). It was blended and came topped with a lychee fruit that left her wondering what it was she had ordered (I think it was her first lychee fruit experience).

There was so much on the menu to choose from that our poor server stopped by a number of times before we were finally ready. I decided on the bowl of Drunken Noodles. I've only recently discovered that I LOVE drunken noodles. I used to be a Pad See Ew girl. I ordered it religiously, no matter where I was. Drunken noodles are similar but with more veggies and more spice. I recommend giving them a try if you haven't already.

I shared, of course. And we also shared the salad rolls (that were delivered almost instantaneously) and the fried tofu. The salad rolls looked fantastic. They were full of vibrant colors, came with a decent amount of peanut sauce, and were perfect for sharing. They, however, needed something. We decided that there might have been the teensiest amount of some fresh herb (maybe basil)...but that there needed to be MORE. I prefer cilantro and think that it has a stronger flavor (which is what these salad rolls needed) but a few extra leaves of basil would have probably done the trick, too. With that, these would have been PERFECT.

The tofu was just fried tofu...but it came with a super tasty dipping sauce. It was more like sweet and hot instead of sweet and sour (like sweet chili sauce, I suppose) and came topped with peanuts.

It was pretty empty in there when we first arrived but I'm fairly certain that the service would have been just as good had it been fully packed. They are quick with the food and quite friendly.

Two additional things about Mee Sen that make it a great place to go for happy hour is that they have plenty of outdoor seating and they are next door to one of my favorite self-serve frozen yogurt places.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Exceeds

-b

Bugatti's

2011-08-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

2905 SW Cedar Hills Blvd
Happy Hour: 3PM - 6PM, 8PM - close, and ALL DAY Sunday

After spending too much time looking at flat screen TVs at what some people call the "shiny happy place" (where they all wear blue and have walls and walls of televisions to choose from), we were HUNGRY! Luckily, we were in Beaverton. And in Beaverton, there are restaurants galore. Many of them homogenized, but restaurants nonetheless. And in the same parking lot as the shiny happy place, we found Bugatti's. And Bugatti's serves happy hour ALL NIGHT LONG on Sundays.

We walked in and found a comfortable corner booth in the bar. In what seemed like seconds, our server delivered a plate of foccacia to our table. (How did she know?) The bread was served with a garlicky olive oil for dipping and was apparently never-ending. (We barely touched the second plate, but that doesn't mean it didn't make it to the table.) It made the hunger issue less of an issue as we checked out the food options on the menu.

The happy hour menu at Bugatti's is a big one. They've got all sorts of things to choose from and according to the menu (as well as from the photos) the portions are LARGER than what you might expect to see at happy hour. Which means, of course, that this is one happy hour that you can go to expecting to eat an entire meal. And there are four locations total, meaning that you all don't have to head to Beaverton (unless, of course, you need something from the shiny happy place--perhaps a vacuum, they've got dozens to choose from).

We started with the Champagne Salad. There were two at the table for the three of us to share, one without walnuts and one without onions. Both had sliced strawberries and crumbled Gorgonzola. The dressing was a champagne vinaigrette (hence the name, Champagne Salad) but seemed a bit heavy for me. It coated each piece of spinach, front and back. (Note to self, always order the dressing on the side. Always.)

I ordered the angel hair pasta with marinara sauce (simple, yet good) and we all shared the Margherita pizza. It was covered with fresh basil and tomato slices and had plenty of cheese. It was a great deal for five dollars, that's for sure.

My boyfriend (I suppose I should start referring to him by his new title, my fiance) ordered the meaty version of what I had. It was a traditional Bolognese Spaghetti but came with a meatball in addition to the meat sauce. He seemed quite pleased with the selection.

And for dessert (yes, they have dessert on the menu) we ordered the Profiterole. For just two dollars, they will serve the cutest little cream puff filled with vanilla ice cream, topped with whipped cream, and drizzled with the perfect amount of Belgian chocolate sauce. A perfect ending, in my opinion.

To wash it all down, I sipped on a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. It's just $4.50 during happy hour. Also at the table were discounted well drinks: a vodka gimlet ($5.50 during happy hour) and a gin and tonic ($3.50).

They seem to know what they are doing at Bugatti's (at least in the bar). Our server might have been one of the only people working that area on Sunday, but she was quick and checked on us often. And it seemed that there were regulars there...and when people come back time and time again, it makes me think that this place is a pretty good place. (Plus, they have dessert on their happy hour menu...something that I love and that will bring me back time and time again.)

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Exceeds

-b

Tree's Restaurant and Catering

2011-08-26T21:46:00.000-07:00

1211 SW 5th Avenue
Happy Hour: 4 - close

Never had I heard of or seen this restaurant before now. It's hidden away on the ground floor of the PacWest Building. I'm sure that all of those people occupying all of those floors know all about Tree's Restaurant and Catering. But I did not.

It's a cute little restaurant and bar with "outdoor" seating in the foyer of the building. You can still catch a little sunshine out there AND avoid the noise of the traffic and the potential drizzle of rain. The three of us, however, sat inside. And I'm glad we did--service was a little slow and being closer to the bar made a difference (especially that time I walked up to place an order).

The three of us had dinner plans, and so this was really just a stop for drinks. For the purpose of blogging (and because I was a little hungrier than the others after spending my afternoon at the gym) we did order one food item.

The menu has quite the assortment of food selections. Most things are priced between three and five dollars but they do have two big ticket items. (Big, as in eight whole dollars.) They are the housemade chips and salsa and the halibut fish and chips. They've also got three different types of sliders (no veggie version, though) and the price gets better as you buy more.

We decided on the Pesto Flatbread with Spinach and Feta. It was SO yummy (and not just because I was hungry). After taking my first bite, it made sense to know that this place started as a catering company and then became a restaurant. They know how to do food.

They also seem to know how to make great tasting cocktails. (Although I highly suggest that you stick to what's on the menu. My boyfriend ordered a Gimlet and we were both pretty convinced that it had club soda in it. Who puts club soda in a gimlet?) I had the Avocado Margarita even though it wasn't a part of the happy hour discounts because I had never ever seen avocado listed on a drink menu before. (Avocado milkshakes, yes. Avocado anything else, no.) It was yummy. Green, but yummy. And it definitely mellowed out that typical tequila flavor that some people are so greatly opposed to. (I am not one of those people...but I know that they are out there.)

Service wasn't exactly up-to-snuff but I'm going to assume that the bartender was just a little too distracted. I need to give this place one more go before I make anymore comments about how hard it was to get his attention.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Nearly Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Bartini Take Two

2011-08-26T12:46:00.001-07:00

2114 NW Glisan
Happy Hour 4 p.m.-6:30 p.m daily
Also available all evening Sunday and Monday
and from 9:30 to close Tuesday-Thursday

Earlier this summer, my co-blogger went to Bartini without me. I was trying to find a fun place to go for Happy Hour before the Timbers game on Wednesday, and I remembered that she liked this place, so I figured my boyfriend and I should give it a try. We had been to the connected restaurant, Urban Fondue, and we enjoyed it despite really slow service (it was better than the Melting Pot, in our opinion, but I think going out to fondue is kind of overrated--so little food for such a high price!)

We arrived at about 4:30, and the place was fairly empty (but by the time we left just after six it was completely packed, with some people who were waiting eying our table like vultures.) The service was really great. Our server was friendly, checked back frequently, and delivered everything quickly. This made me want to keep ordering martinis.

Bartini reminds me of the martini place we all love/hate, Vault, because it has a huge book full of exciting cocktails that all sound delicious. Bartini is better, though, because at Happy Hour all of the martinis are half price except for one page of "premium" martinis. At Vault they have certain ones on special, but you don't get as many choices for the discount. The vibe was also better--it didn't have that feeling that Vault has sometimes where everyone is trying to look cool and sexy. In any case, I was encouraged to order many martinis, so I was able to try four different ones (all $3-4 due to the discount!) The first one I ordered was made with mango and cucumber. It was really, really good. The next one had pear puree and grapefruit, and it was just okay. The third one was a watermelon cooler--this was the most tasty and I would get it again. It tasted just like a Jolly Rancher. Some people might think it too sweet, but I thought it was perfect. The final martini was the Oatmeal Cookie, and it was the perfect dessert. The drinks weren't super strong, obviously, since I was able to drink all four without any funny or embarrassing stories to show for it.

The food was also quite good. I ordered the goat cheese polenta cake and the shrimp tacos. I liked the shrimp tacos the best. My boyfriend really liked his BBQ chicken flatbread and mini shrimp and crab cakes. I tried both of them, and I think he made the better choices this time!

If I lived in Northwest, I would definitely become a regular at Bartini. My experience overall was excellent!

Food: Meets
Drinks: Exceeds
Service: Exceeds
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Exceeds

--E

Mio Sushi Take Two

2011-08-26T08:24:00.001-07:00

4204 NE Halsey
Happy Hour 4-6 p.m.

I have heard many people say that Mio Sushi is not the best sushi in Portland, but I have always enjoyed my meals at the Hollywood location. Maybe it's because I often come here after the gym, so I am extra hungry and it is something to look forward to while I am working out. I almost always order the Bento box meal with Teriyaki salmon and California rolls because it is a huge amount of food for a pretty decent price. As many times as I have been here, though, I had never tried the Happy Hour, so I was eager to try it when my co-blogger suggested it.

I ordered the tempura for $3.95. Normally I am not a huge fried food fan because of my sensitive stomach, but I love their vegetable tempura here (I ordered it without shrimp). The batter is light, the dipping sauce is good, and they always have a variety of veggies--my favorite is the sweet potato. I also wanted to order a more exotic roll since they were on special for $6.95. I got the banzai roll which had shrimp tempura--along with some other flavors I was unfamiliar with--and was delicious.

They have good drink prices as well. They had a few specialty cocktails, but they weren't offered at a discount. I ended up ordering a $3 glass of Pinot Grigio. It was a nice drink for a hot day.

I have never had bad service at Mio Sushi. They are always friendly and attentive, and this visit was no exception.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

--E

Mio Sushi - Hollywood Location

2011-08-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

4204 NE Halsey Street
Happy Hour: 4 - 6 PM

Mio Sushi has happy hour? I know, I thought the same thing. But when I saw it posted on the door a couple of weeks ago when I was in for lunch, I knew that I needed to go back.

There have to be a dozen or more Mios around these days. They started with that one teeny location in NW Portland and now have restaurants across Oregon. (I think I read somewhere that they are opening the first one in the Seattle area soon, too.) We stopped in just as they were reopening yesterday afternoon (they close between lunch and dinner, so make sure you check the hours first if you are planning to pick up some sushi or one of their bento boxes). The Hollywood location was the most conveniently located for the four of us but the parking is always such a pain. Mio parking at this location is shared with the 24 Hour Fitness and there are never enough spots in that garage.

We started with drinks while checking (and cross checking) all of the menus. They have quite a few special rolls listed by their name only on the happy hour menu. Luckily, the sushi menu was there for us when we didn't know exactly what was in the Volcano Roll.

I ordered the Pom Pom Saketini even though there wasn't a discount. They have other drinks that are included in the happy hour pricing, but the idea of this mix sounded super yummy. And I loved it. The sugar rim was a little too much, though. It seemed a little thick.

I was able to order the tempura appetizer from the happy hour menu with only veggies (it regularly comes with shrimp). When it arrived at the table, I was happy to see the assortment. There were green beans and carrots, broccoli, an onion ring and a slice of squash.

The best value it seemed was the roll combo. It came with two rolls (about sixteen pieces of sushi) and could have easily become dinner if paired with some miso or an order of edamame. I didn't order it, of course. Instead, I ordered the super veggie roll off of the regular menu. It's only three dollars, making it a better deal than many of the happy hour sushi choices (which are more expensive due to the high quality ingredients, of course). I've always loved their super veggie roll (it comes with the bento boxes that I've had so many times before).

They have all sorts of perfectly decorated desserts at Mio Sushi, but we opted to go next door after sushi for self-serve frozen yogurt at Sweet Cream. It's a smaller location serving YoCream with all of the toppings you would ever want. So yummy.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Exceeds
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Exceeds

-b

Shakti's - Wenatchee, Washington

2011-08-22T17:51:00.000-07:00

218 N Mission Street
Happy Hour: 4:30 - 6:00

With only two weeks of summer break remaining, I knew I needed to make the most of this extra long vacation. (We are starting the school year with furlough days this year.) I packed up the trunk and put just under 1000 miles on the car in seven days time. Along the way, I stopped in Wenatchee, Washington (for my first time as an adult...it had been quite awhile) to visit my college roommate. I had told her ahead of time how I wanted to spend my time (besides catching up, of course) and going to happy hour was, of course, on that list. So on the very first night we walked into Shakti's.

Shakti's offers five dollars off all appetizers during happy hour. (When I had first looked online I thought that it had said all apps were five dollars....) With a discount of five bucks, the appetizers all drop in price to eight dollars. In my opinion, that's still a little spendy...but they are high quality options. Things like crab croquettes and clams aren't going to be listed for $3 on any menu (and if they are, I'd be a little bit hesitant about the actual ingredients).

We started with drinks and then ordered the only two vegetarian options on the menu. My college roommate (despite her dislike of onions) ordered the Warm Artichoke Gratin. The onions were caramelized and only added to the flavor of the artichoke spread. Also mixed in were toasted pecans. Plenty of cheese, too. But instead of using the typical assortment of Parmesan or Asiago, this restaurant chose to substitute Gruyere. It was topped with a couple of roasted red peppers and served with plenty of bread.

I ordered their Crimini Marsala. When I had at first placed my order, our server shared with us that they had just pulled that dish from the menu due to a lack of ingredients. Luckily (she was nice enough to go check since I wouldn't be able to order anything else off of the menu besides another dish of Gratin) they had just enough criminis to make one more dish. It was quite tasty--with plenty of freshly chopped garlic--but might be something that needs to be shared in the future (and my college roommate lives by a strict no mushroom lifestyle). It was a lot...and not just in the actual amount. It was a lot of the same flavor...and the same texture.

To drink, the two of us ordered cosmopolitans. There is a list of six happy hour martinis, all down to just five dollars each. (You can get wine for the same price or they have Stella draft and well drinks listed at just three dollars each.) The cosmo was like any other cosmo I've had. It seems that they are one of those foolproof drinks. This one came without the sugared rim, making it much easier to finish (sometimes they are just so sticky).

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Exceeds (fantastic patio seating)
Value: Meets

-b

Stanford's--Lloyd Center Location

2011-08-21T17:45:00.000-07:00

913 Lloyd Center
Happy Hour Daily 3-6 p.m.

My boyfriend has been raving about the house made tater tots from the Stanford's Jantzen Beach location, so we decided to go to the Lloyd Center location since it is near our house. When we ordered, we were told that they are a large enough portion to share, but we opted for two orders anyway. My boyfriend also ordered the ribs and rings, and I ordered the house salad and mac and cheese to share. The prices were slightly higher than listed on the website, but they were still fairly cheap. For some reason, I thought Stanford's didn't have drink specials at happy hour. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they have $4 beer, house wine and well drinks, so I ordered a Hefeweizen.

Unfortunately, the server came back to the table and said that they were all out of the tater tots. My boyfriend was crushed, but he decided to order the BBQ quesadilla instead. I was also deeply saddened by this turn of events, and I decided to replace my tater tots with the french fries sampler.

I love the house salad and always order it here because it has extra stuff in it that makes it more special than a typical house salad. It has bacon chunks, jack cheese, cucumber, and tomatoes, and the balsamic dressing is really good here. I do not like egg in my salad, so I ask for it without. The fries were also extra delicious--they were fresh-cut and not too crispy, and they were divided into three sections with mild spices on each one. There were also three dipping sauces--an onion one, a ranch, and a BBQ. All three were good, but the best was probably the ranch. It was also a huge portion.

My boyfriend liked both of his selections, but I didn't try them. The only bad menu item we got was the mac and cheese. It had a strange taste to it--sort of like dish soap. I wonder if the dish still had soap residue on it when the mac and cheese was put in? Anyway, we didn't have more than a few bites due to the soapy taste. Too bad, because I have heard that they have great mac and cheese.

The service was good (it usually is here), and I would definitely recommend this place for Happy Hour. I only hope next time they are not out of tots!

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

--E

Chart House

2011-08-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

5700 SW Terwilliger Blvd
Happy Hour: 4 - 7 PM

I moved into a new neighborhood at the start of the month, and with it came new restaurants, new running routes, and new routines. Getting settled into the new routines isn't easy since I'm still technically on summer break (although I did spend a couple of hours working in my classroom earlier this week). It'll get easier once I'm back to work again at the start of the school year. And finding the new running routes has proven to be easy since there are paths and trails and sporadically placed public drinking fountains throughout. (Running on the new routes isn't so easy since I moved from the flat surface streets of NE Portland to the oh-so-steep hills of SW.) The new restaurants are what have me most excited...because new restaurants mean new happy hour opportunities. (And I found my first one while running in the neighborhood just yesterday.)

The Chart House is located on Terwilliger Boulevard and has the most beautiful view of Portland. Because of this view, the restaurant's walls are almost nothing but windows. The best views come from the seats closest to the windows on the main dining floor, but the comfortable seating in the bar downstairs comes with a similar sight and discounts on food and drinks during happy hour.

We got there around five--an hour into happy hour--and didn't have any problem getting a seat. We probably had better luck being that it was a Wednesday...so I would suggest getting there earlier if you are hoping for a window seat (especially if entertaining someone from out of town).

My co-blogger would have loved the layout of their menu (both for food and drinks) because of its tiered pricing. Food items were available for 4, 5, or 6 dollars. They had three options at each level and plenty of them were meat-free (making me happy). Drink prices also range from four dollars (for well drinks and select beer) to six (for signature cocktails) with wine and a few mixed drinks in the middle at five dollars each.

I started with a Chart House Cosmopolitan and my boyfriend had a Vodka Gimlet. The Gimlet qualified as a well drink, making it a great value. It, however, was made with Rose's sweetened lime juice instead of fresh lime and sugar. I prefer what the fresh lime has to offer in flavor versus the neon qualities of the version made with Rose's.

We ordered the spinach artichoke dip to share and each picked one other item. The dip was warmed prior to serving, had a topping of breadcrumbs (something that I'm not accustomed to but enjoyed), and came with crostini for dipping. I think I would have preferred the saltiness of tortilla chips with this dip, but this was a bit classier, I suppose (and we were at a classy place).

After sharing one plate, I had the brushetta (which meant more crostini) and my boyfriend had the fish tacos. The brushetta was topped with diced tomatoes, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese before being broiled to just the right point (crispy but not too hard to bite into and cheese that was melted enough but not to the point where it bubbles and becomes all chewy).

The fish tacos were a hit. They came two to a plate and were made with seared fish rather than fried. And they were topped with just enough cabbage so that it had good crunch without becoming too much like a salad. (I have a feeling that we'll go back again...partly because it's so close and partly because the fish tacos were so good.)

And when we are back again, I need to remember to order another Tuaca Lemon Drop. It was perfectly balanced in flavor. Yum. A little sticky, though, due to its sugared rim.

Service was good, too. It started with free valet parking (not because there aren't plenty of spots right there...just because it's a tight fit and they want to get in as many cars as possible). The hostess on the main level of the restaurant was ready to walk us down to the bar rather than just pointing the way. And the bartender worked wonders as he quickly mixed up drinks and was out to take our order (or take our plates away) with a smile every time.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Exceeds
Ambiance: Exceeds
Value: Meets

-b

East India Co. Grill and Bar

2011-08-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

821 SW 11th Ave
Happy Hour: Monday through Saturday, 5 - 7 PM

I love, love, love Indian food. (And I love that I never have to worry about there not being meat-free food I can eat.) We stopped at the East India Co. Grill and Bar after being disappointed by an all-meat establishment...so this was the BEST place to be.

We sat at one of the two-person tall tables but quickly moved to the comfy chairs at the front of the bar when our party of two doubled in size (Friday happy hours are the best for getting a group of people together--even a small group). My boyfriend and I stuck with six dollar glasses of wine (he had the house white, I had the house red) while the other two ladies explored the cocktail menu. And together, the four of us worked our way through almost everything on the food menu.

We started with a plate of Baingan Bhartha (a not too spicy eggplant spread). It was served with grilled Roti wedges and quickly became one of my favorites.

Also at the table to start was a plate of chicken wings (technically, Lhassani Murgh). They were obviously a hit since a second plate was ordered before we called it a night.

The Pakore was a mix of vegetables (rather than the "house" vegetable I always seem to find at my favorite Indian buffets). There were onion rings, asparagus, mushrooms, baby corn, and cauliflower. I loved the presentation of the mushrooms, served three to a skewer. So cute.

The Aloo-Kaju cutlet was the spiciest of all the things we ordered. It's listed on the menu simply as a potato croquette with cashews and spices...but they don't specify that these are spicy spices. Still good, just spicy!

Last to the table (besides the second plate of wings) was the Chana Chaat. It's a cold chickpea salad with red onion and peppers. It was one of those perfect summer salads (that I think I'll make at home later this week).

We had two servers bringing plates and drinks to our table and both were beyond polite. They didn't seem to mind that we kept ordering little by little as we worked our way through the menu and they were quick to answer all of our questions.

It's easy to say that I know I'll be back to this place because I do love Indian food so much. Next time, though, I think I'll work my way through the dinner menu instead. The dining area is hiding past the bar, but it's a big one and seemed to fill up as we were there...making me think that this place is going to be a favorite of many before too long.

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

2011-08-05T20:31:00.000-07:00

850 SW Broadway
Happy Hour: 4 - 7 PM, Monday through Friday

Ruth's Chris Steakhouse recently moved from its longstanding location on Third Avenue to its new space on Broadway. This new locale should keep the place pretty busy being that it's just steps from Pioneer Courthouse Square. Even those people who aren't willing to drop fifty bucks on a steak can enjoy the tasty steakhouse flavors with their new six dollar Sizzle, Swizzle and Swirl Happy Hour menu.

That new menu, however, does not include a single vegetarian option. Not one. I swear I remember seeing that they had mac and cheese (typical of most steakhouses, right?) on the happy hour menu when they were still housed on Third Avenue. So after finding a seat at the bar, I pulled out my phone to find another place to eat.

We did order drinks before leaving. I ordered the Classic Cosmo and my boyfriend ordered Ruth's Manhattan (made with Jim Beam). The Cosmo was tasty and served in a chilled martini glass. The bartender mixed is up in a single serving martini shaker and poured it right in front of me (super classy, I think).

I took a peak at the food being served all around us. The portions look a little small for six bucks...but they were fancy cuts of steak and lobster. I suppose if I were a meat eater, I'd be in a happy place (with good food at a good price).

Food: N/A
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Pine Tavern - Bend, Oregon

2011-08-05T11:56:00.000-07:00

967 NW Brooks
Bend, Oregon
Happy Hour: 4 - close, in the bar only

I've only been to Bend twice, and both times I've been to Pine Tavern for dinner. The first trip, my boyfriend and I had a fancy dinner there for my birthday. We stayed long enough to finish a bottle of wine and probably could have called it a five-course meal. This second time, I enjoyed a nice dinner on the patio with my two best friends. They don't have very many entree selections for vegetarians, so I had the same meal both times...but it was good (and with an entire year in between, it's not such a big deal to repeat the meal).

This time, however, we started with happy hour in the bar. I couldn't find this happy hour listed anywhere at the restaurant itself and I even had to ask the bartender about what I had seen listed in the hotel's food guide. My guess is that this three dollar special (served from four until close) is a big secret.

There was a wait for dinner (if we wanted to sit on the patio) and so having appetizers in the bar made all sorts of sense. We took a seat and ordered drinks to start.

I had a super refreshing drink made with muddled cucumber. It was perfect after having spent a good part of the day in the sun while hiking around Smith Rock. It was the favorite of the three drinks ordered at the bar but when it came time for dinner, I selected a glass of red wine which was a better match for my meal.

There are plenty of three dollar apps listed on the bar menu at Pine Tavern...but you might have to request the menu since it seems to be hiding somewhere behind the bar (I told you that this happy hour was a big secret). We each ordered one and the portions were the perfect size.

I had Caprese Crostini and loved every bite. Each piece of toasted baguette was topped with fresh mozzarella, a slice of tomato, and fresh basil. (I actually saw the herb garden on the patio...so I know it was fresh-from-the-garden fresh.) There was a balsamic reduction drizzled over the whole plate adding the best flavor to each bite.

Also at the table were steak bites served in little potato boats (that were apparently better than the meat itself) and a small plate of fried artichoke hearts.

The bartender kept busy with all of the work he had to do for the restaurant but was quick to meet our needs.

Although this happy hour is one that is a little too far away to frequent, I do believe that I will be back someday. I have to go back someday for those wonderfully scrumptiously tasty treats they call scones. I'm fairly certain that they are the cleaned up version of county fair fry bread and when served with honey butter at the start of the meal, it makes me want to start every meal with dessert. SO VERY GOOD!

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Henry's 12th Street Tavern

2011-07-28T08:23:00.000-07:00

10 NW 12th Street
Happy Hour: Monday through Saturday, 3 - 6 PM
Late Night Happy Hour: Monday through Thursday 9 - 11 PM, Friday 10 PM - 1 AM
All Day Happy Hour: Sunday 11 AM - 11 PM

Henry's is one the biggest bars that I can think of in all of Portland. There are so many tables and they are almost always full. It's almost ridiculous to think that you can walk through both the upper and lower level and not find a place to sit...but it happens all the time. And that is exactly what makes summer break happy hours all the more fun...we can start as early as we want. Getting here during the school year before the tables fill up would be nearly impossible.

We were seriously disappointed to learn that the discounted food offered during happy hour does not apply to the outdoor seating at Henry's. It was a beautiful day and (because we were determined to benefit from the happy hour pricing) we were forced to sit inside.

Drinks aren't included in the discounts during happy hour at Henry's (whether you sit inside or out). I opted for a classic Mojito (to start) which was perfect for the warm summer day and one of the better priced drinks. It was also the drink of choice at the table with two of us ordering the classic and one a fruitier version.

While waiting for the fourth to arrive, we shared an order of the Gorgonzola Fries. They are waffle cut fries with the typical seasoning but topped with a cheesy sauce and a generous sprinkling of crumbled Gorgonzola. (It might be one of the most unhealthy options listed on the menu...but I kinda liked it.) It's a fairly big pile of fries so I highly recommend sharing this dish.

Later in the evening, we ordered more plates to try. I sampled the macaroni and cheese which was creamy and cheesy but needed a bit more flavor to it. I also had a bite or two of the spinach dip. It was served with tortilla chips, meaning it had a great saltiness to it that made me want more (but wasn't the best I've ever had).

After all that salt, I needed something sweet. I opted for the raspberry drop (highly recommended by our server) which was yummy...and sticky. You can tell by the picture that the bartender went a little overboard when sugaring the rim of the martini glass.

I think it's the ambiance that brings people to Henry's. The foods okay. The drinks are decently priced. But I'm convinced that it's the atmosphere that keeps this place so crowded.

Food: Nearly Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Nearly Meets

-b

Kin

2011-07-19T21:05:00.001-07:00

524 NW 14th Avenue
Happy Hour: 5 - 6, Tuesday through Friday

Why have I never heard of this place before? It's newer, yes. But why didn't I know it had opened? I suppose I do rely on the internet for a lot of my restaurant research. Perhaps it's time that I get a subscription to Portland Monthly or something similar so that I can KEEP UP.

Happy hour only lasts one hour at Kin, from five to six. It's a perfect lead into dinner which is what I'll try next. They have all sorts of food options, including quite a few vegetarian-friendly dishes. There were three of us this time, so we were able to try almost everything on the menu.

To start, we shared the garbanzo bean puree and an order of wontons. The wontons had THE best flavor of all the dishes I sampled. They were full of corn and coconut and came with a small dish of sweet chili sauce. I know that there was something else in there, though. It couldn't have been the coconut alone adding all that flavor. Wontons are so often stuffed with crab or shrimp or something else I can't eat that I miss out on their crispy fabulousness. Thank you, Kin, for making sure that I get to enjoy this yummy treat, too.

The bean puree had great texture and was a filling dish served with grilled ciabatta bread. The bread was most definitely grilled upon order (everything at Kin is SO fresh) and came with a smokey flavor.

After sharing the first two plates, we each ordered something to try. I opted for the Chinese Eggplant. It was glazed with Miso and came served on a bed of slightly cooked Bok Choy and green beans. I loved the flavor and especially appreciated that this eggplant didn't have the tough skin that it so often has. With the Miso glaze, however, it did seem a bit salty. (That's typical of the dish though, right?)

Not all of the dishes made it to the table at the same time. This, I'm sure, is simply because the kitchen is small and there is so much value in serving each dish when it is at its prime. Having already shared two plates, I was not concerned. If this had been a family dinner, though, I have a feeling that it might cause an issue (unless, of course, you are a part of a family that doesn't require all to have been served before a single fork gets lifted off of the table). I just wouldn't want to be the last person served, I guess.

The remaining dishes were all meat options and so I cannot say too much. The steamed buns were the most popular (and a lot easier to eat than the Malaysian-style chicken wings).

To drink, I went with a cocktail they call The Downpour. It's made of Aviation Gin, fresh grapefruit juice, St. Germain, muddled mint and agave nectar. I haven't always been a fan of grapefruit juice but this drink was done quite well.

Service was exceptional at Kin and something that, in my opinion, makes for a great restaurant (and a return visit). Our server was quick to accommodate all of our needs (and answer all of our questions). She gave great recommendations and didn't mind one bit when we placed a very-last-second order just as happy hour was about to end.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Exceeds
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets (but seems a little pricey for dinner--it might be out of my range)

-b

Bluehour

2011-07-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

250 NW 13th Avenue
Happy Hour: 4 - 6:30 daily

Bluehour's happy hour is appropriately titled Happy Bluehour and includes all sorts of great discounts. One that I didn't take advantage of (but plan to someday soon) is the twenty dollar bottle of wine. The menu lists three to choose from and my guess is that (since the three listed online differ from what I saw on the menu) they rotate through their stock frequently. Regardless of what's listed (especially if it's a hot summer day and you are sitting outside), I suggest going for something chilled. Not because it's more refreshing or anything like that. But because if you do, the server will bring out this fantastic contraption that attaches to the table to keep your bottle at just the right temperature. (I know, I know. It's the little things. I'm just so used to the boring ol' ice bucket that sits ON TOP of the table. This one saves space. So smart!)

Before learning of the twenty dollar deal on wine (and of the fancy contraption), I had already set my eyes on the Moscow Mule. My boyfriend has been ordering them a lot lately and I've liked what I've tried...plus, I love lime. And ginger's okay, too. As long as it's not too strong. The Moscow Mule is one of the six dollar cocktails listed on the menu. They also have discounts on beer but you know that's not my thing.

The six dollar price tag isn't the best I've seen...but is nothing in comparison to the nine dollar "birthday drink" that was ordered later on. (Not for me, my birthday's still a month away. I ordered a second Moscow Mule...that's how good they are.) For nine dollars, this slender wine glass came less than half full of vodka, strawberry puree, and a balsamic reduction swirl (that looks like a pair of lips from this angle). Nine dollars. Wow. They must have been handpicked strawberries, or something. It was good, though. I had a sip. Super sweet and something that even I (with a major sweet tooth) couldn't have more than one.

To share (and to snack on while we continued to peruse the menu--it's a long one), we ordered the crispy chickpeas. I've had them at a couple of other places and I really like them. Chickpeas are big all of a sudden...and not just for the fantastic hummus they make. I've also found roasted chickpeas (a peanut substitute?) that come in all sorts of flavors--both spicy and sweet--at certain grocery stores. I'll continue to support the chickpea movement. I might even try making crispy chickpeas at home. These ones were lightly coated in a smoked paprika oil. Yum! And crispy, for sure.

After asking for suggestions (our server pointed out the steak frites--one of the most expensive and only full-sized meal listed on the happy hour menu --before I mentioned that I didn't eat meat), I ordered the grilled vegetable slider. It had two or three veggies that had been nicely roasted and a spoonful of pesto. The flavor was great and the bread had the best chewiness to it...but the pesto was a bit oily.

Another slider making an appearance at the table was made of one giant meatball and not quite enough tomato sauce. After taking a picture, the meatball was smashed into place (making it just a wee bit easier to eat). Seriously, whose mouth is big enough? Since I wasn't about to take a bite, I had to ask the meater what she thought. Her answer: good, but in need of more sauce.

Service was great to start at Bluehour (it was also nearly empty) but kind of trickled down in its greatness as the hour went on (and the tables filled up). I'm fairly certain that there was just the one guy taking care of everyone--inside and out. So to the people of Bluehour I say, hire some more staff. I'd be more likely to come back if you do.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Nearly Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets (unless you order the nine dollar strawberry cocktail)

-b

50 Plates

2011-07-19T20:50:00.000-07:00

333 NW 13th Avenue
Happy Hour: 3 - 6 and 9 - close, Monday through Thursday;
3 - 6 and 10 - close, First Thursdays, Friday, and Saturday;
4 - close Sundays

I have to admit, I was expecting to be seriously disappointed with the happy hour at 50 plates. I can remember looking at their website last summer, thinking it would be one that we could skip...that they just didn't have enough to offer. And then again before heading out the door yesterday, I checked the website finding just a few things listed on their happy hour menu. Four food items, to be exact. And only one of them vegetarian-friendly. Apparently, I was wrong to have such poor expectations. I was not disappointed in their happy hour at all. Now I'm only disappointed with their website. You can do better, 50 Plates. And you should if you want to get new business. So many of us check menus online before going out. I know I do it to be sure that there will be something that I can eat. And I know I am not the only one.

We walked in just as happy hour started. It starts at three, which is fantastic during the summer months. We can get in before any rush of the nine-to-fivers come piling in. It was definitely quiet that early on but the outdoor seating filled up quickly, despite the rain clouds.

The happy hour menu has fifteen food items to choose from (not four as I had once thought...again with the website). The prices range from one to six dollars, which means you can get quite a few plates for very few bucks. And you'll need to get more than one...since they are all so tiny. Itty bitty, really. (I wasn't the one who said it, but I can't NOT repeat the witty claim that you won't get full at 50 Plates unless you eat all 50 plates.) It does make for good sharing, though, and I like the idea of having lots of little flavors than being stuck with one I just don't like.

The back of the menu lists all sorts of fancy cocktails for nine dollars apiece. On the inside, however, is a short list of discounted drinks. And on that list was one of my favorites. So I ordered a Vodka Gimlet. And it was one of the better Gimlets I've had to date. On the other side of the table was a drink that will never make it to the top of my list of favorites. Anything that bitter will never be my go-to. They call it an Americano for a reason I don't yet know and it's made with Campari. We had to look that one up...and probably should have done so prior to ordering it. Some people might enjoy the bitter flavor of the Americano...but neither of us did.

While waiting for our first order, the server (who had done a pretty fantastic job so far) brought out a cup of popcorn. It was covered with garlic powder, Parmesan, and dill. I had never thought to put dill on popcorn before...but I like the idea and will try it again, I am sure.

We started with the Hush Puppies. They had some sort of fancy pepper and hominy mixed in prior to frying and were served with a spicy sour cream. There were just two of them, so we each had a bite. I especially liked the textures as they changed so much between the light and crispy outer layer and the soft fluffy insides. The sauce went well but wasn't exactly spicy.

After the first tiny plate, we decided to order separately. (That meant, of course, that some not-so-vegetarian things would be coming to the table.) I ordered the mac and cheese and on the other side of the table was the Monte Cristo. Someday I need to try a no-meat Monte Cristo. I like the idea of mixing the savory with the sweet. This one was served with powdered sugar and two Amerena cherries.

The mac and cheese was creamy and cheesy and came with a good amount of breadcrumbs on top. I saw it go into the wood-fired oven and was a little worried when one of the cooks brought it straight to the table from there. So hot! After waiting a minute or two, I could finally taste what I was eating. It was yummy but not enough to bring me back. I'll be back, though, but to try one of the other forty-some plates.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Bartini

2011-07-15T09:21:00.000-07:00

2108 NW Glisan St.
Happy Hour: All Day Sunday (4 - 11 PM), All Day Monday (4 - Midnight), 4 - 6:30 and 9:30 - close Tuesday through Thursday, 4 - 6:30 Friday and Saturday

Half-price martinis! (I know. It's hardly a sentence...but it's really all I need to say.) Bartini has half-price martinis during happy hour. And they have happy hour every day of the week. They also have one of the longest martini menus I have ever seen. It's almost overwhelming.

We made it to happy hour at Bartini shortly after they opened at four. (I highly recommend doing all that you can to get there right at opening or you might not be able to find a seat. The place fills up fast.) We decided on a table outside despite the cloudy forecast (it was just barely starting to rain when we left).

It took additional time to study the menus (both martini and food menus, that is) but our server was right there ready to take our order. (She also helped in the decision-making process...because I was so overwhelmed.) I went with one of her favorites, the HMB, and across the table was the Peach Bliss. The HMB was a mix of muddled cucumber and basil, fresh lemon juice, and citrus vodka. And the Peach Bliss was made of muddled blueberries, blueberry vodka and peach puree. Both were refreshingly tasty and fun to drink. Yes, fun.

The food menu is a long one, too. (And it's not the same as what is currently posted on the internet...so don't get your heart set on the bruschetta martini like I did.) With all of those options, we had to order quite a few plates. Variety is SO important.

The smoked cheddar fondue was a must since Bartini is attached to Urban Fondue...making it their specialty. I was a little concerned at first when I saw brown spots in the cheese and had to put off my first bite. (Smoked flavors always make me think of bacon...and seeing brown spots while thinking about smoked flavors led me to believe that this dish was not a vegetarian option. I was wrong. They were just spots.) It was served with a bowl of cubed bread but we could have opted to add on asparagus, fruit, a meat item of some sort, or button mushrooms. With all that we ordered, we decided to stick to the cubed bread. I've never been too keen on cheddar as being the number one choice for fondue, but this was pretty good. The consistency was good too, which is always a concern when making fondue.

More bread and cheese came in the form of the roasted vegetable flatbread. I can't be one hundred percent sure about what veggies were one top but the combination seemed to go well enough. There might have been an asparagus spear, but it's hard to say. Most of the veggies were so small that they became unidentifiable. Next time, I'll probably skip this one. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't exactly good either.

The pulled pork sandwich (obviously not something that I ordered) received the same vote. But...she did mention that no pulled pork sandwich has been that great after a visit to North Carolina (where pulled pork sandwiches are their specialty).

My favorite item (despite the chewy mushrooms) was the grilled polenta. I have recently (okay, it's been close to two years now) decided that polenta is one of my favorite things to order. And I've liked it in all of its forms (of which, there are plenty). I just need to learn how to make it at home.

With such a great deal on martinis, we had to get more than one each. For my second drink I ordered the Coconut Mojitotini. I loved the sprinkling of coconut on top. Also at the table was one of the many cosmopolitans. This one had a splash of champagne that almost overpowered the rest of the flavors. (So if you don't LOVE champagne, we suggest that you skip this one and go straight for the Snickertini...because it tastes like a Snickers. And who wouldn't LOVE that.)

Bartini definitely passed the test. They have great service, a huge selection, and discounts on both food AND drinks. But they get extra credit for having half-price martinis.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Exceeds
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Exceeds

-b

Casa del Matador

2011-07-12T18:34:00.000-07:00

2424 East Burnside
Happy Hour: 4 - 6 PM and 10 PM - 1 AM

Casa del Matador (more commonly known--but with risk for confusing it with The Matador on West Burnside--as The Matador) has the BEST margaritas that I've had in a very long time. And there are so many to choose from. I was in the middle of deciding between two when I picked a third based on the server's suggestion (and she wasn't even talking to me). SO good!

After all that debate, I ended up ordering the Tamarind Margarita (just eight dollars) and was completely satisfied. The rim of the pint glass had a thick dusting of cinnamon and sugar that added so much to the experience with its sweet smell.

Knowing in advance that the Texas Size Nachos were of a fairly good size (not exactly the size of Texas but bordering on gigantic), the three of us decided to split the plate. I also ordered the Romaine salad (with a dressing that did not contain anchovy paste).

The salad was a covered in a cotija cheese and had plenty of tomatoes and what looked like (but didn't carry the heat of) jalapeno peppers. My dressing was on the side and had a great flavor (it was a creamy balsamic) but wasn't exactly necessary with all of the flavors of the salad. It was definitely a good sized portion but still seemed a bit high in price at five dollars.

And then there were the nachos. And there were so many of them. They were covered in black beans (something that I LOVE) and had a great deal of guacamole and fresh pico de gallo. Plenty of cheese, too. If I had ordered these on my own I would have been SO overwhelmed...but going in on the order made this the perfect sized meal.

Our server was pretty fantastic, too. The place wasn't exactly busy, but she was quick to return with water, brought extra salsa out for our nachos, and offered up the dessert menu in a not-too-pushy-but-awfully-convincing manner...which is exactly why we split the Chocolate Decadence before leaving. And it was decadent. The chocolate cake is nearly flourless (so says the menu) and served warm with one scoop of vanilla ice cream and the most amazing caramel sauce. It's not on the happy hour menu (too bad) but at six dollars, this dessert was SO worth it. (And it was worth the calories, too.) I recommend it to everyone who stops by, whether it be for happy hour or dinner.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Exceeds
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Big Bowl in Chicago

2011-07-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

60 E Ohio Street
Chicago, Illinois
Happy Hour: 3 - 6

This is my new favorite place. Seriously, I've never really liked Chinese food...and I like this. They use all sorts of fresh veggies, have plenty of vegetarian options, and work really hard to do what they can to run an almost completely "green" establishment. I only wish it weren't so far away.

During my stay in Chicago, I ate at Big Bowl twice. Once for dinner (which included a super yummy Thai Iced Coffee dessert) and again for happy hour. I would go again if there were one near me...but apparently they are only in Chicago, a few towns in Minnesota, and the D.C. area. Too bad. Their "green" way of running the restaurant is so Portland. They even have paper straws. Oh, and the server's uniform is made from bamboo.

When I was there for dinner, I had the hardest time trying to decide what to have. There are plenty of vegetarian options. So many, in fact, that they have an entire page in the menu devoted to the non meat-eaters. In the end (and with a little suggestive help from our server), I ordered the "fill your own bowl" stir fry with a Kung Pao sauce. This do-it-yourself business is three times better (and cleaner) than any Mongolian grill I've ever been to. Plus, there's no risk when choosing a sauce since they have the main ingredients put together for you. So yummy. And so many fresh veggies. I loved every bite.

Back for happy hour a week (or so) later, I found myself with that same problem. So many veggie options. We ended up ordering four items (which kept the two of us plenty full while out on the architecture boat tour--a must, if you've never been) to share. Well, one of them I didn't touch...but the rest were plenty to keep me satisfied until later that evening.

First to the table was the plate of spicy peanut noodles. I love the way they are plated...as if the bowl tipped over it was so full. The noodles were good and the sauce far better than the stuff I make at home.

The chicken egg rolls seemed to be a big hit. They were served with two dipping sauces. In fact, everything came that way. There were so many sauces to choose from. I liked all but the mustard sauce...too spicy for me. And it's not a regular heat spice, it's that horseradish spice that I just can't do.

The salad rolls were my absolute favorite. They called them fresh summer rolls...but anyone who eats Thai food as regularly as I do knows that they are called salad rolls. They came with peanut sauce and a sweet chili sauce. (In my opinion, the peanut sauce went better with the flavors of the salad rolls.)

And then there was the veggie gyoza. They were good...but a tiny bit oily. I am sure I wouldn't have liked them nearly as much if they hadn't been pan fried...but it made them a little bit oily, is all. They came with more sauces as you can see from the picture. So many sauces made for so many different flavor combinations. I loved it.

To wash it all down, both of us went with the specialty cocktail of the day. It was light and refreshing, only five dollars, and mixed with their own house-made ginger ale.

I'm not sure how long it will take to convince the people of Big Bowl to move to Portland, but once they do I'll be there. Weekly.

Food: Exceeds
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Fleming's Steakhouse and Wine Bar in Chicago

2011-07-11T11:35:00.000-07:00

25 E Ohio Street
Chicago, Illinois
Happy Hour: 5 - 7 PM, daily

I know. I know. The name of the blog is Talk.Eat.Drink.Portland...but every time I'm out of town (especially when it's for an extended period of time) I do my best to explore the happy hour potential of the city. I was in Chicago for just under two weeks and only had time for two happy hours. Disappointing, yes. But I was a busy girl. There also aren't nearly as many restaurants offering happy hour. (Comparing the number of happy hour locations on Urbanspoon or on the GoTime Happy Hour App made it clear that Chicago doesn't do happy hour like Portland does. So far, I haven't found any place that does!)

Fleming's, however, seems to know what they are doing. Apparently they are all over the nation but just not in Oregon. (Maybe someday?) Fleming's is a steakhouse (there are SO many steakhouses in Chicago it's almost ridiculous) that offers happy hour from the moment they open until seven every night. (So far, so good.) They have five food items, five wines, and five cocktails all going for six dollars apiece. (It's a little pricey compared to Portland's happy hour standard but NOTHING in comparison to the price of cocktails in Chicago.) We stopped in on our first afternoon (as it was just a few steps from the hotel).

I ordered the tropical martini and was pleasantly surprised by the attention to detail as the server brought the chilled glass (with garnish) and a small martini shaker to the table. I was able to get a good picture of the pour (but am more than convinced that she found me to be one of the most picture-happy tourists around). I had originally been all about ordering the mojita bonita...until I found out that it was only 99 calories and made with some sort of saccharin-like sugar substitute. (I also refuse to drink diet soda...it's a part of who I am.)

There are never very many options for me as a vegetarian when dining at a steakhouse (especially at happy hour). I was relieved to find that Fleming's offered a mushroom ravioli and not just the typical plate of pommes frites. And they were exceptionally tasty. The sauce was very light and there was just enough grated cheese on top.

I am not sure if I will be back to Chicago (or any of the other cities listed on Fleming's website) anytime soon, but I don't mind recommending this happy hour to everyone who may or may not live near one (even though it is technically a chain restaurant--one of my least favorites to review).

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Exceeds
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Nearly Meets

-b

The Bent Brick

2011-06-28T21:08:00.001-07:00

1639 NW Marshall
Happy Hour: 5 - 6:30, Tuesday - Saturday

Never before had I been to a restaurant on the day that it opened. I was so excited, I felt like a real foodie. (I'm only a little bit of a foodie. In order to be a real foodie I would need more of a financial backing.) By now, the real reviewers have been through and made their opinions known. As a second restaurant from a chef who has already received so much recognition, the word about The Bent Brick is out. And the word is spreading fast. (This place has already received some national coverage.) It's only been two weeks.

Happy hour doesn't last long at The Bent Brick and the discounts don't apply to the regular dining area. (That means get there early, people.) There are a dozen or so chairs at the bar or you can lounge on the cushions at the very front of the restaurant. (It looks more like a waiting area with the cushions winding all the way around...but they have intended for it to serve as something more.)

There are three cocktails listed at a discounted price during happy hour. And they are classics, which should make a lot of people HAPPY. (Especially me, since one of them is my go-to.) For six dollars, you can choose from a Moscow Mule, an Old Fashioned, or a Gin and Tonic. (And this is not your average well drink, these are the classiest versions.) If the cocktails don't appeal, you can also save a dollar on beer or wine.

The food options are pretty limited. (I was expecting to see more and honestly do hope that they will add to the list in the near future.) With three of us, it made the most sense to order one of each item. I was most intrigued by the PK hot dog. Apparently it was a favorite at Park Kitchen but was discontinued when they stopped serving lunch. The happy hour portion is TINY...but comes with a fair amount of "baked bean" hazelnuts that add a bit of crunch to the plate (and protein, for those who need it). I was really hoping for a bite but quickly learned that they are cooked with just the weensiest amount of bacon.

At the table, we also shared the pickle plate (which, like so many other Portland establishments, is a plate of pickled vegetables...not just pickles), the bread and butter, and the smallest plate of peas (which was so tasty and my absolute favorite). All three had great flavor but were not near enough to fill me up. (Not all happy hours have the capacity to turn into dinner. Some are just snacks.)

Service was pretty fantastic. (I am not sure what I was expecting...but I can say that it didn't--at all--seem like it was their first day open.) My only concern is that this place is pretty tiny. It's going to fill up fast! (And no one likes a long wait.)

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Exceeds
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Nearly Meets (It's a spendy place.)

-b

Black Rabbit Restaurant @ McMenamins Edgefield

2011-06-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

2126 SW Halsey
Troutdale, Oregon
Happy Hour: 3 - 6 PM and 10 - close (subject to change on concert nights)

I know, I know. Two trips to the Edgefield in a matter of days. I did say it was one of the best places to spend your summer days.

This time we (a different we) started with a flight of wine in the tasting room. (I'm secretly addicted to the complimentary oyster crackers. Or maybe it's not really a secret at all.) This time I tried the red flight. I ended up with two bottles to take home in the end. It's good wine at a fairly good price. (I promise, though, that I won't be back next week. I'll be out of town...so it's completely guaranteed.)

After tasting all that wine, we walked into the Black Rabbit Restaurant with about six minutes to go before happy hour ended. Thankfully, our server was quick to seat us and made the suggestion that we make fast decisions about what to eat so that we would be sure to benefit from the discount.

We quickly ordered two easy-to-share items and three chopped salads (mine without the chicken).

The chopped salad might have needed the chicken to be filling but had plenty of flavor without. It was a mix of cabbage and jicama, some romaine, big tomato halves (they were bigger than cherry tomatoes....must have been those strawberry tomatoes I keep spotting at the grocery store), and kidney beans. The dressing had a little kick of lime and was the perfect amount for my taste.

I loved the homemade crackers that were served with the cheese plate the most. They were BIG and something that you'd definitely have to break into pieces ahead of time to avoid making a mess. They paired quite well with the cheese (as did the fruit and honey).

And then there was the bean dip. It's a black bean dip disguised by a layer of creme fraiche. So good! And it was served with an ample supply of warm tortilla chips.

I was quite impressed with this happy hour. Partly because it's rare that a server will be so accommodating to a party walking in at the last minute. And partly because I love that it's one of the only McMenamins happy hours I've been to that doesn't have the same ol' happy hour menu. It's a nice change (especially since I was just at that other restaurant across the grounds a couple of days ago). And partly (I know, I know...and I had almost forgotten this last part) because they have three dollar mini desserts on the regular menu. I had a teeny tiny creme brulee that was the BEST ending to my night.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Exceeds
Value: Exceeds

-b

Alameda Brewhouse

2011-06-27T14:01:00.001-07:00

4765 NE Fremont St
Happy Hour: 3 - 6 p.m., Monday through Friday

We continued on our Happy Hour Crawl to our next stop, Alameda Brewhouse. I love the atmosphere of this place--it is definitely a step above the typical Portland brewpub. It is light and airy with interesting booths.

The cocktail list had lots of interesting choices, and most of them were around $7.00. They didn't have a discount on cocktails, but they did offer discounts on beer ($3 for all of their homemade pints!) I think they may have had a discount on wine and well drinks, but I can't remember (bad HH blogger!) I chose the Klickitat Ale, and it was pretty good.

The food was the real star here, though! All of their appetizers were $5, so we each got one to share. We got onion rings, hummus, and southwestern nachos without meat. These were GIANT portions. You could seriously get one item and be full if you ate the whole thing. My favorite item was the southwestern nachos. They had all the usual fixings, but they had a sort of smoky BBQ flavor as well. The onion rings were a bit too greasy for my taste, and the hummus was a little bit bland. I was really impressed over all with the food, though, because it was such a great value!

The service was good, too, so I have absolutely no complaints. I would definitely come here again!

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Exceeds

--E

Alameda Brewhouse

2011-06-22T18:50:00.001-07:00

4765 NE Fremont St
Happy Hour: 3 - 6 PM, Monday through Friday

The Alameda Brewhouse fits perfectly in the category of Portland's typical Breweries. It's a lot like Amnesia Brewing (but with less outdoor seating), very similar to Lucky Lab (but without the dog motif), and almost identical in terms of its neighborhood draw as the Old Market Pub (one of my favorites). They have more than just beer, though. The cocktail list seems to go on and on. But it was the food specials that made this place top the list for biggest portions. Seriously, next time I'm in the mood for bar food (nachos, onion rings, and more) AND I've got someone to share it all with, this is the place I'm going to hit.

They have five dollar food specials every weekday from three to six. We weren't expecting such HUGE portions, so we each ordered one item. We shared all three, but next time I'm going to suggest that the three of us share just one. (That, of course, would require that we agree on something.)

I ordered the hummus platter. It came with a mound (not kidding) of hummus that had been attractively decorated with slices of cucumber and tomato. There was a sprinkling of red onions on top and a mess of grilled pita wedges on the side. It was good--nothing to shout about--but good.

Also at the table was a big ol' plate of nachos and a heaping pile of onion rings. I don't think I've every seen so many onion rings fit on one plate before. It was a bit overwhelming. That might be why the three plates of food weren't much more than half-eaten when we got up to go. Our server did offer boxes, though...which is often not an option during happy hour.

To wash down the large portions, I ordered just one cocktail. It was mix of fresh lime juice, sweet and sour, chambord, and something else I can't quite remember. It's one of those layered drinks, with the red raspberry on the bottom and hazy "white" on top. So pretty. It wasn't discounted during happy hour but wasn't over the top, either. It only could have been a better deal if I was a beer drinker. They make their own (obviously) and they are just three dollars during happy hour.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets (great food deals)

-b

Amalfi's Take Two

2011-06-22T18:40:00.001-07:00

4703 NE Fremont St
Happy Hour: 3 - 6 p.m. daily, late night happy hour from 9 - close Monday through Saturday

Amalfi's was voted for having the best Portland Happy Hour by The Happy Hour Guidebook. To me, to rank among the best Happy Hours a restaurant should have a good discount on both food and beverages, and it should have great service. Unfortunately, on this particular visit, Amalfi's fell short of qualifying for a "Best Happy Hour" in our book.

Our table of three started our with a small carafe of Sangria ($10--enough for each of us to have a glass). This was enjoyable but not the best Sangria I have ever had (I think La Costita does a better version!) I believe there was one drink special, but it didn't appeal to any of us. There wasn't a discount on other drinks at all. I would really appreciate a discount on house wine, beer, and well drinks, at least.

I started with a house Greek salad ($1.95). This was the best part of the meal! It was a little heavy on the dressing, but I liked that. It was a great mix of salty flavors, and both people who ordered it really enjoyed it.

Since we were doing a Happy Hour Crawl (invented by my co-blogger?), I ordered just one more thing--the artichoke dip ($3.95). This is a pretty standard Happy Hour item and it's hard to mess up. Even I, a non-cook, am able to make a fairly decent version at home. Unfortunately, this was just not good. It was extra greasy and salty, and the bread that it arrived with was too herb-y and moist. I did not care for it at all.

The service was good. Our server was polite and friendly and he brought out extra (plain) bread for us.

Food: Nearly Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

--E

Amalfi's Italian Restaurant

2011-06-22T18:32:00.003-07:00

4703 NE Fremont St
Happy Hour: 3 - 6 PM daily, late night happy hour from 9 - close Monday through Saturday

I've been eating at Amalfi's for almost as many years as I've lived in Portland. I don't remember how I found it in the first place, but I can say that it was one of my go-to restaurants during college. It was--and still is--one of those places where the price of the meal includes salad, a beverage (depending on what you order, I suppose), and dessert (which means a choice of vanilla ice cream or spumoni--and I love spumoni). As a college student, it was perfect. And the portions were large enough that I'd have leftovers to last another day or two.

Amalfi's has changed A LOT since I was in college. They went through a massive remodel at some point, changing the entire layout of the restaurant. And I'm afraid that the cost of the construction has been tacked onto the price of every meal. I'm fairly certain that I wouldn't be able to afford frequenting the place as often as I did if I were still paying tuition. It's too bad, too. It is far more aesthetically pleasing, but I worry that the price of a simple plate of pasta might be keeping some people from enjoying their once-favorite spot.

Although I'd been in for dinner so many times over the years, this was my first time stopping by for happy hour. The sign on the door states that this place is THE number one place for happy hour in all of Portland. I'm not sure if I agree. They do have a lot to offer as far as food goes (and the prices start pretty low) but I feel that the very best happy hour needs to offer greater discounts on both food and drink. At Amalfi's, they offer just one discounted drink of the week. And it isn't much of a discount.

The rest of the drinks (not including beer and wine) are priced between seven and twelve dollars. Twelve dollars is a bit steep, but I promise that's the only one on the menu (and it's made with Patron). Most are about seven or eight dollars. Since there were three of us--and we had plans to continue on to another happy hour--we opted for a half-carafe of the Sangria. It was light and refreshing (too bad it was too cloudy to sit outside on their beautiful patio--that would have been perfect), but a little too watery for my taste.

I only ordered one food item off of the menu (but was able to share some of the other plates at the table). There were plenty of other options for me (being a vegetarian), which is nice to see but somewhat normal at Italian places. (I'd do well in Italy, I'm sure of it.) I opted for the Mozzarella ala Caprese (otherwise known as a Caprese salad). It was only $3.95 and was quite tasty but not all that it was promised to be. The menu described it as being a combination of imported buffalo mozzarella, vine-ripened tomatoes, basil and balsamic. They really skimped on the mozzarella (there were just a few chunks, not thick slices like at so many other places) and the vine-ripened tomatoes were just grape tomatoes.

Service was good, though. It was early and they weren't busy (we might have been the only people there) but our server was quick to greet us and happy to accommodate our requests.

Food: Nearly Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets (but could use a bigger discount on drinks)

Power Station Pub @ Edgefield

2011-06-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

2126 SW Halsey Street
Troutdale, Oregon
Happy Hour: 3 - 6 and 10 - Midnight

Yesterday was the first day of summer and the second official day of summer break. Sure, I went to school for a few hours to work on plans for next year...but then I spent a few more hours shopping the outlet stores before stopping at one of THE BEST places to go on an 82 degree day. It was a perfect summer day. And McMenamins Edgefield is the perfect place for summer. There are restaurants and bars aplenty, two par-3 golf courses (that don't require much equipment or skill), a soaking tub, a movie theater, concerts on the lawn, and you can even enjoy an overnight stay for an easy "get away" without really getting too far away.

It is a McMenamins, though. And that means poor service. It's like they haven't figured out a system yet. (And it seems that they don't want to.) We had at least three different servers greet us and attempt to take our drink orders...during the time we waited to get the drinks we had already ordered. And then again with the food...argh! I guess I should have known. It's just that is seemed so empty walking in and there were all these servers. And they're all friendly and seem to be competent at what they do...it's almost as if the whole thing is intentional.

The happy hour menu is the same at almost every other McMenamins...which is good because that means that I can get a garden burger for just four dollars. They also have french fries, Cajun tots, hummus and pita, and a cheeseburger. I was a little jealous of the cheeseburger delivered to our table...not because of the patty (of course) but because of the slice of cheddar cheese melting down the edge.

We also shared a basket of fries. These were the one thing that weren't typical of the usual McMenamins, though, and a pretty serious disappointment. They are well known for their basket of shoestring fries. And these were NOT shoestring fries. They were thick and greasy and a little undercooked for my taste.

The drinks were good (and ultra refreshing on the sunny afternoon) but it was the atmosphere that made this trip well worth it. The atmosphere and the wine tasting. I know it's not related to the happy hour offerings but I have to mention it...because that's what's going to bring me back again and again before the summer is over.

We stopped in the winery on our way out of the restaurant. (That's how it is at the Edgefield. There are restaurants and little shops--even a glass blowing place--all mixed together on the beautiful grounds.) I was expecting a taste or two but soon discovered that for three dollars (you can pay a couple of dollars more for a white- or red-specific flight) I could get the equivalent of two glasses of wine. These were some of the heaviest pours I've ever had at a tasting. It was THE BEST value ever.

F00d: Nearly Meets (the fries need work)
Drinks: Meets
Service: Does Not Meet
Ambiance: Exceeds
Value: Meets

-b

Touche

2011-06-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

1425 NW Glisan
Happy Hour: 5 - 6:30 Monday through Saturday
Late Night Happy Hour 10 - close Monday through Thursday, 11 - close Friday - Saturday (their kitchen stays open until 2 AM)
ALL NIGHT Happy Hour on Sundays

Although it's not a place I frequent, Touche has been a standby in my family for big dinners for the last ten years. We've had at least three birthdays and one graduation dinner there. And when the foreign exchange student returned as an adult with his own family to visit, it was the place we took them. They are really good at taking care of a big table. And there's enough variety on the menu that everyone is pleased in the end.

With all of the visits in the past, it was hard to believe that I hadn't already been by for happy hour. I actually double checked when my boyfriend questioned it because I wasn't 100% sure that I hadn't already done a review.

We stopped by on a Friday afternoon a few minutes before opening. We waited at one of the patio tables for the sign to turn and quickly decided that sitting outside was not an option. One, it would require sun block. And two, it's LOUD out there. Too much traffic noise can cause a real damper on an afternoon outing.

The menu has a lot to offer--with items ranging in price from $3.50 to $8.00--and enough sizable items that happy hour can easily become an early dinner. And not even that early, for that matter, since the discounts apply until 6:30 and again in the late evening.

I opted for the Margherita pizza and a house salad. They call it the Mista Salad but I am not entirely sure why. It's fairly basic with a vinaigrette, a few slices of cucumber and a couple wedges of tomato. I'm working on my veggie intake (I'm always working on my veggie intake), so I'd order a salad here despite how simple it is. Plus, simple can sometimes be EXACTLY what I need in a salad.

The pizza was WAY bigger than I expected (but still smaller than some places). The crust was perfectly chewy and the sauce-to-cheese ratio was right on. There was an extra dusting of fancy cheese on top that had started to melt into the mix, but I could still tell that there was a little extra effort put into this plate. I shared a few pieces...and even without them, this was definitely enough to make a meal.

To wash all that down, I enjoyed a vodka gimlet. (I know, I know...I'm becoming predictable. Actually, I've always been predictable.) It was missing the sweetness that I prefer. It was still good, mind you, I just had to sip it a little slower than usual.

Now, if I had been here at any other time other than happy hour, you have to know that I would have ordered the Fettuccine Davide--minus the chicken, add mushrooms. (I said I was predictable, right?) It has been my meal of choice at Touche for more than ten years. Sure, I have fewer options being a vegetarian...but this is what I ALWAYS turn to. It's got a great balance of creamy sauciness with just the right amount of sun-dried kick. Yummy.

Knowing how things usually are at Touche, I wouldn't want to end this review with too much negativity toward the service. It's usually fairly fantastic...I mean, they have successfully served my family of ten without any complaints multiple times. I'm going to have to make an excuse for the server this time cause he was S-L-O-W. It was obvious, though, that he was busy multitasking, getting all of those things ready for the dinner crowd. I forgive him, but if it happens again, I'm going to have to edit this post.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

The Original Dinerant

2011-06-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

300 SW 6th
Happy Hour daily 4:30-6 p.m.

I'm going to try really, really hard to be objective about this review. You see, I answered a trivia question on Twitter and ended up winning a pie! I had wanted to check this place out for a while, and the pie prize gave me the perfect excuse to visit for Happy Hour. I really loved it here! I am hoping that I am not being biased, because hello, winning a pie puts you in a great mood!

To try to keep the objectivity in check, I decided to wait until after we had our Happy Hour to reveal that I was indeed the BIG WINNER. I was afraid that if they knew I was the winner they might give me special treatment during Happy Hour ("She's that awesome girl who won the pie, make sure you are extra nice to her!" or "She's a winner, don't forget to keep on top of her water refills!") Even though I kept my identity top secret, the service was great. Our server was a goofball (in a good way), and he was helpful and funny.

We started with two beers--a Pilsner and a local, dark beer ($3 at HH). I was going to go with the punch, but luckily the server mentioned something about it having ginger and vodka. Ginger is definitely not my favorite, so I switched to beer. Later on, I had one of the most delicious drinks ever. They make their own sodas, so I tried the Five Flowers flavor ($3). It sounds a little strange, but it was really, really good. You can also add alcohol to these sodas for an extra $4, which I would like to try on my next visit.

My boyfriend has wanted to try Poutine for awhile ($5). He claims that he had it once in Canada, and in England "chip shops" put gravy on fries all the time. He also ordered the chicken sliders ($4). I was going for the most unhealthy options on the menu, so I got the chili cheese fries ($4) and the hamburger ($5). This was just too much food! I only was able to eat half of my fries and burger. My boyfriend ate all of his, but he was stuffed (and he has a BIG appetite). He really liked the Poutine, except he thought there was too much cheese. He preferred the gravy. I liked the chili cheese fries, but I liked the cheese the best and thought there was too much chili (you can't win with us!) The hamburger was good. It had an interesting sauce on it. Normally I don't like mystery sauce (particularly if it has chunky bits), but this one was actually pretty tasty. My boyfriend said the sliders were good, and he encouraged me to try them for blog purposes, but I passed since I was too full.

Finally, it was time to reveal my true identity: PIE WINNER! This was both the best part and the worst part of the evening. It was the worst because I had to tell them my "Twitter name" and I felt like a huge dork. It was the best because the server thought at first that I won a piece of pie, so when the manager (owner?) came over to confirm my winning status, she said that we got a preview piece for now AND the pie to take home. It was also the best because I found out that the pie was strawberry creme. ( I worried that I might get a pie that I hated such as lemon meringue, banana cream, key lime, or pecan.) Although we thought we were full, we were able to eat the delicious preview pie. It was AMAZING. I also loved it that they seemed just as excited as I was about my win.

Even if I didn't win a pie (are you tired of hearing about my pie yet?) The Original was quite a good value for the money. We got three beers, one soda, and HUGE portions (except the sliders--those are supposed to be mini, obviously) for $30 before tip.

Food: Meets (PIE exceeds)
Drinks: Meets (soda Exceeds)
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Exceeds

--E

Brix Tavern

2011-05-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

1338 NW Hoyt
Happy Hour 3-6, 9:30-12:30, and all day Monday
www.brixtavern.com

There were both good things and bad things about Brix Tavern. The absolute BEST thing was the smoked cheddar fries with bacon ($3.95). These are AMAZING, and if my boyfriend wasn't so selfish he would have remembered that we were supposed to be sharing them (I got about three of them.) The calamari ($7.95) was also good (even though it's not really my thing--too fried, too chewy, too tentacle-y). The dipping sauces were all delicious. The Huckleberry Gimlet was great ($4).

Not so good? The Mango Martini ($4) was watery and uneven. The pizza ($8.95) needed more sauce and more cheese. The tavern salad ($3.95) was decent, but my balsamic vinaigrette was just oil mixed with vinegar, which I did not like at all. Not even a little bit.

The ambiance was interesting. It was really bright inside (I couldn't decide if I liked this or disliked it, but it made it easy to take photos), and there was a dart board and a pool table. It seemed like a mix between a fancy restaurant and a pub, so that was a little odd, but it could be fun. I felt like I might feel awkward playing because the games seem to be right in the middle of where people are dining.

I think since this is a new place they are still working out the kinks. We had to wait awhile in the beginning for service, but the server made up for it by apologizing many times and she also comped our drinks even though we did not make the slightest fuss. She was super nice and service was good after the initial wait.

I would definitely go back for the fries, and I would like to try the other cocktails--$4 for fancy cocktails at HH in the Pearl is a great deal. They also offer pot pies on the regular menu, and I have never tried a real pot pie before (just the TV dinner kind my mom used to make--and those were pretty amazing!)

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

--E

Madison's Grill

2011-05-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

1109 SE Madison
http://www.madisonsgrill.com/
Happy Hour 3-6 p.m daily, and 10 p.m.-close on weekends

Note: I forgot my camera AGAIN, so I apologize for the IPhone pictures. What kind of a blogger am I?

My boyfriend and I were going to try a Mexican restaurant for Happy Hour, but when we got there I realized I had already been there (and we also missed the turn). Right around the corner was Madison's Grill, which I realized had contacted us on Twitter a long time ago saying we should come try their Happy Hour! That kind of invitation makes me feel like a professional blogger, even though I CLEARLY am not, so I thought we should give it a try.

Madison's has a pretty extensive beer list with some unusual-sound beers as well as familiar ones. Beer is 75 cents off at HH, so I decided to try my old favorite, Hefeweizen. My boyfriend went with a beer from Walking Man Brewery in Hood River. Later on I had a $3.75 vodka tonic.

The food menu is divided into sections based on price. There were lots of items that sounded good. We were our usual greedy selves, and we decided to get four items to share. This works at some Happy Hours, but at Madison's you should probably stick to one each or share three. We had way too much food. The best of the lot was the $5 chicken nachos. I enjoyed the spicy shredded chicken and olives a lot. We didn't even finish half of it, though, because it was so big and we had so much to eat. My boyfriend enjoyed his wings at the time ($4), but then when we talked about it later on in the evening he said that he felt they weren't quite hot enough (temperature, not spice). I thought it was a pretty great value because it came with about nine wings. The fish and chips were good, and I especially liked the tartar sauce ($5). My least favorite were the tacos ($4), but they weren't bad either. Every item came with a different sort of dipping sauce, which I really liked.

The server was friendly and had the unusual facial hair that makes Portland so endearing. My boyfriend thought service was a little slow, but it was pretty busy there. There was also some sort of bachelorette thing happening in the upstairs area.

Another cool thing is that they offer "almost bottomless" Mimosas at brunch on the weekends. I don't know what that means, but I really want to come back and find out!

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

--E

Another Look at E.A.T. (Eat. Art. Theater.)

2011-05-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

850 NE 81st Avenue
Happy Hour 4 - 6 PM daily and 10 - 12 Friday and Saturday

This is my new favorite place. Or at least I want it to be my new favorite place. It's only a couple of blocks from my apartment, they have outdoor seating (and it's about time that we get to enjoy some sun), and they offer sizable well drinks for only three dollars during happy hour.

My boyfriend and I found it using the Urbanspoon app when we were in search of a new place for breakfast a few weeks ago. I was beyond surprised when it claimed that there was a breakfast place within a quarter of a mile. I had NO idea. It turns out that this place is on the main floor of Milepost 5. I've known about Milepost 5 for years as I drive by it so frequently, but I had no idea that they were planning to open a restaurant.

Milepost 5 calls itself a community for creatives and that's exactly what it is. They offer studios and lofts for rent or sale so that artists have an affordable space to both live and work. I learned on my last visit that they also have shops open from Wednesday through Sunday and that the whole place opens up to display new works of art on the first Friday of every month.

E.A.T. still has a fairly small menu but it's growing. They serve brunch daily, switch up the menu for lunch and dinner, offer discounts during happy hour, and have all sorts of house-made baked treats to tempt you. (I couldn't pass up a brownie after happy hour last Friday. Mmmmm.)

We were lucky to get there on a sunny Friday afternoon. (The clouds came in just as happy hour was ending.) There are just a few tables set up outside but plenty of space to sit inside. It's actually pretty huge in there...especially if you take into account the chapel pews. (They were planning to show a double feature in the "chapel" that very night...for just two dollars.)

After an all-day training, I was ready for a gin and tonic. Well drinks are just three dollars during happy hour and are served in Mason jars...making them larger than most.

We ordered a plate of garlic fries to share, but later I decided on some mac and cheese and a salad off of the happy hour menu. The garlic fries had a good amount of garlic on top but weren't too special. The house-made ranch, however, made up for it.

The salad was a mix of greens dressed with a vinaigrette. It had a few tomato wedges and some bulky house-made croutons. I usually don't do croutons but these were super yummy. This salad wasn't much, though, in comparison to the other one ordered at our table. (For three dollars, it made sense.) The salad special of the day was a bed of fresh baby spinach topped with sliced strawberries and pears and a light sprinkling of grated cheese.

Macaroni and cheese is one of the MOST typical happy hour food options (especially when you have to eliminate all of the meaty choices) but I still love it. It's one of those foods that I can't get too much of. Maybe if I were eating Kraft macaroni and cheese...but I haven't opened a box of the "cheesiest" since I was in college. The mac and cheese at E.A.T. is baked with a generous topping of breadcrumbs. It was a little too hot at first, but as soon as I let it cool off (it was testing my patience!) I was able to taste all of the yummy cheeses included in the sauce. So good!

Service at E.A.T. was pretty exceptional during both of our visits. It is one of those places that requires you to order at the bar...but only initially. After that, we had servers stopping by to check on us on a consistent basis.

Now that I've done breakfast and happy hour, I need to go back for dinner. And another happy hour. And maybe another one after that.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

E.A.T.

2011-05-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

850 NE 81st Ave.
Happy Hour 4-6 p.m. (they also have a late-night H.H.)
http://www.eatarttheater.com/

Milepost 5 is a collection of loft spaces on 82nd avenue. The idea is to form a community of artists who live and work in the space. E.A.T. (Eat Art Theater) recently opened up as part of the community, and it is a pretty cool place!

We arrived just after four on a Friday afternoon. Unfortunately for them, they were not very busy. This was nice for us, though, because we got lots of attention and great service. I ordered their Happy Hour microbrew ($3). They also had PBR, of course. Well drinks are $3 during Happy Hour,too, and margaritas were $1 off. The drinks all come in mason jars, which is a nice touch that gives me a homey feeling. Next time, I think I will have to try the mixed drinks, because the margaritas looked really good.

I also ordered the pulled pork sliders ($4), which were extra cute. The bun was a little heavy feeling for my taste (I like a light, airy bun), but the pork and cole slaw were both delicious. I also stole some of my friend's garlic fries ($3) with house-made ranch. These were good, but nothing spectacular. The salad and mac and cheese both looked delicious, but I didn't try either of them.

I really liked the outdoor seating area. There were plenty of seats, and it seemed like it would be great during the summer. They also have a theater area (I think it used to be a chapel), where they sometimes show movies.

Both of the people working here were very friendly and attentive. I paid just ten dollars plus tip for two drinks and a snack, and I would definitely come here again.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

--E

Red Star Tavern and Roast House

2011-05-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

503 SW Alder St
Happy Hour: 4 - 8 PM

I had never been to the Red Star Tavern before last weekend. It's a steak place, primarily, and so it makes complete sense that a vegetarian wouldn't put it high on the list of musts. But we were headed to a movie on Saturday night and wanted to go out beforehand. Not only is the Red Star in the perfect location for a night at the movies (we were headed to the theater inside Pioneer Place) but their happy hour lasts until 8 PM.

The bar was full when we first walked in and we were in need of a table for three. My guess is that this place stays pretty full for the four-hour happy hour (especially on Fridays and Saturdays). A table opened up within a couple of minutes and we were seated.

Service was pretty fantastic in the bar. It's situated in such a way that the servers can easily keep an eye on the table without hovering. Our server was back to check on us whenever it seemed necessary. And when ordering drinks, they were delivered within a minute or two. Fast, efficient, and friendly. So nice!

This place is perfect for martinis. They are CHEAP during happy hour, just five dollars. I started with a cosmopolitan but then discovered the Red Star Signature cocktail. It's bright red (which fits) and served with a sugar rim. Perfect for the ladies. (At least ladies like me who prefer sugary cocktails to beer. Yuck!) It's made with vanilla vodka and raspberry liqueur. Next time I'll totally skip the cosmo for this treat. It's probably chock-full of calories...but sometimes that's okay.

To eat, I started with a salad and the chickpea fritters. The salad was topped with a dry jack cheese and toasted hazelnuts (thanks for not using walnuts!) and was dressed with a grain mustard vinaigrette.

The chickpea fritters were the only veggie option (besides popcorn and olives) and something that I was curious about. They were light in texture and had a pleasing flavor but were very much a fried food. They were served with a harissa sauce that wasn't nearly as strong as I had expected. I think that the sauce could use some improvement.

For the meat eaters at the table, we also ordered a couple of plates of sliders, the bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers (made with real jalapeno and apparently hot, hot, HOT), and a plate of pork shoulder (which was served like any pulled pork but looked to be ultra tender).

We ended up staying in the bar longer than I had expected and so (along with that second drink) I ordered a plate of macaroni and cheese. It's not on the bar menu but when I spotted it at a neighboring table, I had to ask the server. It was gooey and yummy and everything that I always want in a baked mac and cheese.

We've been using the same system for "grading" all of these happy hours since starting the blog two summers ago. It's time for something new. Not different, though. Just an addition to the grading system. It's time to mention that special something that stands out about the place. Like extra credit. Maybe not every place will deserve extra credit, but the Red Star does. The Red Star Tavern and Roast House gets extra credit for having an extended happy hour. They serve discounted food and drinks from four to eight every night and I think that's fantastic.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Exceeds
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Vintage Cocktail Lounge

2011-05-07T22:26:00.000-07:00

7907 SE Stark
Happy Hour: 5 - 7 PM and 11 - close

The Montavilla Neighborhood is one of my absolute favorite neighborhoods in all of Portland. This is, partly, due to the fact that I live blocks from the epicenter. Credit is also due to the fact that this neighborhood has everything (bars, restaurants, a second-run movie theater, a farmer's market, and THE best coffee shop ever) but you can still easily find a parking spot and a place to sit.

The main business strip has been growing for the past few years. A few places have come and gone, but mostly it's growing. Vintage Cocktail Lounge is one of the newer bars on the block. There was a a wine bar in it's place not too long ago, but it didn't last nearly as long as I had hoped. This was my third stop at Vintage since they opened but my first time getting there in time for happy hour.

The place was fairly packed when we first walked in and so we quickly took a seat at the bar. Maybe it was just that night, but I kind of think that this place might have quickly become the "go to" for ladies night out. And all the ladies were drinking martinis. Okay, a few had wine...but this place is known for its martinis, so it would only make sense.

One of the standout martinis on the Vintage menu is the lavender cocktail. If only the description didn't remind me of those little white candies I ate so many of during junior high and high school. I opted for a vodka gimlet and I'm glad I did. It was good and all, yes, but it was the value that made it worth the order. You see, they have a gin gimlet (with fresh lime and some agave nectar) listed on the menu for nine bucks (with an extra dollar off during happy hour) and MY order--which was basically the same drink--was just six dollars. Sometimes ordering something that's not listed on the menu is a better deal.

Value is something that is super important to me. And spending nine dollars on a drink isn't something that I usually do. Especially when I can very easily see that these martinis are served in small glasses. There are a lot of great flavors and a lot of attention paid to the presentation (my boyfriend's drink had a piece of burnt orange peel in it...and the bartender lit it on fire right there in front of us) but the prices are still a bit steep, in my opinion. (And the prices on the website are not all the same as what you'll see in the place today. They are in need of an update, big time.)

One thing that did seem worth the price was the happy hour food special. They have four different pizzetas available during happy hour for just five dollars each. We ordered two, one with olives and one with sun-dried tomatoes. They weren't quite enough to make a meal (and were nothing compared to the pizza available across the street at Flying Pie Pizzeria) but they had good flavor.

I feel like this place has a lot to offer. I also feel that they might be trying a little too hard...but not in all areas of the business. So much effort has gone into the cocktail menu and into the presentation of each drink...but the service is slow, you have to order at the bar (despite the classy appearance) and the decor didn't change much from when it was the wine bar. It's a great spot in the neighborhood and I can see myself stopping by for a drink or two...but moving on to another place before the night's over (and before I've spent too much).

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Nearly Meets
Ambiance: Nearly Meets
Value: Nearly Meets

-b

Nel Centro (Hotel Modera)

2011-04-25T18:03:00.001-07:00

1408 SW 6th Ave
Happy Hour: 4 - 6 PM

There have only been a few nice days in Portland so far this Spring. And I spent one of them at Nel Centro. They have a fantastic (yet very urban) patio with plenty of seating, fire pits, and food options that can easily become dinner.

My boyfriend and I had spent the early afternoon hiking in the Columbia Gorge and were ready for an early dinner. At Nel Centro, happy hour runs from four to six, daily. We were there shortly after opening and were able to watch the tables fill up. On a nice day, this is a GREAT place to be.

We started with a round of gimlets. We learned later that they aren't included on the happy hour drink menu (when served up) but can be made on the rocks for just five dollars each. This, of course, means that we started with a round served up and finished with a round on the rocks.

We were HUNGRY on arrival and quickly ordered the warm hazelnut crusted goat cheese. It came with roasted red peppers, olive tepanade and a few pieces of crostini. I'm not sure why they don't list all of these on the menu. I'm sure more people would opt to order it knowing that the five dollar price tag is well worth it for the amount of food you get. There wasn't enough crostini to last, though...but the pizza crust worked well as a substitute.

The salad was next to arrive. It was a simple mix of fresh greens and had a light vinaigrette as well as a few house-made croutons.

And then came the pizza. This is what made our happy hour turn to an early dinner. The pizzas were HUGE. If we had known, I'm sure we could have shared. I ordered the cheese and my boyfriend had the sausage. They were both fairly plain, but the crust and the combination of cheese made this a yummy dinner.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Exceeds
Value: Meets

Stanford's

2011-04-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

1440 N. Jantzen Beach Center
Happy Hour: 3 - 6 daily, 9 - close Sunday - Thursday and 10 - close Friday and Saturday

Stanford's is by definition a chain restaurant. Nearly all of the locations are in the Portland metropolitan area...but with two near Seattle and one in California, it is officially a chain. Homogenized is what I call them. And every homogenized restaurant comes with some good...and some not so good qualities.

What's good at Stanford's is that they have a ba-jillion (how DO you spell bajillion?) different items to choose from on the happy hour food menu. And the prices are FANTASTIC! There was a big group of us that night (nine, I think) and we barely fit at the table. WE barely fit around the table (you really have to get there early if you are trying to seat a large group) and our plates barely fit ON the table.

I remember having the southwestern chop salad once before (years ago) and was excited to see that it was still on the menu. I ordered one chopped salad, the grilled portobella mushroom and a small bowl of macaroni and cheese.

The salad wasn't exactly the same...but it was still good. It's covered with all sorts of suitable toppings. Corn, black beans, tomatoes,...but the salad itself is less lettuce (romaine and other crisp greens) and more cabbage. It was good--and super crunchy--but made me think of coleslaw with each bite. And the dressing was as heavy as coleslaw, making this a less-than-good-for-you salad choice. The mushroom was was good but salty and the macaroni and cheese was creamy and delicious.

What's less appealing about most chain restaurants (besides just the fact that they're chains--and I'd rather be supporting a smaller, locally-owned business) is that their drinks are where they make their money (at least during happy hour). I was tempted by the discounted red wine until I heard the opinion of someone else at the table. Instead, I went with my new usual - a vodka gimlet. And this vodka gimlet was a serious let down. First, it was light on the vodka. And second, there were no fresh limes involved in the making...whatsoever. Disappointing!

Service was great, though. From what I've heard, they have fairly high standards for their employees (like your shirt has to be starched, and hanging--still in the plastic from the cleaners--when you get to work). I hope that they have benefits to match. These people deserve it. They are quick to respond, even on a busy night.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Nearly Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Exceeds

-b

Duke's

2011-04-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

14601 SE Division
Happy Hour: 4 - 7 PM, daily

Sure, it's a country western bar. And yes, it's practically in Gresham. But they have two dollar well drinks during happy hour AND a mechanical bull. Okay, so the bull isn't available during happy hour...but it's still worth mentioning.

We stopped at Duke's after school to "scope out the place" for a group event to take place later this school year. And if we can convince them to mix up the music a bit (it's straight country, people) I think this place might actually do. They have two dollar well drinks (did I already mention that?), a pretty decent selection of food items (ranging in price from $1.95 to $4.95), and friendly bartenders. Plus, it's super quiet in the early afternoon and would be perfect for the event that still needs planning.

Duke's is related to a lot of other well-known establishments in downtown Portland. It's related to Gypsy, the Lotus, the Thirsty Lion and more. I've been to quite a few of these happy hours and they all seem to go about it the same way. The food menu has tiered pricing, the well drinks are super cheap, and the service is guaranteed to be of quality (maybe not remarkable, but efficient every time). It's nice knowing that little has been overlooked...but at the same time, it makes it seem more like a chain than anything else. Oh well. At least the well drinks are cheap, right. And I can handle country music, in small doses.

I ordered the black bean quesadilla and a basket of corn muffins. The muffins were only a buck ninety-five, so I wasn't expecting to get much more than a couple of bites. Instead, four giant-sized muffins appeared before my eyes. They looked good. But they didn't look good for me. The server claimed that they weren't deep fried...but the amount of butter used in the recipe could have been enough to make it seem as though they were. They were good, but I couldn't eat more than one.

The black bean quesadilla was a lot better than I expected. I appreciate the fact that there was a black bean quesadilla available. So often I have to order the chicken quesadilla minus the chicken.

To wash it all down, I had a gin and tonic. (Did I mention that the well drinks are cheap?) I only needed one as the bartender poured the first one a bit on the heavy side. I wonder if that's how it always is.

I can't say for sure if I'll be back to Duke's in the near future (the event location is a group decision and I can only make suggestions) but I know I'll be back.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Exceeds
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

The Liberty Glass

2011-04-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

938 N Cook Street
Happy Hour: 3:00 - 6:00 and 9:00 - 11:00 PM

The Liberty Glass is not exactly out of the way. It's just more than a block down the hill from the main strip of Mississippi. But that's far enough that you can easily get a table without much of a problem. It's kind of perfect. There are so many times when the long wait lines keep us from going where we originally plan. Mississippi's a busy place. In fact, yesterday afternoon we were really headed to Mississippi Pizza. (I'd been craving a slice of pizza for days...ever since the foods class at school made pizza earlier in the week.) But we didn't stay at Mississippi Pizza. The pizza side was short on tables and the music side was packed. Packed with small people, bouncing in excitement to whatever made-for-children band was playing. We quickly turned and walked out. And that is when we walked down the hill to The Liberty Glass.

It's a cute little old house that's been painted pink and converted into a restaurant. From what I can tell, there is seating both upstairs and down. We stayed downstairs, close to the kitchen. The bartender was working the entire place, making service a bit slow to start. During the time we were there, though, two other employees came in.

We ordered drinks first and looked through the menu. It was fairly limited but included some classics plus a few Portland-esque options. During happy hour, there's a dollar discount on appetizers. We decided on a plate of nachos and a side salad (not included in the discount...but only three dollars).

These nachos weren't your everyday nachos. I was a bit hesitant at first but then learned on arrival that they were very much like the after school snacks I made on a fairly regular basis as a kid. Instead of chips (or Ritz crackers, which was my choice at the age of ten) they used triscuits. They were topped with cheese, sliced jalapenos, and an olive and red pepper tapenade (otherwise known as olives and peppers chopped very finely). The whole thing was placed in the oven and melted just until the cheese started to bubble.

The salad was a mix of greens, a few wedges of tomato, some sliced cucumber and the perfect amount of dressing to lightly coat every piece. It was a basic vinaigrette and went well with the rest of the flavors at the table.

To drink, I started with something directly from the fancy cocktail menu that was more like an upgraded gin and tonic...so, of course, I liked it. There was lime AND lemon and it had a splash of simple syrup. Other than that, it WAS a gin and tonic.

Next time we'll have to go for dinner and maybe try sitting upstairs. Or outside, if it ever really warms up.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Nearly Meets
Ambiance: Meets (typical Portland, with antlers and all)
Value: Meets

-b

Bernie's Southern Bistro Update

2011-03-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

2904 NE Alberta St.
Happy Hour Tuesday-Sunday 4-6 p.m.

*Sadly, this entry doesn't have any pictures because I took them with my phone and haven't figured out how to upload them!

My co blogger did a review of Bernie's over the summer, but I wasn't able to attend due to my pneumonia. I had been here a few times before but didn't love it as much as she did (other than the Carolina Cooler, quite possibly the best drink ever). I liked my food, and I thought the service was good, but I wasn't blown away.

However, I feel the need to update because I had such a great happy hour experience there. We arrived right after it opened and sat at the bar. What a wonderful bartender! She was so nice and friendly without being over the top or pushy in any way. She was definitely the highlight of our time here--I almost wonder if she is my co blogger's "favorite bartender" that she mentioned in her entry because she was awesome.

My boyfriend and his friend ordered Guinness (sadly, there are no beers on tap here) while I tried two of the special Happy Hour cocktails. I got the Southern Belle ($5) which was very refreshing. A gin drinker would probably really enjoy this one because you can taste the gin without it being too overwhelming. I loved the raspberry flavor. I also ordered the Key Lime Cooler. This drink was magical because it was one of those +1 drinks that I adore. It came with a little carafe on ice that had extra drink. Why can't all drinks be like this? It charms me every time. This drink also was made with vanilla vodka which gave it an amazing flavor.

I ordered sweet potato fries ($3) and my boyfriend's friend ordered a meatloaf sandwich ($3). He enjoyed it (I would never order meatloaf because I hate it with a passion). The sweet potato fries were really good. They came with a really delicious smoked tomato sauce that I couldn't get enough of. The bartender also surprised us with a plate of the fried okra. She overheard me trying to convince my boyfriend to order it since we had never had it, so she made us some! I thought that was really nice, and it was a really interesting treat. I liked it especially when I dipped it in the tomato sauce from the sweet potato fries. It was fun trying something new.

Before you think that I loved our bartender so much just because she gave us something for free, I have to say that she was great about checking in with us and giving regular water refills. She just seemed to really be a people person who enjoys her job and does it really, really well. She also had no idea that we were there to start my boyfriend's birthday celebration, yet she made it a really nice experience for him.

Food: Exceeds
Drinks: Exceeds
Service: Exceeds
Ambiance: Exceeds
Value: Exceeds

--E

Casa Naranja, a third look

2011-03-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

4205 North Mississippi Avenue
Happy Hour: 4 - 6 PM

Orange house for those of you who don't speak Spanish.

It's a cute bungalow style house on Mississippi st. (I wondered if the man who runs the restaurant lives upstairs?) It was a cold, rainy day when we visited, so we didn't get to sit outside. I'm coming back to sip on a few sangrias during the summer, though. There are hammocks and lots of seating outside in the back.

The inside ambiance is average. The lighting was a little low and the music a little loud, but at least they were playing some good tunes.

The happy hour drink menu was 2.50 well drinks and 1 dollar off specialty drinks. I had the sangria ($5). It was one of the best sangrias I have ever had. It came with a piece of orange on the edge of the glass with cinnamon sprinkled on it. The mix of the cinnamon and the sangria was divine. Every sip I took brought me closer to total relaxation.

The HH food menu had several choices. I ordered the chicken stuffed peppers ($7). They were two smaller red chili peppers (not spicy, but unsure of the name) stuffed with ground chicken and seasonings. They were breaded and deep-fried. They were delicious. It kind of reminded me of our homemade stuffed green peppers except my stuffed peppers are assembled by a newbie and these peppers were done by an artisan, and you could taste the difference (thank you, chef!). They came with a little bit of some sort of sweet sauce drizzled along the edge of the plate. I'm a saucy girl and would have liked more sauce so I could have a dab with each bite of the peppers. I really enjoyed this upgraded version of some home cooked comfort food.

Overall I really enjoyed this HH and restaurant.

Food: Exceeds
Drinks: Exceeds
Ambiance: Meets
Service: Exceeds
Value: Meets

-O

Another look at Sidecar 11

2011-03-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

3955 North Mississippi Avenue
Happy Hour: 4 - 6 PM (closed Tuesdays)

This is one of those places that you have to know about before going in. It's a good size once you're inside, but it's WAY TOO easy to walk by (even if you are in search of a good place for dinner and/or drinks). Even knowing the address might not be enough...so from now on, when people ask, I will refer to it as the bar to the left of Gravy. There's another bar (with similar issues) to the right of Gravy. They are both good, but this one might be better. In fact, I know it is.

We stopped in for happy hour soon after they opened. (The entire establishment has only been open for a couple of weeks.) It was quiet when we got there, but picked up quickly. I have a feeling that it's going to fill up and be constantly packed before too long (assuming, of course, that people can find it). It's a perfect little neighborhood place and worth the drive (and the trouble of parking on Mississippi) for those who aren't so fortunate to live in the neighborhood, too.

There were two men working behind the bar. From what I can tell, one is the official owner but they both take quite a bit of responsibility for the place. They seemed more than knowledgeable about the drinks they were serving and the food that was offered.

I had a hard time selecting a drink from the cocktail menu. They've got a lot to choose from, which always makes it a challenge for me. It's a good thing, don't get me wrong. They also have a fairly good wine list (including Cabernet Sauvignon from Waterbrook, one of my favorite Walla Walla wineries--only because I always stop there on the way to visit my parents). And my boyfriend (who joined us during happy hour and was the one to tell me about this new place) enjoyed their selection of whiskey. I ended up getting the Gin Gin Mule. It was a good mix of gin, pureed ginger, lime, mint and some sugar. It was very refreshing and a good "go to" for this place (when I'm not in the mood for a glass of red wine).

We ordered what turned out to be too much food for the table. Appetizers are half off during happy hour, making them well worth the price. To share, we ordered the cheese plate and the nachos. They were both HUGE. The cheese plate had three different cheeses (my favorite being the chevre), apple and pear slices, roasted garlic cloves (yum!) and slices of a rustic bread (probably from down the street at Grand Central Bakery). The nachos were piled high and covered with all of the traditional goods.

I also ordered a salad even though it was not included in the discount. For just $5.50, it seemed worth the price. And it came with a small piece of the cheese bread that IS available on the happy hour menu and topped with a substantial amount of cheddar and plenty of roasted garlic. The salad was simple but came with the perfect amount of blue cheese vinaigrette. The black beans sprinkled on top were a great source of protein but didn't quite match the flavors (they went better on the nachos) and added a bit of a challenge when trying to get everything to balance on the fork.

All of the food was good. The prices were great. And the location (being just about three blocks from my boyfriend's house) was perfect. I know I'll be back. In fact, there's a pretty good chance that I'll be back before the weekend's over.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Exceeds (for food), Meets (for drinks)

-b

Sidecar 11

2011-03-25T09:32:00.001-07:00

3955 N. Mississippi
Portland, OR
Happy Hour 4-6 p.m.
http://sidecarpdx.wordpress.com/

Sidecar 11 is a cool new place on Mississippi. They have only been open a little while, but it seems like a really promising place!

My friends and I were a few of the first people to arrive, and we got lots of attention. This place seems very serious about their cocktails and focuses on classic, old-fashioned drinks with clever names. They are $1 off at Happy Hour, so I ended up getting a Jets to Brazil. This was a very strong rum and lime drink. It could have been a little sweeter for me, but it was definitely strong. I imagine that someone who is really into whiskey and strong-not-sweet cocktails would be very happy here. My palette is a little less refined, and I found myself wishing there were some vodka options on the menu (Lemon drops made with vanilla vodka? Please?)

The best part about the Happy Hour here, though, is the food. All appetizers are half-off during Happy Hour, making them a ridiculously good deal. I ordered the cheese plate for everyone to share. It's normal price is $8.50, so all of this delicious cheese, bread, garlic, apple, pear was only $4.25! It was a really good cheese plate that four people could easily share, and it had a good ratio of cheese to bread (I hate it when you get too little of one or the other). My favorite parts were the pear and the chevre. This was definitely one of the best--and biggest--Happy Hour cheese plates I have experienced, and I have experienced a lot!

Our table also got the chicken nachos ($5 at HH, $3 without chicken). You could easily make a meal out of the nachos if you ordered them by yourself or even with one other person. They were huge, salty, and good. I liked them a lot. I would like them even more if they had guacamole, but that would probably make them have to increase the price.

I thought the service was also very good. It was obvious that they care a lot about their cocktails and food presentation, and they wanted to make sure that we were happy with what we ordered.

My total bill was $11.25 for a cheese plate and a fancy cocktail. I was very impressed with that deal!

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Exceeds
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Exceeds

--E

Casa Naranja

2011-03-24T22:07:00.001-07:00

4205 N Mississippi
Portland, OR 97217
Happy Hour Tuesday-Sunday 4-6 p.m.
and 10 p.m.-close Tuesday-Saturday
So, once again, our happy hour strategy revolved around frozen yogurt! This time we were trying out a place on Mississippi, so we looked at places nearby that had happy hour. While the grasshoppers at the Thai place next door sounded tempting, we ultimately decided on Casa Naranja a few blocks away. I was pleasantly surprised that a place we picked pretty randomly ended up being so good!

I started with one of the two beers on tap, a Ninkasi IPA ($4). If you are a beer drinker, this is definitely a beer you will enjoy. My friends had Sangria ($5), though, and I was a little jealous when I saw it. Maybe next time!

For food, I ended up ordering the casa burger with escabeche and chevre ($7). I wasn't sure what escabeche was, and I was a little worried when I found out that it was onions and peppers. Those are two of my least favorite things. I decided to try it anyway since I was assured that it was really good. I don't know what exactly made it so special, but somehow the onions and peppers tasted delicious instead of disgusting. The chevre also was delicious--I had never had it on a burger before, and it was perfect--I thought it might be too mild to taste, but it really stood out. This was really a great burger--fresh, tasty, and big enough to fill me up.

I also tried a few of the yam fries ($5) that my friend ordered. These were different than other sweet potato fries I have had before. They were bigger, and they seemed to be breaded in something sort of like a tempura. I liked them a lot (I still think Bonfire Lounge has the absolute best sweet potato fries in Portland, though!)

This was the first time anyone had ever asked us what we were taking pictures for (the owner?) It was a little embarrassing, but we admitted that we do a Happy Hour review blog. Luckily, I really enjoyed this Happy Hour, and I happily recommend it!

Food: Exceeds
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets (super nice and friendly even before he heard about our silly blog)
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

--E

A Second Review of Casa Naranja

2011-03-24T19:06:00.001-07:00

4205 North Mississippi Avenue
Happy Hour: 4 - 6 PM

It's been forever since we last did a group review! These are my favorite because I get to do happy hour with some of my favorite people AND it gives multiple perspectives on the same restaurant. I especially enjoy writing as the official vegetarian...and so that is where I will start.

This was not the first time I visited this particular establishment. If you've been reading, you know that my boyfriend moved into the neighborhood last May and we've been to almost every establishment on Mississippi. We stopped in at Casa Naranja in the first few weeks of exploring the neighborhood. I didn't realize that is was a small plates kind of establishment going in...which was a mistake. You see, I don't eat meat (and haven't since I was thirteen) but I do eat. And I eat a lot. As per my usual routine, I had been to the gym and was READY for dinner. We sat down in the back and were quickly greeted by the server. I ordered a margarita that was especially tasty. The food was all very good, too. It just wasn't enough. I think that I ordered every vegetarian option but one--sharing them, of course, with my boyfriend--and left still quite hungry. For dinner (especially having avoided all the fancy meat options listed on the menu) I was seriously disappointed. For happy hour, I can't say the same. And I'm glad that we stopped in...because now I'm ready to return. It looks like they've even added a few things to the menu.

We were the first to walk in for happy hour but the place started to fill up as the time went by. And I have a feeling (especially after taking a look at the outdoor seating--read, hammocks--in the back) that this place is especially busy in the summer months. I ordered a glass of the sangria and started to peruse the menu.

The sangria is a lot lighter than others I've had. It's less sweet and more flavorful. And it came garnished with an orange slice that had been dusted with cinnamon. (It's the little things, right?)

For a light snack, I selected the yam fries to share and a salad. The salad was good but very typical. There were candied walnuts (which I had to push to the side--they taste so good but do serious damage to the roof of my mouth) slices of apple and a light vinaigrette. I enjoyed every bite.

The yam fries were exceptional. I know that my co-blogger believes the Bonfire has the best sweet potato fries...but I'm going to have to argue that these are too different to compare. First, the flavor of the yam is still apparent. It's more vegetable, less fried. Second, they aren't as salty (and I really do think that if the Bonfire fries were served without their special salt and pepper topping they wouldn't be nearly as appealing). And third, the size of them made every bite that much better. No, not because I was eating more...but instead because I could crunch through the outer crispy layer and hit the soft and perfectly cooked yam inside. So good!

Service was great (just like last time) but I do think that we might have received a few extra stops by the table once he knew what we were up to. It's all my fault, too...sometimes I can be super discrete with my camera but this place just didn't have the lighting to let me get in a good pic. Oh well.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets (unless you are super hungry, not planning to eat meat, and going for dinner)

-b

Tiga

2011-03-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

1465 NE Prescott
Happy Hour: 5:00 - 8:00

I'm fairly certain I've driven by this place in the past, but if it wasn't for my favorite happy hour app (and the fact that they serve happy hour until 8) I probably wouldn't have ever stopped in. Thank you, technology.

This time I was out with both of my sisters. We were interested in food, at a discount, and within a few blocks. This place seemed perfect. (How many places offer happy hour until 8? Usually they stop and start again for late night, if anything.)

We ordered at the bar (which is what you do there) and found a seat in the back. We were seated next to a table of adult (obviously, it's a bar) students who were there to practice their conversational Spanish. Both of my sisters took Spanish in high school (and have taken more since) and could tell that this was definitely a beginner group. I, having taken German, knew close to nothing of what was being said. It was fun eavesdropping, nonetheless.

Drinks came out quickly but the food took some time. And it was delivered one at a time. Good thing we weren't in a hurry because it seemed that there were just two people working the whole place. One, at the bar, and the other, in the kitchen. And it was BUSY. They were moving quickly...and most people seemed to understand. I'm hoping someone called in sick and they aren't always that overworked...but since I've never been there before, I can't say for sure.

We ordered salads, calamari (none for me, thanks) and a plate of linguine. The linguine was very simple--with parsley, lemon, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese and that's about it--but was pleasing to the palate.

The salads went down without much comment (mostly because I was so hungry). The dressing was light and the portion a good size.

The calamari was the one thing that didn't go over so well (and as a vegetarian, I only know this from listening to my older sisters). One suggested that they put it back in the fryer for another ten minutes so that it was a little less doughy and a little more ready-to-be-served.

To drink, both of my sisters ordered a glass of red wine but I opted for the vanilla cocktail. It was a mix of lemon and vanilla vodka and turned out to be much more than I expected. My guess is that they infuse their own vodka there (although I didn't see any signs of this...but...it was dark). It was obvious (from the little black specks) that this vanilla was straight from the bean. It was sweet but not too sweet and I really, really liked it.

The one thing that makes me not want to go back to Tiga (and I hope it was just a one-time occurrence) was the smell. It wasn't a stale smoke smell (I'm so glad I live in a smoke-free state) but more of a kitchen smell. Maybe they need more ventilation. Either way, the smell is still in my coat today. And I don't like it.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Nearly Meets (if it wasn't for that smell)
Value: Meets

-b

Palace of Industry

2011-03-23T09:36:00.000-07:00

5426 N Gay
Happy Hour: 5 - 7 PM (Closed Mondays)

Palace of Industry was unknown to me until two weeks ago and now I want to tell everyone about it. It's practically magical. This place is perfect. It's like a vintage shop and bar all in one. You can sit on super old couches with your friends, nosh on a tasty treat (even vegan cupcakes), sip a champagne cocktail and play dress up in the same evening, in the SAME location. It's completely ideal. I want to live there. That's how fantastic it is. Whoever thought up this place (even if they copied the concept from someone or somewhere else) is a GENIUS.

Both the food and drink options are limited. (But it doesn't matter.) They've got some beer and wine, sake, and champagne cocktails to drink, a few sandwiches and dips to eat, and cookies and cakes, too. There's space at the bar or you can sit closer to the racks of clothes that are for sale.

My sister bought the cutest sweater. She tried it on while we were waiting for our sandwich to be ready. I was more interested in reading the old postcards sitting at our table...but really, there's plenty to peruse in this place. (Did I mention that I LOVE it?)

We both ordered a glass of wine to drink but also decided on a champagne cocktail to share. There were a few to choose from, but we opted for the Fancypants. It came with a sugar cube that added all kinds of fizz to our glass.

For snacking, we decided on the crunchy veggie dip and a sandwich. The veggie dip came served with chips and was pink in color. I decided that there must have been some beets mixed in. I didn't taste them but couldn't think of anything else that would add such a vibrant red color. Maybe red cabbage? I don't know. It was tasty, though, and we even considered ordering a second plate.

The sandwich was just barely grilled but turned out to be perfectly warmed and melty just the same. We were doing our best to be adventurous and ordered a strange take on the typical grilled cheese. It had cream cheese and orange marmalade in it. Weird, but good. My sister thought it was a little too heavy on the marmalade...but I think she just got one bite with too much in it.

We were there on Tuesday. The woman working the bar (and potentially the owner) said it was Girl Group (or ladies night). They have other events as well...including Euchre every Sunday afternoon. I don't actually know how to play...but I've heard it's a fun game and totally popular in the Midwest.

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Exceeds
Value: Meets

-b

The Hop & Vine

2011-03-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

1914 North Killingsworth
Happy Hour: 3:00 - 6:00

The Hop & Vine recently expanded giving me a reason to give it another try. It's just two blocks from my sister's house...making it a perfect location. Last time I joined her it was after Race for the Cure. We always run back to her house after the 5K and go out for brunch. When Roux closed a couple of years ago, we thought we'd break tradition and try something new. Breakfast at The Hop & Vine is good...but we needed something more substantial after running close to seven miles.

There are quite a few great food deals on the happy hour menu (as well as their regular menu) but the drink specials are what really make this happy hour worth it. We both ordered a glass of the house red wine, knowing that it was only three dollars. That's two dollars less than the typical price listed in the area for house wines.

To accompany our wine, we decided on a bowl of the daily popcorn. Today's popcorn, however, was TOO spicy. I could barely finish two or three pieces...and they were barely dusted, unlike so many others. (Note to self, never say yes to popcorn that's been coated in cayenne pepper. It's just a bad idea.) We left the bowl, nearly untouched, on the table.

The grilled cheese sandwich, though, was super yummy. It had the perfect amount of butter on the outside, giving the bread the most golden appearance. And the cheese was perfectly melty. I dipped a few bites into the too-acidic tomato soup but decided that it wasn't worth it, knowing that the soup was just distracting me from the good, good flavor of the grilled cheese.

There are plenty of other items on the menu that I can try next time. Given its location and the ultra-inexpensive glass of wine, I'm sure I'll be back in the future.

Food: Nearly Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b

Tasty and Sons

2011-03-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

3808 North Williams
Happy Hour: 2:30 - 5:00

Tasty and Sons is one of the most popular breakfast places in Portland. Driving by on a Sunday morning, you are likely to see people lined up (possibly halfway down the block) before they even open. I've made it in once with very little wait and consider myself to be very lucky. I hadn't been back until now, but thought for sure that it wouldn't be nearly as packed. Boy, was I wrong. Even on a Tuesday at two-thirty in the afternoon, this place is BUSY. At 2:30, Tasty and Sons switches over from breakfast to their happy hour menu. There are many breakfast-like items still left on the menu, but it's obvious that they are switching gears before the dinner hour officially hits.

My sister and I arrived just as happy hour was starting. Due to the crowd, we were seated at the large table in front. If you are lucky to get in with a big group, this table might be all yours. We, however, were seated with at least four separate parties (I guess it's a community table when necessary), two of them with small children. Not ideal, in the least.

Since it's most known for breakfast, we opted to go with a traditional breakfast drink. At Tasty and Sons, it's appropriately called the Tasty Mary. It was tasty, and well garnished...but it seemed that one of those flavorful additions was added at a higher concentration than the rest. The ratio was just a bit off, in my opinion. I'm not the biggest connoisseur...but my sister said the same thing and she's more likely to go with the tomato-based drink than I am.

Sitting with so many other people gave us a chance to peruse the menu in the most ideal fashion. The food was all around us. It was perfect. I only wish that I could have reached across the table to try the fries. It was awfully tempting...but maybe not the most appropriate thing to do with perfect strangers.

No worries about us being too hungry while waiting for the food. It would have been especially hard being surrounded by all those people and all that food...but as we were seated and served teeny glasses of water, we were also given a bowl of peanuts. They were treated with some sort of spicy-but-sweet flavor dusting.

We decided on just two items to try. First up (and apparently much faster to make) was the fried cauliflower. Growing up, cauliflower was only served one way. (It happens to be my least favorite way.) I didn't know that I could even like the stuff 'til I was living with a family in Germany while on exchange in high school. And I don't even just like it, I kinda love it. And I now know that I love it fried. I will try to avoid it (since I attempt to avoid lots of fried things) but will probably give in now and then (like I do with all those other fried things). It's good!

To accompany the fried veggies, we also had fried hush puppies. (I know, what was I just saying about fried stuff? But it's spring break and it's okay to splurge on calories now and then.) They were okay...but nothing special. I guess that hush puppies aren't really anything special traditionally...but I had higher expectations coming from a place that has lines around the block prior to opening.

I'm hoping to someday make it back for dinner (assuming that I don't have to wait too long) but for now will be happy knowing that I've made it in the door twice without having to wait for more than two or three minutes BOTH times. I do suggest that everyone make it in for breakfast at least once. And I suggest that you order the french toast, even if just to share with everyone at the table. It's pretty remarkable!

Food: Meets
Drinks: Meets
Service: Meets
Ambiance: Meets
Value: Meets

-b