Mock Crest Tavern Portland, OR
Great neighborhood place with a very homey feel. Very nice wait staff who has been around as long as I can remember. They are used to serving regulars and probably will remember you after a few visits.
On the downside, it can get pretty tight on the weekends when there is live music. Also, the live music and the small space = very loud, so check out the patio in the back if you feel like talking to the people you are with.
Other positives, decent cocktails at reasonable prices, they pull off a pretty good long island ice tea. Also, the bucket of session beers is also a great deal.
Food is very stereotypical pub grub, but hey who doesn't like corn dogs and tater tots every one in a while.
20-Sep-07
Sellwood Public House Portland, OR
Possibly the worst bar in Portland! First off half of the beers on tap were out. The beer that I did order was not filled all of the way. After that, I asked for a canadian club on the rocks and I had to point the bottle out to the bar tender. The last straw was waiting for over half an hour for two slices of pizza that were served preheated from a pizza that was previously cooked. Worst of all they over charged me.
I have to temper this terrible review with the fact that the normal bartender was out and I think the owner was filling in. That being said, there is no excuse for such terrible service. I will not be returning and I suggest you stay away.
20-Sep-07
Pizza Fino Portland, OR
Just what North Portland needed, a classy pizza place with a decent pie. Not your standard pepperoni, hawaiian, or (insert generic topping here) pizza. They serve many pizzas topped with unique and delicious combinations. I recommend the pizza with eggplant, their take on eggplant parmesan, just delicious! And the crust is addicting, the perfect balance of chewiness and crunch. They also serve other Italian fare. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get past the pizza because it is just too good. Although, I have been told that they make many ingredients in house.
Pizza Fino has a very flexible setup with take-out and a full bar in the front of the house and a nice dining room and outdoor patio in the back of the house. It makes it easy to dine-in or just grab take out whatever suits your mood. They also offer pizza by the slice that is quite reasonable and more often than not this is where the best or most exotic combination of toppings is offered.
The bar is pretty creative with their cocktails, they use fresh ingredients and offer several house infused liquors. They also have a small but carefully chosen selection of beers on tap and wine by the glass or the bottle. I am a sucker for Amnesia IPA which they just about always have on tap. They usually will have offerings from Ninkasi, Laurelwood, and other local Microbreweries, usually at prices cheaper than the at the brewery where the beer is actually made.
The happy hour menu is pretty appetizer centric but is good quality and again offered at a reasonable price. The best bet though is a slice, a caesar salad, and a beer. Feel free to increase the slice and beer consumption as you see fit.
18-Sep-07
Jake's Grill Portland, OR
This Portland classic provides an upscale feel with dark wood, lots of brass fixtures, and high ceilings that create a spacious feeling for the medium sized space. Jake's Grill has one of the best value happy hour menus in the city including the highest quality burger and fries for under two dollars you will find anywhere. The happy hour menu includes an eclectic mix of seafood as well as more traditional pub fare. Jake's has a broad range of spirits ranging from Kentucky's finest to single malts and fresh fruit is used for many cocktails. Also note, Jake's Grill is one of a few bars in Portland that is cigar friendly (indicated by the wall mounted stag head with a cigar in its mouth) and of further note Rich's cigar store is conveniently located across the street (this may be a deterrent to visit for some and and added motivation to visit for others).
16-Nov-06
Shanghai Tunnel Portland, OR
This low key swillery pays tribute to Portland's seedy past with a majority of the establishment located underground. The tight qurters may add to the atmosphere, but can leave some feeling claustrophobic. As for the food and libations...pretty average beverage selection (although every now and again you may find a rare olympia stubby bottle). The food is simple, oriental-inspired pub fare including rice bowls and yakisoba...nothing extraordinary. Consider stopping in for a change of pace when tired of other posh bars in the neighborhood
16-Nov-06