EAT N DRINK LIST
Pok-Pok, 3226 SE Division Street, Portland Oregon
pokpokpdx.com
Tips: Seating is limited both upstairs and downstairs, so get there early. Try the salted plum collins cocktail, just because you may never have tried anything like it.
Fine, I'm going to say it. I wasn't that impressed. There! Now why am I adding this to the list if I am not that impressed? Because I am charmed by the fact that it instantly transports you to a little shack somewhere in the PAC. and I found that part of it endearing especially when you consider where you really are. The dishes like the Papaya Salad, Beef Salad, Roast Fish and Curry were in fact good; lots of vinegar, fish sauce, spice, and sweetness. And yes, the roast chicken, and Ike's chicken wings were good too, but based on the hype of expectations, I found myself wondering "Should I be blown away? Is this supposed to be the best Thai I have ever tasted?" The answer I think was no. But I couldn't help but think that maybe I would have felt differently if I hadn't heard and expected so much. Regardless, I still list this as a great place to visit given the experience. Try early afternoon before the rush, and it won't disappoint.
Clyde Common, 1014 SW Stark Street, Pearl District
clydecommon.com
Recommended for: Dinner, cocktails
Price: Average
Tips: Order the board of the day to start, it comes with a side of Manhattan
I can't rave enough about this place. It's really inviting, warm, and the perfect place to hang out with friends or a loved one on a rainy night or even a beautiful Summer night. Its along side and connected to the iconic ACE hotel. There are tons of small shareable dishes to choose from, and the communal seating is perfect for it. The drinks are made with love and respect for the ingredients, bourbons are infused in house, and they even make their own ginger beer in house. Have cocktails here for sure, and if you need to stray there are just a handful of select beers to choose from. Plates are beautiful and well presented and you can see the cooks hard at work through the almost open kitchen set up. American food done with really fresh ingredients, not that you expect anything less in Portland.
Ned Ludd, 3925 NE MLK blvd, Northeast
nedluddpdx.com
Recommended for: Dinner, brunch,cocktails
Price: Average
Tips: Sit outside on the wooden communal benches when the weather is nice. Sip drinks out of mason jars and feel like you never want to leave
This is a wood fired restaurant, meaning almost everything on the menu comes from the wood burning oven which is amazingly respectable. And what doesn't, is just overwhelmingly light and as fresh and in season as you can get. Handmade charcuterie, fresh garden picked vegetables. The food is just really genuine and respectful of the ingredient itself. Simple and clean, no fuss.
Nongs Khao Man Gai, 1003 SW Alder Street, Downtown
khaomangai.com
Recommended for: Quick lunch, snack, hangover cure
Price: Cheap, under $10
Tips: There's nowhere to sit, so be prepared to take it with you somewhere else to eat. Or, if you look lost enough they'll let you stand and perch on the 6" sliver or of counter space at the window. Get a side of fried chicken skin, it's life changing.
Nong the owner who runs this food pod is not messing around. She's a tiny thai lady with a big, unmistakable, enthusiastic voice and will welcome you in her window like you've been there a million times before. In the heart of downtown's cluster of food pods, it clearly makes its presence known by the line up of people that spans down the block during lunch time. You wonder what all the fuss is about and simply put- it's just chicken and rice. The white rice is steamed, the chicken is poached, but then what makes it is the sauce. Soy, sugar, garlic, ginger, goodness... it's addictive. So addictive they even sell it by the bottle now. Comes as simple as it gets, wrapped up in white butcher paper instead of a to go box (environmentally conscious, AND food cost genius) Served with a side of clear broth- that, of course, does come in to go packaging.Pok-Pok, 3226 SE Division Street, Portland Oregon
pokpokpdx.com
Recommended for: Afternoon Bite, Early Dinner, Dinner
Price: Cheap to MediumTips: Seating is limited both upstairs and downstairs, so get there early. Try the salted plum collins cocktail, just because you may never have tried anything like it.
Fine, I'm going to say it. I wasn't that impressed. There! Now why am I adding this to the list if I am not that impressed? Because I am charmed by the fact that it instantly transports you to a little shack somewhere in the PAC. and I found that part of it endearing especially when you consider where you really are. The dishes like the Papaya Salad, Beef Salad, Roast Fish and Curry were in fact good; lots of vinegar, fish sauce, spice, and sweetness. And yes, the roast chicken, and Ike's chicken wings were good too, but based on the hype of expectations, I found myself wondering "Should I be blown away? Is this supposed to be the best Thai I have ever tasted?" The answer I think was no. But I couldn't help but think that maybe I would have felt differently if I hadn't heard and expected so much. Regardless, I still list this as a great place to visit given the experience. Try early afternoon before the rush, and it won't disappoint.
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