Where is the Best After-Work Bar in Portland, Oregon?
My wife and I biked in for lunch, arrived about 2:30 pm, not many customers. The bartender and waitress were friendly and efficient. Beer selection was 21 taps, many good choices including some “old standby”s and some good obscure ones. Soup was very good, “special sandwich of the day” was an excellent wrap — I though the price was fair, then learned it also came with a choice of soup, salad, onion rings or three other sides. The patio is a great, comfortable place in good weather, inside was fine too. Other reviews criticized the service, but our experience was fine.Pros + Good beer selection, good food, service was fine.Cons – Didn’t have any problems or complaints — I liked it!
I have been going to Hall Street for as long as it has been in existence, which I think is over 20 years!! I can honestly say that I’ve NEVER had a bad meal there. On occassion, the service has been rather slow, but usually is commensurate with how busy they are—if you go on a wk. end , or Friday night , you are going to wait–even with reservations (which I would ALWAYS recommend here. This you will find AT ANY good popular place–which this is !! My complaint –when lunching with a friend yesterday{ 9/11/07} , was that at the end of our meal, we felt like we were being “hounded” by our server to pay the tab, and be on our way.!! This was a week-day afternoon, and they were not particularly busy. I did not like this, and wrote a “comment card” stating such and mailed it to the GM. This waiter was otherwise faultless.Pros + excellent food nice atmosphere, friendly staff , good parkingCons – inconsistent service depending on your server, cocktails excellent but overpriced
We’ve been going to Vino Paradiso for over a year now, sometimes once a week, sometimes once a month. What I love about Vino:THE FOOD – fresh, local, organic, creative, delicious, perfectly priced. Chef Duncan has even hand picked the nettles he uses in spring dishes! His lamb is amazing. His hand made sausages are incredible. I want to eat his heirloom tomato/mozarella/basil/olive oil salad as my last meal. Last night we had a really, really good winter squash wrapped in speck. We’ve never had anything but excellent food, wine pairing and service. We love the food so much we hired the chef, Ian Duncan, to cater an outdoor summer grill party which was a resounding success. THE WINE- An extensive menu with great, approachable descriptions to help us decide what we want. Tim Nishimoto, the owner/sommelier will tell us about the region, history, and flavors (sorry – I have no better word) of the wines we try. He’s so down to earth, mellow and approachable that it’s a fu
A few girl friends and I have become regulars on Monday nights. The impromptu Celtic jam is so cool. Two friends who have been to Ireland and Scotland tell me this feels authentic. The Irish and Spanish coffees are ideal, the fish and chips are right everytime and my only problem is deciding which entree to try next. I’m so hooked to those beefy fish and chips, but yes, the steak and mushroom pie is just as delicious. Service is prompt. We never worry about where the waitress is, yet we don’t feel “stood over” either.Yes, there is smoking, but I find everyone around quite thoughtful about their smoke…I brought my 90 year old Mom in one early Friday night, then thought I had made a bad timing choice, but no, she was thrilled with the friendly ambience, the food ( the steak and mushroom pie) the well made drink and the charming staff. Since then, she has enjoyed taking her other elder friends in because they are treated well and feel comfortable. Haven’t found a negative here, yet.
While I hardly felt by going there due to the obviously outdated picture from Citysearch I was pleasantly suprised to see a fresh and clean exterior matched by a warm and friendly interior.The seating on the Yamhill St. side has to be one of the best spots for watching downtown portlanders wander by around. Just the right amount of sun and space to be too comfortable. The cocktails are great while the food was so much better than I ever would of expected. The people are the friendliest in town with every one of them attractive but not full of themselves.I will definately be bringing in folks to Paddy’s very soon.Pros + Great space with warm wonderful lighting late in the eveningCons – Can get crowded on the patio seating
