Night out? Dinner (or Happy Hour!) and drinks at Oven and Shaker (1134 NW Everett Street) would be a strong start.
Oven and Shaker, a part of Portland’s noteworthy ChefStable restaurant group, specializes in two areas: delicious pizzas pulled out of their wood oven, and original craft cocktails. At the helm is six time James Beard Award Nominated Chef Cathy Whims, and Head Bartender Ryan Magarian (one of the creators of Aviation Gin!)
Let’s start with the pizza. Choices range from the classic Margherita, to the increasingly more daring: the Spicy Salami is drizzled with honey; the Wild Fennel Sausage includes tomato, smoked mozzarella, potato and scallion. Additional toppings can be added to take the adventure up even a notch further: arugula, prosciutto, duck egg or oil cured anchovies.
Accompaniments can fill out the feast: finger and fork offerings like fried chickpeas, salami croquettes, and a cheese or meat plate. Oven and Shaker also serves several delicious salads, including one featuring Nostrana’s luscious Caesar style dressing. Croutons are made in-house from a tasty sage and rosemary focaccia bread! For dessert, there is house made gelato (with olive oil and fleur de sel, if you like!). Or, go all out with a Tuscan Brownie Sundae.
Choosing what to drink will be tricky, as there are so many fantastic options. Concoctions are made with fresh juices extracted daily, provided by The Commissary. Designated drivers will be delighted with the selection of alcohol-free or low-alcohol choices. After all, teetotalers deserve to have fun, too! There are also eight rotating draft beers, and sparkling, red and white wines to choose from.
The Happy Hour menu includes moderate portions of Oven and Shaker’s Salads, and pizza specials, as well as shaker creations like the Rum Daisy and the Bees Knees! If you are dropping by at lunchtime, don’t miss the Puccia wood oven pocket bread sandwiches (native to Puglia, Italy), with fillings like fried chicken, B.L.T. or eggplant Parmesan. Oven and Shaker’s pizza dough is used to create these tasties, risen in the oven fresh to order.
Oven and Shaker would be an amazing place to take your friends from out of town before enjoying one of the excellent cultural activities in the area. Seeing a show at Portland Center Stage or Artists Repertory Theater? Grab a pizza to share and a few classic cocktails. Live jazz at Jimmy Mak’s? Swing by for happy hour before (or after!). A repast at Oven and Shaker would also pair well with a lecture at Powell’s Books, a concert at The Crystal Ballroom, or The Pearl District’s First Thursday Art Walk. Or, just enjoy the superior boutique shopping in the area.
One last thing? Oven and Shaker Chef Jun Robles was featured on the January 13th episode of “Chopped”!
Oven and Shaker
1134 NW Everett Street
503-241-1600
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 11 pm
Friday & Saturday: 11:30 am – Midnight
Happy Hour: Monday – Friday 2:30 – 5:30 pm, and 10:00 pm – Close every night
