It is a sin to kill a mockingbird. It is also a sin to waste a sunny Portland day by spending it indoors. Now that the bright, warm weather has hit, Stumptown residents are not wasting a single minute. Here are some places that you can enjoy the fabulous dining that Portland has to offer, and not miss out on a single ray of sunshine.
Pink Rose (1300 SW Lovejoy St.): One of Portland’s favorite patios, Pink Rose is an amazing place to relish burgers, brunch, a Bloody Mary or one of their refreshing mason jar concoctions. Ask about Wine Wednesdays and upcoming live music events. www.pinkrosepdx.com
Boke Bowl (1200 NW 18th Ave./1028 SE Water Ave.): Besides bowls of noodles filled with amazing ingredients, Boke Bowl offers Dim Sum at their West Side location Saturday and Sunday from 11 am - 3 pm. There are also steamed buns, fresh salads, house-brined pickles and house-made twinkies. http://bokebowl.com
Serratto (2112 NW Kearney St.): This Nob Hill mainstay features a Mediterranean menu that showcases the bounty of the Pacific Northwest. The produce is from local growers, and desserts are made in-house by Serratto’s pastry chef. Cool down with Ahi Tuna Tartare “Nicoise,” an Antipasti Platter, Pizza Margherita or house-made pasta. Then, live it up with New York Cheesecake, a “S’mores” parfait, gelato or sorbetto. Dining with family? Serratto has an outstanding Kid’s Menu. http://serratto.com
Urban Fondue/Bartini (2114 NW Glisan St.): What’s better than enjoying fondue with your buddies? At Urban Fondue, there are a whole bevy of fondues to choose from, as well as types of nibbles to dip. The cocktail menu is encyclopedia length, and includes fresh flower and herb-infused creations. In Bartini, the official bar portion, half price martinis are offered during Happy Hour (every day 4 pm – 6:30 pm, Tuesday – Thursday 9:30 pm – Midnight and all night Sunday and Monday). This one is an experience, not just a meal. www.urbanfondue.com
Fireside (801 NW 23rd Ave.): Whether you choose to relax in the shade of Fireside’s open-air dining or actually sit outside, the menu will feature “outdoor inspired” cuisine – food you would eat at a barbeque, picnic or campfire. Try the Radicchio Salad, Brick Chicken, Mussels, Grilled Vegetables or Bacon Cheeseburger. Want to enjoy brunch outside? Get your weekend started right with a Frittata, Biscuits and Gravy or Brioche French Toast. Stay chill with a brunch cocktail or crafted soda. www.pdxfireside.com
Petisco (1411 NE Broadway, Ground Floor): Petisco is a little slice of Europe in NE Portland. Prepare to be transported as you enjoy Beef Carpaccio, Salmon Raspberry Salad, Mushroom Risotto with Truffle and Atlantic Beach Pie. Enjoy Eggs Benedict or Corned Beef Hash during weekend brunch. Watch their web site for special events like Paella Night! http://petiscopdx.com
Xico (3715 SE Division St.): Xico may very well win the prize – hands down – for most refreshing PDX patio. This modern take on traditional Mexican cuisine is a welcome change of pace. Step into a lush, calm, green retreat and try the Halibut Ceviche Tostada, Primavera Ensalada or Grilled Quail. Also, there are seven salsas to check out! A margarita, daiquiri or Mexican Manhattan will get you into a festive mood. www.xicopdx.com
The Heathman (1001 SW Broadway): One of Portland’s most sophisticated restaurants, The Heathman is a fantastic place to enjoy the hustle and bustle of downtown while also having an extraordinary outdoor dining experience. Their centralized location also makes them one of the best spots to enjoy a bite before or after a theater excursion. Pacific Northwest ingredients are prepared in the classic French style. For lighter fare, try the bistro menu. www.heathmanhotel.com
Thirsty Lion (71 SW 2nd Ave.): Thirsty Lion’s downtown location is the place to enjoy the bustle of Old Town Chinatown’s night life – outdoors. Favorites to check out at this pub include ½ lb. gourmet burgers, Baja fish tacos, brick oven artisan pizzas, cobb salad, sesame seared ahi tuna and grilled veggie paninis. This is a go-to spot year-round for watching sports events. Enjoy beer? Have a craft sample flight while you watch the game, or take home a growler for your backyard barbeque. http://thirstyliongastropub.com
Kell’s/Kell’s Brew Pub: Both the downtown location of Kell’s (112 SW Second Ave.) and the brew pub in Nob Hill (210 NW 21st Ave.) have fantastic patios for whiling away the summer afternoons. In the mood for something refreshing? Kell’s salads won’t weigh you down; try the Kale and Quinoa, Chicken Salad or Country Salad with house baked ham. Get some of their famous whiskey wings or oyster shooters to share, or get a burger, veggie wrap or Rueben for all for yourself. And what’s better on a hot day than a tall microbrew? www.kellsirish.com
Thirst Bistro (0315 SW Montgomery St.): This adorable wine bar on the South Waterfront is a delightful place to – literally – watch the ships go by as you sample their Pacific Northwest-focused wines by the taste, glass, flight or bottle. Pair your glass with small plates from their menu featuring local ingredients, and produce from their garden in the warmer months. Try the stuffed portobello mushrooms, or brie baked in puff pastry! Cocktails and craft brews are also available, if you’d prefer. www.thirstbistro.com
Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery (206 SW Morrison St.): Rock Bottom Brewery is a great place to tuck into Happy Hour after an afternoon of shopping downtown or walking on the Waterfront. Fantastic selections to dig into year-round include their burgers, nachos, sandwiches and pizzas, but this time of year their giant salads are the stars – favorites include the Brewer’s Cobb Salad, Chopped BBQ Chicken Salad and the Santa Fe Ranch Chicken Salad. Their expertly crafted microbrews will help you make those Summer memories. www.rockbottom.com
So, that’s a list of outstanding outdoor dining locations to start out with on your Summer #DiningBucketList. Have fun, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
Photo credit: Urban Fondue
