Brewcaster

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Eats

One of the challenges Melissa and I have found being new to Portland is finding places we enjoy to eat in. We have tried so many times with varying luck to find a place that we enjoy for both food AND service.

Pretty much anywhere the service seems sub-par to what we were used to back in the South. Wait staff doesn't seemed to be so concerned with things like speed, drinks, etc.. I think we are getting used to it, but hmmm. Another thing, what is the deal with so many "seat yourself" places. We have been to many you have to walk in and find a clean table yourself, go order at a counter, then they bring your drinks, then food. If you are bringing us drinks, why not take our order then? I am not looking for someone to hold my water glass to my mouth, but it is just a difference I have noticed here in the Portland area.

And don't get me started on the food... I have never been let down so many times from going out to dinner by the food before. Bland, small portions, and in general nothing to write home about.

We have found a handful of restaurants that have made the cut, but you would think a big city like this would have a better batting average.
Please feel free to leave comments with suggestions, I know there must some good stuff around, but seems like they are being kept a secret. At this point I am frustrated. We are really looking for some good Mexican food, Tex-mex would be fine as well. thanks!

7 Comments:

Blogger Brock said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

8/19/2007 7:53 PM  
Blogger Brock said...

Click here for what many say is a good Mexican restaurant in the Portland area

8/19/2007 7:55 PM  
Blogger Blogger said...

Depends where you live -- I'm down in SE. If you just want burritos, hit Cha Cha Cha or Laughing Planet. Great deals, good basics. If you want a good margarita, head down to Romo's La Jara. For the best dinners, we like the patio at Aqui. You can find reviews at www.yelp.com. (Ran into your blog from SiliconForest or maybe your Digg about getting a live show here? Welcome!)

8/20/2007 12:18 AM  
Blogger Brewcaster said...

Thanks you guys. I appreciate the help, I would love to hear some more... We love Indian, Thai, Mexican, Italian, basically anything but a steakhouse(we don't eat meat except for fish).

Hit me with more if you have chance!

8/20/2007 7:47 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

For (somewhat upscaly) Mexican, I would check out Authentica, on 30th and Killingsworth. Also, Taqueria Nueve on 28th won't disappoint.

If Tex-Mex is more your style, there's Esparza's, but I've never been, so I can't vouch.

Portland has some excellent taquerias and taco trucks. Simple, cheap, peasant grub, if that's your thing. Taqueria Santa Cruz (St. Johns), La Bonita (NE Alberta), Tortilleria De Leon (Gresham) are some of the better taquerias. There are good trucks to be had on Interstate/Killingsworth (Los Tres Hermanas), Los Morelias (SE Powell), Lindo Michoacan (SE Division/34th), El Brasero (SE Hawthorne/12th).

However, if you don't eat meat, there's not much for you there.

In terms of Thai, check out Pok Pok on Division, Chaba on Sandy. Thai Noon on Alberta is decent, and I've had some good, if somewhat perfunctory, Thai meals Tuk Tuk Thai on NE Fremont.

I've had some recent dynamite meals at Toro Bravo on NE Russell lately that have blown my socks off. Many options for pescatarians there.

There's a new Indian place downtown (Tandoor Indian Kitchen) that has been getting positive reviews @Portlandfood.org

http://portlandfood.org/index.php?showtopic=4497

But I personally haven't had much luck with Indian. I've had a good Italian meal at Bastas on NW 21st, and Nostrana in SE Portland (though the CW is service sucks at Nostrana). Geno's in Sellwood used to be a go-to for me, and more recently Ciao Vito on Alberta. Giorgio's in the Pearl I understand is good, albeit pricey.

Other places that should be on your radar:

Alberta Street Oyster Bar and Grill
Simpatica Dining Hall
Clyde Common
Pho Van/Silk
Ken's Artisan Pizza
Apizza Scholls
Jo Bar/Papa Hadyn (many people like their deserts)
Saucebox
Ten 01
23 Hoyt
Andina
Gilt Club

8/21/2007 1:38 PM  
Blogger david said...

don't be a baby.

8/23/2007 8:55 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

just eat at doug fir for breakfast and jake's for dinner....everyday.

8/23/2007 5:12 PM  

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