by Hannah Baade |
As we all vow to get out of our little dorm rooms or dirty off-campus bungalows, everyone knows downtown is the place to find yourself when you're either a) hungry b) got time to kill or c) want to spend money that you don’t have. But where do you go? Let’s start off the new year with some fresh eats to stop you from just visiting the Starbucks and Powell's downtown as your dose of “culture” for the week. We all know you’re basic. Now admit it, quit it and visit these fabulous downtown blocks.
Barista
539 NW 13th Ave
$
Stop buying Starbucks when you could be getting any other type of coffee - i.e., Barista.This is the home of the first vanilla latte that I ever really genuinely liked. Messy shaven hipsters will serve you meticulously crafted drinks — especially the dark hot chocolate, or their jasmine hot tea. They have bunches of adorable little pastries, plus their homemade granola. There's another location on Alberta just in case you are looking for something a little closer.
Andina
1314 NW Glisan St
$$$
I think many great Portland restaurants turn away from their rich cultural roots when they are forced to compete in the supernova boom of the PDX food scene. But Andina doesn't follow. It sticks to a traditional Peruvian menu and delivers on its promise. Quinoa encrusted everything, cold potato cakes, ceviche galore and nightly special soups, entrees and desserts. One of the owners, a woman clad in casual clothing and glasses, wanders around during meal service and if she recommends a nightly special — listen to her. I got the Pianono dessert special on her advice and learned the rich Peruvian history behind the layers of cake that represent the dressing style of the pope, with a dulce de leche center. Go. Now.
Tilt
1355 NW Everett St
$
Do you know what the meat-sweats are? Well Tilt does. They come prepared with cloth napkins because whether it's pie milkshake or any sandwich on the menu … you are about to get sweaty. Their Everett Street location is my favorite and perfect for a rare sunny day in the outdoor seating. The food is well priced and comes with pounds of meat, fries and some of the thickest bread I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Bamboo Sushi SW
404 SW 12th Ave
$$
This is the last of the four sustainably yummy Bamboo Sushi installations to Portland. Each one is unique, and the Southwest location is in the heart of (quieter) downtown complete with a sushi bar and cozy feel. I finally went for a visit last week and scored some cheap rolls off of the happy hour menu. BTW, dining includes free edamame, and if you're still hungry after some delightful hand rolls, swing by Ruby Jewel next door for some ice cream sandwiches.
Kure Kitchen
408 SW 12th Ave
$
Was your New Year's Resolution to get healthy? Did you already fail by getting a 20 piece McNuggets? Or did you split that pint of Ben & Jerry's with yourself? OK we can move on because Kure is an undeniably delicious solution to all your problems. They have classic acai, but recently introduced salads, soup and oatmeal.
Grassa
1205 SW Washington St
$$
Do you like pasta? Do you wish to be happy? Do you want to not break the bank on dinner tonight? If you answered yes to any of these stupid questions, then you should hop on over to Grassa. Fresh handmade pasta without the fuss of being waited on is the dream. And the dream is alive on SW Washington. Let their Pork Belly Mac & Cheese ease your troubles of a rainy Portland day. Plus they’ve got homemade plain pastas available to-go in case you are in a more homemade mood.
Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen
1038 SW Stark St
$$
This deli is a bit of a throwback to where the cast of Seinfeld sat around and ate pastrami and pickles and gossiped about rent control. The dining room has floor to ceilings windows ideal for gossiping and munching. They have a killer lunch special: a half-sandwich and cup of soup for $9.50 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Also if you are stuck deciding between the pastrami and something else … don't be an idiot. Get the pastrami.
Karam Lebanese & Syrian Cuisine
515 SW 4th Ave
$$
If you ever find yourself a little bit lost, cold and lonely, this is your fix. Traditional as can be, the food is savory and full of flavor. Also: Order anything that has pumpkin in the name. And yes that might have sounded real Starbucks basic, but you will believe me as soon as you take your first bite.
Shigezo
910 SW Salmon St
$$
There's a little bit of everything here: ramen, sushi, temaki and curry. They have happy hour specials after 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, which is a sweet deal if you are in the mood for some cheaper sushi and their delicious happy hour tuna poke. Their menu is focused around sushi and tapas, so go with a group to get comfy sharing small plates like seaweed salad and various skewers. To get the happy hour specials, just order a drink (Kirin beers for 21+, Coke for under 21) and get ready for so many yummy tuna hand rolls. I don't even care that I walked out of there with seaweed salad in my teeth, or that I shared the “Lovers Poke” with me, myself and I.
Hannah Baade is the assistant design editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at baade18@up.edu.
