Favorite
Bright patterned murals, a cerulean blue tiled bar, and lemonade-pink chairs: Bar Diane’s is not the kind of aesthetic you might associate with Drugstore Cowboy’s louche and jonesing Dianne (Kelly Lynch), though she’s at least partly responsible for its name. Part of Gus Van Sant’s 1989 cult classic was filmed nearby, and owner Sami Gaston says she wanted to pay tribute Read more...
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It’s barely pulled its first shots, but this ambitious spot celebrating Italy’s greatest exports—espresso and vermouth—is already one of the city’s most exciting places to drink. San Francisco bar star Kate Bolton and Hale Pele “tiki guy” Blair Reynolds dive headfirst into fortified wines, putting them center stage behind a marble bar graffitied with Italian futurist art. Drinking commences at Read more...
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A century or so ago, the Grand Avenue tavern reportedly called Nat West’s Bit House was known for rowdiness, even street brawls. Today, the tipsy townies lining that spacious bar tend to be more blithe than bloodthirsty: a mix of off-duty bartenders, be-plaided east-siders, and weekend warriors, all drawn by pleasantly affordable top-shelf quaffs (cocktails on draft, sherry flights, a boilermaker menu). And yet, a rich frisson still Read more...
Favorite
It may be the chic, Portuguese-style tiling on the walls, the titular nod to the Prince of Denmark, or the scrupulously sourced, ham-heavy menu—perfectly calibrated for sherry and cocktail pairings. Whatever the reason, this slinky Pearl cocktail spot operates in a Euro mode that makes you want to linger till the wee hours. Come for plates piled high with salty Read more...
Favorite
This wine pairing-focused Italian eatery offers a fully annotated wine list and wine pairings for every menu item (available in both half and full glasses). Inside the calming, green-walled dining room, perfectly aligned vintages accompany Piedmontese-inspired flavors, like black-garlic oxtail agnolotti and artichoke flan with chèvre, chevril, shaved fennel and hazelnuts. Read more...
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Imagine an Italian grandmother lovingly plumping meatballs, humming a tune from the old country. Now plant her in a dark cocktail bar. That’s Nonna, a new tavern from the crew at intimate kitchen DOC that mashes up New York–style Italian food (gravy, not tomato sauce) with Portland’s mixology scene. As with many local bars, the real focus at Nonna is Read more...
Favorite
A shining star on the east end of the Morrison Bridge, Oso Market & Bar delivers a soulful menu of internationally-inspired small plates from chef Jason Buss, shelves stocked with a staggering selection of sustainable and biodynamic wines, craft beer and cider, and local artisan products from honey to cheese to fresh-baked baguettes—and pairing suggestions at the ready. We included Oso Market Read more...
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After a successful 10 years, in August 2012 Pix moved to its new digs, closing the original two Pix locations. The new 3000-square-foot building is complete with a 2000+ bottle cellar and an outdoor courtyard for summer events. At Cheryl Wakerhauser’s new Pix Patisserie/Bar Vivant, napkins litter the floor, scarlet damask lines the walls, and champagne enthusiasts play a game of pétanque in Read more...
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With a highly curated wine list, a room full of fermenting barrels in the back, a case of hard-to-find cheeses, and a simple lineup of flavorful comfort snacks, Cyril’s is casually stretching the form of a wine bar. It’s a key member of Portland’s exploding collection of “urban wineries,” as well as a culinary incubator and cheese heaven. But above Read more...
Favorite
For 22 years, he was the Pasta Guy at the legendary Genoa (read: the course everyone waited for during seder-length dinners). Now Jerry Huisinga is handmaking noodles and performing quiet, old-school Italian magic at this casually modern satellite of Caffe Mingo next door. This is a good spot for wine drinking and power snacking. Get a spread of starters for Read more...
