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Category Archives: Happy Hour

The Pagan Jug Band Tuesdays at Clinton Corner Cafe

Why does 21st and Clinton seem to turn into a hand-clapping, foot-stomping dance party on Tuesday evenings? Because that’s when the Pagan Jug Band takes over Clinton Corner Cafe. Every Tuesday during happy hour (6:30 pm to 8:30 pm or so), this 6-person acoustic ensemble delights a loyal crowd with their one-of-a-kind synthesis of folk-inspired melodies, bluegrass, and Louisiana Zydeco (to name but a few of their musical influences). I’ve seen revelers from all walks of life spill out onto the sidewalk and even the street. This is a band who truly brings people together for an authentically good time.

Originally founded in 1993, The Pagan Jug Band boasts a banjo, guitar, harmonica, washboard, upright bass, and whatever else they can get their hands on. Sometimes there’s an accordian. Check out some of their tunes at Myspace. If you like what you hear, become their fan on Facebook. And come on down to Clinton Corner Cafe some Tuesday evening. There’s no cover. Kids are welcome. Bring your dancing shoes.

Location: Clinton Corner Cafe, 2633 SE 21st Ave 97202

Hours: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm or so Read More

Delta Cafe

If you’re looking for down home cookin’ and amazing drinks served with flair, head out to the Delta Cafe on Woodstock. I’ve been happily going to the Delta for years. Before I was old enough to drink, I went with friends for the cheese grits and the atmosphere. I’ve seen DJs perform, had my fortune told, and played trivia; although those events probably aren’t happening under the new owners, the Delta still hits the spot for me. Why? Good food, good drinks, decent prices, and friendly service. You really don’t have to be hip to get treated well there (but it doesn’t hurt, either).

First, some words on the food. It’s pretty great southern food for the Northwest. Real southerners take may exception, but my west coast pallate is wowed. Appetizers like fritters or hush puppies will satisfy both your appetite and your budget. For the indecisive, try the southern sampler, where you make a meal of three side dishes (please at least consider the tater tot casserole). Carnivores should try the jambalaya (spicy and flavorful) or the chicken fried steak. Be warned: vegetarians can eat here but have fewer options. Vegans, um…I think there’s like one item on the menu for you.

Recently, The Delta started serving brunch! Although the portions were not as enormous as you’re likely to see at a real greasy spoon, I still left feeling really full of fried eggs and mimosa.

On to drinks. The cocktail menu is at once brilliant and hilarious. There is, for instance, the Hey Ya! for those hot summer days (plus you know you still love Outkast) or the Cozy Shack, if you need a warm-up. I love the drink specials posted daily on their board – they’re truly inventive, making good use of their many infused vodkas. Or, pick an infusion and create your own drink. There’s always the famously infamous 40 oz Pabst served as champagne.

Some advice: expect a wait on Friday and Saturday nights. Check out their Happy hour, which is all Tuesday evening. Be sure to bring cash or a check, as they don’t take cards.

Enjoy! Read More

Lolo’s Tapas on Alberta

After Last Thursday Art on Alberta late last night, I dropped in to try tapas for the first time ever at Lolo’s tapas to enjoy something new while the crowds dispersed. Despite the busy night, the place was a pleasant hum of people talking quietly and sharing their Spanish finger food. Over the course of the night we ended up trying the local bread dipped in a balsamic vinegar/oil sauce with some Catalan Tomato Bread to get started. The bread was very good, and very soft, but I was much more enthusiastic about the tomato bread, which was some slightly strange (but great) cheese slices on a crusty piece of bread spread with their own tomato sauce with finely chopped dill on top. It was presented very well, and tasted great. To finish the night we had the Chicken Skewers with sherry sauce and the Fideos mixto pasta. The pasta was good, but slightly more balsamic than my taste. I was the only one with that opinion though, the pasta was quickly devoured by someone else who remarked that it was amazing, especially the large prawns that were underneath the noodles. I was very impressed with the chicken skewers that our server suggested, they were really striking and different, but in that really good new food sort of way.

2940 NE Alberta
Portland, Oregon 97211

503.288.3400 Read More

Portland City Grill Happy Hour

The Portland City Grill is an amazing high class restaurant on the 30th floor of the U.S. Bank building (which is also the tallest building in Portland). 4:30pm to 6:30pm is happy hour with an absolutely amazing food menu. The drinks are not discounted (that I could tell anyway) for happy hour, but the food is at a great discount. I started off with just the caesar salad, which was honestly one of the best I have had, the leafy greens were very crisp and fresh. Still hungry, I ended up ordering the White Cheddar Chive Burger. Best burger ever. Without exaggeration, the best burger ever. You have to try it. Over the course of the night the four people present tried several different happy hour menu items, each of them tasted great; but nothing beat that burger.