Best of Portland: Happy Hours with the Gal Pals

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March 3, 2010 by Katelin | Comments (3)

As a capital of creative cuisine, Portland offers an abundant supply of dining destinations. The only downside to living in this mecca of fantastic fare is the toll it can take on one’s wallet, so we are delivering the perfect anecdote to this mouthwatering dilemma: happy hours! Great places to get small plates, cheap drinks, and enjoy new atmospheres with friends, happy hours are perfect for frugal foodies. Here are some of our favorite places around town.

Casa Del Matador
Everyday 4-6pm & 10-1am
Extremely dedicated to providing a true tex-mex experience, the industry veterans behind Casa Del Matador have created an impressive restaurant reflective of their inspiration everywhere from the décor to the food. The interior is artfully decorated with unique woodworking, antique light fixtures, custom ironwork, and an open fireplace set atop one of the tables. Prices range from four to five dollars for food, and the flavors are unforgettable. The famous Texas Sized Nachos are piled high with melted cheese, chopped onions, black beans, pico de gallo, and somehow manage to stay crisp all the way through. Other happy hour menu items include the very flavorful Spicy Fried Calamari, Tex-Mex Spring Rolls (served with a sweet chili sesame plum sauce—YUM!), Chorizo Quesadillas, and many more. Although a drink purchase is not required, the tequila bar is stocked with over 95 varieties, and the margaritas are poured very generously (get the best for your buck!). Find Casa Del Matador at 1438 NW 23rd Ave., and 2424 E. Burnside St.

Mint/820
Mon- Tues 4-8pm, ALL NIGHT Wed, & 4-6:30 Thurs-Sun
This Pan-American Bistro takes influences from the Pacific North West, the Mediterranean, and Latin America offering a happy hour menu with varied options. Tucked away, this slim little restaurant is cozy and low lit for a swankier happy hour atmosphere. Happy hour menu items include Sweet Potato Fries ($3.50), Fried Stuffed Risotto Balls ($6), Cuban Lamb Burger ($8), Spicy Caesar Salad ($6), soup ($4), and daily specials. The drink menu is also one of Mint’s best assets; the Avocado Daiquiri, Pineapple Drop, Bella (Blackberry puree, vodka, and lemon lime), and Ruby (beet infused vodka with a splash of lemon lime juice) are all great options, and Mint offers many, many more. Even better, drinks are just $6 during happy hour. Find Mint/820 at 816 N. Russell St.

Bernie’s Southern Bistro
Tues-Sun 4-6pm
The phrase southern comfort sure does apply here. Bernie’s Southern Bistro offers the best in southern comfort food at excellent prices. During Bernie’s happy hour each dish is just $3! Menu items include the Po’ Boy Sandwich (your choice of chicken or fried green tomatoes), Creole Meatloaf Sandwich, Cornmeal Fried Okra, Mac n’ Cheese (creamy, cheesy, and SO delicious), Hush Puppies with an amazing jalapeno marmalade, Fried Dill Pickles, Bananas Foster Bread Pudding, and more. Also, the Southern Bell (gin, fresh lime, rashberry liqueur, and soda) is perfectly refreshing and just five dollars along with four other drink specials. House Chardonnay and Cabernet are also just $4 during happy hour. Bernie’s Southern Bistro is one of the best deals in town; find it at 2904 NE Alberta St.

Ciao Vito
Everyday at 4pm
Also located on NE Alberta at 2203, Ciao Vito offers a very different kind of happy hour. Here, under candlelight and crystal chandeliers, guests are invited to try modern takes on classic Italian dishes. A heaping plate of Ken’s Artisan bread, olives, and white bean spread is just $2, while other menu items like Spaghetti Agli’Olio, Fried Crispy Meatballs, Sugo of Pork with Fried Crispy Polenta, Butter Leaf Lettuce Salad with Olive Oil and Cabernet Sauvignon Vinegar, and Fried Potato Fritters in Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, are all between $5-8. Also, the antipasti platter is a great option for trying small bites of everything, with salted meats, cured olives, cheese, frittatas, and more. The staff is very knowledgeable about available wine pairings, and the owner is most often just a table away chatting with diners.

DragonFish
Mon-Sat 4-6pm & 9-close, Sunday 3pm-close
Those of you with sushi habits know how expensive keeping up with crab roll cravings can be. Fortunately, DragonFish’s newly revamped happy hour offers some great dishes at low prices. Half rolls and small plates like Caramel Ginger Chicken, Miso Soup, Hoisin BBQ Ribs, and Salmon Katsu cost between two and five dollars each with a minimum drink purchase. Dragonfish also has a trendy drink list, with items like Guava Mai-Tai’s, Lemongrass Lime Ricky’s, Electric Blowfishes, and Peachy Samurai Martinis for $5. Sake ($3), beer ($3.50), and Wine ($4) are also available during happy hour. Dragonfish is located at 909 SW Park Ave.

Got a favorite we didn’t mention? Comment below to share your favorite places with fellow readers, we know you’ve all got a little frugal foodie in you!

3 Responses to “Best of Portland: Happy Hours with the Gal Pals”

• Katy S Says:
  
  March 22nd, 2010 at 10:01 pm

  Great list! Casa Del Matador is a fave of mine in NW, but I will have to check out the others. The Nachos are a favorite, and I would also recommend their delicious red sangria.

• shoppingsmycardio Says:
  
  March 22nd, 2010 at 11:08 pm

  PDX definitely rocks the happy hour! i love oba in the pearl for a great happy hour…and mint is one of my faves too! awesome list

• portland night clubs – Night clubs in Portland, Oregon AND Vancouver, WA for 18 years of age? Says:
  
  May 18th, 2010 at 11:09 pm

  [...] Best of Portland: Happy Hours with the Gal Pals • CRAVE portland … [...]

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