One of the more refined Mexican dining experiences in the city, Nuestra Cocina brings a diverse menu of specialties spanning the central Mexico's renowned culinary palate with some lesser-known influences from other regions. The aroma of freshly prepared food wafting from the kitchen beckons you to the vibrant dining room teeming with the boisterous energy of kitchen staff and conversations among the lively crowd of patrons. The wooden ceilings with mounted antique-looking lamps provides good contrast to the colorful interiors. Sit at the intimate mosaic-tiled bar for some killer Mexican-inspired cocktails and Tequila martinis. The house sangria is a popular affair. The husband-wife duo of chefs Benjamin and Shannon helm the Nuestra kitchen and bring their diverse culinary experiences to the menu. There's a fair bit of variety on the menu with something for every taste. Cooking has received rave accolades with the restaurant picking up a number of awards. The intimate Mole Room is great for hosting group dinners and private functions. The enclosed wooden patio is a charming affair. Reservations are not accepted, so it's better to arrive as early as possible.
There is always an excellent wine selection to be enjoyed at Enso Urban Winery & Tasting Lounge; some wines are made on-site, while others are local guest wines. The wine experience is made even better by pairings with varieties of cheese, chocolate bars, pies- both savory and sweet, and more. Beer lovers are not left disappointed, what with there being two beers permanently on tap.
When Portland's beloved Thatch Tiki Bar closed its doors in May 2012, it paved the way for the next popular venture, Hale Pele. This establishment stayed in theme with the former one and began welcoming guests into its tropical ambiance a few months later. Hale Pele serves an array of tropical concoctions, ranging from strong drinks like Fog Cutter, Three Dots and a Dash and Zombie Punch to mild ones like Leilani Volcano and Missionary's Downfall. The house special Sailor's Grog, which will blow your mind away, is a must try.
For those with a penchant for good beer and enjoy trying different types, Imperial Bottle Shop & Taproom is an absolutely heavenly place. The first thing that catches a patrons eye is the a rack of beer bottles that occupies an entire wall, like a bookshelf in a library. Boasting over 400 of the finest American craft beer, patrons have the choice to first taste some of the beers on available on tap or just pick one from their humongous collection, seat themselves at one of the tables and revel in the quality of the drink.
Stylish and unique with a vintage flair, stepping in to the Bible Club feels a little like stepping into a period set or a museum. Everything here predates 1930, from the furniture to the glassware, and makes for a one-of-a-kind cocktail experience. Tucked away in a small house, this speakeasy bar is easy to miss. Clued in patrons are in for a treat, sipping on crafted cocktails paired with heritage American fare served with a twist. Tune your ears to sounds from a bygone era here with everything from 19th century classical to 1920s jazz. Inspired by all things American, this chic bar recreates the charm of the past with an eye for the present.