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.
A home of good beer and good times, N.W.I.P.A is a neighborhood brewpub in Portland. Varieties of beers are served here which are brewed fresh and customers can even buy them in huge quantities. This place has been designed quite stylishly with wood-furnished tables and chairs which allow comfortable seating for all. An amazing place to drink some really good beer and good conversations.
Enjoy a few drinks at the Sante Bar friends over the weekend or after work. They offer creative cocktails, beer, and wine which can be complemented with light snacks or finger foods. On a few evenings, they also have live music performances by various local artists. Patrons usually praise the bar for the friendly staff.