Novelty restaurants

Face it: You’re in a food rut. If you’re really going to throw down $9.99 for a meal—on a college-student budget, no less—why not go somewhere with some pizzazz? Here is a list of five of the best novelty restaurants in Portland, where you can have not only great food but also a memorable experience.

 
 

Face it: You’re in a food rut. If you’re really going to throw down $9.99 for a meal—on a college-student budget, no less—why not go somewhere with some pizzazz? Here is a list of five of the best novelty restaurants in Portland, where you can have not only great food but also a memorable experience.

Rimsky-Korsakoffee House
Located in an old house, Rimsky-Korsakoffee House is filled with creepy mannequins, odd knickknacks, rotating tables and some killer dessert. Open from 7 p.m. to midnight or 1 a.m., this place is perfect for a late-night snack.

707 SE 12th Ave.
503-232-2640
yelp.com/biz/rimsky-korsakoffee-house-portland

Slappy Cakes
A lumberjack’s dream, Slappy Cakes is the ultimate restaurant for pancake lovers. Each table has a griddle and all the fixings to make your own pancakes. For those of you who can’t stand waiting until morning for more pancakes, they’re also open on Fridays and Saturdays from 5–10 p.m.

4246 SE Belmont St.
503-477-4805
slappycakes.com

Le Bistro Montage
This restaurant offers great Cajun-style food and a loud and always entertaining environment. They are known for their bizarre comfort food and waiters who yell your order. They have everything from chicken-fried steak and vegetable linguine to frog legs and alligator jambalaya. After you’ve finished eating, they’ll wrap up your food in a foil work of art.

301 SE Morrison St.
503-234-1324
montageportland.com

EastBurn
Channel your inner child at EastBurn, where you can draw on paper tablecloths with crayons and sit in giant wicker swings while you eat. If that doesn’t sell you, they also have a bar, Skee-Ball and a huge aquarium in the basement. Their calamari and their lobster mac ’n’cheese ain’t too shabby, either.

1800 E Burnside St.
503-236-2876
theeastburn.com

Salvador Molly’s
This restaurant is definitely an experience when it comes to different international cuisine. They are known for their crazy decor, peanut shells covering the floor and huge menu selection. If “a pirate’s life for me” is your motto, then this restaurant is right up your alley. They’re also family friendly and have a crazy-cheap happy hour. Yargh!

1523 SW Sunset Blvd.
503-293-1790
salvadormollys.com