Noble Rot sounds like the last place you would want to get dinner. Despite the decaying name, move this fourth-floor restaurant to the top of your must-try list.
With the option of sitting outside next to their large glass windows—which slide completely open or closed—or inside next to the full bar and expansive wine collection (over 300 bottles), you will see beautiful downtown Portland scenery all around you while you dine.
Although the regular menu can be a tad pricey for a college student, happy hour (5–6 p.m., Monday through Friday) is completely within reason.
If you do have a little extra cash, though, and you’re feeling adventurous, order the Rot Meat Plate. I know, that sounds absolutely revolting. And although I only recognized the name prosciutto, surprisingly every piece of meat on the platter turned out to be extremely tasty; plus, the dish comes with an assortment of fine cheese.
The Rot Meat Plate is a testament to the phrase “don’t knock it till you try it,” and this time it turned out to be amazing!
If the name still nauseates you, stick to a more traditional dish like macaroni & cheese, which they are famous for. No matter what you try, do not leave there without ordering the delectable creme brulee.
The most impressive piece to the restaurant was learning about their 3,000-square-foot rooftop garden, which supplies most of their veggies. To get even more sustainable, the restaurant and garden use their own aquifer system. Even though drinking water from a 8,000-year-old water source is just another thing to add to the sounds-disgusting list, the water is clean and pure.
If you want to try some of their rooftop veggies, get in soon before winter sets. During early fall, Noble Rot highlights Mediterranean veggies like tomatoes, eggplant and peppers.
I must admit our service was slow, on what looked like a pretty relaxed night. However, the view, wine and delicious fare experiment was well worth having to track our waitress down. So stop by the Leed-Platinum building with some friends after class and enjoy the view before it’s completely covered with rain and clouds this winter.
FYI
Where:
1111 East Burnside Street, Portland
Hours:
Monday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 5 to 11 p.m.
Sunday, 5 to 9 p.m.
Cost: $$
