In the past few years, Portland has become something of a culinary mecca. A great way to enjoy the city’s delicious offerings is to stop in to a restaurant for happy hour. Many eateries serve up their most popular dishes for only the cost of a college notebook. Since many of Portland’s happy hours tend to focus on food, rather than drink, some of the best ones are open to minors. Here are some of our favorites:
The Bent Brick
1639 N.W. Marshall St.
(503) 688-1655
Happy hour Tuesday-Saturday, 4-6:30 p.m.
Sunday, 4-9 p.m.
It’s Sunday and you’ve gotten through all of your schoolwork for the week. Time to celebrate! The Bent Brick holds an all-day happy hour every Sunday, during which time all dishes are only $2-$5. They also have a happy hour every weekday from 4-6 p.m. Nosh on a plate of crispy hush puppies ($3), a meatloaf slider ($4) or a refreshing kale and anchovy salad ($5).
Imperial
410 S.W. Broadway
(503) 228-7222
Daily happy hour, 2-6 p.m.
Although Imperial’s happy hour menu is technically reserved for bar seating, the restaurant will make an exception for under-21s. Ask for a table and chow down on some wings with hot sauce and blue cheese ($7) and a big basket of fries ($3). Vegetarian selections include a grilled romaine salad with cherry tomatoes, feta and salsa verde ($5).
If you’re gluten-free, get the grilled sausage ($8) or an oyster served with horseradish and lemon ($2).
Oven and Shaker
1134 N.W. Everett St.
(503) 241-1600
Happy hour Monday-Friday, 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Sunday-Thursday, 10 p.m.-midnight.
Do you have a couple hours’ break between classes? Oven and Shaker’s midday happy hour is the perfect opportunity to unwind over a gourmet pizza. The restaurant’s wood-burning pizza oven produces pies both traditional and offbeat. It’s hard to beat the simple margherita (tomato, mozzarella and basil) for good taste, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try the wild fennel sausage pie with potato, tomato, scallions, chilies and smoked mozzarella. Or get creative and choose your own ingredients–salt-cured anchovies, anyone?
Raven & Rose
1331 S.W. Broadway
(503) 222-7673
Happy hour Monday-Friday, 3:30-5 p.m.
Although this relatively new addition to the Portland restaurant scene does not offer a large selection of happy hour items, it is notable for its proximity to Portland State. Walk over for a plate of fried cauliflower ($5), a terrine with pickles and mustard ($6) or a healthy green salad dressed with tart vinaigrette ($5).
Serratto Restaurant and Bar
2112 N.W. Kearney St.
(503) 221-1195
Daily happy hour, 4-6 p.m.
Sometimes you just can’t make a decision. If you’re craving Italian, but your study partner wants a burger, take the streetcar over to Serratto. Every day the restaurant serves up a diverse little menu of popular items for less than $10. You can enjoy a plate of spaghetti bolognese ($8) while your friend dives into a juicy bacon cheeseburger with French fries ($8).
Urban Farmer
The Nines Hotel
8th Floor
525 S.W. Morrison St.
(503) 222-4900.
Daily happy hour, 3-6 p.m.
Urban Farmer might seem like the swanky steakhouse to save for your folks, but the modern hotel restaurant offers a great assortment of small plates and appetizers for only $4-$6. Eat up a plate of French fries with smoked paprika and lemon ($5) or relish a bowl of beer-cheese soup with a toasted pretzel ($6). You can also munch on chicken pops ($5) or sliders with Tillamook cheddar ($4).