East Ender

http://www.eastenderportland.com/

We stopped into the East Ender for drinks this afternoon.  The atmosphere was friendly and warm. We were immediately greeted by the staff.  We went upstairs for drinks.  We talked to the staff about the beer list which was full of our favorite local beers.  But, they were out of all of our favorites.  They patiently explained what the remaining beers were like and we made our choice.  We were told it was a busy weekend and they were getting restocked on Monday. No worries.  There was a good selection of wines as well. 

We snacked on smoked trout fritters and squash pizza.  The trout had a nice light smoke to it and breaded in cornmeal.  It was served with a garlic aioli with capers.  The aioli was so good I could have eaten it by the spoonful.  The squash pizza was recommended by the waitress and was excellent.  Nice chewy crust, squash and garlic flavors.  The menu was full of interesting options.  We definitely want to go back.

upstairs bar

the front of lounge

Our ratings scale
Atmosphere: 4
Staff:  5
Drinks: 4
Mount Gay rum: Yes
Food: 4
Parking: 2

Salvage BBQ

http://www.salvagebbq.com/

We had heard from friends who had been to Salvage that we must go there.  So, we stopped by to have a few beers and food.  The restaurant is very casual (family friendly).  There is no table service.  You go to a window and order your food.  They give you a number and when the food is ready they find you and deliver your food.  Same with drinks.  You sit at picnic tables. Again, very casual very relaxed.
They have a great beer selection.  All our favorite local beers like Rising Tide, Bissell Brothers and Oxbow.  We had sausage and hush puppies. In case you are not familiar with hush puppies, they are deep fried balls of corn meal.  Deep fried goodness!  The sausage was moist and flavorful with a hint of smoke.  Some times  people go crazy with the smoke.  Not here, the smoke accentuates the meat.  They have a nice, sweet BBQ sauce and two mustards.  Personally, I didn't use the condiments.  I think the meat can stand alone.

There is free parking in the back of the restaurant.  Yes, you read that correctly.   

The taps

 

The bar from the back of the restaurant

Our ratings scale
Atmosphere: 4
Staff:  3
Drinks: 3
Mount Gay rum: Yes
Food: 4
Parking: 5

The North Point

http://www.northpointportland.com

I think we have a NEW favorite place. The North Point is small, quaint, warm, and friendly. Great selection of wine, beer, and food. The menu is full of delicious sounding items. We had the Serrano Ham, Taleggo cheese plate and a Mexican Flatbread. It was artfully presented on a cutting board with soft boiled egg, figs, pickled onions and two types of mustard. Service was excellent and friendly. Happy hour on weekdays and 1/2 off bottles of wine on Monday.

Really nice place.

We are planning our next visit already. I'm leaning towards the Sausage Tasting for $14.00. Its a sampling of exotic, savory sausages served with horseradish, Dijon, BBQ & hot Sauce. Need I say more?


Far wall, covered with warm light and art work.

The bar with wine list on the chalkboard on the wall.


Our ratings scale
Atmosphere: 5
Staff: 5
Drinks: 5
Mount Gay rum: Yes
Food: 5
Parking: 1