Beer on Tap by Reinis Traidas

I found myself at the Leaky Roof because I had a Groupon coupon for a gastro-pub meal there. It’s not much to look at from the outside, I have to admit. However, within its low-lit walls customers will find a cozy bar and eatery with a fabulous menu, extensive wine list and weekly happy hour.

There are a lot of pubs in Portland serving frothy craft beers and pub grub. While a slice of pizza or a burger goes well with pints of Oregon brews, not too many pubs have food that impresses (Deschutes in NW is an exception). That’s what I like about the Leaky Roof, it does mixed drinks, beer and dinner well.

Head to the Leaky Roof Mon-Fri for their happy hour from 3:30 to 6pm, or stop in any time for a glass of Oregon pinot at their small bar. The Leaky Roof is a Portland landmark, and has been around since the 1940s! Hungry pub goers should try the salmon and strawberry salad with Oregon hazelnuts or the fried brie with berry compote. The fried mozzarella balls are also pretty tasty. The Leaky Roof’s menu is very reasonable, and a dinner starts at about $20 and up, depending on how many pints you indulge in. Located in the Goose Hallow area, there’s plenty of parking near the Leaky Roof and a Max stop is nearby.

More:

Leaky Roof

16th & SW Jefferson
(503) 222-3745

http://www.theleakyroof.com/index.html

Post by Regina Winkle-Bryan. See more at : http://www.thespainscoop.com/

Photo credit : http://www.flickr.com/photos/reinis/

Tea for Two by Yoppy

Want to skip the bar scene but still have a night out of live music in Portland, Oregon? The Tea Zone can deliver.

The Tea Zone is the place to go for an ample selection of tea  in downtown, plus jazz a few nights a week. They’ve got enough loose tea selection to overwhelm an indecisive person like myself and then some. There’s quiet seating in the front of the shop, and a larger space with bigger tables in the back. When I went to The Tea Zone in the afternoon on a Wednesday it was packed.

The Tea Zone also has brunch on Sundays from 10am to 2pm and jam sessions featuring jazz musicians 9-11pm on Tuesdays. This is not your average tea shop. In a place like Portland where fall and winter are cold and rainy, the Tea Zone offers a spot to warm up and hear some tunes on a dreary night. I recommend the iced Shaman tea if you’re up for something a little different and very tasty.

MORE:

The Tea Zone

510 NW 11th Ave

Portland, Oregon, 97209

http://www.teazone.com/

Post by Regina Winkle-Bryan. See more of her food and beverage tips at : The Spain Scoop!

Photo credit: Yoppy

McMenamins

The Rock Creek Tavern has long been a countryside stomping grounds for farmers and hippies. About 40 minutes from Portland, Oregon, Rock Creek is found on the way westward out highway 26 towards the coast. Its beautiful setting keeps people coming, along with its nightly live music offerings and bonfire.

The Rock Creek Tavern is a McMenamins property, which means micro-brew beer, local wines, Ok pub food and bad service. I should say that my server at the Rock Creek was nice and attentive. He dropped a few forks but that’s not a big deal. Still, McMenamins has a bad rap in Portland for having spaced out servers. My friend from Portland describes McMenamins as ‘a hippy restaurant chain’, which I think is pretty accurate.

McMenamins Ruby Beer

Like all McMenamins properties, the Rock Creek is in an old wooden building from the 1800′s which  burned down in 2002 and was then rebuilt to look just like it did before. It has a tucked away, woodsy feel to it.

Come early to the Rock Creek for music EVERY NIGHT this month. Music usually begins at 7pm and goes until 9pm, but sometimes a show will start at 6pm or 9pm, so check online first. See the line-up here. Shows are free.

On the weekends you’ll want to go early to get a seat. Weekdays finding a booth shouldn’t be an issue. This is one of my favorite countryside pubs, which makes for a good place to stop on the way back to Portland from the beach, or for dinner after wine tasting in the area.

MORE:

10000 N.W. Old Cornelius Pass Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97124

(503) 645-3822
Fax: (503) 439-1059
rockcreek@mcmenamins.com

Post by Regina Winkle-Bryan. See more of her work at: http://www.thespainscoop.com/

Photo Credits: http://www.flickr.com/photos/smcdevitt/

Art in Portland

Not into fighting the crowds at the coast this Labor Day? Then get your art on in Portland at Art in the Pearl! Now in its 15th year, this ‘artsy-fartsy’ event is held Sat-Mon, Sept 3rd to the 5th, in downtown Portland, Oregon. Expect hundreds of artists  showing their wares in the Northwest Park blocks, between W Burnside and NW Glisan at NW 8th Ave.

Apart from the chance to check out some very cool art, there will also be live music all three days. Check out zydeco band Bon Ton Roulet on Saturday from 5pm to 6pm or Los Palmeros Mariachi on Sunday afternoon (see full music line-up here). Dancing zydeco and eyeing sculptures will make a person work up an appetite and when you feel the need to nibble head to the food vendor zone, where you’ll find carts offering cuisine from every corner of the Earth.

This fun cultural event is FREE. After Art in the Pearl, have dinner at one of The Pearl district’s many hip restaurants, or grab a cocktail at one of my favorite Pearl bars, Vault.

MORE:

http://artinthepearl.com/index.php

Post by Regina Winkle-Bryan. See more of her writing at:http://www.thespainscoop.com/

Photo by : http://www.flickr.com/photos/artinstituteofportland/