Round-up of Portland Eateries

Portland is a great foodie destination. But you don't always have to splurge at expensive restaurants. Some of the most enjoyable meals are in the everyday diners, walk-ups, and casual restaurants out in the suburbs. I've rounded up a few of my favorites here.

Rose's Deli

Rose's Deli is a Portland landmark, Rose's has been around since 1956. The newest location is at The Streets of Tanasbourne where we enjoyed a scrumptious lunch. The Oyster Club was a fantastic combination of oysters with bacon and other traditional club ingredients. The Original is huge, with lots of sauerkraut. For Reuben lovers, this is the ultimate sandwich. The desserts here are incredible, although we didn't have room to devour any this time. We'll have to plan ahead next time.

Good Dog Bad Dog

This homemade sausage place moved from downtown to the Washington Square Mall, but that hasn't changed its incredible sausages. They were absolutely the best hot dog/sausage I've ever had. We recommend the Oregon Smoky - homemade hickory smoked sausage with cayenne, garlic, and molasses.
I topped mine with grilled onions and spicy mustard, and my companion topped his with sauerkraut, mustard, relish, and chopped onions.

Newport Bay

This is a Northwest seafood restaurant chain with eleven locations. I enjoy how they sprinkle bay shrimp on top of the salad. I had the Pan Fried Oysters and thought the oysters were fine if a bit heavy, but the baked potato was awesome - baked to perfection with an assortment of toppings. The Clam Chowder was fine, but our favorite is at Mo's. The trout is a favorite fish of ours, but, once again, not our favorite. We passed on having wine at this meal, but it would have improved everything. Our favorite part of the meal was the nautical setting, including stunning photos of the Oregon coast.

Tribute's

We had a fabulous day in one of Portland's great shopping and dining neighborhoods, NW 23rd Avenue, also known locally as Trendy-Third. We parked in a nearby garage and had a pleasant walk while looking for a place to eat. We couldn't decide between Santa Fe Taqueria and Tribute's. After talking to some other diners, we decided on Tribute's. And it was a great choice. The Philly Cheese Steak was about the best you'll get 3000 miles from Philly. The Meatball Wedge was delicious, too.

Moonstruck Chocolate Café

After lunch, we walked down 23rd, stopping in at some of the shops. Then it was on to Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe where we had a chocolate sample (simply divine) and a Mexican Mocha (Espresso, Mexican hot chocolate, almond, and vanilla) with a Lemon Tart. This place could be addicting.McGrath's Fish House

This wonderful restaurant (with several locations throughout the state) has the decor of an Alaskan fishing cannery, complete with totem poles and fishing pictures. As captivating as the decor is, the food is even better. Starting with the warm, soft-centered sourdough bread and the crispy salad with the fantastic Parmesan croutons, the meal was entirely delicious. I ordered the Bay Shrimp Fettucine with a glass of Eola Hills Chardonnay. The pasta had just the right amount of Alfredo sauce, enough to wet it but not drown it. And it was filled with tasty Oregon bay shrimp.

My companion ordered the Alder Planked Salmon with a glass of Eola Hills Pinot Noir - a match made in heaven. I tasted his salmon and I must say the salmon was the most amazing we've ever had. The smoky taste of the alder wood permeated the fish, making it an incredible taste treat. And the cheddar butter enhanced it even more. If that wasn't enough, we topped off everything with the best Marion berry cobbler ever, fresh from the kitchen with French vanilla ice cream.

There are so many fabulous dining experiences in Portland and environs, and I hope this helps you make your next selections. Bon Appétit!