Blueplate Lunch Counter & Soda Fountain, located at 308 SW Washington Street is a tiny, unassuming place without a formal kitchen. So how are they producing some of the wonderful tasty treats that keep people coming back (and waiting for tables)? Two griddles and a hot plate are how. Plus they don’t have a huge menu, but rather two specials each day and handful of favorite items. They’re also deservedly known for their old fashioned, hand crafted sodas and shakes. You can find them online at http://www.eatatblueplate.com/index.html.
308 SW Washington Street
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 295-2583
Blueplate Website
I had the Northwest Sliders, described on their menu as “two little cheesburgers with Tillamook Cheddar cheese and a special basil spread.” Yes… it’s spelled that way on their web menu so I’m not going to argue. It comes with a side of mashed potatoes for $7.00. You can add fresh tomato and/or bacon for an extra buck and I of course added the bacon.
The cheesburgers were fantastic! Not too small so as not to fill one up, but rather just right. The killer part of the cheesburgers was their basil spread, easily bringing the cheesburger experience to another level of carnivorous delight.
“The Killer part of the cheesburgers was their basil spread…”
I substituted the tomato soup for the mashed and I’m not sure that was a good idea. I’m more of a traditional tomato soup kind-of-guy and this soup seemed to me to be a little over engineered with spices and non tomato ingredients. Not bad mind you, but not what my mouth was craving when it said “tomato soups sounds good.”
Topped it all off with a Tooted Fruit Soda, a delicious combination of lemon, orange, strawberry and ginger combined with soda water. Fantastic!
4 out of 5 tomatoes
I’m not sure I’ve ever had a cheeseburger that was spelled cheesburger, but I have to say that I’m glad I didn’t let the spelling sway my decision. The sliders with bacon were awesome.
Melt in your mouth potato bun that was steamed into softville, and a chorizo infused patty that could pass for one of my favorite breakfast items, the sausage patty, lit my mouth up with soft juicy bites of goodness.
Topped with our local Tillamook Cheddar cheese, and a handmade basil mayo spread with a touch of dijon mustard, the little slidah with cheddah was wicked awesome!
You get two of these guys with a side salad, soup, or some homemade mashed potatoes and you’re walking away a happy dude. I washed it all down with hand mixed lime flavored cola called the Little Ricky. Sweet!
I give the sliders a 4 out of 5 and a solid…Dude!
We had the distinct pleasure of having lunch with Jean Ann Van Krevelen, author and blogger extraordinaire (be sure to visit www.portlandfoodie.com). She had the Thursday special – a pulled pork sandwich – that looked amazing. Be sure to check out her blog to see what she thought.
Popularity: 82% [?]
Henry’s Tavern
Not too long ago we reviewed Henry’s Tavern and it wasn’t the best review we’ve given. The burgers weren’t cooked to our liking and the experience was less than pleasant. We give high marks to Executive Chef Tom Elkins, who reached out to us and invited us back to try their burgers again. Dudesweet believes – like we all do we hope – that anybody can have a bad day, and that experiences change with a new day. So thanks, Tom, for taking the initiative. You’ll hear more from Tom in the weeks and months ahead.
AND… Henry’s has a special 25% off gift card promo valid until August 12th. If you call (503-227-5320)and ask for Chef Tom Elkins, he’ll personally throw in 3 months of FREE billiards with the purchase of a $100 or greater gift card!
The Reviews:
With
Chef Tom joining us, I had the benefit of asking him what his favorite burger was, and to my surprise he said the veggie burger. He said it took two days of preparation to make the patties given all the ingredients – from beets to beans. I rarely order a veggie burger because even with my small appetite it usually doesn’t fill me up, but I figured why not?
The veggie burger was anything but light! It was rich, full of flavor and texture and perhaps one of the best, house-made veggie burgers I’ve ever had. Complete with cheese, lettuce and onions it was a worthy competitor to any meat-based burger on the menu, and easily as filling. Three large onion rings topped off my meal. NOTE: the waitress will ask you if you want fries or a salad with your burger. Your answer should be onion rings.
4 out of 5.
Heading
down to Henry’s Tavern I was glad to have another burger to review and hoping my experience with the SPANISH MADEIRA MUSHROOM BURGER with mozzarella, crispy onions, lettuce, tomato (actually MINUS tomato) was as good and hopefully better than the previous burger I reviewed a couple months ago. I gave the Henry’s Black Butte Porter BBQ burger a 3.5 out of 5, so the mushroom burger would have to be good to get into the 4’s.
The bun was the same on all our burgers, cheesy bun loaded with flavorful goodness. The patty was cooked “medium” as I requested and was juicy juicy (yah, two juicies). The best part about this burger was the sautéed mushrooms infused with Spanish Madeira, a wine named after the island where it’s made which carries a sweet, rich flavor perfect for cooking mushrooms. I’m telling you, the mushrooms were insane. You have to try this burger.
We decided against the appetizer of onion rings, so I ordered my burger with onion rings as a side instead of fries, because their rings are just too good to not get when you’re there. Dipped in ranch or BBQ sauce, they are just yummy.
As usual, we had a great server, and as not-so-usual we had a warm welcome from Executive Chef Tom Elkins. He sat with us and talked food, burgers, Portland, and family for the hour we had there. Chef Tom ordered the Housemade Veggie Burger with Provolone cheese, roasted garlic mayo, avocado, with all the veggies. A very nice looking burger for not being meaty (Read Chuck’s review for his take on the veggie burger).
It’s hard for me to compare my last burger with this one, since they were so different, but I will say that if I had a choice between the two I would get the mushroom burger every time. It was that good! The only thing that may have made it better would have been to get the rest of the bottle of wine with it.
4.5 out of 5
Not
sure what to say after my disappointing visit last time. I must say I’m so glad for second chances. I ordered the same burger as before, but this time the results were unbelievable. Burger cooked spot on, moist with no Moo, just the way I like it. I would have to say I would recommend that burger anyday. Henrys gave me a great reminder that you need to give people and food a second chance.
4.5 out of 5.
Popularity: 18% [?]
McMenamin’s Tavern and Pool
503) 227-0929
The Reviews:
Cristi:
I ordered the Boca Burger, “meatless, low-fat, alternaburger.” The presentation was clean and the burger itself was tastefully well-cooked.
As a whole, it was pretty standard, with a big white bun and minimal toppings. I chose the delicious side salad: a healthier option than the fries, tots and soup. It might not have been as succulent as a juicy flab o’meat, but if you’re looking for some protein without the moo’, it’s an appetizing alternative… and hey, the price is right at less than $7!
3.5 out of 5
Jason: I
ordered the Captain Neon Burger, which is essentially their standard burger with the addition of blue cheese and bacon. I wouldn’t say the burger blew me out of the water. I wish it would have though, I mean with a name like Captain Neon it should be a SUPER burger. It didn’t disappoint though, I guess that’s why people like McMenamins – the predictability of the food. You know what you’re going to get, so you’re always satisfied.
It was cooked nicely, tasted great – they do use good local beef – and came on a fresh bun. I had the Cajun tater tots, which I could probably make meal of every time I visit. Truly one of the best items on their menu. A side of tangy ranch dressing for dipping and the meal is complete.
If you happen to be one of the few residents that have not been to a McMenamins, climb out from under your rock and go. The atmosphere is fun – if not eclectic – and the food is predictably good.
Also predictably good was having lunch with Cristi.
3.5 out of 5 tomatoes.
Jeremy: McMenamins,
what can I say about this tavern, other than it never disappoints, but never wows. I have eaten there many times over the years, and have had a similar experience each time. The price of the food is typical of a brewery, pub or tavern. The food has its elements of greatness like the Cajun tater-tots.. mmmmmm.. so good. Other elements, like the salads, … not so good.
So, this trip to McMenamins, I ordered the basic cheeseburger, with of course Cajun tots. The burger is good, but not amazing. The portions are filling in size and pretty good for the money. This trip we had the pleasure of enjoying the company of Cristi. It was nice to be able to sit at a booth inside, but this tavern has plenty of seating both inside and out. I must say I don’t know what distracted me more Cristi, or her choice of veggie burger with little to nothing extra. All I have to say is if I have to choose between being healthy like her or eating my Cajun tots . . . seconds please!!!
I would give this burger 3.5 out of 5
Please leave your comments and let us know if you feel the same, or if you feel we’re WAY off base, either way let’s hear it. You can also post on our Facebook wall at http://facebook.dudesweet.com. To read more about our guest reviewer Cristi visit our PDX Icons page at http://www.dudesweet.com/special-guest-reviewers.
Popularity: 16% [?]
The Byways Café, located near the corner of NW Hoyt and 12th in the heart of the Pearl, has got to be good. Not only was it featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, but there’s almost always a wait. Their website (www.bywayscafe.com) says it best: “For the past ten years, we’ve been serving authentic, yet creative home style meals to people from all over the world! We’ve watched the neighborhood grow and change around us, but we’ve stayed true to our vision; nothing too ritzy here, just solid American classics with our personal touch.” Well said!
Byways Cafe – 1212 NW Glisan St, Portland, OR 97209
(503) 221-0011
The Reviews:
Chuck Swanson: I had the NapaBurger, which came with avocado, havarti cheese and bacon. I held off on the avocado; I’m just not a huge fan of the texture on a burger. It also came with lettuce, tomato and onions. They use Painted Hills organic ground beef and they top it all off with a nice sesame seed bun. The burger came cooked to perfection and was delicious. One of the best burgers I’ve had in Portland and this one, unlike some, was well worth the $9.95 price tag. The fries were done perfectly as well.
It was hard to come up with anything to fault, though they could probably stand to hire another waiter or waitress. The service was a little slow. I’d give it 4.5 tomatoes. Well done Byways!!
4.5 out of 5 Tomatoes.
Jason Nuss: The burger menu was not extensive so I ordered the NapaBurger like Chuck, my DudeSweet counterpart. However, I did have the avocado. I’m not sure how Chuck could pass that up! The burger is a 1/3 pound feast that pleases the eye as much as the appetite. Fresh produce, including some very good avacado, tasty crispy bacon, and a homemade style burger bun with sesame seeds left me very happy and ready for a nap.
After a slight wait, due to the cafe’s popularity, we were seated in a comfy booth reminiscent of a “Back to the Future” diner. Sparkly red and white booths, black and white checkerboard floors, and a row of stools at the bar made it all a great eating atmosphere. The quirky wait staff was friendly and attentive. My drink was always full.
If I was going to give any criticism I would have to agree with Chuck about increasing the speed of the service, especially for the business folks that are eating on a timer. It would also be nice to be able to request how I would like my burger patty cooked. With the burger already amazing, that might put it into the perfect category. As it was the patty came medium-well to well.
It was an awesome experience and meal. Now I need to get back for there breakfast. I hear it’s amazing!
4.5 out of 5 Tomatoes.
You can find additonal pictures at our Facebook page at http://facebook.dudesweet.com. Be sure to leave a comment here or on Facebook. See you next review.
Popularity: 8% [?]
Joe’s Cellar
Joe’s Cellar, located at 1332 NW 21st Ave in Portland, is one of those places off the beaten path. A dive in the truest sense, we decided to hit this local spot that we’d driven by so many times on our way to other fine establishments in the NW area.
Joe’s Cellar Restaurant
1332 NW 21st Ave
Portland, OR 97209
(map)
(503) 223-2851
The Reviews:
I
was pretty excited to go on a food review with the guys here at DudeSweet.com. I’d never been to Joe’s Cellar. The place was definitely a dive but I know that dive’s often have the best food. Don’t judge a book by it’s cover right? Well, after waiting what seemed like forever we ordered our food and waited some more.
The burger looked pretty good upon arrival. Nice looking veggies and the typical burger bun you’d expect at a home barbecue. I would think that something that took so long to cook would be very good. I was wrong. Not that it tasted terrible but the burger was dry, and over cooked. I wouldn’t give the burger any higher than a 2.5 out of 5. I’m hoping next time I get to sit in on a review we hit the jackpot instead of busting.
On the positive side it was great to hang out with Jeremy and Jason and talk about Lacrosse, Hockey, and Food. (Check out more info about Dallas Eliuk, the greatest professional Lacrosse goalie of all time, and watch an awesome video here: http://www.dudesweet.com/special-guest-reviewers.)
2.5 out of 5
So
I ordered the Jumbo Burger, cuz I’ve always heard “go jumbo or go home”, or something like that. I’d have to say that this time wasn’t the time to do that. It was a half pound hockey puck that I should have shoved in my pocket and taken home to the kids to play with.
I had pretty high hopes in finding a gem in this dive but it didn’t happen. My drink was good though, thanks Coke or Pepsi (can’t remember), although it wasn’t refilled but maybe once in the hour, yes hour, we were there. And on top of that a huge hairy fly flew into my drink. I say hairy because the thing was so big it could have been classified as a mammal.
Meeting and eating with Dallas was definitely the highlight. An “A” class guy with lots of great stories about hockey and lacrosse to keep us entertained the entire time. Thanks Dallas!
2 out of 5
Well…
what can I say here… we waited 15 minutes for anyone to notice that we were there. Then I ordered my usual cheeseburger with fries. Then we waited, and waited, and waited. Did I mention we waited? I thought this place was supposed to be one of those in-and-out kind of joints that turned over tables faster than the fly buzzing around Jason’s drink?
My hockey puck arrived 45 minutes after we arrived and it didn’t disappoint. I did have fun talking lacrosse with hall-of-famer Dallas Eliuk, so the waiting wasn’t terrible. Tasted just like a hockey puck, so I’ve heard from talking to Dallas! I’m going to be generous here and give it 2 tomatoes out of 5. The only reason that it got 2 tomatoes is the price. Hard to beat $4! But then that old adage rings true… you get what you pay for.
2 out of 5.
Please leave your comments and let other’s know if you had a better or similar experience at Joe’s Cellar Restaurant. You can also post comments on our Facebook page at http://facebook.dudesweet.com.
Popularity: 19% [?]
