Where to find Eastern European food in Portland, OR
- 1). Two Brothers Cafe & Grill (no website; 829 SE Cesar Estrada Chavez Blvd., Portland; 503-232-3424) is a surprisingly inexpensive vacation to the Balkan region, which includes Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia. The service is unfailingly friendly and menu items are carefully created and authentic. Recommended is the chevapi, a savory mixture of lamb sausage and beef served on freshly baked pita. Dinner for two, including imported Croatian tea and an appetizer, can be purchased for less than $30. The menu additionally includes a number of vegetarian options, including a comforting tomato-based soup.
- 2). Critically acclaimed Gruner (www.grunerpdx.com) delivers one of Portland's most upscale Eastern European dining experiences. The restaurant's focus is explained on its website as "an adventure through the Alps. ... (which) passes through Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Romania." Though the bar menu juxtaposes creative cocktails with high-quality mainstays such as the hamburger, the boldest fusions are found on the dinner menu. Particularly recommended is the earthy buckwheat polenta accompanying lamb chops and chevapi, boldly brightened with a side of salsa verde.
Prices for dinner entrees range from $15 to $29. - 3). Ararat Armenian & Russian Restaurant-Bakery (no website; 5716 SE 92nd Ave., Portland; 503-235-5526) truly features something for every diner: a bakery, cafe, bar and nightclub. Come early for free Wi-Fi, warm challah and fresh hummus, or dine later on Russian mainstays including borscht and pierogi; a fried meat-filled pastry. The bar and nightclub feature a happy hour menu every night except Sundays, a popular dance floor and nightly entertainment, including DJs and belly dancers.
- 4). Located directly in downtown Portland, Java Man Coffee (no website; 518 SW Taylor St., Portland; 503-279-0298) is an excellent lunch choice for tourists and business folk alike. In addition to specialty espresso beverages, a small menu of generously portioned entrees can be purchased for less than $10. Be sure to try the savory pelmeni, buttery dumplings filled with salty potatoes and authentically garnished with dill and sour cream. The friendly staff are eager to offer an impromptu language lesson, and the imported candies lining the walls make an excellent gift or afternoon snack.