What is your favorite place to eat out in OR? (Portland: budget, house)

[The Cactus Leaguer]

I have been to several terrific restaurants in Bandon (I can't remember their names, sorry). I assume it's because of the cash influx that was created after Bandon Dunes opened up.

I'm still a fan of McMenamins, even though their service is so-so and their microbrews have long been surpassed by other brewers. Something about the atmosphere just keeps me coming back (especially the Cornelius Pass Roadhouse near my home).

My favorite sandwich joint is the Greek Deli on 185th and West Union, home of the "Mad Greek" --- it's a tiny holdout in a sea of suburban sprawl.

Favorite burger joint? Helvetia Tavern. Awesome.

Favorite pizza joint? Nonna Emilia's in Aloha. (Giovanni's in Beaverton is close) Good luck eating more than two pieces... their food portions are massive and you'll have yummy leftovers for days.

And yeah, the clam chowder at Mo's is great.

[Larry Caldwell]

Originally Posted by jjpop

Heavens--when you get to the coast, try a bowl of clam chowder at Mo's. I really like it.

I don't think Mo's food is as good since Mo retired. I think she died a couple years ago.

The ambience is still the same, though. For the tourists, it's cafeteria seating. Just walk in and sit down anywhere there is space. You have to share tables with other people, mostly strangers. It can get cozy.

[mdvaden]

Originally Posted by jjpop

Heavens--when you get to the coast, try a bowl of clam chowder at Mo's. I really like it.

I like Mo's too, but preferrably on weekdays when lines are less.

Also...

Camp 18 in Elsie on the way to Seaside.
Fultano's for Pizza in Cannon Beach.
Hungry Clam in Brookings for seafood lunch.
Smuggler's Cove in Brookings - best prime rib I've had: above Cattle Company
Spirit Mountain Casino's buffet
Mongolian Grill near Hillsboro
The Benson downtown Portland (spendy)
Giovanni's for Pizza / Italian in Beaverton

There is a "Biker" joint in Sandy on the right side of the one-way highway headed east through town. Awesome sandwiches. I don't know the name - just look for the Harley's.

I likee the Greek Deli in Rock Creek too: corner of West Union x 185th. Ate one "Mad Greek" sandwich every day when I worked at the golf course out there in the early 80s. And continued to visit every year several times. If you are a young woman, be prepared to be called "Miss America". Big George is the older brother - I think Nick is his brother. They were both alive and kicking last time I was there.

And don't call the GREEK fries "French fries". They like to call them "Greek fries".

In Cannon Beach, there is a coffee place, that I also forget the name of, but very good coffee drinks. Its not far from Fultano's, but on one of the main streets through town. Somewhat of an Italian decor.

[Larry Caldwell]

Yes, the Spirit Mountain buffet is well worth a stop for a hungry traveller. The casino in Lincoln City has a good buffet too.

Sunday Brunch at the Benson is a Portland tradition, as is the Happy Hour buffet in the bar.

One place I really appreciate is Alexander's Greek restaurant in Roseburg. I can't say much for the setting, but the food is real Greece. A good Greek restaurant is a treat. Alexis in Portland is good too, and the seating is more comfortable.

Grants Pass is full of good restaurants. I don't get there often enough to know the names, but I have never been disappointed. There's a really good Japanese restaurant with very reasonable prices. The combination is a modern marvel.

[chickadee-dee]

In Portland, Sushi at Saburo's in Sellwood or Yuki's on Broadway in NE. Be prepared for a wait at Saburo's. Thai food at the Siam Society on NE Alberta is amazing. You have to try the sweet potato french fries with truffle oil appetizer and the Midnight in the Garden cocktail is amazing.

[mdvaden]

Originally Posted by Larry Caldwell

Yes, the Spirit Mountain buffet is well worth a stop for a hungry traveller. The casino in Lincoln City has a good buffet too.

Sunday Brunch at the Benson is a Portland tradition, as is the Happy Hour buffet in the bar.

One place I really appreciate is Alexander's Greek restaurant in Roseburg. I can't say much for the setting, but the food is real Greece. A good Greek restaurant is a treat. Alexis in Portland is good too, and the seating is more comfortable.

Grants Pass is full of good restaurants. I don't get there often enough to know the names, but I have never been disappointed. There's a really good Japanese restaurant with very reasonable prices. The combination is a modern marvel.

A site called I Love Grants Pass.com has a restaurant list and ratings for Grants Pass - seems like people really enjoy eating over there. I tried an iced drink stand last week after I took some video along the drive.

[ReturningWest]

I haven't lived there for a while but...

The Oyster Bar

Jakes: foods good lots of local color...can anyone tell me if Paul is still bartending?....went to grade school and HS with him?

Hung Far Low's: the used to have a private menu for the regulars

The ORIGINAL Pancake House: the one that the chain was developed from

Stanich's: Major huge burger with everything and I mean everything on it

There were several places along the river that served spectacular grilled salmon...sigh...I miss that..all you can get down here is fried catfish..gag

The Benson the Sunday Champaign brunch: really good, spendy but yummmy what a treat...just be sure to have a DD as the bubbly flows!

The Ringside: someone had said it had gone downhill but they used to have the best steaks and fresh onion rings...not the frozen kind

[The Cactus Leaguer]

Oh, I forgot to mention Besaw's on NW 23rd, my favorite breakfast joint.

[mdvaden]

There should be a place near Hillsboro, on the north side of Highway 26, near what I think should be NW West Union x Cornelius Pass Rd. - thereabouts.

"Tomato" was in the name.

Anybody know what the full name is? The food was quite good.

I also tend to like the sandwiches at several of the McMenamin's

McMenamins - Homepage

Nicely done, but not too fancy - good price range. Pubs in many cases.

[The Cactus Leaguer]

If you are talking about the Sweet Oregon Grill, it recently burned down. I don't recall a place that had 'tomato' in the name, but I'll check it out (I live about two miles from there).