Beers Around The Block
Settling in from moving is never fun. I've still got a few boxes lying around the house. I really want to organize the storage space. Anything that hasn't been used since I moved to Portland is getting 86ed. I told Teresa I'd install some track lighting. Worst of all, your schedule is thrown for a loop. Instead of doing something fun, we'd have to visit the grocery store. By next week, I think we'll be back on track. I've designated Monday through Wednesday nights for not fun activities like the grocery store and cleaning. Well, enough whining, but there is a point. Instead of Happy Hour on Friday, we hit up Trader Joe's. I can't complain too much because its only a few blocks walk. However, it forced my afternoon libation start time past full swing happy hour.
I've been browsing a site called Unthirsty. Its a mashup web site that utilizes my favorite online mapping tool: Google Maps. Its very easy to choose a bar based on location and reviews. This is how I knew I missed happy hour. Teresa and I threw caution to the wind, and we walked down 21st until a place caught our fancy.
Our first stop was North 45. We were lucky to grab a outside table on the street. I have wanted to visit here for weeks. It has an old established bar feel without the cheesiness of something new trying to be old. I was super excited until the waitress brought us menus; their bottle Belgian beers ranged in price from $8 to $18. Wow. I decided to take the plunge and ordered a Rochefort 10. I also ordered some sliders. Strangely enough, I've also wanted sliders for weeks. Whats not to want? Instead of one cheeseburger, you get three or possibly four. Amazing. Teresa ordered the house drink, California Chillum. Here is the menu's description: "This blend of fresh grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, vodka, and a splash of soda goes down easy and tastes great. Served in a rocks glass 'neat,' the Chillum can be sipped or drank as a shot. Enjoy!!" Sounds good to me. Unfortunately, our second disappointment came with another visit from the waitress. Teresa's drink was the size of a shot. She said to me, "I'd like my drink in an adult size glass." Comedian that woman. I did enjoy my coveted Belgian brew. Here is how the menu described the Rochefort 10: "Trappist Ale. Volcanic, chewy, and rich. Stout-like with strong mocha and chocolate touches and the subtle hint of fruity pear." I couldn't taste the pear, but what do I know. I'm a hophead from Oregon. The one thing that brought me great joy was the sliders. Perfect. After just one round, we asked for the check. I will revisit North 45, but it will be for happy hour and happy hour prices.
I forgot to mention the weather; the sun was shining with temperatures soaring into the 60s. I wanted to remain outside, so we walked down 21st scouring for a sidewalk table. We found an open two seater at Nob Hill Old Pharmacy Cafe. It is a worn down place, and not many patrons were visiting. The bartender was extremely nice. Shortly after ordering, we were seated in the sun watching people stroll through the corner of NW Glisan & NW 21st. The people watching was phenomenal. This place is really strange. At any given moment, you can see someone that you would've never guessed existed. Besides the weirder side, you see all other walks of life. Its great entertainment. We stayed outside until the sun fully set. By this time, a dude had started playing solo acoustic guitar. He had some talent, but no one was clapping or paying attention. After a nice rendition of "Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes", Teresa got him to smiling by yelling and clapping.
It was almost 9pm when we left the Old Pharmacy. I really like the place, but it lacked some atmosphere. Toward the end of our stay, people began to arrive. It looked like a full band was scheduled to perform. I'll have to visit one more time for a full show. The next stop on our circle through the neighborhood was the Laurelwood NW Public House. It was time for late night happy hour that begins at 9pm! It was nice to make at least one on this Friday. We didn't wait long for a table, and I grabbed a couple of brews at the bar. I always go back to their Red. It is just plain good. We finished the night with some garlic fries and few more beverages.
Overall, I had a great Friday night. The short trip to the grocery store was bearable. I enjoyed the sunshine at the Old Pharmacy Cafe. North 45 was disappointing, but I will return. Laurelwood has become my local mainstay. This night was missing good music. The solo acoustic act was alright. However, I need to at least find a good jukebox, or a place that has consistent good live music. I'll keep on looking. I haven't touched all the corners of this neighborhood. Hopefully next Friday, I'll be out a bit earlier to enjoy the happy hours.
