Nite Hawk Cafe & Lounge

A few weeks ago, my girlfriend and I went to the Rose Garden to watch Portland beat Toronto. After the game, riding high on Portland's win, but not wanting to try any of the overcrowded bars around the Rose Garden, we stopped by the Nite Hawk on our way back to her place in North Portland.\r \r The bartender greeted us warmly. He saw the jersey I wore and asked about the game. It was cool; like greeting an old friend. \r \r The tap list was solid. 2 domestics and 10 micros, mostly northwest favorites like the Black Butte Porter and Dead Guy Ale. \r \r After a couple of beers, we decided on cocktails as a nightcap. Despite being busy (especially for a Monday night), the bartender took the time to ask us what liked in a drink and make some suggestions. For my girl, he made some kind of fruity martini, while I had a sazerac variation made with fresh lemon juice that was very good. And cheap! I would expect to pay 10 or 11 dollars for a similar cocktail in the city, but here it was only $7 despite the premium bourbon (Maker's Mark) used! The beers, too, were cheaper than almost anywhere else I have been. Only $3.50 for northwest microbrews.\r \r What really got me was the way the bartender presented the check. He looked us in the eye, introduced himself, and said, ""come back anytime."" We will, and I want to give a shout out to Andy for the great service! \r \r With cheap, strong drinks, a solid beer selection, great service, and a cool, local, not-quite-divey atmosphere, the Nite Hawk is a great place to have a beer or a cocktail. I can't speak to the food, but I plan on finding out about an omelette, hashbrowns, and a Bloody Mary some hungover morning. more

This Cafe and Lounge is very down home, to the point of knowing many of their customers who frequent the establishment. It has a very rustic feel to it, yet there are lottery games, pool tables, a smoking patio, and flat screen TVs in the lounge. In the cafe, it is very much what the name says - a cafe. You can order apple pie a la mode, root beer floats, and homemade cakes and pastries, depending on what is available. As far as the menu... it is definitely American. In my opinion, they have the best fish and chips in Portland...Not greasy beyond belief, crispy battered crust with a flaky fish inside. Delicious with their coleslaw and Fries, which they serve with a variety of condiments! The furniture is Retro 70's, which takes up a lot of space, but provides for room for your plates, drinks, and possibly even games if you so desire. there are multiple pool tables, so waiting for an opening is never too much of a wait, unless you come on a tournament night. And the staff is very friendly, courteous, and accomodating. more

This is one of my favorite breakfast spots in Portland - and I love going out for breakfast. With all the cool places in town this is not the place to go if you want a fancy breakfast like you might find in a gourmet magazine. Instead, it offers something else - a reasonably priced, ""old fashioned"" breakfast that's not greasy and perfectly prepared - the hashbrowns are awesome. The pancakes are fluffy and golden brown. The ham and cheese omellete is stuffed with Tillamook cheese and lean ham. Since it's in my neighborhood, within walking distance, I've been quite a bit. In all the times I've been, there has never been a wait for a table in the restaurant - almost unheard of in Portland, and the service has always been very friendly. Lunch and dinner have always been great as well. Friends give the quesadilla a thumbs up and the halibut sandwich was terrific. I've recommended this place to several of my friends and they just look at me with a weird look on their face - not sure they can get over the atmosphere which is a little old fashioned, but I really enjoy it! Never was tempted by the smokey lounge but the restaurant is great and has a really cool history - its been in North Portland since 1931!! Pros: Hashbrowns, reasonable prices, great service Cons: Parking spots are really close together more

Smokey bar but interesting conversation, unless you're stuck sitting next to some over-chatty idiot. But usually your bartender will notice and save you, making her your hero. Good drinks, free poor. Hot bartender with big breasts. Pros: Casual and comfortable. Cons: Smoky bar. more

That is the only reason I ever even walked inside... Pros: I can walk there, good staff, edible food Cons: Pool league and bizzare individuals more

Classic joint for a ""bad"" breakfast: great eggs, awesome pancakes and the coffee doesn't look like ice tea!!! Great value and fun people watching. Can sit at the counter. Pros: Value, selection, atmosphere Cons: smoke, smoke, smoke more

From the outside, the retro look of the Nite Hawk reminds me of the Night Owl diner in ""LA Confidential."" Inside, the atmosphere isn't nearly so delightfully retro, unless you find the late '70s/early '80s diner look delightfully retro. I'm not one to judge restaurants mainly by their atmosphere, however, and the food is pretty darn good for diner food. I love the strawberry milkshakes, which seem to taste better when you sit at the counter. Breakfasts are good, and reasonably priced. Service is friendly. Not a bad deal all around. Pros: Close to MAX line, Friendly service, Good diner food Cons: , Bland atmosphere more