i've been here several times since i live in the neighborhood and each time it's a totally different experience. the food is usually very good, especially for a pub. they've got big, juicy burgers, a huge selection of mussels, tasty crab cakes and the best fries in portland. it's just not consistent. one time the burger will be burned to a crisp when i ask for medium, the next it will be raw in the middle. sometimes the whole meal arrives within 10 minutes and other times it will take 20 minutes for a simple side of bread. i wish they had some healthier options on the menu, too many of the items are deep fried. the vibe is also very varied, and seems to have no rhyme or reason. on a monday night top 40 music is blaring and the place is a meat market packed with frat boys and sorority girls while on a thursday there is a totally different, laid-back, chill atmosphere with great world music and an older crowd. the service is another area that needs some consistancy. one bartender is too busy on his cell phone to give me any service while there is a lovely blonde who is always fast, friendly and knowledgable. same goes for the servers. i've had both ends of the spectrum. while my adorable, petite server last tuesday was extremely on top of things and very gracious even though she was alone and had a full restaurant, i've had bad service on slow nights. the blonde with braces would be better off working in a diner with the way she talks with her mouth full (aren't i the one that's supposed to be eating, not the waitress?) and always has an attitude. all in all, with a little time and fine tuning, north 45 could be a gem. they are in a prime location, have a huge outdoor patio, are nonsmoking, and offer a large selection of beers and liquors. i'll wait it out and see what happens...
Pros: location, patio, non-smoking
Cons: inconsistant
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