Season’s Greeting

[November 7th, 2007]

A friend and I went to check out new Alberta spot the Bye and Bye (1011 NE Alberta St., 281-0537) on Halloween, but it was closed in the name of fun (naturally). Determined, we headed back the next day and were very pleased with what we found—a clean, smoke-free bar with great signature drinks (all $7), including the North Williams: Rebel Yell bourbon with ginger ale (opt for the spicy ginger beer—$2 extra, but it’s worth it). This bar hasn’t forgotten about the other end of the drinking-patron spectrum, either; the usual lineup of cans and bottles are a cheap alternative, especially since there are only four beers on tap (Hamm’s, Anchor Steam, Amnesia and Paulaner Hefeweizen). The menu, meanwhile, is meatless but tasty. Entrees ($5-$8, $1 off during happy hour) such as spaghetti with vegan meatballs or veggie dogs come with a side—the flavorful black-eyed peas ($3) have a subtly spicy kick. The only downside is the lack of seating, though the B&B seems to be doing the best it can, spacewise. And with a patio that doubles the interior’s seating, it ought to give Vendetta a run for its money come summer. The staff is friendly and fun-loving—and it’s got the best damn jukebox in Portland. Who else has Townes Van Zandt and American Football?