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[BEER ME] Much like the Pok Pok offshoot next door, Grain & Gristle offers a highly stylized take on its parent nation's favorite lowbrow snacks: burgers, pretzels, pork rinds, Slim Jims, Texas toast. The inside is all raw wood and Edison lights in metal baskets. With Cat Power playing softly in the background and jars of preserves lining the back wall, the feel is more clean pantry barn than the raucous neighborhood pub one would have expected at its location at the chaotic intersection of Northeast 15th Avenue and Prescott Street—which has grown a little less chaotic as neighboring Tiga bar makes way for a breakfast spot. Started in 2010 as a beer-centric gastropub by Ned Ludd co-founder Ben Meyer and Alex Ganum of Upright Brewing (along with Marcus Hoover of Rose's Restaurant Equipment), Grain & Gristle has a competent and extensive beer selection. Though most people order the burger (customizable with blue cheese, bacon and egg), other selections, such as the lambwich (slow-cooked lamb with harissa, pickled fennel and cilantro, $11) or Old Salt hot dog served in a pool of baked beans ($10), also merit a visit. KAT MERCK.
The "2fer" offers a family-style meal (on a recent night, steak) plus two imperial pints for $20. If you do get the burger, order the onion rings. Always order the onion rings.
The Directory: Our 100 Favorite Restaurants in Portland
By Neighborhood: Southeast | North/Northeast | Westside | Suburbs
2014 Restaurant of the Year: Kachka
Top Five: Old Salt, Ataula, American Local, Expatriate
Counter Service Spots: Latin | Asian | Italian | Sandwiches | Burgers
Wine Bars | Beer Lists | Veg-Friendly | Gluten-free | Elsewhere in Oregon
WWeek 2015