Kenny & Zukes

Have a craving for a good pastrami on rye, some potato latkes or some NY cheesecake but you are in Portland not New York City?  No worries just head on downtown to Kenny & Zukes, Portland amazing Jewish deli.

Their pastrami is made on the premises and the servings are decent size. I split a sandwich with my daughter.  Not as big as the 7 inch high pastrami we had  at Carnegie’s Deli in NYC that fed the whole family though!!  And of course each plate comes with a pickle.  It doesn’t have quite the same hustle and bustle feel of the NY deli but the food made us feel like we were there.

I had my first potato latkes at Kenny & Zukes and they were great. Nice and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, but not too soft.  I don’t like potatoes but I enjoyed these.  A side serving of applesauce and sour cream to go with.

Our server was friendly and helpful and we will definitely go back next time that a craving for a Reuben or a Pastrami hits!

And if you get thirsty they have amazing selection of soda!

Pour Que No

Pour Que No is hard to miss. For some reason  bright teal blue buildings just stick out!    Pour Que No actually has two locations.  One at 4635 SE Hawthorne and the other at 3524 N Mississippi, that one is pink!  We love this place and have eaten at both locations multiple times.

It’s hard to miss not only because of the color of the building but because there is always a line out the door.

Don’t let the line scare you away though.  You order at the counter and then find a table so it moves fast.  But be sure and follow the directions and order first before sitting down!

The place is full of stuff, a truly eclectic collection of kitsch!  You definitely won’t be bored while you wait for your food.  There is sitting inside.

As well as some fun sitting in the alleyway out back.  While sitting out there I really felt like I was in some fun, hole in the wall tacqueria in Mexico!

Not only is Pour Que No fun to visit it is delicious too.  The chips and salsa are amazing.  They don’t come with your meal so be sure and order some.  The chips are made fresh from their tortillas which are also made fresh daily.  The guacamole is great too.

If you are thirsty they have a great selection of unique juice combinations.

The best part of Pour Que No though is the tacos.  First of all they are cheap and second they are delicious.  There are all kinds of fun combinations and flavors.  I always go for the carnitas and carne asada.   Pour Que No strives to support the local economy so uses local meats and line caught fish.

My husband is always more adventurous and tries something new.  He especially likes the Pescado made with Alaskan cod and the Camarones with shrimp.

The tacos are small so you will need more then one.  Two always does the trick for us.   My daughter has enjoyed their Brian’s Bowl, a combination of meat or veges, rice, salsa, queso fresco, guacamole, crema, and cilantro

If you didn’t find enough fun things to look at inside be sure and check out the mural on the side of the building when you leave.

Noodles

My favorite Westside/Beaverton area restaurant is Noodles, not to be confused with Noodles & Company.  Noodles is a small, locally own restaurant located at 6830 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy.  Tucked in amongst a strip mall lined busy road  Noodles is a treasure waiting to be discovered.  It is one of those places that you probably wouldn’t stop at unless someone recommends it – that’s what happened to us at least.  But I feel sorry for all those who don’t stop – it is a find!  Thanks to my friend Cathy who first told us about it.

With its walk up counter and hand written menu you will be greeted by amazing aromas of dishes being cooked right before your eyes.

The food is inexpensive and delicious.  They do a big take out business but also have a in house seating area.  Each dish is fresh, individually prepared and brought to your table piping hot!

Everything we have had there is great.  They have a nice selection of salads in addition to their pasta selections.  My personal favorite is the Penne Pasta Marinara, I get it every time!  I also get it with an order of Garlic Cheesy Bread .

I could eat the entire thing myself but I am good and share.  You MUST get the Garlic Cheesy Bread.

My husband likes to try something new each time and has enjoyed the lemon piccata as well as many others.  On our last visit he had the beef stroganoff which was delicious.

You order at the window but your food is delivered to your table by a friendly and helpful server.  Service is excellent right along with the food!  Don’t forget to check out the dessert selection too, all home made and delicious.  The Creme Brulee pie is amazing!