Saturday, November 22, 2008

the Matador

the matador
Ah, the Matador on Burnsy. If you want to fill your head with inebriation and you're on a tight budget (and who isn't in these times of global economic climate change?), well, you've come to the right place, my friend. During Happy Hour from noon til seven, pints of Pabst flow for a buck, and strong well drinks go for $2.50. Don't bother ordering a double; it's quite unnecessary. Pitchers (the giant glass ones, not those plastic fake-pitchers) of PBR are always $6. They have good bar food, mostly under $6, including a generous portion of chicken wings. Two pool tables are available, DJs spin discs in the evenings, the air is filled with sweet, sweet smoke and Bowie's on the juke box. A fine mix of the hip, the geeky, the jocks, the sports fans, the punk rockers and the drunkards. You don't have to wear pants or even underthings, as my group discovered unwittingly one remarkable eve. The Matador is a big, all-encompassing tent, and its sturdy tentpole is the love of having a good time. This, gals and fellows, is what Portland's all about. Now go shotgun that Hamms tallboy.

20th and West Burnside.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

virginia cafe

virginia cafe
Virginia Cafe has been a Portland drinkin'stitution since 19-something or other. I don't know, the 50's or something. (I looked it up - it can be traced back to 1922.) Back then, you could get a glass of wine for a dime, and a burger for 5 cents. Now, a cheeseburger's gonna run you about 7 bones, unless you show your face during happy hour, where it'll cost you an affordable 4 bucks (with fries!) Happy hour is from 4 til 7pm. Cheap beer will run you 2.75 draft, and 3.75 for the good stuff.

Nachos are 7 bucks, tater tots $4, chicken strips $5, as are popcorn shrimp and potato skins with broccoli and bacon. Czar Salad costs 5.75, or get an order of french fries or chips/salsa for $2.25.

You'll find the VC across from the Central Library on SW Tenth and Yamhill.