PDX - Cheap Eats

[alexa52]

Looking for some choices for good 'cheap eats'. My husband and I are going out to dinner tonight-- but want to keep it casual and on the cheaper side. A few drinks, good atmosphere and yummy food. We are open to driving anywhere close in, so part of town doesn't really matter. We are also open to type of food -- love ethnic, fish, and he loves burgers. Ideas?

[JillO]

Toro Bravo, Tabla, Dang's, Kurata, Davis Street Tavern (esp at happy hour!), Laurelhurst Market...

[akq]

Third for Tabla. Excellent food and the price is right (it's like $24 base for a 3 course meal)! Also recommended is Simpatica (Friday/Saturday nights only) - completely different set menus, one seating/night, excellent food.

[amhr]

I love the Screen Door on Burnside for casual dinner, great cocktails, great food, great service. It is often crowded, and it is a bit loud, but my husband and I love it for a fun night out. It is southern style food. We like the smoked brisket, and fried green tomatoes.

[workforfoodpdx]

Here is a link to a list of restaurants under $30 per person. http://www.10best.com/Portland,OR/Res...

Have you tried Cafe Mingo on NW 21st or Ciao Vito on Alberta?

[alexa52]

What about Le Bistro Montage?
[phone]
301 SE Morrison St
Portland, OR 97214
www.montageportland.com

[porky pine]

I had some crawfish at Montage the other day that tasted real 'fishy'. I go there sometimes at three in the morning because it's usually decent and still open but I wouldn't make plans to go out to dinner there.

[Leonardo]

Montage: Surly service, the most humdrum limited beer list imaginable for a Portland joint.
Frozen vegies in Portland in summer, the mecca of quality local produce.
What's not to love?

So what is your budget?

[alexa52]

Budget- $75 for the two of us- drinks and dinner.
I asked for cheaper recommendations, so I didn't get the usual Le Pigeon, Paley's Place, Higgins, etc list which is more than I want to spend. We just want a casual dinner, but good food. Just don't need to go the real fancy route. We do Wild Abandon on Belmont at times-- but it can be hit and miss. Just looking for a new option.

[Leonardo]

Tabla is moderate and I love it!
I'd suggest Navarre as it's one of my favorite neighborhood places. Perhaps you should call first to see if they are swamped, as the O named them their restaurant of the year.

[alexa52]

Wine list at Navarre sounds great. Just called. They only take reservations for 6 or more. I am going to try and if its too busy we'll head down the street to Tabla. Thanks. This is just what I was looking for.

[alexa52]

Stopped by Navarre and there was a 40 minute wait. So we walked to Tabla and ended up having dinner. It was delicious. Really enjoyed the ambiance as well as the food. Great service too. Started with a salad and salt cod fritters, then the giant ravioli with the egg inside. Really interesting. Thanks for the suggestion.

[goodbyeohio]

start by looking here:

http://www.roadfood.com/Restaurants/S...

[alexa52]

this is a list of memorable eateries, not really what I was looking for.