Mint & 820

name
Mint & 820

website
http://www.mintand820.com

cuisine
Northwest Bistro

quadrant
NoPo

where exactly
816 North Russell

what's unique
Mint is the trendy, yet cozy restaurant, while 820 is the adjacent lounge, connect in the middle and each with their own entrances

what to order
one of their many unique cocktail concoctions

fun fact
owner Lucy Brennan released her book "Hip Sips" containing her unique cocktail recipes for wannabe mixologists to try at home

my short and sweet opinion
upscale, swanky ambiance on the east side of portland, but without the swanky, pretentious attitude

pros
variety of unique cocktails, for McMenamins go-ers there is the White Eagle bar next door, parking is easy

cons
can be crowded, especially in the lounge

Bay 13

name
Bay 13

website
http://www.bay13restaurant.com

cuisine
seafood, sushi, northwest

quadrant
NW (the pearl district)

where exactly
701 NW 13th Ave.

what's unique
this trendy restaurant used to be a loading dock and offers both a sushi bar and fresh seafood, with a late night sushi sake happy hour

what to order
raw oysters and ceviche

fun fact
the owners of Bay 13 are the same people who own Paragon which is located just a block south

my short and sweet opinion
pearl-esque atmosphere with a great bar that offers yummy specialty cocktails and a welcoming environment

pros
raw oysters are very fresh, as is the ceviche which changes daily

cons
they are on their 3rd chef in a year, which isn't necessarily a good sign but it appears they may have found a good one this time; the cuisine i have indulged in has been fresh and delicious thus far

Ten 01

name
Ten 01

website
http://www.ten-01.com

cuisine
hmm...Northwest maybe?

quadrant
NW (the pearl district)

where exactly
1001 NW Couch St.

what's unique
great happy hour - oysters on the half shell are $1.00 instead of $2.00

what to order
oysters on the half shell, mac 'n' cheese, truffle fries

fun fact
restaurant originally opened to not so hot reviews, but quickly turned around and has been recognized as the restaurant that made the best turnaround and now receives positive reviews

my short and sweet opinion
I have only been here for happy hour but have indulged in quite a variety of dishes that definitely make me want to return for dinner.

pros
happy hour, atmosphere, lounge/bar area, location

cons
hmm...not sure i found any during my happy hour experiences at Ten 01