Insiders Reveal Their Restaurant Break-Ups of the Year

As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, bloggers, and readers. This year, we asked the group eight questions, from Meal of the Year to Top Standbys. Top Newcomers, Top Standbys, Biggest Dining Surprises, Best Restohoods, Meal of the Year, and 2010 in One Word dropped earlier, and all will be answered by the time we turn off the lights tomorrow. On we go, in no particular order; all responses cut, pasted and unedited.

Image of an ex, Bunk Sandwiches, courtesy Facebook

Q: Any restaurant break-ups this year?

Don Bourassa - Senior Community Manager, Yelp Portland: Not too far into 2010 I left Bunk Sandwiches for her much sexier cousin — Bunk Bar. I still keep Bunk around for those midday urges, but for late night pork-booty calls, Bunk Bar is on my drunk-dial.

Mike Thelin - Writer, Brand Developer, Food-smart man about town: My breakups are usually never due to poor quality, but have more to do with long waits. I love Broder for brunch dearly, but haven't been able to get a table there for more than a year. I miss the abelskivers, but am ecstatic they are doing so well. Peter Bro is a talented guy and deserves it.

Ben Waterhouse - Editor, Willamette Week: I've broken up with Screen Door. Now that I don't live down the street, there's no way I'm putting up with that line. I do miss the chicken and waffle, though.

Karen Brooks - Dining Editor, Portland Monthly: No, but I was surprised by a rising tide of arrogance.

Nick Zukin - Resident Fat-Ass Food Blogger & Restaurateur: Giorgio’s. And food carts; I just don’t want to get attached to places that are likely to disappear in 6 months.

Peter Szymczak - Editor, Northwest Palate: Every restaurant has a bad night, but what I have given up on is happy hour.

Tony Perez - Restaurant Critic, Portland Mercury: Yes, but it's not you...it's me. I moved from North Portland to SE, so the frequency of my visits to George's Corner Tavern have really dropped off.

Byron Beck, Team Eater: They know who they are.

Allison Jones, Team Eater: Tarboush certainly did a number on my love affair with Ya Hala.

Any sordid break-ups to share? Post 'em in the comments.
· All Previous Year in Eater 2010 Coverage [Eater PDX]