Oregon is an odd state in that there are strict rules governing alcohol sales and food — specifically, anytime an establishment serves hard alcohol, it also needs to provide hot food, and a few different options for it. And while some dive bars fall back on a few microwaved dinners or some chips with hot cheese, others bars go above and beyond, focusing as much on the food as they do on drinks.
From specialty nachos to the golden fried treats that help soak up the beer or whiskey from a long night out, these are 18 of the most essential bar bites in Portland. None of these are intended as a full meal (though some of them can be), and items that are too dependent on waiting around rather than ordered on a whim after a few drinks have been omitted (sorry, fried chicken at Reel M Inn). As usual, this list is organized geographically, not by rank.
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