Updating the Eater PDX HeatMap: Where to Eat Now

by Erin DeJesus Mar 6, 2014, 2:00am PST

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by Erin DeJesus Mar 6, 2014, 2:00am PST

Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot, which favorite chef just launched a sophomore effort, etc., and more often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it is not a chronicle of the "it" (ie, newest) places of the moment.

Thus, we offer the Eater HeatMap, which will change often to continually highlight where the food-focused crowds are flocking to at this very second. This month sees four additions to the list: New locations of longtime favorites St. Jack and Bollywood Theater, a long-anticipated basement bar (Pepe Le Moko), and a surprisingly eclectic addition to SE Division (the American Local).

Restaurant St Jack

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With the abrupt and unfortunate closure of its original SE location, St. Jack's new NW digs are now front-and-center, and thankfully, still serving chef Aaron Barnett's menu of updated Lyonnaise classics and lighter twists. A larger kitchen (and bar, and dining room) give Barnett and bar manager John Salas more room to play: expect a much-expanded cheese selection, entrees like oxtail bourguignon, and lamb shoulder confit.

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1610 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, OR 97210

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Pépé le Moko

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Nate Tilden and Jeffrey Morgenthaler's bunker bar Pepe Le Moko was approximately 29 months in the making, and now, it's finally open, serving everything you'd want if trapped in an underground bunker: raw oysters, bocadillos, and boozy cocktails. The spot's sense of humor emerges in its drink menu, which re-imagines the shitty drinks of your youth — Grasshoppers, Long Island Iced Teas — as craft cocktails. [Photo]

407 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

(503) 546-8537

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Bollywood Theater

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The second outpost of Troy MacLarty's Indian street-food spot has debuted on SE Division, flaunting a major seating upgrade and small retail space selling Indian spice mixes and ingredients.

3010 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202

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The American Local

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Chef Chris Whaley and owner Jenny Nickolaus take risks with their eclectic menu at the American Local (it's described as "New West drinking food"), but the risks pay off. Expect blood orange and miso with your Brussels sprouts, shaved foie gras on your poutine, and wasabi leaves and corn nuts atop salmon carpaccio.

3003 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202

(503) 954-2687

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Taqueria Nueve (T9)

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Nearly six years after its closure in 2008, Billy Schumaker has resurrected his beloved Mexican restaurant in the former Beaker & Flask space, bringing back familiar favorites like wild boar tacos, ceviche, and strawberry margaritas.

727 SE Washington St, Portland, OR 97214

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Nonna

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Longtime DOC chef Jobie Bailey is in the kitchen at this sister restaurant, a much more casual accompaniment to DOC's elegant tasting menus. Seafood dishes and vegetable sides are the standouts: Brussels sprouts with lemon cream; beets with a smoky ricotta; whole-grilled trout slathered in salmoriglio.

5515 Northeast 30th Avenue, Portland, OR 97211

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Mi Mero Mole

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The second outpost of Nick Zukin and Pablo Portilla's guisados spot brings a much-needed new lunch option to Old Town. As with the flagship SE Division location, guisados — Mexican stews and stir-frys — arrive in diners' choice of tacos, gabacho bowls, and tortas (among other options). The restaurant's in "slow roll out" mode, but expect a full bar and evening service in the coming weeks. [Photo]

32 NW 5th Ave, Portland, OR

(971) 266-8575

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MÅURICE

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Kristen D. Murray's hotly anticipated "pastry luncheonette" Maurice opened its doors just before the holiday, offering both sweet and savory plates seemingly designed for ladies-who-lunch in mind. The daytime menu straddles breakfast/brunch with lefse gravlax, tartines, and a stocked pastry case; evenings see focus shift to plated desserts paired with wine and cocktails.

921 SW Oak St, Portland, OR 97205

(503) 224-9921

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Tilt

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NoPo's burger joint Tilt opens a Pearl District location that feels like a high-energy food hall: Guests can navigate to the nook of their choice, whether the bar, lunch counter, or pastry case/coffee bar. But Tilt retains its "blue-collar" Swan Island concept by sticking to the basics: cultishly beloved burgers, comforting biscuits, and pie, which can now be paired with local beer or tons of whiskey.

1355 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209

(503) 894-9528

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Trifecta Tavern and Bakery

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Easily the most anticipated opening of fall 2013, Ken Forkish's Trifecta Tavern defines what a "baker's restaurant" is supposed to be: wood-fired, welcoming, and seamlessly incorporating bread into many of the tavern dishes. Forkish captures the "big city tavern" vibe with an extensive cocktail menu focusing on classics, a half-dozen takes on oysters and/or clams, and an eat-how-you-like menu highlighting roasted veggies, haute bar snacks, and meaty plates of rabbit fricassee and steak frites.

726 SE 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97214

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Davenport

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Celebrated chef Kevin Gibson famously worked magic in Evoe's non-existent kitchen, so it's no surprise that crowds are flocking to his new restaurant Davenport, where Gibson finally has the proper prep space, stovetop, and brand-new pasta machine to create his seasonal plates. Early standouts include a duck breast with Brussels sprouts and pomegranate; and anything that leans vaguely Eastern European.

2215 East Burnside Street, Portland, OR 97214

(503) 236-8747

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Boxer Ramen

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Micah Camden's much-anticipated Boxer Ramen cultivated strong pre-opening buzz thanks to weeks' worth of preview/soft opening dinners that introduced diners to Camden's untraditional take on ramen and Japanese snacks. The appropriately named spicy miso broth is dotted with Parmesan and chili flake for extra richness; drinkers of the shockingly cheap $4, 22-ounce Sapporos will appreciate the okonomiyaki tater tots. Be warned: it's cash only.

1035 sw stark st, Portland, OR

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