Big Daddy's Badass Bento — Restaurant in Portland

I have now been to Big Daddy's Badass Bento twice. Walking in, I expected Big Daddy's Badass Bento to be Japanese food, or perhaps Hawaiian. It is not. The menu is diverse, with a few options on offer, but none of it is bento. The sports memorabilia theming was unexpected, as was the head shop in the back. They set the tone for food that has been equally uneasy.

The first time I came I ordered the loco moco. While I waited, I drank an unbranded Ducks themed energy drink which is the most foul thing I have ever put in my body. That's not super relevant, but it has to be shared with someone. The beef and rice were both well cooked, and the portion was generous. The gravy was excellent, but the beef had an odd sour taste to it that I didn't care for. I kept eating hoping I was imagining it, but it wouldn't go away and I ended up throwing away half the meal.

I decided to give it another shot, and the second time I came I ordered the island chicken. Once again the portion was generous, and the chicken was juicy and had a nice char on it. The teriyaki sauce was teriyaki sauce, I don't know what you want me to say. Off to the side there was what appeared at first glance to be macaroni salad, but was in fact mashed pineapple. It was cold and odd.

Both times I've been, the service has been great. My questions have been answered and the food has arrived quickly and without issue.

Overall, Big Daddy's Badass Bento feels like stepping into a different world. A world where signed jerseys line CBD laden halls, and cold pineapple is paired with hot chicken. A new reality of unease, discord, and okay...

This place was a bizarre disappointment. First, the food. My wife and I got the Island Chicken and the Loco Moco. Both were incredibly sweet. The loco moco patty was well overdone. But the most disappointing part was the fact that both dishes come with white rice… and that’s it. I’m not sure how or why this place has “bento” in the name when it does not serve bento. The person behind the counter was friendly, offered suggestions, and was generally a joy to be around. The atmosphere was also strange, offering a jumbled smattering of CBD products and merchandise in a mostly empty space. Maybe they’re still getting set up. Anyway, please be warned that this place does not serve bento and you’re likely in for a...

I pass this place almost every day, and I've been really curious to try it since it opened. I finally gave in to temptation, and I was not disappointed. I had tried a bite of a friend's Italian beef previously, and I loved it. However, they were out of the dish by the time I traipsed in. 😩

I decided to try the Carolina pork as a plan B. I don't usually get barbecue-style dishes from non-barbecue restaurants, but boy, was this a lucky gamble: the pork was tender and had that lovely tangy Carolina sauce and slaw with it. Absolutely recommended!

Big Daddy's is a really unique, eclectic spot. A restaurant, CBD store, and glass shop is a combination that is the epitome of a Portland small business. I...