CRAFTpdx — Restaurant in Portland

Minus the star required for you to actually write a review on this place. Maybe someone should have reminded the staff they were a part of BURGER WEEK this year. Like most commuters and foodies I mapped out the closest locations for me to try these $5 burgers during lunch. CraftPDX happened to be 1 of 4. The location is inside the Hi-Lo hotel which offered great concierge service however once you turn the corner to a bar like restaurant you are not greeted or acknowledged as a person. There was no direction on self or wait to be seated. The staff were asking each other if the line against the wall had a list or anything going yet. A few party of 2’s and myself and a gentleman in front of me being a party of 1, of course all there for the anticipated well marked burger of the week waited for about 15min before we were seated. (Only timing it because of my lunch break) Upon being seated I was handed a menu and mentioned that I didn’t need it because I was only there for the burger, I politely asked if I could also get the check with the burger since I was in a time crunch. The staff chuckled and said ok. After about 20 more minutes of observation I saw people holding out their checks to be picked up to add to the sense of urgency the staff DID NOT have. The party next to me asked if I had ordered already and to my knowledge I thought I had. Within 2min of them alerting they hadn’t a waiter approached my table and asked for my order. Holding back my anger I just said that I didn’t have time to wait any longer. So if you want to be seated and neglected to get a $5 burger...

Alto Bajo is a great spot. It’s role as the hotel restaurant means that it’s focused on hospitality and providing a level of service and flexibility that make it an enjoyable place hang out. But it’s also the in-house dining option for a hotel that is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, which means that it has been curated to offer something unique and local. Hence the nods to Portlandia on the menu; guacamole with sprouts, local brews and ciders, and granola with filberts (hazelnuts for non-Oregonians). And yeah, I said granola. Because they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, and are the room service kitchen for the property. And they do a great job across the board.

The service is terrific; attentive and friendly. And the menu, while simple, has a solid selection of vibrant and flavorful choices that are beautifully presented. I particularly enjoyed their Mexican Wedge salad and Carnitas burrito. To me, the only area of improvement is that the seating and layout feel somewhat “fast casual.” Designed to get guests in and out instead of encouraging them to linger. And this isn’t a large spot, so this is probably by design. But I’d welcome a slightly large space with more comfortable seating.

Anyway, great spot. Good food and a pleasant atmosphere with great service. As a Mexican joint, it’s unique. Lots to like, but it won’t lean your way if you’re a traditionalist. But for Portland,...

Instead of going to Mother's for the same old brunch fare you've had countless times, walk 1/2 a block up past all the tourists waiting at Mother's because Trip Advisor told them it was the place to be, and go to Alto-Bajo. Your taste buds will thank you.

The Chilaquiles Verde which is basically tortilla chips, your choice of protein (i had the smoked brisket, wife had the shrimp which was an extra $4 FYI), 2 eggs any style of preparation, guacamole, salsa, and cheese. Try their hot sauce, it has a BBQ sauce like texture, spicy with a delayed onset (so apply carefully), and I like that its not vinegary at all.

The smoked old fashioned (not on their current online drink menu) was easy to drink. I am no Mezcal expert so I'll leave it at that. I am a stickler on the proper ice cubes; which were not present here. The small cubes melt too fast and water down the drink. Give me a big clear cube.

Raspberry churro to finish off brunch. Its a churro with raspberry filling, raspberry dipping sauce, and some fresh berries (guess what kind) to top it off. One order comes with two 4"...