Expatriate — Restaurant in Portland

My girlfriend has been excited to try this place since we found out about it being in our backyard. Their website seemed a bit pretensious, but we have heard wonderful things about their cocktails, and the atmosphere seemed intimate and cool. We stopped by on a Tuesday about 10:15 to celebrate her birthday, and though there were probably 10-12 people inside and the door was open, staff were outside putting away their outdoor tables. We asked if they were closing up for the night and they said they were, rather rudely/shortly at that. We left, sad that we couldn't check it out.

When we found out that their posted hours were 5p-12a, we were pretty disappointed that we got snubbed. Were we not good enough for them? We were both well dressed (having come from an excellent dinner at Basta's on NW 21st), and parked right out front in a 2015 Suburban, so I don't think we gave off a "scrubby" vibe (if that should even matter). If we had shown up at ten minutes to close, or if it was totally dead, I'd completely understand them wanting to close up for the night (we've both worked food service). But there are plenty of good, upscale bars in Portland to waste your time at ones that can't be arsed to stay open until at least as late as their...

Portland has a great food scene, but I have to say the bar scene is really not up to par. Take what I say with a grain of salt though because the cocktail programs in Chicago where I'm at currently are freaking fantastic and I've been spoiled by them. I've heard so much about how amazing the drinks at Expatriate are, but it really was just okay to me. They were good and well-mixed, but nothing to write home about. The bartender was super sweet, and they let my friend hold 3 seats for me and my friends while we were heading over here after my birthday dinner, which is super nice of them, especially for a bar that's so popular.

My favorite drink here would have to be the Four in Hand, which was pretty delicious.The ornament and crime was pretty good too. The dorleac was okay, but the Maquis was too strong for my likes. My friend had the ramen here and liked it enough to recommend it to another friend who showed up later.

The place is pretty small, so best to show up earlier if you want a seat. And oh man, one of the guys working in the kitchen was...

I’ve been coming here for many years. Recently Expatriate reopened after closing down due to COVID and I couldn’t be happier. Expatriate doesn’t do mediocrity. Everything it offers is near perfection from cocktails to foods. Not a big list of food menu but who needs a long list of nothing burgers when you can have a few that will absolutely blow your mind? As a food lover, I must compliment their commitment to perfection. It shows in their food and drinks. Their shrimp toast will distract you from your life for days and the American Standard sliders are the most decadent surprise in your mouth with the perfect ratio of simplicity and excellence. They used to have mi ang som (Laotian tacos) that tasted better than ones from Langbaan. Don’t even get me started on their Burmese noodles. If you had it, you know what I mean. Expatriate stays true to itself. Great music from LP and uniquely cultural ambience with a chill vibe. Portland is lucky to have this place and I appreciate the owner’s dedication to perfection and...