North 45 Pub — Restaurant in Portland

This was the most random stop we made during our time in Portland. We visited back in September, but could not remember the name of this place until after doing a bit of research this morning. We were at the bourbon bar around the corner and on our walk back to the hotel decided to pop in here. The bar was empty when we arrived because it was still relatively early for any sort of dinner rush. The bartender was friendly and offered great suggestions, but the reason I am still thinking about this place months later is because of the food. The cook poked his head out of the kitchen window shortly after we got our drinks and let us know that he had just got some fresh mussels in and was whipping up steamed mussels in a coconut curry. To put it simply, those mussels were one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten! They were perfectly cooked, seasoned, and had the right amount of heat. I wish I had a before picture of the dish, but the mussels didn't last long enough for that. I do see that they have coconut curry clams on their regular menu, so if we return to Portland we will definitely be stopping...

I've stopped into North 45 once before on a NW 21st pub crawl I did... all I remember from that evening was that I enjoyed the house margarita. Recently tried it again, less intoxicated, and this time we came for drinks and eats. Had to get the margarita again and what do ya know, it's still fantastic. $5 at happy hour and it just can't be beat. I hate sweet margaritas, this one is tangy sour and boozy! We went with a large group and I discovered the cute patio area in the back which I never knew existed. It's heated and tented so good to go for all seasons. For food we had some mac & cheese and sliders. The sliders came served 3 high on a big skewer, looking oh so impressive. Sliders tasted like sliders and Mac & Cheese tasted like Mac & cheese, both are hard to screw up. They had a lot of other enticing American appetizers available on their happy hour menu, all of which you'd generally expect to see on a pub grub menu. Prices were good, atmosphere was very chill on the back patio, a little fancier inside, all-in-all I had a good time and I can see myself...

This place look cuter on picture. The reality kinda disappointed. The inside look like a normal cheap dive bar. The outside is cute and cozy. Our server was cute and attentive. The bartender said he could make whatever you want but he only makes simple drinks. The food sounded great on the menu but it was quite terrible. The banh mi was not banh mi, more like a remake of their own version of french bread and a big slap of pork belly, the meat was chewy and the skin had a ton of hair on it still, gross. The pho broth was like meat water with a hint of jalapeño, I should've known :(. The scallops were ok, theyre scallops, but the corn... why ginger?? There was so much ginger taste in the corn that it ruined everything. Oh btw the "banh mi" actually tasted a little bit better if you dip it in the corn cream sauce. The fries was good though. 1 star for opening late and another star for our server, the rest is no bueno Oh and one last thing, my husband saw drops of blood in the restroom, on the floor and...