Sandy-O's — Restaurant in Portland

The exterior of this edifice of goodness is not particularly inviting. The graphics on the windows make it look like some kind of semi hip industrial office. I would pass it 100 times and not really notice it or recognize it as a food establishment. From the inside, those same graphics block most of the natural light which is a pity. There is a sandwich board outside on the street corner which is underwhelming, but the main thing that threw me in. There is nothing appealing about the exterior and I’ll bet if they did some redecorating it would draw more business in. But enough of that.

For inside that unassuming bastian, I find friendly staff and one of the best burgers I’ve had in a long time. I got the holy smokes, single smash, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. No pre-made standard patties here but a dark adventure of savory meat built into an edifice of goodness. I had to stop and examine what I was eating to try to understand why it was so good. The well cooked meat topped with smoked pulled pork was a panoply of savory flavors. The fixings were great even down to the surprise of french fries at the bottom. I had to squash that thing down to get it in my mouth, but it was more than worth it. The battered fries although extra cost were some of the best I’ve had in ages.

This, is what I am looking for after a hot and long day on the road, after seeking for treasures and meetings with remarkable folk, It is the edible nirvana of comfort and satisfaction. when I am tired and hot, mentally exhausted and unsteady on my feet, this is what I am looking for. A place to sit down and have simple straightforward excellent food.

The bathrooms have a combination lock, which I can completely understand given the neighborhood, they are clean, spacious and well decorated. This also is a great relief after a long day, finding a clean spacious restroom after a day spent traveling is a boon not to be underestimated, particularly for old rickety men like myself.

I love exploring new restaurants, and there are so many to choose from. A never-ending road of flavors and environments. A map of exploration that one can never finish, I’m afraid I don’t usually go back to places I have been. I am drawn to the unknown, the new experience, but Sandi-O’s goes on my list of safe, perfect places that I can retreat to when I am fragile and tired and seeking a sure thing.

I look forward to trying other menu items. This place goes on...

Updated review... Not really a review but just to let the owner know why they lost a customer. I eat cheeseburgers 🍔 I have going to Sandy O's a lot since they've opened. Keep getting my order wrong! I order a double cheeseburger with meat and cheese only. My receipts shows it but I keep getting it made wrong. One day I got what I call excellent customer service, One day when I was placing my order the guy taking my order said "just order the kids meal because it only comes with meat and cheese. He told me it was the same size and it comes with fries. Wow! Great service. So I started ordering the kids meal and haven't had a mistake since... until I got a different guy and when I ordered the kids meals he gave me a LOOK for ordering the kids meal then he added a couple bucks on it and told me too many people are ordering the kids meal and they are losing too much money.🙄 Ridiculous! Almost stopped going but I went today and guess what? I didn't order the kids meal and MY ORDER WAS MADE WRONG. Too many places out there for me to get a good burger 🍔 Nancy Joe's is amazing. 5 guys is good. Killer burger. Gorilla Grill. Way Back Burger. The list goes on. Done...

Sandy O’s is a place I have driven by many a time since they opened some months ago and always wanted to stop and finally did today for an early lunch! When walking through the door the wonderful smells of bacon and smoked meat greet you like a hug! Ummm bacon! I was also greeted with a warm smile by Emily, an employee of the restaurant group for over 17 years! This place is owned by Your Neighborhood Restaurant Group (Laurelhurst Market, Big’s Chicken, Reverend’s BBQ, Ate Oh Ate and La Luna Cafe are other popular restaurants we know and love). We got The PeeWee and a Holy Smokes Smash Burger! Both delish, but I scored with the burger with burnt brisket ends and a side of crunchy, battered and seasoned fries. They have a wonderful house sauce that is a mustard/pickle mixture that compliments everything well, just wanted to eat one more fry to have a bit more! The menu is easy, the folks kind and the decor is rustic. Seats about 40 and even full would have plenty of room left over, has a signature ‘mule’ drink and beers for offerings besides the pop and such! I urge you to support our newest little gem on Sandy...