Humble Haunts:
The Wellspent Team’s Real-World Favorites
We love a scene-y new spot as much as anyone, but more often than not, our favorite hangs are a little closer to home—both literally and figuratively. They’re the places we return to without thinking, the ones with reliably good fries, quiet corners, and zero pretense. Not exactly “hidden gems” (we’re not gatekeeping), just under-the-radar comfort zones that don’t make the lists but still make us happy. Here are a few of our team’s go-tos when we’re off the clock and keeping it casual.
Joe
Head Buyer
“The nachos—pulled pork or shredded buffalo chicken—at Hi Top on NE Fremont are killer.” With a hidden but expansive patio, it’s also dog-and-kid friendly, has non-intrusive TVs tuned mostly to sports, and makes an excellent marg (hot tip: ask for it with a splash of Campari for Joe’s ultimate summer heat-beater). It’s the platonic ideal neighborhood bar: zero pretense, legit-good bar food, and bartenders who really know what they’re doing behind the stick.
Laramie
PDX Manager
While not exactly under the radar, Laramie nevertheless points to two quintessential Portland dives as his regular wind down spots. He’s “obsessed with the wings” at Jerry’s Tavern in NW, which, despite opening less than a year ago, feels like it’s been there literally forever. “And their cheese curds are delicious!” Across town, it’s all about the Keys Lounge on Killingsworth, where Laramie likes to tuck into a red booth with “shrimp cocktail and seasoned fries” while listening to live jazz.
Avalon
PDX Manager
For Avalon, it’s all about “a glass of house red accompanied by a deck of cards or cribbage,” at Dream House, the unassuming watering hole housed in an old house just off MLK Blvd in NE. Weekly trivia nights and a diverse range of DJs, reliably good food, a solid backbar, and always-interesting rotating tap list keeps the mood friendly & chill.
Jesse
Buyer & Budget Wrangler
“My go-to for a weekday lunch is Kanji Fusion, on SE Division just down the street from our shop.” Mostly, Jesse goes for the savory, satisfying, and “fiery” szechuan dumplings, but his other go-to is their soup. Pro tip: “you can order it ‘half’n’half,’ which is equal parts sweet and sour and egg drop. Delicious!”
Heather
Behind the Scenes Operations Guru
Heather hits up classic retro-vibed diner Jim Dandy out on NE Sandy (where it intersects with I-205) for its classic milk shakes & 1950’s decor and memorabilia. A bit closer to home, she recommends the Spare Room—a legendary dive on the edge of Cully known for raucous karaoke nights—for its “surprisingly solid” breakfast, which is available 7 days a week starting at 7am (!).
Photos via @hitoptavern, @jerrystavern, @dreamhousepdx, kanjifusion.com, @spareroompdx