Located on a random street corner in NW Portland, Cafe Nell may very be one of the best kept secrets in Portland.  Last week I decided to go here on a bit of a whim, after driving by and getting curious.  It used to be a completely ivy covered building that housed Hurley’s restaurant.  Well now Hurley’s and the ivy is gone, and what is left is one of the best happy hours in Portland.

One of the first things you notice when you walk in is the chalkboard by the bar with the daily happy hour specials.  I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but after sampling a few of their specials, I may have a new favorite place.  For $2 a piece you can get one of three different types of slider burgers: French onion and pickle, BBQ bacon and cheeder, and Jalapeno with blue cheese.  Each of these were equally incredible.  Also for 2 bucks you can get a big basket of fries which were the perfect compliment to our burgers.  I have also heard that for $4 the omelette and fries is a very good choice.

As far as drinks go there is a daily cocktail special for $5.  When I was there it was the gin or vodka lillet (a french appertif wine) martini, which was amazing.  They also had a $6 limoncello which was just as tasty.

If you are looking for a place slightly off the beaten path (it is still only a block off trendy 21st street), that has fantastic specials and some outdoor seating, I would HIGHLY recommend Cafe Nell.  Take a first date here, they will be impressed, guaranteed.

You can find Cafe Nell on NW 20th and Kearney, and happy hour is featured Tues-Sat from 3-6.

Photo provided by Sauce Supreme