Local 188 at 685 Congress Street, is one of those places that every Portlander should experience at least once. The vibrant, artsy atmosphere welcomes all diners-from business professionals in suit and tie, to the young scholars dressed in USM sweat pants and t-shirt – to pick a seat, sit down and enjoy.
Upon entering the restaurant, customers find themselves surrounded by warm, comforting red and purple tones on the walls surrounding the dining areas open floor plan. During slower hours, diners at Local 188 are sometimes invited to seat themselves in a variety of different seating options, ranging from formal dining tables to plush lounge chairs. This does take some planning on the diner’s part: while the overstuffed white armchair is comfortable, boiling hot soup in your lap isn’t. During their busier hours, visitors may find themselves waiting for a table, but are always welcome to wait at the bar. If you wish to be seated immediately, especially around dinner hours, it may be wise to reserve a table.
Despite the popularity of this location, service is prompt, informative, and even entertaining. Even during their busiest hours, waiters and bartenders are always polite and willing to answer any question regarding the menu. The staff is always personable, making you feel not only well served, but also at home.
Wait staff offer their own unique style that compliments the bohemian vibe of the restaurant. For example, one particular waitress favors cowboy boots, jean skirts and bohemian scarves. Her feet probably kill her after serving tapas and seafood paella all day in heeled shoes, but the casual, personalized attire worn by the wait staff helps to create a wonderful, laid back atmosphere.
The real test of a restaurant always comes down to the food. Local 188 pride themselves on using the freshest ingredients, often from local farmers and fish markets. For visitors during brunch hours, their peach pancake, although bigger than most human heads, is the lightest and fluffiest pancake in Portland. You don’t even need maple syrup to make their pancake delicious. The huge dollop of whip cream on top of the golden cake covered in fresh peaches is enough to satisfy the worst sweet tooth
Coffee drinkers need not fear sacrificing taste for a strong cup. The coffee of Local 188 is both strong and smooth, not tasting burnt as can happen with darker roasts.
Despite how appetizing the food is, the prices on the menu may scare away college students with a thin wallet. The prices of the brunch menu aren’t bad, ranging from $5-$9. However, the entrees on the dinner menu spike up to $20 per dish. One may be inclined to satisfy themselves with one of Local 188’s famous, and not so expensive, tapas rather than splurge on the $20 Porterhouse cut pork chop.
Prices aside, when the ramen noodles just aren’t cutting it anymore, consider Local 188 for a change of pace. Often they provide live, local, music during their late dinner hours, so if you are looking for a place for a date, or just a place to relax, listen to music, and enjoy a real meal, Local 188 will not disappoint.
Grade: B+