Food at Saraveza

November 7, 2016 by 1 Comment

Have you been to Saraveza before? The name comes from the owner, Sarah Pederson (yes! This is a woman owned bar!) and the spanish word for beer (cerveza). This beer bar in North Portland with ten rotating taps and literally a couple hundred beers by the bottle has been a mecca of Oregon beer and Midwest hospitality and community since 2008. For their 8th anniversary, Saraveza gave itself and us as its patrons a birthday present of an updated menu that now takes advantage of a new deep fryer! Here’s a closer look at Saraveza and the food at Saraveza.
Front of Saraveza at 1004 N. Killingsworth St, Portland, OR Beer at Saraveza at 1004 N. Killingsworth St, Portland, OR
Second photo above of beer glass courtesy of Saraveza, all other photos on this blog post are mine

When you walk through that door, you immediately feel a bit like you’re in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls. That, and you’ll notice the large cooler areas of all the beer bottles which are grouped by type. I always check first in their “New and Seasonal” section and the “Cellar and Vintage” but if you are feeling like an IPA, stout, or sour they have sections for you too.
When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls and the brightly lit coolers of their literally hundreds of beer by the bottle in addition to their 10 rotating taps When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls and the brightly lit coolers of their literally hundreds of beer by the bottle in addition to their 10 rotating tapsWhen you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls and the brightly lit coolers of their literally hundreds of beer by the bottle in addition to their 10 rotating taps

If you want to drink beer from a bottle, select one and bring it right to where the Schlitz hand is pointing where they’ll open it up and give you glassware. Or, approach the bar to read the chalkboard beer menu of the ten rotating taps. One of the beers is always their light sessionable house beer of Breakside Wisco Tavern Beer.
When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls and the brightly lit coolers of their literally hundreds of beer by the bottle in addition to their 10 rotating taps When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls and the brightly lit coolers of their literally hundreds of beer by the bottle in addition to their 10 rotating taps

The walls are covered with the vintage beer goodies on the walls all around the booths, on the way to the bathroom and even inside the restrooms. You’ll notice here and there a nod to Sara’s Wisconsin roots and how Saraveza is a Packers Bar. The beer capped patterned tables double as a game to see if you can recognize where all the beer caps come from. Believe it or not, this is actually less stuff on display then used to be there: it looks like they curated it slightly more than before to help the pieces stand out more.
When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the wallsHopefully on your visit to Saraveza you will find a happy medium between the two art pieces on the upper left - the guy in the corner who has possibly had too much and the super cheerful guy with all the food and making sure you don't forget beer...   When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls even on the way to the restrooms -one portion is a nod to owner Sarah's Wisconsin upbringing and how this is a Packers bar When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls even on the way to the restrooms -one portion is a nod to owner Sarah's Wisconsin upbringing and how this is a Packers bar When you walk through that door of Saraveza, you immediately feel a bit like you're in a beer museum with all the retro beer paraphernalia all along the walls, including even in the bathroom

Ok, let’s get to the food. Don’t miss one of the biggest reasons the fryer made it into the Saraveza kitchen: fried cheese curds. These are lightly battered so that the dough is not too thick and the cheese a perfect melted gooeyness. Cheese is always a perfect pairing with beer, as is fried food, so this is the best of both worlds!
Example Food at Saraveza <strong>Fried Cheese Curds</strong>, a perfect pairing with beer every time Example Food at Saraveza Fried Cheese Curds, a perfect pairing with beer every time Example Food at Saraveza Fried Cheese Curds, a perfect pairing with beer every time Example Food at Saraveza Fried Cheese Curds, a perfect pairing with beer every time

Another new appetizer to go with your beer making use of that new deep fryer are their fried oysters with remoulade. You can get this in sandwich form via from their main section a Fried Oyster Po’ Boy that adds to the remoulade also iceberg, tomato, and crystal hot sauce.
Example Food at Saraveza fried oysters with remoulade Example Food at Saraveza fried oysters with remoulade

I really liked their starter (ok, second place after the curds) of the  lamb meatballs with tomato sauce, yogurt, and sunny egg because of the rich flavors in the meatballs balanced by that yogurt.
Example Food at Saraveza lamb meatballs with tomato sauce, yogurt, and sunny egg Example Food at Saraveza lamb meatballs with tomato sauce, yogurt, and sunny egg

For a healthier option but still with flavor punch to go well with beer, check out the Radicchio salad with sherry dressing, Parmesan, olive, and breadcrumb (I think their best salad). Or for a smaller portion for one person, the Butter lettuce salad with green goddess dressing, soft boiled egg, bacon, and red onion pickle. There’s also a Mixed Greens salad with candied hazelnuts, chevre, and champagne vinaigrette.
Example Food at Saraveza Radicchio salad with sherry dressing, Parmesan, olive, and breadcrumb Example Food at Saraveza Butter lettuce salad with green goddess dressing, soft boiled egg, bacon, and red onion pickle

A main dish option if you’re looking for dinner is they now offer a buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes and braised chard and tarragon gravy. It’s at the expense of the mac and cheese which is no longer on their menu, but I think it’s a fair trade in terms of swapping that comfort dish for this one since there’s so many mac and cheeses on brewpub menus but not everyone can offer fried chicken with mashed, and this is a more filling comfort dish.
Example Food at Saraveza buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes and braised chard and tarragon gravy Example Food at Saraveza buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes and braised chard and tarragon gravy

Also new are Manila Clams with house bacon, herbs, beer, cream and baguette (another always perfect beer and food pairing besides cheese). Or fancy it up with Bavette Steak with celery root puree, broccoli rabe, cipollino onion and demi glaze. Or keep it casual with your beef and beer with this Smoked Brisket Sandwich with pimento cheese, red onion pickle, and arugula. Look at that big piece of brisket sticking out of the sandwich! Usually it comes with your choice of a salad or potato salad but I passed on both to enjoy the side snack of Potato Melt with cheddar, scallion and ranch dressing which are a little reminiscent of thick cut wedge potatoes.
Example Food at Saraveza Smoked Brisket Sandwich with pimento cheese, red onion pickle, and arugula Example Food at Saraveza Smoked Brisket Sandwich with pimento cheese, red onion pickle, and arugula Example Food at Saraveza Smoked Brisket Sandwich with pimento cheese, red onion pickle, and arugula Saraveza appetizer of Potato Melt with cheddar, scallion and ranch dressing

Don’t worry, they still have their classic trademark pasties that they have been serving since they opened. The meat pie of the Pasty of the Day has fillings which vary based on the day, this one happens to be ham and cheese.
Example Food at Saraveza trademark pasty, a meat pie of which fillings vary based on the day (this was ham and cheese) Example Food at Saraveza trademark pasty, a meat pie of which fillings vary based on the day (this was ham and cheese)

Although not listed on the menu, they still have their goblet of Chex Mix if you ask nicely. Other classics from their original menu still here are their boards of cheese, charcuterie or smoked trout and their appetizers of pickled eggs, deviled eggs, soft pretzels, pickle plate, and soup of the day (a great pairing with the pasty of the day for a meal). On the mains section of the menu the Bratwurst survives served with potato salad and sauerkraut.

Thankfully they have more for vegetarians and vegans now with additions to the menu of a vegetable section that includes for instance broccoli rabe or roasted cauliflower, now the ho hum hummus has been replaced by a more hearty Vegan Bowl with delicata squash, cauliflower, chard, and quinoa.

If you sit at a booth, here’s how to read the Saraveza printed beer menu (which represents what is on the chalkboard above the bar only – you have to visit the coolers to see the bottles. You can order whatever is listed on the left side in the column for On Tap, unless it’s crossed out and there’s an arrow showing what in the On Deck column has replaced it on tap.
If you sit at a booth, here's how to read the Saraveza printed beer menu (which represents what is on the chalkboard above the bar only - you have to visit the coolers to see the bottles. You can order whatever is listed on the left side in the column for On Tap, unless it's crossed out and there's an arrow showing what in the On Deck column has replaced it on tap. If you sit at a booth, here's how to read the Saraveza printed beer menu (which represents what is on the chalkboard above the bar only - you have to visit the coolers to see the bottles. You can order whatever is listed on the left side in the column for On Tap, unless it's crossed out and there's an arrow showing what in the On Deck column has replaced it on tap.

Besides going to visit soon to try the new menu and latest beers, you might also consider going specifically on this upcoming Saturday November 12. That’s because Saraveza is hosting one if its many special beer events, and this one is Fire and Brimstone 2016. All day on November 12, Fire and Brimstone festival means Saraveza will be offering ten specially curated beers that contain smoke, chili, or are both smoky and spicy! You will be able to order full pours or 5 ounce pours of the beers. I’ve attended this festival for multiple years and it’s among my top five favorite all year in Portland.

For the festival they will bring back their special edition “Smokin’ Bamberg Onion Plate”, a traditional Rauch beer meal served with Schlenkerla smoked beers. The dish is composed of Bamburg Onion filled with pork braised in Aecht Schlenkerla Urbock beer and served with mashed potatoes w/ Rauchbier gravy. Ok, it may not be the most beautiful plate, but it is a wonderful mouthful of smokey savoryness with a bit of creaminess from the gravy and crunch from the onion that pairs so well with the beers of this festival.

Saraveza's Flight of Five Chili and Smoked Beers for Fire & Brimstone... Burnside Sweet Heat always glows in the glass it seems (front right) Saraveza Fire & Brimstone 2012 food pairing of the Smokin' Bamberg Onion Plate, a traditional Rauch beer meal, that consisted of a Bamburg Onion, Mashed Potatoes w/ Schlenkerla gravy, salad, side of vegetables and a Sugar Pimp Peach-chili dessert
Photos of what I had at a previous Fire and Brimstone year

You might also consider checking out their event calendar not only for other beer events, but also for when you might walk in and the whole bar is full of patrons in green and gold. Other events are when they host live music (first Sunday every month) and every Tuesday is Geeks Who Drink Quiz night in their event space the Bad Habit Room next door.

Saraveza is located at 1004 N Killingsworth St (an easy 5 block walk from the yellow line N Killingsworth Max station) and open everyday 11am to midnight.

Have you heard of Saraveza before, did anything I mention pique your interest?

Saraveza Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Disclosure: I attended a free media event where I was able to try some of the dishes, but also returned on my own to try other new dishes on my own dime, and I’ve been visiting Saraveza before this and after this post so already am a fan. I will always provide my honest opinion and assessment of all products and experiences I may be given. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are entirely my own.

Hopefully on your visit to Saraveza you will find a happy medium between the two art pieces on the upper left - the guy in the corner who has possibly had too much and the super cheerful guy with all the food and making sure you don't forget beer...
Hopefully on your visit you will find a happy medium between the two art pieces on the upper left – the guy in the corner who has possibly had too much and the super cheerful guy with all the food and making sure you don’t forget beer…

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Beer on Rainey Street in Austin, Texas

January 27, 2015 by 4 Comments

I’ve decided to once in a while try and participate in #TravelTuesday, where on Tuesdays I will try to share some travel tips of places I’ve visited. I’m sure you won’t be surprised if a lot of the travel tips comprise of deliciousness in the form of food and drink.

I always seek out local when I travel. That’s certainly true of food, and the next thing I look for tends to be beer. When I was on a brief couple day stay in Austin, Texas for work, I picked out a hotel that was walkable to Rainey Street on purpose. I was fortunate in that my co-worker let me pick where to go, and we were off to two specific places I had in mind, and we knew and agreed that the goal was local beer.
Twisted X Senor Viejo, a beer I enjoyed at Craft Pride Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden in Austin, Texas: Brewdog Paradox Smokehead, where Smokehead Whisky is infused into the beer to add atlantic smoke, peat, and oak to the flavors of roasted toffee of the Imperial Stout. 10 % ABV, from Fraserburgh, Scotland

The first stop was called Craft Pride. It’s very casual – they only serve food if you count going to the back patio and going to the pizza truck there as “food service”. You may see a little sandwich board with a beer joke out on what barely qualifies as the sidewalk of Rainey street, so don’t bother wearing heels on this street.
Craft Pride, serving all and only beer crafted in Texas Craft Pride, serving all and only beer crafted in Texas. Patio area in the back of Craft Pride where there is a pizza truck and possibly live music A beer joke at Craft Pride

The main attraction here is the beer chalkboard above the bar, which boast all and only local beers. You go up to the bar to order, and you can feel free to ask them for recommendations which may result in getting a little taste or two before investing in a full glass.
Almost 50 beers up on the board at Craft Pride beer bar, serving all beer and only beer crafted in Texas

A closeup of the menu options categorized as Outside the Box at Craft Pride:
A closeup of the menu options categorized as Outside the Box at Craft Pride, Austin TX

You can also get small pours to make your own beer flight.
Taster tray at Craft Pride, Austin Taster tray at Craft Pride, Austin Taster tray at Craft Pride, Austin

It definitely does have a very local feel, which I loved, down to the granola-y tattooed bartenders during my two visits (I couldn’t try all those beers, even sharing with my co-worker, in one visit) and chatting at the bar with other beer drinkers about Portland and Austin and in general craft beers. Although they are very Texas proud, there is no beer douchery or snobbery here – it’s all a friendly community – unless you come in here trying to ask for cocktails and shots. Go down the street to another place bros.

We got hungry and needed to eat, and wanted something besides just pizza. So the next stop I had was only a few minutes walk down further on Rainey street to Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden. The size of Banger’s is probably twice the size of Craft Pride on the inside, and four times as big of an outside patio, including a little doggie-care gated area and an actual stage for the live music they host.
Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden in Austin, Texas Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden in Austin, Texas

If you love beer, you will probably be like me where these two places are enough of a stop already and you will be unable to visit anymore. That’s because both stops of Craft and Banger’s have a HUMONGO beer selection – in truth you could just stay at one beer bar if you wanted. To give you an idea, Banger’s has 100 beers to choose from, and Craft’s board had almost 50 beers. In particular, Banger’s Seasonal and Limited Beers impressed me with beers I had never seen in Portland or other cities and I cursed a little bit that I was nearing my liver limit for the day (particularly after I ordered the Brewdog Paradox Smokehead, where Smokehead Whisky is infused into the beer to add atlantic smoke, peat, and oak to the flavors of roasted toffee of the Imperial Stout at 10 % ABV, from Fraserburgh, Scotland).
Example of some of the Banger's Seasonal and Limited Beers

But when it comes down to the menu, I really loved the options at Banger’s, which also happens to, as they advertise at least, have the largest sausage selection in Austin. I wish we had come to Banger’s for a second time during my trip (we went to another beer place that I was not as impressed with and will not mention here) because there is more on the menu I wanted to try, and I definitely plan to come back here again. To give you an idea, during our visit we ordered the

  • Dak Bulgogi (Bulgogi Chicken Sausage topped with sriracha, kimchi, oyster sauce, cilantro, carrots, and jalapenos on a kolache bun with a side of soy caramel lime and house made kimchi salad and sun dried shrimp chips),
  • Drunk Chicken (sausage with beer, Serrano peppers, red pepper flakes, cilanto, and more beer),
  • Jalapeno Mac and Cheese with Cheddar, manchego, jalapeños, bread crumbs, and bacon lardons, and
  • Fried Cheese Curds (Wisconsin cheese curds breaded & fried, served with a side of Olaf Sauce).
    Dak Bulgogi, Bulgogi Chicken Sausage topped with sriracha, kimchi, oyster sauce, cilantro, carrots, and jalapenos on a kolache bun with a side of soy caramel lime. Served with a house made kimchi salad and sun dried shrimp chips. From Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden in Austin, Texas Drunk Chicken (sausage with beer, Serrano peppers, red pepper flakes, cilanto, and more beer) From Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden in Austin, Texas Jalapeno Mac and Cheese with Cheddar, manchego, jalapeños, bread crumbs, and bacon lardons. from Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden in Austin, Texas Fried Cheese Curds, Wisconsin cheese curds breaded & fried, served with a side of Olaf Sauce. from Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden in Austin, Texas

Other options that tempted me included Turducken (sausage with Turkey Duck and Chicken), they even had TWO veggie sausage options alone (one of which was a Beet and Goat cheese veggie sausage) with the 4 traditional and 6 exotic/wild game sausage options (including a Duck Bacon and Fig, or a South Texas Antelope and Venison Merguez), and that was not all the menu offerings either like Fried Chicken, Jalapeno Cream Corn with Onion Gratin, a Housemade Snickers Ice Cream Jar…
Sausage options at Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden in Austin, Texas Example chicken sausage options at Banger's, Austin Texas

I highly highly recommend both these places if you are in Austin and looking to try some local beer. I know I can’t wait to go back to these two places whenever I’m back in Austin next! The hotel we stayed at was the simple but comfortable Holiday Inn Austin-Town Lake Austin, which was very conveniently walkable to Rainey Street but affordable, and close to highways for our other business. Other hotels nearby include the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown, Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown, and Radisson Downtown among others in the walkable vicinity.

Have you ever been to Austin, and if so did you try any local Texas beer there?

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