Blueplate
The instant Portland’s famously weepy skies cloud over and the rain begins to pelt my office windows, my Pavolvian response is to crave Blueplate’s grilled cheese sandwich dipped in their piping hot tomato soup. Blueplate isn’t just comfort food, it’s a nostalgic haven—a classic little soda fountain with a long wood bar and hodge podge of booths and tables tucked into a narrow space in the Dekum building on bustling SW Washington Street.
The instant the famous Portland skies cloud over and the rain begins to pelt my office windows, my Pavolvian response is to crave Blueplate’s grilled cheese sandwich dipped in their piping hot tomato soup.
The menu reads like Mom’s home cooking, except my mom’s meatloaf wasn’t this rich, her brisket wasn’t this tender, her mac ‘n cheese did NOT have bacon and mushrooms in it, and she was way more interested in keeping me captive at the table until I ate my salad than inquiring as to whether I’d like a chocolate peanut butter three-scoop milkshake or a strawberry ice cream sundae with marshmallow whipped cream and the works for dessert. Thanks a heap, Mom.
At least now that I’m all growed up, I can go to Blueplate anytime I want, and I never have to finish my dinner before I order dessert.
Details
Cuisine: American
Executive Chef: Jeffery Reiter
Atmosphere: Bustling old-fashioned downtown soda fountain
Outdoor seating: No
Best Seat: At the counter, overlooking Chef Jeff’s domain
Noise Level: Energetic
Dress Code: Casual
Bring the Kids: Yes
Parking: Blueplate’s in the heart of downtown, so a metered parking spot can be nothing short of a miracle. There’s a nearby SmartPark at SW 3rd & Alder.
Cocktails: Yes
Beer: No
Teetotalers: A list of delicious house sodas, shakes, iced tea, sweet tea, lemonade, limeade, chocolate or strawberry milk
Coffee: Stumptown
Tea: Lipton
Ideal Meal: Tomato soup and grilled cheese, and a peanut butter and chocolate milkshake and/or a P.R. Nelson--huckleberry ice cream blended with house made purple haze hibiscus syrup
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Vegan Friendly: Not really
Good for the following occasions: Out to Lunch, Meal With Friends, Dining Solo, Kids Included
Reservations: No
Take-Out: Yes
Delivery: No