Tanuki

You have to love a restaurant whose namesake is a drunk, obese raccoon-dog with  supernatural powers. Huh? What?! Wiki it! Tanuki is a popular addition to the small but scrappy Portland izakaya scene, a dimly lit NW 21st Avenue jewel that’s so teensy the windows fog up on chilly evenings until they’re as opaque as steamed buns stuffed with Shottsuru-braised pork, which incidentally, you should order.

On Wednesday nights watch weirdly fascinating Japanese cinema on the telly over the bar and on Thursday noodle nights show up with $5 and you get a piping hot bowl of fresh thick cut wheat noodles in a rich meat broth with clams, mussels, fishcake, bbq pork, and egg.

Claim one of Tanuki’s four tables or belly up to the narrow bar to peruse Chef Janis Martin’s meticulously assembled sake and beer list, unusual and unusually tasty “stuff on sticks” (duck heart skewers anyone?) and sometimes inconceivably delicious small plates, like wild board meatballs with sweet soy curry bbq sauce and wild caught shrimp with greens, ginger and cinnamon tea sauce.

On Wednesday nights watch weirdly fascinating Japanese cinema on the telly over the bar and on Thursday noodle nights show up with $5 and you get a piping hot bowl of fresh thick cut wheat noodles in a rich meat broth with clams, mussels, fishcake, bbq pork, and egg…a deal even an intoxicated, raccoon-dog can love. Ringing with the clink of sake cups, the soft tap of chopsticks against platefuls of divinity, and the buzz of hearty conversation, Tanuki accomplishes all izakaya sets out to do.

*On the waiting list? Go next door and visit one of my favorite bars in Portland, the equally Lilliputian M Bar. $3 champers from 6-8 pm.

Details

Cuisine: Japanese

Executive Chef: Janis Martin

Atmosphere: The vibe is social, jubilant and relaxing, you could easily go here with friends or alone

Outdoor seating: Yes, a smattering of patio tables along the side and front windows.

Best Seat: I love to sit at the bar in the front window

Noise Level: Boisterous, but normal conversation is possible

Bring the Kids: No, Tanuki has a firm “no children allowed” policy, since it is, after all, a bar

Bathrooms: Yes, go down the hallway in the back of the restaurant and turn left just after the refrigerator.

Parking: Street parking, ranges between difficult and nightmarish. Hopefully you have good parking karma

Cocktails: Yes, and the sake sangria is phenomenal

Beer: Yes, and it’s recommended as an accompaniment for some of the spicier dishes

Wine: Yes

Coffee: No

Tea: Varies

Ideal Meal: Duck heart kushiyaki (skewers), tantan udon (so spicy! Get beer!), dayboat scallop and asian pear salad, wild boar meatballs, honestly one of everything is the perfect meal

Vegetarian Friendly: Yes

Vegan Friendly: Yes

Good for the following occasions: Meal With Friends, Casual Date, Dining Solo

Group/Private Party Details: Groups aren’t accommodated, but you can rent the entire restaurant out for a private party. Call Janis for more info at

Reservations: No

Take-Out: No

Delivery: No

Deals: Wed $1 Ribs, Thu $5 Noodle Night, Sat $4 all saktails