45th Street Bar & Grill
By Ardis Hedrick
The 45th Street Pub and Grill is a sports bar with big ideas. The newly remodeled club is a sports lover's dream come true, but it has lots more to offer. This writer and friend visited the popular venue for its Grand Opening weekend.
The joint was jumpin' on arrival with a happy, well-mannered and diverse crowd. A friendly waitress, was kept busy by the Grand Opening turnout. The venue offers a casual, mellow atmosphere.
New owner Bob Ordlin is an auto racing aficionado and champion driver. The pub is a reflection of his character and special interests. He has stocked his pub with a CD jukebox, video games, darts and Oregon Lottery Games; never a dull moment here.
Step into "The Clubhouse" and admire the spacious pool room. It's apparent the Pub already has a serious following in this department. The April Shower Pool Tourney start April 3rd and future tourneys are scheduled.
The 45th Street Pub's menu features many appealing choices in the way of sandwiches, such as the Deuce Coupe (roast beef), the Roadster (a traditional BLT), or several humongous burgers like the Pole Sitter that contains everything but the kitchen sink. Don't miss the breakfast menu's Chassis Builder, the four Barrel & Headers (fish and chips) or the Tunnel Ram (teriyaki chicken with the works).
The theme is clever and the fare offers a refreshingly diverse change from the typical bar menu. Side orders newly available run the gamut from Oriental and Cajun to Mexican. It just may be hard to decide between tempura battered shrimp, Cajun wings or the combo burrito platter. Whatever you may crave, from snacks to full meals at reasonable prices, the pub has you covered. You can even call in your to-go orders at 2467061. Watch for specials on the large selection of beers domestic and imports, bottled and tapped, microbrews and "name brands." There's surely something that will suit your taste. This writer and friend actually started out with a couple Mocha Frappachinos, so be bold in your beverage choice. The pub is working on getting its hard liquor license soon, too.
If the food and the sports aren't enough for you, the ub has music now too. Brian C and Alive and Well got the crowd moving during this visit with a danceable groove and a versatility that allowed the band to move from funk to pop to blues and back again. They particularly shone on their Chicago Blues flavored numbers and the blues/rock raveups that featured work from the saxophone player. The tight rhythm section of bass and drums ably backed up the funky, passionate guitar work and vocals of Brian C. Check this month's Music on Tap for upcoming music.
Guaranteed you won't be bored if you stop by the 45th Street Pub and Grill. You won't go away hungry and if you come during the music, beware of happy feet.