O'Connors restaurants are favorites of Portland patrons since 1933.

O'Connors' motto is "Where Montana People meet the rest of the World." No matter which part of the world you come from, you'll enjoy the food and the service at either of their establishments.

O'Connor's main restaurant is located in downtown Portland at 826 S.W. 2nd Avenue, in the Yamhill Market Building. One of this writer's favorite things about this place is spring/summer/fall seasons. During that time, it turns into a great sidewalk cafe, with many patrons opting to dine "al fresco!" They also offer rooftop music and parties.

O'Connors' other location is in Multnomah Village, at 7850 S.W. Capitol Highway. That location is also very popular.

Lisa Crombie, who has worked at that location for three-and-a-half years, tells P.E., "Our restaurant is a little more rustic than the downtown location. Our menu is basically the same - Tex/Mex/Cajun, with nightly specials. We have great gumbos. We're kind of located in an area here that's full of antique shops - sort of like the Sellwood area."

This writer visited the downtown location and had a wonderful experience. The room has high ceilings, with exposed metal support beams, nice wooden tables and chairs. The huge wrap around bar was totally packed with customers on the stools, enjoying appetizers and their favorite beverage.

The north wall is a collage of posters of upcoming music and theatrical events; and really lends the space a neighborhood feel, despite its downtown location.

Cocktails, wine and beer, as well as juices and soft drinks are served. The food is the star of the show. Appetizers included BBQ pork (Chinese style), steamer clams and quesadillas.

The daily specials that Saturday night were New York Steaks topped with a cajun andouille sauce; seafood gumbo with fresh salmon, tuna, oysters and shrimp; grilled Tombo tuna with mango chutney and linguini with roasted chicken and red and green peppers in a garlic parmesan cream sauce. They also serve burgers, as well as muffletta - a New Orleans Style sandwich. All orders are available with french fries, hush puppies or tossed salad.

Gourmet pizzas are also a treat, and you can pick special selections like a New Orleans-style pizza or "Turkish Delight" with eggplant, mushrooms and garlic.

Breakfast is your standard fare with generous portions. New Orleans is also represented by seafood gumbo, chicken gumbo, red beans and rice and shrimp creole on the menu.

On Thursday and Saturday, live music is featured in the banquet room. This night, every table and chair was taken - totally packed - with listeners lining the walls while grooving to the sounds of Hoover's Closet. Other acts include jazz guitarist Cam Newton and rock'n'roll Portland legend Steve Bradley.