Note: Aviary PDX, a renowned restaurant in Portland, Oregon, is now closed. This article reflects on its legacy and the unforgettable experiences it offered.
There was a time, long before the beautiful chaos of parenthood, when I reigned as the undisputed “Happy Hour Queen” of my urban domain. Ask me about the best spots for a five-dollar cocktail that tasted like a million, a hearty appetizer menu under three bucks, or the most sophisticated or trendiest pre-hipster happy hours, and I had the intel. My social calendar in my twenties was a vibrant tapestry woven with two, three, or even four evenings a week dedicated to exploring Portland’s dynamic happy hour scene. It was a thrilling pursuit, a quest for culinary and mixological excellence at an unbeatable price.
Life, as it often does, pivots. While children haven’t entirely curbed my adventurous spirit, they have certainly recalibrated my schedule. Happy hour, that cherished golden window, now coincides with what I affectionately term “Crazy Hour” at home – the frantic dash of dinner, bath, and bedtime routines. For many fellow parents, especially moms, there’s a collective nod of solemn understanding in this shared reality. The spontaneous excursions for discounted gourmet bites and handcrafted drinks become a logistical feat, a dream deferred until the stars (and babysitters) align.
So, when an esteemed invitation landed in my inbox from the wonderful team at Little Green Pickle – an opportunity to revisit Aviary PDX for happy hour, learn the secrets behind my all-time favorite cocktail, and mingle with fellow food and drink bloggers – I didn’t hesitate. It was an emphatic “YES!” A chance to reclaim a slice of my former happy hour glory, even amidst the backdrop of my new life stage. This wasn’t just any happy hour; it was an exclusive peek behind the curtain of one of Portland’s most celebrated culinary establishments, a rare occasion that promised both nostalgia and novel discovery.
Aviary PDX: A Culinary Landmark in Portland’s Food Scene
Located at 1733 NE Alberta Street in the heart of Portland, Oregon, Aviary PDX carved out a significant niche in the city’s bustling culinary landscape. While I had enjoyed several exquisite dinner experiences there, its happy hour menu had remained, until this invitation, an uncharted territory for me. My previous visits had already solidified my conviction: Aviary was home to some of the most innovative and delightful dishes I had ever encountered. The culinary prowess of the team was consistently a source of pleasant surprise, each bite an explosion of joy and unexpected flavor combinations.
The magic at Aviary stemmed from the collaborative genius of three exceptional chefs: Sarah Pliner, Katherine Whitehead, and Jasper Shen. Their collective vision birthed a menu that eloquently celebrated local flavors, reimagining them with what they termed a “twist on refined food served in casual style.” This philosophy translated into dishes that were sophisticated in concept and execution yet approachable and comforting. Trusting the Aviary kitchen was effortless; every item on their menu, from the most familiar to the most adventurous, promised and delivered a memorable gastronomic experience. It was a place where culinary boundaries were gracefully pushed, and diners were always left impressed by the creativity and quality.
Gastronomic Delights: Exploring Aviary’s Happy Hour Menu
Aviary’s happy hour menu was nothing short of a culinary revelation, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of innovative and utterly delicious plates, each priced between a remarkable $2 and $6. This made the experience not only delightful but also incredibly accessible, allowing guests to sample a wider array of the chefs’ creativity without breaking the bank. It was a testament to Aviary’s commitment to making exceptional dining experiences available to all.
Among the standout offerings were the gorgeous, incredibly fresh Kusshi oysters, available for just $2 each. These Pacific Northwest gems, known for their creamy texture and subtle sweetness, were served impeccably, often with a delicate mignonette that enhanced their natural brininess. They were the perfect sophisticated start to any happy hour, a clean and refreshing palate cleanser that hinted at the culinary journey ahead.
For the more adventurous food lover, the trotters and eggs, priced at $5 per plate during happy hour, were an absolute triumph. This dish was a masterclass in texture and flavor, combining the rich, savory depth of slow-cooked pork trotters with the delicate creaminess of eggs, perhaps fried or soft-poached, creating a harmonious and hearty bite that was complex and deeply satisfying. It showcased the kitchen’s ability to elevate humble ingredients into a truly gourmet experience, pushing the boundaries of traditional happy hour fare.
Another dish that garnered immense praise was the Brussel Sprouts Nachos, also $5 per plate. This innovative creation was a stunning plate of layered goodness, defying conventional expectations of “nachos.” Instead of tortilla chips, crispy roasted Brussels sprouts formed the base, piled high with an array of complementary toppings – perhaps a creamy cheese sauce, tangy pickled onions, a hint of spice, and fresh herbs – resulting in a vibrant and unforgettable dish that was both comforting and surprisingly light. It perfectly encapsulated Aviary’s ethos of taking familiar concepts and imbuing them with a refined, creative twist.
And then there were the tempura green beans, a personal favorite and a reliable standby, available for $6 during happy hour. These were the ideal treat for guests who might be less inclined towards culinary experimentation, offering a comforting yet exquisitely prepared option. The green beans, lightly battered and fried to a perfect crisp, were a deceptively simple dish whose refined flavors spoke volumes about the creativity at the heart of the Aviary kitchen. They served as a gentle introduction, easing diners into a trust with the “food gods behind the counter” and offering a glimpse into the magical culinary powers they possessed. Even in a seemingly straightforward dish, Aviary managed to convey an unmistakable sense of artistry and attention to detail. The full Aviary happy hour menu, a testament to their innovative spirit, was always available online for eager diners to peruse and plan their gastronomic adventure.
The Art of Mixology: Aviary’s Unforgettable Cocktails
While the food at Aviary was consistently outstanding, it was the cocktails that truly captured my heart and imagination. More specifically, it was the masterful creations of Aviary barman Russ Hunsinger, whose skill transformed mixology into an art form. His ability to craft complex, balanced, and utterly delicious drinks was unparalleled, and his signature creation, the Brix Layer, became my favorite cocktail in the entire world.
As a devoted bourbon enthusiast – truly, anything beginning with the letter “B” tends to catch my attention, be it bourbon, bacon, or the Beastie Boys – the Brix Layer spoke directly to my soul. Buffalo Trace, a remarkably versatile and budget-friendly bourbon, frequently featured in many of Portland’s best cocktails, and it found its perfect canvas in Hunsinger’s hands. With the Brix Layer, he artfully smoothed out the inherent smokiness of bourbon, weaving a tapestry of flavors that was both intricate and harmonious. The preparation was meticulous: cubed sugar, fresh cherries, and slices of orange were muddled to create vibrant house-made bitters, then expertly combined with Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, and a generous splash of Cabernet Sauvignon. The result was nothing short of liquid poetry – a luscious, sweet, complex, and richly layered journey toward bourbon bliss. Each sip revealed new depths, a testament to Hunsinger’s profound understanding of flavor profiles and his dedication to the craft.
Russ Hunsinger, captured in the image below, was truly a mix master magician. His cocktails possessed a captivating diversity, much like a cherished group of girlfriends – each distinctly original, yet each undeniably lovely in its own unique way. He had an innate talent for creating drinks that catered to every palate, from the subtly nuanced to the boldly flavorful.
During our special happy hour event, Hunsinger not only guided us through the intricate steps of recreating the Brix Layer but also provided ample opportunities to sample Aviary’s other exquisite cocktail offerings alongside the delicious happy hour food. This combination of education and indulgence perhaps explains why my iPhone notes from the cocktail demo became progressively more cryptic and enthusiastic as the evening wore on! The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with clinking glasses, lively conversation, and the shared appreciation for expertly crafted beverages.
Among the other libations sampled, one fellow diner ordered the Opera Sidecar. This drink was an incredible symphony – and yes, I absolutely meant to use that word – of tart and sweet. Crafted with elegant Clear Creek pear brandy, the smooth, vanilla-infused Italian liqueur Tuaca, and Aviary’s vibrant house sours, it presented a beautifully balanced and refreshing experience, as seen on the left in the image below. Another blogger indulged in the sinfully sweet One Night in Bangkok. This tropical concoction featured vodka, aromatic kafir lime leaves, fragrant lemongrass, and zesty lime, creating an exotic and utterly delicious escape in a glass, visible as the middle cocktail in the same image. Each drink was a testament to the bar team’s creativity and skill, offering a unique journey for the palate.
Amidst the delightful chatter, the clinking of glasses, and the enjoyment of Aviary’s happy hour offerings, I also had the pleasure of admiring the restaurant’s enchanting garden. Located adjacent to the back of the establishment, it was a truly beautiful plot of paradise, a serene oasis in the urban landscape. This vibrant green space likely contributed to Aviary’s farm-to-table ethos, perhaps supplying fresh herbs and produce directly to the kitchen and bar. The garden was such an integral part of the restaurant’s charm and commitment to fresh, local ingredients that I simply had to capture its beauty in a photograph, sharing a glimpse of this peaceful haven.
Aviary PDX was more than just a restaurant; it was a destination where culinary artistry, innovative mixology, and a welcoming ambiance converged to create unforgettable dining experiences. Even though its doors are now closed, its legacy as a trailblazer in the Portland food scene continues to resonate. It was a place where creativity flourished, ingredients were celebrated, and every guest felt like part of a special, exclusive gathering. Its commitment to quality, its inventive menu, and its exceptional cocktails left an indelible mark on the palates and memories of all who visited.
Aviary PDX: Contact & Historical Information
For those curious about this beloved Portland establishment, here are the historical contact details:
http://www.aviarypdx.com
1733 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211
[email protected]
(503) 287-2400
Historical Happy Hour:
Monday-Friday 5 – 7pm
Historical Hours of Operation:
Monday-Thursday 5-10pm
Friday-Saturday 5-11pm
Sunday closed