Experience the delightful flavors of the Middle East at Tusk, consistently recognized as one of Portland’s best Middle Eastern restaurants. Now featuring a vibrant weekend happy hour, complete with an array of colorful cocktails and tantalizing small plates.
Celebrate the sunshine and good times at Tusk’s newly enhanced, all-season patio. The weekend happy hour offers the perfect opportunity to unwind and savor the exceptional culinary offerings in a relaxed and inviting setting.
My admiration for Tusk has been expressed before. This restaurant is a bright, airy, and beautiful space located on Burnside in East Portland, Oregon. Every detail at Tusk is carefully considered and expertly executed, from the elegant speckled plates and bowls to the charming smiley face coffee cups. The ambiance is further enhanced by a stunning bar area and comfortable European-style cafe chairs.
Of course, the true stars of Tusk are the exceptional food and beverages. You’re virtually guaranteed a fantastic meal no matter what you order. Portland diners can now relish the weekend happy hour experience on Saturdays and Sundays from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM!
Sip and Savor: Tusk’s Happy Hour Drinks
Tusk boasts an impressive wine list. If available, I highly recommend the Soter North Valley Rosé. It’s a beautifully elegant rosé, making it the perfect start to your happy hour experience. The crisp, refreshing notes are ideal for enjoying on a warm afternoon, and it pairs exceptionally well with the light, flavorful dishes on the happy hour menu.
The cocktails at Tusk are not just drinks; they are works of art, crafted with precision and creativity. They are visually stunning, making them perfect for sharing on Instagram. More importantly, they are absolutely DELICIOUS! One standout is the Hazy Jane ($13), a delightful concoction made with Reyka Vodka, almond, hibiscus, ginger, lemon, rose, and yogurt. This creates a luscious and sophisticated libation, ideal for a happy hour indulgence. The Hazy Jane is a testament to Tusk’s commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create unique and memorable flavor profiles. Other cocktail options include classic favorites with a Middle Eastern twist, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
A Culinary Adventure: Happy Hour Food at Tusk
The Happy Hour menu features some of Tusk’s regular menu items at special, reduced prices, along with some exclusive additions. Here are my top recommendations for your Tusk weekend happy hour culinary adventure:
Marinated Feta ($5) – This dish features creamy feta cheese marinated in za’atar and citrus, served with crisp flax crackers. The crackers provide the perfect textural contrast to the creamy feta, and the za’atar adds a delightful earthy and aromatic flavor. The citrus brightens the dish and balances the richness of the cheese. It’s an excellent value and a perfect way to start your happy hour.
Greens ($12) – This salad combines pecans, gouda, and crispy quinoa for a delightful mix of flavors and textures. While it appears light and refreshing, it’s surprisingly satisfying thanks to the crunchy pecans and quinoa. The gouda adds a touch of richness and complements the other ingredients perfectly. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something healthy and flavorful. The dressing is light and tangy, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients without being overpowering.
Chickpea Fries ($6) are served with green garlic, amba, and lemon. These fries are a unique and flavorful alternative to traditional potato fries. The green garlic adds a subtle garlicky flavor, while the amba (a tangy mango pickle) provides a sweet and savory kick. The lemon brightens the dish and balances the richness of the fries. The Hummus & Flatbread ($6) is always a fantastic starter option. Tusk’s hummus is made with tehina, paprika, and cumin, giving it a rich and flavorful profile. The warm, freshly baked flatbread is perfect for scooping up the creamy hummus.
Baked Haloumi ($9) – This dish features salty haloumi cheese baked in a spicy tomato sauce, topped with yogurt and nigella seeds. The combination of salty cheese, spicy tomato, and cool yogurt is incredibly satisfying. The nigella seeds add a subtle peppery flavor and a beautiful visual element. The haloumi is perfectly cooked, with a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, chewy interior.
Mujadara ($10) – This classic Middle Eastern dish consists of rice, lentils, crispy onions, labneh, and sumac. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends. The crispy onions add a delightful crunch, while the labneh (a strained yogurt cheese) provides a creamy and tangy element. The sumac adds a bright, citrusy flavor that ties all the ingredients together. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to please.
Casuela ($14) – This is my personal favorite! It features beef, mushrooms, tahina, and peanuts. I’m a big fan of casuelas in general, and Tusk makes them exceptionally well. The combination of savory beef, earthy mushrooms, creamy tahina, and crunchy peanuts is a flavor explosion. The casuela is rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a must-try for any food lover visiting Tusk.
If you’re searching for the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely afternoon with friends, sipping on beautiful cocktails and indulging in delicious Middle Eastern treats in a bright and inviting atmosphere, I highly recommend experiencing Tusk’s weekend happy hour! The combination of exceptional food, creative cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere makes Tusk a truly unforgettable dining destination in Portland.
Experience the Ambiance: Dining at Tusk
Tusk restaurant
2448 EAST BURNSIDE STREET
PORTLAND, OREGON 97214
503.894.8082
HOURS:
MON–WED: 5PM–10PM
THURS-FRI: 5PM-11PM
SAT: 9AM–11PM
SUN: 9AM–10PM
Weekend Happy Hour: 2:30 -5pm
Visit the Tusk restaurant website for more information and reservations.
I had the pleasure of attending a complimentary media happy hour at Tusk. As always, all opinions and photos are my own and reflect my genuine experience. I’ve been a long-time admirer of Tusk and have visited multiple times independently. I highly recommend giving Tusk a try – you won’t be disappointed! From the friendly staff to the meticulously crafted dishes, Tusk consistently delivers an exceptional dining experience. It’s a true gem in Portland’s vibrant culinary scene.