While Radar Restaurant is no longer serving its delectable dishes, we invite you to take a look back at what made this North Mississippi Avenue gem so special. This review offers a glimpse into the ambiance, cuisine, and overall experience that once defined Radar.

I remember the first time I ventured into Radar Restaurant on North Mississippi Avenue in Portland. It was a quintessential Portland evening – dark, stormy, and unapologetically wet. The rain was coming down sideways, a common occurrence that no true Portlander would dare combat with an umbrella. The moon, playing peek-a-boo through the clouds, cast an eerie glow, setting a scene straight out of a suspenseful film.

Just as I felt like I was about to step into a B-movie horror scene, I walked through the doors of Radar, and the narrative instantly transformed.

Looking for other amazing places to eat and drink in Portland, Oregon? Don’t miss our Urban Bliss Life Portland Restaurant Guide for more recommendations!

Stepping inside, I was greeted by the warm, flickering glow of candlelight, reminiscent of lanterns guiding ships to shore during a storm. The restaurant enveloped me with its exposed brick walls, intimate seating arrangements, and the gentle hum of activity emanating from the open kitchen. The storm outside seemed to fade into a distant memory as I happily settled into what felt like the coziest neighborhood spot I had encountered in a long time.

Radar: A Portland Culinary Experience (Remembered)

Tucked away between other establishments on the lively North Mississippi Avenue, Radar could easily be overlooked. The restaurant’s name, subtly etched above the narrow entrance, blended somewhat quietly into the street’s bustling atmosphere. Missing it, however, would have been a mistake.

Radar was an inviting restaurant that served Northwest cuisine with a Scandinavian twist, complemented by inventive and exceptionally flavorful cocktails. The restaurant was the brainchild of husband-and-wife team Lily Tollefsen and Jonathan Berube and named after Tollefsen’s father – Skip Radar Tollefson. A Long Island-based restaurateur and artist, he was the creator of the large nautical painting that adorned the back wall of the restaurant.

Skip Radar – A man who embodied coolness long before it became a mainstream trend. His namesake restaurant lived up to his legacy.

Craft Cocktails at Radar (A Fond Memory)

Radar’s galley-style space featured a long bar along one side. Behind it, Lilly Tollefsen crafted an array of beers, ciders, wines, and a selection of expertly mixed cocktails.

During one memorable visit, I sampled the Fairgame cocktail. This delightful concoction featured Appleton rum, sherry, lime, marmalade, and mint. It was the perfect rum-based beverage to warm me up on a cold Portland night.

Thoughtful Salads

Radar’s dishes were designed for sharing. The portion sizes were generous, making them ideal for two people to split two to four plates and create a complete meal.

Unlike some restaurants where salads seem like an afterthought, Radar’s salads were thoughtfully prepared and just as delicious and satisfying as the other dishes on the menu.

The Butter Lettuce Salad (pictured above) with shaved radish, scallion, and green goddess dressing was the perfect light bite to quell immediate hunger pangs. The combination of butter lettuce and radish is a personal favorite, making this salad a standout.

Small Plates: A Culinary Adventure

Deviled eggs have made a comeback on restaurant menus, and Radar’s version was a delightful interpretation.

Radar Restaurant’s Deviled Eggs Three Ways (pictured above) offered a creamy and flavorful experience with toppings like bacon, piquillo pepper, and trout roe.

The House Gravlax, featuring potato cakes with pickled Fresno chile and herbed crème fraiche, was another highly recommended dish.

The Lacinato Kale Salad, made with sultanas, mint, and a peanut dressing, was a vibrant and flavorful option.

The Ras El Hanout Fried Shrimp, served with preserved lemon aioli and shishito powder, was a delightful dish with a satisfyingly crunchy coating.

A personal favorite was the Smoked Pork Shoulder. At Radar Restaurant, it was served on grit cakes and topped with a chile purée.

The Smoked Bluefish Patê, served with house-pickled vegetables and house-baked bread, was a specialty. Smoked bluefish was flown in weekly from the Northeast to create this unique dish.

Radar also featured a long table in a charming covered outdoor area, ideal for groups.

Radar was also known as a fantastic brunch spot. While I didn’t have the opportunity to experience their brunch menu firsthand, I have no doubt it was as exceptional as their happy hour and dinner offerings.

Remembering Radar Restaurant

Now that Radar is closed, its memory serves as a reminder of the special moments and culinary experiences it offered. It was a place to enjoy a quiet drink, share delicious snacks with friends, or savor a soul-soothing meal alone.

While we are saddened by the closure, we encourage you to explore the many other wonderful restaurants that Portland has to offer.

More Portland Restaurants to Explore

Looking for a place to eat and drink in Portland, Oregon? Be sure to read the full Urban Bliss Life Portland Restaurant Guide!

• Canard Restaurant
• Bamboo Sushi
• Olympia Provisions
• Bullard Tavern
• Bar Casa Vale