Shopping downtown is much more interesting than an afternoon at the mall in the suburbs. There is an endless supply of homeless/begger/street entertainer/run-aways that make every block a little more exciting than the last. You get to pay $1.60 an hour to park and you get rained on between each store.
But for some reason, the energy of downtown Portland means I am willing to drive a little further and take a little longer. There is something better about getting a cappuccino from a career barista at an independent coffee house that roasts their own beans than waiting in line at the cookie cutter Starbucks.
On a recent shopping trip I decided to duck into Urban Farmer at the Nines Hotel for an afternoon snack. The Nines sits in what was once the downtown Meier and Frank department store, now the hotel occupies the top floors while Macy’s fills the street level. After an elevator ride up to the 8th floor lobby of the hotel it is one right turn and you are standing infront of the Urban Farmer Restaurant. The restaurant fills the atrium of the hotel, there are no views, but the skylights above allow for beautiful natural lighting, even on a rainy day. I saddled up at the bar and enjoyed a selection of Happy Hour Bites. The bar features a barrel of whiskey from House Spirits that is being aged behind the bar.
Mac & Cheese and the Charcuterie Board
The Happy Hour menu is affordable and also offers discounts on house wine and draft beer. The crowd tends to be a blend of business people and shoppers alike. Service at the bar is attentive and portions are great for sharing, or making a whole meal for one out of a few selections.
