Alexis - The Good Side of Burnside
posted on October 14th, 2008 in Portland
the lowdown: Alexis | 215 W Burnside, Portland, OR 97209 | 503.224.8577 | Website | Lunch, Dinner | Entrees $8.95 - $19.95 | ***
More work lunch choices!
Although my weekend was productive teaming up with The Clumsy Kid to register voters in front of People’s Co-Op, attending a Pentecostal church service in Oregon City for a class assignment, and catching a showing of Guys and Dolls at the Armory, I didn’t manage to dine anywhere new. As a result, this post reaches far back into the past to a lunch date I had with an old co-worker. This is his favorite place and for me it is another spot to put on the list of work friendly lunch joints.
At night, Alexis is in the heart of crack deals, homeless shelters, hobos, and strip clubs and seems an unlikely place for fine Greek dining. The restaurant entrance is quite inconspicuous and unless you knew what it was, you would think it was another gritty space trafficking in maleficence. In actuality, it is quite opposite. The expansive space opens to carefully prepared dining tables, nicely dressed servers, and articulately crafted dishes. Much to my dismay there is only one vegan friendly dish, but that is typical for work outings. At least the Gyros Vegetarian ($8.95) is very fresh and healthy. You will need to have them hold the feta but they are happy to do so. Another thing to note, their homous has a much lighter consistency and color than I am accustomed to, so don’t be alarmed if you think it looks like yogurt sauce. My only concern is if you visit after dark, leave your bike at home. Opa!
Alexis is a absolutely a diamond in the rough. Great food and service. Of course you have to know it’s there first, and find the entrance!
I’ve been curious about this place - I know their pita bread is sold around town (and wtf, has corn syrup, I believe). Pricey gyro, though!
Hey Dave! You are absolutely right! I really enjoyed it!
Hey jess! Not sure about the corn syrup…it is a spendy place but worth it!
They have a delicious, and unusual, eggplant dip there, called melitzano, which you can also buy in stores. (New Seasons has it, I believe.) I’m 99% sure it’s vegan. It is nothing like baba ganoush… it’s green, and tastes garlicky and lemony. You kind of need to have it in small doses because it’s a strong flavor, but I really like it.
Good idea!!! I am going to include that in my next New Seasons order! I had no idea that they distributed food to local stores!
I go there for lunch a couple of times a year and can get out cheap.
A couple of good vegan options are - lentil soup, hummus with side salad. I’ve also been told that the fava beans are vegan without the cheese. It’s a fun place.
hi hi hi bk! Thanks for letting us in on your secret! Good to know!
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