If Café Mingo is the plump, reliable older sister where you go to get a “yes” out of a marriage proposal then Bar Mingo is the younger brother where you take your beloved every other Friday night.  Bar Mingo is younger than Café Mingo, more casual and less expensive with the same neighborhood “see and be seen” atmosphere as Café Mingo and Serratto.

The atmosphere is upscale NW where you’ll find yourself sitting next to West Hills types with successful careers.  You’ll want to freshen up before hanging out in the warm, modern lounge decorated with floral accents. The food and wine are the big draws at Bar Mingo. Chef Jerry Huisinga is a fantastic chef and Michael Cronan is a phenomenal restaurateur so there are no flaws their execution. The food is simple Italian. Focused on simplistic flavors. We tried the sausage. It was filling and we also ordered the Lamb meatballs – it was a high protein night – but they do have delicious salads and homemade pastas if you’re not into meat.

What’s interesting about this restaurant is that the price point is really reasonable.  You can eat expertly prepared, simple, exquisite food for $5. Seriously. It could be chalked up to Cronan’s restaurant expertise and economic timing. Wouldn’t put it past Cronan to open a reasonable, upscale lounge just when the public demand for lesser prices without compromising experience would be at an all time high.  After all, he is the Portland restaurant godfather.

We spoke with a couple of frequent diners who told us that they crab salad was a “destination salad” and that they love the mussels. The wine list is excellent and crowd is of mixed ages throughout the night with older people eating early while younger people are trying taking advantage of filling up at happy hour.  Later in the night turns more party atmosphere but the delicious dining is available all night.