Yep, the kitchen door is the same – the door, wooden siding and a smattering of interesting paraphernalia once displayed in a case to the right of the bar.  The foot rest at the bar? It’s a piece of the old train track which which lived right outside the front door.

When you enter Produce Row Cafe, the entire restaurant looks different, but the spirit prevails. Established in 1974 (the oldest restaurant in the SE waterfront neighborhood), the spirit remains the same. I suppose this stands to reason when the man behind the hospitality is a mental health therapist gone developer who shies away from homogeneous environments and thrives on diversity. Alan Davis will tell you he believes the inherent principles underlying therapy and renovations are similar: both require a plan, functionality and the ability to provide care in a holistic environment. Sure, we’re following.

Portland’s all about local support, and The Row pleases. Local shops, supplies and salvage materials were used to build the antique booths and provide all the finish work, save a grip of New York subway tile from a school in the Bronx, which is cool. The mural was created by local artist Larry Kangas who has been “slinging paint on large surfaces for 35 years” (www.muralz.com), which is by far the “prettiest” touch to the new space; Davis didn’t want the new digs to glisten, he wanted to keep it local, relevant and functional.

Through the renovations, the essence of The Row remained in tact. It was historically the place to go to find the most important, domestic and craft beers, good food at an approachable price point and quality service in a chill environment where everyone is welcome; all still true today. Davis was never interested in appealing to just one group of folks or creating a fussy environment. He wanted The Row to be casual, comfortable with a whisper of style capable of accommodating date night, an office party or daily lunch for folks working in the SE waterfront neighborhood. It delivers, and provides interesting pop-culture programming.

During the summer, The Row hosts movies on the modern, wood-paneled patio. A newly installed awning covers the patio and heat lamps creating a dry, warm, outdoor environment for your year-round, film-viewing pleasure. On sunny summer Sunday afternoons, The Row hosts the “The Do Over,” a now deejay fest which originated in L.A. Six years and running, The Do Over is primarily an L.A. event. Portland is the only other city that has a set schedule (May-June) when The Row hosts the event. Lucky Portland. We’re BIG fans of this opportunity.

It’s tough to sum up The Row. It’s a traditional-English-pub-meets-antique-shop- meets-mom-and-pop restaurant where everyone is welcome and treated well. The spirit of the restaurant and neighborhood is alive and respected. And the food rocks. Overall, The Row is righteous. We dig it.

SAMPLE MENU SELECTIONS

FOOD
Pulled Pork Sliders  $7.50
shouse-pulled pork, gruyère cheese, sauerkraut, and barbecue sauce on sourdough rounds

Vini’s Red Eye Chili  $4.50
topped with cheddar cheese and onions

Beet  $4.50/$8
ohouse-roasted beets and creamy gorgonzola cheese served on a bed of mixed greens, tossed with balsamic vinaigrette

Row Burger  $9
1/2 lb Fulton beef (OR) with mayonnaise, sweet hot mustard, lettuce, crispy onion straws, tomato and dill pickle served on toasted brioche

Pulled Pork $8.50
house-pulled pork, cabbage slaw and melted cheddar cheese served on a french roll with choice of bbq or creamy jalapeño sauce

Mac and Cheese  $9
baked with Italian sausage, roasted corn, kale, cheddar cheese and cajun spices served with garlic bread

DRINK

The High Five  $5
Miller High Life / W.L. Weller Reserve (7 yr) The “Champagne of Beers” & a mild wheat bourbon with smooth flavors of dry caramel and wheat, backed by a long oak finish

The Copper Quill  $7
Anderson Valley Boont Amber Ale / Eagle Rare Single Barrel (10 yr) A rich and malty medium-bodied amber ale & a rye bourbon with a lasting caramel-sweet, yet dry, balanced complexity

Oak Street Cooler  $8
Beefeater Gin, lime, basil, and cucumber shaken and poured over ice

The Bourbon Ginger  $8
Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Fentiman’s Ginger Beer, Peychauds bitters, and fresh ginger

Portland Coffee  $8
House Spirits White Dog Whiskey, Baileys, Tuaca, and Water Avenue coffee topped with fresh whipped cream and nutmeg