The Gilded Panther: Prowling SE Belmont

Always on the prowl for good food and good drinks, the Panther has been spending a lot of time pacing the stretch of SE Belmont St. between 33rd and 34th Avenues, across the street from the Belmont Dairy. This little block is jam packed with some of the best bars and food in Portland.

Anchored on the corner at 33rd is Saint Cupcake. Read the Panther's blog about Saint Cupcake here: http://thegildedpanther.blogspot.com/2011/08/cupcake-crazy.html

Next to Saint Cupcake is a fantastic little store called Noun. Definitely stop in to Noun and take a look around. Then we hit the first stop on the Panther's prowl, Dick's Kitchen.

Dick's Kitchen is a bright and cheery little diner. This isn't your typical diner however. Dick's owner has studied the effects that processed foods, sugars, fats, and dairy have on inflammation and other metabolism related disorders and has created a menu of delicious diner food that is made exclusively with local ingredients that are sustainable and humane. The beef is all grass-fed, the "not fries" are air baked hand-cut potatoes, and there are plenty of vegan options as well. Dick's Kitchen is doing something right. A second location is due to open in NW soon.

Delicious diner food from Dick's Kitchen

Dick's Kitchen

3312 SE Belmont

http://www.dkportland.com/

Just down a couple of doors is The Sweet Hereafter. This is a 100% vegan bar but meat-eaters should not be scared away by this. The food here is so amazing that I crave it. I cannot stop thinking about the Jamaican Bowl: jerk-spiced tofu, black beans, and coconut kale over brown rice. This dish is so flavorful and delicious. Also not-to-be missed is the Buffalo Sub: a sandwich full of buffalo spiced soy curls, on crusty bread. This sandwich is so spicy and amazing. You'd never guess you aren't eating chicken. The drinks here are amazing as well. They pour generously here. The space is cozy and bustling and has excellent lighting (something the Panther always takes note of.) A large patio in back is a popular spot on warm evenings.

The Sweet Hereafter's gorgeous well-stocked bar

The Jamaican Bowl... 100% vegan goodness!

The Sweet Hereafter

3326 SE Belmont

Next stop is Circa 33. This sexy bar is all about superb cocktails. The name, Circa 33 not only refers to the neighborhood location, but also is an homage to 1933; the year prohibition was repealed. The towering back bar is beautifully stocked with almost every kind of liquor imaginable. The bartenders are extremely knowledgable and can serve up some pretty delicious cocktails. The food here is delicious as well. They smoke all of their own meats on site and have smoked burgers, pork, trout and salmon on their menu. The interior is beautiful but their patio is so charming. The alleyway outside the space has become their outdoor seating area. A translucent awning covers above to let the sunlight in but keep the rain out. The narrow alleyway is lined with lanterns and hanging flower baskets giving the space the feel of a narrow European street. It is quite charming and a very pleasant dining experience.

Circa 33's charming alleyway patio

Circa 33

3348 SE Belmont

http://www.circa33bar.com/

Anchoring the other end of the block is the Aalto Lounge. Inspired by modernist Finnish designer, Alvar Aalto, this bar is dark, sleek, and simple. The cocktails here are strong and traditional and the French wine list is fairly extensive. End the evening here with an excellent cappuccino, perfectly foamed.