The Oregonian - XV how cool can you get? | by diana abu-jaber Dani, the world's greatest bartender, is here with a fabulous smile to greet you as you walk in; the jukebox is free up 'til 7 p.m. and happy hour's a bargain. XV is enormously popular with a young, post-work crowd that comes for imaginative drinks and recreational dining, grazing at will among a variety of good-sized small dishes. cuisine | Eclectic, Caribbean-inflected tapas. menu | about 20 small plates ($2-$9) and two desserts ($4) extras | Full bar; Visa and Mastercard; disabled access; street parking Atmosphere | Exposed brick, exposed pipes, exposed goddess statue. Strategic pinpoint lighting. The place has at least three degrees of hipness, from the buzzing bar area to the moody dining room to -- best of all -- the upstairs lounge, with its leather couches and low tables, which takes living room ambience to its apex. Condiments arrive on the table in silver buckets, and you can pick your favorite utensils -- fork and knife or chopsticks. Must-have dishes | Timeless favorite crispy coconut shrimp are hot, plump morsels; saffron chicken, braised in onions, garlic and coconut milk, is butter-tender; Caribbean fish and chips features sweet, mild catfish in a crispy, amber sleeve of batter; delicately flavored goat cheese pizza has a slim, snappy crust. The pear and ginger rum tart is also an eye-opening delight. Reason to go | Wonderful drinks, a zesty, lively atmosphere and the fun of getting to order all sorts of things on the menu without ever filling up.
The Portland Mercury - XV XV does plenty of things right | by quinn viladas 15 SW 2nd Ave, 790-9090 http://www.xvpdx.com/ Nestled between Burnside and the Shanghai Tunnel on SW 2nd Ave is XV, a brand new, proud (but not pretentious) bar that inspires intimacy with one or many. It's the kind of place where you can learn something new about your best friend. It's lovely, not because it's perfect, but because it gets an A for Effort.
Marc Byrne (former manager for Bruce Carey at Saucebox) and his staff are putting something real into this restaurant. They work hard on the food, which isn't too spendy, and the cocktails are sublime--a genuine taste of the islands. Try the Grand Cayman or sample a Brazilian Caipirinha made from cachaÁa (sugarcane brandy) and limes.
Marc implements the magic formula in making XV: It's a bar/restaurant (not the other way around) with a distinct identity. The black walls are cave-like, the rooms are lit by oodles of candles, and the bar is separated from the dining room so you can have some distance without losing your edge. This would be the perfect place for a certain glammy Vampire Slayer and her posse, though they might have to put the smackdown on a few well-dressed vamps.
The food is mostly Caribbean, which some would say battles the goth-gone-good vibe. But both food and atmosphere are so confidently executed, you don't question whether they're an appropriate match. There wasn't one thing I tried I didn't like (which is saying something). I was moved by the Vegetarian Salad Rolls, Coconut Onion Rings, Jerked sandwiches, and Beef Picadillo (Sloppy Joe-licious!). Weird-but-good options include the Conch Fritters with spicy papaya sauce and the Curried Goat Stew. In addition to transcendent cocktails and a reasonably priced wine list, beers are both high and low-brow (any bar that serves Pacifico is dreamy).
Although some of the art work didn't send me, and the staff/crowd ratio still needs attention, it doesn't matter. XV does plenty of things right, and the rest is in details that time will take care of. This joint is delish, but what it represents could be even sweeter. Could this mean more Portland bars and restaurants are on the way that can be cheap and classy?
Citysearch editorial review | by nancy levenson Eat, drink and be stylish at the center of downtown's club scene.
The Scene Exposed brick and low lighting set the scene. With so many other nighttime destinations nearby, XV is teeming with lively groups of well-dressed bar hoppers on weekends. Seating is plentiful, but arriving early isn't a bad idea, especially if a cozy couch is your preferred resting spot or you'd like to take control of the jukebox--choose from soulful singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong to rockers like the Velvet Underground.
The draw Specialty drinks like the Naughty Girl Lemonade and the Green Envy are tasty and pack a punch, but the handful of beer and wine selections are a bit easier on the wallet. XV is more than just a drinking destination. Food flavors lean toward Caribbean, with creative twists such as grilled jerked squid and coconut saffron chicken. Diners on a budget will delight in the well-priced snacks like yam fries and roti (grilled flatbread).
AOL
This neighborhood is home to many of Portland's rockingest nightclubs, including XV (pronounced "15"). But surprisingly, this hot spot offers excellent Caribbean food as well as good music and strong booze. Chef Lorenzo Daliana's spicy fare transcends predictable greasy bar food. Standouts include yam cakes with green mango relish, grilled Jamaican jerked squid and a curried vegetable patty. The place is a bar, so come early to truly enjoy your supper before the yahoos arrive. The crowd is young and friendly here; extensive cocktail choices and an affordable wine list lubricate the conversations. Added bonus | an excellent jukebox. In August 2001, XV switched to an all-appetizer menu.