Crispy Gai

Food was unbelievable. So fresh and flavorful. Interesting menu with lots of options. Server was helpful about gluten allergies. Everything was delicious. We came with our dog and sat outside, great meal.

So I think this is my favorite restaurant in Portland right now. Over and over, when someone asks "Where should we go for great cocktails and food that isn't crazy expensive?", it's an easy answer...Crispy Gai. I've been four times this summer so far. Think of it this way...the cocktail program rivals the best in the Old Port (Arvid Brown is easily a top bar manager downtown), it's the best Thai-ish food next to Boda, the atmosphere is great, and you'll feast and be tipsy for $50. I can't rave enough...if you're looking for something different than the usual seafood options, this should be a top pick. From my experience... -The pork skewers ($13) and the Pad See Ew ($18, and basically a pork Pad Thai that is my favorite in Portland) are mandatory orders. You'll be fairly full off just this. -The fried rice ($11) and Khao Soi Gai ($17) are also great choices. Supposedly the Crispy Waterfall ($15) is one of the best on the menu, which I need to try. -Surprisingly, the fried chicken and wings are my least favorite items on the menu. They're great. But to some extent, chicken is chicken, and the rest of the menu is so good that I find myself rarely ordering the wings. -There are about 15 cocktails on the menu ($12-$15), ranging from creative takes on classics to all new creations. It's nearly impossible to go wrong. Crispy Gai is as much a cocktail bar as a restaurant. But unlike other cocktail bars downtown, you'll find it impossible to not order food. -Much of the menu is gluten free and the restaurant is very conscious of dietary restrictions. There's a time for Scales. But most other times, I find myself gravitating towards Crispy Gai. It already gets crowds and I hate to further give away the secret...but this should be near the top of most lists.