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Aalto Lounge
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Restaurants American (Traditional) Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Lounges, American (Traditional), Wine Bars [Edit]
3356 SE Belmont StPortland, OR 97214
Neighborhoods: Southeast Portland, Belmont, Sunnyside
(503) 235-6041
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 4 pm - 2:30 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
64 reviews for Aalto Lounge
Review Highlights
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"I love a place that understands Happy Hour." In 17 reviews -
"...favorite place to get a drink and hang out with my peeps." In 5 reviews -
"it can get a little too cool for school in this place, and..." In 3 reviews
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64 reviews in English
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Review from Sarah B.
1/16/2012
It's absolutely refreshing to get attentive, genuine and friendly service when out and about in Portland, which often seems like the land of 'customers who like the abuse.' Here, we got a super-sweet cocktail waitress who at least seemed to be in the biz because she actually LIKES people, not because she needs something to do on Saturday nights besides apply ironic eyeliner.
Outside the service, I really dig this bar. We snagged the window seating, which meant people watching through the window. The atmosphere is cozy and mellow, with low lighting and a general low-key atmosphere. There's tasty and reasonably-priced pub grub for veggies and omnivores, affordable and yummy drinks, a good happy hour and great service. Our cocktail waitress called us "y'all" and "hon."
It's a little oddly attached to a pizza place, which makes it kinda-sorta hard to navigate to, although I don't think I want the Great Unwasheds discovering this place quite yet. I want it all to myself. -
Review from Corrie H.
Portland, OR
5/18/2012
I'd heard that Aalto was hipster-esque, and that it was the place to be seen, and that it would be very full of young 20-somethings.
None of these turned out to be true.
We went on a deadly quiet Thursday night, and discovered that, besides us, there was only one other (30-ish) couple in the place. The decor felt a little more tired than I expected, and the atmosphere was nothing in particular. It was just dark-ish, and quiet-ish.
The service, though, was outstanding. The bartender pulled off a perfect mix of attentive and non-intrusive. I am not sure how he did it, but it was great.
The cocktails were fine--better than McMenamins, less good than Sapphire Hotel/Swift/Yakuza.
The food was fine too. It was less highbrow than I was expecting, but there were decent portions, and it was tasty enough. The meat and cheese plate we had ($10) was nice, but the buffalo chicken dip with chips ($5.00) was the surprise hit of the evening.
I won't go back for the atmosphere or the cocktails, but I will go back for the service and the buffalo dip! -
Review from Lani P.
Portland, OR
3/14/2012
Absolutely the kind of place I think of when I think of a wine bar. Dark, earthy feel to the room, candlelit, very romantic and rustic. They had Malbec!! And in fact, if I remember right, they had more than one!! I only stayed here for a glass or two, but certainly will return for more.
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Review from Deanna N.
11/5/2011
I like this place. It reminds me of a swanky hipster nook in LA. The bartender was super nice considering we both had had too much alcohol, and I opted for a diet coke. She didn't charge me, brought us salty snacks and lots of water for recovery. While the DJ played and the lights were dim and we wanted to have a good non-hangover Sunday.
PS Friend raves we have to come back for the mac and cheese. -
Review from Brenda H.
IL
8/2/2011
I'm on a roll of 5-star reviews for Portland. This is my brother's favorite bar and I can see why. Three varied rooms (front bar, middle cozy area with plush chairs, back garden) all have a chill vibe that is really welcoming. The bartender made me a fantastic drink with creme de violette and champagne with a twist. The music wasn't too loud and the lighting was great. This would be my hang if and when I move to Portland.
p.s. Chicago bars need to get beer from Double Mountain Brewery. -
Review from Amelia S.
Portland, OR
Updated - 6/8/2011
Since my first review I've stopped by the Aalto a couple times with friends. They may need an additional person behind the bar, or just better communication or something. My experiences there have been less enjoyable from the way the bartenders conduct their business. Just like the star rating says, "Meh, I've experienced better", and I have. The drinks are fine, when it's busy it feels dreadful-like being in a long crowded hallway on the road to degradation. The physical attractiveness of most of the patrons doesn't make the hallway less annoying, though it is nice to look around at them.
See ya later, Aalto. If I'm going to drink at all, I'm going someplace with better steeze. You won't miss me-there are plenty of folks to, er, fill you up.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/18/2011
I went to the Aalto for the first time this weekend with a couple friends from work, after a long… Read more »
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Review from David C.
Portland, OR
7/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a great bar, more classy than the nearby Belmont Inn. Prices good though and they have some really great food (for a bar). Came there late night and they had a DJ playing music which was cool but I wasn't sure why since there's nowhere I could see to dance....
Bartenders were really nice! -
Review from michael k.
Portland, OR
Hot chicks, hot boys, stiff drinks, great music, great videos.
What else do you want from a bar?
I always find fun and trouble here. BIG SMILEListed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Evan G.
Portland, OR
6/22/2011
Happy hour till 8? yerp.
Smart bartenders who know their sauce? yerp.
back patio? shhh, save me a seat. -
Review from Mike M.
Madison, WI
11/29/2011
The ambience hit the spot... Some New Order with our IPAs.
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Review from Mark N.
Beaverton, OR
9/12/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Some of the best grilled cheese and tomato soup I've had
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Review from Brandi P.
2/17/2009 ROTD 9/8/2009
After reading previous reviews I wasn't sure what to expect:
A. "heaps of hipsters" (James M. says hipsterdom is over anyway: http://www.adbusters.o...)
B. "strong drinks" (duh, you had me at "drink.")
C. "sketch service" (it's a bar... every place has a rough night.)
D. "scandinavian aesthetic" (I think my affection for gravlax has been previously noted.)
E. "stinky furniture" (ew.)
This place was alright. The seating area in front was ideal for a small group, and I like the decor, (save the bright light shining in from the coffee shop next door... that kinda sucks.) The drinks were okay, but inconsistent. I ordered an aquavito (aquavit with lots of lime and a few other things) and a mojito, which seemed unbearably girly for a cocktail bar, but whatever. Plus side, neither was particularly sweet. A friend ordered a bourbon ginger however, and it was weirdly sparkly... soda water? seriously?
Service was great though, and an all-around enjoyable time. Will try again soon.Listed in: ROTDs
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Review from Katie R.
Portland, OR
10/16/2010
Yes, this place is hipster and pretentious, but I don't give a shit. It's the local haunt, and the service has always been excellent when I come here.
Did I mention a 7-day/week happy hour from 5-9pm?
Kudos to you, Aalto! I'll see you tomorrow ;) -
Review from Ana M.
11/18/2009 17 Check-ins Here
Aalto Lounge is just plain Sexy.
The dark lighting and nice music, mixed with the leather furniture just does it for me. I love a place that understands Happy Hour. Happy Hour isn't that happy if you have to rush from work and pound drinks for that half an hour till 6. They have happy hour from 5-9 with both drink and food deals, perfection - the happiest of hours.
This isn't a place I'd go for a rowdy evening, it's much more low key. For meeting up with a friend, bringing a lap top and kicking it solo, or going on a date it's top notch without spending excessively.Listed in: Portland Happy Hour!, Belmont!, Dive Bar Enthusiast
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Review from Doug R.
2/20/2009
Somehow I had heard that if Ikea was a bar, it would be Aalto. At the time it made sense, but having been to Aalto i have to admit, i don't own anything by Ikea, and I have no idea what that person was talking about.
Aalto's okay. There's a cool couch-y spot up front near the windows so if you're into watching probably irritating Belmont types you've got that. The bartender chute is way at the other end of the bar, so you should expect to get off your butt. Apparently the hipsters were meditating on President's Day somewhere else, so we got some pretty decent service.
One problem, the restrooms are single occupancy and marked "XX" and "XX/XY". WTF? I've been drinking, I hafta pee and now I need to remember fucking high school biology? Weak. But, they are single occupancy, so just go ahead. -
Review from Chloë W.
Austin, TX
3/27/2009
According to Wikipedia, the French 75 is so named because the combination of gin and champagne "was said to have such a kick that it felt like being shelled with the powerful French 75mm howitzer artillery piece, also called a "75 Cocktail", or "Soixante Quinze" in French."
[insert obligatory Chloë wine of "gimme gimme gimme gimme" here]
...and it is for this lovely cocktail, in a very well-made form, I find myself frequenting this dirty, small, crampy establishment. S'okay, though, because what it lacks in ambiance, seating, and well-bathed humans, it makes up for in cocktails named for French cannons.Listed in: "Find Me In" Version 1.0
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Review from Suzanne F.
Portland, OR
9/6/2008
Fortifying ourselves prior to the middle school picnic, Mr. Big & I popped in here for a quick drink & snack. It hit the spot! The lounge is dark (which reminded me that i need my eyes checked again...sigh...when did the printing on menus get so small?!), filled with mid-century furniture. The soundtrack (tonight, anyway) was great! I had forgotten just how swell Steeley Dan was/is. Anyway, no special drinks were ordered, so I have no idea about the bartender's capabilities. S. had a beer which was cold, frosty, & local. I had a good glass of rose. We snacked on some Chex Party Mix which still reigns as the ultimate bar food, as far as I'm concerned. Tasty, salty, spicy...everything one needs when PMS is just around the corner...
We shared a Croque Monsieur (which they dub, "Mr. Crusty") & not only did it have ham & Gruyere inside, but some delicious prosciutto, too! Pork, pork, porky, pork, pork! The side salad was very fresh, green, & dressing was swell.
I consider this to be a great place in my neighborhood & will be making a pit stop again, soon! -
Review from Jordan L.
8/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good place to go hang out, the drinks are good the the seating is great. I didnt get any food so until that time i'll go with the 3 star.
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Review from Sara B.
Tempe, AZ
12/12/2008
Wait, they serve food here?
I'll be damned. You'd think after at least a half-dozen visits, I'd know the basics. I don't.
What I do know is that the decor is lovely, the booze is flowing, boys never lock the unisex bathroom door, the people upstairs might knock over a glass of water on the landing and drizzle it down your way when you're sitting outside, and the clientele is sometimes startlingly attractive.
And Maker's Mark makes everything better. Always, without exception.Listed in: I left my heart in Portland...
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Review from Brice L.
Portland, OR
3/24/2011
Aalto has been my go-to favorite for many months now. I have had a good time...every time! Big points for daily happy hour until 9pm. The leather chairs in the front of the room are the most comfortable in all of Portland. I want to take one home. Small people may disagree though. Sorry, trolls.
While the beer lineup is not the deepest in town, they definitely have you covered for a tasty IPA, and other hop staples any time. I have heard good things about the food. I can only speak for the meatloaf sandwich. My taste buds, tummy, and wallet were all equally satisfied.
The service has always been very friendly although sometimes slow. It is true what other reviewers have said about friends of staff getting special treatment. Last night, I waited at the bar for a couple minutes without being helped because a bartender was chatting it up with a friend. I gave up and went back to my seat. Only a few seconds later, he came and apologized sincerely and asked what he could get me. Actually, all I wanted was to ask a question. I wondered where they got the name Aalto. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed that he knew a good deal about the history behind the name.
I honestly can't say that I have tried a whole lot from the food and drink menu, but I have always had a good time here. I guess it just boils down to the atmosphere, the patrons, and the confident cool that drips from the ceiling. Bring a date here. Reap benefits immediately. -
Review from Teresita C.
Seattle, WA
2/21/2009
Damn that Wes Anderson for putting big beards and long hair wrapped in awful sporty headbands into the fashion stratosphere.
All these hairhoppers in Champion stretchies make me want to hide at home and host wine and cheese Tupperware parties.
Aalto is too cool for school baby and I'm glad I graduated. The service is loathsome and the far end of the bar is a Bermuda triangle for drunk people. Several fell off their stools (no doubt due to some unearthly magnetic pull) and my friend had to pick a couple girls up off the floor.
Have you seen the floor? Once my dear, is certainly enough. -
Review from Kelly M.
Portland, OR
8/1/2007
You may run into a problem when searching for decent, appetizing food after ten or eleven in Portland. You could go to the Montage, but not if you're looking for something on the lighter side. You could go the 24 Hour Hotcake House, but it's not for the faint of heart.
The other night when my stomach was grumbling after closing hours of most eateries during the middle of the week, a friend suggested Aalto Lounge. Despite being a bar, they're smoking room is quarantined to the back, so you can eat smoke-free. Their menu is good--stocked with a tasty vegetarian sandwich that has goat cheese, tomatoes, and basil. Their olive tapanade with crostini is good too, and they even have crme brulee to top it off. -
Review from Curtis B.
Redwood City, CA
1/28/2010
I want to give this place 4 stars, but i just can't find anything about it that warrant the use of another star. The $2 PBR tall boy is great, the location is nice (especially for some nickel gaming at wunderland), the atmosphere is slick and comfortable, but nothing really pops out at me.
The price for the other drinks is typical to expensive. The staff wasn't rude, nor were they nice. I'll probably go back a few more times and try some other drinks. Then maybe I can give this place another star. -
Review from Jessica B.
Syracuse, NY
9/1/2010
Way bigger than I realized, my friend and I spent 2 hours there not knowing how large it was until I got up to use the restroom. That is fun too, after having a few drinks and trying to remember what chromosomes I have. "Can I use the XX one? or the XX/XY+Jamie Lee Curtis one?" Don't worry, I figured it out, and then felt really stupid.
They also have good food and a long happy hour. -
Review from Kevin C.
Portland, OR
3/12/2008
My favourite bar in all of Portland.
I first started consistently coming here since it was the best bar within walking distance. I was unhappy with this at first since I felt like I was merely tolerating the Aalto, almost like when you're having a summer fling out of convenience as opposed to a burning, passionate love.
Through time, the Aalto has really grown on me. It's usually my place to sit alone and unwind after a long work week and it serves that purpose well. They have a decent selection of beers on tap, a good wine list for a place that doesn't advertise itself as a wine bar and also a good amount of spirits. The DJ is always a nice touch and most nights I've been here, there is indeed someone spinning. If that's not so much your thing, there's a secondary room that you can hang out in.
There's usually a decent sized crowd on weeknights and Sundays but Fridays and Saturdays can be sort of a madhouse here. However, even when the Aalto's at its busiest and most crowded, the wait at the bar for drinks is not bad and neither is the clientele.
In my opinion, by far the best bar on Belmont. -
Review from mary anne l.
Portland, OR
7/10/2008
This place is pretty cool! It was really dark inside, but I liked the vintage decor and art on the walls. We opted to sit out on the patio, which was small but had sweet patio furniture and bamboo. Very peaceful on a Tuesday in the early evening.
The bartender was super friendly, and didn't seem to resent all the questions we were asking her about the drinks we ordered. They have happy hour everyday from 5-7 which consists mostly of sandwiches and paninis. Pretty good stuff! I also ordered a salad off the regular menu that had this delicious creamy balsamic vinaigrette, blue cheese, apples, and almonds. I would DEFINITELY order that again.
The drinks were tasty and strong. They also have a great selection of reasonably priced French wine. I had a dry rose for $6/glass that was darn good!
Overall, a thumbs up! I'm not particularly gushy about the place, but I'll definitely go back when I'm in the neighborhood!Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Deneb C.
Portland, OR
8/29/2007
Let me tell ya, if you haven't been to the Aalto Lounge yet, then you should at least check it out. It's the only place that I know that is pretty busy on a Monday! The decor is nicely lite and the paintings from local artists scatter the walls. The drinks are very well prepared and the music is always entertaining.
Every Monday night, at 8pm sharp, is Movie Night! In a large room behind the bar is a large screen showing a movie of the week. It ranges from Art Flicks to Blockbusters to the Strange.
You could sit back and enjoy a flick while eating a nice hot sandwich and a cool beer. Or go futher back and you'll reach the outside lounge where you could chill out for some fresh air or a good smoke.
All in all, Aalto is pretty cool. -
Review from Brittany K.
Los Angeles, CA
7/7/2009
Good, easy, no hassle dive bar in the hood to get some drink on and some good conversation. Not a place you'd go if you like your bars injected with any sign of life, though. I mean it's chill. Maybe a little too chill, but not for me. I'm cool as a cucumber.
I would have given this place three stars, but then I found out they have an outdoor seating area in the back where I happily delved into my bad drinking habits of smoking and ordering more drinks, and smoking some more.
This is a chill place. Perfect spot to grab a drink with a friend if you don't give a hoot if anyone else is there or not. -
Review from Carissa W.
Portland, OR
2/9/2007
The Aalto is hip hip hip, and one of the epicenters of SE nightlife for the 20 and 30s crowd. The narrow space opens up to another stark room in the back which has a few couches and tables,.or keep going out the backdoor to the patio. In the summer the patio is awesome, and a great place to hang out for hours.
The food is a little hit or miss, with good sandwiches (croque on a massive baguette is a good bet) but the salads are a little off.
The Aalto is a good spot to meet friends and hang out. It can get pretty busy, but if you don't mind standing around it's tons of fun. -
Review from Danny O.
8/8/2010
3 stars for effort and atmosphere. It's in a great location on Belmont and the bartenders are generally very nice. I reckon that they have a great food menu for a dimly lit hipster haunt, but I was a little saddened by my last visit to this joint. I ordered a chicken sandwich for little under 9 dollars. A good chicken sandwich is perfectly acceptable at this price, but when it came to me, from the hands of an angry server/cook I was extremely disappointed.
I make it a point to always treat people serving me yummy food/drink with a smile and say thank you and tip accordingly. My food was slammed down without a word or even a second glance. I said thank you as the man walked away(balding with handle bar mustache) and I was left with a 9 dollar sandwich with potato chips on the side. The sandwich was simply chicken breast with a sauce slapped on it and cold veggies. Not really bang for the buck.
However the artichoke dip my friend ordered was pretty damn tasty. I must say after being treated like an inconvenience instead of a customer I won't be coming back here without proper convincing from my friends. Sucky chicken sammy and sucky service don't keep me loyal. -
Review from Kari S.
Portland, OR
7/10/2010
It's easy to love Aalto lounge when you live in the area. They make just about the best G&T I've ever had. And the prices are totally reasonable.
Yes it's a bar, so don't expect anything fancy. It's Belmont, so it's hip and chill.
Been here a few times, and plan to go back many more for sure. -
Review from k k.
Portland, OR
10/25/2010
Unfriendly service for the most part. I've been here a bunch and the only "friendly" bar tender was Tamara. Everyone else could care less-unless you know them personally. Also, what is with the long haired guy in the kitchen who begrudgingly brings you your food? What? Is your 15-20 hour a week gig just too much to handle?
The food is good and the happy hour specials are worthwhile. The atmosphere is dark and somewhat classy- a great place to bring a date. The rear lounge is The Aalto's selling point. Don't forget the dj's- an eclectic and competent mix of spin masters go here seven nights a week. Also, the restrooms are nice and big- just in case you meet someone and you REALLY like each other. -
Review from Kyle F.
2/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
Dark and mysterious. Extended Happy Hour time from 5-9. Didn't get a chance to try the meatloaf that sounded good due to oven malfunction. Maybe next time.
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Review from Meg H.
Portland, OR
2/13/2010
I live and work in the SE Belmont neighborhood and have a wide choice restaurants and bars to frequent. I like the Aalto for many reasons. And before I begin, for those who previously wrote it off because of 'too cool for school' attitude, I'd also recommend that you try the place again - there's a new manager, a new menu and a new crowd.
Unlike other Portland nightspots, the Aalto is still relatively low-key. The fact that it doesn't have a jukebox, pool tables, video poker, and not a single television is also a plus - it keeps out the suburbanites who drink too much and start fights at other locations.
The Aalto is very much a neighborhood spot - unpretentious but not a dive. Comfortable and dimly lit - dj's every night of the week and a short but good wine selection. -
Review from Miranda K.
Portland, OR
4/10/2011
Dearest A.L.,
Thank you for always taking such good care of me with the only Happy Hour that is still going after 7pm, for the greatest food, and for having a staff that makes a single lady feel like she is having dinner with friends instead of solo.
Though I rarely swing by past 9, the music is amazing and the crowd is fun without being snotty.
A.L. - I'm in love. You just treat me so well.
Xoxoxo -
Review from Cassandra D.
Portland, OR
7/26/2010
I went here Friday night with a friend.
Loved...I like the space. The interior has lots of different areas that you can hang out depending on your mood. Lots of space at the bar, but also lots of different areas with tables. I really liked the patio area too, it was perfect for a hot summer day dwindling into a cool evening. They have a good food menu for noshing while drinking. They always remembered to put a lime on my greyhound.
Disliked...service was a little slow at the bar, even when we were sitting there waiting. Such is life, it was pretty busy in there. -
Review from Jen I.
4/25/2007
I ended a night of heavy drinking here.
I found myself in the smoking room in the back, sloppilu slurping down a makers mark and ginger ale going on and on and on about bad past relationships. My friends, rest assured, looked like they wanted to kill me. It was late. Everyone had hit the point of drunk where they were more sleepy then drunk.
I love the Aalto. -
Review from Lindsey C.
Portland, OR
1/16/2009
This has become my new favorite place to get a drink and hang out with my peeps. The drinks are reasonable and stiff. I'm a fan of the eclectic decor and they play a good mix of music at a nice volume. It's very dimly lit, but for me that's a definite plus. I look much better in dim lighting.
There's a pretty good crowd every time I'm there, even on weekdays. The crowd always seems pretty attractive as well, but again, that's probably an illusion created by the dim lighting.
What really sets this place apart for me is the service. They're very attentive. I rarely have to actually get up to get a drink. As soon as I finish one, someone's always there to take the glass and ask if I'd like another. Oh, and you know how those little cocktail napkins under your glass get all wet and mushy? I swear to you, the bartender actually replaced mine with a new one when she noticed this. -
Review from Courtney D.
Portland, OR
2/5/2007
Upscale food and wine for a bar
You wouldn't imagine a neighborhood bar to offer more than a dozen good wines by the glass and some tasty bruschetta to boot, but Aalto Lounge does and more.
The decor alone is unique with a retro look out of the 60s, which seems to fit in with the Belmont neighborhood. I stopped in on a fluke and ended up staying for hours. I was in the mood for wine and was thrilled with the diverse choices. The drinks seemed on the high side for a bar, but the food was very reasonably priced and inventive. In par with my red wine, I ordered the bruschetta, which tasted so fresh.
Tip: Order their caesar salad for only $3 during happy hour. It rivals Oba's for my favortie for HH. -
Review from Phil B.
Portland, OR
4/27/2010
Went on a Monday night with a group of my wife's friends from work. Aalto was definitely lounge-y and comfortable, we ended up staying there for almost four hours and took advantage of the long happy hour.
I liked the bathroom identifications, you can tell who was paying attention in biology class in high school.
