Les Caves

I didn’t come to this place expecting it to feel like a pilgrimage, but I have a sneaking suspicion that my next visit might feel that way. They’ve really put together a great specialty beer bar in a town where you could be forgiven for not expecting to find a specialty beer bar, and they have a great kitchen behind it as well.

I came down here after snagging a winning ticket in the bottle release lottery; in addition to a guaranteed haul of bottles I got to sit down in the taproom for brunch. I promptly took the day before off of work so I could come down for dinner the night before as well.

Dinner was packed, since they were pouring a bunch of special release beers. They’re not technically a part of Block 15 Brewing here, but they share a common owner—they pour a lot of B15 beers, and B15 holds events here regularly (in addition to at the original B15 taproom, which is still next door, and the B15 production facility/taproom, which is on the south side of town). So for the weekend when three flavors of Turbulent Consequence came out, here was Les Caves, pouring all of them, plus 17 other interesting PNW beers, some of them B15.

The space is nice enough; it’s a long narrow bar space covered in dark wood, with a few more tables in the long narrow next room. The staff are super nice, and the tap and bottle lists are spectacular. They bring out a food menu in a little manila dossier, and the cellar book is a big chunky directory covered in pebbled leather. Everything here feels substantive and official, but they maintain a nice informality on top of that, mostly because the kids working here are so nice.

We checked out the meat and cheese plate, beef cheeks, and Caves Burger. The meat plate was pretty feeble, to be honest. Nice choices, and tasty bread, but just a couple bites of actual meat and cheese; even in Portland you get 5x the cargo for about the same price. (Seattle prices are much higher). This was not a huge deal, but it was kinda funny after hearing the waiter go on and on about how it was a meal unto itself. Can’t fault the guy for enthusiasm, but it’s safe to say he’s really scrupulous about watching his weight if this is his idea of a hearty meal. The beef cheeks were cooked perfectly, with wonderfully flavor asparagus on top. The burger was fantastic, as were the fries.

Next morning, I had the pork pancakes. So rad. Spicy smoked pulled pork scattered over four buttermilk pancakes. Such a strange idea, but so good. Very filling, to say the least. They have waffles with bacon and chocolate syrup—those evidently were not on the menu, but since this was a bottle release with assigned seating, we had locals at our table who had heard to order it. Looked awesome. The polenta eggs benedict were tasty (the one bite I had), but the goose eggs benedict sounded even more interesting.

Prices here are fantastic, and bottles are all available to go. I will definitely be back many times.

Came here after flat tail since this seemed like a better fit for some grub. Arrived just before the end of happy hour so I ordered off that menu. The burger and fries were fantastic, a little pricey for a "happy hour" menu but worth the value. Had a beer along with it. The tap menu seemed slightly subdued, but interesting none the less. Would surely return if given the opportunity.

Been in a couple of times and both were great. Nice spot, great service and food, excellent liquor selection as well as the bottle list. Draft list doesn’t disappoint either. A must if in town and will be by again.

This is the best bar in Oregon, in my opinion. A Belgian inspired hangout that’s small yet layed out to remain spacious with a lot of old world charm. Have had brunch here multiple times for Block 15 bottle releases, and there’s always an extensive and interesting draft selection, as well as some of the best prices on bottles you’ll see anywhere. (Most bottles cost about the same as they do in the store.) Service is always outstanding. Go here, if you can, it’s worth the drive.

Can you call a place perfect? I can’t literally, but Caves is as close as I’ve seen. Superb yet reasonable food, friendly and knowledgable staff and a wonderfully diverse selection of drafts and bottles. I though I had seen the last of Upright’s Fatali Four, but Caves made my day!

nice place, good, knowledgeable staff . The best pretzels and Lingua tacos you will ever try.