written by Julie Lee | photos courtesy of Arrosto
What’s the good word? Nothing is tastier than a slow-roasted bird. Rotisserie options are multiplying throughout Portland, and each is one-upping its predecessors by offering preparation twists and creative side dishes. Here are five of our favorites.
Arrosto
Combine rosemary, grilled lemon and a slow-roasted, free-range bird, and magic happens. Arrosto opened in early spring to rave reviews for their Mediterranean-style rotisserie chicken. The side pairings also deserve notice: crispy potatoes cooked to perfection in chicken fat; an arugula, escarole, and radicchio salad with shaved Pecorino Romano; and focaccia with sea salt and rosemary. The walk-up window makes picking up and taking home a breeze, and a family style bucket with sides is an affordable meal for four.
2340 NE Sandy Blvd. | providorefinefoods.com
Pollo Bravo
John Gorham is at it again. Father to home run successes like Tasty & Sons, Tasty & Alder, Toro Bravo and Mediterranean Exploration Company couldn’t resist making his mark in the newly opened Pine Street Market. His Spanish-style rotisserie and craft cocktails are reason enough to make regular visits to the trendy indoor market. For their chicken, it’s all in the marinade, which Gorham conceptualized and tested for months. If seating availability is tight, as can sometimes happen, this is our favorite take-out vendor at Pine Street. A second location opened simultaneously, so look for more in the future.
126 SW 2nd Ave. #10
1128 SW Alder
pollobravopdx.com
Pollo Norte
Pollo Norte keeps things simple: birds, sides, some draft beer and wine. It’s also easy on the pocketbook, with whole birds for $18, large sides under $4 and beverages under $5. Whole, half or quarter chickens are served with house-made tortillas, roasted cabbage and fresh salsa. If we had to choose a side pairing, it would be the potatoes with pan drippings, chili and sea salt. Seating is a bit limited, so takeout is recommended.
5427 NE 42nd Ave. | pollonorte.com
Chicken and Guns
When featuring food in Portland, it’s sacrilegious not to mention a food cart. Naturally raised chicken from Scratch Farms in Canby is given special treatment at Chicken and Guns in the Buckman neighborhood. Oak-fired, Latin-style chicken is layered with some veggies and a sunny surprise: an egg on top. The side potatoes are phenomenal, perfectly crisp and complimented by a Peruvian aji sauce.
1207 SE Hawthorne Blvd. | chickenandguns.com
The Coop
Located on the Interstate corridor of North Portland, this is a gathering spot for locals looking for a no frills meal, great cocktails (under $10!) and a splendid outdoor patio and deck to take in summer. Open for lunch, brunch and dinner, the brunch rotisserie chicken and waffles with gravy is highly recommended, followed by a Sunday afternoon snooze.
6214 N Interstate Ave. | thecooppdx.com
