Slide Show: Ava Gene's Debuts on SE Division

- Advertisement -

Skip this ad

1 of 8

The Dining Room

Serving up a hearty menu of in the coziest atmosphere around, Ava Gene's is sure to be a go-to destination this winter.

2 of 8

Come in From the Rain

Stepping in from the slick city streets, Ava Gene's offers a convivial space for romantic dates, hungry families, pre-dinner drinks, or a late-night snack.

3 of 8

Fired Up

The eatery's open kitchen is flanked by a long counter for front-row seats to the culinary action. Because the kitchen window spans the whole room, every seat in the house offers a glimpse of chef Joshua McFadden and his team.

4 of 8

A Gallery of Sorts

Like the nature painting-packed walls at the Woodsman, Duane Sorenson has decked the few solid walls of Ava Gene's with old-school art. Through the door on the left lie the epic bathrooms (complete with a vaulted ceiling and plaster walls glimmering with marble dust).

5 of 8

The Bar

Cocktail wizard Evan Zimmerman has unleashed yet another winning drink program into Portland's booze scene. New concoctions include the Lights Out (with 23 year-old rum, Becherovka, bitters, and black truffle) and the Pan-Am (with Cedar-Steeped Campari, two vermouths, absinthe, and soda). The by-the-glass drink menu also features a well-curated selection of Italian wines and beers (three on tap, four by the bottle).

6 of 8

Seats with a View

The dining room is separated from the bar by shelves of wine bottles and glasses, while the seats along SE Division offer a view of Portland's fastest-growing restaurant row.

7 of 8

The Nosh

Early favorites on the menu include the nduja (pronounced en-doo-ya) spreadable salumi, fresh and creamy burrata, delicata fritto piled with Sarvecchio cheese, chile flakes, and bee pollen (pictured above), and the Sagna Riccia pasta with lamb ragù and chicories.

8 of 8

Stargazing

The dining room at Ava Gene's may take the prize for best lit restaurant in PDX, giving the space infinite curb appeal and a magical glow once you're inside.

YES! Subscribe me to these newsletters:

Eat Beat
Every Wednesday: Enjoy restaurant tips, cheap eats, recipes, and booze news from all over the city delivered by Portland Monthly's expert food and drink team.
On the Town
Every Thursday: Your source for the city's best arts and entertainment bets, can't-miss events, plus artist interviews, charity benefits, and ticket giveaways.
Shop Talk
Every Thursday: Get the goods on fashion and shopping. Portland Monthly's style editor spots the trends and gives the inside scoop on the hottest sales and bargains.
Tripster
Twice a month: Weekend escapes, travel deals, lodging and dining picks, and getaways to destinations around the Northwest and beyond, delivered by the Portland Monthly travel team.
At Home
Every Tuesday: Get tips and trends in design and décor, entertaining and cooking and, in general, savoring the domestic life.
Bright Lights
Monthly: Discussions about the city that bring the region's thought leaders to the stage in an informal, conversational setting. Presented with the City Club of Portland.
Events & Promotions
It's no secret: we throw the best parties in town! Become one of our VIPs and get advance notice and special offers for all of our great events.
Portland Pages
The city’s pre-eminent who’s who in pictures and words, highlighting the remarkable people and events that make our city so vibrant, exciting, and generous.
Special Offers
Would you like to be notified about special deals from our trusted partners? They run the gamut from Hawaiian travel to free gelato!