When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Brasa Haya
Why Brasa Haya is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Brasa Haya, located at 412 NE Beech St in Portland, Oregon, is a distinguished Spanish restaurant celebrated for bringing traditional yet creative Spanish cuisine to the local dining scene. Owned and helmed by chef Ian Muntzert, a veteran of Michelin-star caliber kitchens, and his partner Erin, Brasa Haya opened in June 2021 in a beautifully restored 1906 foursquare home—formerly the Beech Street Parlor—imbuing the dining experience with a warm, historic ambiance. The restaurant specializes in small, sharable plates served in the authentic tapas style, where dishes arrive individually as they are prepared, encouraging a social and lively atmosphere perfect for groups of friends or casual gatherings. With offerings like salt cod croquettes, charred onion relish with ricotta on toast, roasted Brussels sprouts with romesco sauce, and indulgent salsify gratin, Brasa Haya tantalizes taste buds with carefully crafted, ingredient-driven dishes that reflect Spain’s rich culinary traditions while adding unique creative touches. The establishment combines craft, quality, and simplicity, creating an inviting space with a casual, drop-by vibe downstairs and reserved dining options upstairs, including charming front porch seating. These elements make Brasa Haya a fantastic spot to meet up with friends, celebrate special occasions, or enjoy an authentic Spanish culinary journey in a cozy, historic setting.
Here's what people think of Brasa Haya
As of recent, Brasa Haya holds a 4.5-star rating based on 61 reviews.
User reviews of Brasa Haya consistently emphasize the restaurant’s excellent service, organized atmosphere, and outstanding food quality, reflected in its strong 4.5-star rating from 61 reviews. Enthusiastic diners laud the divine flavors and authenticity of the tapas-style dining, praising the diverse and beautifully prepared small plates that encourage sharing and social interaction. Highlights from positive reviews include the flavorful salt cod croquettes, the beloved romesco sauce that accompanies various dishes, and a unique handmade dessert reminiscent of a Dilly Bar, which guests describe as a delightful finish paired perfectly with Spanish coffee. Reviewers often note the warm, inviting atmosphere in the historic house setting, enhanced by top-notch wallpaper and a comfortable wooden bar that create a welcoming environment akin to a dinner party at a friend’s home, making the experience both memorable and enjoyable. On the other hand, some less positive feedback points to limited seating due to the intimate size of the space, which can sometimes affect availability during peak hours, and the tapas model may require guests to spend some time ordering multiple dishes to fully experience the menu, which not all diners prefer. However, these critiques are minor compared to the overall acclaim. In conclusion, the reviews portray Brasa Haya as a cherished neighborhood jewel and a go-to destination for Spanish cuisine lovers, highly recommended for those seeking quality dishes, excellent service, and a convivial ambiance.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Tak O.
Mehhh. We had high hopes as we love Spanish food and wines. But the whole point of Tapas style eating is with wine/beer/cider but this place is too expensive to be a quick-bite tapas bar. Trying to be too fancy. And the “house” type restaurant common in Portland doesn’t work for tapas. “Homey” is not what i associate with tapas bar crawls in Spain. Meatballs were weirdly spiced. The steak was chewy and tough like rubber. Spanish omelette “tortilla” was barely set, and still uncooked in the center. Cocktails were also weak. I dunno, I can think of many better ways to waste your money on overpriced food in PDX. I wouldn’t go back or recommend
Katie Peters
Very cute spot for dinner! Staff seemed like maybe still working out some kinks or getting settled into the swing of things, in a small space, customers can overhear when staff are frustrated about the system or other staff members. Kind of ruins the ambiance a bit. But other than that, the food was really fantastic and unique dishes I haven't come across in Portland Spanish restaurants. I tried the tripe dish as recommended by the bartender, definitely not a dish I would have gravitated to myself but it was delicious, crispy with a intense sauce that is hard to describe. It was a bit of a heavy and rich dish so definitely to share with the whole table (it's tapas, so meant to be shared. The foie gras was sensational. That dish I wouldn't want to share with anyone and could have eaten two orders to myself. Don't miss it! The octopus was also perfect, beautifully tender, and quite a large portion. Paired perfectly with the potato mousse.
Yilun Koethe
My husband, friends and I were so excited when they opened this. We loved their restaurant in SF. It’s even better now. The pork cheeks were especially delicious.
Ethan Wade
Wonderful dinner experience with food and staff that punch above their weight! Great wine selections, food was incredible, and staff were a delight. We got lucky to sit at a low table near the kitchen and would recommend the seat if you can get it!
Erica Dorn
So glad to have this delicious new tapas spot in Portland. Everything about it, the perfectly assembled menu and cozy and elegant setting, is making it my favorite place to dine.
How to reach Brasa Haya
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Why Brasa Haya may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Brasa Haya with your friends?
Brasa Haya offers an irresistible combination of atmosphere, delectable food, and a welcoming setting that makes it a perfect gathering spot for friends seeking a memorable dining experience. Nestled in a beautifully converted 1906 foursquare home, the restaurant’s ambiance strikes a balance between cozy intimacy and vibrant energy, resembling a stylish dinner party at a friend’s house. The unique layout, with dining rooms made from former residential rooms, adds an inviting sense of warmth and familiarity, which fosters easy conversation and relaxed socializing among small or large groups. With a rating of 4.5 from over 60 reviews, the consistent acclaim reflects a reliable choice for quality and enjoyment. Above all, the menu’s focus on Spanish-inspired tapas and pintxos promotes sharing and communal eating—a perfect way for friends to sample a variety of flavors together, encouraging interaction around the table. The attentive and friendly service only enhances the experience, ensuring your group feels well cared for. Whether you seek a casual night out or a special occasion, Brasa Haya’s blend of atmosphere and cuisine makes it an excellent rally point for lasting memories.
What delicious dishes can you share at Brasa Haya?
Brasa Haya’s menu is a delightful playground of Spanish tapas and pintxos, designed to be shared and savored by groups. Their salt cod croquettes are a standout, featuring a light and crisp exterior with a savory, flaky interior, perfect for starting the meal with a satisfying crunch. The tortilla Española, although modest in size, is celebrated for its silky, delicate texture, presenting an authentic taste of Spain’s classic dish. Robustly spiced patatas bravas arrive as a generous portion of crispy potatoes, coated in a piquant sauce and creamy aioli, ideal for communal sharing. Vegetable dishes, such as the coal-roasted cabbage with umami-rich garum butter, offer inventive flavors that appeal even to more adventurous diners. A plate of grilled octopus wrapped around a delicate potato mousse combines tenderness and complex smoky tastes, showing the kitchen’s mastery of seafood without overwhelming the palate. Even for dessert, the offerings break from the ordinary with refined takes like a handmade Dilly Bar alongside Spanish coffee, capping the meal on a deliciously sweet note. These varied options empower groups to sample myriad tastes without the pressure of a single entrée choice, making dining interactive and exciting.
What makes Brasa Haya’s setting ideal for group meetups?
The charm of Brasa Haya’s setting lies in its unique fusion of old-world residential comfort and modern culinary sophistication. Located in a historic house built in 1906, the restaurant preserves the intimate feel of individual rooms converted into dining spaces. This architectural design naturally supports private conversations and smaller group discussions, allowing friends to feel like they are sharing a cozy dinner in a friend's home rather than a noisy public venue. Adding to the ambiance is the tasteful décor, including standout wallpaper and a beautifully crafted wooden bar in the main family room, which serves as a social hub where groups can start their evening or enjoy pre-dinner drinks. Such an environment is perfect for both casual gatherings and celebrations, providing multiple cozy nooks and communal areas that cater to different group sizes. The friendly and attentive staff complement this atmosphere by offering personalized service that helps groups feel welcome and comfortably attended to throughout their stay.
How do Brasa Haya’s activities and dining style enhance social gatherings?
Brasa Haya’s core offering—Spanish tapas and pintxos—naturally encourages social interaction, making it an excellent place for groups to bond over food. Tapas are small plates meant to be shared, which promotes conversation, communal decision-making, and culinary exploration. As everyone at the table tries different dishes, it sparks discussion about preferences and flavors, enriching the social experience beyond a simple meal. The casual yet refined dining style lifts the occasion above everyday dining, encouraging guests to linger over multiple rounds of food and conversation. The restaurant’s intimate setting further complements this by providing a space where groups can reconnect or celebrate milestones in a relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, the option to pair dishes with a Spanish coffee or unique cocktail adds an extra layer of enjoyment, making each meetup not just about eating but about indulging all the senses together.
What do customer reviews say about Brasa Haya for hosting group events?
The consistently high rating of 4.5 based on 61 reviews highlights Brasa Haya as a reliable choice for group dining. Reviewers repeatedly praise the quality and creativity of the food, noting especially the tapas dishes like salt cod croquettes and grilled octopus. The fresh, well-executed flavors make the experience memorable and enjoyable for a variety of palates, which is essential when catering to a group with diverse tastes. Customers also comment on the warm, inviting service, emphasizing how the attentive staff contribute to a relaxed and pleasant environment. The homey setting inside the century-old building is frequently highlighted as a defining feature that transforms an ordinary meal into an intimate social event. While some note limitations for vegan diners due to fish and meat being prominent in many dishes, the overall consensus is that Brasa Haya excels at creating an engaging and flavor-packed experience that’s perfect for gathering with friends or family.
Why is Brasa Haya worth returning to with a larger group?
Many guests express eagerness to return to Brasa Haya with larger parties, primarily because the menu’s variety allows a broad sampling of tastes that truly shine when shared among more people. With a larger group, diners can order a wider selection of small plates, allowing everyone to indulge in favorites as well as try new dishes they might have missed before. The convivial atmosphere and layout accommodate groups comfortably, encouraging longer, leisurely meals where conversation and laughter flow as freely as the food. Repeat visits are also motivated by seasonal menu changes and daily specials, which promise fresh discoveries time after time. Additionally, the combination of upscale food in a warm, home-like setting offers new experiences at every visit, making Brasa Haya not just a one-time spot but a go-to venue for meaningful social occasions.
How accessible is Brasa Haya for group diners?
While Brasa Haya offers an inviting, historic ambiance that enhances socializing, it’s important to note that indoor seating is not ADA accessible, which may impact guests with specific mobility needs. The restaurant operates Wednesday through Sunday evenings, requiring advance planning for group meetups, especially on popular nights. The staff are known to be friendly and attentive, which helps smooth the logistics of coordinating group orders and ensures everyone’s experience is enjoyable. Those considering Brasa Haya for large parties should also be mindful that the venue’s space feels more intimate and cozy rather than expansive, meaning groups looking for a sprawling banquet-style setting might find it less suitable. Yet for groups aiming for quality over quantity in a charming, intimate setting with standout cuisine, Brasa Haya provides a uniquely pleasant and accommodating environment.
Can Brasa Haya’s menu cater to diverse dietary preferences within a group?
Brasa Haya’s menu leans heavily into seafood and meat dishes, with fish and meat playing key roles in many starters and main options, which may limit choices for vegans and vegetarians. However, the restaurant offers a well-rounded selection of vegetable-focused dishes, like the coal-roasted cabbage with garum butter and roasted Brussels sprouts with romesco sauce, which provide flavorful alternatives for those avoiding meat. The kitchen’s creativity with vegetables ensures that even non-meat eaters will find satisfying dishes, though strict vegan diets might require careful menu navigation. For groups with mixed dietary needs, Brasa Haya’s variety still allows for multiple shared plates that can be enjoyed by all, fostering inclusivity while maintaining the authentic Spanish tapas experience. The staff’s attentiveness can help guide diners to suitable options, ensuring everyone at the table has a delightful experience.
What makes Brasa Haya’s service stand out for group visits?
The service at Brasa Haya is often described as friendly, attentive, and unobtrusive—qualities that are vital for successful group dining experiences. Staff members are skilled at balancing attentiveness without interrupting the flow of conversation, creating a welcoming atmosphere where groups can feel at ease. The servers’ knowledge of the menu and their enthusiasm for the dishes help diners navigate choices, suggest pairings, and customize orders to accommodate preferences or restrictions within the group. This level of engagement transforms the meal from a routine dining event to a collaborative culinary adventure. Additionally, the staff’s responsiveness to special requests and their ability to efficiently manage timing between small plates is especially important for groups craving a seamless and enjoyable evening together.
How can Brasa Haya turn an ordinary meetup into a memorable event?
Brasa Haya elevates any ordinary gathering by combining a warm, distinctive environment with thoughtfully prepared food designed for sharing and enjoyment. The historic house setting creates an intimate ambiance that encourages relaxed, meaningful conversations among friends or family. The inventive tapas dishes offer a culinary journey through Spanish flavors with each plate presenting a new experience to delight the senses and spark lively discussion. The attentive yet unobtrusive staff ensure the service complements rather than overwhelms the social mood. Add to this the option to enjoy creative desserts and specialty drinks that extend the evening into a full sensory experience. Together, these elements make Brasa Haya not just a restaurant but a venue where connections deepen and celebrations become unforgettable moments.
In summary, Brasa Haya is more than just a place to eat—it’s an ideal destination for those looking to rally with friends or family in a setting that fosters social engagement through exceptional food, inviting spaces, and genuine hospitality. Whether it’s a casual catch-up, a celebratory dinner, or an occasion to explore Spanish cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere, Brasa Haya delivers a rich and satisfying experience tailored perfectly for group gatherings.