When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Irving Street Tapas
Why Irving Street Tapas is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Irving Street Tapas is a modern global tapas restaurant located in the vibrant Northwest District of Portland, Oregon. Known for its blend of American and Spanish cuisines, this eatery offers a lively atmosphere perfect for meeting up with friends, enjoying flavorful small plates, and experiencing a rich selection of craft cocktails, wines, and beers. With a spacious interior capable of comfortably accommodating 20 to 200 guests, Irving Street Tapas caters not only to casual dinners but also to larger events and celebrations. The restaurant is a popular destination on weekends, featuring live music especially on Fridays, which adds to its energetic and inviting vibe. Whether you are looking to enjoy an evening with friends sipping on expertly crafted drinks or indulge in a variety of global-inspired tapas, Irving Street Tapas provides a memorable dining experience in Portland’s bustling NW 13th Avenue area.
Here's what people think of Irving Street Tapas
As of recent, Irving Street Tapas holds a 4.4-star rating based on 402 reviews.
Irving Street Tapas holds a solid reputation with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on over 400 reviews, reflecting a generally positive customer experience. Reviewers frequently praise the diverse and flavorful tapas menu, highlighting the quality of ingredients and innovative dishes that combine global flavors with classic Spanish influences. Many guests appreciate the attentive and friendly service staff, which enhances the overall dining atmosphere. The vibrant bar area and well-curated drink menu featuring craft cocktails and wines are often noted as standout features that contribute to a festive environment. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional inconsistencies in service timing and delays during peak hours. A few diners have pointed out that the noise level can be high due to the lively music and crowd, which might not suit everyone’s preference for a quiet meal. Overall, the reviews suggest that Irving Street Tapas is an excellent spot for social gatherings and celebrations, with the positives significantly outweighing the occasional drawbacks related to busy times and noise levels.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Victor Baker
Food was ok, great service we sat by the fireplace food was good needs more sauce mushrooms were a bit bland overall filling shrimp as light and tasty the winner of the night was the beef samosas!
Shirley Bevens
Great spot to people watch during First Thursday! Absolutely Terrible food. Ordered the Peri Peri Chicken and the Beets and Burtata. Both tasted like it came from a can and expired jar of sauces. The canned beer was good!
Shobhit Gogia
I went to Irving Street Tapas on July 3rd for dinner. The food was delicious and they provided attentive and courteous service even on a busy night.
Bree Rose
Our waitress was so wonderful and so kind. The food looked great but tasted sad and lacking seasoning. It would have been so much better with just some salt and pepper. The place looks so great but was pretty empty on a Friday night. My husband and I were wondering why it was so empty but after eating the food we understood. The crabcakes smelt like old fish and looked and tasted like they were deep fried. We got all the sauces on the side and we were so glad we did because they were not good. I think this place could be great with just a bit more seasoning. This was my first restaurant where I added salt and pepper to all my good.
Tim Vandenberg
Wow, what a disappointment! Over over OVER priced! The server was not good at all, didn't seem to know much about the menu, service was slow and billed us for stuff we didn't order. Food came out in shifts, not all at once. Food was decent, decent not spectacular, just decent. Servers clearly had somewhere to be, because they close at 9 and were clearing the table and definitely pushing us out the door. I would never go there again.
How to reach Irving Street Tapas
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Website: None
Why Irving Street Tapas may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Irving Street Tapas with your friends?
Gathering with friends or family at Irving Street Tapas in Portland offers a unique and memorable experience that combines communal dining, diverse global flavors, and a lively atmosphere perfect for socializing. This modern tapas restaurant addresses one of the best reasons to rally together: sharing small plates encourages connection. Rather than ordering individual meals, groups can sample an eclectic range of dishes, from Mediterranean to Asian-inspired tapas, making every visit an explorative food adventure. With a strong rating of 4.4 across over 400 reviews, Irving Street Tapas has successfully cultivated a reputation as a top spot where flavor, ambiance, and group dynamics blend beautifully. The setting invites relaxed gatherings with options for both indoor and outdoor seating, accommodating intimate get-togethers or larger celebrations. Plus, the attentive staff are known for accommodating dietary preferences like vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone in your circle can enjoy something delicious together. Whether you're catching up over cocktails during happy hour or enjoying a leisurely weekend meal, Irving Street Tapas offers the perfect balance of quality, variety, and conviviality that makes it a destination where friends and family want to rally time and again.
What makes Irving Street Tapas perfect for group meetups and what activities does it offer?
Irving Street Tapas’s format revolves around sharing, making it ideal for group meetups. The restaurant specializes in global small plates inspired by Spanish tapas, Asian fusion, and Mediterranean dishes, designed so that groups can order multiple dishes to share rather than sticking to individual entrees. This encourages a communal dining experience where conversations flow naturally alongside exploring different tastes and textures. Another great advantage for groups is their friendly accommodations of dietary restrictions, with many dishes that can be made vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, ensuring inclusivity within your party. Happy hour specials running Tuesday through Friday from 4 PM to 5:30 PM and weekends from noon to 5:30 PM provide a lively option to start the evening with discounted drinks and tapas, an excellent kickoff for any group outing. The restaurant’s layout supports social interaction, and outdoor seating is available for fresh air and a more open environment, a big plus for larger groups or warm-weather gatherings. Additionally, Irving Street Tapas takes reservations, which means groups can plan ahead to secure a prime spot, avoiding the hassle and stress often associated with last-minute meetups in busy dining districts.
How does the food selection cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences?
The menu at Irving Street Tapas is thoughtfully curated to appeal to a wide range of palates, which is crucial when hosting mixed groups with varying tastes. Featuring a blend of American, Spanish, and other global cuisines, the options range from traditional tapas favorites to inventive fusion dishes. Reviewers consistently praise the variety and deliciousness of the selection, highlighting crowd-pleasers such as cilantro lime risotto and edamame as standouts. Importantly, the kitchen is skilled at adapting dishes — for example, tofu can be substituted for chicken in items like their tikka masala and butter chicken, making the menu accessible to vegans and vegetarians without compromising flavor. This flexibility not only enhances the dining experience but also signals a welcoming environment for those with dietary restrictions or preferences. Furthermore, gluten-free options are available, making Irving Street Tapas a safe choice for gluten-sensitive diners. The cocktails are also notably well-crafted, complementing the food with nuanced flavors that add to the overall sensory experience. This inclusive and diverse food offering strengthens Irving Street Tapas’s appeal as an excellent venue where everyone in a group can find something enjoyable.
What kind of ambiance and service experience can guests expect at Irving Street Tapas?
The ambiance at Irving Street Tapas artfully balances modern sophistication with casual warmth, making it well suited for groups looking to relax and enjoy each other’s company. The décor reflects contemporary design with subtle global influences to match the menu’s international inspirations. Lighting and seating arrangements create an inviting setting that encourages conversation and lingering over shared plates and drinks. Because the venue offers outdoor seating, groups can opt for an airy environment on pleasant days, adding a refreshing dimension to their dining experience. The staff are consistently praised for their accommodating and attentive service, which is especially important for larger groups who require efficient, friendly assistance throughout their meal. The ability to reserve tables means groups can avoid waiting and feel prioritized, enhancing the overall comfort and convenience. Whether it’s a casual weekday happy hour session or a weekend celebration, the staff’s professionalism enhances the welcoming atmosphere. Altogether, the ambiance and service at Irving Street Tapas foster a relaxed but engaging environment ideal for social gatherings.
Why is Irving Street Tapas a great choice for celebrations or special occasions?
Beyond casual meetups, Irving Street Tapas shines as a venue for celebrations and special occasions. Its emphasis on sharing and small plates naturally creates a festive mood where everyone can partake in the joy of tasting an array of dishes. The diverse menu accommodates different preferences and dietary needs, so hosting large groups — whether birthday parties, reunions, or milestone dinners — becomes seamless. The combination of delicious food and inventive cocktails offers an elevated experience without feeling overly formal, striking a perfect balance that works for a variety of event types. Moreover, the restaurant’s ability to manage reservations ensures that your party will be well taken care of from arrival to departure, reducing stress often associated with organizing group dining events. The vibrant atmosphere, excellent service, and quality food mean that any celebration here feels thoughtful and special. For those seeking a place to create lasting memories with loved ones, Irving Street Tapas provides all the ingredients for a successful and enjoyable gathering.
What practical considerations should groups keep in mind when planning a meetup at Irving Street Tapas?
When planning a group meetup at Irving Street Tapas, several practical points enhance the experience. First, since Irving Street Tapas requires reservations, especially for larger parties, booking well in advance secures a preferred time and helps avoid the disappointment of fully booked slots. The restaurant’s operating hours accommodate evening gatherings Tuesday through Sunday, with happy hour offering an early evening window perfect for starting festivities economically. Since the venue offers both indoor and outdoor seating, groups should consider the weather and their preferences when making their reservation request. Irving Street Tapas also accepts credit cards, simplifying payments for groups that want to split bills or settle with ease. Lastly, communication with staff about dietary needs ahead of time ensures that menu accommodations are prepared smoothly. These small planning details guarantee that your meetup is enjoyable from start to finish, making Irving Street Tapas a well-organized and guest-focused option for group dining.