Review of East Chinatown Lounge
East (Chinatown Lounge) is a hip little bar that still manages to be friendly.
Approaching from the outside, East is a barely noticeable blip on NW Everett street with a tiny red illuminated sign, everything else is black and glass. This gives the impression of a place that’s deliberately trying to be hard to find, but upon entering the dark theme is carried throughout. Lighting is red, like China. Walls and upholstery are black. There is just enough light on the bar to highlight their highly professional, yet fully Portland hipster, bartenders and wait staff. The few pieces of scattered furniture have a retro-future vibe going for it. The music was smooth electronic, with a little thump — but kept quiet enough to encourage conversation ( a big plus in my book )
All in all the place feels smart and trendy without being snobby.
As you might expect from a place called “East” the food and cocktails are inspired by Asian cuisine. The menu items range from edamame to steamed pork dumplings (that you might find in a greasy, low-rent dim sum joint — that is to say “good”)
The cocktails are Asian-ed up twists on old standbys, with a few nice additions of their own. Their Kamikaze is fruity, but strong. The “Orchid” is fruity, slightly sweet, with just enough alcohol to feel like a manly drink. The cocktail menu is short and sweet, and rounded out by a good selection of sake, available hot or cold.
Verdict: I’d go back.