Salvador Molly's: This off-the-beaten-path hot spot is worth a visit

Story and photos by Chere Weiss

Off the beaten path in SW Portland’s Hillsdale neighborhood, Salvador Molly’s sneaks up on you. I happened upon this place during a local weekend of dancing and hiking.

Great food, reasonable prices, a creative décor, and an attentive wait staff await you. The venue and menu serve up primary influences of India, Hawaii, Mexico and kitsch.

Two levels of seating allow for large groups or intimate and brightly decorated booths. I sampled the Tiki Mac; macaroni and cheese with spicy Mexican Cotija cheese, a pineapple salsa, sweet potato fries and a little paper umbrella. My friends, Cecily and Dick, sampled Kailua Mojo Pork, a unique version of pulled pork with spicy pickled mango slaw and a Thai-inspired Tamarind Mint Shrimp Curry. The portions were large enough for take home leftovers. My "foodie" friend, Cecily, gave her Thai plate two thumbs up for the subtle blend of mint and curry and the skillful preparation of the shrimp and vegetables.

Salvador Molly’s "Monsoon Room Libations" offer up unique beverages, including pitchers. Someday when I have a driver and the time, I’ll try the Double Mojo Walkin’ Zombie — five kinds of rum, orange and pineapple juices, grenadine and blue Curacao. Happy Hour repeats itself 4-6pm every day, 8-9pm Sunday/Monday and Tuesday, 9-10pm Wednesday and Thursday, and 10-11pm Friday and Saturdays.

Happy Bites are available for $2 during those hours, $2 beers and the Cocktail of the Day for $3. World Lunch Plates are just $4.95 Monday – Friday between 11:30am–3 pm with your choice of half a Cuban Pressed Sandwich with soup or salad, Louisiana King Jambalaya or a Caesar Salad with Jerk Chicken.

Salvador Molly’s hosts family friendly themed events nearly every month. The day we were there, the evening activity was Bollywood, with Indian musicals running on all the flat screens, Indian food specials, henna hand painting, a dance lesson and crafts for kids. All free.
Check out their website www.salvadormollys.com

And don’t forget to view the Velvis World Tour wall, one of the proprietors took a velvet painting of Elvis around the world and kept a photo journal.

IF YOU GO
Salvador Molly's
1523 SW Sunset Blvd, Portland, OR.
Phone: 503-293-1790

• • •

How important is the look and feeling of a restaurant? Let us know in the comments below...

Chere Weiss is one of Columbia River Reader's online writers. Read more about here by clicking HERE.