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    The Fried Onion

    4.8 (161 reviews)
    Closed 10:30 am - 2:30 pm

    The Fried Onion Photos

    Business Info

    THE FRIED ONION ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Divey
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - The Fried Onion

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    Jalapeno cheddar dog with fried onions
    Andrew H.

    Recently, I changed jobs. I am now a little further north but still in inner southeast. But it's an area that other than the Sheridan, I don't know much about. So, what I usually do is explore my new neighborhood and find out where the good food is. Now I work right across the street from Olympia Provisions, so I have that going for me once they are back open full swing. Oh, covid times. So in my wanderings, I came upon The Fried Onion and what appears to be the best hole in the wall that I never knew existed but I truly needed. East coast food, New York accents, a garage door and a grill. That's it. A very nice couple from the New York area run this unassuming place and they usually will have several of the warehouse workers from the area waiting in line for hot dogs, burgers or grilled sandwiches. They know regulars by name and don't care for the Boston Rex Sox. Get on their good side and be a Yankees fan when you get food. Igloo coolers housing cold sodas, spicy sauces and jalapeños. Fresh rolls toasted on the grill and of course the fried onions that should be put on anything you order. Request them if they aren't on what you choose. Just bantering with this couple is enough, but the food IS really good and a taste of the northeast. Thumann's meats is a good way to do that. It's New York, It's New Jersey and it's Philly. Order anything, whether it's a burger, a cheddar jalapeño dog, pastrami or a Portland beef sandwich. You won't regret it and you'll be back. I've been twice, and I believe I'll be there weekly and will be known by my first name there shortly. Seek this spot out and support local. Enjoy.

    Pastrami dog!
    Camille H.

    Oh geez, be still my heart. GO SEE THESE PEOPLE. New York transplants, husband and wife team made up of a Yankee fan and Brooklyn Dodgers fan are the owners going on 13 years of The Friend Onion. Sandwiches and hot dogs with a lot of pastrami in the mix. I had the pastrami dog, I mean, stop it - this is best idea ever. Really nice owners, excellent hot dog, I'll be back. They have been hanging tight through COVID. Said it's the trades that have kept them going, the electrician, plumbers, contractors and now a bookkeeper!

    Flat Bread Sandwich

    It's opened again and it's legit so good. For $9 you get a flatbread sandwich with pastrami, pepper jack cheese, peppers and their sauce. Added a hotdog for $3. It legit was just as good as it looks. Also the older couple working it were great to talk and charming

    Kitchen is a bit larger than a big hot plate
    Andrew A.

    If you're looking for a definition of hole-in-the wall, look no further than in this industrial part of town. This is basically a garage or large storage space, but not enhanced to make it look any better. There's ample seating, and check out the kitchen in the photo. It was on my list after seeing it featured on the Travel Channel's "Secret Eats" hosted by Alan Richman. I ordered the recommended Moussa and it delivered. The owner was very friendly; people seemed to be tipping extra as he's the kind you root for. Parking is super tough! A somewhat unique dining experience for sure.

    My new favorite place. What a great family with some delicious food. Come by and check it out you will not regret it. Great conversation while you wait for your food. A very solid husband and wife team with their granddaughter assisting them. Great family business. Very clean and the food was handled excellently which was nice to see because we have not seen that everywhere in Portland.

    "Almost" Chicago
    Kat J.

    I seriously don't understand all of the spectacular reviews for this place. To be fair, we only tried the hot dogs. We needed a quick place to grab lunch on our way from Seattle to a friend's wedding outside of Portland. I did a Yelp search and came across this place. We ordered the "Almost" Chicago and Spicy Slaw Dog. They were just pretty average, but fairly pricey ($5+) for their size. I wish the buns were different, they were not good and the dogs slipped out halfway through. Moreover, the dogs themselves were average, nothing to write home about. The owners were very nice and offered us a taste of the pastrami, which was great, and I instantly regretted ordering the hot dogs. I used to live near Katz, so I know a thing or two about good pastrami. Anyway, if I have to base this place purely on the hot dogs alone, it's between 1-2 stars.

    The moussa
    Sudipto G.

    Stellar NY style dogs, sandwiches and burgers right in the heart of the Industrial district. The elderly couple running this place are extremely friendly and have a steady clientele that keep coming for their workday lunches. I got the moussa, which is a feast of pastrami, fried onions, swiss and their superb spicy russian sauce on an onion roll. Their pastrami is top notch, probably the best I've had in pdx. I wish this cart were open on weekends, or at least till later in the evenings on weekdays, I'll have to wait till my next weekday holiday before I get to try them again!

    Yankees tee
    Kristie B.

    I LOVED this place so much! The beef and cheddar was great. The NY dog was terrific. And, it smelled like getting a stadium treat! It felt like I was enjoying a summer day at a baseball game, or as close as I can get during this covid summer. As a giant Yankee fan, I am in love. Also, the couple that own this spot are just a delight!!

    Ordered the NY hot dog which was huge. Dr. Brown's root beer from NY too.
    Toshi I.

    Looks like a garage but the food here is great. NY style hotdogs and hamburgers, the real deal. The service is really friendly. We stopped by after our visit to the museum. Very casual atmosphere too.

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    7 years ago

    So good. A bit of heat, great flavour, friendly people. There was a line but it was worth it.

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    6 years ago

    Such good food and down to earth people love to come back. Look forward to coming by here. What can I say homemade burgers are the best

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    Lottie and Zulas

    Lottie and Zulas

    4.6
    (151 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    I'm not much one for sandwiches, but a friend recommended this shop to me. One a day my stomach…read morewent on crazy growling mode, I paid Lottie a visit. Entering the shop, you will be greeted by loud music. Be ready for that. You will have the option to dine outside, if the weather provides it and the seats are empty. The hosts are wonderful and very accepting with a positive attitude. Smiles and all. I ordered the Jim because it was the only sandwich I could eat. The majority of the sandwiches contain meat, so I would not recommend this for vegans or pescatarians. Jim was delicious and I consumed both halves of Jim flawlessly. Either hunger overruled me, or the sandwich was that satisfying. I do recommend the shop, but with limited options for non-meat eaters, I truthfully would rate Lottie and Zulas, 4.5. Yet, I don't believe the spot was "good."

    My tastes are likely just different as the reviews for this place speak for themselves. We had the…read moreJimmy (as a salad). It was too smokier than I imagined but tasty. We also had the Vinny which was fine, a bit spicier than I thought it would be, but I'm a wimp. The service was fine, not overly friendly but adequate. The food is 4 stars, the service 3 starts, but the real bummer was all the plastic. Plastic container, plastic cups and we were eating in. They asked if it was to go and we said no, but everything came in plastic anyway. The ambiance is quintessential Portland, right up until they bring all your food in plastic with plastic silverware to boot.

    Photos
    Fun artsy tables
    Fun artsy tables
    The Travis Rueben! On marble rye goodness!
    The Travis Rueben! On marble rye goodness!
    Sandwich paradise.

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    Sandwich paradise.
    Geraldis Italian Sandwich Shop

    Geraldis Italian Sandwich Shop

    4.3
    (514 reviews)
    5.9 mi
    $$

    Let me start by saying I didn't take pictures. For anyone who reads my reviews, that's a big part…read moreof them: ALL THE PICTURES. Presentation, portions, half eaten, etc... but I didn't. Because the food was so damn good. Look - I'm going to start off by saying I grew up practically on The Hill. Out here, you'll have to Google it (make sure to add 'RI' to the search or you'll get some political BS), but back east, "alls you's have ta say" was those two words and anyone would know you knew your Italian, food and otherwise. There isn't anything on this coast that vaguely compares to The Hill's food, but walking into and biting out of Geraldi's was having a little piece of home. There's this little shop in the old town where the owner knew your voice when you called to order... you'd walk in, and you heard "hey cousin!" whether you were or not, and that's the vibe you get from Geraldi's. The food is much the same - you get something that looks like Nonna was at the range all day with her sauce (it's not gravy - no meat) and you came home looking like you haven't eaten in weeks: "I'm gonna fatten you up before you leave" and you walked out the door with a sub (sandwich, that is - not a submarine) that weighed the same as a newborn. We got three of those babies: a Chicago Beef (seal of approval from the orderer - only 'complaint' was that they had to eat it all in one day because the bread was quote too soggy to make it to lunch the next day - travesty), an Italian sausage (just as delicious when 1/2 was reheated the next day) and a Chicken Parmeroni (I thought somehow even better when 1/2 was reheated the next day) and I could have absolutely gone back the next day if it weren't for A. the leftovers 2/3 of us had and B. the meal planning we'd done for the week. I also grabbed a side of giardiniera because I will get it anytime I see it available and I inhaled it - I need to know if I can by it by the vat instead of the side cups because it too was similar to what I can find at home (about practically nowhere out here) and amazing!! I'm still upset I didn't take pictures though!

    Locals mentioned this spot when I asked about good sandwiches! They were not lying!…read more A small spot with pizza, subs, and salads. I can only speak to the sandwiches. I started with the Spicy Geraldi, which is normally cold - but you can get it hot - highly recommended! It was toasty and amazing! Packed full of meat - the half would have been enough for me - but the whole left some for later! I will be back to try more. Prices are moderate.

    Photos
    Geraldis Italian Sandwich Shop
    Antipasta Salad with Balsamic Vinegar Dressing (you get to choose your salad dressing)
    Antipasta Salad with Balsamic Vinegar Dressing (you get to choose your salad dressing)
    Classic ham sandwich

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    Classic ham sandwich
    Lardo

    Lardo

    4.2
    (1.5k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    This was an incredible introduction to the Portland food scene, delivering some of the best…read moresandwiches I've ever had. Between the genuinely friendly hospitality and the flavor combinations, this spot hits it out of the park and is a must for sandwich lovers. Griddled Mortadella (5/5): An incredibly delicious sandwich that perfectly balances rich, salty, and savory flavors. It comes loaded with a generous portion of grilled mortadella and melted provolone cheese, perfectly moistened with a tangy mustard aioli. The fresh lettuce and bell peppers added a satisfying crunch to every bite. Chefwich - K-Town Steak Sandwich (5/5): A limited-time creation packed into a banh mi roll. It had a generous portion of perfectly tender and sweet bulgogi steak that pairs with their melted jack cheese. The gochujang mayo sauce had a subtle and sweet heat, while the fresh kimchi added crunch and slight acidity to balance the rich meat. Elote Tater Tots (5/5): Definitely a creative side dish. The tots were perfectly fried and topped elote style with cotija cheese, pairing well with the smoky chipotle mayo on the side. Logistics Tip: Street parking is surprisingly easy to find in the surrounding area, even on a busy weekend evening. The restaurant has a spacious layout with plenty of seating options both inside and outside. If you're a first-timer, don't hesitate to ask the staff for suggestions, as they're exceptionally warm, welcoming, and passionate about the menu.

    I've only been to the Lardo in PDX (is it still there?), so I felt like I needed to give the brick…read moreand mortar a chance because, let's face it, the one in PDX is meh. We walked down here on a beautiful day after wedding deletes shopping, so spirits were high. Located on a busy corner, but with plenty of outdoor seating, Lardo is a good place to have lunch on a Saturday. I have nothing to say about the parking sitch. My daughter and I shared the Willamette Reuben and her friend ordered the Italian Flag. We shared the Lardo fries. Oh man, the Reuben was perfection! The flavor of the meat and everything on the sandwich, from texture to flavor--chef's kiss! We heard that the Italian Flag was excellent too. Definitely, you can share a sandwich especially if you're having fries. The fries were delicious--crispy and flavorful on the outside, perfectly hot and mushy on the inside. Yum!

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Italian Flag
    Italian Flag
    Smash Burger

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    Smash Burger

    The Fried Onion - hotdog - Updated July 2026

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