The Oregon Grille

Word to the wise: get there when it opens to make sure you snag a seat. This place is worth the wait.

When it comes to the food, Ananda doesn’t disappoint. Their menu features seasonal specials, as well as classic Indian dishes that are sure to please. Some standout items include the naan, shrimp balchao, chicken tikka masala, and the Dharamshala Duck – a Himalayan preparation of roasted local duck with cardamom and cumin-scented lentil, seasonal squash polenta, cauliflower, and corn khichdi.

To complement the food, Ananda also offers a selection of signature cocktails and small plates that can be enjoyed in their lavish lounge. And if you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear evening, you can observe the colorful sunsets over the Maple Lawn skyline while savoring the flavors of India.

One of their most popular dishes is the “Neighborhood Bird,” which is a creative take on the classic fried chicken sandwich, featuring a perfectly fried chicken thigh, slathered in a sweet and spicy sauce made with honey, Old Bay seasoning, and the restaurant’s secret blend of spices. The chicken is then topped with a refreshing slaw made with pickled daikon and carrots, and nestled between a soft and fluffy steamed bun.

But the Neighborhood Bird is just one of many dishes on the menu that showcases Ekiben’s creativity and attention to detail. From their pork belly bao buns to their Korean fried chicken rice bowls, every dish is made with care and the freshest ingredients.

The atmosphere at Ekiben is casual and laid-back, with communal seating and a no-frills interior. But the food is anything but basic. The restaurant has received numerous accolades over the years, including being named one of Bon Appetit’s Best New Restaurants in America in 2016.

But wait, there’s more! The Food Market’s 1-pound crab cake is a seafood masterpiece that’ll have you feeling like a king (or queen) of the sea. And the crab spaghetti? Well, let’s just say it’s so delicious, you’ll want to take a bath in it.

But it’s not just the food that makes The Food Market so special. It’s the elevated comfort food experience, with cozy decor and friendly staff that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in your own home (if your home had really, really good food).

And let’s not forget about the neighborhood. Hampden is a quirky and charming area with unique shops and plenty of character. It’s the perfect backdrop for a meal that’ll leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.