Pambiche Cuban Restaurant

Portland $$ ****This is a fun Cuban restaurant located in lively Northeast Portland. It reminds me of Saburo's because you write your name on a list and wait for about 45 minutes before you are led to a cramped table in a loud, crowded room. Of course, it's crowded for a reason. Our waitress was great, and my Cuban sandwich and Mexican hot chocolate were delicious. Definitely a place for a night out with the girls.Pambiche Cuban Restaurant (Northeast)
2811 NE Glisan St
Portland, OR 97232
Sun-Thu 11am-10pm
Fri-Sat 11am-12am
~$15 for sandwich, hot chocolate

Saburo's Sushi House Restaurant

Portland $ ****

This place is definitely quantity, not quality. The sushi at Saburo's are MASSIVE. Let me repeat that: MASSIVE. Be prepared to wait about 45 minutes before you're seated. You'll have to write your name on a list and wait to be called. Luckily there is a Starbucks close by (why is it that I always seem to be using Starbucks either as bathrooms or as Saburo's waiting areas?). Once you're called, some guy will seat you in a cramped table right next to other people. They have a pretty good variety of sushi for cheap prices. This isn't exactly the best sushi I've had (although I must say, the salmon is fabulous), but like I said earlier, the sushi is MASSIVE. Expect leftovers.

Saburo's Sushi House Restaurant (Sellwood)
1667 SE Bybee Blvd
Portland, OR 97202
Mon-Thurs 5:00pm-9:30pm
Fri 5:00pm-10:30pm
Sat 4:30pm-10:00pm
Sun 4:30pm-9:00pm

Buca di Beppo

Honolulu $$ ****


Another Italian chain, but I happen to like Buca di Beppo because of all the fond memories I have of this place. For Hawaii teenagers, this was the classic place to host your birthday party. My friend and I frequented this place whenever we came to Ward. Their food is good, but the main draw is definitely the atmosphere. The walls are warm and literally covered with odd photographs that make great conversation pieces - although, for a good conversation, be prepared to yell.
Buca di Beppo (Ward)
1030 Auahi Street
Honolulu, HI 96814
Sunday - Thursday 11am-10pm
Friday - Saturday: 11am-11pm