Wetzels Pretzels

Wetzel's Original Pretzel gets "Three Twists" 

Although Wetzel's Pretzels isn't just in Portland, I figured if I eat in Portland it counts, right? I have decided to do some pretzel posts about some "main stream" places dedicated to pretzels - namely, Wetzel's Pretzels and Auntie Anne's, and others as they come (aka while I am at Target, because let's face it Target has everything). First up, Wetzel's Pretzels, although I technically tried my first Wetzel Pretzel at the Bridgeport location, they also have one at Lloyd Center in Portland - and for those U of O fans, there is one located in Eugene, OR too. Greatest things about chains is that you can count on the food to taste the same no matter the location.

For consistency sake, I tried the original pretzel and I must say it was delicious. I think the salt topped it off (as it tends to do) and even though it was a bit buttery/greasy, I wouldn't expect anything else. If you're doing some shopping at Bridgeport or on your way to a movie it is conveniently placed to tempt your taste buds. 

OctoberFeast - Not So "Premier"

OctoberFeast Pretzels get "no twists"

I was visiting my sisters this past weekend in California, so naturally we tried to find the "best" pretzel in Berkeley. For the record, Berkeley might be known for a lot of things, but pretzels aren't one of them. The first option  (and most touted bakery), Gaumenkitzel, was closed on Mondays, so we went with the second option: OctoberFeast Bakery.

While it seemed to be a cute little bakery, claiming to be the "premier Bavarian bakery on the West Coast" with all different types of Bavarian breads, it quickly became a not so exciting experience. The only pretzels they had...were the ones on display. The best she could do was suggest I try the croissant as it tasted "sort of like a pretzel" while she was right in that it had a bit of  a pretzel-like taste, it wasn't the same and the croissant was not great enough to want it again. I am not even sure extra salt and cheese-sauce on the side would make me change my mind on this one.

Deschutes Pretzels, are De-lish.

Deschutes get a "four full twists

Occupying a former auto body shop, Portland's Deschutes Brewery, located in the Pearl District (210 NW 11th), has a lot of appeal - and so do their pretzels. I won't lie, this isn't my first time to Deschutes, as I had the privileged of going here the first time this summer with a friend, but for consistency sake I thought I should go again to ensure I got my pretzel rating right. Their Brewery pretzel is served with a delicious "creamy white cheese and Black Butte Porter stone ground mustard" and although it is a bit pricey (compared to some pretzels at $7.50) the dipping sauce combined with the buttery, salty croissant like pretzel is simply irresistible. Deschutes is not just a Portland pub, as they have locations in several states in the U.S (primarily west coast and mid-west, although sadly not in Oklahoma). So for my family in California and Texas, if you're reading this post - make a date night at Deschutes!

Mellow Mushroom.

Mellow Mushroom pretzels get "four full twists"

It might sound odd to go to a restaurant well known for pizza and beer to find pretzels, but leave it to the Mellow Mushroom to stray from the norm. Located in the pearl, NW 14th and Flanders, this restaurant has a lot to offer in terms of the environment, the waiters, pizza, salad, and of course pretzels. Not only do they have pretzels, but they have both salty AND sugary pretzels. My friend and I ordered not 1 or 2 pretzels, but a dozen...of each. Some of you might be thinking, that's a lot of pretzels and all I have to say is yes, yes it was a lot of pretzels. However, these pretzels had a way of turning a stressful day into a wonderful evening. The dough was absolutely to die for. I prefer soft, squishy (is that an appropriate word to describe food?) dough and this was just perfect. The dipping sauce for the cinnamon and sugar pretzel was honey, which gave it just the right touch (although very sticky). As for the salty pretzels, I didn't get a chance to try until the next day as left overs. But, let's just say these pretzels (with marinara, Parmesan dipping sauce) speak for themselves, as I continued to eat them day after day, until they had somehow all disappeared...oops? I must say that of all the pretzels I have tried so far, the salty ones from Mellow Mushroom are at the top of my book. If anyone is ever in the mood to try this place out, I strongly recommend it AND their pretzels (even if you are full, get a to-go order, you won't regret it!).

Fassler Hall: Tulsa,OK

Fassler Hall gets "for full twists"

Although I recognize this is a "Portland" Pretzel blog, from time to time there will be some Pretzels from other places I go. Since I love pretzels, it is hard to pass up a good pretzel when I see it, so why not blog about it too? This post comes to you from Tulsa, OK's Fassler Hall, a quaint little German pub in downtown Tulsa. Since I live in Portland now, I just recently had the opportunity to check this place out and sure enough, they had pretzels. Not just one, but two pretzels come with this order and they were nothing short of delicious. They were buttery, soft, and had a balanced amount of salt per each pretzel. As noted previously, I am not a big fan of mustard, but if you're into that there was plenty of it. I loved being home for the holidays, and biting into a savory pretzel with some of my best friends topped off this experience for sure. Now, back to Portland!

Oktoberfest!

The Oktoberfest pretzels get "three twists"

In October, a couple of my friends and I went to Mount Angel for Oktoberfest. Needless to say there was plenty of beer, food, and you guessed it - pretzels! I got a pretzel from one of the food stands on main street and it was tasty. There was a little too much salt, which for people who know me well might think it is weird I am saying that, but sometimes too much salt can take away from the overall quality of the pretzel in my opinion, it is all about the balance. Being new to Oregon, Mount Angel was a fun place to experience Oktoberfest, however the prices of the beer gardens were outrageous, so if you are going there to drink be prepared to empty your pockets. Otherwise, you can just enjoy the crowds and the food stands on the main street.

a little taste of "Germany"

Grüner pretzels get "two twists"

A friend of mine recently took me to a little German place in SW Portland, Grüner Restaurant. This restaurant has a lot of charm and the staff is wonderful! Although these pretzels aren’t on the menu, once you order they bring you a plate full of delicious bread, butter and…low and behold a pretzel. The pretzel was a bit tougher on the outside (apparently this could be a more authentic touch, although I have never been to Germany, so I will take my friend’s word), but had a wonderful, fresh taste and just the right amount of salt. The butter added a nice touch, but when is butter ever a bad idea? I definitely recommend not only the pretzel, but the restaurant itself.