Teed Off
 
With summer in full swing we have been wearing T-shirts on a daily basis. While we love the functionality of tees, we feel that we've been a bit remiss in the style department, prompting us to seek out (and find) a cool spot for this most basic of items.
 
Upper Playground specializes in fashionable, unique art tees. In fact, all of their shirts are designed by underground artists, giving them a hip, urban look. Some of our favorite of these artists are Jeremy Fish (the creator of Super Fishal, which features colorful hip-hop and street-influenced prints) and Dan Cuenca, whose satirical renderings of pop-culture imagery make his designs the standout of Fifty 24SF's line.
 
Upper Playground also specializes in unique headwear, including a current collaboration with New Era, who produced 300 limited-edition caps specifically for the store. Adidas collaborated with Upper Playground as well, creating a custom line of hip kicks (only 500 made worldwide). And U.P. offers a large selection of fashionable hoodies which will come in handy with fall right around the corner. Make your play!
 
Upper Playground
23 NW 5th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.548.4835
www.upperplayground.com

The Roof That Fixes You

Vodka with oysters? Spicy fish tacos and strong Irish whiskey? Some things just go well together, no rhyme or reason needed.
 
That's the Leaky Roof's philosophy, anyway. It may sound a little strange, but you can't argue with results. A self-dubbed "gastropub," the Roof has been mixing it up since 1947, proving that two great tastes can go great together, no matter how different. Though Irish-themed, the Goose Hollow restaurant doesn't shy away from Mexican, Northwest seafood, or traditional American fare with a quirky twist, like their pork ribs smothered in Marionberry BBQ sauce or the stuffed meatloaf with beef, ham, spinach, mushroom and Parmesan cheese.
 
The drinks list is just as wild, with mixed concoctions like the “Irish Gentleman,” which combines Powers Irish Whiskey and Bailey's Irish Cream with whipped cream and Crème de Menthe. There’s an extensive wine list, and, according to the Roof, "the best pint of Guinness this side of Belfast." If you're still standing after all that, sit down for the Marquise au Chocolat, an absolutely brilliant chocolate concoction featuring rum soaked genoise, baked hazelnuts, and a tart raspberry sauce.
 
Leaky Roof Pub and Grill
1538 SW Jefferson St.
Portland, OR 97201
503.222.3745
www.theleakyroof.com

Get in My Belly!

NoPo's freshest hotspot still has that new-restaurant smell going for it. Well, that, and a gourmet menu of delectable entrees and a brilliant list of creative cocktails and…
 
You'll get the idea when you walk into Belly and walk out with a full one. Take your time looking over the drink menu, because there are a number of Mojitos, Martinis and other specialty cocktails that deserve your careful attention. Expect to find some great mixes of bourbon, gin, vodka and brandy, many of which have been house-infused with fruits. We recommend the cantaloupe and green grape White Sangria as the perfect chaser for a hot afternoon, and the Raspberry Milkshake for our beer fans out there, which combines Guinness Stout and Framboise Lambic, the Belgian raspberry beer.
 
Entrees range from Italian favorites like gnocchi with bacon, scallions, and a cream sauce to a plate of Halibut and Manila clams in an herb broth with fingerling potatoes. Finish with a chocolate banana tart with caramel sauce or a breakfast dessert of French toast with peaches and whipped cream. Hoo-rah!
 
Belly
3500 NE Martin Luther King Blvd.
Portland, OR 97212
503.249.9764
www.bellyrestaurant.com

This is not a test… 

Absinthe Minded
 
The last time we had a really good Absinthe in the States was at an after-after-Halloween party in one of Portland's basement speakeasies. (Reason # 419 to love PDX, BTW.)
 
We've been meaning to pick up a bottle. It’s great when a shot of something staid just won't do, or when you get a date back to your house. (What drink could be more dangerous/sexy?) Plus it just looks bad-ass on the shelf. Try the ultra-potent mansinthe by M. Manson himself.
 
www.mansinthe.com

Screw in Style
 
Did you know Leatherman is a local company? It’s 25 years old and celebrating with this pass-me-down through the generations, sterling-silver multi-tool called the Charge.

Just 999 of these babies are floating around and include a dark wood and glass display box. It's got all the usual tools, including the ever useful Northwest favorite—the beer bottle opener. The man, Tim Leatherman, even has his Hancock on it. Get it now.
 
www.amazon.com

Calculator Not Included
 
Who says all geek watches, well, have to look so geeky? This nice-looking wrist time-machine might be mistaken for a good-looking piece, but you know better. It has a tiny USB flash drive hidden inside, capable of holding 4GB worth of your porn or corporate blackmail files.

You might think you’re a super spy with this, even though your cruel boss still beats you like a dead horse every time he goes by. Little does he know the data files are on him.
 
www.thinkgeek.com

Dead Guy Ale is a German-style Maibock made with Rogue’s proprietary "PacMan" ale yeast. It’s deep honey in color with a malty aroma, a rich hearty flavor and a well balanced finish. The association with the Grateful Dead is pure coincidence, which is odd since Rogue started in Ashland.
 
www.rogue.com

If Wolfmother Ate The White Stripes…
 
Our buddy runs a rehearsal space for local bands, so he hears a bunch of 'em. So we knew he meant business when he gushed with praise over a new one called Council Crest. Disappointingly, nothing on their myspace page yet, but trust us and don't miss their first-ever show tomorrow night. Seriously.
 
What: Rock Show at Ash Street
When: Saturday, Aug. 2, 10 pm
Where: 225 SW Ash St.
Call: 503.226.0430
Cover: $5
Visit: www.ashstreetsaloon.com

Real Men Don't Rent
 
Do you have a fancy wedding to attend? Is there a holiday party on the horizon? Do you need a new tuxedo, or just accessories to freshen up? Stop by Mr. Formal Clearance Center's Bag Sale. Anything you can fit in a bag (provided by Mr. Formal) is 20% off! Get outfitted in style for the ultimate suit.

What: Mr. Formal 20% off sale
When: Aug. 4–9
Where: At the clearance center, 1103 SE 7th Ave.
Call: 503.239.6121
Visit: www.mrformaltuxedos.com

Single? Mix and Mingle with the Picks
 
It's time for another Portland Picks for Men singles event on Aug. 8! Grab your single buddies and head to Vicinato Wine Bar for a night of mixing and mingling with some hip/hot Portland Picks ladies and their friends. You could win gift certificates to Hair M, McCormick & Schmick's and more—and maybe score a date. (Which is the real prize.) And did we mention free wine and appetizers? Proceeds help benefit the Red Cross.
 
What: PPFM Singles Night
When: Friday, Aug. 8, 6 pm
Where: Vicinato Wine Bar, 4605 NE Fremont St.
Cost: $10 at the door
RSVP: picks@portlandpicksformen.com

Bones and Brews and You

Join Rogue Ales for the 14th annual Bones and Brews festival in the Pearl District. This family-friendly event will be a celebration of American backyard BBQ and will feature an amateur grilling competition, BBQ vendors, 30+ small craft microbrewers, a farmers’ market, and live classic Rock music. Need we say more? Proceeds benefit the Oregon Zoo.

What: Bones and Brews
When: Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2–3
Where: the Pearl District
Call: 503.241.3800
Visit: www.rogue.com/news-events.html

Haberdashers Opens in the Pearl

Get to shopping, mates. The Haberdashers you know and love is opening next Thursday in the Pearl District. Find modern, European-inspired style and labels like Ben Sherman, Lacoste and French Connection.  They also specialize in top-quality denim from Citizens of Humanity, Joes and more. Find the right stuff for looking good.

What: Haberdashers Pearl grand opening. Print out this ad and get 20% off your purchase!
When: Thursday, Aug. 7
Where: 428 NW 11th Ave.
Visit: www.shophaberdashers.com