Executive Travel

The following reviews are excerpted from Zagat Surveys, a series of regional dining and lodging guides based on extensive ratings and reviews contributed by local restaurant-goers and frequent travelers. Ratings for food, decor and service are based on a numerical scale: 0-9, poor to fair; 10-19, good to very good; 20-25, very good to excellent; 26-30, extraordinary to perfect. Estimated cost is for a dinner, drink and tip for one person.

Zagat suggests business travelers consider these establishments when looking for budget places to entertain clients, conduct business or dine alone.

American Food

TABOR HILL CAFE

3766 S . E . Hawthorne Blvd.; (503) 230-1231 An artsy neighborhood spot serving healthy food in a friendly, cozy atmosphere. Breakfasts are worth the wait, and the mostly soup-sandwich-pasta menu is tasty and affordable.

Food: 22 Decor: 17 Service: 20 Cost: $12

N. MOLOCH / HEATHMAN BAKERY & PUB

901 S . W . Salmon St.; (503) 227-5700 Brick-oven pizza and calzone, great bread and microbrewery beers contribute to the popularity of this bustling pub-bakery. Meals are light, flavorful and served at bargain prices. Popular with the after-work crowd.

Food: 22 Decor: 17 Service: 14 Cost: $12

PRODUCE ROW CAFE

204 S . E . Oak St.; (503) 232-8355 This great “dive” between Grand and Martin Luther King avenues serves funky American-eclectic cuisine, offering generous sandwiches along with a good selection of beers.

Food: 16 Decor: 15 Service: 14 Cost: $9

Asian Restaurants

WEST COAST BENTO

2340 N.W. Westover Road; (503) 227-1779 This takeout-only place has people lined up at 11 a.m. for its chicken shish kebabs, sticky rice and other bargain boxed lunches. The food is tasty, healthy and tops the local “most bang for the buck” list.

Food: 23 Decor: 11 Service: 18 Cost: $6

CHEN’S DYNASTY

622 S . W . Washington St.; (503) 248-9491 Consistent quality and creative, fresh dishes make this a good, standard Mandarin-style downtown restaurant. Large menu is confusing and service is on the impersonal side, but prices are low.

Food: 23 Decor: 19 Service: 20 Cost: $15

YEN HA

8640 S.W. Canyon Road; (503) 292-0616 and 6820 N . E . Sandy Blvd.; (503) 287-3698 This pair of Vietnamese restaurants run by siblings is known for using quality ingredients and producing outstanding specialties at moderate prices. Service and run-down decor are nothing to write home about, but the food keeps people coming back.

Food: 21 Decor: 10 Service: 17 Cost: $16

For more information or to participate in future surveys, call (800) 333-3421. Copyright 1994, Eugene H. Zagat Jr. and Nina S. Zagat.