No Fish Go Fish

Never a bad soup; never a bad lunch. I had a nice lunch a No Fish Go Fish today. Definitely a great lunch place for people who want a healthy, filling, yet inexpensive meal. I shared a bowl of minestrone with Parmesan and a bowl of green pea soup with carrots, onions, and cumin. Both were excellent. The green pea soup was extremely creamy and the cumin was really a nice touch. The minestrone was loaded with vegetables and the Parmesan added a pleasant flavor. the sandwiches I chose were the tomato and mozzarella and the cream cheese and peperoncini. Those are common choices for me and I enjoyed them though I was tempted to do a sandwich with egg such as the egg and cheese or the egg and pico de gallo. I also noticed people getting soup and sandwiches to go which would be another great lunch idea. I considered getting a frittata, of which I have heard good things, instead of the lunch special but you really can’t beat the value of a large bowl of soup and 2 small sandwiches for $6. I’m not sure anywhere in Portland boasts better lunch combination of healthy food and solid value.

gazpacho and cucumber dill are two of the cold, seasonal soups no fish go fish has right now, for those days that you would think are just too hot for soup. both selections are extremely tasty and nice and cooling on a warm day.

No Fish Go Fish is a great spot to bring people for lunch. I’ve never brought anyone who didn’t enjoy the experience. The last time I went was with someone visiting from Vermont who enjoyed the cheap, hearty meal. For $6 you get a very filling meal that’s healthier than what most restaurants offer, particularly in that price range. There’s always vegan and vegetarian soups available and usually at least 1 soup with meat. With 4 soups to choose from the biggest problem is choosing one; I’ve always seen at least 1 soup that I wanted. I’ve had more good soups than I can remember but the lentil soups always stand out as being delicious. And while the sandwiches shaped like fish are a novelty they are also quite tasty and the ideal size and shape for soup dipping. I’d have to say my favorite sandwich is the cream cheese and peperoncini. There are several other sandwiches which are quite good and I often have trouble choosing between them. The atmosphere is quite cozy and I think it lends itself to brining family, out of town guests, even dates.

I think it’s too bad that they’re no longer open late enough for dinner and drinks and that they don’t host strip jeopardy anymore. I remember going by one Friday night some time ago when they were packed. I haven’t tried the drinks recently but they used to be quite strong and quite tasty though prices were average. Perhaps in time they’ll feel confident in a return to being a good spot for dinner and drinks.

maybe i’m biased.

this was the first place i ate in portland. and it tends to be the place i take people who are just into town, people who are just off a plane…

but i think there’s a reason for that…

it’s cozy and low-key, the food is filling and comforting, the cost is minimal. though simple fare compared to all of the exotic portland cuisine options, it never fails to satisfy and impress first-timers.

$5.99 for a delicious, huge bowl of home-made soup and two tasty little sandwiches? you can’t beat that! their massive hunk of frittata comes with a good-sized cup of soup and a little sandwich, for $7.50. you can’t beat that!

no fish go fish is now on my list of must-visits for out-of-towners

good eats, cute concept, and easy atmosphere…. the soup choices were varied, offbeat, and filling… the mushroom barley is a great bellyful for vegetarians… the little sandwiches shaped like fish were delicious and there was a great selection of sweet vs. savory