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GrindWitTryzB-Worth Trying
4318 NE Cully Blvd, Portland, OR 97218
· Hawaiian restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1015 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Huge Hawaiian-style plates with crowd-pleasing sauces and poke nachos; expect long lines, counter service, and occasional consistency and cleanliness hiccups.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
GrindWitTryz earns its following through strong food quality and exceptional value with massive portions that create genuine buzz and repeat visits. However, variable execution—burnt meats, overcooking, and inconsistent sides—prevents higher grades, while modest ambiance and cleanliness concerns during rushes limit appeal beyond the casual plate-lunch category. Best for adventurous eaters seeking bold flavors and shareable portions rather than refined dining.
Restaurant Summary
Lines form early and the room feels warm and bustling with counter ordering, name calls, and trays stacked with food. Guests rave about the poke nachos and crispy plates, while a few call out <binconsistent execution and messy restrooms. One diner summed it up: "Portions were wild; I ate half and still left full." The cooking leans island comfort with bold, sauce-driven flavors and a fusion streak: gochujang-coated fried chicken, meat jun, katsu curry, and smoky kalbi alongside classic loco moco. When the kitchen is on, it is craveable and shareable; when it slips, burnt char, over-sweetness, or chewy ribs appear. Adventurous eaters and big appetites will be happiest; light, veggie-forward seekers should plan carefully. Families do well here thanks to kid-accessible dishes like chicken katsu, ono chicken, rice, and mac salad. There is no kids menu, portions are huge, and sauces can be sweet or spicy, so splitting plates and asking for sauces on the side makes sense.
At a Glance
- Massive portions that often feed two or more
- Poke nachos and katsu dishes are crowd favorites
- Execution varies; reports of burnt or chewy meats
- Restroom and dining-area cleanliness complaints during rush
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- oversized_shareable_portions
- island_fusion_menu
- social_media_draw
What People Love
- Feeling of getting serious value from portion sizes
- Sweet-savory sauces with crispy textures
- Fresh, generous poke on nachos
- Friendly counter staff during busy service
- Menu breadth across Hawaiian, Korean, and Filipino cues
Points of Concern
- Execution inconsistency: overcooked or burnt meats and variable mac salad quality show up in multiple reviews
- Cleanliness: messy bathrooms and tables reported during peak hours
- Heaviness and sweetness: some dishes are very rich and sweet, causing flavor fatigue
- Review patterns are consistent with potential coordination (social media hype, marketing-style language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$32-45 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For lighter balance, pair rich plates with spicy ahi poke (gluten-free) and add pickles or greens at home.
- Choose two-item combo to control richness; avoid stacking multiple fried items.
- Families: one combo plus a side can feed two younger kids.
Perfect For
- Sharing plates with friends
- Hearty takeout after a long day
- Casual family meals
- Social-media food adventurers
Location Insights
Area: Northeast Portland residential-commercial mix; casual, diverse, community-focused corridor with growing small businesses.
Safety: Generally okay but some guests note rough edges and occasional cleanliness issues; typical urban vigilance recommended.
Nearby: Near NE Cully corridor, close to small shops and housing; convenient to PDX by car.
CullyCully is a multicultural neighborhood with a strong sense of community and a growing number of local eateries reflecting its diverse population. The dining scene is casual and authentic, often featuring family-owned businesses and ethnic cuisines, contributing to a welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday12:00–16:00
Wednesday12:00–19:00
Thursday12:00–19:00
Friday12:00–20:00
Saturday12:00–20:00
Sunday12:00–16:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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