Why: The shopping and dining options continue to impress within the small grid of streets that make up downtown Camas. On a recent visit, I stopped in at the Birch Street Uptown Lounge. It makes a classy first impression without being pretentious and the menu is substantial enough to enjoy a small healthful meal.
Atmosphere: The space isn’t very large, but that’s part of the charm. Vintage charisma defines the decor. Music from big bands, the Rat Pack and various other artists with similar sounds lend to the vibe of the lounge. The walls are painted dark tangerine above a black wood wainscot. Tables are set for two and four, in addition to bar seating. Decorative copper tiles define a handsome back bar, and lighted glass shelving displays liquor. Pendant lights add a warm amber glow at the bar, individual tea lights cozy up the tables, and a sparkling chandelier beautifies the back hallway’s cranberry-color walls.
What I Tried: My dining companion and I tried the Olive Melange, Pulled Pork Sliders, Uptown Mac & Cheese and the Meat and Cheese Combo Plate. For dessert we sampled the liquor-filled chocolates.
The Olive Melange is a blend of kalamata, Ionian green, Amfissa, cracked green and Atalanti olives, all pitted and naturally cured. They are served in a sweet wine vinegar brine with a pinch of herbs for added appeal. These were delicious and the variety kept them interesting down to the last one.
