Caldera

We've been passing you for almost two years. We finally made it in last night and it surpassed our expectations. Well done.

Caldera Public House is a neighborhood restaurant on 60th & SE Stark -- right on Mt Tabor. We got sucked in by the big windows and rich-looking interior. We walked in to find deep rich red wall, hardwood floors, rich wood booths and an insanely beautiful ornate wooden bar. There were people of all ages there -- enough to not be empty nor full. Not bad for a Wednesday night at 8. We asked where we should sit and they said anywhere -- "I think there are even some seats left on the patio".

What? There's a patio. Bee-line.

And it was perfect. Secluded. Perfect lighting. Varnished picnic tables with umbrellas. Some small tables with chairs. Lights and lanterns hanging from the tree canopy. Very intimite.

They handed us drink and food menus (happy hour is 5-6 and 9-close -- daily. Good to know, a perfect happy hour place). I got the dark garnet (herradura reposado tequila, pomegranate juice and fresh lime served in a martini glass), which was awesome and smokey. Kyle would have loved it. Ken got Walking Man's Black Cherry Stout (Which they had on tap. Per WM's website: ABV 7.2% IBU 35. Our stout combined with the richness of dark cherries. Chocolate and cherries – a perfect match.) They were right. It was killer. Great nose, not very fruity or sweet. But just enough of that cherry heaven. Again, Kyle would go crazy for it.

Their menu items were reasonably priced -- most expensive item on the dinner menu was $13. I got the shiitake penne with chicken and gorgonzola. Ken got the cheese manicotti. Neither were outstanding, but both were good. Ken's also lacked a bit in presentation -- he thought it looked like Ellio's Pizza.

They also had a great dessert menu. But we were full. Definitely will go back though -- perfect place to just grab a bite to eat and a beer/cocktail while sitting outside. Well done, Caldera!