THE TOP 10 PORTLAND RESTAURANT BARS: BAR TAB: THE WHEY BAR AT OX GARAGE ROCK

Are you fasting for Ox’s succulent lamb shoulder with its smoking rosemary? If not, you can snack on jalapeño corn nuts, pristine Northwest oysters or some of Ox’s signature cocktails. There’s the La Yapa, a silky smooth blend of rye, fernet and velvet falernum, and the Weekend at Bernie’s #2, a sweet variation on the classic Corpse Reviver #2 with amaretto tea-infused gin, combier and lemon that deserves praise for the pun alone. Foremost among equals here is the Dirty Grandma Agnes, a filthy good martini made with Belvedere vodka, dry vermouth and pickle juice, garnished with a pickle spear. You won’t miss the olive.