"The only constant at Off Alley is that you will have a great meal with the most seasonal ingredients available. This tiny Columbia City restaurant is like sitting through your aspiring actor friend’s improv show, except enjoyable, with an exciting menu that literally changes by the day, by the hour, and by whatever the chef grabs from the nearby farmers market. There’s charm in the brick-walled space—diners cram elbow to elbow, poring over the options on the chalkboard and a weather-beaten, handwritten drinks notebook. Dishes like excellent pull-apart ramp knots and sweet-and-salty fried pig ears drop on and off the menu depending on ingredient availability. And while half the fun of a meal here is not knowing what to expect, you can always count on some kind of offal. Like blood sausage with vinegary marinated asparagus that cuts through the richness or sweetbreads placed atop grilled baby lettuce that make you reconsider just how versatile different animal parts can be. You’ll need to text in advance to reserve an early dinnertime seat or take your chances with a walk-in later. Those who prefer more personal space and don’t mind the whoosh of Rainier Avenue traffic should nab a spot on the sidewalk patio and hang out with a refreshing rosé float (fingers crossed they still have it)." - Kayla Sager-Riley
