The Allred: a hidden gem in Newport
Elegant bar serves up craft cocktails and curated small plates
By Naima Baker
For the TODAY
Be allured by the Allred Bites and Bar, whose carefully constructed atmosphere simultaneously satisfies the desire for delicious dining and awesome ambience. Like a car just off the lot, the Allred exudes newness since recently opening in March, spotlighting the sparkling two-story lobby Bites and Bar. Upon entry, the immediate elegance might seem exclusive, but the attitude could not be more inviting.
"Coming here is an experience, from the moment you walk in the door to receive a genuinely friendly welcome," said Christie Reinhardt, Allred's general manager, gesturing towards the lobby's expansive bay windows overlooking the ocean's organic opulence. "This view every day is so calm and peaceful, and I fell in love with the community, some of the kindest, sweetest people ever."
The Allred's glowing reviews are due to excellent service, plus the unique offering of exquisite edibles in an elegant yet relaxed setting. Amid the blend of styles incorporating classic natural and modern minimalist décor, features like a table of award-winning Halloween pumpkins, long comfortable couches and armchair-like seating foster a feeling of community and warmth that makes guests feel like family. Breeze in for brunch to enjoy the bright and airy feel during the day, elevate your bar-hopping experience with an evening cocktail or walk from the Newport Performing Arts Center for a night cap. With generous operating hours, the venue fills a gap when most upscale coastal restaurants are closed, accessible to early risers and fun-seekers after dark.
Breakfast brings offerings like the deluxe egg sandwich with house chipotle, or the creative basmati rice bowls with options of skirt steak, bacon, sausage or a spinach tomato onion combo, available to pair with a perfectly balanced creamy latte or pungently aromatic espresso straight from the barista. The extensive, culturally diverse dinner menu provides options for every palate, designed for tapas-style sharing. Try combinations of dishes like herb infused buttery crab rolls, avocado fries, beef sliders, pork potstickers, beer battered asparagus and butterscotch custard for dessert. Forks will fly, tasting and offering a variety of delectable morsels across the table. These competitive recipes have a flavorful flare with rich ingredients to leave you feeling light yet perfectly full. Kitchen manager and Oregon Coast native Jake Lewis helps bring the heart into the food alongside inspired drinks, with a strong focus on leisurely hospitality, encouraging locals and visitors to come for a meal and linger in the lively atmosphere.
"We don't want anyone to feel rushed,” he said. “Spending a couple of hours here just taking it all in, it makes your day better."
Mastermind of the cocktail program and bartender training, Restaurant and Lounge Manager Devin Crayton agreed.
"I like our approach to an upscale experience without it being stuffy,” he said. “That's really important to us."
With its rare mix of luxurious lounge and upbeat music, Crayton calls it “just a cool place to be," an opinion shared by guests and employees.
"I normally don't use the word vibe, but I'm using it." Reinhardt added.
An appropriate word to describe the pleasant and stimulating environment, especially with the exciting “Fresh Sheet” listing several new dishes and a cocktail every Thursday.
The ever-changing beverage and culinary combination let the creativity flow with dishes like scallop stuffed shrimp, edamame and fresh catches so naturally scrumptious they need little embellishment, a theory and method of giving back that Lewis adheres to. Crayton innovates new drinks like the pink with edible gold Showgirl cocktail, timed with the release of Taylor Swift's highly anticipated album drop. This is in addition to "the most unique cocktail situation in Newport, and the most extensive whiskey collection on the coast if not the state," Crayton said, proven by selections like the Empress Gin lavender fizz, fruity Grey Goose pear elder, classic mule or authentic whiskey sour complete with whipped egg white and a choice of more than 70 different whiskeys.
Come for the lovely company and cuisine, stay longer for the deluxe comfort and return to discover something new each time.
The Allred is located at 155 SW Elizabeth Street in Newport and is open 7 am to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and 7 am to 10 pm Friday and Saturday. For more information, go to allredhotel.com or call 866-915-9642.