Why: The Offramp Sports Bar & Grill, formerly Oscars, is owned by the same owners as Charlie’s Sports Bar & Grill and Hooligans. Offramp provides a large, roomy space for enjoying a sports bar experience — complete with food, drinks, and fun. Open seven days a week until 2 a.m., it’s also a late-night spot to eat.
What I tried: I tried the barbecue pulled pork sliders with fries, and my dining companion had the pastrami sandwich with a green salad. I tried the green tea cocktail to drink, and my dining companion had the tequila punch. Both cocktails were refreshing and summery.
The pork sliders were filled with juicy, saucy, pulled pork which was very lean and delicious. Coleslaw topped the portion of pork on each slider made on a fresh mini-bun. The fries were fried to a crunchy, golden finish.
The pastrami sandwich is made on rye bread and piled high with of a lot thin-sliced, lean pastrami, sauteed onions, pickles, mustard, and a generous amount of sauteed banana peppers. My dining companion was surprised by the spicy heat of the sandwich and said, although it was not part of its description, it was worthy of mention on the menu. She removed many of the banana peppers to eliminate the degree of heat and then she found the sandwich very satisfying, noting the quality of pastrami. The salad’s ingredients were garden fresh and served as a complementary companion to the sandwich.
Dining out guide: Offramp Sports Bar & Grill
Hours: Noon to 2 a.m. Monday through Sunday. Happy hour is 3 to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to close Monday through Friday.
Where: 400 N.E. 112th Ave., Vancouver.
Contact: 360-326-3472, theofframpsportsbar.com
Health score: Offramp Sports Bar & Grill received a score of 15 on May 22. Zero is a perfect score, and Clark County Public Health closes restaurants with a score of 100 or higher. For information, call 360-397-8428.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: Pizzas offer a range of flavors, from simple pepperoni to a complex taco salad option that includes house made bean spread, ground beef, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and tortilla chips. The Denver burger made with ham, cheddar, caramelized onion, grilled bell pepper and egg, sounded delicious. Appetizers include loaded potato skins, bacon-wrapped asparagus, and wings. Lobster macaroni and cheese and buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese are on the menu.
Atmosphere: If you have been to Charlie’s or Hooligans, you will recognize the graffiti art influence on the walls and tabletops. The bar is situated in the middle of a large space and is accented by vertical green light strips that extend from floor to counter and to the ceiling at the back, where the taps are lined up. Besides the many large-screen TVs placed throughout, there are arcade-style games, pool tables and darts for entertainment. Seating options include bar-side and both high and standard height tables and chairs set for two to 10. TVs, billiard, and bar lights cast additional lighting to the basic can ceiling lights. Windows wrap around two sides of the space and have been boxed in to provide generous sills which add to the caliber of construction. Some outdoor tables are available.
Other observations: Orders are placed at the bar and there is limited table service, but we found it did not compromise the quality of our dining experience. The food was good and the atmosphere was comfortable.
Cost: Appetizers are $8.99 to $15.99. Sliders and sandwiches are served with bottomless fries or tots and cost $9.49 to $12.99. Half-pound burgers are served with bottomless fries and tots as well for $10.99 to $12.99. You may substitute a chicken breast or veggie patty for $1. Pizza is available in a personal size for $9.99 and $10.99 and a large size for $19.99 and $21.99. Salads cost $3.50 to $12.99. Macaroni and cheese options are served with a side of garlic butter toast for $8.99 to $14.99. Waffle fries, regular fries or tots come in several varieties for $7.99 to $10.99. Daily specials are available with a beverage purchase. Happy hour menu items cost $3 to $8. Sides are $1.50 to $4.
