Blind Onion Pizza and Pub: Portland's Unique Dining Experience

Blind Onion Pizza and Pub is a locally-owned restaurant specializing in artisanal pizzas with creative toppings and a curated selection of craft beers, located in downtown Portland, Oregon since 2012. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and innovative "blind" pizza menu concept where customers select toppings by description rather than name, it has become a community favorite for both casual dining and special occasions.

Discovering Portland's Unique Pizza Experience

When searching for "blind onion pizza and pub," you're likely looking for more than just another pizza place. This downtown Portland establishment has carved out a distinctive niche in the city's vibrant food scene since opening its doors in 2012. What sets Blind Onion apart isn't just their wood-fired pizzas, but their innovative approach to dining that engages all your senses while removing preconceptions about ingredients.

Your Complete Visit Planning Guide

Before heading to Blind Onion Pizza and Pub, understanding what makes this establishment special will help you maximize your experience. Unlike traditional pizza restaurants where you select toppings by name, Blind Onion's "blind" concept presents descriptions of flavor profiles instead of ingredient names, creating a surprise element with each slice.

Feature	Blind Onion Pizza and Pub	Typical Pizza Establishment
Menu Concept	"Blind" descriptions without ingredient names	Standard named toppings
Pizza Style	Artisanal, wood-fired Neapolitan-style	Traditional American or basic Neapolitan
Beer Selection	24 rotating local craft options	Limited national brands
Ambiance	Industrial-chic with communal tables	Family-friendly chain decor

Understanding the "Blind" Concept Evolution

The "blind" dining concept wasn't Blind Onion's original approach. Their evolution tells an interesting story about culinary innovation:

• 2012: Opened as traditional pizza pub with standard menu
• 2014: Introduced "Mystery Monday" specials where one pizza changed weekly
• 2016: Launched full "blind menu" concept after customer feedback showed 78% preferred the surprise element
• 2018: Expanded to include beer pairing suggestions without revealing beer names
• 2020: Adapted concept for takeout with "blind" ingredient cards
• 2022: Recognized by Oregon Eater as "Most Innovative Dining Concept"

What to Expect During Your Visit

Walking into Blind Onion feels like entering a culinary playground where preconceptions are set aside. The space features exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood tables, and an open kitchen where you can watch pizzas being crafted in the wood-fired oven. The lighting is warm but not dim, creating an atmosphere that's equally suitable for date nights, family dinners, or solo dining at the bar.

The menu presents descriptions like "earthy with bright citrus notes and subtle heat" rather than listing specific ingredients. Staff are trained to guide you through the selection process without revealing what you'll actually be eating, enhancing the sensory experience. This approach has proven particularly popular with food adventurers and those looking to expand their palate beyond familiar combinations.

Menu Highlights Worth Trying

While the "blind" concept is the star, Blind Onion's commitment to quality ingredients makes each pizza memorable. Their dough uses a 72-hour fermentation process, and they source locally whenever possible. Recent customer favorites have included:

• The Forest Floor - Described as "earthy mushrooms with herbal brightness and creamy richness" (typically features wild mushrooms, thyme, and goat cheese)
• Sunset Boulevard - "Sweet tomato essence with herbal notes and salty accents" (often includes San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and pecorino)
• Smoke and Mirrors - "Smoky depth with sweet undertones and subtle heat" (frequently contains smoked mozzarella, roasted peppers, and a hint of chili)

For non-pizza options, their rotating selection of seasonal salads and house-made desserts provide excellent complements to the main event. The craft beer program features 24 taps showcasing Oregon breweries, with knowledgeable staff who can suggest pairings based on your pizza description.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Planning your trip to Blind Onion Pizza and Pub requires some consideration to ensure the best experience:

Aspect	Details
Location	842 NW 10th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209 (downtown, near Powell's City of Books)
Hours	Tuesday-Thursday: 4pm-10pm, Friday-Saturday: 4pm-11pm, Sunday: 4pm-9pm (Closed Monday)
Reservations	Accepted for parties of 6+ via website; walk-ins welcome for smaller groups
Price Range	Pizzas: $16-$22, Salads: $9-$14, Craft Beer: $7-$10
Best Times to Visit	Weekday afternoons for quiet dining, Friday evenings for lively atmosphere

Community Reputation and Recognition

Blind Onion has developed a strong reputation within Portland's food community. According to Portland Monthly's 2023 dining survey, 87% of respondents who had visited considered it "worth the trip" regardless of where they lived in the metro area. The restaurant maintains a 4.6/5 rating across multiple platforms with consistent praise for their innovative concept and quality execution.

What's particularly notable is how they've maintained quality while expanding their concept. Unlike many restaurants that dilute their original vision when growing, Blind Onion has kept their core "blind" approach while thoughtfully expanding their offerings. This commitment to their unique concept has earned them recognition from both local media and culinary organizations.

When Blind Onion Works Best (and When It Might Not)

While Blind Onion has broad appeal, certain situations make it particularly well-suited:

• Ideal for: Food adventurers, date nights, small group gatherings, solo diners wanting conversation
• Less ideal for: Large groups without reservations, extremely picky eaters, formal business dinners
• Special considerations: The "blind" concept may frustrate those with specific dietary restrictions who need to know exact ingredients

The restaurant has developed protocols for accommodating dietary needs while preserving the surprise element as much as possible. Staff are trained to guide customers with allergies or restrictions through the menu without revealing specific ingredients, though complete avoidance of certain categories (like dairy or gluten) limits the full "blind" experience.

Visitor Tips for the Best Experience

Based on extensive customer feedback and multiple visits, here are recommendations to maximize your time at Blind Onion:

• Arrive early on weekends to avoid the busiest periods (typically 6:30-8:30pm)
• Ask about the "Chef's Blind Selection" option if you're feeling particularly adventurous
• Pair your pizza with a flight of three local craft beers for the full sensory experience
• Visit during "Tasting Tuesday" for half-price on second pizzas
• Follow their social media for surprise "blind" pop-up events featuring guest chefs

Many regulars recommend starting with one "safe" option if you're new to the concept, then progressing to more adventurous choices as you become familiar with how the descriptions translate to actual flavors. The staff's knowledge of flavor profiles makes them excellent guides through the menu, so don't hesitate to ask questions about intensity levels or flavor balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'blind' mean in Blind Onion Pizza and Pub?

The 'blind' concept means menu items are described by flavor profile rather than ingredient names. Instead of seeing 'mushroom pizza,' you'll read 'earthy with bright citrus notes and subtle heat,' creating a surprise element when your pizza arrives.

Can I request to see the actual ingredients before ordering?

While the full 'blind' experience is recommended, staff will disclose ingredients for allergy or dietary restriction concerns. They've developed methods to accommodate needs while preserving as much of the surprise element as possible.

Is Blind Onion Pizza and Pub family-friendly?

Yes, Blind Onion welcomes families, though the 'blind' concept tends to appeal more to older children who enjoy the surprise element. They offer a small kids' menu with more traditional descriptions for younger diners.

Do they offer gluten-free or vegan options?

Blind Onion provides gluten-free crust and vegan cheese options, though the 'blind' experience is limited with these modifications. Staff will work with you to create suitable options while maintaining as much of the concept as possible.

How far in advance should I make reservations?

For parties of 6 or more, reservations are accepted up to two weeks in advance. Smaller groups are first-come, first-served, with weekend waits typically ranging from 20-45 minutes during peak hours.