I have a standing meeting on the second Wednesday of the month that keeps me downtown past my family’s dinnertime. Rather than drive home and make a PB&J, I usually reward myself at the end of what is always a very long day by grabbing dinner on the way home.

Last night I drove through the rain to my usual dinner spot, only to find it absolutely packed. The joint was jumping, as it were, and I stood at the door with a handful of other folks for several minutes, and couldn’t even make eye contact with any of the staff. This was definitely not what my jangled nerves needed, so I backed out of there and started pondering where else I might go.

Inspiration struck, and I trundled off to Multnomah Village. When I say ‘Lucky Lab’, most folks will immediately think of the Lucky Labrador brewpub on Hawthorne, and deservedly so. But they also have a beer hall on NW Quimby, and (more importantly) the Lucky Lab Public House in Multnomah Village.

I drove to the ‘Lucky Lab West’ at 7675 SW Capitol Hwy, scurried through the dark and rainy parking lot and into the brewpub. Unlike the bento and sandwich staples served at their other two locations, the Public House serves pizza. So I ordered a couple of slices and a pint, and sat down at one of the many open tables.

It was a blessed contrast to the hectic nature of the rest of my day. I was warm and dry, the music was classic rock (and not too loud), and the clientele was an eclectic and friendly mixture of lefty-looking youngsters, older guys having a beer with buddies, and moms with small children. I had a slice of pepperoni, and a slice with pepperoni, garlic, artichoke hearts, and jalepenos (it was goooood). The pizza was delivered to me sizzling hot, with a crispy crust and a ton of flavor. To wash it down I enjoyed a pint of an alt-style ale that was so hoppy it made my toes curl (just the way I like it). But as good as the food and drink was, I think the best part was being able to sit down in such a comfortable and welcoming environment, slow down a bit, read the current issue of the Mercury, and decompress.

So, if you ever find yourself on the west side, and in dire need of pizza and good beer, just point your nose to Multnomah Village and give the OTHER Lucky Lab a try.