Rosie’s has exceptional food, from chili to chowder

Rosie's is billed as the oldest pub in Portland. But don't think it doesn't have the freshest food.

We go often for the atmosphere and a favorite meal. It's like a college bar for adults; just a friendly community with good service and exceptional food.

We stopped in for lunch on a Wednesday, and the barback said a woman's order out loud before she had ordered. It's like a local pub in a big city.

Rosie's is a classic sports bar with brick walls; comfortable, high-backed bar stools; a television within view; and music that you don't even notice. We love the red retro Coca-Cola cooler.

The grilled chicken salad ($8.95) was crisp and fresh, with chewy croutons made from rye bread. The chicken was grilled, which is nice. Too often, Caesar salads are served with chicken that has been fried. The only complaint was that the salad was a little dry, but if we had had our wits, we would have asked for more dressing.

We also tried the grilled Rachel ($8.95) and loved this hefty sandwich with pastrami, swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing and cole slaw.

The chili here is among the best around, with plenty of meat and loads of cheese, even in the small version (cup, $5.50). A cup of soup ($5.95) or chowder ($6.95) is also a great deal.

Actually, just about everything at Rosie's that comes with cheese is a sure bet. The pub has hands-down the best mozzarella sticks we've had ($6.95). Sometimes, we go and get them for lunch.

And the calzone is done well, both the "cheese lovers" version ($7.95) and the pie with meat ($9.95).

The chili dogs seem to be some kind of house favorite, and for the price, seem like they would be worth trying ($5.95).

We've never gotten the cheese nachos ($6.96) or the ones loaded down with chili ($9.95), but have been eyeing these on other tables, and will surely find them on our own in the near future.

The only thing we weren't high on was Rosie's version of a Philly cheese steak, which here is called the Fore Street ($8.95). It was a minute steak rather than shredded steak, but it wasn't bad. And, hey, we've sampled the real thing in Pennsylvania.

Rosie's still remains one of our go-to pubs for good food and a happy, welcome mood. It is one of our favorite after-work hangouts.

Rosie's