You're driving through Beaverton, maybe near Cedar Hills Crossing, and you see the name "Bluto’s." If you grew up on 70s cinema, your brain probably goes straight to John Belushi’s toga-clad, beer-chugging character in Animal House. Honestly, that’s exactly the vibe Rick Gencarelli—the mastermind behind Portland staples like Lardo and Grassa—was going for when he opened this Greek-inspired joint.
But here is the thing: Bluto’s isn't a frat house. It’s a masterclass in wood-fired cooking.
The Beaverton location is the younger sibling to the original Southeast Belmont spot in Portland. It has basically perfected the "fancy fast-casual" niche. You walk in, order at a counter, and then wait for some of the best Mediterranean-adjacent food in the suburbs to hit your table. People talk about the hummus. They rave about the pita. But if you aren't talking about the Bluto's Beaverton souvlaki soft serve combo, you’re kinda missing the entire point of the menu.
The Secret to the Souvlaki (It’s the Fire)
Let’s get one thing straight. This isn't your standard mall-food-court gyro meat shaved off a rotating cone. Bluto’s specializes in souvlaki—skewers of meat or vegetables charred over a massive wood-fired grill.
The menu is tight. That’s usually a good sign. When a kitchen only does five or six versions of a thing, they usually do them perfectly. You’ve got options like:
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- Spiced Lamb: Ground and seasoned with a warm, earthy spice profile.
- Oregano Chicken: Juicy, simple, and heavy on the herbs.
- Wild Shrimp: For when you want something a bit lighter.
- Olympia Provisions Pork Loukaniko: This is a sleeper hit. It’s a traditional Greek sausage, and at Bluto's, it comes with these incredible spicy pickles.
The wood fire does something to the meat that a standard gas grill just can’t replicate. You get those crispy, carbonized edges—the "char"—that balances out the richness of the fat. It’s smoky. It’s tender. It’s basically everything you want in a $9 skewer.
But you can't just eat meat on a stick. You need the bread.
The pita at Bluto’s is a departure from the giant, thin wraps you might be used to. These are hand-sized, fluffy, and arrive in their own little paper sleeves. They’re salty and coated in oregano. Pro tip: The pita doesn't come "free" with the hummus or the skewers. You have to order it separately. It’s three bucks. Just buy two. Trust me.
Soft Serve: The Tahini Magic Shell
Now, let's talk about the dessert that has gained a literal cult following. Most people think of soft serve as a cheap, sugary afterthought. At Bluto's, the soft serve is a required course.
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They usually stick to the classics—vanilla, chocolate, or the "swirl." But the magic happens in the toppings. You aren't getting rainbow sprinkles here. Instead, you're looking at:
- The Tahini Magic Shell: This is the big one. It’s a white chocolate and tahini mixture that hardens over the cold cream. It adds a nutty, savory depth that keeps the sugar in check.
- Honey and Halva: Pieces of crumbly, sesame-based halva candy drizzled with honey.
- Pistachios: For that necessary crunch.
The contrast between a hot, smoky lamb skewer and a cold, nutty swirl of soft serve is the culinary equivalent of a cold plunge after a sauna. It works. It shouldn't, but it does.
Why Beaverton Needed This
Beaverton’s food scene has been exploding lately. For a long time, the suburbs were just a sea of chain restaurants. But with the addition of places like Bluto’s at 12555 SW 1st Street, the "West Side" is finally catching up to Portland's culinary reputation.
The space itself is bright, blue-and-white, and feels very Mediterranean without being a cliché. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a quick lunch or sit down for a full dinner with a group. And honestly, it’s best enjoyed with a group. The menu is designed for "picking." Get the hummus (which is as smooth as silk), get the Greek fries topped with halloumi and lemon, and share a few different skewers.
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What Most People Get Wrong
People often walk in expecting a traditional Greek taverna experience. This isn't that. It’s "Greek-inspired."
You might see ingredients like watermelon radish, pumpkin seed dukkah, or fermented chilis. It’s a Northwest take on Mediterranean flavors. Some purists might complain that it’s not "authentic," but when the food tastes this good, "authentic" feels like a boring word.
Another misconception? That it's expensive. While $9 for a single skewer might seem high if you're comparing it to a fast-food burger, the quality of the ingredients (like the Olympia Provisions sausage or the house-made pita) justifies the price. You’re paying for the wood-fired labor and the chef-driven recipes.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning to check out the Bluto's Beaverton souvlaki soft serve experience for yourself, here is how to do it right:
- Go Early or Late: The lunch rush is real. They’re open from 11 am to 10 pm daily. If you hit it at 12:30 pm on a Saturday, be prepared to wait for a table.
- The Hummus Rule: Don’t skip the hummus. Specifically, look for the seasonal versions. They’ve done versions with spiced beef or spring vegetables that are incredible.
- Drink the Ouzo: If you aren't driving, try the Ouzo Mojito. Ouzo has a strong anise (black licorice) flavor that can be polarizing, but in a mojito with mint and lime, it’s surprisingly refreshing.
- The Soft Serve Strategy: Get the swirl with the tahini shell. Even if you think you’re too full. The saltiness of the tahini makes it feel less like a heavy dessert and more like a palate cleanser.
Bluto’s has managed to do something rare: they’ve made "meat on a stick" feel sophisticated. Whether you’re a local or just passing through the Portland metro area, it’s a spot that actually lives up to the hype. Just remember to bring a few friends, order way more pita than you think you need, and always, always save room for the soft serve.
To make the most of your trip, check their current seasonal menu on their website before heading out, as they frequently rotate their vegetable sides and soft serve toppings based on what's fresh in the Pacific Northwest.