Seasoned by war, Portugal

Comfort Inn and Suites (360 Airport Road, 508-672-0011, www.choicehotels.com, $89-$139) offers a complimentary hot breakfast, indoor heated pool, and fitness center. Rooms have one king or two queen beds, and there are also two suites.

DINE Portuguese restaurants dominate the downtown along Columbia and South Main streets. Owner Victor DaSilva claims that Sagres (177 Columbia St., 508-675-7018, www.osagres.wordpress.com, dinner $12-$21), started by his father 35 years ago, was the first. We enjoyed its award-winning kale soup thickened slightly with pureed potato, along with mariscada, shellfish in a slightly spicy tomato broth, roasted fresh cod, and a traditional house-made flan for dessert. The Clipper Restaurant (455 South Main St., 508-679-4700, dinner $10-$21) has been serving Portuguese specialties for 30 years, including chorizo, marinated pork, and shrimp or salmon in a spicy mocambique sauce. Trio Cafe and Lounge (201 South Main St., 508-679-5781, www.trio-cafe.com, sandwiches $6-$8, entrees $13-$25), a cozy dining room with a bistro feel, offers a nice selection of Portuguese and American entrees, as well as a $5 children’s menu. Burgers, dogs, and hand-cut fries are the draw at the Ugly American (240 New Boston Road, 508-672-4427, www.uglyamericanburger.com, $1.50-$5.69), a bare-bones cafe with children’s artwork on the walls and low prices. Burgers and fries were fine, but we loved the tempura asparagus, crisp stalks in a feather-light coating sprinkled with fresh Parmesan and served with ranch dressing.