My hubby and I found this place by happenstance. We live in Hillsboro and made the conscientious decision to head WEST out to Forest Grove for half the driving time, then driving in to downtown-Pdx would be. It was a fairly spontaneous decision, and didn't do a whole lot of research, the place that we initially picked out ended up being way too popular and busy, and more of a true wine bar with a live band than a Restaurant. So, we just walked towards "downtown" and then the next place that caught our eye was Bites!! The graphics and design is what caught my eye initially, I loved the aesthetics of it. I also loved the inside, We were there a 'lil after 8pm on a Friday night and it was definitely Hoppin. They had a couple of big groups finishing up. The person who greeted us initially, estimated about 15 to 20 minute wait time. So, we put our name on the list. Probably about 5 to 10 minutes later a different server grabbed us and escorted us to our seats. I like that no surprises type of up-frontedness, but sometimes it won't quite be as long as you imagined. And, I honestly can't emphasize this enough, I loved the design of the inside. It seems so warm and welcoming. The tables almost gave the appearance of being "family style". It just had the style of southern hospitality, but with healthier (not -southern-style) food! You have to go there to eat, just to experience the ambience and the design, I know I don't really know Forest Grove that well, but I think this design is pretty progressive for Forest Grove! Check it out!
Also, if anyone ever reviews/writes or otherwise tells you the service here is slow, or that the servers aren't attentive to you, you know they are Lying! --Or maybe Bites had a rare off night? is possible too, to be fair. *sorry, I don't mean to call your friend a liar. =) But, yeah just to put it in perspective, I didn't have my abacus with me to count, but I believe 4 different people/servers came up to us in the first 5 minutes!! And, they were very regular/attentive through out the evening, so I would find it hard to believe if someone had a hard time getting the attention of a server.
And, their drink menu was very impressive! Their cocktails did look fun, but my hubby and I stuck to wine/beer. He had a pint of an IPA from Waltz Brewing. And, I had a farmhouse red from David Hill Winery. I think they did a really great job selecting super-local beers and wines, that was a nice touch. And, both David Hill and Waltz Brewing are very high quality Oregon-alcohol-establishments already, so I'm sure that made the decision to stock them easy. The only downside was that it was not posted up front the cost of the beer and wine, we didn't ask up front either. But, we lucked out they were very reasonable/market rates and not outrageous. So, that was nice to Not be surprised on that aspect either!
Before I even start about the food, I just would like to give Bites! a compliment for their burger menu. I honestly think it's cool that they don't force a "veggie" burger just to be obligated. They had 4 different beef burgers on their menu, and that is what they were specializing in, otherwise there are other vegetarian options on the menu to choose from. As someone who has been a vegetarian (pescetarian) for 15 years I have had a lot of soggy, unsatisfactory garden burgers over the years. So, I think it is respectable that they aren't going to "Force it"
Regardless of if their was veggie burgers or not, there was still plenty of delicious things on their menu for me and my hubby to choose from. We started with an appetizer --the DYNAMITE NACHOS- crispy corn tortilla w/tempura shrimp, et al.
Nachos is not something my hubby and I usually order or make at home, but these were a special treat and prepared really well. There was a lot of veggie (+seafood) appetizers that looked very appetizing, so the decision was tough. But, I'm glad we will have a lot of variety of ideas for next time to try!!
And, then for the entree, I ended up ordering the ahi tuna salad. WOW!!!! WOwza. Yeah, the tuna was OFF THE HOOK. Prepared to perfection, I will definitely order this one again. ANd, it was perfectly complimented with the avocado and the carrot-ribbons.
My hubby ordered the Teriyakidon with teriyaki tofu, and that was really tasty as well.
Also another reviewer mentioned the small portion size, and they are probably fair to critique that. But, on the other hand I thought the portions were ideal! And, realistic how a "healthy" diet should be instead of the American-overeating-"life"style tends to be. But, this was the first time in a long time where I was able to finish my whole meal, and not take leftovers or have my hubby help me finish it. I think the idea of appropriate portion control is refreshing! read more