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Black Cow Burgers & Fries

3.8 (222 reviews)
Closed • 11:30 am - 12:00 AM (Next day)
Updated over 3 months ago

Black Cow Burgers & Fries Burgers Restaurant Photos

BLACK COW BURGERS & FRIES ATMOSPHERE

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Moderate noise

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Recommended Reviews - Black Cow Burgers & Fries

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Cowboy burger, sour cream and onion fries
Rav H.

Service was quick an awesome. We went for lunch on a weekday and it wasn't super busy. The place has a cool retro theme and is super spacious. We ordered the cowboy burger, sour cream and onion potato fries and the orange cream soda. The burger was pretty solid, but wish it had more sauce. The fries were thin and crunchy if thats what you like, but the sour cream and onion flavor didnt shine through as much as I thought it would. Overall a solid place for lunch, but pricey for the quality of food.

Jason P.

Located in busy/trendy downtown Portland a few short blocks in from Commercial Street. Opened late until 10pm-12am daily. Great environment with lots of seating. We had a few burgers ($12-15) to go. All were really good...seemingly smash-burger style with fresh toppings. We also had some fries but they were pretty soggy...could have definitely stayed in the fryer for a bit longer. Great staff...very helpful and friendly.

Double cheeseburger
Gary G.

Yet another place specializing in smash burgers in an era when you can't get a burger that's anything but. BUT... they do a good job (not great, but good) in most aspects, from meat to seasoning to crispness/tenderness achieved. Bin is white bread masquerading as brioche. Nothing really to distinguish themselves, but nothing failed. The delivery on a tray and the stiff and lengthy fries reminded me of old-school McDonald's, so there's a nostalgic element too. Seats are a little too close together in the front room, more spread out in back. Nice kids play area. It's much more family oriented than the exterior would have you believe. Closer to a 3-and-a-half, but gotta round up or down, so four it is.

Cheeseburger
James H.

Updating review because I noticed lunch specials and late night specials on their menu when I was in there last! Good deals!!

Single, double smash burgers with a side of pickles and dirty fries.
Jillian S.

Exchange Street has lots of restaurants to choose from, but we were pleasantly surprised by our dinner at the Black Cow last night. We opted for a single, double smash burgers and a side of dirty fries. The dirty fries were EPIC! Topped with their sloppy Joe, cheese and pickled onions--one bite and I didn't want my burger anymore! Haha! The sloppy Joe is mixed with ground beef and brisket and is not tomato based- it was so delicious. The pickled onions complimented the dish! Smash burgers were good, we opted for no mustard. The side of pickles were good, too sour for me, but hubby enjoyed them. The drink pours were great too. Friendly bartenders made for a great overall night! Get the dirty fries or the slush burger- you won't be disappointed!

Food was great. Found this place on tik tok.
Derek H.

Food was great, found this place on tik tok. We will definitely make the trip again. Worth the money for sure!

Tiny burger. 6 dollars
Charles W.

We had a gift card and we had just finished watching the St. Patrick's day parade. We figured burgers and fries would be an easy sale to the kids. The food at black cow has really dropped. The burger was just the saddest food, sane with the fries. Everything felt so underwhelming for the price point to go out with the family. The service was strange, multiple times things were out but then they weren't. I'm glad we got to use our gift card since it was the last restaurant left (Salvage, local 188) but I probably won't be coming back to the Black Cow.

Cosmo
Crystal C.

Being just a short 5 minute walk away, my sisters and I made a reservation for dinner at Black Cow, before attending a show at Merrill Auditorium. There were a ton of people waiting to be helped by the hostess when we arrived. Once it was our turn, we let her know we had a reservation. After a few minutes of scrambling, she returned to let us know they had overbooked and don't have a table for us, but could offer bar seats. We weren't thrilled with the news, but made due. The bartender was super busy and made us feel a bit rushed when she asked us for our drink and food orders, but she was slammed so we understood. I started with a cosmo to drink and we split brussels and sloppy fries as our apps. The veggies were good but I'm not sure I'd do the fries again. I think they could have used a little less meat and a little more cheese. For our meals we got cheeseburgers and a fried chicken sandwich. No complaints on either of these. We all really enjoyed our main course. Unfortunately, we tried to order a banana split for dessert but they returned to tell us they were all out of bananas. So, no table when a reservation was made, no bananas, and fries that were just ok were cons. The burgers and sandwiches were redeeming. I'm averaging it out to an overall 4 but on any given night I feel like there are variables that could swing this review to anywhere from a 3 to a 5.

loaded french fries
Theo C.

i've heard a lot about this place, so i was excited to finally try it. the building is beautiful - such a historic building with beautiful stained glass and great views of post office plaza. i think they could invest more into the decor/vibe, but that's just my personal opinion. i will say i was somewhat underwhelmed by the menu. for a place that specializes in burgers, i thought they would have more specialty burgers on the menu. i was also surprised that the burgers don't include sides. that said, i absolutely love smash burgers and ours were great. our server was very friendly. i'm glad we came!

Table fries
Clarissa C.

We had a great experience at Black Cow. Our server was patient and helpful with our questions. We ended up ordering a few burgers, brussels sprouts, and the table fries. Everything was delicious - but the veggie burger and Brussels sprouts got the best reviews amongst our table. The table fries are a fun way to share a nearly endless pile of fries, and comes with an array of sauces. Between the great service, nice environment, and delicious food, I would definitely visit again!

Priscilla M.

Black cow is a lot larger space than I thought. Came in on a Saturday for some late lunch, where we were greeted by a few very young employees. Host sat us down but then our server very thoughtfully offered us a table by the window. Very cool space with old console systems and juke boxes around. I had a classic cheeseburger, and my friend and I shared the sour cream and onion fries. The fries weren't bad, and apparently are a popular choice, but I wouldn't get them again. The taste is there but the texture resembled a measly, wanna-be fry. Burger was pretty good, nothing crazy nor disappointing. I also had their Bard coffee shake which was nothing over the top. It satisfied my sweet tooth ;)

Bill D.

We decided to make a quick dinner stop at Black Cow before a concert in town, which was a great choice! We were running late, but were really happy to quickly get a table on a Friday evening. The staff was super friendly and gave us some great ideas about the menu and the specials. The burgers and fries came out of the kitchen really quickly and were nice and hot. They were really delicious. The restaurant is built into a cool old space which includes mosaic tiles and stained glass windows with really nice woodwork. This is a great spot!

cheeseburgers, salty fries, and super runny cheese sauce
Melanie B.

We wanted a casual dinner and thought the Black Cow would be good. We were seated right away. I found it a little unusual that it was so easy to get a table at 7:00 on a Friday night, but it clearly worked in our favor! We waited longer than what I feel is normal for a server to come over. By then, we had decided what we wanted to order. A few minutes later, our server comes back and tells me they were no longer making the cocktail I ordered. They had given me an outdated menu - which also explained why I didn't have the same drinks menu as my husband. We each ordered a cheeseburger, a shake, and an order of fries to share. The burgers were okay. They were a little greasy, but other than that they were fine. The fries were so salty we couldn't really eat them. The cheese sauce we ordered to go with the fries was so runny it didn't stick to the fries. Our shakes tasted okay, but they were kind of thin - I prefer a thicker shake. Nobody came over while we were eating to see if we needed anything or if anything was wrong. When we finally sit our server to bring our check, he asked how everything was and we told him. His response was "awesome". He clearly didn't listen to us! The physical space is cool and we liked the vibe. I don't think we would ever go back. And I think I now know why we got a table so easily at 7:00 on a Friday night!

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1 year ago

Worst cheeseburger ever had. Meat was overcooked. Grilled cheese is overcooked, bread is burned. And even Coca-Cola tasted weird.

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5 months ago

burgers and dirty fries were delicious. The restaurant and bar service were so accommodating to us with a baby. overall great experience.

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11 months ago

Such an awesome quick dinner spot. The deck was amazing, service was excellent. Food was delicious as well as drinks.

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Room for Improvement

Room for Improvement

4.6(57 reviews)
0.2 mi•Old Port

I've only heard good things about room for improvement and I was so glad to finally make it there!…read moreThis low ceiling, cozy bar has moody, lighting, booths, bar seating, and an outdoor standing bar. It's such a vibe for a late night drinking or grabbing a quick bite as they have such good food! They've made using the restroom fun as it's decorated with Polaroids from guests, and another funny item (you'll have to see for yourself) You need to get their espresso martini. The cold foam topping it off is the most delicious thing I've ever had.

I enjoyed the bar that use to be located here that was called Jager. It was all German themed and I…read moremostly went for the beers. Room for Improvement has been around for quite awhile at this point and I have heard nothing but positive about it. My wife and I finally made the time to come here and glad we did. With it being Halloween they have a special theme this week called Doom for Improvement so we thought it was the perfect time to visit! We showed up at opening for a spot to beat Halloween crowd on wharf street. I was reminded of Jager right away in the sense it felt familiar while also feeling new. They decked it out with Halloween decorations and bartenders were dressed up. We had Bojack Horseman serving us who was a top notch bartender, friendly, answered any questions and had good vibes! My wife tried their Pineapple Daiquiri and their Espresso Martini. I went with the Halloween themed drinks and got the Rest In Peeses that was a peanut butter (Reese's) themed Old Fashioned. Secondly I grabbed their Plenty Evil that was inspired by the Good & Plenty candy Absinthe Frappe. My wife's drinks were phenomenal and would both be go to orders for her and we both found a new favorite Espresso Martini. My first drink nailed the perfect mix of peanut butter flavor with a classic Old Fashioned. Secondly despite not being a huge licorice/good & plenty candy this drink was delicious! I look forward to returning for a non Halloween themed visit but we were both extremely impressed. If you are looking for a bar to grab drinks and want a nice and chill vibe this is your spot. Expect friendly bartenders who make high quality drinks!

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Room for Improvement - Inside at the bar

Inside at the bar

Room for Improvement - Sauerkraut dog

Sauerkraut dog

Room for Improvement - Their espressotini, made with banana and coconut! Vegan

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Their espressotini, made with banana and coconut! Vegan

Central Provisions - Popover

Central Provisions

4.3(1.4k reviews)
0.2 mi•Old Port
•$$$

Dinner at Central Provisions was such a standout experience. The small plates format made it fun to…read moretry a variety of dishes, and everything felt thoughtful and well-executed. The flavors were creative without being overcomplicated, and each dish had something that made it memorable. The atmosphere struck a perfect balance--lively but still intimate enough to enjoy conversation. Service was attentive and knowledgeable, with great recommendations that really elevated the meal. Definitely one of those places you leave already thinking about what you'll order next time.

We were happy with the service and speed at which the small plates were delivered to us however…read morethere was a small instance where we got a dish we didn't order (not pictured and it was the special). The lemon sole (fish) and octopus carpaccio (not pictured) were filled with flavor! The pork belly was very underwhelming and I would not order again. The waiter said 2-4 plates per person. I recommend starting on the lower end and adding additional dishes based on how you're feeling. The amount of food was very different from dish to dish. For example the tuna dip had way too much bread and the pork belly was very small in size. Overall I was half impressed. I wish the staff would take a moment to announce the plate as it's placed next to you or point it out on the menu for those hard of hearing and wanting to know what they are about to enjoy. However the music, overall restaurant vibe and half the dishes exploding with flavor made my experience pleasant and I will return again knowing a bit more of what to expect and looking at photos of the menu/meal options beforehand.

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Central Provisions - Open kitchen

Open kitchen

Central Provisions - CP Frites

CP Frites

Central Provisions - Cold Fashioned

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Cold Fashioned

Lucky Cheetah - Sichuan Cucumbers

Lucky Cheetah

4.3(74 reviews)
0.2 mi•Old Port

I'd like to start this by saying that I never write reviews...and I have zero connection to this…read morerestaurant I had no idea what I was in for when I walked in. All of my memories there are from the Old Port Tavern. they truly transformed the place into an amazing space. I honestly took a moment to look around and take it all in before I sat down. it's gorgeous and fun and really has a personality of its own. good music. top notch staff. and phenomenal food. the chef happened to hear us talking about the Old Port TaVern and made a point to come by and say hello. chef Charlie Eems totally took us by surprise. He was so friendly and courteous, but his food was better. The flavors textures and experience was honestly the most fun I've had at a restaurant in a long time. highlights (all of it) soup dumplings, brocolli rabe, and chocolate torte with black vinegar stawberry compote... go check it out!

The Lucky Cheetah is an absolutely amazing place! Think delicious dim sum with a twist combined…read morewith a fun tiki bar vibe combined with a sophisticated retro speakeasy décor and ambiance. What could be better than a dumpling lounge? We just went for the first time and were blown away. The ambiance of the place is unique. It feels like a chic timeless but retro speakeasy with the fun atmosphere of a tiki bar. Dark red and black colors, floral art, Art Deco chandeliers, lacquered tables, kitsch and fun cheetah lamps and statues. It immediately put a smile on our faces. The food is also unique. Dim sum for dinner but with more sophisticated twists and better quality than you'll find in most Chinatowns. You start by getting a dish with three different dipping sauces for the dumplings. The hot and sour soup was rich in peanut flavor, filled with tofu, mushrooms, and seaweed, with a cumulative little kick of spiciness. It was a great start and a major cut above anything we've ever had in a Chinese restaurant. The sichuan cucumber salad are Chinese cucumbers innovatively cut into a spiral like a slinky or coil spring. You pick them up with chopsticks and they spring up and down! Served in a horseradish and pepper coulis, they had a spicy kick. Don't miss the mojo baby corn. It's grilled, crispy, and addictive. You'll want a bucket of it when watching a movie. Steamed soup dumplings are filled with ham or prosciutto, a nicely salty and meaty twist on the standard ones. Steamed mushroom and truffle dumplings are probably the closest to traditional dim sum, rich, flavorful, and packed with shrooms. Crab and lobster lucky bags were deep fried wontons filled with a mix of ground lobster and crab, on a bed of crème fraiche with scallions. A great contrast with the crispy salty shell and soft filling! Our favorite was the sesame beef bao. They look like the traditional sesame balls in Chinese restaurants, crispy on the outside, pillowy soft inside but filled with brisket! They were mouth wateringly delicious! There was a selection of larger entrée plates that looked good (fried rice, lo mein, crispy chicken) that we didn't try but will next time. The drink menu was three pages long. Every kind of creative cocktail you can imagine, a long list of wines and sparking drinks, at prices from reasonable to 'special occasion.' For the atmosphere and ambiance, it seemed like cocktails or sparkling wine went best. All the staff and the manager couldn't have been nicer and more welcoming. They made us feel like old friends. Their warmth was genuine, we were sincerely touched by their friendliness. We were smiling and laughing the whole time, and amazed at how delicious the food was. It's unique. It's so much more than just a delicious meal. Going here is truly an experience, one that we'll remember for a long time and want to repeat often. It's an incredibly special place, and you feel special being here. You won't find a place like this outside of New York City, but here it is in Portland. We're going to go back often and regularly.

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Lucky Cheetah - Decor in the back room

Decor in the back room

Lucky Cheetah - Sweet & sour cod

Sweet & sour cod

Lucky Cheetah - Sweet & sour cod

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Sweet & sour cod

Cuties - Bar

Cuties

4.5(37 reviews)
0.1 mi•Old Port

Great servers & bartenders . Great place inside for cocktails and light food…read more Lunch here was a shrimp roll and crispy potato's with the best dipping sauce. Do not miss this stop when you are in Portland for Breakfast, lunch or dinner. Or just to stop in for an adult beverage or to say hi to my new friend Mason

I gave Cuties a chance during its opening weekend and thought it wasn't for me. It was too crowded,…read moreobnoxiously loud, and I just felt like I didn't fit in. Fast-forward to now: I was walking around with a friend and we felt like having a drink, and Cuties was right nearby. I decided to give it another shot, and I'm glad I did because my experience was incredibly better. First of all, the place felt a lot more welcoming and less overwhelming. I finally had a chance to look at all the decor and details, and my eyes were FEASTING on the colorful touches and funky vibes. Our server was very nice, and even though we only ordered one drink and definitely stayed there for a good amount of time, he wasn't pushy in any way. My cocktail, the Wink n Nod, was soooo good. It had vodka, gin, manzanilla, olives, and pickled Fresno brine. The result was a yummy concoction with a punch, one that I could savor and not slurp in ten seconds. That said, I gotta say I was surprised by how busy the place was given how early we went. It wasn't even 4pm. I don't think I would come back in the summer or during peak hours because I could definitely see them getting busy, just like during their opening weekend, and having an entirely different experience. Note: Although I didn't try any, I was happily impressed by the food options and non-alcoholic options. A true all-day bar!

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Cuties
Cuties
Cuties - Menu

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Menu

Black Cow Burgers & Fries - burgers - Updated May 2026

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