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Its been awhile since I had food here and was able to catch it for an early happy hour. They have some good $10 special cocktails as well as some bites to eat. We tried theirchicken sandwich and it was made pretty well. The service was good as well.
I'd been to Pacific standard before, so when a friend was looking for a place to do happy hour in the area, I suggested it immediately. The ambience and vibe is just about perfect. It's comfortable and inviting natural light, but the room is dim enough that you don't feel overwhelmed. During happy hour at least, there was no table service, but service at the bar was prompt and efficient We both had places to be so we only really had time for one drink and one app. Off of the happy hour menu, we each selected a Flannel Shirt - Laphroaig Select, Averna, apple cider, allspice dram, lemon, bitters - which was served in a tumbler over pebble ice with a garnish of dried apple. It's a very fall cocktail, that was not out of place on this January day. Also, on the happy hour menu, we had the house-made French onion dip which was served with kettle potato chips. It was absolutely delightful and a decent sized portion. And leaving, the view of Portland downtown was just spectacular. All in all, it was time well spent in a place that I'm looking forward to going back too soon. Highly recommended.
I loved the vibe of the bar and the ambiance. The music was chill but loud enough to where you might have to repeat yourself if you're sitting across a table. One thing I really enjoyed was the photo booth. The drinks were good but the service was meh. My friend ordered a burger with a few things off of it and the waiter said "who got the burger with nothing on it?" This can be seen as offensive in many countries, states and providences and is intolerable amongst my circle. Overall, I'd come back. Also, the fries were tasty but the burger was small :/
We ate at pacific standard during happy hour on a Thursday. It wasn't super busy, which was nice as we were able to get a table right away. There are a lot of options on their happy hour menu. We got a mixture of everything and it was all very yummy. The photobooth was also super fun. We loved the moody bookshelves too. The only thing I'd have changed was you had to order the food at the bar.
As a Yelp Elite and long-time fan of this spot, I'm beyond frustrated. They usually crush it during PDX food weeks, but tonight's experience during Sandwich Week was a total breakdown in service and quality. I spent two hours of my life waiting for the 'Butter Me Up' special, only to be served 1/2 oz of cold, oversalted crab on a basic hot dog bun. When we first tried to order, the bartender claimed the kitchen was 'on hold' because they needed time to--wait for it--'whipped the butter.' I really wish she'd been upfront about the delay so I didn't waste my entire evening. I ended up watching the kitchen window like a hawk. I actually had to be the one to tell the bartender it was time to order because I saw the cook signal a waitress that they were back in action. Even then, it was another 30-minute wait. The most insulting part? Watching the cook laugh and eat fries the whole time while we sat there empty-handed. I wouldn't be so annoyed if the sandwich was actually worth the 1.5-hour ' whipped butter' wait, but it was a massive disappointment. Time is money, and tonight was a total waste of both. I get that it was a busy Friday night, but if you're going to make a customer wait two hours for a specialty item, it better be executed perfectly. Tonight, it wasn't even close.
Late evening Ambience 10/10 Service at the bar was spectacular Burger and fries - cheap & hit the spot Marionberry sour was delightful And the cherry on top: the three chocolate chip cookies with vanilla Tillamook... Talk about a nightcap. If the chef sees this, please send me your recipe because I'm not from here, and I will be daydreaming of that salty crispy chewy perfection for the rest of my days
I loved Dottir when it's at the KEX hotel so I was very curious what replaced it. Pacific Standard still utilizes the super modern and moody interior of the space. Their menu is more drinks forward with a couple of small plates. All their drinks look great and sound strong so I've to give them a try sometimes. I did really enjoy the Miso Raddichio Salad with crunchy toasted nuts and orange slices. Perfect Summer dish. They also got a lovely shaded patio to hangout at as well.
We are pros at PDX food and drink weeks. This was an absolute fail. We waited 2 hours for a cold served sandwich. We were told after ordering drinks that there was a hold on the sandwich. Due to a butter processing issue. 1.5 hours later the hold was lifted. It still took another 1/2 hour to get a sandwich that is basically made cold. Crab and butter on a hotdog bun, that's it. Easy assembly. The description said lump crab, toasted bun and spicy whipped butter. It definitely isn't lump crab, or a toasted bun. We watched the kitchen during our multiple hours of waiting and noticed the cook eating constantly during the whole time we were there. We wish the staff would have just put up a sold out sign.
I was recommended this place because of the espresso martini. It's rich, silky, with a robust coffee flavor. But omg...The marionberry drink is sooo good!! I actually don't prefer whiskey but the drink is well balanced- sweet, tart, foamy. For snacks we had the artichoke which to me was not worth it. I was thinking artichoke hearts to dip into the aioli, but it's the steamed artichoke that you peel up. The burgers are pretty good- a simple yet delicious meal.
Very small but good menu. The staff was not very friendly and the drinks were definitely on the higher side however they were well worth the weight and the price. It looks like this venue has different events that they host around the holidays which I thought was pretty neat. They also do have a Photo Booth where you can get photos taken and they are six dollars per two pictures.
Where Meatballs Rule, Margaritas Drool, and the Photo Booth Deserves a Sitcom FOOD Let's kick things off with the most dramatic member of the appetizer family: the Dorilocos. This dish reads like a fever dream--ahi tuna, chicharrón, pickled cabbage, chamoy, blue corn tortilla chips, and lime--all thrown into one bowl like a culinary free-for-all. It shouldn't work... but it does. It's weird. It's wild. It's delightfully confusing. Like if a sushi bar and a corner snack stand had a messy, delicious baby. Then there's the Olive Poppers--these bleu cheese-stuffed nuggets of goodness are crisp, salty, and packed with flavor... but let's be honest: they're adorable. Like "blink and you missed it" tiny. If you're expecting a full snack, you'll need about a dozen or maybe just a spoon and a prayer. Now, let us praise the unsung hero of the menu: the Cocktail Meatballs. Juicy, savory, and absolutely the reason I forgot about my actual entree. They're the type of meatball that makes you want to give the chef a standing ovation, or at least a heartfelt nod across the bar. But alas, not everything was a home run. Enter the Margarita, or as I now call it, "Icy Disappointment in a Glass." It looked the part, but sadly, it was more snow cone than fiesta. Flavor? Meh. Ice? All of it. It's like someone whispered "tequila" over a glacier and served it with a lime. SERVICE The crew here moves with serious speed--cocktails arrive fast enough to question whether they're psychic. Just remember: drinks are self-service at the bar (great if you like mingling, less great if you already settled in with a lap full of tiny olives). The food, thankfully, makes a royal entrance directly to your table--no meatball-fetching required. ENVIRONMENT Imagine a classy old-school library took a long weekend in California and decided to serve cocktails. That's Pacific Standard: wood-paneled, calm, and full of cozy sophistication. It's a place that says, "Yes, you deserve a cocktail. Also, you look great today." And now... the Photo Booth. Ah yes, the glorious, comically tiny Photo Booth tucked near the hotel lobby like a hidden gem--or a punishment for tall people. Cramming in with another soul would be an act of trust, flexibility, and maybe mild contortion. And results should be nothing short of legendary. We laughed, we cried, we left. Pro tip: even if you don't want a picture, go see it. It's the kind of thing that deserves its own Yelp page. We visited for a Happy Hour celebrating Administrative Assistants, and it turned into a celebration of meatballs, weird snack combos, icy margaritas, and a photo booth that brought us closer. Pacific Standard is classy, quirky, and absolutely worth a visit. Just don't bring high expectations for the margarita--or a full-sized friend for the photo booth.
Does anyone remember the cute little Portland cocktail shop "Pepe Le moko"? It used to be our favorite cocktail spot. Amount their unique cocktails, our favorite was the their Amaretto Sour. Then in 2020, the shop closed but we found out that the mixologist from Pepe Le Moko opened Pacific Standard. Needless to say, we came and hoped for the best. Pacific Standard sits on the first floor of the KEX hotel. When you enter, you walk into a spacious lounge where the bar is the centerpiece. We quickly found a table and went to the register to order some food and drinks. The place has a dark and mody feel, especially on a dark winter night. I wish they had more dining seating as some seats were too casual to eat at, but I guess most people come here for the drinks and snacks. We ordered the Amaretto Sour and an Old Fashioned to start with, while we waited for whole leaf caesar salad, Puget Sound mussels and clams, and Steak Frites to come later. The drinks were served quickly, however, the food took a while to come. So if you are hungry, we would recommend ordering something simple like salad to hold you over. We like everything which was not a surprise. However, I wish they served the Amaretto Sour like they used to (with tons of crushed ice) because the cocktail itself could be a bit sweet without the ice. Also, the whole leaf Caesar salad had a bit too much dressing so it felt we were eating the dressing instead of the lettuce. Beside that, everything was delicious. We especially love the Steak Frites as the steak was cooked to perfection and everything tasted simply delicious. Overall, we enjoyed our visit. It definitely was very different from the Pepe Le Moko we knew and loved, but if we ever crave our favorit cocktail, we know where to go.
I went to one of their summer events with friends. I think to get a true review of food, I would have to come back and have a sit-down, but the event itself was done quite well. The decorations were tasteful and fun. The entertainment was also well-suited for the event. My friends and I got drinks and fries, and both were done well. The frinks were well-made. The fries were crispy and well-seasoned. I didn't interact too much with the staff, but from what I did see, everyone was helpful and friendly.
3 months ago
We came right around 3 during Portland Sandwich Week and it filled up right away. The space is super cute with tons of windows lining the wall and it was one of those odd sunny spring-winter afternoons so it was gorgeous. We ordered at the bar and got a number for the food. We both had drinks on tap - the cynar spritz and the dark and stormy. Decent, though the dark and stormy was extra sweet and really benefited from letting the ice melt. The cauliflower plate -green cauliflower on a bed of tasty sauce with wheat berries for texture - was amazing. 5/5 The sandwich week sando were underwhelming with very little crab and tons of spicy butter on basically a hot dog bun. I get that they are working with constraints but a better smaller sandwich would have made me happier even if they sold it as a slider instead. The bun to meat ratio was to totally off. Service was alright. The table was a bit sticky. It was busy. Understandably, things took time. I'd give this place another shot because the cauliflower was so good so I do think the food has promise and the space is nice. read more
Such a fun spot to hangout, date night, or happy hour!! They have a fun photo booth inside that you can try out, the drinks are BOMB, and the food is a great addition to the drinks. I am looking forward to the next time I'm back!! read more
4 months ago
Its been awhile since I had food here and was able to catch it for an early happy hour. They have some good $10 special cocktails as well as some bites to eat. We tried theirchicken sandwich and it was made pretty well. The service was good as well. read more
I'd been to Pacific standard before, so when a friend was looking for a place to do happy hour in the area, I suggested it immediately. The ambience and vibe is just about perfect. It's comfortable and inviting natural light, but the room is dim enough that you don't feel overwhelmed. During happy hour at least, there was no table service, but service at the bar was prompt and efficient We both had places to be so we only really had time for one drink and one app. Off of the happy hour menu, we each selected a Flannel Shirt - Laphroaig Select, Averna, apple cider, allspice dram, lemon, bitters - which was served in a tumbler over pebble ice with a garnish of dried apple. It's a very fall cocktail, that was not out of place on this January day. Also, on the happy hour menu, we had the house-made French onion dip which was served with kettle potato chips. It was absolutely delightful and a decent sized portion. And leaving, the view of Portland downtown was just spectacular. All in all, it was time well spent in a place that I'm looking forward to going back too soon. Highly recommended. read more
I loved the vibe of the bar and the ambiance. The music was chill but loud enough to where you might have to repeat yourself if you're sitting across a table. One thing I really enjoyed was the photo booth. The drinks were good but the service was meh. My friend ordered a burger with a few things off of it and the waiter said "who got the burger with nothing on it?" This can be seen as offensive in many countries, states and providences and is intolerable amongst my circle. Overall, I'd come back. Also, the fries were tasty but the burger was small :/ read more
4 months ago
We ate at pacific standard during happy hour on a Thursday. It wasn't super busy, which was nice as we were able to get a table right away. There are a lot of options on their happy hour menu. We got a mixture of everything and it was all very yummy. The photobooth was also super fun. We loved the moody bookshelves too. The only thing I'd have changed was you had to order the food at the bar. read more
As a Yelp Elite and long-time fan of this spot, I'm beyond frustrated. They usually crush it during PDX food weeks, but tonight's experience during Sandwich Week was a total breakdown in service and quality. I spent two hours of my life waiting for the 'Butter Me Up' special, only to be served 1/2 oz of cold, oversalted crab on a basic hot dog bun. When we first tried to order, the bartender claimed the kitchen was 'on hold' because they needed time to--wait for it--'whipped the butter.' I really wish she'd been upfront about the delay so I didn't waste my entire evening. I ended up watching the kitchen window like a hawk. I actually had to be the one to tell the bartender it was time to order because I saw the cook signal a waitress that they were back in action. Even then, it was another 30-minute wait. The most insulting part? Watching the cook laugh and eat fries the whole time while we sat there empty-handed. I wouldn't be so annoyed if the sandwich was actually worth the 1.5-hour ' whipped butter' wait, but it was a massive disappointment. Time is money, and tonight was a total waste of both. I get that it was a busy Friday night, but if you're going to make a customer wait two hours for a specialty item, it better be executed perfectly. Tonight, it wasn't even close. read more
7 months ago
Late evening Ambience 10/10 Service at the bar was spectacular Burger and fries - cheap & hit the spot Marionberry sour was delightful And the cherry on top: the three chocolate chip cookies with vanilla Tillamook... Talk about a nightcap. If the chef sees this, please send me your recipe because I'm not from here, and I will be daydreaming of that salty crispy chewy perfection for the rest of my days read more
I loved Dottir when it's at the KEX hotel so I was very curious what replaced it. Pacific Standard still utilizes the super modern and moody interior of the space. Their menu is more drinks forward with a couple of small plates. All their drinks look great and sound strong so I've to give them a try sometimes. I did really enjoy the Miso Raddichio Salad with crunchy toasted nuts and orange slices. Perfect Summer dish. They also got a lovely shaded patio to hangout at as well. read more
7 months ago
We are pros at PDX food and drink weeks. This was an absolute fail. We waited 2 hours for a cold served sandwich. We were told after ordering drinks that there was a hold on the sandwich. Due to a butter processing issue. 1.5 hours later the hold was lifted. It still took another 1/2 hour to get a sandwich that is basically made cold. Crab and butter on a hotdog bun, that's it. Easy assembly. The description said lump crab, toasted bun and spicy whipped butter. It definitely isn't lump crab, or a toasted bun. We watched the kitchen during our multiple hours of waiting and noticed the cook eating constantly during the whole time we were there. We wish the staff would have just put up a sold out sign. read more
1 month ago
11 months ago
I was recommended this place because of the espresso martini. It's rich, silky, with a robust coffee flavor. But omg...The marionberry drink is sooo good!! I actually don't prefer whiskey but the drink is well balanced- sweet, tart, foamy. For snacks we had the artichoke which to me was not worth it. I was thinking artichoke hearts to dip into the aioli, but it's the steamed artichoke that you peel up. The burgers are pretty good- a simple yet delicious meal. read more
11 months ago
Very small but good menu. The staff was not very friendly and the drinks were definitely on the higher side however they were well worth the weight and the price. It looks like this venue has different events that they host around the holidays which I thought was pretty neat. They also do have a Photo Booth where you can get photos taken and they are six dollars per two pictures. read more
1 year ago
Where Meatballs Rule, Margaritas Drool, and the Photo Booth Deserves a Sitcom FOOD Let's kick things off with the most dramatic member of the appetizer family: the Dorilocos. This dish reads like a fever dream--ahi tuna, chicharrón, pickled cabbage, chamoy, blue corn tortilla chips, and lime--all thrown into one bowl like a culinary free-for-all. It shouldn't work... but it does. It's weird. It's wild. It's delightfully confusing. Like if a sushi bar and a corner snack stand had a messy, delicious baby. Then there's the Olive Poppers--these bleu cheese-stuffed nuggets of goodness are crisp, salty, and packed with flavor... but let's be honest: they're adorable. Like "blink and you missed it" tiny. If you're expecting a full snack, you'll need about a dozen or maybe just a spoon and a prayer. Now, let us praise the unsung hero of the menu: the Cocktail Meatballs. Juicy, savory, and absolutely the reason I forgot about my actual entree. They're the type of meatball that makes you want to give the chef a standing ovation, or at least a heartfelt nod across the bar. But alas, not everything was a home run. Enter the Margarita, or as I now call it, "Icy Disappointment in a Glass." It looked the part, but sadly, it was more snow cone than fiesta. Flavor? Meh. Ice? All of it. It's like someone whispered "tequila" over a glacier and served it with a lime. SERVICE The crew here moves with serious speed--cocktails arrive fast enough to question whether they're psychic. Just remember: drinks are self-service at the bar (great if you like mingling, less great if you already settled in with a lap full of tiny olives). The food, thankfully, makes a royal entrance directly to your table--no meatball-fetching required. ENVIRONMENT Imagine a classy old-school library took a long weekend in California and decided to serve cocktails. That's Pacific Standard: wood-paneled, calm, and full of cozy sophistication. It's a place that says, "Yes, you deserve a cocktail. Also, you look great today." And now... the Photo Booth. Ah yes, the glorious, comically tiny Photo Booth tucked near the hotel lobby like a hidden gem--or a punishment for tall people. Cramming in with another soul would be an act of trust, flexibility, and maybe mild contortion. And results should be nothing short of legendary. We laughed, we cried, we left. Pro tip: even if you don't want a picture, go see it. It's the kind of thing that deserves its own Yelp page. We visited for a Happy Hour celebrating Administrative Assistants, and it turned into a celebration of meatballs, weird snack combos, icy margaritas, and a photo booth that brought us closer. Pacific Standard is classy, quirky, and absolutely worth a visit. Just don't bring high expectations for the margarita--or a full-sized friend for the photo booth. read more
Does anyone remember the cute little Portland cocktail shop "Pepe Le moko"? It used to be our favorite cocktail spot. Amount their unique cocktails, our favorite was the their Amaretto Sour. Then in 2020, the shop closed but we found out that the mixologist from Pepe Le Moko opened Pacific Standard. Needless to say, we came and hoped for the best. Pacific Standard sits on the first floor of the KEX hotel. When you enter, you walk into a spacious lounge where the bar is the centerpiece. We quickly found a table and went to the register to order some food and drinks. The place has a dark and mody feel, especially on a dark winter night. I wish they had more dining seating as some seats were too casual to eat at, but I guess most people come here for the drinks and snacks. We ordered the Amaretto Sour and an Old Fashioned to start with, while we waited for whole leaf caesar salad, Puget Sound mussels and clams, and Steak Frites to come later. The drinks were served quickly, however, the food took a while to come. So if you are hungry, we would recommend ordering something simple like salad to hold you over. We like everything which was not a surprise. However, I wish they served the Amaretto Sour like they used to (with tons of crushed ice) because the cocktail itself could be a bit sweet without the ice. Also, the whole leaf Caesar salad had a bit too much dressing so it felt we were eating the dressing instead of the lettuce. Beside that, everything was delicious. We especially love the Steak Frites as the steak was cooked to perfection and everything tasted simply delicious. Overall, we enjoyed our visit. It definitely was very different from the Pepe Le Moko we knew and loved, but if we ever crave our favorit cocktail, we know where to go. read more
1 year ago
I went to one of their summer events with friends. I think to get a true review of food, I would have to come back and have a sit-down, but the event itself was done quite well. The decorations were tasteful and fun. The entertainment was also well-suited for the event. My friends and I got drinks and fries, and both were done well. The frinks were well-made. The fries were crispy and well-seasoned. I didn't interact too much with the staff, but from what I did see, everyone was helpful and friendly. read more
2 years ago
Our perfect date getaway! We found this place in search for the tastiest espresso martini. Who knew copious amounts of trips later it would become our favorite hideaway. The steak and frites are everything to write home about, the deviled eggs an evil little treat and the espresso martini I'm glad they limit me to two. Such an awesome cap to a night read more
2 years ago
Featured on the World's 50 Best Discovery list. Located inside KEX hotel in downtown. Walk in party of 3 around 4:30pm. Happy hour available every day from 3-6pm. $2 off every item on the menu. Came for cocktails which average $13-$16 without the discount. During happy hour, prices are pretty nice compared to what I'm used to in SF. Menu also features food. Walked in and was advised to find a seat anywhere we liked. Order directly from the bar. Service wasn't unfriendly but it wasn't necessarily warm; just neutral. Ordered three drinks to bring back to my table + some fries. Menu seems to reflect primarily classic cocktails with minor riffs. Amaretto sour was a big hit - classic sour with added almondy depth from the amaretto. 68 Olympic feature tequila and mezcal with agave, grapefruit, and cinnamon. Almost like a paloma and marg fused with warm cinnamon notes. Surprising light and refreshing but didn't have as much depth as I thought. Our World Famous Eggnog is their version of a classic eggnog but with tequila. While my friends didn't like it, I actually enjoy it - creamy with nice freshly grated nutmeg. read more
3 months ago
7 months ago
The happy hour menu is where it's at!After a couple of hours of dancing I came back to the Kex and was ravished. The burger was an excellent choice and only $10?!? read more
1 year ago
Came here on a recommendations specifically for their espresso martinis and they did not disappoint! Also grabbed dinner, split a salad and a burger with a friend and both were great. We sat at the bar and the bartender was super attentive and friendly. Really fun interior decor too! Would go again! Great for girls night out or a date night. The bar is definitely center stage here and a fun place to watch all the action. read more
1 year ago
Drinks are good but food can be hit or miss! Their entrees are okay but their fries make for a good snack though. The space is great! Plenty of tables surrounding the bar and a small outdoor patio area. There's even a super cute photobooth. The bartenders were super cool to chat with and they know how to whip up a drink. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
Located inside the Kex Hotel ~ a living room, library feel for HH after work. Two sides of windows to bring in a lot of nice natural lighting. Fun selection of seating to chill at - leather couches, bench seating by the window, darker nooks for secluded study, bar top to chat with the servers. Menu ~ interesting small & large plates to nibble on. Great cocktail menu with a handful of local draft beer. You go to them, order at the bar top, pre-tip and they give you a number to bring you your drinks. Unique vibe that is enjoyable solo with a laptop or a chat with friends. read more
2 years ago
Popped in for happy hour. Sat at the bar, watched part of the superbowl, had some lovely munchies. It was a lovely albeit short stay, we were trying to kill a bit of time and did so here. Not busy, the bartender was solid, it was nice. read more
No longer the Icelandic kex hotel but still a really nice designed space to hand out have a good drink and some bites. Today my bite will be the Walla Walla Onion Burger: Revel Meat Co. beef patty, Walla Walla onion ring, and Walla Walla onion bacon jam, topped with Tillamook white cheddar, on a potato roll Normally I'm not a big fan of potato rolls but this bun was good and tasty not too sweet. If you like a burger is often decided upon first bite. Well I like the walla one. The first bite through the crispy onion, hitting the salad and ending In a juicy meat paddy is just so good! Perfect burger not too messy and just delicious. I could live with a bit more of that yummy bacon jam for sure. read more
Atmosphere: Nice, upscale feeling atmosphere with a very pleasing aesthetic. One of the best things about Pacific Standard Food: The mussels were pretty good and a good size. Fries were a huge portion and good, but we didn't even finish eating them Price: Prices are pretty fair given the upscale vibe Service: Terrible. Bartenders take forever. Took us almost 20 minutes to order and we were never once checked on. Even after asking for help it took a while Parking: Street parking. Not the easiest area to park in but you can find spots a few blocks away read more
- bartenders were friendly and helpful with drink selection - restrooms available - they have a cute Photo Booth too! - quick busy on a Saturday evening 1. Stone fruit sour (3.8/5) - I usually prefer drinks on the sweeter side but this was a little too sweet for me 2. Appetizers (5/5) - fries SO CRISPY AND PERFECTLY SALTED, the aioli sauce pairs so gooood with it - Brussels sprouts phenomenal, so much flavor and I love the nuts topped on it for the extra crunch - ceased salad was also so good, love the crispy toppings added as well - perhaps we were hungry because these appetizers are typically pretty basic but for some reason it all tasted so good - will definitely be back!! read more
11 months ago
I love the new menu! Great wines on tap and fun cocktails. Very eclectic vibes. Worth the visit! read more
This is a beautiful, and I do mean beautiful, space. I absolutely love the wrap-around bar with its glowing lamps. Despite being such a large, open space, there are interesting nooks and crannies to sit in. I recommend going on a little exploration before deciding on a place to sit. The brains behind the operation is famed barman Jeffrey Morgenthaler, known for the excellent former Pepe Le Moko and Clyde Common bars here in Portland (RIP) as well as his world-renowned cocktail book. All of this has me wanting to adore this place, but across several visits I haven't loved it. The cocktails are fine, but they haven't blown me away. For some reason I can't put my finger on, I prefer other cocktail bars. On my most recent visit, I was excited to finally try the Walla Walla French onion dip that has gotten some press, but it had changed to a spring onion dip which did not hit for me. It had an odd lemony flavor and the chips were too well done, to the point of nearly burnt. Our drinks were fine but maybe not worth the tab. I also didn't love that the head bartender (whose nickname is a musical instrument) continuously hit on my date all night. It was initially amusing and we made a joke of it, but it continued on into annoyance-levels. Overall the neighborhood is better off for having Pacific Standard, and I wouldn't say no to checking out their rooftop bar once it opens this summer, but personally I don't know if I'll be rushing back. read more
Excellent food, craft cocktails, informative and professional, yet cool service, fitting of this very Portland-esque ambience. The space is open but features several different types of seating areas to chill in groups--large and small. read more
Atmosphere should be its middle name. (Side point: playlist could not be beat. It should be published on Spotify under the bar name.) Left after happy hour...but came down later with a book -- because the music was that good. The cocktails were v. good. Whiskey sour turned out amazingly refreshing and delicious, and so well-balanced. It was an honest "Wow." Though they couldn't source the fresh oysters because of the weather -- there was an ice storm at play -- they did have mussels and clams that were delicious with the fresh chopped garlic and herbs. The broth was tart and savory in all the right ways: simply wonderful to the last drop. Fries were an extremely pleasant and generous portion. Hope they keep it that way. I was able to share with some new friends at the bar. The Dungeness crab toast was well-loaded with crab meat, and liked the brioches bread...but salty for my taste. Really loved the portion and price and taste of the deviled eggs. The ambience is great. Chairs are super comfortable without feeling claustrophobic. You can sit almost anywhere and have your own introvert time as well as enjoy the extrovert vibe. Locals are very friendly and one can make friends readily. Kind of great community building space. Outstanding bartender. read more
9 months ago
1 year ago
I've heard so much about this place that I've been wanting to try it and made a point to cross the bridge today and try it out. And I'm so glad I did! I really love the space here. The lighting is very warm. Love the lamp on the floor! And there's plenty of space to spread out and plenty of comfy chairs and sofas to relax in. And the bar is also very spacious, round, and elegant. I really enjoyed the Terra Firma. It is light, slightly sweet, and delicious. Service was very kind and attentive. I'm looking forward to coming back and spending more time here. read more
1 year ago
This funky hotel-lobby brasserie is an excellent spot for a cocktail. The bar staff are pros and the drinks are good. Lots of very good Oregon wines. The food is hit-or-miss, though, and at rather precious prices, this is a gamble that doesn't always work. Good small-plate appetizers, and some excellent cooking by the on-display kitchen, but I question a few of the decisions of the chef. In an attempt to be bold with flavor combinations, the couple of main dishes I tried were ruined by too much experimentation and not enough human-palate sensibility. A "black garlic" mole-esque sauce destroyed the albacore "nicoise " (quotes are theirs). Good tuna can carry some complicated flavors, but not this. What appeared to be a tuna loin was unceremoniously plopped into a puddle of unreasonably strong, and ultimately unpalatable, goo, which basically did to the albacore what the Trump administration is doing to civil rights and due process. I also tried the salmon "large plate" (again, quotes are from the menu) and mostly loved it. It was described as "seared with a cherry tapenade". It was beautifully prepared with an enviable skin sear and a perfect salmon steak temperature and color. The problem was the "cherry tapenade". Yes, we all know that a tapenade, at its core, tends to be olive-based. I love olives and I love tapenade. HOWEVER, when you call something as ubiquitous as tapenade by a different ingredient name - cherry - you expect that it is a twist on the traditional with a clever substitution. (Think "pistachio pesto", where the pistachio REPLACES the pignoli and becomes something else.) When I read "cherry tapenade" I applied this reasonable and experiential standard to the "cherry tapenade" and imagined a bold, sweet gastro delight to accompany the seared salmon steak. I even consulted with the bartender about the best wine complement to a "sweet chutney", as he described it, and we settled on the Oregon Chardonnay. The wine was good. The salmon PREPARATION was very good. The "tapenade" combined Kalamata olives with deep, dark, savory cherries and I t was a HORRIBLE COMBINATION. Chemically, it DID NOT WORK. Please don't misunderstand me; I adore Kalamata olives and I adore cherries, and EITHER can work beautifully with salmon as well-prepared as this steak was. But these two together is equivalent to rinsing your mint toothpaste with orange juice. It was dreadful. Sometimes simple is absolutely good enough. Keep it simple (which you don't), make it well (which you DO!), and don't get sucked into chemically- and culinarily-irresponsible experiments. Customers: Go to this place because it's awesome. That's the upshot. Just, for the time being, order the fries, which are perfect. And if you order the salmon, ask the chef to choose olives OR cherries - not both. It doesn't work. read more
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4 years ago
