ATMOSPHERE:
This is the newest location in the PSB empire, so I was concerned it might be huge and lacking in charm. I was shocked at how small it was. Seating for about 15, +5 at the kitchen-facing counter, +5 at a weird little counter facing the patio. I'm guessing there's more seating on the patio than inside, but I didn't think to count. Overall, it was pretty much what you'd expect from PSB, but maybe slightly less warm and charming than Alberta. I was struggling with a way to describe the ambiance, and it finally occurred to me: If PSB were to open a location at PDX or at the Rose Quarter, it would probably look about like this.
SERVICE:
Pay when you order, they give you a number, you bus when done. Everybody was nice, no attitudes.
FOOD:
I've always wanted to try green fried tomatoes, and the menu showed a side for a buck, so why not? Breading was too heavy on cornmeal for me (possibly traditional, I don't know) and too oily. Too salty. Tomato was acidic, but I suppose that's just the way they are when unripe. I didn't care for this at all, but glad I tried it.
I had a Butternut Squash Bread that was dusted with powdered sugar, but other than looking nice, it was a disappointment. It was cold, and I don't just mean room temp. It wasn't refrigerator cold though, it was as if it had been sitting in an unheated storage room. Not a big deal, but they really shouldn't serve it like that. It was a bit boring. Some pecans or something would liven it up. Or maybe a dollop of whipped cream.
Finally, I had a cinnamon roll that looked great on the specials board. Unfortunately, it was just a cinnamon roll. Like the squash bread, it needed a little something. Nuts, or cream-cheese frosting, or something. It was a bit underbaked at the center, which drives me crazy. Raw food isn't good. But if you like raw cookie dough, this might suit you.
Coffee was plentiful and refills were self-serve, so you'll never run out. I love that. That's actually an important criteria I use when deciding where to get breakfast. Was it good? I don't know, coffee isn't something I know much about. It was fine, I guess.
A gripe that applies to other locations as well: online menu wasn't a perfect match to the in-store menu. If they're not willing to update the website, they should offer a general description of their fare on the website, rather than presenting a precise menu that isn't valid.
PRICE/VALUE:
My green fried tomato side was only a buck, so I didn't expect much, but one little slice came as a shock. I mean, even if all you're doing is adding it to a sandwich, this wasn't enough. True, I didn't really want any more, so for me it was fine, but still.
The Butternut Squash Bread was barely worth the $3. Obviously $3 doesn't get you much, but this is just sliced off a loaf, and it's nothing special. Compared to what you can get at a real bakery in the $3-$4 range, this wasn't a good value.
Cinnamon roll was a horrible value. Five bucks should get you an amazing kick-butt cinnamon roll of the finest quality, but this wasn't. I was shaking my head in dismay. Breakfast sweets are one of my areas of expertise, from a consumer standpoint. I've had cinnamon rolls (and similar baked goods) at all the top-tier portland bakeries, and I'm thinking PSB might be about the worst value in town for this item. I'm slightly angry, but really mostly amused. I mentioned that the atmosphere felt slightly like an airport/arena PSB, and I guess that's what they're aiming for with the pricing too.
RESTROOMS:
Two single-occupancy restrooms out in the hall, pretty much open to the general public (although discreetly tucked away so that passing transients and druggies aren't likely to notice them). The building is newly remodeled, so the restrooms are modern and cleanish. My door lock was broken though, so had to just get down to business quickly and hope for the best.
OVERALL:
Glad I finally tried the newest PSB, but can't really recommend it enthusiastically. I feel a little bad about two stars, because it wasn't really awful, but the price I paid for so-so food left me disinclined to give three stars. read more