Came here recently with a friend and left thoroughly impressed. We started with the oregano fried bread appetizer, served with a crème fraîche basil sauce and a roasted tomato dipping sauce -- it was absolutely delicious and set the tone for the rest of the meal. For mains, my friend ordered the elk burger, and as a self-proclaimed elk burger connoisseur, her approval means something -- she thoroughly enjoyed it. I went with the pulled pork sandwich, which was good and flavorful, and paired really well with their pepper & cabbage coleslaw on the side. We also split a cup of the roasted red pepper and tomato bisque, which was honestly a highlight of the whole meal -- rich, well-balanced, and worth ordering on its own. Drinks deserve a shoutout too: their non-alcoholic options were great. My friend raved about the guava lemonade, and I had the blueberry vinegar shrub, which was excellent -- bright, crisp, and refreshing. read more

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Add this to your must visit list, Now! Oh my gosh, the observatory is the best place to go especially if you're in town and about to fly out the next day! Close enough to PDX hotels to Uber. The food was spectacular. The salads are huge. The ribs looked amazing. The lamb meatloaf was extremely tasty and the chicken pesto fettuccine was able to be made without fettuccine for me with just extra veggies and it was stellar. They did not even balk at substituting the extra veggies.. the swordfish special with the mushroom risotto and grilled asparagus was awesome. Everything was cooked to perfection and our waiter. Torben was the highlight. He had a wonderful, can-do attitude, very accommodating and extremely friendly. He really treated us amazing and his workplace as though restaurant was his taking pride in his job. The desserts that walked by our table made me wish I had only shared a meal with someone. Everything looked incredible. This needs to be put on your top five to try list. read more

We forgot to take pictures of our outstanding food! We were talking and laughing so much! My mom and I went there for lunch. The service, the ambiance, the background music and the menu were all top notch! It was like a McMenamin feel with a way better menu. The menu had refreshing eclectic choices! We had the oregano fry bread. So fragrant and we loved the dipping sauces. Mom had the lamb burger and she kept saying how tender and savory it was. She never has had lamb before. We were chit chatting with the people next to us about the food and then grew to a wonderful visit with a husband, wife and his mother. They were lovely! We had the lamb burger read more

The Observatory - Yummy Mint & Cucumber CBD Sparkling Water! - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I love this place. I have been here many times and have never regretted it. Today I ordered the blueberry mint drinking vinegar. If I had made it I might have added a little more honey, but maybe not. Quite good. My sister ordered Chicken Salad with Crispy Bacon and Bleu Cheese. (She asked for less lettuce so expect a larger portion.) They had fresh ground pepper and the salad itself was great, especially the inclusion of the shaved radishes. The chicken itself was a little bland, she felt. The service was great. They were attentive, warm, helpful, and understanding. The interior has those high ceilings and tall windows up front. Today they were playing some serious country music. (Jeremiah by Sierra Farrell, for example.) read more

The Observatory - Windows - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Cool spot in the heart of Portland Monte Villa Neighbourhood off Southeast 82nd and Southeast Stark. Friendly Portland ambience with a full bar in the front and back, a back patio and highly doubted brunch in the front. I ordered the shrimp and grits with sausage. The polenta was thicker than I've had before, but all in all the plate was delicious with a nice spicy touch and a little heat, but not too much everything on the menu looks good. as an appetizer, my friend and I split an order of their wings that came on a delicious bed of coleslaw that was outstanding. The wings were a little spicy just like I hoped. I also ordered a blueberry vinegar drink, which was a good aperitif. 7.25/10 read more

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I love the food, service and ambiance here. I like that it is a bit loud so that you don't have to worry much about people eavesdropping lol. I have ordered the caesar salad about three times in the past week and it doesn't disappoint! Side note: add bacon bits and extra dressing. It's so yummy! read more

The Observatory - Caesar salad with bacon and lunch special - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

We had been traveling all day and my sister recommended The Observatory to us and were so happy that they were still open. Great ambiance here, lights are on the darker side. Two eating areas, clean bathrooms, and great decor! I unfortunately didn't get any pictures but we were very happy with our food. Aaron has a terrific personality! I hope he gets a raise for the way he interacts with people, no matter their age and made our whole table feel included. Highly recommend, would definitely go back- ask for Aaron! read more

What a wonderful dining experience. Peter, our server was very friendly and knowledgeable. The tomato soup bisque and kale salad was so delicious! read more

Greeted as soon as we entered. We ordered Chipotle Elk burger with a side of French fries. My daughter said the burger is just like any burger she had but the fries are really good. Son ate his Mac and cheese with smoked sausage. He ate it really fast and said it is really good. Husband had his clam chowder with bits of bacon with a slice of bread on the side, and we both ordered the 10 oz. steak with broccoli florets and potatoes. The steak which should be cooked medium rare, turned out to be medium. It both turned a little tough but I still finished mine because it will not be good when tomorrow comes. The server is quite attentive and keeps checking on us. The place looks really nice and clean. There are 4 bathrooms, two on each side of the restaurant. For sale artwork are on display along the side walls. read more

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Kale salad and oregano fry bread - delicious!! I will definitely be back to the bar space they have in the back of the restaurant.

Food and service was good! Get the garlic Parmesan fries. The soup is also really good especially the tomato bisque. read more

The Observatory - Got the garlic cloves parm fires instead of tots! - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Had an awesome time at The Observatory the other weekend. Unlike a lot of places, they run their Happy Hour on the weekend, which is what drew my partner and I in. You can absolutely smell the fish and vinegar as soon as you walk through the door, which I think gives the place a very homey pub feel. I ordered a spiked peach Arnold Palmer, which I enjoyed (and it was pleasantly strong) and a glass of the house white, which was good for the price. Our server was very fast and attentive. To eat I got the tomato soup with a grilled cheese, which was absolutely fantastic. The soup was so creamy and flavorful, and I cannot imagine a better meal after spending all day walking outside in the rain. The fries were super crispy and I liked the batter. My partner and I shared some of their breadsticks, which were deliciously baked (fresh!) and came with a super refreshing basil crema and a nice tomato-y dip. Wonderful all. My partner ordered fish and chips, and was surprised to find that it is one large fillet of fish, not multiple pieces like you would typically expect. He said the fish was fine, but a little tough. Overall, a wonderful experience. I definitely hope to return. I highly recommend this place as a refuge during the cold winter months! read more

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Good place to go to during happy hour! So many good dishes to choose from and their drinks were not bad as well. The food came out pretty quick and it was a pretty chill place to go to. A ton of seating in the front and back of restaurant. read more

The Observatory - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

We arrived around 6 for dinner. For a small place, it wasn't packed. Decor wasn't pretentious just kitschy and fun. Our server was super friendly. We looked over the cocktails and ordered a lemon meringue cocktail. It was sweet, basically desert. I had the rotating micro brew in a can for $5 which I felt was a great deal. For dinner, we ordered the smoked salmon salad and the fish and chips. The smoked salmon salad came with whole green beans and the smoked salmon was kind of mixed up inside which was an interesting choice. The fish and chips was delicious. The french fries were amazing. For dessert we had the bread pudding. It was kind of mid. The bread in the bread pudding was kind of rubbery; felt like it had come out of a package. Other than an ok bread pudding, the entire meal was delicious. and the experience was great. Service was responsive and quick. Definitely would come back. read more

The service was great! We sat at the bar and interacted with multiple employees who were all very nice. The bartender made AMAZING drinks from their drink menu. Not pictured, we also had The Capricorn and the Mango Mezcal Margarita which were also super good! We started with wings and slaw which were both super good. They wings had a great flavor with the sweet and chili which paired well with the slaw. My salad was also really good and we tossed for me so I didn't have to worry about mixing it and making a mess (thank goodness!). I got a little big of everything in every bite. Although hubby's chicken was tender, moist, and the breading stayed in place when cutting off a piece with a fork, both it and the mac and cheese lacked a lot of flavor. The mac and cheese appeared to just be noodles tossed with canned parm and the chicken breading had what seemed like zero seasoning. The vibes were super cool, and I loved the low light and aesthetic. I also loved that they incorporated the home-infused alcohols into the bar decor. Although we were disappointed with one of the two entres, I would try this place again and just get something else instead of the chicken. I think the drinks were what made the experience worth it. read more

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The lamb burger is one of my favorite burgers in the city. Always good service, and the restaurant space itself is very intimate feel.

This has recently become a go-to spot for us that offers a nice night out and elevated fare, for reasonable prices. For dining, I much prefer the front room/bar as opposed to the much louder, less cozy back area. Extra kudos that they offer an Elk burger, which has been harder to find on menus around town lately. Also appreciate that the dinner menu has quite a few great fish options, as it should in the PNW. All of them are good, and somewhat unique preparations you don't find on every chain menu. The salads are also solid, but I do wish they had some better start options in the $10-15 range. None of the others really reel me in. Drinks are fine and the service has always been friendly. Highly recommend this spot for dinner or lunch, just aim to sit in the front. read more

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We were in the area visiting our family and were recommended to go try this spot. Wow! One of the BEST spots on our trip so far! The restaurant had a unique and lively ambience. I would say it was family friendly as well as a great spot for groups or for a date night. Service was friendly, patient and very accommodating. Our server was very attentive to our needs. The drinks were amazing, the dinner absolutely delicious and the desserts out of this world! For starters we had the bread and the Mediterranean Platter - they were both wonderful! I had the mango margarita and it was so tasty! This was an amazing spot - highly recommended and we would definitely go again when we're in the area. Go check them out - you won't be disappointed!! read more

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Ordered the elk burger & fries. Had it picked up for a work group lunch so didn't see the restaurant. It was a pretty good burger! Juicy, tender, & I liked the slight spice from chipotle mayo & the crispy onions. Would like to check out the restaurant and try out the drinks another time! read more

Such a great neighborhood spot. If I lived in the Montavilla area i'd go here at least once a month. Their menu has something for everyone. Observatory is also very kid friendly and has great service. Go immediately. read more

The Observatory - Shrimp & Grits - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Why do they make you write a book just to recommend this place Its good, a must try Drunk was a little weak read more

This is one restaurant that is Always consistent! The cheese plate is my favorite, but honestly, everything is good here!

I've been here several times and it's become one of my favorites. Downtown Montavilla has some great food. In this particular occasion I only stopped in for a post dinner drink, but from experience the food is fantastic. They have a great drink menu with a lot of different and curated selections. I was with a large group and we each got something different and everyone loved their selection. The service was fast and friendly. It took a bit to get our drinks, but I was ok with it considering there was a group of us and it meant they were making everything fresh. It's always clean and to me the lighting is perfect, but it is on the darker side, so be aware if you aren't in to the more mood lighting in establishments. read more

The Observatory - Mango Mezcal Margarita - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

You know what I will admit that my ardor for The Observatory has cooled over time. I do still count their rosemary pear martini as my favorite cocktail in town - and really their cocktail menu overall is still excellent. But the last few times I've stopped in for a meal, it feels like the food isn't quite as impressive as it used to be. Could be all in my head. Not sure. But it's always a nice spot to hang out and chat with friends, you can get seated quicker if you enter through Over & Out, which basically functions as an extension of the main Observatory, with it's own bar and pool tables. read more

Been coming here for years now and it never disappoints. From the interesting, flavorful dishes to the bright and airy decor, to the excellent service, they always get it right. (To be clear this review is for the original, front space off Stark - the more casual sports-bar-ish back area warrants its own review). The bar program is spot on, with both classics and seasonal specials, the wine is always well-picked and the prices are reasonable - especially at happy hour. We had the pulled pork BBQ tacos - tender shredded pork, not too saucy and stuffed nicely - spicy chicken wings, with a lovely sesame ginger marinade -- and garlic rosemary fries, that were to die for. Nobody went home sad. A mix of tables and booths take up the bright and airy high-ceilinged main area, and there's a good bunch of stools at the long wraparound bar counter as well. Street parking can be a bear at peak hours but it's not impossible. Happy to support this small Montavilla business that's soldiered on through thick and thin. read more

The Observatory - Sesame sweet chili glazed chicken wings-- 3 thumbs up - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Great food this place is always packed full of people so you know it's good. Luckily it has a back area

We went here for lunch on a Saturday with family. Wondering why they get such great reviews. Maybe it's for dinner. The lunch/brunch menu looked ordinary and since it was after 1pm we wanted lunch. Boring. Our son & I got Reubens. Nothing special with the sandwiches. The best thing was actually the fries which were excellent. My daughter-in-law got the burger burger, which was just a burger-nothing fancy. She didn't remark on it being great or not. My husband got the vegetarian burger and he thought it was ok. So...maybe we didn't order the best items on the menu or maybe people love dinner here? It wasn't close to amazing. I've had amazing and this wasn't it. Not that it was bad, mind you. read more

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We found this place on Yelp which was on the way to Airport. We were not sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. It was a very cute, cozy family friendly restaurant. Staff was so friendly, they had a full bar. The menu had a variety of dishes. Service was quick and the food was really good. read more

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Great food, great service and good ambiance. Check it out! Great club sandwich and decent taco special. Thank you!

This place is always good .Serice is friendly and accurate. The food is cooked accurately and very tasty. If in the neighborhood I will be back read more

Quick service and open until really late. Nice soft light ambient. Servers and nice and efficient. They watch your water and fill it. The food was amazing. Absolutely loved the sage cream chicken linguini. It had chicken, pea, spinach, mushroom and butter squash. Food came fresh and the bread was well seasoned. Also got the burger burger with cheddar medium. Very classic burger, and they put the tomato, lettuce, and sauce on the side. Very simple burger, but the highlight is the French fries. They have a seasoned fried fries. Perfectly crispy on the outside. read more

The Observatory - Sage cream chicken linguini - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Drinks here are hit or miss. Burger here was not good. Fried chicken was delicious. The back room is way too dark. Also difficult to seat large parties. Service was good though. read more

Wonderful place, fry bread is to rave about! Always a good vegetarian option on the menu Beet salad is a must! read more

They have the best brunch and a wonderful happy hour. The fried bread is so good and I always get the cheese plate. It comes with fresh berries and Lardon from it so delicious and they have the best cocktails give it a try it's worth it. read more

Had a very lovely dessert date here with a mentor. Super friendly staff. Very nice service. Came on a separate occasion on a Sunday and did not see anything on the menu that looked good so I skipped and didn't order anything. I wouldn't come for a meal but it's a cute spot for dessert. read more

The Observatory - Guava lemonade, Warm Chocolate Brownie and Cinnamon-Sugar Bread Pudding and sweet potato fries - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Came here for dessert on a week day evening. We sat up at the bar and ordered a few rounds of drinks and dessert. The food was outstanding but the server and bartender were both visibly unhappy. We didn't interact with the server but the bartender was about as sour as it comes. A second bartender helped us out mid way and was very kind. Overall, the staff vibe just seemed angry and even with how amazing the food was, not sure I'll be back based on the service. read more

The Observatory - Chocolate Brownie - New American Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Nice place to go, a little something for everyone. Food and drinks are good. Service is friendly. Ambient lighting is a bit dark and dated for me, but that's the old Portland vibe. read more

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Long time lurker, first time diner review! This restaurant has been on my list for years now. We finally decided to give it a try around 5:30 pm on a Saturday with our 2 year old. When we arrived, the place was packed. Perhaps because they had a HH ending at 5, but the place remained busy by the time we left (after 7). We arrived from the street, but it looks like there's a parking lot in the back. We checked in with the hostess, who told us there would be a 15-20 minute wait. She told us we could wait down the hall, where there were several areas with chairs and a red couch. The chairs were mostly taken when we went back, but eventually a group that was sitting at the red couch got up and we sat there. This couch was right next to the back section of the restaurant (the "sports bar" area). The hostess there asked if we had put our names in, to which we said we did. She checked the system and could not find us so then added us. We ended up being seated in the back "sports bar" section just as the front side of the restaurant called us to tell us our table was ready. So I'm not sure what's going on there... but we were seated within 20 minutes. We were seated in a booth with no high chair, and the hostess did not offer to grab it or even tell us where we could find one. Despite that, our server was very friendly and attentive. We put in my son's order for chicken strips and fries and asked that she bring it out as soon as it was ready. I ordered the king salmon, and my husband ordered the steak special. The chicken strips and fries did come out first, and it was a large plate (big enough to share the fries) and my son did love the chicken strips made with chicken thigh! The other dishes didn't come out too long after. Both items were good portion sizes, and reasonably priced. The salmon was fresh, juicy, not fishy at all. The potato cakes were divine. And the braised greens were a nice complement. My husband enjoyed his steak with chimichurri sauce, mashed potatoes, and greens. He did comment that there was a lot of oil underneath the steak, most likely from the chimichurri sauce. He was able to avoid most of the oil. We didn't have any leftovers, but we were pleasantly stuffed! When my son started acting up, we were able to grab the waitress's attention quickly and get our bill paid. I would definitely come back -- I'm a little nervous about the wait, given how popular this place is, but I would come back on a date night or with friends. It's a very lively place, darkly lit atmosphere, with lots of booths and space. read more

The Observatory is, without question, my go-to spot in Portland. It's the restaurant I always bring visitors to--not just because the food is consistently excellent, but because it feels like true Portland in the best way. We've probably eaten here hundreds of times, and I honestly can't recall a single bad experience. The energy is always warm and welcoming, the food fresh and flavorful, and the cocktails? Hands-down the best in town. (The lavender lemon drop has my heart, it's bright, floral, and just the right balance.) On this visit, we shared the Rosemary Fries--crispy, herby perfection, and the Pan Fried Idaho Trout Piccata, which was tender, lemony, and cooked just right. Simple ingredients elevated with care, which really sums up what I love about this place. The vibe is laid-back and a little eclectic, with that familiar Portland charm. Once, we even overheard a very Portlandia-esque conversation at the bar about the ethical backstory of the chicken. It was hilarious and somehow fitting. Located in Montavilla, it's ideal for a little post-dinner wandering. There's something grounding about strolling through this neighborhood after a delicious meal, the evening air cool and full of possibility. If you're looking for a place that feels like a true local favorite--unfussy, delicious, and deeply Portland, this is it. The Observatory is a gem I'll never tired of. read more

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Love coming here with a group of friends after daytime events or work. It's so chill and a great place to hang.