The bento legacy continues! Big Dan's successor carries the torch of damn good bento. This stuff will make you big and strong!

So... I'm gonna have to be honest here, this ain't Japanese bento. If you're looking for that, go somewhere else. It's a box of rice with one grilled skewer with teriyaki sauce or spicy sauce (which is just Vietnamese spring roll sauce). The main plus is it's cheap and good for a quick lunch, that's really about it. No sides... Meat was somewhat overcooked. Rice wasn't anything exciting, somewhat mushy. All of this goes against the attention to detail and ingredient quality you expect from bento (assorted selection of awesome foods). Owner a s fairly direct which I respect and I'm glad he's found a niche here as along term small business owner. For those that love it, that's fine, but for those that have any idea what bento is, this review should be helpful. Probably better to just call it quick skewers rather than bento. There are many legit Japanese places in town that serve bento btw. I would only recommend it if you are passing by, want a cheap meal, and it's open (first time he was out of town, so you understand my disappointment). read more

West Coast Bento - Lamb Skewers - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This place is the best way to go for a quick meat on a skewer over rice bento box in NW Portland. Big Dan has been here for years. It's a small establishment with a bbq right up front run by only the owner/operator, Dan. He is very friendly and all his food is quick and simple. I thought I read somewhere that there was a friendly/brotherly rivalry between Dan and Phil's BBQ off Burnside. Now that Phil is closed, this is the place to go for cheap but delicious no frills bento for lunch. The price is on point, and the quality is on point. Come and get your bento box. read more

The original Bento! Dan does an amazing job with consistent great food and friendly atmosphere, best lunch spot around, if you haven't tried it yet you need to. read more

The owner of this business just falsely accused my dog of urinating on the sidewalk in front of the business as we walked by and called me a liar when I assured them it wasn't her. Pretty embarrassing for me. Based on other reviews it seems like being rude, especially to dog owners, is a habit for this guy. No wonder this place was empty on a beautiful sunny day during the lunch rush when every nearby business was packed. Say you hate dogs without saying you hate dogs. read more

This is a great place, a legendary hole in the wall one-man operation. I've been coming here for years. The presentation is not Japanese-style bento box with salad and what-not: you get a choice of white rice or brown (plentiful amount), and a generous skewer of chicken, beef or lamb. Choice of mild or spicy sauce. You'll want to call ahead for beef or lamb, to give Dan time to put it on the grill for you. My personal favorite is chicken on brown rice with spicy sauce. Delicious every time! And the price is nice. He has other stuff, too, like hum bao. read more

We have been sporadic but regular customers for years. Small place cranking out consistently good Bento. This is a one-man operation with the owner working pretty hard. Perhaps he comes across as a little cranky sometimes, but actually he's a nice guy doing it all. We've never had a bad meal here and it's affordable. Call ahead for takeout. Limited dine-in seating. Metered, street parking, which can be a bit busy during the lunch rush, so plan accordingly. We'll continue to patronize this spot as long as he's there. read more

Big Dans serves the best bentos. Open on weekdays only. Do yourself a favor and grab a bento. 5 STARS from me and I'm a bento nut.

Great experience picking up chicken bento here. The food was delicious and I got two chicken skewers (since I was sharing it with my 4 year old). I've only had the food twice and it's been great both times. My wife and kids have had it a lot since it's close to the park and school. Here's the the real testimonial though: I'm a the park with my 4 year old and he mentions he's hungry so I offer to take him to St Honore to get a chocolate croissant (and St Honore is amazing btw). He declines and says he wants to go to the "meat on stick bento place". He then describes how to get there (presumably so I won't get lost). The owner is very friendly as well. I was just struck by the fact that my kid was choosing a healthy meal over a something that's more of a treat. Parents will understand how important this is :) read more

This place is awesome! I've walked by it a few times a week for years and never stopped in until last week. It's exactly the type of spot I like to support, a dude named Dave slanging bento bowls and greeting the two people who were there by name. The rice is cooked perfectly to eat with chopsticks and the lamb kabob absolutely smacked. Will be frequenting this spot at least once per week. read more

I consider myself THE bento connoisseur of Portland and this is the best on the west side, and arguably the metro area. Been coming here since the OG location on NW 23rd Place back in the 80's. All the skewers are consistently grilled to perfection and love the steamed hum bao and shu mai too (love the lamb skewers). This place is old school Portland-owned by a fellow native Portlander - get out and support this local business. If you're new to this place, be patient and give Dan the time needed to put your bento together - it is well worth it. By the way- this is a great option if you need to feed an office, team, etc. Give Dan a 24-hour notice and he will have it all ready and boxed up for you to pick up. read more

The owner is very rude to customers. I was walking by with my dog considering checking the place out when he came out to yell at me for my dog peeing outside of his business. I was still on the public sidewalk outside the gated entrance. Will no longer be trying it. read more

Solid joint! Great and affordable lunch spot, great flavors and overall a cozy nice spot to grab food from. Staff has always been nice and haven't had a bad experience. Wish there was more to the menu but overall happy with what I get here when I do stop by read more

Reviews are funny. Either people post them that had a crappy experience at a place or a person posts them in rebuttal to a crappy post. There is a very small group of yelpers that review because it's what they do. I fall somewhere in the middle of each category. West Coast Bento -NW Thurman location. I originally started coming here back in 1989. Dan Dan The Bento Man fed me all thru college. He opened another location down by the lotus (which later was closed) but the NW was always my favorite. . However it's not owned by Dan anymore., another nice fella owns it. And his name is also Dan. He bought it from Dan 22 years ago. 7 Years ago Dan moved to the current NW location. The food however is exactly as it's always been. A big pile of perfectly cooked rice (white or brown) and a quality kabob of meat- perfectly cooked. Your choice of chicken, beef or if you are lucky Lamb! There are some other foods to order but I then to stick with the basics. Things to remember - this place sometimes runs out of food. It happens. Get over it. Plenty of times I have swung in only to be told they sold out of the lamb or beef or even the chicken. Sucks, but it is what it is. His hours are 10-2:30. So if you roll in at 1:40 you may be shit outta luck. Or call and place your order! There isn't really much seating - benches under cover or 2 picnic tables out front no cover over these. Parking can suck - it's NW duh. He takes cash and credit cards now. It's really a 2 man show, the owner runs the BBQ and the register, his helper cooks, preps and fills the 100s of trays with rice. It's a great system and quick going. Relax, and prepare to take a nap after eating all the food. I try to eat only 1/2 and save the rest til later, but usually fail as its so damn good. read more

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Friendly owner, fast service, giant portions. I had the yasai kare (veggie curry) and it tastes identical to golden curry blocks I've made at home. Believe it or not, that's actually the traditional way to make japanese curry - was introduced to the Japanese by the British navy in the 19th century. I'm not kidding about the portions - the other half of this was dinner the next day. A really solid lunch option if you're in the area. read more

West Coast Bento - yasai kare (veggie curry) - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

West Coast Bento the best Bento in Portland I've been eating this Bento for over 20 years hands-down the best around

I got a beef teriyaki bento ($8) and a gyoza (potstickers). The bento was a lot of white rice with soy sauce&sweet chili sauce and a beef skewer. The beef skewer was cooked really well and tender but the overall bento box was disappointing. A bento box typically comes with a small side but this was just a skewer and rice -- could be significantly improved with some veggies or a salad. The owner was really friendly and the area is cute though. read more

Been eating here forever. Great chix on a stick. Very good baos too. That's about all I ever get. Great stuff.

Let me preface this by saying I've been coming here every Wednesday for about a year now. For some added context I don't eat for two days a week (intermittent fasting) and West Coast Bento is what I always get to break my fast. That's how much I love this place. Dan is super consistent when it comes to quality and taste of his food, especially when you consider the price. The restaurant itself is an extremely casual affair. You show up, stand in line, Dan serves up what you want from a limited menu while making some friendly conversation and then your out the door. Limited seems to imply not as good but in this case, it's not true. Dan only makes a few things and those things are delicious. I'd much rather have a few great things than a big menu of mediocre. The friendly atmosphere, the delicious food, and the price all add up to create one of my favorite places to go. Like I said it's been a year, and I have absolutely no intention of going anywhere else on my Wednesdays. read more

This place is a good find. Made to your order, inexpensive, and quick! There are a few menu items to choose from, but all of them taste rather good. I'd say stay away from the Shumai side dish though, it doesn't taste great. So, you go in, get food, and go out and find seats, it's very limited and is more of a pick-up for food. read more

West Coast Bento - a group of people painted on a fence - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I've been going there for 35 yrs and it is still awsome. I'm always reminded when I go there how good it really is. He cooks his meat better than any bento place I've gone, as well with rice-perfection. Think the bento is good try the dumplings and pot stickers by far better than any restaurant I've been to. read more

This is good. It's a lot of food for what you pay and the guy is super nice. The yakitori isn't the most tender or flavorful I've had, but you get so much food that I think of you had a hankering for grilled meat skewers and rice, this would hit the spot 100%. I probably wouldn't swing out of my way to come here, but I know a solid option in the area if I'm around. FYI their spicy is a sweet chili sauce, not really that spicy read more

West Coast Bento - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

This place is a fantastic value, just under $10 gets you a tray of rice and a skewer of meat. I recommend the lamb, but it's quite popular so you'll want to call your order in ahead. Also, you'll just want to call your order in ahead so even if there's a line, you aren't stuck choosing from what's available or left waiting for something to cook. The owner looks like he'd be much more comfortable body slamming you than making your lunch, but give it a try anyway. read more

West Coast Bento - Best bento place in NW is closed until April 2016. - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Dan is the man! His beef bento with Teriyaki sauce is amazing. Perfectly cooked and soooo good. I have yet to try the potstickers bc they are always sold out. The little bun thing was yummy. I can't remember he name of it. Go! Tell him I said hi. I'm here like every other day. read more

Long gone are the days of finding simple and delicious bento easily. Luckily there are still a few gems in town and this is one of them! I am a fan of the chicken bento. It's always cooked perfectly. I recently tried the steamed pork bun and now I'm hooked! There are some benches outside if you want to eat there but it's great for grab n go. Clean spot and Dan always greets you with a smile read more

West Coast Bento - Chicken bento with sweet chili sauce - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I've been a Customer through two owners and three locations, since about 1988. Product has not changed in all those years, the picture of consistency and minimally raising prices throughout the decades -- I paid $5 in 1988 and I pay $7 today for the same lunch! Whether we call it "Yakitori", "Bento", or "chicken over rice", let's be clear: it is NO FRILLS japanese food. The meat is quality -- chicken is all breast meat, filet beef, tender lamb, prawns. And the skewers are packed end to end with protein & onions/peppers. The menu may be simpler than the famously simple In&Out menu! Location is not the easiest to find, so beware the map -- on NW Thurman between 23rd & 24th, on the south side of the street. And it's NOT A DINE-IN place, though there are a handful of covered seats to keep you out of the rain and a picnic table on the sidewalk. Dog-friendly! PARKING CAN BE A CHALLENGE -- limited to on-street. The Caveat I've learned over the years: This is a one-man operation (pretty much), so he will plan for the lunch rush and get skewers on the bbq early -- TIMING IS CRUCIAL HERE, as the skewers put on for the rush will be overcooked by the end of the rush. My advice: get there before 11:30am or after 1pm. Chicken and water is the core of Dan's sales, so if you want a LAMB or SHRIMP skewer then a call-ahead is smart as the few of those do go fast. Canned soft drinks are also available. Sides include Gyoza (potstickers), Shumai (small dumplings) and Humbao (steamed buns with bbq pork). All are tasty, I rotate between the three. Try the Nuclear sauce! (not really nuclear hot, but the chili/garlic gives great flavor!) Dan also offers the ubiquitous Sweet Chili sauce, and the tangy, plum-like "Japanese bbq sauce". Green curry is available as well; a great combination with the Nuclear sauce. Rice options are basically short-grain white (Calrose) or short-grain brown. (broken grains, not long grain) read more

I have never eaten here before today. I will definitely be coming back. The chicken was cooked to perfection! it was juicy and deliciously marinated. The white rice with Teriyaki sauce and Sweet chili sauce on and in it was so tasty! It is very delicious and reasonably priced, check it out!!! read more

Lunchtime Stomach: Grumble Brother: Let's get bento! Me: Sounds delicious. Midnight Stomach: very unhappy grumble Morning Brother (on phone): Similar fate. Lunchtime Sister-in-law (on phone): Are you alive? Brother was rather ill last night. Lesson Stay away from the veggie curry and pork baos. read more

So we were in the neighborhood & have been desperately looking for good authentic Japanese food for awhile. We decided to try this place based on the fact it got 4 stars & one review said "this was THE place to go for bento". Let me tell you, this is definitely NOT the place!! We were so disappointed (compounded by the the fact they only take cash & we didn't have any) that we left!! So I can't comment on how the food tastes, but what they serve cannot be called bento. It is just various Japanese style meats with rice. A bento box should include salad, sushi rolls, rice & meat and miso soup!! Our disappointment was also fueled by the fact that this place is run by Caucasians & included Chinese dimsum items!! So our review is based solely on its (non-)authenticity and not on the food itself. It could taste really good, but it's not bento!! read more

The original bento spot in Portland. Dan has created the best lunch i know of in the Portland metro. i drive here 30 minutes for this stuff!

Dan cooks up some fire bento in this super cool little hole in the wall! Always friendly customer service, made to order meats, multiple sauce options, and delicious sides like gyoza and bao buns make this a can't miss spot. But here's the kicker: it's so cheap! $7 for a heaping portion of rice and a large skewer of freshly grilled meat of your choice. $1.50 sides. $1 cans of soft drinks and iced tea. Stop by and let Dan treat you, it's a rad place for lunch. read more

Went here for lunch this week, there is no seating inside so take it with you and if it is nice try to find a seat at one of the two picnic tables outside. Just a note... still a little too cold for that just yet. I ordered the teriyaki chicken with brown rice and I am guessing the guy that was tending grill outside and ringing us up inside (clearly a one man show and good at it) kept trying to get me to try the sweet & spicy chili sauce option which my boyfriend ordered. They were both very good and absolutely filling. I had never been there before so a tip, the creamy teriyaki is very good but take the chicken off the skewer and start mixing from the bottom up otherwise the sauce slides right off the grilled chicken rather than soaking in. Also, grab a Bao while you are there, they are really very tasty... mmm... read more

I found myself hungry on NW 23rd at lunchtime today, and not being in the mood for pizza, Thai, or Vietnamese, found West Coast Bento and decided to give it a shot. The price is great, but my decision to get food here turned into a costly ordeal. First off, the owner was unfriendly to me despite my attempts to be cheerful and outgoing. I received nary a smile from him and I sensed that he didn't really want me in his shop. He was super nice to a clean-cut kid in line behind me who appeared to be a regular; perhaps he hates beards? My bento (in a brown paper sack), which I kept entirely upright, leaked teriyaki sauce all over my bag and ruined $102 worth of contents. I also lost about half hour of productivity at the office while I pulled everything out and washed it thoroughly. There was so much teriyaki sauce spilled that there were pools all over the office floor that I had to mop up. This guy ruined my day. I won't be coming back. read more

Amazing food and service, every time I've been in. If you're looking for no frills delicious lunch at a reasonable price, check this spot out. I highly recommend getting the rice with curry, teriyaki sauce and sweet chili sauce along with your skewers. As far as the skewers go, they're all great, but I prefer the beef. That being said, if they have the lamb (which is rare) definitely get it! read more

My first 5star! West Coast Bento formally known as Big Dan's West Coast Bento is tucked right in a quite little pocket off NW 23rd. Picture a food cart on steroids. The restaurant isn't big enough to call it a "restaurant" but not really a cart more like a take-out place. There are a few places to sit outside (covered too) and you'll be able to chat with Dan as he is frequently running out to the BBQ to grab the goods. Pros: Fast Clean Inexpensive Cozy little spot Feels very city/on the go CONSISTENT Great service So tasty Cons: Sometimes there is a long line DON"T EXCEPT CREDIT CARDS CLOSES WAY TOO EARLY at 2:00 p.m. NOT OPEN WEEKENDS Lamb takes longer to cook so CALL ahead to order When to Go: If you're totally starving need a fast warm meal on the go when you don't have much cash Go in and say "hi" to BIg Dan and grab some yummy bento--he's cool. read more

Excellent food. We enjoyed the owner and the food and ambiance was great. A ton of good food and great appetizers. Definitely will be back!

Here the deal. Phenomenal!! Atmosphere: This is grab and go place. It's a tiny, well maintained, hole in the wall. there is no indoor sitting, there is just no space in that little hallway where you order your food. There are a few picnic tables and some random benches outside where you can devour and enjoy the delicious cuisine. Service: Rock solid. These guys are quick and nice. Price: 6$ for a healthy sized chicken skewer and rice that is doused with some secret sauce. It may not sound like much- but it is. You will be satisfied and stuffed. Parking: Street Tips: Get a pork bun. read more

Well after 18 years or so finally I get to enjoy real bento! I remember it so well and now I can confirm something so basic is something done right by Dan! Do yourselves a favor and enjoy a wonderful lunch! Keep up the good work love it even more now after all this time! read more

West Coast Bento - Simple deliciousness! - Japanese Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Best bento period. Dan marinates the meat until it is so tender you can practically cut it with the plastic fork. Also, beef or lamb is the obvious choice here. What kind of a useless moron writes a review of a restaurant they didn't eat at, then gives them a poor score because THEY didn't have money? If you only eat at places that take CC I feel deeply sorry for you. My only complaint is that they are not open more often. read more

West Coast Bento is amazing. I haven't had anything bad here. In fact, I start cutting the last few cubes of meat into smaller and smaller pieces so it will "last" a little longer. My favorite is the beef skewer with spicy sauce and white rice. The sauce is almost more sweet then spicy, but it definitely won't burn your face off. Also, the shumai is an excellent accompaniment. Dan may seem gruff to mamby pamby hipsters, but he is a great and hardworking guy. If he doesn't have a line out the door talk to him and you'll see. Go get some grilled meat on a stick, you won't be sorry. TIP: If you can call ahead, do so and order the beef or lamb. read more