The Most Delicious American in Portland

Whistle Stop Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 3.7 (76) • $

"Our visit at the Whistle Stop was spontaneous; we'd seen it from the road while headed up to the Skyway for dinner, thought it looked quaint, and decided to pull in and check it out, on the way home.It's a little on the dive-y side, but has touches of charm throughout. Our server was a little timid, yet very friendly, attentive, and efficient. My wife ordered an off-menu cocktail (something akin to a hot toddy), which they were able to assemble to reasonable accuracy; most other dive bars we've visited are missing one or more vital ingredients to make this happen, so kudos for them!The outdoor patio was cute, and heated, but we'd had enough of the cold and wet, so we remained inside. We weren't hungry, but I glanced at the orders of nearby patrons, and noted that the food seemed decent, with hearty portions and very reasonable prices. Seems like most of the Sunday night guests were locals, unsurprisingly, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves, so I imagine this pub is a local favorite.The Whistle Stop does enough things correctly, that they've earned the right to toot their own horn...err...whistle."

Eagle Creek Saloon

★★★★☆ 4.1 (123) • $

"This is the place for you if you like comfort food. Definitely not the healthiest as the burger and fries were extremely greasy. But a very tasty, thick burger and not one of those frozen hockey pucks. Fries were ok and there was a mountain of them. But again, very greasy and since I've been eating a lot healthier the past decades or so, there was a major rebellion going on in my gut a few hours later.No complaints. It is what it is and they are clear that they serve comfort food. And comforting it was. Went there specifically for the clam chowder which they only serve on Fridays. It was meh. I'm from Boston so I know what really good clam chowder is supposed to taste like and this clearly wasn't it. Watery. Barely a clam fragment to be found. Really difficult to find good clam chowder here on teh left coast even at the coast. The best I've had so far was a yuppie scum la-dee-dah place up in Port Townsend that I hit for a b'day dinner a while back. If I'm back this way again I'll try the chili instead.They apparently sell a lot of pizza but to me, this is a beer and a burger joint. My companions had fried fish and fried shrimp. I guess it was ok. Heard no complaints (or praise). It was the first visit for the three of us.We hung around for three hours chatting over beers. No one tried to shoo us off wanting the table which is always appreciated. Are you listening Red Robin?The saloon is large with massive tables and booths. But it filled up fast for lunch and the breakfast crowd was just clearing out when I got there. There's not much out this way. A couple of small burbs and that's about it. I was surprised to see it so crowded.I gave this place five stars because it is true to what it claims to be. If they were boasting they served healthy food the review would have been different. But this is just a nice, friendly townie saloon that serves mounds of tasty food at decent prices. Wait staff was what you'd expect. Cheerful, friendly, efficient. Just off the main highway (244) and easy enough to find but can't be seen from the main drag. Huge paved parking lot.Waitress was doing triple duty and was VERY busy. Only two waitresses working this day. Hard working ladies and they were great! Considering the crowd I'm guessing the cook was working hard also."

Sextant Bar and Galley

★★★☆☆ 3 (203) • $$

"Cool place with a huge patio on the Columbia River. Happy hour starts at 3pm and goes until 6pm. Cold beers and good oysters too. These ladies work super hard to please you here do best come on out while sun is shining. The patio is perfect to have a cold one and catch some rays. I had the Rueben for the first time today and it was delicious and so were the sweet potato fries m. The side salad is good with the beets and purple onions. This is my go to place now!! I love the atmosphere here too. Especially when you get to meet some of the friendly folks here who like to play pool.."

Bannings Restaurant & Pie House

★★★★☆ 4 (706) • $$

"Really enjoyed our dinner at Banning's. We're a family of four. The kids got burgers and they were HUGE and delicious. My husband and I both got the half sandwich, soup or salad and pie deal and were so happy we did. The salad was really great with carrot shavings and even peas. I had the chili and it was great. We also had a taste of the cream of mushroom and it tasted homemade and delicious. By the time dessert came around, we were so full that we asked for our desserts to go. Marionberry poppyseed cake rocked my world and the carrot cake was dreamy! Even the bathroom in this place is awesome. Really well kept and modern."

Brix Tavern - Pearl District

★★★★☆ 3.5 • $$

"Brix still got it ~ plenty of space & seating, tasty pizza, nice cocktail list. Fun HH that keeps you ordering one more. Calamari over fried. Beer tap selection mostly domestic, wished they had more unique craft.Friendly service, attentive and said thank you at the end.Sports tavern with upscaled grub."

McCrae's Country Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.9 (193) • $$

Holman's Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.6 (299) • $$

"A fun little dive bar which made for a great night in Portland! We were stopping in for a nightcap but wound up sticking around for a long night -- if you're expecting chatty bartenders who can make speciality drinks... this is not the spot. If you're looking for a spot to play arcade games with fun bartenders who make drinks with generous pours... this is most definitely the spot. It's deceptively large on the inside with a nice back patio. I loved the 6-in-1 arcade machine with games ranging from Galagga to Donkey Kong -- I think we easily spent an hour there. They have a pool table which is pay-to-play. It wasn't crazy busy the night we went, but they had on a college football game which drew some fans. I'm glad our post-dinner detour wound up here!"

McMenamins Tavern & Pool

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (170) • $$

Buffalo Gap Saloon & Eatery

★★★★☆ 3.7 (311) • $$

"Best Halibut Fish & Chips in town is you ask me. Dive bar feel with great food choices and quality. Lottery on site, and just a great rustic feel. Reminded me of being at he ski lodge. One of my favorite spots in the city."

G-Man Sports Bar

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (214) • $$

"This was my first time visiting the G-Man. I hurried in and out as fast as I could. During my stay I noticed a big wheel in the establishment. I asked one of the bartenders what it was for and she informed me that the week of your birthday you get a free spin and can win prizes. There's also other opportunities to spin and win. I was in a hurry so I sat at the bar, because not only do you get the best service ever, food comes out faster as do the drinks. I had the absolute privilege of meeting the very brand new bartender and she was amazing..ly incredible. She was busting her butt and keep up like it was nothing. We had the chance to speak briefly before I had to run back to work. Go here, sit at the bar get to know her. She has one of those names that if i spelled it out for you I could do it incorrectly. I had a black and blue burger, medium rare with Cajun tots. The tots, they were nothing special. The burger, that was the star of the show. That, and the bartender whose name I shall not spell out for you. Butt, back to that burger. It was amazing! It was juicy, it was spot on temperature wise. The toppings were amazing. The bun was light and fluffy. At the end of it, the bartender tried upselling me on something sweet and delicious. She tried and tried again she did, and I held back. I'm proud of myself. I told her, maybe next time. This bartender was relentless and crafty. She said she's going to get me. Maybe she will. I say, challenge accepted. I let her know I will be back, and I will bring friends. There's two things you walk away from after you've been out to an establishment. The food is the first thing, but it's small in comparison. The second things is the person who waited on you and how they treated you. I was fortunate to find a diamond in the rough. I was also extremely fortunate to find s place near my work that has decent food. As a former Elite member of Yelp from 2012, where Ashton Kutcher's cousin's best friend's from high school's commented on one of my posts, I can say that this place is The Place, and the food is The Food. You cannot lose with this option in the area. Seriously people you must eat here."

Hour-Glass Pub and Eatery

★★★★☆ 3.8 (67) • $

Ankeny Tap & Table

★★★★☆ 4.4 (214) • $$

"I likely would not have found this place on my own. I am not in this area often and this is a true hidden gem - especially the amount of space they have between the inside and outside. We took over the outer patio area for my friend's birthday gathering and it holds quite a crowd with a very open fee yet not open to the street and tucked back. I was planned to just drop by but then I met a bunch of fabulous people, was bought a drink - how can I refuse. I had their Pretty in Pink which they normally make with gin. This was vodka with Elderflower liquor, grapefruit juice and sparkling rose.... Orange rind - delicious! Here's the thing Portland bars - what is with the gin craze? I can't be mad at it - I just wonder what happened during lock down that everyone came out of the gate drinking gin... Sorry kids but I am a vodka gal and with that said ... the Pretty in Pink is delicious with vodka but probably delicious with gin too. Their food looked pretty great but I had just eaten so I will have to go back since their menu looks pretty great. This is a happening part of town so fair warning about the parking situation - maybe you could bike or ride a thing."

Bumpers Grill and Bar

★★★★☆ 3.7 (248) • $$

"I had a business lunch here last week and it was my first time. Parking is a bit tough because this is in a small shopping center with an equally small parking lot. We were sat right next to the fish tank which was super cool and kind of distracting. The fish didn't know this was a business meeting and just wanted to say hi!The service was great and the atmosphere is a mix between upscale restaurant and lunch with friends. I ordered the fish and chips. They were crispy and flaky but lacked any real flavor. The sweet potato fries were just ok too. The Cole Slaw was different than any other I've had before, and I mean that in a good way. If you're looking for creamy slaw, this one isn't it."

Portland Burger

★★★★★ 4.5 (724) • $$

"Atmosphere: Walk-up to counter and order. Few TV's in there.Food: I came for burger week. Burger was actually quite excellent and a good size.Price: Burger week price is always a steal. Don't remember other prices.Service: StandardParking: Street parking"

Marathon Taverna

★★★★☆ 3.5 (192) • $

"Very local dive bar with great prices. Open early. Great atmosphere, and lovely bar tenders that can make a good drink"

Hickory Restaurant and Bar

★★★★☆ 4.2 (66)

"Going out to brunch with the family is always special as my parents are really getting up there in age and my sister lives all the way down in Salem. My parents had been here before for happy hour and really enjoyed sitting out on the deck, overlooking the beautiful golf course. So of course, we had a perfect table with a lovely view on a relaxing Saturday afternoon.We got there at 1:30 PM and lunch service starts at 2:00 PM. Our server Rory, was very professional and attentive. He seemed to sense whenever we needed anything. I had a particular request, I ordered the prawn shrimp Louie salad, and my request was that the kitchen take the tails off of the prawns for me. I just really hate having to do that myself at a restaurant and getting my fingers all messy. Plus I was wearing white. So you see, diva treatment was necessary. Everyone at the table except my mom ordered salads and got their food first. Ta da! Rory and the kitchen totally came through for me. No tails on my prawns. The salad was beautifully presented. I don't know why my dumb Yelp brain didn't take a picture of it but at least I got a picture of it before I gobbled it down. I will say this, the service at the Hickory, the ambience overlooking the beautiful golf course and I confided in Rory that the prawn shrimp Louie was the best salad I've ever had. Seriously, the best. I hope the weather is nice towards the end of September so we can take my dad there for his birthday.Fore! now I'll just daydream about that awesome salad. Thank you Rory and staff!2024 - Review #13"

Waters Bar & Grille

★★★★☆ 3.9 (40) • $$$

Hanko's Sports Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 3.7 (85) • $$

Dean's Homestyle Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.4 (451) • $$

"Cool charm - I love the 50s era vibe. Waitresses are sweet and even sassy - adds to the character. But about the breakfast: it was stellar. Bacon is crisp and meaty, scrambled eggs have that whipped texture, hash browns are decadent and crunchy (like god intended). The side dish of biscuits and gravy rank among the best I had, and the buttermilk pancakes are light and sweet.Home run for breakfast- I hope this place never changes."

Don chuys

★★★★★ 4.5 (29)

Cascade Grill

★★★☆☆ 2.9 (106) • $$

Pappys Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 3.6 (21) • $

"Love the food, Love the people. Great drinks and good prices. Perfect place to have a late night snack and play a game of pool. Miss this place like crazy!!!"

Joe's Cellar

★★★★☆ 3.8 (129) • $$

"I don't know how we've missed going to this longtime "dive" bar over the years, but we've been a couple of times this summer and they do not disappoint. This is a comfortable, casual, "old school," local's bar and restaurant. Roomy with plenty of seating. Pool tables and lottery. The bartender was super friendly with great service. The drinks were well made and generous. Serving both breakfast and lunch/dinner, they have a surprisingly large menu with good options. The burgers were delicious and generous. Pricing is spot on for what they offer. The hours here on Yelp are incorrect. They are open every day 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Free, lot parking. Convenient location to downtown Portland. We'll definitely be back."

RFs Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 4.2 (69) • $$

"Popped in at this bar near my friends apartment. I've actually been to this bar a few times. It's a low key chill spot that does karaoke a couple nights a week. Their space is open, they have some slot machines for the gamblers, and a great outdoor patio with an awesome fire table area for people to sit around. Their French fries are great, and so are their onion rings. The female owner of the bar is amazinggggg. I forgot her name but she is super cool. She made us awesome all night long. it's more of a neighborhood bar. P.s, try their Jell-O shots with whipped cream"

Lay Low Tavern

★★★★☆ 4.3 (55) • $

"Cheap booze, great food. Pretty much exactly what you want from a dive bar. Nothing more needs to be said!"

Beavercreek Saloon & Kissin Kate's Cafe

★★★★☆ 3.5 (120) • $$

Libbie's Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (73) • $$

Stanley's Corner

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (111) • $$

"Comfort food with a few surprises in store for you here at Stanley's Corner.I went for the mondo chilli cheeseburger with tater tots, I was impressed. Before I had a bite, the plate showing up almost overflowing was quite the entrance. The chili is made with chunks of beef, not ground beef, very tender and flavorful. It's mild, so either order it without fear or ask them to bring some hot sauce to go with it. Did I mention there was a lot of food? Couldn't eat it all. The burger was equally tender and flavorful.The wife went for the grilled chicken with mushrooms and cheese. She reported it to also be very good, tender and moist. She went for the salad as her side and echoes other reviewers, generous size and a nice variety to lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cucumber slices and cheese.This place is no slave to recent (last 4 decades) trends in decore, lighting or even comfortable seating. The service is very professional, better than I would expect at this price point. The two of us were out of there for under $25 before tip. Wary of an earlier review about the water, I tried it prepared to switch to something else and could not find and objectionable taste or odors.A few surprises you say? Chicken Cordon Bleu, nachos so big they will fill a party of four, fish and chips that I hope to try on my next visit. Steak bites as an appetizer that other friends are recommending. Lunch specials Monday through Friday. Their menu is chock full on 9 sides, hopefully they have something for even the pickiest of eaters."

King Tide Fish and Shell

★★★★☆ 3.9 (291) • $$

"I stayed at the Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel for two nights last month and dined at King Tide quite a few times and had an enjoyable - and tasty - experience each time! It was helpful that I had a couple of dining credits for being a Platinum Elite IHG Rewards Member and booking my hotel through the Chase Travel Portal. For dinner on my first night, I ordered the risotto which was fine. On the following evening, I very much enjoyed a dozen of fresh oysters and the mushroom toast. I also ordered a mocktail that was so refreshing. I must've been on a mushroom kick because the following morning I ordered the mushroom omelette for breakfast! The vanilla latte was so good and I wanted to order three more but refrained. I loved the omelette, particularly the ratio of mushrooms to cheese, really quite nice! My servers, Cassandra and Laina, were very friendly and attentive. I was seated inside but loved the ambiance and view nonetheless. I know there are so many great places to dine in Portland but I would recommend King Tide if you're staying at the Kimpton or nearby!"

McQueen's Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 3.7 (46) • $

"Great drinks, great company, and has food. What more can you ask for?Location: One of the only places open late in the area that serves food. They have free street parking in the area.Food/ drinks: I ordered the chicken tenders and they were your standard chicken tenders. I also ordered a long island that was made to perfection. Drinks are also reasonably priced. I will say it is one of the only places in the area that serves food very late at night. I went around 11 PM. Service: The bartender was super friendly and nice. She made my drink quick and was very diligent about checking in on me. She took the time to talk and get to know me as well (always a plus).Overall, a great dive bar to go to for late-night food and drinks."

Plainsman Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.1 (103) • $

Jackpot Bistro

★★★★☆ 4.4 (105) • $$

"Once again, Jackpot Bistro was a hit!Sam was amazing doing double roles as bartender and chef. He even made a delicious dessert shooter to top off a delicious lunch."

Stephanie's International Café

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (105) • $$

Oswego Grill

★★★★☆ 3.9 (307) • $$

Concordia Ale House

★★★★☆ 3.5 (170) • $$