This is not the first time that I have had excellent service at this bar. I want to shout out to our bartenders for the night Rich and Chad. The two of them were a delight and entertaining.
(5)
Christos L.
PRETENTIOUS...that is what I have to say about the bartender that was rude and made my friends and I feel very unwelcome. We walked into a bar/restaurant as there were 2 other people sitting at the bar and I walked in with 5 of my friends because of the exposure this place has had along with Ghost Adventures and the nostalgia that it brings. Sadly, I was VERY disappointed because the bartender acted like we walked into the wrong place from the start. I bartend and I manage a restaurant in San Francisco, I would NEVER treat a guest how this person treated us...I couldn't even order a drink here because I was so taken aback by his demeanor and lack of class...unbelievable... When we walked out after paying for the tab, he yells out "don't get arrested!"...really? Why would you even say that? We were courteous, polite and brought business to this Wednesday evening. This might explain why it was so desolate inside. This person should NOT be in customer service. I told him that he should treat his guests with more respect and he had nothing to say about that...how could he? DO NOT GO HERE...STAY FAR AWAY!...This place has ZERO customer service and this is a shame...because the history is what brings people here, it's the POOR customer service that drives us away. If you read the other posts, it's obvious I am not alone here... -Sadly disappointed
(1)
Celeste S.
My experience at Hobo's this Sunday during Pride was one of the worst dining and service experiences I have ever had. I was with 6 other people and we arrived at noon. The server, Dave, handed us the brunch special menus and told us that technically brunch was over but he had checked with the kitchen and they would still serve us some of the items on the brunch menu. Then he offered us the lunch menu, which we said was fine and that we were fine ordering off either menu. So he snatched back all the brunch menus and then handed out the lunch menu. I also need to point out that the place was nearly empty - I didn't see a single table of other people, although I think there might have been some people seated outside in the back. Dave the waiter seemed very annoyed with us just existing and constantly wandered off to do unknown other things. We ordered drinks, which arrived but not very promptly despite the lack of other customers. Once we ordered, he took down names and was polite about giving us separate checks as needed. Then we had to wait over an hour for our food. According to our server the kitchen also wasn't really ready to start serving lunch. At this point other people started coming in, I suspect the pride parade was over at this point, so people we ready to sit down to drink and eat. Somehow everyone that came in after us seemed to be served faster than we were. Despite being there for two hours we were only able to get 3 drinks because Dave never came back over to check on us and it was nearly impossible to get his attention. We ordered two appetizers, which arrived about half an hour after we ordered them. I only ate the steak bites but I will say those were delicious. Then over an hour after we had ordered food, our actually meals began to arrive. These came out in completely random order and were so spaced out that some people finished eating before other people's dish had arrived. Two people's meals never came out, despite the length of time we were there. Three times food that we didn't order was brought and left on the table and I actually saw Dave take two of the plates back into the kitchen then turned around and walk back into the dining area to deliver the food to a different table. The person that got the third mis-delivered meal actually tried to keep the wrong order because he was so hungry he didn't really care what he ate at that point. He then had to wait even longer before receiving the most pathetic excuse for a french dip sandwich I have ever seen. The meat was totally dried out and the "hoagie" roll it was on looked like a hot dog bun to me. He ate a few bites before determining it was too gross to eat. He had also ordered a salad but was served fries instead. Dave had us come to a register in the back where he finally actually split our bills so we could pay. Despite the bad service - we actually started talking at the table about how bad the service was, I still tipped him 18% out of habit, $5 on a $27 total. After I walked back to the table to gather with everyone to leave, a member of my party paying after me got treated to Dave complaining to her about how little I had tipped him despite him giving us "great" service. Regardless of how he felt that was just not acceptable behavior.
(1)
Troy J.
Not a 'destination restaurant'... but a good dining destination nevertheless. Hobo's is a good location to pair with your visit to Portland's Shanghai Tunnels if you'd like a convenient place to stop for a cocktail or bite. There are several dining rooms to fit whatever mood your in for your dining experience. It's a casual bar with plenty of seating, friendly service, and a good menu. During a recent visit, I had the opportunity to try their Cioppino, a seasoned seafood stew with shrimp, scallops, clams and halibut in a tomato leek broth. The star of this dish is the sauce, which adds zest to all of its mild seafood ingredients. The dish comes with toasted bread to 'sop up' the remaining broth. I had to ask for more bread so that none of it would be wasted. At $23, it's one of the priciest items on the menu, but I loved it. If you're looking for food on the casual/bar side, the fried oysters and nacho plate were great and less than $10 each.
(3)
Gerard N.
Just had a lame experience. Looking for a late-night take-out burger, I walked in here seeing if they did take out food, guy behind the bar said they do but are only doing fried food at this hour (it's late). Not being sure if he meant what I thought he may mean, which is that they were only doing DEEP-fried food, or if he meant what he actually said (most of the kitchen off, but they still doing all fried food, which would mean deep-fry obviously or could still pan-fry something), and not knowing how they do their burgers having never been here (pan-fried, flat-top, or on an open flame), I asked "burgers?" to get all my information as quickly as possible. What I got in return was this super bitch-queen smirk and chuckle as he slowly repeated to me like I was challenged "uh, no... FRIED foods only". Normally I don't care if front-of-house staff doesn't understand something about food preparation, even something as basic as the fact that deep-frying isn't the only common type of frying done with food, or that one of the common ways to cook a burger is to fry it in its own juices in a FRYING pan... ...but to be talked down to by some smug waitstaff in a glorified diner being condescending to a guest because they don't know enough about their own industry to properly understand the question is something else. I was too hungry to explain the basics of cooking to him so he could save his rude prickish attitude for times when he actually did look more intelligent than the guest (not sure that's an excuse either when you're in the service industry but whatever), so I just said thank you and walked out to more laughter at the expense of me, silly idiot who asked a totally legit question... but now that I'm back home, stomach happily full of the burger that was fried for me elsewhere, I had the time to put my advice here. Awesome first impression Hobo's!
(1)
Michael R.
Here actually checking out With Dave behind the Bar ! Been coming here for over 30 years! Still a great place! Good size menu, you must check this out! Most evenings a piano bar with the Fabulous Jim Blackburn ! Tickling the Ivory's and perfuming the air with beautiful music for a long time!
(5)
Zack C.
Waited at the bar 20 minutes for service. Made eye contact with both bartenders but was never served so we left.
(1)
Kerri M.
I don't know. I was in here long enough to drink two over priced cocktails. Eh. Overrated.
(2)
Jon T.
Hobo's hosts the entry for the Shanghai Tunnels so we arrived early to have a drink before the tour. I generally dislike the neighborhood and expected Hobo's to be unimpressive. To my pleasant surprise, the restaurant and bar are very well laid out with lots of different spaces to satisfy singles, couples, groups, or parties. They have a two pool tables around the back with a row of slots for the gamers. The patio area is very interesting. It is nearly enclosed with charming 19th century red brick building facades on all sides. It is situated in what used to be a seedy back alley. A narrow space passes by windows that look into the restaurants and leads out to NW Davis St. I imagine it offers a perfect slip for the dine and dash crowd. Back inside, the restaurant was nicely decorated for the Halloween season and really set the mood for taking the underground tour. We had time enough to grab a beer and listen to some live ragtime being played by the evening's pianist. The place does a great job of creating a Victorian era ambiance without going overboard. It is a fun atmosphere and everyone was having a great time. I am always surprised with a Portland restaurant that has a beer selection that is so limited and uninspired however. I recommend adding some additional local options to their selections. Didn't have a chance to eat here, but the ambiance and vibe were enough to put it on the calendar for a complete meal on a return visit.
(4)
Amy S.
Came for the Portland underground tour (aka Shanghai Tunnels) and stayed at the bar following the tour. Chad the bartender is amazing and so accommodating! Had a quick nosh which was tasty as well. He is a mixologist extraordinaire. All the waiters are cute as buttons.
(5)
Davide S.
Had to send the vegetarian burger back as it was hard as a rock. Waiter was very nice and sent for a replacement which was cooked better but the kitchen used old lettuce and the very outer layer of an onion as garnish. Possibly the worst veggie burger I ever had. Avoid!
(1)
David V.
The service at the bar was exceptional; the cocktails were well-prepared; the crowd was friendly and engaging, no cliques that I could see...excellent patio in the back.
(5)
Josh N.
Guys here are so sexy. Been here almost an hr no food tho but its ok because of pride. Waiter is so hot. He told me my voice is cute! But i gotta go to work soon so hurry!!!!
(2)
Shanel S.
Total dive bar. Exactly what we were looking for. Got to dance off to some ghetto ass rap music, old 90's, some 80's, and any other genre you can think of all in one night. There was no set type of crowd here. You will not be judged when you walk in here, I can assure you that. It's a little small, but they have a back area with two billiard tables and what seems like an upper seating area but it was closed when I was there. They also stay open later than most bars and don't charge a cover which is nice.
(3)
Gary C.
Good drinks, good food, and good service! We had the Baked Brie appetizer, which was delicious, with sliced apples, sliced red onion, and slices of yummy French Baguette. The Brie is wrapped in Puffed Pastry and baked to the perfect consistency for spreading. Our main course was the Prime Rib sandwich, which is about half the price of the Prime Rib dinner but just as delicious. A slab of Prime Rib is cooked to perfection and served atop a chunk of Baguette with au jus and a mild horseradish sauce. The meat was done to our specifications, tender, tasty and one of the best Prime Rib meals in Portland. Our server was friendly was very friendly without feeling as if it was forced, attentive but not overly pestering us, and helpful in his knowledge of the menu. I still have yet to try their Happy Hour but will do so soon; as for dinner, I highly recommend you give Hobo's a try.
(5)
Christine D.
We went here on a Friday night and had reservations and were quickly seated toward the back of the restaurant. This is a nice area and near the fireplace. It actually looks like they may have seating outside when the weather is warmer. The atmosphere in the restaurant is nice. And on this visit very low key for a 7pm dinner. We decided to order drinks which were brought promptly complete with the little napkins that go under them (thank goodness--you'll see why). They our party of six decided that we would order appetizers. We ordered them and my friends said do you want any appetizers. I said no, I'll wait until they bring the utensils and napkins. Well, finally, I said go ahead and pass them. I pulled my napkin out from under my drink and used it as a make shift plate and grabbed a paper napkin from under the appetizers (they used it so the bowl wouldn't slide on the plate on it's way out of the kitchen but it was the only napkin I was getting. The food was good but nothing to rush out to try. I liked the artichoke dip and chips but nothing you can't get at a Stanfords. Then the entree's started coming out. I didn't say anything about the lack of napkins/utensils as I was out with some new friends and I didn't want to be "that person" who is complaining all the time. So, the first two entrees came out and it was set in front of the individuals who began eating by using asparagus spears and one guy started eating his mashed potatoes with the knife that was stuck in his steak. It was getting too much for me when my salad came with no utensils or napkin I said any chance we could get some set ups for this table it's a little hard to eat without them. The waiter seemed nonplussed and took his time getting back with more entrees and napkins/utensils. Overall, this isn't a bad place but the service was not good. At one point, the waiter tried to add water to my friend's cocktail as the glasses were similar. I probably won't be back.
(2)
Adam V.
I like to think of Hobo's as my gay "Cheers". However, while it is a largely gay restaurant, its atmosphere is good for any group. For instance, I came here last with my parents, who understand as much about gay culture and people as I do the Oort Cloud. They loved it! Their happy hour menu is basically a less expensive version of their dinner menu. I usually get the Brie (YUM!) or the Mac and cheese (DOUBLEYUM!). Whatever you get, you'll like it. Their drinks are good, but be wary; they are STRONG. Not much choice in the realm if signature cocktails, but pour solid drinks nonetheless. Go here! Be amazed. Tell your friends.
(4)
Mathew C.
The atmosphere was great but that was the only thing that stood out. Service wasn't the best, the seemed more interested in partying with the group of people upstairs, then refilling out drinks or bringing us our check. Food taste wise was great, but the potatoes and broccoli were cold. The salmon was great tho. Not sure if I will be rushing back here.
(4)
Chris F.
One of my favorite low key Happy Hours.Nathan is awesome! Great food, low key atmosphere, and fun staff
(5)
Amy H.
The Sheperds Pie was totally awesome. And HUGE, I couldn't even make it through half. Definitely fun listening to the live pianist play everything from Muppet Babies songs to jazz. Service was great, space was neat, no complaints.
(4)
Nickie G.
I ate here this weekend and I would recommend trying to find somewhere else. The IPA was nice and cold, but the food was incredibly bland and WAY too greasy. I ordered the shrimp fettuccine and ate one shrimp and took 2 bites of pasta. I tried to add a little salt and pepper but there was no rescuing this dish. However, expressing my concerns about the dish was the worst part. Even though the place wasn't busy, our server was very scarce. This wasn't even the problem for me. When he finally came back and I told him that I didn't eat dish because of the taste, he said he'd tell the owners. When he came back and dropped off the check, it had been taken off. It was nice of them to do this without our asking (especially because I didn't eat the $18 dish), but when he dropped off the check, picked up the check to run the card, and dropped off the receipt for a signature, he NEVER SAID A WORD. Not an, 'Sorry about that,' or 'thank you for coming in.' Nothing. Even when we passed him on the way out he looked at us and kept walking. I get that the food quality is NOT the servers fault. I never blamed him or even copped an attitude! But the poor food quality mixed with the terrible cold-shoulder customer service makes me never want to go back. Maybe that was the purpose of it. If so, well done!
(1)
Jadyn N.
Hobo So when you walking past this place you going to think it going to be old and kind of dirty since it in China Town and it doesn't look like it in a great area. But you be surprise when you walk in. It nice and clean and has that Classy Vibe going for it. Full bar when you walk in and there a guy who plays Piano. The place has good drinks. There is mood lighting, and I think it a good place to bring a date. They also have a pool table. I had my Birthday party here and it was great, good service and when I called to book the place the lady was very helpful. They also can accommodate a large group of people because there were several party's that day. The food is good and there prime ribs is really good. They also have some good appetizers. Price is good for the food.
(4)
Vanessa D.
Nice place for a quiet, relaxing meal. Piano man, stiff drinks, dim lighting, old school kinda place. Not for the trendy types, the place has a pool table and also upstairs seating. There is a back patio that short cuts to cc slaughter's. I hear it's a great post-drag show spot. They serve some pretty tasty food, and pretty late too! Ordered the prime rib (yum) with whipped potatoes and broccoli rabe, and I also tried the prawn fettucine (huge portion), and 2 Hendricks & tonics--- (super stiff- that's what she/he said?). Total? $59. Super cheap! I'd definitely return. The service was amazing. Note to management: your air conditioning located on the back wall is leaking. I was sitting under it. :)
(3)
Kreg W.
Relaxed atmosphere. Exceptional service. I had the prosciutto halibut- brilliant! He had the prime rib, perfectly executed. We WILL be back for certain. Five stars all around!
(5)
Dennis M.
What do I think about Hobo's? I left the Portland area in 2002. Prior to that, I would eat dinner there nearly every Saturday night around 9:30pm, seated back near the fireplace. I have returned to PDX in March 2014. Harriet still serves great food! (Try the Scallops!) All of my Str8 friends enjoy the place and ask to go back. After being gone 12 years, it is great to see Hobo's still makes an awesome Prime Rib. These days, I try to get there at least once a month. Prime Rib and Maker's & 7, life doesn't get better than that!!! I love the relaxed ambience, the chatter, and the charm. The lounge menu has great variety of sandwiches; I strongly recommend the Prime Rib sandwich. The Calamari is a must have with drinks!
(5)
Jacob M.
Very mellow relaxing atmosphere, beautiful big old bar, piano music some of the time. This is the type of place you want to go and relax having a nice cocktail; not a club scene, more of a "nice bar".
(4)
Tom M.
Ah, sweet redemption. I really do love this place and I want to be good to them. Hobo's is elegant with a classy sort of atmosphere. The interior is red brick that really contributes to the overall feel of the place. Tonight, they had a piano man. I started off with a Pino Grigio, my favorite white wine. Not sure what kind it was but it didn't matter because it was very good and it went quite well with my meal. The server was very attentive and we didn't have to ask for anything. He even informed us as we were about to order from the lounge menu, that the dinner menu offer was a 2fer. A nice little bonus. I will say however that had we ordered on the lounge menu, it would have been less expensive per person. Was it a deal? I'm not sure. The food is very good but I just wish there was a little more imagination. I had the Proscuitto wrapped Halibut, minus the proscuitto, grilled then graced with a Lemon Caper Cream Sauce and Served with Rice Pilaf & Seasonal Vegetable, which happened to be a type of green beans. The fish was cooked perfectly and not too done. There is nothing that will ruin a good piece of fish like overcooking it. It had good flavor and having a nice meal with your partner makes it all that much better. So, great atmosphere, good service and food. That makes it for me and bumps up the rating for Hobo's. We'll do it again.
(4)
Brian G.
Filet is yummy and a Vanilla Stoli Lemon Drop ..;)
(5)
Dan H.
The Shanghai Tunnel tour brought me here. The menu (especially the happy hour one) will keep me here the next time I can get back and spend more time. I only ended up ordering a beer, but got a chance to look around this place. It is very old time Portland. The bartender lady was super cute. That in itself would bring me back. The happy hour menu listed somewhere around 15 menu items. Nothing seemed to be more than $5. HH goes from Sun-Fri 4-7 pm. I work around the corner. That means I'll be back. This review is pretty scattered. Such is life.
(3)
Jennifer N.
Came in with a group of friends after touring the Shanghai Tunnels (Which was just horrible and cheesy, but that's for a diff. review) . Took about 16 minutes to get our drinks, good thing there was already pitchers of water at our table. Our drinks came un-garnished (no orange with my Bluemoon, no lemon/lime with Vodka soda) Food also took a while to come out, but I suppose it was because we had about 12 people in our group, so I'll give them that. My boyfriend ordered their steak and it was just horrible. Horrible grade meat, no flavor, and SO hard to cut, yet alone eat. He didn't even finish it. It was a $30 plate that could have been WAY better, I could have gotten better steak at Applebee's. I Would not recommend the Shanghai Tunnels, or Hobos to anyone who lives in PDX or visiting, save your time and $$ elsewhere.
(1)
Shanna C.
The food was great as was my drink. I'm pretty young and still relatively new to alcohol so the menu can be a bit overwhelming. Why three stars then? Service was terrible. I arrived with my family slightly late to our reservation though it's not like we needed a reservation in the first place. When we got there we were just placed at the nearest open table. After I was rummaged through my purse to make sure I had my driver's license with me, the waiter arrived. He got a bit snippy with me at first when I didn't order a drink, asking me if I was angry with him. When I told him that wasn't the reason, I just didn't know what I wanted, he got nicer and went on to say how awesome he was with his 30+ years of experience. Yeah, okay dude. We got our drinks, but never got the menu for food. In fact, when we asked for it, our waiter acted like we having him do some terrible feat. The food came in pretty quickly, but we ended up waiting for a really long time to get our check. Another waiter who was checking water actually noticed this and was the one to give it to us. All-in-all, we were there for two hours, a little longer than we expected. It might be that Hobo's was low on help and a huge group came in a little after us, but I really wasn't impressed.
(3)
Jim S.
Food was good. Service mediocre. Sat at the bar. Other than getting my drink and food bartender never said a word. I might try it again.
(2)
K G.
I had great Spanish coffee here and even watched the bartender light the liquor on fire. It was a quiet Saturday evening when I visited. We had no trouble finding a place at the bar and had good service. There is usually live piano music, but the piano player was on vacation when we visited. Great atmosphere and quiet enough that I could actually talk to my friend. I would visit again.
(4)
Katy H.
Had a really silly time here with a friend last weekend. The bartender was crazy nice and so were the rest of the folks hanging out. At close to 2AM service was still great and I could have hung out all night if it weren't for their 2AM closing time. Folks were saying how great the food was but I only had a few drinks. Definitely a clean bar with a cute and friendly vibe. I'd be happy to pop in here again sometime when I'm back in Portland.
(4)
Marie Y.
The staff here are such a riot! Welcoming, funny, and totally laid back. The building and decor make for a cozy establishment, but the staff are what make this place cool. If Hobo's has a shtick, it's making you feel like a regular on your first visit. I'd say save this place for sometime when you are going to take the Shanghai Tunnel tour.
(3)
Mikhail H.
My husband and I eat here pretty regularly and I have yet to have a bad experience. We eat as a couple and have come for birthday group dinners, his company Christmas dinner, you name it really. The setting itself is that of true class and most nights feature live piano playing which is just perfection. My personal favorite dishes are the puff pastry wrapped Brie and for dinner I always order the scallops because they are always amazing. Excellent wine selection though their bartenders make a very good drink as well. The service is always perfect and they have always gone out of their way when we have groups - getting us plates for birthday cake without us even asking and making sure everything was ok. We went once not even realized it was the night of the red dress party. Seeing all the staff in red dresses made me happy enough but they kept apologizing (which was unnecessary because we did not feel neglected at all!) for the delays and how busy it was.
(5)
Robert L.
This place is GREAT for food. Very happy i didn't have to find out if it really is a gay bar. Walking inside makes you want to wear a suit based on their appearance alone. The calamari was really good and the ...artichoke..spinach dip was excellent. The salmon was AMAZING!!! EASILY TOP 5 salmon in the world from my experience with salmon in multiple countries and locations. OKAY OKAY there waa a drag queen inside but the pianist made me overlook him/her. They have three celebrity look alikes at waiter and bartender. And u can play pool while you wait for your food but you better when quickly because that appetizer comes out in a heartbeat
(5)
David H.
Hobos is a good place to take a loved one on their birthday. Good food cooked well, and good service. It is called a "gay bar," but you might go there many times and not know it, because they are very tasteful and welcome everyone. It is more of a restaurant than a bar, even though you enter and walk past the bar to get to the dining area. It is comfortable and cozy while still keeping an air of dignity and class. The bartenders are top caliber and the wait staff are knowledgable and friendly. Their menu cannot be confused with bar food. It is a nice resaurant with classic american fare like roast beef with jus and fresh fish. I honestly can't think of any negatives. Their prices are higher than other places in the neighborhood, but their ambiance, food and service are more than equal to that.
(4)
Margaret J.
This is my "Cheers"..my brother brought me in to Hobo's 2 years ago, and now it's my favorite Old Town Spot. Feels like seeing family. GREAT food, good drinks, and AMAZING waitstaff and bartenders!!! Piano music is a plus for me, and the laid back atmosphere (before 10pm on Fri/Sat). Then house music starts..not a fan. It's just the best spot in Old Town in my opinion.
(5)
Heather C.
Fun people, good prime rib, great ambiance.
(4)
Gorman E.
Great quiet low key spot. No cover charge. Huge bar and plenty of tables. Intimate lighting and classy interior. The bartender was efficient and friendly. The drink prices was on point. Bathrooms was clean and easy to find. Great spot for prefunking or last calls on your favorite alcoholic beverages! Recommended.
(4)
David W.
Was here for the shanghai-neering tour. I hope none of that stuff happens anymore...=P
(4)
Mike B.
Went to dinner here on Friday March 11th. The hour was about 8 p.m and the crowd was nominal. (meaning there were a lot of people there, but it was packed!). There were four of us in the group and we were able to get a table right away. After perusing the menu my three dining companions opted for the Prime Rib. I opted for the New York Strip. My dinner was a smallish cut of meat on about a 1/4 cup of mashed potatoes. There was no vegetable served with the meal. After the first bite, I was sure the rest of the steak was going to be a chore. The steak was not cooked to my ordered level, and there was more fat than meat on the cut. The potatoes were luke-warm, dry, and lacked any taste other than potato. There was a small drizzle of gravy on the potato's but not enough to make them any moister. On the flip side, my dining companions stated that their Prime Rib was delicious and cooked to perfection. I guess I should have ordered the Prime Rib. We had several cocktails during the meal, but with the amount of ice in the glass it was hard to tell if I was drinking bourbon and 7 or just a glass of colored water. The over all dining experience was mediocre, but the ambiance was better. They had a piano player tickling the ivories and he played at just the right level to be heard, but not so loud that it overpowered the conversations. The establishment is well lit without being too bright or too dark.
(2)
Annaliza S.
Went to Hobo's in the late evening with 3 other people- service at the bar was great. The bartenders were attentive and the drinks were amazing - I highly recommend the Nectarine cocktail drink. We then moved over to a table for dinner. The food was good. My partner and I decided to share the calamari. It was delicious, but the sauce that came with could have been better. It was a little sweeter than I would have liked it to be. Didn't feel it paired well. The service was OK. I assumed that the service was a little shoddy because it was close to closing, but I am not really sure. I just feel the service could have been a little better. It's an iconic gay restaurant / bar in Portland, I just expected a little bit better service. The server could have maybe paid more attention to what we were ordering, but completely listening to what was being ordered. I guess if you want better service, you better go earlier in the day or evening.
(3)
Billy G.
Good experience, I liked the music, food was right for the price and drinks were well made. Attentive staff makes for a good rating!
(5)
James F.
who puts carpet in a restaurant/bar/dance floor? that being said. Came here on pride weekend because there was no wait or cover. Actually had a great time!
(3)
Chad A.
We went here for a friends birthday. The Hobos wait staff was nice and food came promptly. My gf had the blackened salmon and she really enjoyed the sauce and seasoned rice. I however had the prime rib which, according to their menu, was supposed to be a "specialty". I ordered it cooked medium. It seemed to me like they had rewarmed the prime rib in an oven/microwave because it was throughly brown on all sides and was chewy. It was tough to cut and chew. I ended up sending it back and not getting anything else to eat. They took it off the tab just as you would expect. I dont know when I'll be back to Hobos but it probably wont be anytime soon. My advice if you wanna eat here, just dont get the prime rib.
(2)
Jess B.
Truly disappointing bar service. Bartenders didn't know how to make the first two drinks I asked for (classic drinks, nothing trendy), so I gave up and ordered a vodka tonic. How you can make a vodka tonic poorly I don't know, but they managed it. We had about 3 drinks here around an event we were waiting for and they were all awful and overpriced for what we got. I haven't had their food in years so I can't comment on that. It's a lovely building and bar, very nice atmosphere.
(2)
Amanda R.
Hobo's always makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside and who doesn't like that? I have been here several times and each time, I leave feeling happy and satisfied. The servers are friendly, funny and make conversation, which I tend to appreciate, especially in a bar setting. The decor is dark, sexy and sultry and most times I have been there, live piano music is playing, the fire place is lit and the service is quick and wonderful! Most recently I had the chicken strips and steak fries and aaaamaaahhhhgawd, folks, these were the best chicken strips EVAH! It was more like a whole chicken breast, perfectly breaded, fried and then sliced into 4 strips, served over fries. Hellllllo! I shared them with my sister and felt the size was perfect for a happy hour snack! The place filled up fast after Happy Hour started and just continued to stay busy, but the service never wavered....we were well taken care of! So, the point here is, visit Hobo's, have the chicken strips and say hello to Dave, one of the best servers around!
(5)
Lexie L.
my mom ended up picking Hobo's for our dinner while she was in town visiting me, oddly enough. I was amazed when I walked in with the two story seating arrangement, and just how open the entire place looked. I like spacious atmospheres! We were greeted immediately and though an hour early for our reservations they sat us right away- upstairs too! The service was very quick and attentive- we started with drinks and the crab dip app. it was soooo rich but soooo good. my old fashioned was perfect, by the way. I got a rich mushroom ravioli for my entree- it was delicious and I ate allllllll of it! My mom got the chocolate cake for desert so I ended up eating some of that as well. VERY RICH MEAL. However, whiskey kept me awake and alert enough to not fall into a food coma. Also- they had stellar halloween decorations up as it was halloween weekend. All the staff was in costume, it made for a very fun experience! I was also surprised that while the bar was very busy they were able to be so speedy, even with the drinks! I liked it! bit pricey though- but was on mom's tab.
(4)
Beth C.
Everytime my brother is in town we go here for drinks and fun. I have always had great service. The food is outstanding. My favorite part is the warm sweet staff members, good Lord! I have not laughed that much in a long time. Such great fun people. I LOVE IT HERE!!
(5)
Mary B.
I really liked the ambiance of this place! Dark and sultry inside. I met up with some people here for a Birthday celebration during Happy Hour. I had 2 beers and some tacos for a total of $12 (including tip). I consider that a deal! The tacos were quite tasty, too! Someone ordered a bunch of oyster shooters and I tried one of those, too. It was ok. Pretty good if you are a fan of oyster shooters (I'm more meh about them in general). The seating was super comfortable and intimate... even with about 15 people there. I still felt like I could converse with everyone. There was also a pool table in the back which I will for sure have to take advantage of in the future. I'd come and hang here again for sure.
(4)
David B.
Been here many times when in town. Used to be pretty good. Maybe we hit an off night. Good service by Dave, but the food was really boring and somewhat dreadful. The Prime Rib (house specialty) was unseasoned and overcooked. Ordered medium rare and it came medium well, at 5:30 PM (maybe it was yesterdays, reheated). Vegetables while fresh, were cooked properly but zero seasoning. Same with the brown rice side dish. Did the spice truck skip their delivery? I ordered "Collosol" Sea Scallops. Those poor things must have come from the Dead Sea. They were tiny, all shriveled up, and way overcooked. Like eating a bleached tire. The balsamic reduction sauce was really excellent, so the rubber tasted good. Salads or soup are no longer offered with dinner. Strictly ala carte now, which makes the place pricey for the quality and quantity of food. I had a meager 4 baby "Collosol" scallops on my plate. Fortunately there is a Burgerville nearby for a snack on the way home from a not so wonderful dinner. I really hope this was just an off night in the kitchen.
(2)
Kevin M.
Portland's version of SF's "Glass Coffin". Enough said.
(2)
Jon N.
Bartender seemed pretty off-put to have to make a drink each time we ordered... pool was great though and very cozy environment! Wish I could have liked it better!
(2)
Sarah G.
Hobo's is hit or miss. The first time we had great service. The second time we had great service. But we didn't on the third. The difference? We ordered food the first two times & planned to drink it up on the third. I planned on having several drinks but was not once asked if I wanted another. Instead, we were served attitude. It was only after we paid & hung around to talk that a server came to our table and was "nice" to us. Hobo's is a classy place & I love to bring people here. In fact, it was my idea to bring my friends there on the third time. Thanks for embarrassing me, Hobo's.
(2)
Brian W.
Piano, drinks, drinner, pool, a patio.... it's like Cheers but way classy. Hidden in Old Town Chinatown - a great pre or post place to meet with friends and family. Most welcoming place in Portland. Ask for Dave - ask him where Sharron is and that Brian sent you !
(5)
Jens J.
So if you are on foot near the Willamette waterfront/Old Town and you decide that you want a steak but don't feel like plunking down $43 for a Ribeye at Ruth's Chris or a similarly stratospheric amount at Kincaid's, you might consider Hobo's. True, they don't have ribeyes, but they do have a decent Filet Mignon at $22. They do also have prime rib (that we didn't try). For starters, we had the cream of mushroom soup and coconut prawns. The cream of mushroom soup was delicious (they also have a French Onion soup that we did not sample). The coconut prawns were just right. Big fat juicy shrimp with just the right amount of breading. As indicated, I had the filet mignon. It came with mashed potatoes and broccolini (a high-brow version of broccoli). For the price, very decent! JP had the scallops. I thought the crushed basil topping just didn't work -it seemed an odd flavor combination. For dessert, we played it safe with the creme brulee. It was silky smooth and delicious. The glaze crust on top was a bit overdone and chunky. Still, very very good. Martinis are relatively cheap: $6.25/pop. Ours were quite good but could have stood a bit more Cointreau. Service was fine. Our waitress was eager to please, but she did give some errant info, like for example that Ruth's Chris had gone out of business, which we knew was not true. Hobo's is a reminder that Washington and Oregon are quite small states. We unexpectedly saw an acquaintance in there holding hands with somebody and having a drink. This acquaintance would be in trouble, big time, if somebody in Seattle found that out!! Oh the drama!!
(4)
Christa A.
We hung out for a drink before the Tunnel Tour and I have to say it was delightful and we would most likely return for a cocktail or two. The bartender was charming and it was decorated very nicely for Christmas, which always pulls at my heartstrings. Love the name and this place can stay.
(4)
Karen E.
Loved the decor, ambiance and seating arrangements. Loved the piano player atmosphere as well. The place wasn't overly crowded for a Fri 8:45 seating. So it wasn't too loud to carry on a nice conversation even though we were seated right by the piano player. Our waiter came over to us immediately and took our drink orders. He was friendly and playful. The drinks were strong enough and tasty. He made a good wine recommendation for one of us in our party. The food though, not so great. We ordered calamari and french fries. The calamari was over cooked and rubbery. Bonus that there were no tentacles on the plate, but still. They shouldn't be chewy like that. The french fries were steak cut and mealy inside. We were not planning on eating here but once we looked at the menu the calamari enticed us. I am hard pressed to think I would come in solely to eat here again given the sub par appetizers, but I suppose if I were in the neighborhood I might give them another try. Especially if I'm in the mood for comfy chairs and live piano music playing in the background.
(3)
Marty H.
New menu same attitude. Bartenders can be a bit pretentious at times but I usually ignore them because the wait staff can be charming. However, I just ate about the worse Chicken Marsala ever with the skimpiest dinner salad. I was starving so I ate as much of the chicken I could bear. Greasy, flavorless but edible after a healthy dose of salt and pepper. Update: the pretentiousness has waned a bit. The bartenders are definitely better. Happy hour is fun and the food choices are really good - particularly the mac-n-cheese.
(3)
Claudia G.
My company brought a conference to town and we held an event at Hobo's in conjunction with the Shanghai Tunnel tour so this review will address the food and service as well as how Hobo's handles a large event (450 people cycling through). The company had arranged for a buffet with prime rib and halibut wrapped in prosciutto which was accompanied by steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, some kind of fancy rice, and Caesar salad. Being vegetarian I had the vegetables and mashed potatoes and they were delicious - very fresh and well seasoned. My carnivorous colleagues found the main dishes quite excellent as well. The omnipresent owner and staff are all really delightful - very positive and sporting huge smiles even when we were in the thick of the event and the place was packed. Hobo's often holds events in conjunction with the Shanghai Tunnel tour since the grates that lead down to the tunnels are right outside the front door and the experience really shows. To cycle those 450 people through they had designated sections of the restaurant and they turned them so quickly I was amazed. Our attendees were extremely pleased with the food and coordination of the event and said it was one of our best events ever.
(4)
Erin M.
Went for my girlfriends birthday and the service for our large group was incredible. They went above and beyond to make us happy. Thank you to Hobos for making it a great party.
(4)
Evan M.
Hobo's is a staple for gay men in the downtown area. Full with a live piano bar, Hobo's is a classy establishment. It includes pool tables and various slot games in the back, as well as an outdoor patio during warmer weather. The food served at Hobo's is usually pretty good. There's nothing awe inspiring about the menu (typical bar style cooking), but almost everything I've had has been decent. My personal favorite is the Spinach salad, which comes with feta cheese and a sweet vinaigrette dressing (although ask for light dressing, or on the side...they obviously like it too, because they put a TON on the salad). I don't usually go to Hobo's for the drinks, however. The drinks are usually pretty weak. Standard mixed drinks vary, but never ask for something special. (IE, the use of something like Galliano) as they don't have much experience mixing it (at least in my case). I love the sassy and fun service at Hobo's. The atmosphere is classy and the food is always good. However, if you're just looking for better food, better drinks, and better prices at a gay owned establishment, I recommend The Fox and Hounds one block away (on NW 2nd). That said, there's something to be said about a laid back atmosphere, constant show tunes being played by a live piano, great service, and comfortable seating, and Hobo's delivers.
(4)
Rad P.
A scrumptious french dip after much drinking is exactly what I wanted and exactly what I got. I vaguely recollect yummy extra dirty gin martinis, as well. Fantastic friendly service with awesome friends. What more can a guy ask for?
(5)
Susan T.
Excellent taste, service, and ambience. The mashed potatoes were awesome and the halibut wrapped in bacon tender yet crisp. Heavenly fine to dine here. Yes! Yes! Yes!
(5)
Cliff L.
I am in agreement with Ashley C's review. I wanted to give Hobos a try for the longest time. I went there for the happy hour. The decor was nice, and it is actually rather spacious inside. The waiter was nice and helpful, too. The beer was good, but the happy hour food - in comparison, it doesn't match to Jake's or Henry's. I really hope that Hobos would revamp happy hour food. Keep the fries and tortilla. But add a salad (make it huge)/ a burger. and I am hoping their dinner plates are as good as Rachel Ray said. But overall, if you don't want to be in a crowded happy hour place, Hobos is actually a decent alternative.
(3)
Ted J.
This was an awesome place...a little tough to find but it turned out to be a great place. After a cool reception when we first arrived (it is Technically a gay bar) the place warmed right up and became super friendly. The bartender was extremely helpful advising what's in the area and what was down the coast of Oregon. Highly recommend it although in a tough part of town.
(4)
Gonz O.
The bartender seemed really put out to have to serve us drinks.
(1)
Stephanie H.
Seated in the heart of the drunken-disorderly district of Portland, Hobo's was refreshing. The building oozes class with brick walls, melt-into-me leather lounge chairs, chandeliers and an unfinished vaulted ceiling. I, a heterosexual woman, took my new-to-the-gay-scene friend here for a few drinks last night (admittedly, a Tuesday) and we ended up enjoying a 2.5 hour dinner and drinks. The prices aren't cheap, most of the entrees ran around $18, but apparently Tuesday is two-for-one entree day. Score. We were young compared to the rest of the 30-something population, but I didn't feel out of place as a straight woman. If you go, you must try the baked brie. To. Die. For. (~$10) It may be different on the weekends, but it was a delightful weeknight haven for us.
(4)
Brian G.
My Fiance and I came here after our tour of the Shanghi tunnels of Portland. The tour was great and very informative. I am a history buff so this was right up my alley. After the tour we decided to go in and have a bite to eat and decided to go with 3 of their starter plates. CHEVRE QUESADILLA Flour Tortilla filled with Chevre Cheese, Avocado & Roasted Pepper Served with Cilantro Sour Cream & Chipotle Sauce CALAMARI Calamari dusted in Seasoned Flour, fried & served with Sweet Chili Aioli sauce PAN FRIED OYSTERS Half a dozen Oysters dusted in Seasoned Flour Fried & served with Cocktail Sauce Nothing short of amazing. everything was prepared perfectly and came out very quick the wait staff was great as well. I hope to go back and try a few more of their menu options
(3)
Etta H.
Hobo's is an awesome, low-key place to go during the week or early weekend evenings... The staff is always super friendly and the atmosphere is just perfect. I haven't ever been in there when there are more than 4 parties or so... usually all seated at the bar. We like to go to the back where the pool tables are and just drink and shoot pool...
(4)
Joshua R.
Recently went to Hobo's - I've had drinks many times there but never dinner. Food was excellent - our table of 4 all enjoyed. Excellent service - friendly and not too pushy. They also raise a ton of money for AIDSWalk which is always a great cause to support. Kudos!
(5)
Chris S.
LOVE Hobo's! The drinks are great, the food is awesome, and the service is wonderful. I hate reading reviews that expect the world in a martini glass...this is a gay bar with great food, not the other way around. Hobo's is our go-to spot for lounging and drinking--it's all about the chill atmosphere and live piano. Classy.
(5)
Dan P.
Excellent food. My experience was only marred by an odd split-personality bartender, and lots of people trying to shove their tongues down each others throats. It isn't my usual kind of bar, and that isn't a problem; just back away from the linguine, OK? I think the pasta would have been better as more of a tutto mare sort of thing, but it was damned good.
(3)
Stephanie E.
I *like* Hobos. Really. It's like, a perfect place to go to just chill with friends and have really good food. From the outside, Hobos looks like a teeny little dive-bar. From the inside, it's nice and open and welcoming. There's always a friendly vibe, and the live piano music is always pleasant and just soft enough to not be annoying. The portions are always too big for one person, so your best bet is bringing a friend and sharing. Add an appetizer if you're super hungry, but odds are your going to be leaving with a to-go box regardless. I ordered the Moroccan Coffee, and it was super tasty, chock-full of alcohol, and well worth the price. Friends got the chicken strips and loved them. Some people don't like that the strips are halved lengthwise, but they *have* to be. They're huge strips, piping hot from the kitchen and if they weren't cut, they'd take forever to cool down (and you'll burn your mouth cuz you won't wait). Plus six sliced tenders looks better than three huge breaded slabs of chicken. The service can be slow, there are some seriously short attention spans, but the servers are always super friendly, and are helpful with questions/suggestions about the menu. And if you're not in a rush, it's not really a problem. I really don't understand the pool table/slots area in the back left corner. Feels very out of place, and no one's ever back there playing. The prices are decent - Tuesdays they have buy one/get one entrees (which i think is almost too good a deal). And you definately get your money's worth with whatever you order. There aren't a lot of good late-night places downtown that aren't full of drunkish people and have good not-barfood - so if you definately give this place a try. Just check your attitude and prejudice at the door - this is a gay-friendly place, so do everyone a favor and don't go if you're gonna be #thatguy.
(4)
Sarah B.
Maybe the worst bar ever. Went for a drink before a Darcelle's show--we were not an unruly bachelorette party, just 4 ladies out for drink, killing some time. The server was condescending and rude, acted truly put out when I asked where the restroom was, and said 'what do you want me to do about it' when I told him there was a problem with my drink. Needless to say, we did not leave our server a tip--because he was an asshole. It's called gratuity for a reason. We quietly paid our bill and left, dissatisfied with the drinks and service. As we were walking down the street, the server had the audacity to come outside and yell at us, telling us we were rude not to leave a tip, and to never come back. Unreal. Apparently this asshole--Dave--was also the manager. Maybe you should get out of the service industry if it chaps your ass too much to serve drinks.
(1)
Jenn W.
If you view Hobo's as a bar, it's a great place with a good selection of beers on tap and a fantastic atmosphere. As a restaurant, you get the feeling that there's no real chef (and by chef I mean a cook who is in charge, nothing more) involved in handling things. We decided to eat here after going on the Shanghai Tunnels tour as the menu we viewed online worked for both of us (a picky vegetarian & a pescatarian), but the execution of almost everything we ordered was just . . . odd - not bad, but odd. The spinach salad was the one exception - fantastic flavors & generous amounts of spiced walnuts & Gorgonzola (although, still odd in that it appeared to be meant to serve at least four people). The other main plus, was that our server was fantastic, fun, and attentive. I'd recommend this place just for drinks, or for people who like large portions for good value.
(3)
Jacob V.
Well for the money it was meh. The brocolli & whipped potatoes are really good that come w/the Prime Rib that is their "specialty". The prime rib was pretty bland could have used seasoning & that disgusting hunk of fat that is almost as big as the edible part of the meat has to go no to appetizing. The steamer clams were good though as well as the drinks. Go there for drinks!
(2)
Megan O.
Ick, last friday my best friend and I got the great idea to walk across town for dinner and drinks at Pala, unfortunately, when we got there, Pala was not yet open, and we were hungry and in need of a cocktail with sore feet. Given the amazing location of Hobo's: across the street, we headed over. We were seated at a table by a waiter who may have had 1-3 other patrons and who appeared to give a damn that we were alive, and even be interested in procuring food and drinks for us, we were mislead. We got terrible and slow service from an excessively peppy waiter who seemed intentionally clueless to the fact that his disregard for us was bothering us. I was raised on gay bars and gay-operated restaurants in SF, and I can handle a slightly chilled reminder that I am not the target population, but this was rude and difficult to believe. Then our food finally came: grossout time. The "baked to perfection" mac and cheese that I read about on the menu and that Mr. not-so-perfect the waiter assured me was awesome was the worst thing ever: basically: a velveeta cheese chowder of melted gross cheese soup with some random pasta floating about. Not everyone has to have perfect mac and cheese, but this was a travesty and the waiter lied. My friend's chicken strips were cut into halves, which annoyed her. Their food target population might come later, be more intoxicated, and less annoyed, but this would have also made for bad drunk food. Even the gingerale in our cocktails was flat-- I will not be going back.
(1)
Ralph S.
I have tried ti like this place. I have been here several times and each time was worse than the last. Service was poor and food quality was fair at best. As a member of the gay community, I will not take friends visiting there. It's an embarrassment.
(1)
Sara G.
Is it a gay friendly straight bar or a straight friendly gay bar? Probably the latter, but however you classify it, Hobo's is a great bar. It's my favorite in Old Town because: Mostly douchebag free Provides some excellent people watching and eavesdropping (not that I do that, but if I did, I would have heard some pretty entertaining sex toy stories one time) Tasty drinks & food Great happy hour Classy environment Live piano!!! Friendly, funny servers (last one we had strongly resembled Aidan from Sex and the City- doesn't hurt!) While the happy hour is typical (mac and cheese, quesadilla, etc.) the quality of the food is better than average. Drinks are strong and tasty, and I really liked the pan-fried oysters off the lounge menu. Rachael Ray apparently came here for one of her shows. Don't hold that against Hobo's.
(4)
Ashley C.
I've been here only once, so my star rating is at three until further visits. I came here for a drink with some friends after work. It's very open and everything in it's place. I didn't think it stood out from other places. It is simple, clean, and inviting. I like comfortable feeling of the place, which I can't say for most places in or around Chinatown. I thought the atmosphere was very charming and everyone seemed very interested in their private conversations. There were more loud obnoxious noise outside then inside, which was refreshing. Again, I stopped by for a drink, and didn't eat so my review will be very limited. If you want a nice, clean place to hang for a bit before heading to the next destination, this may be it.
(3)
Allison D.
Nooo, I went in here not knowing what was going on. The booze was high, but the place was very classy. I do remember seeing heterosexual couples at the bar which is why I thought it was a typical bar, except when I turned the corner. A big old guy dressed in drag. I headed back to the bar and order more inflated booze. I think this is a nice place, but not for me. So don't take offense I give this place a score less than it deserves.
(3)
Tricia H.
Yummy, yummy and how can you go wrong with old historic downtown Portland. Lots of eclectic sights inside the restaurant and on the streets walking to and from this place. Definitely a great place to stop and enjoy a warm bite and great for special occasions (V-Day, etc.)
(4)
Brie P.
As part of a Shanghai Tour we started out at Hobo's and ended up getting a few drinks afterwards in the beautiful courtyard. Despite Hobo's name the establishment was pretty classy they had some really great stained glass windows in the back and I think I saw some pool tables in there as well.
(3)
Jenny C.
This is a great place to hang out with friends for a bit. The atmosphere is one of the most laid back ones I have experienced in Portland yet... love it. We got there around 5.00- before the shanghai tour - and it was pretty empty save for the older group of 'regulars'... We got our drinks, played a bit of pool and hung out in what is undoubtedly one of the coolest internal courtyards in the city. The staff is friendly and attentive, one clued us in to where the good spots are to sit for optimal people watching... which is always fun. It's a great escape from the typical bar scene in Old Town.
(4)
Barry W.
By far this was the worst meals that my wife and I have ordered in the two years since we.ve been in the Portland area. I say ordered rather than ate, since we just paid for the meals after a few bites each and left. We chose this restaurant based on favorable online reviews. My prime rib was extremely leathery, without positive flavor. It appeared to have been reheated from the night before. Her chicken parmesan was flavorless and her pasta was cold. This is the first really negative review that I can remember doing for a restaurant. I would say that they are unworthy of being called a restaurant.
(1)
Rosemary R.
A lovely place to relax and have a drink with friends. I love the piano player, Matthew Kern, on Wednesday nights! They make a great dirty martini too!
(4)
Courtney D.
Historic, friendly vibe draws welcoming crowd If you're in need of good lift and time, definitely check out this friendly joint for its piano bar and good drinks. It's housed in an Old Town historic building, which is just a small part of its charm. Inside you'll find the piano bar, along with several pool tables. Although it attracts mostly a gay crowd, everyone is welcome, which is why I love this place. It's whole vibe is very inviting and friendly and doesn't know how to be pretentious. Maggie A was right too -- their baked brie rocks! Tip: Definitely check out their courtyard when the weather is warm.
(4)
mary r.
Worth the trip alone just for the piano player. Hobo's is a low key, quiet place to meet friends. Decent drinks and bar food. What surprised me was the cute guy at the piano. He was great, that's why I will be back. Where else can you have live music and still chat with your friends. Great atmosphere.
(5)
Amy D.
stopped by here by random..LOVE LOVE LOVE the atmosphere, great service, good drinks, tasty vittles!
(5)
Maggie A.
Two Words: Baked Brie I met some friends here for drinks one night (our straight guy friend got a chuckle at the idea that maybe he's cute because a lot of the guys were chatting with him before we showed up), and it was a really very nice place with the perfect mood for some quiet drinks and a small bite, like an appetizer. So I went with the Baked Brie, and oh, so very yummy and creamy and just plain delicious. I think the drinks were good, too, but I just remember the brie.
(4)
Christen M.
I came here for dinner before taking a tour of the Shanghai Tunnels, and was reasonably impressed. (There are a number of Shanghai Tunnel tours of Portland, but the one we chose starts at Hobo's.) The building has high vaulted ceilings, lots of natural light, and original brick and woodwork -- a beautifully maintained Old Town building. Waitpeople at Hobo's are attentive and friendly; as is my wont (or my obsession), I tried the macaroni and cheese, and it passed the Christen test (neither too gooey nor too clumpy). The drinks were good as well. Hobo's manages to be that rare (but, I think, uniquely Portland) combination -- both elegant and laid back.
(4)
Anonymous A.
Stopped by on a Sunday evening, prime time, and discovered there was only one waiter and one bartender on duty. I guess the restaurant had gvien up on attracting a crowd and instead decided to cut staff. The waiter was very capable and speedy but too busy to do anything more than take orders and bring the food. Of necessity, the service was very inattentive. The food was even less impressive. My salad lettuce was not fresh and drowned in overly sweet balsamic vinaigrette. I ordered the so-so salmon and it arrived with exactly five (5) of the thinnest spears of grossly undercooked asparagus I have ever seen and a generous mound of rice. The salmon itself was large but unusually thin and thus tasted stale and dried out. The only reason to come here is the piano player. Hobos is a wonderful respite from the craziness that has overtaken Old Town in recent years and one of the few gay establishments anywhere that has a pianist to entertain. But while I love the atmosphere here, the lackluster service and especially the food quality are inexcusable. I'm in Portland only about once a year and I always stop in Hobos but I'm not sure I'll be doing so again. Minus the piano, Starky's provides friendlier service and much better food and would be my recommended alternative if Hobos can't get their act together.
(2)
Kathy K.
We haven't been to Hobos in quite a while. We have been going there for over 25 yrs, starting in our mid 20's. So we thought, it is the Rose Festival, the streets are hopping, let's stop in and have a drink. It wasn't very busy, we sat at a table & felt a bit ignored. The server didn't even look at us when we ordered. We had a glass of wine, were hungry & had been told by some friends that the food had improved. So we looked at the menu, so many things "sounded" appealing. We both decided on the Salmon dish with an orange, coconut,mango sauce that sounded great & which the server highly recommended. The plate of food was almost laughable for the price. A piece of salmon, about 6 green beans and about 1/4 cup of what tasted like instant mashed potatoes. The Salmon was so tasteless, why even put any sauce on it & the bottom wasn't seared, it was burnt. Really? Hobos can be such a classy place. A place you can be proud of in your community. It doesn't take a lot.But pride in your food should be at the top of your list along with a more attentive wait staff. We miss the "good old days".
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner, Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Music : Live Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Kaylyn H.
This is not the first time that I have had excellent service at this bar. I want to shout out to our bartenders for the night Rich and Chad. The two of them were a delight and entertaining.
(5)Christos L.
PRETENTIOUS...that is what I have to say about the bartender that was rude and made my friends and I feel very unwelcome. We walked into a bar/restaurant as there were 2 other people sitting at the bar and I walked in with 5 of my friends because of the exposure this place has had along with Ghost Adventures and the nostalgia that it brings. Sadly, I was VERY disappointed because the bartender acted like we walked into the wrong place from the start. I bartend and I manage a restaurant in San Francisco, I would NEVER treat a guest how this person treated us...I couldn't even order a drink here because I was so taken aback by his demeanor and lack of class...unbelievable... When we walked out after paying for the tab, he yells out "don't get arrested!"...really? Why would you even say that? We were courteous, polite and brought business to this Wednesday evening. This might explain why it was so desolate inside. This person should NOT be in customer service. I told him that he should treat his guests with more respect and he had nothing to say about that...how could he? DO NOT GO HERE...STAY FAR AWAY!...This place has ZERO customer service and this is a shame...because the history is what brings people here, it's the POOR customer service that drives us away. If you read the other posts, it's obvious I am not alone here... -Sadly disappointed
(1)Celeste S.
My experience at Hobo's this Sunday during Pride was one of the worst dining and service experiences I have ever had. I was with 6 other people and we arrived at noon. The server, Dave, handed us the brunch special menus and told us that technically brunch was over but he had checked with the kitchen and they would still serve us some of the items on the brunch menu. Then he offered us the lunch menu, which we said was fine and that we were fine ordering off either menu. So he snatched back all the brunch menus and then handed out the lunch menu. I also need to point out that the place was nearly empty - I didn't see a single table of other people, although I think there might have been some people seated outside in the back. Dave the waiter seemed very annoyed with us just existing and constantly wandered off to do unknown other things. We ordered drinks, which arrived but not very promptly despite the lack of other customers. Once we ordered, he took down names and was polite about giving us separate checks as needed. Then we had to wait over an hour for our food. According to our server the kitchen also wasn't really ready to start serving lunch. At this point other people started coming in, I suspect the pride parade was over at this point, so people we ready to sit down to drink and eat. Somehow everyone that came in after us seemed to be served faster than we were. Despite being there for two hours we were only able to get 3 drinks because Dave never came back over to check on us and it was nearly impossible to get his attention. We ordered two appetizers, which arrived about half an hour after we ordered them. I only ate the steak bites but I will say those were delicious. Then over an hour after we had ordered food, our actually meals began to arrive. These came out in completely random order and were so spaced out that some people finished eating before other people's dish had arrived. Two people's meals never came out, despite the length of time we were there. Three times food that we didn't order was brought and left on the table and I actually saw Dave take two of the plates back into the kitchen then turned around and walk back into the dining area to deliver the food to a different table. The person that got the third mis-delivered meal actually tried to keep the wrong order because he was so hungry he didn't really care what he ate at that point. He then had to wait even longer before receiving the most pathetic excuse for a french dip sandwich I have ever seen. The meat was totally dried out and the "hoagie" roll it was on looked like a hot dog bun to me. He ate a few bites before determining it was too gross to eat. He had also ordered a salad but was served fries instead. Dave had us come to a register in the back where he finally actually split our bills so we could pay. Despite the bad service - we actually started talking at the table about how bad the service was, I still tipped him 18% out of habit, $5 on a $27 total. After I walked back to the table to gather with everyone to leave, a member of my party paying after me got treated to Dave complaining to her about how little I had tipped him despite him giving us "great" service. Regardless of how he felt that was just not acceptable behavior.
(1)Troy J.
Not a 'destination restaurant'... but a good dining destination nevertheless. Hobo's is a good location to pair with your visit to Portland's Shanghai Tunnels if you'd like a convenient place to stop for a cocktail or bite. There are several dining rooms to fit whatever mood your in for your dining experience. It's a casual bar with plenty of seating, friendly service, and a good menu. During a recent visit, I had the opportunity to try their Cioppino, a seasoned seafood stew with shrimp, scallops, clams and halibut in a tomato leek broth. The star of this dish is the sauce, which adds zest to all of its mild seafood ingredients. The dish comes with toasted bread to 'sop up' the remaining broth. I had to ask for more bread so that none of it would be wasted. At $23, it's one of the priciest items on the menu, but I loved it. If you're looking for food on the casual/bar side, the fried oysters and nacho plate were great and less than $10 each.
(3)Gerard N.
Just had a lame experience. Looking for a late-night take-out burger, I walked in here seeing if they did take out food, guy behind the bar said they do but are only doing fried food at this hour (it's late). Not being sure if he meant what I thought he may mean, which is that they were only doing DEEP-fried food, or if he meant what he actually said (most of the kitchen off, but they still doing all fried food, which would mean deep-fry obviously or could still pan-fry something), and not knowing how they do their burgers having never been here (pan-fried, flat-top, or on an open flame), I asked "burgers?" to get all my information as quickly as possible. What I got in return was this super bitch-queen smirk and chuckle as he slowly repeated to me like I was challenged "uh, no... FRIED foods only". Normally I don't care if front-of-house staff doesn't understand something about food preparation, even something as basic as the fact that deep-frying isn't the only common type of frying done with food, or that one of the common ways to cook a burger is to fry it in its own juices in a FRYING pan... ...but to be talked down to by some smug waitstaff in a glorified diner being condescending to a guest because they don't know enough about their own industry to properly understand the question is something else. I was too hungry to explain the basics of cooking to him so he could save his rude prickish attitude for times when he actually did look more intelligent than the guest (not sure that's an excuse either when you're in the service industry but whatever), so I just said thank you and walked out to more laughter at the expense of me, silly idiot who asked a totally legit question... but now that I'm back home, stomach happily full of the burger that was fried for me elsewhere, I had the time to put my advice here. Awesome first impression Hobo's!
(1)Michael R.
Here actually checking out With Dave behind the Bar ! Been coming here for over 30 years! Still a great place! Good size menu, you must check this out! Most evenings a piano bar with the Fabulous Jim Blackburn ! Tickling the Ivory's and perfuming the air with beautiful music for a long time!
(5)Zack C.
Waited at the bar 20 minutes for service. Made eye contact with both bartenders but was never served so we left.
(1)Kerri M.
I don't know. I was in here long enough to drink two over priced cocktails. Eh. Overrated.
(2)Jon T.
Hobo's hosts the entry for the Shanghai Tunnels so we arrived early to have a drink before the tour. I generally dislike the neighborhood and expected Hobo's to be unimpressive. To my pleasant surprise, the restaurant and bar are very well laid out with lots of different spaces to satisfy singles, couples, groups, or parties. They have a two pool tables around the back with a row of slots for the gamers. The patio area is very interesting. It is nearly enclosed with charming 19th century red brick building facades on all sides. It is situated in what used to be a seedy back alley. A narrow space passes by windows that look into the restaurants and leads out to NW Davis St. I imagine it offers a perfect slip for the dine and dash crowd. Back inside, the restaurant was nicely decorated for the Halloween season and really set the mood for taking the underground tour. We had time enough to grab a beer and listen to some live ragtime being played by the evening's pianist. The place does a great job of creating a Victorian era ambiance without going overboard. It is a fun atmosphere and everyone was having a great time. I am always surprised with a Portland restaurant that has a beer selection that is so limited and uninspired however. I recommend adding some additional local options to their selections. Didn't have a chance to eat here, but the ambiance and vibe were enough to put it on the calendar for a complete meal on a return visit.
(4)Amy S.
Came for the Portland underground tour (aka Shanghai Tunnels) and stayed at the bar following the tour. Chad the bartender is amazing and so accommodating! Had a quick nosh which was tasty as well. He is a mixologist extraordinaire. All the waiters are cute as buttons.
(5)Davide S.
Had to send the vegetarian burger back as it was hard as a rock. Waiter was very nice and sent for a replacement which was cooked better but the kitchen used old lettuce and the very outer layer of an onion as garnish. Possibly the worst veggie burger I ever had. Avoid!
(1)David V.
The service at the bar was exceptional; the cocktails were well-prepared; the crowd was friendly and engaging, no cliques that I could see...excellent patio in the back.
(5)Josh N.
Guys here are so sexy. Been here almost an hr no food tho but its ok because of pride. Waiter is so hot. He told me my voice is cute! But i gotta go to work soon so hurry!!!!
(2)Shanel S.
Total dive bar. Exactly what we were looking for. Got to dance off to some ghetto ass rap music, old 90's, some 80's, and any other genre you can think of all in one night. There was no set type of crowd here. You will not be judged when you walk in here, I can assure you that. It's a little small, but they have a back area with two billiard tables and what seems like an upper seating area but it was closed when I was there. They also stay open later than most bars and don't charge a cover which is nice.
(3)Gary C.
Good drinks, good food, and good service! We had the Baked Brie appetizer, which was delicious, with sliced apples, sliced red onion, and slices of yummy French Baguette. The Brie is wrapped in Puffed Pastry and baked to the perfect consistency for spreading. Our main course was the Prime Rib sandwich, which is about half the price of the Prime Rib dinner but just as delicious. A slab of Prime Rib is cooked to perfection and served atop a chunk of Baguette with au jus and a mild horseradish sauce. The meat was done to our specifications, tender, tasty and one of the best Prime Rib meals in Portland. Our server was friendly was very friendly without feeling as if it was forced, attentive but not overly pestering us, and helpful in his knowledge of the menu. I still have yet to try their Happy Hour but will do so soon; as for dinner, I highly recommend you give Hobo's a try.
(5)Christine D.
We went here on a Friday night and had reservations and were quickly seated toward the back of the restaurant. This is a nice area and near the fireplace. It actually looks like they may have seating outside when the weather is warmer. The atmosphere in the restaurant is nice. And on this visit very low key for a 7pm dinner. We decided to order drinks which were brought promptly complete with the little napkins that go under them (thank goodness--you'll see why). They our party of six decided that we would order appetizers. We ordered them and my friends said do you want any appetizers. I said no, I'll wait until they bring the utensils and napkins. Well, finally, I said go ahead and pass them. I pulled my napkin out from under my drink and used it as a make shift plate and grabbed a paper napkin from under the appetizers (they used it so the bowl wouldn't slide on the plate on it's way out of the kitchen but it was the only napkin I was getting. The food was good but nothing to rush out to try. I liked the artichoke dip and chips but nothing you can't get at a Stanfords. Then the entree's started coming out. I didn't say anything about the lack of napkins/utensils as I was out with some new friends and I didn't want to be "that person" who is complaining all the time. So, the first two entrees came out and it was set in front of the individuals who began eating by using asparagus spears and one guy started eating his mashed potatoes with the knife that was stuck in his steak. It was getting too much for me when my salad came with no utensils or napkin I said any chance we could get some set ups for this table it's a little hard to eat without them. The waiter seemed nonplussed and took his time getting back with more entrees and napkins/utensils. Overall, this isn't a bad place but the service was not good. At one point, the waiter tried to add water to my friend's cocktail as the glasses were similar. I probably won't be back.
(2)Adam V.
I like to think of Hobo's as my gay "Cheers". However, while it is a largely gay restaurant, its atmosphere is good for any group. For instance, I came here last with my parents, who understand as much about gay culture and people as I do the Oort Cloud. They loved it! Their happy hour menu is basically a less expensive version of their dinner menu. I usually get the Brie (YUM!) or the Mac and cheese (DOUBLEYUM!). Whatever you get, you'll like it. Their drinks are good, but be wary; they are STRONG. Not much choice in the realm if signature cocktails, but pour solid drinks nonetheless. Go here! Be amazed. Tell your friends.
(4)Mathew C.
The atmosphere was great but that was the only thing that stood out. Service wasn't the best, the seemed more interested in partying with the group of people upstairs, then refilling out drinks or bringing us our check. Food taste wise was great, but the potatoes and broccoli were cold. The salmon was great tho. Not sure if I will be rushing back here.
(4)Chris F.
One of my favorite low key Happy Hours.Nathan is awesome! Great food, low key atmosphere, and fun staff
(5)Amy H.
The Sheperds Pie was totally awesome. And HUGE, I couldn't even make it through half. Definitely fun listening to the live pianist play everything from Muppet Babies songs to jazz. Service was great, space was neat, no complaints.
(4)Nickie G.
I ate here this weekend and I would recommend trying to find somewhere else. The IPA was nice and cold, but the food was incredibly bland and WAY too greasy. I ordered the shrimp fettuccine and ate one shrimp and took 2 bites of pasta. I tried to add a little salt and pepper but there was no rescuing this dish. However, expressing my concerns about the dish was the worst part. Even though the place wasn't busy, our server was very scarce. This wasn't even the problem for me. When he finally came back and I told him that I didn't eat dish because of the taste, he said he'd tell the owners. When he came back and dropped off the check, it had been taken off. It was nice of them to do this without our asking (especially because I didn't eat the $18 dish), but when he dropped off the check, picked up the check to run the card, and dropped off the receipt for a signature, he NEVER SAID A WORD. Not an, 'Sorry about that,' or 'thank you for coming in.' Nothing. Even when we passed him on the way out he looked at us and kept walking. I get that the food quality is NOT the servers fault. I never blamed him or even copped an attitude! But the poor food quality mixed with the terrible cold-shoulder customer service makes me never want to go back. Maybe that was the purpose of it. If so, well done!
(1)Jadyn N.
Hobo So when you walking past this place you going to think it going to be old and kind of dirty since it in China Town and it doesn't look like it in a great area. But you be surprise when you walk in. It nice and clean and has that Classy Vibe going for it. Full bar when you walk in and there a guy who plays Piano. The place has good drinks. There is mood lighting, and I think it a good place to bring a date. They also have a pool table. I had my Birthday party here and it was great, good service and when I called to book the place the lady was very helpful. They also can accommodate a large group of people because there were several party's that day. The food is good and there prime ribs is really good. They also have some good appetizers. Price is good for the food.
(4)Vanessa D.
Nice place for a quiet, relaxing meal. Piano man, stiff drinks, dim lighting, old school kinda place. Not for the trendy types, the place has a pool table and also upstairs seating. There is a back patio that short cuts to cc slaughter's. I hear it's a great post-drag show spot. They serve some pretty tasty food, and pretty late too! Ordered the prime rib (yum) with whipped potatoes and broccoli rabe, and I also tried the prawn fettucine (huge portion), and 2 Hendricks & tonics--- (super stiff- that's what she/he said?). Total? $59. Super cheap! I'd definitely return. The service was amazing. Note to management: your air conditioning located on the back wall is leaking. I was sitting under it. :)
(3)Kreg W.
Relaxed atmosphere. Exceptional service. I had the prosciutto halibut- brilliant! He had the prime rib, perfectly executed. We WILL be back for certain. Five stars all around!
(5)Dennis M.
What do I think about Hobo's? I left the Portland area in 2002. Prior to that, I would eat dinner there nearly every Saturday night around 9:30pm, seated back near the fireplace. I have returned to PDX in March 2014. Harriet still serves great food! (Try the Scallops!) All of my Str8 friends enjoy the place and ask to go back. After being gone 12 years, it is great to see Hobo's still makes an awesome Prime Rib. These days, I try to get there at least once a month. Prime Rib and Maker's & 7, life doesn't get better than that!!! I love the relaxed ambience, the chatter, and the charm. The lounge menu has great variety of sandwiches; I strongly recommend the Prime Rib sandwich. The Calamari is a must have with drinks!
(5)Jacob M.
Very mellow relaxing atmosphere, beautiful big old bar, piano music some of the time. This is the type of place you want to go and relax having a nice cocktail; not a club scene, more of a "nice bar".
(4)Tom M.
Ah, sweet redemption. I really do love this place and I want to be good to them. Hobo's is elegant with a classy sort of atmosphere. The interior is red brick that really contributes to the overall feel of the place. Tonight, they had a piano man. I started off with a Pino Grigio, my favorite white wine. Not sure what kind it was but it didn't matter because it was very good and it went quite well with my meal. The server was very attentive and we didn't have to ask for anything. He even informed us as we were about to order from the lounge menu, that the dinner menu offer was a 2fer. A nice little bonus. I will say however that had we ordered on the lounge menu, it would have been less expensive per person. Was it a deal? I'm not sure. The food is very good but I just wish there was a little more imagination. I had the Proscuitto wrapped Halibut, minus the proscuitto, grilled then graced with a Lemon Caper Cream Sauce and Served with Rice Pilaf & Seasonal Vegetable, which happened to be a type of green beans. The fish was cooked perfectly and not too done. There is nothing that will ruin a good piece of fish like overcooking it. It had good flavor and having a nice meal with your partner makes it all that much better. So, great atmosphere, good service and food. That makes it for me and bumps up the rating for Hobo's. We'll do it again.
(4)Brian G.
Filet is yummy and a Vanilla Stoli Lemon Drop ..;)
(5)Dan H.
The Shanghai Tunnel tour brought me here. The menu (especially the happy hour one) will keep me here the next time I can get back and spend more time. I only ended up ordering a beer, but got a chance to look around this place. It is very old time Portland. The bartender lady was super cute. That in itself would bring me back. The happy hour menu listed somewhere around 15 menu items. Nothing seemed to be more than $5. HH goes from Sun-Fri 4-7 pm. I work around the corner. That means I'll be back. This review is pretty scattered. Such is life.
(3)Jennifer N.
Came in with a group of friends after touring the Shanghai Tunnels (Which was just horrible and cheesy, but that's for a diff. review) . Took about 16 minutes to get our drinks, good thing there was already pitchers of water at our table. Our drinks came un-garnished (no orange with my Bluemoon, no lemon/lime with Vodka soda) Food also took a while to come out, but I suppose it was because we had about 12 people in our group, so I'll give them that. My boyfriend ordered their steak and it was just horrible. Horrible grade meat, no flavor, and SO hard to cut, yet alone eat. He didn't even finish it. It was a $30 plate that could have been WAY better, I could have gotten better steak at Applebee's. I Would not recommend the Shanghai Tunnels, or Hobos to anyone who lives in PDX or visiting, save your time and $$ elsewhere.
(1)Shanna C.
The food was great as was my drink. I'm pretty young and still relatively new to alcohol so the menu can be a bit overwhelming. Why three stars then? Service was terrible. I arrived with my family slightly late to our reservation though it's not like we needed a reservation in the first place. When we got there we were just placed at the nearest open table. After I was rummaged through my purse to make sure I had my driver's license with me, the waiter arrived. He got a bit snippy with me at first when I didn't order a drink, asking me if I was angry with him. When I told him that wasn't the reason, I just didn't know what I wanted, he got nicer and went on to say how awesome he was with his 30+ years of experience. Yeah, okay dude. We got our drinks, but never got the menu for food. In fact, when we asked for it, our waiter acted like we having him do some terrible feat. The food came in pretty quickly, but we ended up waiting for a really long time to get our check. Another waiter who was checking water actually noticed this and was the one to give it to us. All-in-all, we were there for two hours, a little longer than we expected. It might be that Hobo's was low on help and a huge group came in a little after us, but I really wasn't impressed.
(3)Jim S.
Food was good. Service mediocre. Sat at the bar. Other than getting my drink and food bartender never said a word. I might try it again.
(2)K G.
I had great Spanish coffee here and even watched the bartender light the liquor on fire. It was a quiet Saturday evening when I visited. We had no trouble finding a place at the bar and had good service. There is usually live piano music, but the piano player was on vacation when we visited. Great atmosphere and quiet enough that I could actually talk to my friend. I would visit again.
(4)Katy H.
Had a really silly time here with a friend last weekend. The bartender was crazy nice and so were the rest of the folks hanging out. At close to 2AM service was still great and I could have hung out all night if it weren't for their 2AM closing time. Folks were saying how great the food was but I only had a few drinks. Definitely a clean bar with a cute and friendly vibe. I'd be happy to pop in here again sometime when I'm back in Portland.
(4)Marie Y.
The staff here are such a riot! Welcoming, funny, and totally laid back. The building and decor make for a cozy establishment, but the staff are what make this place cool. If Hobo's has a shtick, it's making you feel like a regular on your first visit. I'd say save this place for sometime when you are going to take the Shanghai Tunnel tour.
(3)Mikhail H.
My husband and I eat here pretty regularly and I have yet to have a bad experience. We eat as a couple and have come for birthday group dinners, his company Christmas dinner, you name it really. The setting itself is that of true class and most nights feature live piano playing which is just perfection. My personal favorite dishes are the puff pastry wrapped Brie and for dinner I always order the scallops because they are always amazing. Excellent wine selection though their bartenders make a very good drink as well. The service is always perfect and they have always gone out of their way when we have groups - getting us plates for birthday cake without us even asking and making sure everything was ok. We went once not even realized it was the night of the red dress party. Seeing all the staff in red dresses made me happy enough but they kept apologizing (which was unnecessary because we did not feel neglected at all!) for the delays and how busy it was.
(5)Robert L.
This place is GREAT for food. Very happy i didn't have to find out if it really is a gay bar. Walking inside makes you want to wear a suit based on their appearance alone. The calamari was really good and the ...artichoke..spinach dip was excellent. The salmon was AMAZING!!! EASILY TOP 5 salmon in the world from my experience with salmon in multiple countries and locations. OKAY OKAY there waa a drag queen inside but the pianist made me overlook him/her. They have three celebrity look alikes at waiter and bartender. And u can play pool while you wait for your food but you better when quickly because that appetizer comes out in a heartbeat
(5)David H.
Hobos is a good place to take a loved one on their birthday. Good food cooked well, and good service. It is called a "gay bar," but you might go there many times and not know it, because they are very tasteful and welcome everyone. It is more of a restaurant than a bar, even though you enter and walk past the bar to get to the dining area. It is comfortable and cozy while still keeping an air of dignity and class. The bartenders are top caliber and the wait staff are knowledgable and friendly. Their menu cannot be confused with bar food. It is a nice resaurant with classic american fare like roast beef with jus and fresh fish. I honestly can't think of any negatives. Their prices are higher than other places in the neighborhood, but their ambiance, food and service are more than equal to that.
(4)Margaret J.
This is my "Cheers"..my brother brought me in to Hobo's 2 years ago, and now it's my favorite Old Town Spot. Feels like seeing family. GREAT food, good drinks, and AMAZING waitstaff and bartenders!!! Piano music is a plus for me, and the laid back atmosphere (before 10pm on Fri/Sat). Then house music starts..not a fan. It's just the best spot in Old Town in my opinion.
(5)Heather C.
Fun people, good prime rib, great ambiance.
(4)Gorman E.
Great quiet low key spot. No cover charge. Huge bar and plenty of tables. Intimate lighting and classy interior. The bartender was efficient and friendly. The drink prices was on point. Bathrooms was clean and easy to find. Great spot for prefunking or last calls on your favorite alcoholic beverages! Recommended.
(4)David W.
Was here for the shanghai-neering tour. I hope none of that stuff happens anymore...=P
(4)Mike B.
Went to dinner here on Friday March 11th. The hour was about 8 p.m and the crowd was nominal. (meaning there were a lot of people there, but it was packed!). There were four of us in the group and we were able to get a table right away. After perusing the menu my three dining companions opted for the Prime Rib. I opted for the New York Strip. My dinner was a smallish cut of meat on about a 1/4 cup of mashed potatoes. There was no vegetable served with the meal. After the first bite, I was sure the rest of the steak was going to be a chore. The steak was not cooked to my ordered level, and there was more fat than meat on the cut. The potatoes were luke-warm, dry, and lacked any taste other than potato. There was a small drizzle of gravy on the potato's but not enough to make them any moister. On the flip side, my dining companions stated that their Prime Rib was delicious and cooked to perfection. I guess I should have ordered the Prime Rib. We had several cocktails during the meal, but with the amount of ice in the glass it was hard to tell if I was drinking bourbon and 7 or just a glass of colored water. The over all dining experience was mediocre, but the ambiance was better. They had a piano player tickling the ivories and he played at just the right level to be heard, but not so loud that it overpowered the conversations. The establishment is well lit without being too bright or too dark.
(2)Annaliza S.
Went to Hobo's in the late evening with 3 other people- service at the bar was great. The bartenders were attentive and the drinks were amazing - I highly recommend the Nectarine cocktail drink. We then moved over to a table for dinner. The food was good. My partner and I decided to share the calamari. It was delicious, but the sauce that came with could have been better. It was a little sweeter than I would have liked it to be. Didn't feel it paired well. The service was OK. I assumed that the service was a little shoddy because it was close to closing, but I am not really sure. I just feel the service could have been a little better. It's an iconic gay restaurant / bar in Portland, I just expected a little bit better service. The server could have maybe paid more attention to what we were ordering, but completely listening to what was being ordered. I guess if you want better service, you better go earlier in the day or evening.
(3)Billy G.
Good experience, I liked the music, food was right for the price and drinks were well made. Attentive staff makes for a good rating!
(5)James F.
who puts carpet in a restaurant/bar/dance floor? that being said. Came here on pride weekend because there was no wait or cover. Actually had a great time!
(3)Chad A.
We went here for a friends birthday. The Hobos wait staff was nice and food came promptly. My gf had the blackened salmon and she really enjoyed the sauce and seasoned rice. I however had the prime rib which, according to their menu, was supposed to be a "specialty". I ordered it cooked medium. It seemed to me like they had rewarmed the prime rib in an oven/microwave because it was throughly brown on all sides and was chewy. It was tough to cut and chew. I ended up sending it back and not getting anything else to eat. They took it off the tab just as you would expect. I dont know when I'll be back to Hobos but it probably wont be anytime soon. My advice if you wanna eat here, just dont get the prime rib.
(2)Jess B.
Truly disappointing bar service. Bartenders didn't know how to make the first two drinks I asked for (classic drinks, nothing trendy), so I gave up and ordered a vodka tonic. How you can make a vodka tonic poorly I don't know, but they managed it. We had about 3 drinks here around an event we were waiting for and they were all awful and overpriced for what we got. I haven't had their food in years so I can't comment on that. It's a lovely building and bar, very nice atmosphere.
(2)Amanda R.
Hobo's always makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside and who doesn't like that? I have been here several times and each time, I leave feeling happy and satisfied. The servers are friendly, funny and make conversation, which I tend to appreciate, especially in a bar setting. The decor is dark, sexy and sultry and most times I have been there, live piano music is playing, the fire place is lit and the service is quick and wonderful! Most recently I had the chicken strips and steak fries and aaaamaaahhhhgawd, folks, these were the best chicken strips EVAH! It was more like a whole chicken breast, perfectly breaded, fried and then sliced into 4 strips, served over fries. Hellllllo! I shared them with my sister and felt the size was perfect for a happy hour snack! The place filled up fast after Happy Hour started and just continued to stay busy, but the service never wavered....we were well taken care of! So, the point here is, visit Hobo's, have the chicken strips and say hello to Dave, one of the best servers around!
(5)Lexie L.
my mom ended up picking Hobo's for our dinner while she was in town visiting me, oddly enough. I was amazed when I walked in with the two story seating arrangement, and just how open the entire place looked. I like spacious atmospheres! We were greeted immediately and though an hour early for our reservations they sat us right away- upstairs too! The service was very quick and attentive- we started with drinks and the crab dip app. it was soooo rich but soooo good. my old fashioned was perfect, by the way. I got a rich mushroom ravioli for my entree- it was delicious and I ate allllllll of it! My mom got the chocolate cake for desert so I ended up eating some of that as well. VERY RICH MEAL. However, whiskey kept me awake and alert enough to not fall into a food coma. Also- they had stellar halloween decorations up as it was halloween weekend. All the staff was in costume, it made for a very fun experience! I was also surprised that while the bar was very busy they were able to be so speedy, even with the drinks! I liked it! bit pricey though- but was on mom's tab.
(4)Beth C.
Everytime my brother is in town we go here for drinks and fun. I have always had great service. The food is outstanding. My favorite part is the warm sweet staff members, good Lord! I have not laughed that much in a long time. Such great fun people. I LOVE IT HERE!!
(5)Mary B.
I really liked the ambiance of this place! Dark and sultry inside. I met up with some people here for a Birthday celebration during Happy Hour. I had 2 beers and some tacos for a total of $12 (including tip). I consider that a deal! The tacos were quite tasty, too! Someone ordered a bunch of oyster shooters and I tried one of those, too. It was ok. Pretty good if you are a fan of oyster shooters (I'm more meh about them in general). The seating was super comfortable and intimate... even with about 15 people there. I still felt like I could converse with everyone. There was also a pool table in the back which I will for sure have to take advantage of in the future. I'd come and hang here again for sure.
(4)David B.
Been here many times when in town. Used to be pretty good. Maybe we hit an off night. Good service by Dave, but the food was really boring and somewhat dreadful. The Prime Rib (house specialty) was unseasoned and overcooked. Ordered medium rare and it came medium well, at 5:30 PM (maybe it was yesterdays, reheated). Vegetables while fresh, were cooked properly but zero seasoning. Same with the brown rice side dish. Did the spice truck skip their delivery? I ordered "Collosol" Sea Scallops. Those poor things must have come from the Dead Sea. They were tiny, all shriveled up, and way overcooked. Like eating a bleached tire. The balsamic reduction sauce was really excellent, so the rubber tasted good. Salads or soup are no longer offered with dinner. Strictly ala carte now, which makes the place pricey for the quality and quantity of food. I had a meager 4 baby "Collosol" scallops on my plate. Fortunately there is a Burgerville nearby for a snack on the way home from a not so wonderful dinner. I really hope this was just an off night in the kitchen.
(2)Kevin M.
Portland's version of SF's "Glass Coffin". Enough said.
(2)Jon N.
Bartender seemed pretty off-put to have to make a drink each time we ordered... pool was great though and very cozy environment! Wish I could have liked it better!
(2)Sarah G.
Hobo's is hit or miss. The first time we had great service. The second time we had great service. But we didn't on the third. The difference? We ordered food the first two times & planned to drink it up on the third. I planned on having several drinks but was not once asked if I wanted another. Instead, we were served attitude. It was only after we paid & hung around to talk that a server came to our table and was "nice" to us. Hobo's is a classy place & I love to bring people here. In fact, it was my idea to bring my friends there on the third time. Thanks for embarrassing me, Hobo's.
(2)Brian W.
Piano, drinks, drinner, pool, a patio.... it's like Cheers but way classy. Hidden in Old Town Chinatown - a great pre or post place to meet with friends and family. Most welcoming place in Portland. Ask for Dave - ask him where Sharron is and that Brian sent you !
(5)Jens J.
So if you are on foot near the Willamette waterfront/Old Town and you decide that you want a steak but don't feel like plunking down $43 for a Ribeye at Ruth's Chris or a similarly stratospheric amount at Kincaid's, you might consider Hobo's. True, they don't have ribeyes, but they do have a decent Filet Mignon at $22. They do also have prime rib (that we didn't try). For starters, we had the cream of mushroom soup and coconut prawns. The cream of mushroom soup was delicious (they also have a French Onion soup that we did not sample). The coconut prawns were just right. Big fat juicy shrimp with just the right amount of breading. As indicated, I had the filet mignon. It came with mashed potatoes and broccolini (a high-brow version of broccoli). For the price, very decent! JP had the scallops. I thought the crushed basil topping just didn't work -it seemed an odd flavor combination. For dessert, we played it safe with the creme brulee. It was silky smooth and delicious. The glaze crust on top was a bit overdone and chunky. Still, very very good. Martinis are relatively cheap: $6.25/pop. Ours were quite good but could have stood a bit more Cointreau. Service was fine. Our waitress was eager to please, but she did give some errant info, like for example that Ruth's Chris had gone out of business, which we knew was not true. Hobo's is a reminder that Washington and Oregon are quite small states. We unexpectedly saw an acquaintance in there holding hands with somebody and having a drink. This acquaintance would be in trouble, big time, if somebody in Seattle found that out!! Oh the drama!!
(4)Christa A.
We hung out for a drink before the Tunnel Tour and I have to say it was delightful and we would most likely return for a cocktail or two. The bartender was charming and it was decorated very nicely for Christmas, which always pulls at my heartstrings. Love the name and this place can stay.
(4)Karen E.
Loved the decor, ambiance and seating arrangements. Loved the piano player atmosphere as well. The place wasn't overly crowded for a Fri 8:45 seating. So it wasn't too loud to carry on a nice conversation even though we were seated right by the piano player. Our waiter came over to us immediately and took our drink orders. He was friendly and playful. The drinks were strong enough and tasty. He made a good wine recommendation for one of us in our party. The food though, not so great. We ordered calamari and french fries. The calamari was over cooked and rubbery. Bonus that there were no tentacles on the plate, but still. They shouldn't be chewy like that. The french fries were steak cut and mealy inside. We were not planning on eating here but once we looked at the menu the calamari enticed us. I am hard pressed to think I would come in solely to eat here again given the sub par appetizers, but I suppose if I were in the neighborhood I might give them another try. Especially if I'm in the mood for comfy chairs and live piano music playing in the background.
(3)Marty H.
New menu same attitude. Bartenders can be a bit pretentious at times but I usually ignore them because the wait staff can be charming. However, I just ate about the worse Chicken Marsala ever with the skimpiest dinner salad. I was starving so I ate as much of the chicken I could bear. Greasy, flavorless but edible after a healthy dose of salt and pepper. Update: the pretentiousness has waned a bit. The bartenders are definitely better. Happy hour is fun and the food choices are really good - particularly the mac-n-cheese.
(3)Claudia G.
My company brought a conference to town and we held an event at Hobo's in conjunction with the Shanghai Tunnel tour so this review will address the food and service as well as how Hobo's handles a large event (450 people cycling through). The company had arranged for a buffet with prime rib and halibut wrapped in prosciutto which was accompanied by steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, some kind of fancy rice, and Caesar salad. Being vegetarian I had the vegetables and mashed potatoes and they were delicious - very fresh and well seasoned. My carnivorous colleagues found the main dishes quite excellent as well. The omnipresent owner and staff are all really delightful - very positive and sporting huge smiles even when we were in the thick of the event and the place was packed. Hobo's often holds events in conjunction with the Shanghai Tunnel tour since the grates that lead down to the tunnels are right outside the front door and the experience really shows. To cycle those 450 people through they had designated sections of the restaurant and they turned them so quickly I was amazed. Our attendees were extremely pleased with the food and coordination of the event and said it was one of our best events ever.
(4)Erin M.
Went for my girlfriends birthday and the service for our large group was incredible. They went above and beyond to make us happy. Thank you to Hobos for making it a great party.
(4)Evan M.
Hobo's is a staple for gay men in the downtown area. Full with a live piano bar, Hobo's is a classy establishment. It includes pool tables and various slot games in the back, as well as an outdoor patio during warmer weather. The food served at Hobo's is usually pretty good. There's nothing awe inspiring about the menu (typical bar style cooking), but almost everything I've had has been decent. My personal favorite is the Spinach salad, which comes with feta cheese and a sweet vinaigrette dressing (although ask for light dressing, or on the side...they obviously like it too, because they put a TON on the salad). I don't usually go to Hobo's for the drinks, however. The drinks are usually pretty weak. Standard mixed drinks vary, but never ask for something special. (IE, the use of something like Galliano) as they don't have much experience mixing it (at least in my case). I love the sassy and fun service at Hobo's. The atmosphere is classy and the food is always good. However, if you're just looking for better food, better drinks, and better prices at a gay owned establishment, I recommend The Fox and Hounds one block away (on NW 2nd). That said, there's something to be said about a laid back atmosphere, constant show tunes being played by a live piano, great service, and comfortable seating, and Hobo's delivers.
(4)Rad P.
A scrumptious french dip after much drinking is exactly what I wanted and exactly what I got. I vaguely recollect yummy extra dirty gin martinis, as well. Fantastic friendly service with awesome friends. What more can a guy ask for?
(5)Susan T.
Excellent taste, service, and ambience. The mashed potatoes were awesome and the halibut wrapped in bacon tender yet crisp. Heavenly fine to dine here. Yes! Yes! Yes!
(5)Cliff L.
I am in agreement with Ashley C's review. I wanted to give Hobos a try for the longest time. I went there for the happy hour. The decor was nice, and it is actually rather spacious inside. The waiter was nice and helpful, too. The beer was good, but the happy hour food - in comparison, it doesn't match to Jake's or Henry's. I really hope that Hobos would revamp happy hour food. Keep the fries and tortilla. But add a salad (make it huge)/ a burger. and I am hoping their dinner plates are as good as Rachel Ray said. But overall, if you don't want to be in a crowded happy hour place, Hobos is actually a decent alternative.
(3)Ted J.
This was an awesome place...a little tough to find but it turned out to be a great place. After a cool reception when we first arrived (it is Technically a gay bar) the place warmed right up and became super friendly. The bartender was extremely helpful advising what's in the area and what was down the coast of Oregon. Highly recommend it although in a tough part of town.
(4)Gonz O.
The bartender seemed really put out to have to serve us drinks.
(1)Stephanie H.
Seated in the heart of the drunken-disorderly district of Portland, Hobo's was refreshing. The building oozes class with brick walls, melt-into-me leather lounge chairs, chandeliers and an unfinished vaulted ceiling. I, a heterosexual woman, took my new-to-the-gay-scene friend here for a few drinks last night (admittedly, a Tuesday) and we ended up enjoying a 2.5 hour dinner and drinks. The prices aren't cheap, most of the entrees ran around $18, but apparently Tuesday is two-for-one entree day. Score. We were young compared to the rest of the 30-something population, but I didn't feel out of place as a straight woman. If you go, you must try the baked brie. To. Die. For. (~$10) It may be different on the weekends, but it was a delightful weeknight haven for us.
(4)Brian G.
My Fiance and I came here after our tour of the Shanghi tunnels of Portland. The tour was great and very informative. I am a history buff so this was right up my alley. After the tour we decided to go in and have a bite to eat and decided to go with 3 of their starter plates. CHEVRE QUESADILLA Flour Tortilla filled with Chevre Cheese, Avocado & Roasted Pepper Served with Cilantro Sour Cream & Chipotle Sauce CALAMARI Calamari dusted in Seasoned Flour, fried & served with Sweet Chili Aioli sauce PAN FRIED OYSTERS Half a dozen Oysters dusted in Seasoned Flour Fried & served with Cocktail Sauce Nothing short of amazing. everything was prepared perfectly and came out very quick the wait staff was great as well. I hope to go back and try a few more of their menu options
(3)Etta H.
Hobo's is an awesome, low-key place to go during the week or early weekend evenings... The staff is always super friendly and the atmosphere is just perfect. I haven't ever been in there when there are more than 4 parties or so... usually all seated at the bar. We like to go to the back where the pool tables are and just drink and shoot pool...
(4)Joshua R.
Recently went to Hobo's - I've had drinks many times there but never dinner. Food was excellent - our table of 4 all enjoyed. Excellent service - friendly and not too pushy. They also raise a ton of money for AIDSWalk which is always a great cause to support. Kudos!
(5)Chris S.
LOVE Hobo's! The drinks are great, the food is awesome, and the service is wonderful. I hate reading reviews that expect the world in a martini glass...this is a gay bar with great food, not the other way around. Hobo's is our go-to spot for lounging and drinking--it's all about the chill atmosphere and live piano. Classy.
(5)Dan P.
Excellent food. My experience was only marred by an odd split-personality bartender, and lots of people trying to shove their tongues down each others throats. It isn't my usual kind of bar, and that isn't a problem; just back away from the linguine, OK? I think the pasta would have been better as more of a tutto mare sort of thing, but it was damned good.
(3)Stephanie E.
I *like* Hobos. Really. It's like, a perfect place to go to just chill with friends and have really good food. From the outside, Hobos looks like a teeny little dive-bar. From the inside, it's nice and open and welcoming. There's always a friendly vibe, and the live piano music is always pleasant and just soft enough to not be annoying. The portions are always too big for one person, so your best bet is bringing a friend and sharing. Add an appetizer if you're super hungry, but odds are your going to be leaving with a to-go box regardless. I ordered the Moroccan Coffee, and it was super tasty, chock-full of alcohol, and well worth the price. Friends got the chicken strips and loved them. Some people don't like that the strips are halved lengthwise, but they *have* to be. They're huge strips, piping hot from the kitchen and if they weren't cut, they'd take forever to cool down (and you'll burn your mouth cuz you won't wait). Plus six sliced tenders looks better than three huge breaded slabs of chicken. The service can be slow, there are some seriously short attention spans, but the servers are always super friendly, and are helpful with questions/suggestions about the menu. And if you're not in a rush, it's not really a problem. I really don't understand the pool table/slots area in the back left corner. Feels very out of place, and no one's ever back there playing. The prices are decent - Tuesdays they have buy one/get one entrees (which i think is almost too good a deal). And you definately get your money's worth with whatever you order. There aren't a lot of good late-night places downtown that aren't full of drunkish people and have good not-barfood - so if you definately give this place a try. Just check your attitude and prejudice at the door - this is a gay-friendly place, so do everyone a favor and don't go if you're gonna be #thatguy.
(4)Sarah B.
Maybe the worst bar ever. Went for a drink before a Darcelle's show--we were not an unruly bachelorette party, just 4 ladies out for drink, killing some time. The server was condescending and rude, acted truly put out when I asked where the restroom was, and said 'what do you want me to do about it' when I told him there was a problem with my drink. Needless to say, we did not leave our server a tip--because he was an asshole. It's called gratuity for a reason. We quietly paid our bill and left, dissatisfied with the drinks and service. As we were walking down the street, the server had the audacity to come outside and yell at us, telling us we were rude not to leave a tip, and to never come back. Unreal. Apparently this asshole--Dave--was also the manager. Maybe you should get out of the service industry if it chaps your ass too much to serve drinks.
(1)Jenn W.
If you view Hobo's as a bar, it's a great place with a good selection of beers on tap and a fantastic atmosphere. As a restaurant, you get the feeling that there's no real chef (and by chef I mean a cook who is in charge, nothing more) involved in handling things. We decided to eat here after going on the Shanghai Tunnels tour as the menu we viewed online worked for both of us (a picky vegetarian & a pescatarian), but the execution of almost everything we ordered was just . . . odd - not bad, but odd. The spinach salad was the one exception - fantastic flavors & generous amounts of spiced walnuts & Gorgonzola (although, still odd in that it appeared to be meant to serve at least four people). The other main plus, was that our server was fantastic, fun, and attentive. I'd recommend this place just for drinks, or for people who like large portions for good value.
(3)Jacob V.
Well for the money it was meh. The brocolli & whipped potatoes are really good that come w/the Prime Rib that is their "specialty". The prime rib was pretty bland could have used seasoning & that disgusting hunk of fat that is almost as big as the edible part of the meat has to go no to appetizing. The steamer clams were good though as well as the drinks. Go there for drinks!
(2)Megan O.
Ick, last friday my best friend and I got the great idea to walk across town for dinner and drinks at Pala, unfortunately, when we got there, Pala was not yet open, and we were hungry and in need of a cocktail with sore feet. Given the amazing location of Hobo's: across the street, we headed over. We were seated at a table by a waiter who may have had 1-3 other patrons and who appeared to give a damn that we were alive, and even be interested in procuring food and drinks for us, we were mislead. We got terrible and slow service from an excessively peppy waiter who seemed intentionally clueless to the fact that his disregard for us was bothering us. I was raised on gay bars and gay-operated restaurants in SF, and I can handle a slightly chilled reminder that I am not the target population, but this was rude and difficult to believe. Then our food finally came: grossout time. The "baked to perfection" mac and cheese that I read about on the menu and that Mr. not-so-perfect the waiter assured me was awesome was the worst thing ever: basically: a velveeta cheese chowder of melted gross cheese soup with some random pasta floating about. Not everyone has to have perfect mac and cheese, but this was a travesty and the waiter lied. My friend's chicken strips were cut into halves, which annoyed her. Their food target population might come later, be more intoxicated, and less annoyed, but this would have also made for bad drunk food. Even the gingerale in our cocktails was flat-- I will not be going back.
(1)Ralph S.
I have tried ti like this place. I have been here several times and each time was worse than the last. Service was poor and food quality was fair at best. As a member of the gay community, I will not take friends visiting there. It's an embarrassment.
(1)Sara G.
Is it a gay friendly straight bar or a straight friendly gay bar? Probably the latter, but however you classify it, Hobo's is a great bar. It's my favorite in Old Town because: Mostly douchebag free Provides some excellent people watching and eavesdropping (not that I do that, but if I did, I would have heard some pretty entertaining sex toy stories one time) Tasty drinks & food Great happy hour Classy environment Live piano!!! Friendly, funny servers (last one we had strongly resembled Aidan from Sex and the City- doesn't hurt!) While the happy hour is typical (mac and cheese, quesadilla, etc.) the quality of the food is better than average. Drinks are strong and tasty, and I really liked the pan-fried oysters off the lounge menu. Rachael Ray apparently came here for one of her shows. Don't hold that against Hobo's.
(4)Ashley C.
I've been here only once, so my star rating is at three until further visits. I came here for a drink with some friends after work. It's very open and everything in it's place. I didn't think it stood out from other places. It is simple, clean, and inviting. I like comfortable feeling of the place, which I can't say for most places in or around Chinatown. I thought the atmosphere was very charming and everyone seemed very interested in their private conversations. There were more loud obnoxious noise outside then inside, which was refreshing. Again, I stopped by for a drink, and didn't eat so my review will be very limited. If you want a nice, clean place to hang for a bit before heading to the next destination, this may be it.
(3)Allison D.
Nooo, I went in here not knowing what was going on. The booze was high, but the place was very classy. I do remember seeing heterosexual couples at the bar which is why I thought it was a typical bar, except when I turned the corner. A big old guy dressed in drag. I headed back to the bar and order more inflated booze. I think this is a nice place, but not for me. So don't take offense I give this place a score less than it deserves.
(3)Tricia H.
Yummy, yummy and how can you go wrong with old historic downtown Portland. Lots of eclectic sights inside the restaurant and on the streets walking to and from this place. Definitely a great place to stop and enjoy a warm bite and great for special occasions (V-Day, etc.)
(4)Brie P.
As part of a Shanghai Tour we started out at Hobo's and ended up getting a few drinks afterwards in the beautiful courtyard. Despite Hobo's name the establishment was pretty classy they had some really great stained glass windows in the back and I think I saw some pool tables in there as well.
(3)Jenny C.
This is a great place to hang out with friends for a bit. The atmosphere is one of the most laid back ones I have experienced in Portland yet... love it. We got there around 5.00- before the shanghai tour - and it was pretty empty save for the older group of 'regulars'... We got our drinks, played a bit of pool and hung out in what is undoubtedly one of the coolest internal courtyards in the city. The staff is friendly and attentive, one clued us in to where the good spots are to sit for optimal people watching... which is always fun. It's a great escape from the typical bar scene in Old Town.
(4)Barry W.
By far this was the worst meals that my wife and I have ordered in the two years since we.ve been in the Portland area. I say ordered rather than ate, since we just paid for the meals after a few bites each and left. We chose this restaurant based on favorable online reviews. My prime rib was extremely leathery, without positive flavor. It appeared to have been reheated from the night before. Her chicken parmesan was flavorless and her pasta was cold. This is the first really negative review that I can remember doing for a restaurant. I would say that they are unworthy of being called a restaurant.
(1)Rosemary R.
A lovely place to relax and have a drink with friends. I love the piano player, Matthew Kern, on Wednesday nights! They make a great dirty martini too!
(4)Courtney D.
Historic, friendly vibe draws welcoming crowd If you're in need of good lift and time, definitely check out this friendly joint for its piano bar and good drinks. It's housed in an Old Town historic building, which is just a small part of its charm. Inside you'll find the piano bar, along with several pool tables. Although it attracts mostly a gay crowd, everyone is welcome, which is why I love this place. It's whole vibe is very inviting and friendly and doesn't know how to be pretentious. Maggie A was right too -- their baked brie rocks! Tip: Definitely check out their courtyard when the weather is warm.
(4)mary r.
Worth the trip alone just for the piano player. Hobo's is a low key, quiet place to meet friends. Decent drinks and bar food. What surprised me was the cute guy at the piano. He was great, that's why I will be back. Where else can you have live music and still chat with your friends. Great atmosphere.
(5)Amy D.
stopped by here by random..LOVE LOVE LOVE the atmosphere, great service, good drinks, tasty vittles!
(5)Maggie A.
Two Words: Baked Brie I met some friends here for drinks one night (our straight guy friend got a chuckle at the idea that maybe he's cute because a lot of the guys were chatting with him before we showed up), and it was a really very nice place with the perfect mood for some quiet drinks and a small bite, like an appetizer. So I went with the Baked Brie, and oh, so very yummy and creamy and just plain delicious. I think the drinks were good, too, but I just remember the brie.
(4)Christen M.
I came here for dinner before taking a tour of the Shanghai Tunnels, and was reasonably impressed. (There are a number of Shanghai Tunnel tours of Portland, but the one we chose starts at Hobo's.) The building has high vaulted ceilings, lots of natural light, and original brick and woodwork -- a beautifully maintained Old Town building. Waitpeople at Hobo's are attentive and friendly; as is my wont (or my obsession), I tried the macaroni and cheese, and it passed the Christen test (neither too gooey nor too clumpy). The drinks were good as well. Hobo's manages to be that rare (but, I think, uniquely Portland) combination -- both elegant and laid back.
(4)Anonymous A.
Stopped by on a Sunday evening, prime time, and discovered there was only one waiter and one bartender on duty. I guess the restaurant had gvien up on attracting a crowd and instead decided to cut staff. The waiter was very capable and speedy but too busy to do anything more than take orders and bring the food. Of necessity, the service was very inattentive. The food was even less impressive. My salad lettuce was not fresh and drowned in overly sweet balsamic vinaigrette. I ordered the so-so salmon and it arrived with exactly five (5) of the thinnest spears of grossly undercooked asparagus I have ever seen and a generous mound of rice. The salmon itself was large but unusually thin and thus tasted stale and dried out. The only reason to come here is the piano player. Hobos is a wonderful respite from the craziness that has overtaken Old Town in recent years and one of the few gay establishments anywhere that has a pianist to entertain. But while I love the atmosphere here, the lackluster service and especially the food quality are inexcusable. I'm in Portland only about once a year and I always stop in Hobos but I'm not sure I'll be doing so again. Minus the piano, Starky's provides friendlier service and much better food and would be my recommended alternative if Hobos can't get their act together.
(2)Kathy K.
We haven't been to Hobos in quite a while. We have been going there for over 25 yrs, starting in our mid 20's. So we thought, it is the Rose Festival, the streets are hopping, let's stop in and have a drink. It wasn't very busy, we sat at a table & felt a bit ignored. The server didn't even look at us when we ordered. We had a glass of wine, were hungry & had been told by some friends that the food had improved. So we looked at the menu, so many things "sounded" appealing. We both decided on the Salmon dish with an orange, coconut,mango sauce that sounded great & which the server highly recommended. The plate of food was almost laughable for the price. A piece of salmon, about 6 green beans and about 1/4 cup of what tasted like instant mashed potatoes. The Salmon was so tasteless, why even put any sauce on it & the bottom wasn't seared, it was burnt. Really? Hobos can be such a classy place. A place you can be proud of in your community. It doesn't take a lot.But pride in your food should be at the top of your list along with a more attentive wait staff. We miss the "good old days".
(2)