Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Name: Jake’s Famous Crawfish
Address: 401 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR, 97205
Telephone: (503) 226-1419
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.89

Jake’s Famous Crawfish

401 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR, 97205

(503) 226-1419
Store is closed

Jake’s Famous Crawfish Menu

Chef's Exclusive Dinner - Starter

Clam Chowder or Walnut Mixed Greens

Clam Chowder or Walnut Mixed Greens
Soups & Salad

Clam Chowder

Maine Lobster Bisque

Crab Corn Chowder

Chopped Salad

Caesar Salad

Walnut Mixed Greens

Tuscan Kale Salad

Romano Chicken Chop Salad

Lobster Cobb Salad

Little Gem Wedge

Clam Chowder

Maine Lobster Bisque

Crab Corn Chowder

Chopped Salad

Caesar Salad

Walnut Mixed Greens

Tuscan Kale Salad

Romano Chicken Chop Salad

Lobster Cobb Salad

Little Gem Wedge
Chef's Exclusive Dinner - Entree

Tender Beef Medallions & Scampi Style Shrimp

Classic Shrimp Scampi over Linguini

Pan Seared Trout

Tender Beef Medallions & Scampi Style Shrimp

Classic Shrimp Scampi over Linguini

Pan Seared Trout
Chef's Choice

Palm Beach Mahi Mahi

King Crab Legs

Palm Beach Mahi Mahi

King Crab Legs
Oyster Bar

Oysters Rockefeller (4)

Long Island Blue Point

Baja California Kumiai

British Columbia Fanny Bay

California Kumamoto

Oysters Rockefeller (4)

Long Island Blue Point

Baja California Kumiai

British Columbia Fanny Bay

California Kumamoto
Perfect For Sharing

Coast to Coast Tuna

Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms

Steamed Mussels

Calamari "Fritto Misto"

Shrimp Kisses

Lump Crab Cake

Coconut Shrimp

Chilled Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

Roasted Mushroom Flatbread

Beef Tataki

Chilled Seafood Platter

Coast to Coast Tuna

Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms

Steamed Mussels

Calamari "Fritto Misto"

Shrimp Kisses

Lump Crab Cake

Coconut Shrimp

Chilled Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail

Roasted Mushroom Flatbread

Beef Tataki

Chilled Seafood Platter
Fresh Fish

Atlantic Salmon

Australian Barramundi

Hawaiian Mahi Mahi

Wahoo

Pacific Swordfish

Atlantic Salmon

Australian Barramundi

Hawaiian Mahi Mahi

Wahoo

Pacific Swordfish
Simply Great On Fish

Lump Crab with Lemon Butter

Sauteed Shrimp Scampi Style

Avocado Pico De Gallo

Tropical Fruit Relish

Lump Crab with Lemon Butter

Sauteed Shrimp Scampi Style

Avocado Pico De Gallo

Tropical Fruit Relish
Signature Fish

Skillet Bronzed Tilapia

Almond Crusted Rainbow Trout

Cedar Roasted Atlantic Salmon

Wild Isles Organic Salmon

Parmesan Crusted Sole

Crispy Seared Barramundi

Chilean Sea Bass

Skillet Bronzed Tilapia

Almond Crusted Rainbow Trout

Cedar Roasted Atlantic Salmon

Wild Isles Organic Salmon

Parmesan Crusted Sole

Crispy Seared Barramundi

Chilean Sea Bass
Seafoods Specialties

Fish & Chips

Buttermilk Fried Shrimp

Stuffed Shrimp

Seared Sea Scallops

Lump Crab Cakes

Shrimp and Andouille "Mac & Cheese"

Salmon Rigatoni

"Jake's Famous" Bouillabaise

Fish & Chips

Buttermilk Fried Shrimp

Stuffed Shrimp

Seared Sea Scallops

Lump Crab Cakes

Shrimp and Andouille "Mac & Cheese"

Salmon Rigatoni

"Jake's Famous" Bouillabaise
Mixed Grill Selections

McCormick's Seafood Trio

Shrimp Trilogy

Ultimate Mixed Grill

Filet & Stuffed Shrimp

Steak & Lobster

McCormick's Seafood Trio

Shrimp Trilogy

Ultimate Mixed Grill

Filet & Stuffed Shrimp

Steak & Lobster
Steaks & Specialty Meats

C.A.B. New York Strip Filet

Center Cut Filet Mignon

U.S.D.A. Choice Top Sirloin

U.S.D.A. Choice New York Strip

Dry Rubbed Black Angus Ribeye Steak - Center Cut

Braised Short Ribs

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

American Kobe Style Burger

Blackened Chicken Fettuccini

C.A.B. New York Strip Filet

Center Cut Filet Mignon

U.S.D.A. Choice Top Sirloin

U.S.D.A. Choice New York Strip

Dry Rubbed Black Angus Ribeye Steak - Center Cut

Braised Short Ribs

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

American Kobe Style Burger

Blackened Chicken Fettuccini
Simply Great With Steak

Lyonnaise

Truffle Butter

Boursin Blue Cheese

Truffle Frites

Lyonnaise

Truffle Butter

Boursin Blue Cheese

Truffle Frites
Signature Sides

Grilled Asparagus

Lobster Mashed Potatoes

Wild Mushroom Spinach Saute

Roasted Root Vegetables

Pancetta Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts

Blue Cheese & Onion Mash

Boursin & Mushroom Mash

Red Pepper White Cheddar Mash

Grilled Asparagus

Lobster Mashed Potatoes

Wild Mushroom Spinach Saute

Roasted Root Vegetables

Pancetta Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts

Blue Cheese & Onion Mash

Boursin & Mushroom Mash

Red Pepper White Cheddar Mash
Chef's Exclusive Dinner - Dessert

Creme Brulee

Creme Brulee

Healthy Meal suggestions for Jake’s Famous Crawfish

Chef's Exclusive Dinner - Starter

Clam Chowder or Walnut Mixed Greens [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Clam Chowder or Walnut Mixed Greens [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soups & Salad

Clam Chowder [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Maine Lobster Bisque [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crab Corn Chowder [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chopped Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Walnut Mixed Greens [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuscan Kale Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Romano Chicken Chop Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lobster Cobb Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Little Gem Wedge [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Clam Chowder [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Maine Lobster Bisque [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crab Corn Chowder [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chopped Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Walnut Mixed Greens [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuscan Kale Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Romano Chicken Chop Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lobster Cobb Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Little Gem Wedge [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chef's Exclusive Dinner - Entree

Tender Beef Medallions & Scampi Style Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Classic Shrimp Scampi over Linguini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Seared Trout [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tender Beef Medallions & Scampi Style Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Classic Shrimp Scampi over Linguini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pan Seared Trout [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chef's Choice

Palm Beach Mahi Mahi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

King Crab Legs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Palm Beach Mahi Mahi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

King Crab Legs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Oyster Bar

Oysters Rockefeller (4) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Long Island Blue Point [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baja California Kumiai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

British Columbia Fanny Bay [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

California Kumamoto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Oysters Rockefeller (4) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Long Island Blue Point [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baja California Kumiai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

British Columbia Fanny Bay [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

California Kumamoto [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Perfect For Sharing

Coast to Coast Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steamed Mussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamari "Fritto Misto" [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Kisses [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lump Crab Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coconut Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chilled Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Mushroom Flatbread [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Tataki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chilled Seafood Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coast to Coast Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steamed Mussels [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamari "Fritto Misto" [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Kisses [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lump Crab Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Coconut Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chilled Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Mushroom Flatbread [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beef Tataki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chilled Seafood Platter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Fresh Fish

Atlantic Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Australian Barramundi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hawaiian Mahi Mahi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wahoo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pacific Swordfish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Atlantic Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Australian Barramundi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hawaiian Mahi Mahi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wahoo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pacific Swordfish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Simply Great On Fish

Lump Crab with Lemon Butter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sauteed Shrimp Scampi Style [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Avocado Pico De Gallo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tropical Fruit Relish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lump Crab with Lemon Butter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sauteed Shrimp Scampi Style [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Avocado Pico De Gallo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tropical Fruit Relish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Signature Fish

Skillet Bronzed Tilapia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Almond Crusted Rainbow Trout [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cedar Roasted Atlantic Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wild Isles Organic Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Parmesan Crusted Sole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy Seared Barramundi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chilean Sea Bass [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Skillet Bronzed Tilapia [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Almond Crusted Rainbow Trout [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cedar Roasted Atlantic Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wild Isles Organic Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Parmesan Crusted Sole [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy Seared Barramundi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chilean Sea Bass [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Seafoods Specialties

Fish & Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buttermilk Fried Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Stuffed Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seared Sea Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lump Crab Cakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp and Andouille "Mac & Cheese" [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon Rigatoni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

"Jake's Famous" Bouillabaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fish & Chips [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buttermilk Fried Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Stuffed Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seared Sea Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lump Crab Cakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp and Andouille "Mac & Cheese" [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Salmon Rigatoni [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

"Jake's Famous" Bouillabaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Mixed Grill Selections

McCormick's Seafood Trio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Trilogy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ultimate Mixed Grill [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Filet & Stuffed Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak & Lobster [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

McCormick's Seafood Trio [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Trilogy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ultimate Mixed Grill [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Filet & Stuffed Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steak & Lobster [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Steaks & Specialty Meats

C.A.B. New York Strip Filet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Center Cut Filet Mignon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

U.S.D.A. Choice Top Sirloin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

U.S.D.A. Choice New York Strip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dry Rubbed Black Angus Ribeye Steak - Center Cut [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Braised Short Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Parmesan Crusted Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

American Kobe Style Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blackened Chicken Fettuccini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

C.A.B. New York Strip Filet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Center Cut Filet Mignon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

U.S.D.A. Choice Top Sirloin [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

U.S.D.A. Choice New York Strip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dry Rubbed Black Angus Ribeye Steak - Center Cut [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Braised Short Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Parmesan Crusted Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

American Kobe Style Burger [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blackened Chicken Fettuccini [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Simply Great With Steak

Lyonnaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Truffle Butter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boursin Blue Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Truffle Frites [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lyonnaise [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Truffle Butter [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boursin Blue Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Truffle Frites [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Signature Sides

Grilled Asparagus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lobster Mashed Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wild Mushroom Spinach Saute [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Root Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pancetta Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blue Cheese & Onion Mash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boursin & Mushroom Mash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Red Pepper White Cheddar Mash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Asparagus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lobster Mashed Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wild Mushroom Spinach Saute [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Root Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pancetta Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blue Cheese & Onion Mash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Boursin & Mushroom Mash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Red Pepper White Cheddar Mash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chef's Exclusive Dinner - Dessert

Creme Brulee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Creme Brulee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

Write An Anonymous Review

Heather D.

This is a solid established historic restaurant in Portland. A great place to bring visiting family or friends. Decorated in a more upscale fashion with dark paneling. Expect great service and fresh seafood prepared well. You will not be disappointed. The bar is always bustling and features a reasonable menu , drink specials and happy hour. It is definitely worth the visit!
(4)
Annie K.

I would want to go back to Portland SOLELY to visit this place again for their HAPPY HOUR. Prices are SO CHEAP and the food is BEYOND delicious. Me and my family literally ordered at least 10 plates of this good stuff, ranging from salmon cakes to mussels to sweet potato fries (which were AHHH-mazing). You MUST go visit this place. The only downside I'd say is you have to snatch up a table yourself so I'm not sure if this will be a good place for a HUGE party. I'd say they'd be able to accommodate 2-6 people easily. I didn't try their regular menu, but HAPPY HOUR is the best way to go if you want to try their food, you won't regret it.
(5)
Corey G.

What a great place. Had my second visit to this establishment during a recent visit to Portland (stayed at the nearby Mark Spencer Hotel---see my Yelp of it as well). We went for a late dinner here, and so I crossed my fingers and called up to see whether they'd have any tables at 10pm. Sure enough they had some openings so I made a reservation. When we arrived the place was still alive and hopping. They seated us within a few minutes. There's a nice vibe inside and it's a great place to go with a group. As for their menu they have a huge selection. For a brief second I thought of getting steak, but HEY---this is a seafood restaurant! So, I narrowed my focus to the seafood variety. Even with this limitation, it still took a while to choose--there were so many tasty entree's to choose from! I eventually went for the Pecan-crusted Catfish. I have to say that it didn't disappoint. I gulped it all up and it was yummy. Additionally, my four other dinner-mates also showered the place w/ accolades over their meals. For dessert thought of getting a "Chocolate Bag" (looked yummy), but we went for a dessert that had three different desserts with it. It was Yum, too :)
(4)
chris s.

We dined on a Saturday night. Food was presented well buttaste was not outstanding. Sole was dry and Halibut a bit underdone. Crab cakes were good. Service is very professional. Decor is old-school charm. Worth a visit, but they need to improve the high quality of the food for the price. Cheers
(3)
J T.

Very cool and laid back neighborhood bar with over 100 years of history. The bar itself is the highlight of the joint in my opinion. Especially the 100-year-old highboys that hold the liqueur and glasses. The Ã©touffÃ©e was very good and enough for two. Lots of good local microbrews on tap. It doesn't feel like a McCormick & Schmick's at all. Sit at the bar if possible.
(4)
John E.

Having tickets to any event in downtown just for some reason automatically calls out for a nice dinner at a Portland institution. Usually the Wife and I choose Wilf's at the train station, but this time we were with a large group of people and the majority wanted to hit Jakes Famous Crawfish. In my 13 years in the city I have never been here, the Wife had but it had been over a decade. Parking was affordable at the garage and beat hunting for a space on the street. It was a nice short walk to the door where we quickly found our party of seven. The menu is crammed full of wonderful things you want to stick in our mouth from start to finish. Seafood, steaks, pasta dishes, and did I mention seafood? The Wife and I love seafood, we have been known to eat our weight in crab legs, crawfish and shrimp in New Orleans. As we ordered and talked I was really comfortable in the decorated surroundings. There were ornate things to admire everywhere, there was a quality loaf of sourdough crusty bread to indulge in, intricate woodwork and we had one hell of an entertaining server. I went for the seafood fettuccine while the Wife went all New Orleans on me and had the Crawfish Ettouffe served over white rice, and she got one large steamin' pot of the stuff too. The food was amazing and fresh and well prepared. All too soon we were needing to head over to the Keller for our show but I certainly need to bring the Wife back here again sometime, just the two of us.
(4)
Evelyn O.

The best clam chowder I have ever had. Prior to this San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf was my favorite! I also had the Parmesan crusted sole it was absolutely perfect! My husbands crawfish was to die for!!
(5)
Steven O.

The clam chowder here was among the best I have ever had. Ordered the Jake's Ã©touffÃ©e and it was great, just the right amount of spice. I would happily come here to eat again! Portion size was very good, I am full!
(5)
Dallas S.

When we were seated we met Kathy who was an amazing waitress! She gave us some bread which was really tough but good. After that course she gave us little toast crackers with Brie cheese and apple chutney which was pretty good but I didn't favor the cheese. Then came are other appetizers: we shared a little bowl of clam chowder which was amazing and good thickness; also had a vinaigrette walnut blue cheese salad that was very tangy. The bathroom was really cool! It was like walking into an old phone booth! The people behind us where very annoying and didn't know how to behave in a restaurant like Jake's. When our main courses came everyone was too full and we could only get 10 bites into our dishes before we were ready to box 'em up! Dad had the bouillabaisse (fisherman stew) which in the broth was amazing with all kinds of seafood from muscles to salmon. Erin had great seafood fettuccine! Had great texture and seasoning! And my dish (which I thought was the best overall) when I first got it it wasn't exactly what I thought it would be, but I had oven roasted crab with salmon stuffed shrimp! It was amazing but not what I expected! It was served with horrible lumpy mashed potatoes. To end the night we took some dessert to-go. Erin got some chocolate mousse, which was like the most amazing chocolate whipped cream to me! And I finished with a apple walnut upside down pie, which was even more amazing! The bill wasn't as bad as I thought but I wouldn't be too happy paying! Most of it was worth it! Thank you!
(5)
Heather G.

Oh Jake - yikes. This is a Portland icon but it seems it is sentiment over substance. The food and the decor is stuck firmly in a less than splendorous past. The service is good but the food is tragic and expensive. Tradition can be great if it continues to be great. It is not great here. The Crab cocktail is tiny and lacks flavor or delicacy (17 dollars) overly dressed in cocktail sauce....the 42.00 crab saute was overpriced but good. Sadly it was accompanied by overdone white rice mounded on a stained plate. I usually only yelp my faves, but I wish I had been saved from this one, so figured i should pass on the news. Portland has so many great places, this just isn't one of them anymore.
(2)
Linh N.

Ok, why isn't there a 4.5 star option here??? I've been to this place a few times and I really enjoy it. This is definitely one of the better happy hours places to go if you like seafood--especially steamed mussels, clams (the clam isn't on the happy hour menu at this time, but it was before) and oyster shooters! If you've read my previous reviews, Portland City Grill used to be my favorite happy hour spot until they changed up their happy hour menu and now the food is so disappointing that I haven't been back there for over 1.5 years! Anyways, back to Jake's... definitely one of the better happy hour places to go as I'm really all about happy hour food and not the drinks! The happy hour prices aren't one of the cheaper ones either even for the quality or type of food they offer, but that's with most establishments in the last few years. The service... damn, those waitresses must be overpaid as for the prices of their food, you would definitely expect better than mediocre service. As for dinner, you can't go wrong here either as the food is pretty good. I took my NBA Laker's friend and King's scout here for dinner at different times and they both loved this place--especially their stuffed salmon with dungeness crab, shrimp, and cheese! They seriously know how to cook that salmon right--it just melts in your mouth and worth the price as it's a pretty spendy dish. I've had their other dishes and they're all pretty good although not memorable... and definitely nothing beats that stuffed salmon. I think I'd give this place 5-stars if the service matched their $$$ prices and they had more memorable dishes, but definitely still a good place for food during happy hour or dinner!
(4)
Kimberly P.

Recently came here for happy hour with a friend. Definitely a great place to go if you're looking for some cheap bites. Everything started off fine. Got in our drink and food orders. Drinks came out pretty quickly. Food kind of took a while. And as time went on we started to see our server come outside less and less to where she was almost non existent. We ended up waiting for twenty minutes to finally grab her and ask for our check. Then at least another twenty minutes went by before she came out to get our cards to pay for it. If I was a lesser person, I could have easily dined and ditched and have been long gone before she'd have even noticed. Recommendation: don't make people wait over forty minutes just to pay their bill.
(3)
Buzz M.

The first two times I went to this place I thought it was 4 star minimum. The last 9 visits have set me straight. This place is busy for a reason. The food is good. Not great, but good. They shine here and there. My personal favorite is the smoked trout with capers/sourcream/crackers. it's an appetizer but I could live on it. It's that good! But it's loud. I mean crazy loud. A group of 6 cannot communicate and a group of 4 will struggle. Plus it's cramped. Food goes over your head from wait staff as they try to negotiate the maze of tables. Scary to say the last. No parking at all and a real pain to get in and out of. They do valet. you'll enjoy the food if you can get past all the shortcomings.
(2)
Michelle Pearl G.

Let me start by saying that between the 5 of us at our table, we all come to Jakes at least 3 times a week. I could go detailed on everything that caused me to leave so angry and frustrated last night, but that would result in a 2 page review. I'll keep it short, fragmented and simple. - Never argue with a customer. - Never vent about customers not leaving a tip so loud that the entire restaurant can hear it. - Never roll your eyes, sigh heavily or speak in a belittling fashion to a customer. ***sigh*** "Well the kitchen closes in 30 minutes, if you want food you'd better order in the next 10 minutes or you wont get any." (Might I add that she disappeared for 20 minutes after this). "What??? How am I supposed to understand that? I mean, ugh, its like, I can't understand that!" - Never make the customer feel like you're a burden. Asking for a refill of a Coke was like pulling teeth. - Never throw random excess from the overall tab onto someones individual portion without asking them. The main nightmare was the tab. She said that she "followed the directions" that we left her on our tab giving the amounts and the methods of payments. If she truly had, mine was the first 'direction' which was not followed. I was to have $9 cash back on a $31 total. I received no change as she decided to put the excess leftover from the tab onto my individual bill. I understand an unclaimed amount can be left over on bad adding, this has happened before, the server always comes out to ask how the remaining balance would like to be paid. Never is one supposed to automatically deduct it from whosever card or cash they so choose. She also argued with us on the 4Square check-in special. Each individual person much check in to unlock this 1 free hh menu item special. It does not designate any limitations of 1 per table. Apparently the manager has changed this and we said "Fine, though for the past year it's always been per person. We'll settle for the 1 item off for the table." She didn't even take the 1 item off. I now understand why the other table of business men and women did not leave her a tip. If it wasn't for my coming here often, and knowing that this is not how the other servers are, I'd swear this place off like the plague. I will be back, as well as my friends, but we will refuse to use 'C Molly' as our server. Happy hour was the opposite of happy.
(1)
Elvia J.

Jake's is highly recommended by locals so you can't go wrong and the location is perfect for Portland visitors because it's in a busy area. The name of the restaurant is very casual, but the interior, service, and food are at the top of the dining chart. Our table ordered a variety of dishes and each one scored high points. I enjoyed the calm atmosphere with dinner along with a glass of local red wine.
(5)
Nora B.

You have to be a serious lover of seafood to try Jakes. It had the occasional chicken salad and fettuccine but it is mainly seafood. We went there last night to celebrate two birthdays and they even created special menus with a happy birthday message on the top for our party of six. The calamari and crab cakes were delicious. We ordered something different and tried a little of each others plates. The ahi tuna was mildly spicy but well worth it. Jakes prices are a little above average but it's fresh seafood. This place changes it's menus on a daily basis to accommodate what fresh fish has been flown in earlier that day.
(4)
Ed U.

This is the type of place that wouldn't be out of place on San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. That's not an insult...it just seems aimed directly at tourists like me looking for a classic seafood meal at an old-fashioned fish house with lots of mahogany paneling. I like the feel of wood....smooth. Located just below the Pearl district, it's a frenetic place with a bustling bar scene. Jamie W. and I just went because hey, it's "Famous"....and I wanted to try the world-class salmon for which Portland cuisine bases its exalted reputation. We were seated in a big window-side booth where we promptly perused the menu with fervor. We went for an appetizer of $13.95 Lump Crab Cakes with Tartar Sauce. They were decadently delish with fresh shrimp mixed in for good measure, although like Will Rogers, I doubt if I ever had a bad crab cake I didn't like in my life. That's what he said, right? I moved right into a bowl of the $8.95 Crab Bisque, a tasty, butter-intensive soup a spoonful for which Paula Deen would likely perform doggy-style. For our shared entree, we went for the $20.50 Jake's Etoufee, a dish which combines crawfish, chicken and shrimp in a brown sauce, all ladled over rice. I would normally wince at the sight of a "brown" sauce, but this was flavorfully thick...whatever the hell it was. Jamie and I decided to be good and minimize our intake of the huge wedge of sourdough bread left at our table from the outset. But our proudest moment was averting the Medusa-like pull of the dessert table. We were pretty sated anyway. I never did try the salmon. Oh well, next time. But if you are in the mood for fresh seafood, this is one Portland institution worth checking out. Our waiter was great, very helpful without being unctuous and even gave us pointers on what places to visit in the city. FOOD - 4 stars....fresh, hearty seafood dishes the old-fashioned way AMBIANCE - 4 stars...looks like it's been around for years...and it has SERVICE - 4.5 stars...friendly and knowledgeable TOTAL - 4 stars...I was as stuffed as the salmon on the menu
(4)
Jeff H.

This place is the Gold Standard for Seafood on the West Coast. Unpretentious, simply presented, with consistently delicious food and friendly service. If you haven't been to Jake's, you are missing the Pacific Northwest Seafood boat. Jeff Herb
(5)
Jake W.

Jake's Truffle Cake. You'll eat the whole thing whether there's room for it or not.
(5)
Lisa E.

I usually go to Jake's Grill and have always had a good meal there. This was the first time I've been to Jake's Crawfish. Their calamari is light and not greasy. I wasn't sure what I wanted to order. There were so many yummy options! I'm forever in search of THE BEST steak in Portland. Nothing has compared to Craftsteak in Vegas. Portland City Grill came pretty close, however. In the end, the Steelhead was calling my name. Fresh Steelhead with Wild Oregon Bay shrimp and a basil butter sauce. It was a really light sauce, not creamy at all, and I prefer those kinds of sauces. I asked the waiter if I could substitute the roasted potatoes with a salad and he said no. He said they could give me extra veggies instead of potatoes but I said nevermind. Seemed weird they don't substitute. The fish was perfectly prepared and melted in my mouth! The sauce was tangy and delicious. ordered the Cheese Ravioli with Crab. It came in a cream sauce with chunks of goat cheese, spinach, and basil. I snagged a few bites and it was great too! I've never had Key Lime Pie in my life but ordered it for dessert. I wasn't sure what to expect. It was tangy and bitter, but in a good way. The little bit of whipped cream was just sweet enough to balance it out and the graham cracker crust was thick and crunchy! It was fantastic. I don't regret splitting it thought because it's very rich. All in all, great food, pretty decent service. I suggest making a reservation. It's always crowded!
(4)
Jack S.

What can I say.? My wife and I celebrated our 1st and 2nd anniversaries here and everything was impeccable from the friendly service (complete with personal reccomendations from the servers) to the exquisite selections from the menu. The Ettuffee`, the Escargo (served in an alabaster six shooter) with sizzling garlic butter and the Seafood Newberg were all top notch, not to mention the Lobster Tails :O) 5 Stars All The Way !! We will be back again and again !! XXX
(5)
Kevin H.

White jacketed waitstaff with corporate trained spiel greeted our messy sweaty selves after drunk biking here. Felt just a tad out of place, but we were hungry! The food is quite decent, enjoyed the bay shrimp Louie salad, which our server was kind enough to split for us on two separate plates. Sweet mounds of shrimp in a tangy dressing hit the spot. Really enjoyed the tender and fresh razor clams. Lightly coated with panko and pan sauteed, great fresh from the sea flavor with a marvelous texture. Cedar planked Columbia river salmon was tasty if just a tad overdone. Both entrees served with garlic mashers, string beans and julienned carrots. Obligatory desert tray presentation worked its magic, hard to pass up. Trio of raspberry tart, creme brulee and mini chocolate mousse bag. Thankfully we were biking down hill on the way back.
(4)
Miguel M.

Speedy service, food was perfection, and very tasty! The only downside was the ridiculous high prices. I payed $40 for the crab leg sautÃ© which came with a side of cheap bland white rice. For appetizers we had giant oysters and fried calamari. My girlfriend got the stuffed salmon, which happens to be a very popular entree there. There are really no words to explain how full of flavor both the crab leg sautÃ© and the stuffed salmon were!! It was fresh and cooked perfectly. The waiter was some really old dude who was very kind and highly knowledgeable about the menu. It's a somewhat classy place and I loved the atmosphere. I will definitely be back!!
(4)
Angela K.

LUCKY ME I had an opportunity to pass by Portland again but this time with my family. I brought them here to this amazing restaurant. Let me first say that my father is such a picky eater. He becomes a nightmare sometimes because it always seems like there is something wrong with the food. But let me also say that whatever he says it is really good everyone loves. With that said, if my father approves of the food, then you know the place is REALLY GOOD. My father LOVED the mussels. So did the rest of the family. We ordered 3 orders of the mussels at happy hour. We were all in love. Since we were on our way back down to Cali, we literally daydreamed about Jake's Mussels for DAYS and how we wished this restaurant was in Los Angeles. We did order more things like on my previous review and my ratings for the dishes still stay the same. Freaking fantastic. I believe we ordered pretty much everything on the happy hour menu and 2 more orders of mussels. With a glass of draft beer per person, the bill was only about $70. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?!?! GEEZ. JAKE's HAPPY HOUR MUSSELS I LOVE THEEEEEEEEE.
(5)
David B.

I go here every time I'm in Portland and have the same dish: crawfish etouffee.
(4)
Jessica B.

We sort of "fell" into this amazing dinner experience. Jake's happy hour was suggested to us by friends. The bar was full, so no happy hour for us. We sat in the dining room. It feels like you stepped into 1958 when everyone smoked inside, all drinks were strong & well made, & staff still took pride in service. I had the flat iron steak (which i rightly trusted them to properly cook at med. rare), garlic mashed potatoes, & veggies. He had sturgeon in a light butter cream sauce. Both dishes were cooked perfectly & savored over good conversation. Our drinks were made beautifully & the service was exceedingly professional, prompt, & fabulous. A great date night location! Oh, we took a piece of bourbon pecan pie to go and it was a perfect breakfast the next day!
(5)
Jenny K.

Happy hour at Jake's: Food starting at $1.95 and drinks at $5. The place is usually busy filled with people arriving after work. I absolutely love the ambiance during the afternoon hours when it's more causal and loud so customers can just chill with a drink or two in their hands. Depending on your server, service can be somewhat slow, especially with food arriving more than fifteen mins after you order. I'd usually be catching up with my friends at the mean time, so it isn't a big deal. Everything on the menu is delicious, but there's something you must try: SWEET POTATO FRIES with the chipotle aioli. yum!
(4)
Johnny L.

We have been coming here for years, and once again, I was not disappointed. I had the crawfish appetizer which was very good. They were cooked in a spicy cajun broth and served cold. The fuckers take too long to crack open and there isn't much meat there (that's NOT what she said) once you get the suckers open. No blame to Jake's, I blame evolution. I also had the crab and bay shrimp stuffed King Salmon - this dish is to die for. The B&C had the Ahi, the friends had the Sturgeon and the Halibut cheeks - friggin grubs all around. Had some very good decaf and a four berry cobbler w/vanilla bean ice cream. Fuck yeah!!!! Always loved the joint, and, still do!
(4)
Casey R.

I've been here several times and every time I become a very happy person. We've only come here for lunch and have had the same waitress every time. We absolutely love her but for some reason I always forget her name. So when I talk to the hostess I ask if I can be seated at the "cheery lady" table and they always know what I mean. We usually start with some kumamoto oysters. If you haven't had this kind of oyster before I urge you to try them. They are small but the most delicious oyster I've ever had. They are indigenous to the Pacific Northwest. My girlfriend always gets the salmon saute' which is wonderful. I'm not a big salmon fan but her dish is always very tasty. I usually try different things while I'm there. From the simple Halibut fish and chips to a delicious crawfish etouffe. And for the haters that say they don't have crawfish on their menu, you are wrong. They do have crawfish but they don't overdue it. They have a couple dishes. That's more than enough. This is not a novelty restaurant. Just a damn good seafood restaurant. Get over it. This is a great lunch place, it's kind of hard finding parking on the street so you may have to park in a lot a few blocks away.
(5)
Rachel M.

Wow! The best clam chowder! Hubby had the seafood gumbo, yum! I had raw oysters in a half shell. I could have easily ate 20, they were that good. The Oregon Pinot Noir was delicious. Our boys had very reasonably priced kids shrimp and chips. We will defiantly be back the next road trip to, OR!
(5)
Ryan P.

Best food you can get. Been there twice this year and I think the second time was even better. The only downer to the establishment is the fishy smell when you walk in. If that smell did not exists I would give five stars. I can see how someone could walk out if they smelled that fishy scent. Besides that and I hope someone like management reads this so they can make the appropriate change. I am definitely going back and back and once more back again. Very good service
(4)
Lady G.

119 years old and still going strong! the last time we were in weird ol' Portland we vowed to return and try out a few more 'famous' places there. Well, I'm back, baby! We enjoyed our crawfish appy, salads and then we had Etouffe and Sturgeon dishes. Yummo! I had to ask the waitress about the sturgeon because I can't stand mushier fish. Nope, sturgeon is a nice firm fish. The mashed potatoes (very old school cuisine, eh?) were nice and creamy but a bit salty for my palate but the veggies were done to crisp perfection. I was too full for any sort of dessert so I enjoyed a mocha. The bill was very reasonable and the service was great. Personal attention but not that annoying "Are you actually an FBI agent?" overkill level.
(5)
Daniel R.

I guess things have changed pretty dramatically at Jake's since I left Portland. The experience was for the most part underwhelming, with the most horrific part being the meal. It was a Monday night, and dining by myself, I opted for the bar. Service got off to a clunky start, but the bartenders taking care of me inevitably got over their initial frat house banter amongst themselves long enough to take my order. I ordered a combination of a dozen oysters, which were fresh and delicious. The bartender, though, had a hard time telling me which oysters were which due to an issue with there being too many variant menus listing oysters that may or may not have been available. After conferring with the kitchen the confusion was left unresolved. To be honest, the names didn't matter too much; they were delicious none the less. But, and this seems to be the crux of my complaint, I found it perplexing that gestures were made to resolve the confusion, and yet nothing came of them. They were kind enough, though, to offer me some extra oysters, which I declined so as to save room for the much touted sockeye salmon. The oyster plates were cleared, and I waited five minutes or so. I decided to step outside for a second, a quick puff and a phone call. I was out for about five minutes. When I sat back down I waited another five minutes, and finally the bartenders said the salmon would be out shortly. Finally the salmon arrived...it was a disappointment from the start. As I grabbed the plate to reposition it, I realized the plate was extremely hot, a sure sign for anyone that's ever worked in the business that the plate had been sitting under the heat-lamps for a long time. I went to remove the parsley and it was wilted and crisp on the edges, a sure sign that it and the plate, and in all likelihood the food itself, had been sitting under the heat-lamps for too long as well. My theory, and fears, were confirmed as I forked up a piece of salmon: bone-dry, over-cooked, with an overly-crisped bottom from being cooked too long on one side, or held at temperature too long, whether under heat-lamps or in the oven. Now, I know that I went outside for a few minutes, but there are ways to hold food without scorching it, OR they could have simply told me my food was coming shortly and I would have waited. Yet, the fact that the food didn't come out after the oysters means it wasn't "fired" properly; that it didn't come out for over 5 minutes after I'd come back from outside means that either it wasn't finished cooking, or that no one had effectively communicated to the kitchen that I was ready for the food. Either way, that I paid $35 for a piece of salmon that was as tasty and enjoyable as the cedar plank it was cooked on, THAT is the miserable failure. When you're going to pay a certain amount for food, you should expect some proficiency, from the kitchen, from the service, etc. That was surely lacking. In the end, I paid $75 for tasty oysters, a good beer, waggish service, and a salmon jerky. For the meal, it was definitely too much.
(1)
Rachel S.

Love... the ambiance-a cozy pub on a cold day. Love... the fact that it was crowded and bustling on a Friday during happy hour. Love... That they seemed to have great happy hour FOOD specials but drink specials, not so much. Didn't love... the fact that if you're under say 65, I wouldn't go here for happy hour. Didn't love... the fact that the bartender was so busy he become somewhat rude. Didn't love... the fact that there were few if any drink specials during happy hour. Not only am I under 65 but I'm under 30, so I would check out a different place during happy hour but maybe take my parents here?
(3)
J W.

Food worth a 3.5 but our server/bartender was soooooo amazing, super attentive, he totally bumped up the rating to a 4 star! :) At first we weren't too pleased being placed by the backroom bar, wanted a booth but that means at least another 20 minutes of wait. Then we made eye contact with our server, *sparkles*, hehe, alright, maybe slightly exaggerated, but we knew we would be in good hands so we stayed. Of course we were right!!! He patiently explained to us all the specials, his favorite, his wife's favorite, the most popular dishes and the taste/texture/sauce heaviness of the dishes, etc. Such a pleasure just to have that conversation and then he was being SUPER attentive to bring us hot water =P That gesture easily made us beyond happy, we were slightly touched, he cared about us! :D Alright, before I turn this into an essay about our server, I better move onto the food! After much serious contemplation, we settled for a bowl of dungeons crab bisque (please try it, it's got a slight spicy kick to it, creamy but not overly so, you'd scream yum!), arugula salad with roasted hazelnuts and feta in pomegranate vinaigrette (I heart all the ingredients in this salad, but it was showered in too much dressing, the sourness of the vinaigrette even overpowered the arugula, and for those of you arugula lovers out there, arugula's got a pretty distinctive flavor to itself!). We also shared a sturgeon, mainly because it was caught from the Columbia river in Oregon :D The sauce made all the difference, it was bathed in dijon black peppercorn basil butter, light and flavorful, WOW! The fish itself was grilled to the just-right texture as well... What a wonderful way to end a day! =]
(4)
Scott V.

The atmosphere was good, the wait staff was nice, and the food was good. Not outstanding, but a good meal in a good setting. I ordered the grilled Mahi Mahi with Shitake mushroom sauce, and mixed veggies, and it was ok. I also asked the waitress to recommend a cabernet and she offered a fairly bad cab. It was a little lifeless and mild, but it wasn't particularly expensive either. Pros: Great friendly wait staff, easy to be seated without reservation even with a group of 5, relaxed pace and good food. Cons: For the price it should have been better, I had a little bit of a feeling that they're not sure if they are fine dining or a neighborhood bar/restaurant. Adding a decent wine to the long wine list would have been nice, and might help push them further into the fine dining category.
(3)
Priscilla A.

It's the same as McCormicks and Schmidts. I did have the stuffed salmon and it was delicious!!!
(4)
Richard S.

My girlfriend and I tried this place while vacationing in Portland. Parking was tough, much like most places in downtown Portland. The atmosphere was pleasant. I would describe it as classic or old fashioned with a pricey feel. I'm from Louisiana and love Louisiana style food, so I was probably too harsh in my rating. I liked the French Onion Soup. The meal was too pricey. I will probably choose some other place the next time I'm in Portland.
(2)
Tim M.

I guess one of the best compliments I could give a restaurant in Portland is the answer I give everybody from out of town who asks for a recommendation for dinner. "if you have only one night for dinner in Portland, go to Jakes Crawfish." The fresh list is always current, the food is perfectly prepared and the wait staff is really the best in Portland, knowledgeable, honest and if you get the right one, downright entertaining. If you see something on the fresh list you would like, it can be prepared any way you like, even if it's not on the menu. If sturgeon is fresh, I like the Stark Street Sturgeon. Seafood is the main attraction of course, but meat choices are plentiful and all I have had are good. The history of the place is fascinating, from the bullet hole in the wall to the tiled drain in front of the bar, a vestige of the old mens bar days, when it was too much trouble to go to the outhouse. Happy hour at the bar is convivial and relatively inexpensive. One last thing, St Paddy's day here is a real experience, crowded and fun, you need to do it at least once to be a real Portlander.
(5)
Brandon S.

We went to Jake's for our 4th anniversary dinner and we couldn't have asked for a better meal, setting or service for the event. I was a little nervous about Jake's because it is a McCormick and Schmick's and I was scared it would have that corporate feel that some of their restaurants have. Thankfully, Jake's is a fairly independent, old Portland place with only a smattering of corporate promotional material to remind you that it is, in fact, owned by a larger national company. We made a reservation and let them know about our anniversary and when we sat down and started perusing our menu, we noticed that they were customized with "Happy 4th Anniversary!" Since they print a fresh sheet everyday, that's such an easy and nice thing to do. Now we have a little souvenir from our dinner. I love awesome, simple little customer service things like that. Generally, the service was great. We had an older gentleman as our waiter - he had obviously been working there for years and he really knew what he was doing. The food was delicious, one of the best seafood meals I've eaten. The Dungeness Crab Chowder was outstanding and my king salmon and halibut saute was perfect - chunks of halibut and salmon in a white wine and mushroom cream sauce served with rice and a few raspberries that surprised me in how perfect they went with all the other ingredients. And my wife's macadamia crusted halibut was also very tasty. For desert, they brought us out a free slice of cheesecake. We were both totally stuffed but we couldn't pass up really tasty, free cheesecake now could we? And for the amount and quality of the food that we got, our bill was very reasonable. I expected to pay a lot more for our anniversary dinner, that's for sure. So thanks to Jake's Famous Crawfish for making our anniversary dinner wonderful, so wonderful that we went back to our hotel with our bellies full and took a nap before heading to the concert we were going to later in the evening.
(5)
Nicole P.

Great beer, excellent oysters, Crab cake sandwich was terrific. The fish and chips were also top notch, though the coleslaw was sub par. I had the Ahi Tuna Salad, tuna was amazing but it included hard boiled eggs and potatoes which didnt really fit with the salad. Didnt taste bad on a whole just a weird mix of ingredients. I would love to go back for more oysters and drinks. Lunch prices were really reasonable.
(4)
Adam M.

If anyone has ever eaten at Mama's Fish House in Maui you know what a world class fish house should be. I would put Jake's side by side with Mama any day of the week, the only difference between the 2 is location. Upon arriving we were seated early (bonus), the drinks were prepared perfectly for all of us and our waiter had a wealth of knowledge and was very charismatic. This is the best dining experience I have had in almost a decade. Our diner party did the whole order something different and share, so I had the chance to sample five wonderful meals. Every dish was superb from presentation to digestion. From the seared ahi to the shark to the halibut and salmon, everything was fantastic. We saved enough room for dessert and thank goodness we did. The chocolate box was fab and their version of banana cream pie was to die for. Can't wait to get back again and try more dishes
(5)
Keith B.

I have been to Jake's a number of times over the years and have always enjoyed it. This time was not once such occasion. The service was dreadful. We sat nearly 15 minutes before ordering drinks, another 15 before we could ordered appetizers, and nearly 20 more minutes before having a chance to order dinner, which, after sitting there more than an hour, we declined. The waitress, obviously angry then made us wait another 10 minutes for our check for drinks and appetizers. It was a very unusual and disappointing evening for a place I have so enjoyed in the past and I hope it is an anomaly.
(2)
Josh W.

I have to say that we had an extremely disappointing meal here this past weekend. My grandma was in town for her 80th birthday. She loves seafood so my wife and I wanted to take her out for her last meal in town. Having moved here from Seattle and eaten my fair share of seafood there, I have a good basis for comparison. Unfortunately, this was one of the least impressive meals I've had in Portland. I have no qualms with the service, which was actually excellent. However, all three of us did not like our meals. Now, if it was just one person complaining, I could dismiss it but each of us were completely unsatisfied with the quality of the food. It began when my grandma mentioned she couldn't chew the (cold) bread that we were served. I figured it was just a senior moment. Turns out she was right - great sourdough flavor but real work to get down. For our entrees, we each ordered halibut prepared differently. My wife had the cheeks, I had macadamia crusted and my grandma had fish and chips, which were soggy. I hate to say it but I've had better food at fast food chains, not to mention at McCormick's in Seattle. I understand some places have specialties but c'mon - halibut three ways and not one hit? I rarely write a bad review but was extremely disappointed that this was the note on which we ended my grandma's trip to Portland. I also have no problem paying for good food but feel like the price we paid for this meal was in absolutely no way justified. Sorry fellow Yelpers... I have to disagree on this one.
(2)
Connie L.

I came here for their happy hour and it was amazing. Blueberry lemon drop was delicious and super yummy and there most expensive thing I ordered ($9). I also had the muscles ($5) which were cooked perfectly and the gumbo ($3) which was literally the best gumbo I've ever had! Definitely go for happy hour!
(5)
Sean M.

Let me just say from the start that if Jakes had awful food, poor services and crappy decor I still would have rated them 4 stars for the Chocolate Bag alone. Thankfully none of that is the case and Jakes was a great dinning experience. The decor oozes old Portland and history seems to seep from the walls. It could be all the old dark wood or the framed oyster plates on the walls but it practically screams turn of the century. Service was good. Our server seemed a little green but she was attentive and friendly. She just didn't do a good job selling the food or answering our questions. Drinks as good but not overly strong. Their cocktail menu has a number of old school cocktails with the history behind them. I've seen this before but I always have fun ordering from these things. What can I say, I'm easy to please. The food was good. It was served hot and looked and tasted good. I had the clam chowder which was very good and a pasta dish with Crawfish. The Crawfish seemed over cooked, but I'm no expert and the dish was still easy to eat. Lastly... The Chocolate Bag... Divine.... Amazing... Really...
(4)
Peter S.

Show up for happy hour, pass on the holiday events. The bartenders are friendly and remember you if you show up more than once or twice. Best drinks in town, made from fresh squeezed if possible, and most affordable. The bar food is remarkable, and also a great value. You can also pass on the happy hour specials and order off of the regular menu, which they print new every day, to reflect the quality of the freshest seafood you will likely find anywhere. Inside you will find all kinds of people, from casual to classy, all mingling in a historic bar.
(5)
Jason M.

Made it to Jake's for the first time last night. The food was delicious and the service was great. We started with the Crabcakes. They were lightly breaded and very tasty. The Jalapeno Ginger Aioli sauce was a great pairing. I got the stuffed salmon. The crab/shrimp/brie stuffing was rich, creamy, and delicious. The salmon was cooked perfectly. My wife got the Crab Leg Saute. This dish made it in to my top 5 all time best meals. The pieces of crab were large and plentiful, paired with the mushrooms, shallots, and artichokes, mmmmmmmmmmm. DELICIOUS! I can't wait to go back and try some more dishes and hopefully save room for the chocolate bag!
(4)
PJ Y.

Jake's is a top notch seafood restaurant similiar to McCormick's. The servers are quite attentive and more importantly generally upbeat. Its nice that they try to be more helpful than what I normally expected. I had the King Salmon which turn out crusty outside and little bit chewy on the outside. The potatoes has some really delicious seasoning. Overall, it was a 3.5 out of 5. UPDATE: Jake's was the original template that started McCormick's
(4)
Emily T.

I fell into a food coma after eating at Jake's. And I loved every step. The outside of Jake's is misleading. From the street, Jake's looks like an unassuming pub. But step inside, and the layout it much larger and nicer than you'd expect. My boyfriend and I were seated in the back room next to the fire place. While we perused the menu, our server brought out a few slices of warm sour dough bread for us to munch on. I ordered the salmon stuffed with bay shrimp, crab and brie cheese. This came served with a side of mashed potatoes and asparagus. My boyfriend ordered the lobster ravioli. My meal was one of the better meals I've had. And though I was beyond full, I was kind of sad when I took my last bite. The salmon was cooked perfectly and the brie cheese complimented the taste. The lobster ravioli was served in a saffron cream sauce and was also enjoyed immensely. Unfortunately, the neighboring table decided to order dessert so we were privy to a good look at the dessert tray and it wasn't too hard for our server to convince us that we, too, were interested in dessert. Let me tell you, the chocolate truffle cake sundae is worth every penny. The vanilla ice cream and candied walnuts were the perfect compliment to the dense, rich cake. The service we received was great. Our server was attentive and anticipated our needs without being too present. The atmosphere was quiet and was complimented by the fireplace, candles and dim lights. Worth the splurge (in terms of cash and calories)!
(5)
Ashley C.

Love the HH menu. Great place to meet up with friends, but definitely not much else to offer. The restaurant is never full, while the bar is always full; perhaps they can switch the room or make their dinner menu more in tune with their bar menu. I wish I could give more stars, but with all the great eateries around, they need to step up and not ride on their name alone.
(3)
Todd S.

Have only been for their excellent happy hour, which offers a number of great-tasting, good proportioned items for legit happy hour prices ($2-$5). We would recommend the parmesan fried zucchini, bruschetta, salmon cakes, tempura ahi sushi roll (all $2), as well as the california rolls ($4), and fried calamari and steamed mussels ($5); though the calamari were slightly undercooked one time, and the mussels were overcooked once, as well. The lounge waitresses are usually on top of things, while the bartenders leave something to be desired (not attentive nor informative). Seating can also be an issue, as the happy hour draws a consistent crowd. While there aren't any happy hour drink specials, the ridiculous food options make it well worth the trip in for happy hour.
(4)
Jon N.

Christmas Brunch disaster! OK, they should get a little slack for just being open. That said, they were only offering five items. They bobbled our order, the French Toast was tasteless, and the waitress was flustered and a bit clueless. Apparently Jake's (as part of McCormick & Schmick's) was recently acquired by a chain out of Texas. Denny's would have done better.
(1)
Jeff M.

A Haiku Review of Jakes Crawfish: Best seafood in town. Fresh caught fish from the Northwest. Check out Happy Hour.
(5)
Misty V.

This place was AMAZING!!! We made late dinner reservations (10pm-ish) for six and were seated promptly in a great private, screened in booth. Guess they could sense that we were going to be a handful (which we were!!) Our waiter, John was fantastic! I think we got one of everything he suggested. Here's the rundown of our dinner - Apps - House salads Clam chowder Entrees - Pan fried oysters Manilla clams Brie and crab stuffed halibut with dill cream sauce x 2 Dungess crab saute with artichoke hearts and mushrooms Stuffed Grilled salmon Top sirloin Dessert - Ganache covered NY style cheesecake w/ raspberry sauce Creme Brulee Upside down apple pie w/ vanilla ice cream A multitude of delicious cocktails This was seriously the best meal I think I've ever had. Everything was perfect and we cleaned every single plate on the table. John was speechless. And that's the right way to end a meal! HA!
(5)
Mike D.

I'm from So California and have to say this was one of the best meals we've had in a long time. Parmesan crusted sole to die for. Great beer selection and the chocolate bag for desert was like nothing we've ever had. Again, to die for. If you stop here ask for Monica. She was wonderful.
(5)
John M.

I like these type restaurants that are like stepping back in time. I had never been to Portland or Jakes, but was told it was tops for seafood. Loved the atmosphere and the food. I had the chef special of stuffed salmon with garlic mashed potatoes. The salmon just melted in your mouth. Perfectly cooked and flavorful. I also had the bannana cream pie which was light and delicious. Perfect crust. Service was excellent from start to finish.
(4)
Chris B.

Sat at the bar for the happy hour menu, had some wonderful apps which just about filled us for the night (crab cakes & fried sushi rolls). Good beer menu also. Very nice interior (and location). I ate here 2 or 3 years ago and didn't remember it being so good.
(4)
Jill J.

I came here with my spouse and friends from out of town. My spouse had a Caesar salad that she said was awful. The lettuce was too mushy and the dressing was too heavy. We then ordered our dinner. I had the crab legs bake and it was awful. Dry and no flavor. My wife's crab cakes were greasy. We were seated at a table in a place I don't know how to describe. It was near a bar in the back and very noisy but also dark at our table. The waitress was fine as was the wine. I don't think we will be going back here. It's too bad because we have come here over the years many times for meals. It's just gone down hill and the quality of the food is bad.
(2)
Joe P.

We ventured here for a special occasion and we had a pretty good time. It was a Friday night so the place was packed and very loud. The service was good considering how busy they were. I don't think the food was worth what they were charging. $40 for the dungeness crab which comes in this tiny little dish smothered with mushrooms. I think Mcgrath's will trump Jake's Crawfish's food any day. I probably won't be back, not because it was bad but there was nothing I found special to warrant a return visit.
(2)
jenny m.

On the first night for 3 first timers in Portland, we knew what we wanted for dinner - fish & seafood. We're in the Pacific Northwest after all, just a hop, skip, and a jump from the coast....so we figured the fish & seafood must be fresh and way better then what we get in land locked Chicago!! And Jake's did not disappoint. We had reservations and were seated within a few minutes of arriving. This place is deceptively large but I would still recommend making a reservation as it was packed full on a Thursday night (bar area included). Our waiter came over right away and instantly won us over. He was helpful, chatty and genuinely friendly (we left with a napkin filled list of must do's/sees/eats in Portland - now that's going above & beyond as a server). We started off with a bottle of Pinot Noir. We are in Oregon after all, so it would have been almost sacrilege to not have our first glass of wine be a Pinot. After perusing the large and somewhat intimidating menu (seriously, so many amazing sounding fish & seafood options to choose from), we decided to start off with a combination platter of oysters - all local to Oregon & Washington. Not one of the 3 of us even new if we'd had or would like oysters, but they are such a prominent part of the menu, that we figured if there was any place to have our (probably) first taste, it was at Jakes. Were they a hit? Well, lets just say 2 of the 3 of us were not a fan. I think it was more the texture then the taste for them though. Personally, I loved em! We had four varieties and only one I wasn't super fond of. The others I thought were super fresh & delicious. For the entrees, we each got something different with the idea that we'd share. First up was the macadamia crusted wild halibut with a pineapple salsa. This was the least favorite - which by no means does that mean bad - it just couldn't win when compared to the other two dishes. Personally I love halibut and I enjoyed the crustiness of the fish combined with the sweet salsa. Next was the rockfish sauteed with olives, feta, tomatoes and basil. Delightful! I love fish sauteed with tomatoes & basil but never thought to throw in olives & feta and make it 'Greek-like'. The flavors worked well together and this was the clear second favorite dish. Finally, the crab leg saute with artichoke hearts, mushrooms, shallots and of course, butter. OMG - this was a plate of rich, meaty crab legs like I've never had before. I loved the addition of the artichokes & mushroom - two of my most favorite things. I can see why our waiter said this is one of the most ordered dishes - it was the clear winner at our table. I may or may not have dreamt of crab legs while drifting off to sleep that night. Unfortunately we were all in a bit of a fish & seafood induced coma so dessert was not in the cards for us. We all left stuffed to the gills (pun intended) and oh so happy that our first meal in Portland did not disappoint.
(4)
Kate D.

Reservations mean squat to the staff here. We were seated 30 mins after our reservation (and after, I might add, a ton of walk-ins that came in after us). When we mentioned that our reseravation was for an earlier time, the hostess rudely informed us that we wrong, despite our showing her the confirmation we had with the time we had requested. Our waiter came to take our order, but then disappeared for 20 mins. The food was good, but not amazing. After the food arrived, our waiter disappeared again, so forget getting a refill on water or another beer. We didn't see him again until it was time for the check. I'm fairly sure that there are other places serving seafood that would take better care of their customers.
(2)
A M.

I had an incredible, special occasion lunch here at the original Jake's. We started out with the mussells. Hands down the best mussells I have had in my life. I had a glass of champagne and the lobster tails for my meal. It was to die for. Very expensive, but I wasn't paying, so hey. I also had dessert. I cannot remember what it was called, but it was a tower of chocolate filled with vanilla custard, whipped cream and fresh berries. Again, one of the best desserts I have ever had. I will definitely be back for that! Loved the classy, old school ambiance.
(4)
Bell K.

It's restaurants like this that make me angry. The only things that makes it a "high end" restaurant are the prices because it's certainly not the food nor the service. They think if you put enough butter on something, it'll taste good, therefore people will love it. We were treating another couple out and this place was their choice. We had a pre-flight taste by going out to happy hour the week before. I was hoping the main dinner was going to be much better than the happy hour food but it was not. A week later, we went back for the main dinner. The salad was sad and the dinner was just what I originally stated, a plate of buttery food. Somewhere between the salad and half way through dinner, my stomach started hurting badly and I just couldn't wait for the evening to be over so I could go home. (At home, my boyfriend complained he was feeling nauseous by 2AM) Also, to my fault, I didn't speak up at the table about our wine until it was probably too late. We got a bad bottle of wine, which has never happen to me in a restaurant before. We didn't tell the waitress because everyone was being too polite to bring up the bad wine until I mentioned it when it was practically gone. Everyone else at the table was in total agreement that we had been drinking vinegar. Our waitress was friendly but the overall service was pretty bad. It seemed, both times, that they are too busy and the wait staff are overwhelmed. For similar prices and slightly less, I've eaten at high end places that have been far superior. I've eaten at many cheap places that has much better food as well. Jake's was unacceptable, twice, and I would stress that everyone find a different place to dine.
(1)
Christina R.

This restaurant was recommended to us by a friend of mine that I grew up with in Northern California, who now lives in the Portland area. The food was awesome. I highly recommend both the grilled steelhead and the stuffed salmon. However, our waiter, Keith, was terrible. He was short with us, unwelcoming and clearly trying to up-sell at every opportunity. We ordered a bottle of wine to share amongst four people and instead of pouring the glasses at the appropriate level, he poured each glass then doubled back to empty the entire bottle. At the end of the meal, when we tried to use an American Express gift card to pay for a portion of the bill, we were told that it wasn't accepted, but they were happy to take my American Express credit card for the entire amount. I would come back to this restaurant, but I would ask not to sit in Keith's section and would advise you to do the same.
(2)
Mary C.

My absolute favorite restaurant in Portland!!!!!! Great drink, great food, the ambiance is beautiful. Whether you are going for appetizers in the bar while a game is on, or a nice dinner in the restaurant with friends and family you will love this place. Crab Tortellini with Gorgonzola, Whole Dungeness Crab, Calamari with three dipping sauces... Yum! We will be back!
(5)
Laura R.

Ambiance was warm and inviting, service was old school with bow ties and everything, and the food was just excellent. The clam chowder (my Manhattan and his New England) was top notch. We both had the chef's special stuffed salmon, and it was perfect. The vegetables were fresh and steamed to just the right doneness. I just wish I had room left for dessert!
(5)
Dan B.

The place is good. It has a lot of history and character, but I think it is a bit over-priced. I had the ettouffee and it was good. However, if crawfish is your thing...it should be out of this world. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad, just not 'famous'. Kids food was fantastic though. The were close to four stars, I just felt it was a little expensive for the food quality.
(3)
Janet S.

Have been going to Jake's for years - always a great experience. On Saturday I ordered the Halibut Cheeks. A truly amazing meal! I believe it was better than Lobster. The first bite had an OMG moment. My husband ordered the stuffed halibut and it too was great (I still think the halibut cheeks are better). I always order the Seared Ahi Tuna when at Jake's (can't be beat) and am glad I stepped out of the box and had the cheeks. As always the staff was excellent - just the right amount of attentiveness. Can't wait for my next chance to eat at Jake's
(5)
Eduardo O.

I don't think I've ever eaten so many oysters in my life. Actually, I know I haven't. I have been to Jake's Famous Crawfish many times. But that oyster excess was... I don't even know what happened. Then an entree, then dessert. It was delicious, but it was one of those meals where you couldn't breathe after you were done. Absolutely amazing oysters. Great, fresh seafood. Friendly service. This place is pretty much a guarantee in quality. I enjoy it every time I'm there.
(4)
G W.

Occasion: Business travel w/ co-workers. Asked locals for great seafood. Jake's Famous highly recommended. +120 years old! Ordered: Oven roasted pacific salmon stuffed w/ Portland, Oregon (OR) dungeness crab, OR bay shrimp, & brie. Served w/ dill buerre blanc, fresh vegs, & garlic mashed. Glass of Acrobat Pinot Gris. Upside-down walnut apple pie w/ coffee. Thoughts: Knowledgeable but slow service. Server had worked there for 20+ years. Host gave me a souvenir post card w/ 11 servers posed at the bar. Picture was taken 20 years ago & 70% still worked there. Salmon w/ crab, shrimp & brie...WOW! Paired with great local OR wine. Apple pie was disappointing. Expecting proximity to NW apples would produce a better result. Coffee lukewarm.
(4)
Ben S.

Lunch today was fast, the food hot, and the service fantastic. The place has old school charm and plenty of nostalgia. Should be on your list of historic places to eat at least once.
(4)
Adam R.

GREAT SEAFOOD!!! If your from Seattle and like McCormick's this will be very familiar. Right down to the coat hooks. Jake's is a long established anchor to Portland dining. Dark woods and colorful stained glass chandeliers accented with the light jazz playing in the background, create a perfectly mellow ambiance. I must suggest the crab cakes with the jalapeÃ±o / ginger molÃ¨. It was amazing!!!
(4)
Jason L.

The first time I ate here, I was thoroughly impressed. Our waiter was ninja-like, refilling glasses and clearing plates without interrupting conversation or really even being noticed. Our food was delicious. We felt like we were in a classy joint having a classy meal. Definitely a good experience. The second time, though, it was like a whole different restaurant. Our service was still solid, but the food just didn't do it for me. I was totally underwhelmed by both my meal and my girlfriend's. What really threw me, though, is when I went to the restroom. First of all, the restroom is weird to begin with. Second, it was FILTHY. Like, Wal-Mart in Pocahontas, IL filthy. No toilet paper in the stall (except for on the floor). Soap sprayed all over the sink and floor. I got the distinct impression that it would be best not to touch anything, lest I end up with hepatitis or a meth addiction. I ended up holding it, which may have soured my meal. It's hard to enjoy food when you're doing the pee dance. Plus, if their bathroom is that gross, what does the kitchen look like? My first experience was 5-star. And maybe some homeless dude had just rolled through that bathroom like a hurricane before I stepped inside. But I'll be hard-pressed to go back to Jake's after my last go-round.
(2)
Allen K.

Happy hour food is always great, but Jake's steps it up a notch. Quality food for low prices, and a sweet selection of beer and cocktails to take the edge off after a long day's work. The spinach artichoke dip with tortilla chips is a winner in my book and the portion is pretty large so I suggest sharing it with at least one friend!
(4)
Colette W.

I have brought about a half doezen out of town guests to Jake's, It never disapoints... Craw Fish Etoufee is the best I have ever had.
(5)
Steph W.

Go for happy hour at 3, stay until 6 and maybe longer! When my travel partner and I rolled into Portland for a three night stay, I knew we had to try Jake's. Conveniently, our condo (rented through Airbnb) was located about five steps away from Jake's, so on a Tuesday afternoon we hustled in for some good eats. Glancing around at the insane amount of memorabilia on the walls, the white coated waiters who moved around the room like pros, and the business men sipping scotch at the polished wooden bar, it become clear right away why Jake's is a legendary spot in Portland. I had a mojito that was heavy on the alcohol and taste, perfect, and my partner had a crisp pint from the tap, it's hard not to take advantage of the city's many good home brewed beers after all. We ordered calamari, fish tacos, and bruschetta, and while all of the other dishes were good, literally, the calamari was the best plate of thick, fresh, battered seafood I have ever had. Easesdropping on the two older ladies sitting next to us, nursing big martinis and trying to chat up two Texan businessmen was also priceless. Just go here, enjoy the ambiance, the uniqueness of the place, and eat, eat, eat.
(5)
Kristi W.

We ate here on our first night in Portland for a wine tour. It was great. I was a bit worried since I do not like fish ( but that is what the rest of my group wanted) but the blackend chicken fettucine tasted nothing like fish. Our server was great and the food was delish! We will for sure be back next time we are in Portland!
(5)
Philip K.

Wow. We had reservations for 9, we waited about 4 minutes before being seated. I really dug the interior of Jake's. Our waiter was excellent, super friendly, funny, and attentive, but not overly so. You know, just the right amount, where you're thinking, "where is that guy?" and bam he shows up! We started with some appetizers, I had the craw fish popcorn, and my parents had the baked brie with apple chutney, both dishes were great. I also ordered the New England style clam chowder before my fillet Mignon. This chowder was the best I've ever had, most chowders I've had have been way too salty, this was perfect, they left it for just the clam to make it salty enough. Finally my steak showed up, holy moley! It was cooked just how I like it, medium rare, it was a so tender, each bite melted in my mouth. I only had one small issue and that was with the potato cakes that came with my steak, the outside is fried and the inside is melted potatoes and cheese. The outside was just a little too greasy for my taste, so I just peeled the outside of and devoured the inside. Everyone else in my party loved their dishes as well. Halibut, Petr-ale Sole Parmesan, and salmon fettuccine. Then for dessert, we all shared the sweet and fruity chocolate bag. Basically a chocolate bag with fruits, mousse, whipped cream and some cherry sauce. Delicious!
(5)
Peter A.

Step into Jake's and it is instantly recognizable to anyone who has been in one of the 85 or so McCormick & Schmick's around the country. That means pretty good food (usually an emphasis on seafood), excellent happy hour deals, pretty good service, and a friendly, decent bar that looks -- and often is -- 100 years old (Jake's Authentic has been around since 1892). You won't find interesting, craft cocktails there, but these are more stolid, meat and potatoes, elderly gentleman sorts of bars, so that would almost be inappropriate.
(3)
Matt P.

I don't really know what all the rave is about with this restaurant. It feels a little stuffy inside. The food was overpriced for the amount of food they give you. I had the shrimp scampi and the wifey had seafood newburg. I think I had about 5 jumbo shrimps on my plate with asparagus. Definitely not worth $32. Taste wise, it's no different then a place where you pay half price for. I definitely will not come back here. Maybe for their happy hour the next time I'm in town. Good luck finding a seat though.
(3)
Steven B.

Had been here a couple of years ago and was concerned when I heard they had become a part of the Landry's chain. But still a great place with an excellent staff. Had two great meals here a month ago. I always order the basics of grilled fish or deep fried seafood, never forget the clam chowder, and have a great glass of Oregon wine.
(4)
Allen T.

Portland's best cedar plank wild Alaskan salmon. Of course, it's not the cheapest. Solid selection if Oregon wine, friendly staff and a variety of seating options. Can't go wrong here.
(4)
Thomas W.

Expectations are often very difficult to meet, even when tempered by hunger's lingering insistance. Over time, word of mouth can collect amid the darker corners of the subconscious like so much cholesterol, until finally the pressure builds and, like a debilitating heart attack, you have no choice but to acknowledge its presence. Enter Jake's; long-time Portland institution, tourist spot and favorite lounge of the after-work crowd - I am surprised that it took me so long to get to this historic restaurant, settled just off of Stark and the ever-busy Burnside. The hype has always been massively complimentary: I will love it, there is no better seafood in the state, Jake's is a religious dining experience, etc etc. I have been to many restaurants in my admittedly short time on this earth, so I know better than to accept hyperbole at face value. I must note that I am very impressed with the bar - the barkeep was fast, knowledgable and friendly - and while this is not unique to Jake's, the old-school charm with which you are surrounded upon entry is worthy of note, and combines to form a truly relaxing experience, no matter how many people happen to be shoulder to shoulder with you at the time. I enjoyed my Guinness in contentment until we were called to our table. The restaurant itself is nothing if not classy - elegant, sophisticated trappings take you back to a time where you can imagine the streets outside to be of cobblestone, traipsed upon by horses and carriages and the "newfangled" Model T automobile. Rich oak fixtures, an attentive and courteous staff...the majority of my high score can be attributed to these very important characteristics. The food itself varied in quality from amazing (the calamari and crab bisque were of particular note) to decent. My dinner itself, the thresher shark, was tasty enough...grilled well and covered in a cilantro butter that was quite nice, but definitely small - I have had a shark steak before, and it was of considerable size, at least when compared to what was offered to me. While light and fluffy, the mashed potatoes were a bit bland, although I am assured that there was some measure of garlic in them. In all, with the delicate, flavorful crisp of the calamari (and mouth-watering horseradish marmalade!) and a savory, meaty cup of crab bisque as a starter, I think I was simply ruined for the main course. I could have honestly made a meal of the appetizers and been content, given more of the same. That is not to say that I had a bad experience with Jake's - on the contrary...I enjoyed it very much, and will certainly return. The only thing I plan to do differently, however, is to order something of perhaps more substance for a main dish - maybe then I will be content to offer the perfect score that Jake's so nearly came close to achieving.
(4)
Frank D.

First time eating at Jake's and I was very happy. Tried the fish tacos, unique, flavorful and packed full of fish. The service was also excellent. This is a restaurant I want to try again when in Portland. Be prepared to spend some money, but it is well worth it.
(4)
Zuzana K.

Tourist trap. Tired interior, tired atmosphere. Salmon was good, but that's it. Just plain good. This is certainly not the best seafood restaurant in Portland like some people think. The standard side are mashed potatoes and veggies and the garnish...wait for it...curly parsley! Jake, please, it is not the 80's anymore!!!!! Service was very good.
(2)
Jenny C.

(not so) fun fact: newly issued Washington State ID's are not accepted here. Like many states, Washington's ID cards are mailed to recipients after being processed by the DMV. This means that at the time of renewal a temporary card is issued to a cardholder with the instruction to present it as well as the expired yet legitimate plastic ID for proper identification. While this policy is widely recognized in the Evergreen State, it tends to garner a few puzzled looks elsewhere. And, to our surprise, flat out denial at Jake's. As we were told, they have chosen to only accept current laminated identification, which apparently doesn't include our scenario. I can appreciate a business's right to choose who to serve to, after all, the OLCC has a strong and mighty fist. However, it does make me wonder what's really going on... every other spot in town that we've tried says it's A.OK. Why not here? We didn't stick around to find out... because if the card is a no go then the person in question isn't allowed to stay. It's policy. What can you do? I wholeheartedly appreciate and understand Jake's stance on this, and I do realize that we could have had the option to sit in the restaurant instead of the bar. I, however, am not impressed on how the turn of events was handled (and hence the rating). To me, an instance like this would deserve more than just quickly being turned away. A sincere explanation goes a long way to avoid bruised egos (by both parties) and quell perplexity. So I would have liked to have experienced Jake's. My brief foray into the cool old bar and beyond awesome late night happy hour menu would suggest that this Portland institution is a happenin' place to see and been seen. But at this point I'm not sure when I'll be back... ... maybe 3-10 business days after I get a -real- ID in the mail. ***UPDATE*** After pursuing things a little more, the manager got in touch to let us know exactly why they run things the way they do. That's definitely worthy of a bump up in my book and sign of an effort to make good. it's appreciated. thanks.
(3)
Daniel W.

The food was great! I had a filet that was very tasty and the steamed mussels were very good as well. The chairs in the bar were very hard on the backside and the table wobbled. You would think or the $100 we blew on dinner they could afford better furniture with padding. The waitstaff were friendly and responsive. They kept my ice tea filled...the sugar packets were old and were more like sugar cubes.
(4)
Brian M.

Hey! There was no crawfish Service was poor. When we arrived at 7:25 on a Monday (for a 7:30 reservation), it was packed. The maitre d tried to seat us in an empty room in the back, and was noticeably agitated when we asked to be seated somewhere else. (There was a table for us by 7:30, and by 7:45 the place was half empty). The waiter didn't explain how the menu was organized, or the specials, until well after drinks came out and after we had already spent 10 minutes deciding what the order. Drinks came out sporadically. By the time we left there were only a handful of people and the busboy was vacuuming near our table. (Bad, bad, bad. That should never happen under any circumstances). The food was done well, but the style was very old school. Big portions, not creative, and heavy on the starch. And the prices are very high in light of the standard fair and quality. (One main dish was $37, and our crab cakes were $27). Oh, and they didn't have any crawfish. Isn't that false advertising?
(1)
Kimli W.

This review is for the Happy Hour menu served in the bar. We arrived in Portland late Sunday evening, and cast about for something good to eat. My husband stumbled on reviews of Jake's Famous Crawfish, and as it was 3 blocks from our hotel, we decided to give it a try. It was one of the best meals I've had. I was skeptical about the whole "happy hour" thing, but it was SO WORTH IT especially as we were exhausted and hungry. If you find yourself in the area late at night, give them a try - our bill came to $25, and $13 of that were for drinks - the other $12 got us two appetizers and two entrees (we didn't know how much to order), and we walked away stuffed silly with fabulous food. A definite must-try for a foodie on a budget!
(4)
Sonny D.

Whatever happen to the happy hour Lobster? This place is alright, nothing really famous about it I had better for lesser price. Would not recommend would give it 1 star but our server was nice. Food nothing to really desire, too pricey for the quality of food!
(2)
JB L.

After checking in our hotel in downtown portland, we looked for a place to eat. This place seemed packed so we checked out their menu, which had so much seafood selection to choose from. The fishes were tasty and the server was nice. One good bonus: we saw the Dallas Mavs players dined here.
(4)
Deborah L.

My husband and I finally had dinner here after countless trips to Portland. We loved everything about it. From its rustic interiors, great food and wine list to the very friendly and helpful servers. My husband had the Crawfish Boil and he enjoyed every one of them with his fingers. I had the sole and it was delish! We had the crab & shrimp cakes for starters and the chocolate truffle cake to end. Overall, a great great night. A big shoutout to our very friendly and helpful server, Jeanne. Thank you for a wonderful experience :)
(5)
Bryan D.

While visiting Portland we wanted to grab some good seafood. A few locals recommended Jake's which was right in the middle of downtown. We all shared the fish and chips as well as some excellent seafood fettuccini. The meal was very taste and the service wonderful.
(5)
Ro C.

I don't think Jake's lives up to its hype. I ordered the fish and chips - something one would assume you can't go wrong with - and it was seriously flavourless. They did a better job with the chips. I think they should rename the place Jake's Famous Truffle Cake, because it really is delicious - rich and moist and decadent.
(3)
Dee M.

I was in Portland on business for a few month's and Jakes was one of the dining recommendations. This restaurant was my absolute favorite in all of Portland. I loved the fresh fish selections and potatoes. The key lime pie is a definite must. I loved this place so much that I dined here at least once per week. My only regret is that there isn't one in California...to my knowledge.
(5)
Jake D.

Come or the Happy Hour, stay for the steamed clams... I loved every bite I ate here! And the Happy Hour prices are unreal for the quality food you get. I would have happily paid twice or three times what they charged.
(5)
Venerable V.

I think it's funny when people want to reduce their rating of this place simply due to their not finding fresh crawfish upon their visit. First, you've gotta understand that Jake's sells fresh seafood - their menus are printed daily with the 'catch(es) of the day'. Anyone worth their salt understands you can't just get crawfish any day of the year. Please, people, leave your ignorance or stupidity at the door. So now, my review. I went to a work function months ago and was given two $20 gift certificates to any one of McCormich & Schmick's fabled stores - so I took the opportunity to take my son and his mama out for dinner to Jake's this past weekend. My son, being eight, is the biggest foodie you will ever meet under 10. This kid has been craving steak for so long and with these coupons, I was like, 'Alright, Aidan, we're gonna get that steak you've been wanting.' Well, after looking at the prices of their steaks (average steak $30 - $40) I thought twice and told him that seafood was more their specialty and that we'd have to grab that steak elsewhere. I mean, he is only 8. I knew this experience would go well as I got parking literally across the street just minutes after 7pm Saturday night so I didn't have to pay. My son and his mom were just sat seconds prior to my arrival so a big, warm booth awaited me and our server was precious and has probably been working at this establishment for over ten years. You can just tell. The place was packed. Looking through the menu and the prices, I wondered just how much money goes through this place daily. LOTS, let me tell you. The experience is worth it, though. It makes me feel like I'm in old New Orleans - surrounded by wood, stained glass - it's just nice to have this kind of history in a city as young and modern as Portland. We started w/ Manila clams and the server even commented that the bowl of clams was overflowing - and delicious. We also had a decent bottle of Pinot Noir which didn't exactly pair well with our fish but was tasty and required. I ordered the pecan crusted catfish (from Mississippi, I had to), Aidan ordered a salmon fillet and his mama ordered an item 'off the menu', a stuffed halibut with dungenness crab and shrimp. OMG - it was probably the smoothest, creamiest, buttery-textured halibut I've ever had in my life. The whole meal was outstanding. We were all stuffed but not disgustingly so. We ordered a few desserts and even had one given! The tip will always go up if you throw in a free dessert. Always. This wasn't my first time @ Jake's - first time was on a business dinner - that night was EXPENSIVE - close to a thousand dollars. I knew this was a place I likely would not visit in a long, long time but given the certificates, it was a perfect family dinner and was one I thought about all weekend.
(5)
Raymond S.

What a wonderful dining experience this was. Service was more than excellent! The food was five star! We had the crab stuffed salmon and the rockfish. Both were excellent. Desert was heaven. Highly recommend this place. Worth the money.
(5)
Belange H.

Went here for the happy hour from 3-6 and sat outside to people watch. Loved the mussels, calamari, sweet potato fries, and the oyster shooters. Crawfish was bland even though the presentation was quite nice. Did not enjoy the curried clams, but overall a good light meal with drinks for 5 people for under $60.
(4)
Alexis E.

Everything besides the service was out of this world. We started with the clams for an appetizer. They served a great sized serving and the sauce was perfect. I ended up sopping it up with the bread. My gma had the grilled halibut. It was seasoned a cooked perfectly. I had the Dungeness crab leg sautÃ©. It was one of the most amazing things I've even eaten. Huge serving on a bed of artichoke hearts and mushrooms. I subbed the rice for maher potatoes that were garlicky and buttery yummy. It's quiet pricey but it was worth every penny. Even though the service was below average, the food it self made this rating a 5 star. Make sure you make a reservation and if you're visiting Portland this is a must try!!
(5)
Kelsea Z.

1. Food was amazing... Had oysters , bouillabaisse, Dungeness crab legs, stuffed salmon... Crawfish were bigger than anything I've ever seen 2. Service was prompt and professional, unlike most of what I've seen around here 3. Is a pricey place but well worth it! A must!
(5)
Matsuo U.

I'm a little late in writing this review, by 14 years (see the pic! ). I recently found a paper menu that had been residing in one of cook book's for all these years, which defies any attempt to explain. I purposefully don't write many reviews on the many places I visit in other areas of this country and in other countries. This is because the SF bay area is my habitat and I am not compelled to prove I have ventured beyond the best place to live on the planet. I also feel the most valuable opinions/reviews come from folks who live in the area of the biz, all of this is not to say a "visitor's" opinion is not valuable or useful. This review is a fun exception for me. I have visited Portland many, many times. I always have loved trying restaurants with a long history, no matter where I am. Jake's had that, and still has, a storied history. I had taken notes on the back of Jake's paper menu, an early itch to document my experience @ a restaurant. In 2001 Jake's delivered great - but not tremendously innovation dishes, and is still delivering greatness to the its many fans. I had been back a few times in the recent years and it has remained true to quality food, ambiance and service. As has been pointed out, Jake's draws the tourist types but this does not belie the quality of Jake's food or service; nor detract from its history and pedigree.
(4)
Ty N.

Last night my friend and I just decided to grab seafood and we stumbled around this place in Pearl District. We found table for two by the bar ordered drinks (mine was delicious Lemon Drop, my friend ordered margarita something) both delicious!! Appetizer we had calamari and king crab legs cocktail both were super delicious!!! Dinner my friend got the Ahi dish and side of vegetables I got seafood fettuccine with substitute of mussel and it was delicious!!! We couldn't stop eating and got full really fast but the serving were big so we had to go boxes :) The service was great and the valet folks were nice they kindly offer to place our to go bags in our car while we went to Henry's. I will return!!
(5)
Lynn C.

Joe's Crab Shack-I mean jakes famous crawfish. We made it as our last stop in Oregon. We made it just in time for the butt of happy hour. We ordered the triple berry margarita which was very berry. Not much alcohol. So tasted like a smoothie. I did like the touch of sugar on the rim. We had the calamari. A slight bit too salty. But nice and crunchy. And they use the bigger squid. They give two sauces, marinara and an Asian sauce. I like the marinara much better. We then also had the salmon cake. My bf was very skeptic. I was too but I was willing to give it a try. Many places I. The bay use bread as a filler and don't really use the seafood in the cake. I'm glad Portland proved us wrong again! Mostly salmon! So fresh and tasty. It came with tartar sauce. We had to ask for another serving of lemon. We were being jipped with baby wedges. Then we finally received our clam chowder. Of course we wanted to compare this last thing to SF. I'd have to say, it was pretty good but hands down, SF has it locked. The difference was, it was more meaty. More bacon, not much clam. It also was creamy but not buttery. But still good. Service was a bit lacking. There were only two ladies handling the bar section. They did have their hands full. We weren't getting much attention. Also, they were getting confused at who ordered what. Definitely add more people around happy hour. It also took awhile to receive our orders.
(5)
Jen I.

We were here for a work conference and this place was packed! But I was still able to call about a hour ahead to secure a reservation! Service and atmosphere was top notch! Due to the conference & the number of people who ate here - they unfortunately ran out of 2 of the dishes 6/10 of us wanted to order :( but everyone still loved and enjoyed their 2nd choice! I'm not a fan of salmon - but loved the Dungeness Crab and Oregon Bat Shrimp stuffed salmon! Everyone loved it that tried it! Oysters were great (a little crunch but since I don't normally eat them didn't realize that's normal?!) calamari was very good! And desserts were also highly recommended!
(5)
Mel M.

Tried the Gumbo and Salmon cakes. Both filling and decent flavor. Gumbo came with white rice. Salmon cakes with tarter sauce and slice of lemon. They have pretty good happy hour menu and prices if you're looking for a happy hour spot.
(3)
Katie R.

The throwback feel of the bar is fun, puts you in a different era while you sip your whiskey sour and peruse the menu. Jake's serves up a delicious traditional Manhattan clam chowder--the first authentic bowl I have had on the west coast--and the complimentary hunk of sourdough bread is a treat; crusty goodness outside and super soft on the inside. Get in my belly. The happy hour here is no secret. And, while it's good in regards to both the food and the prices, the place just gets too populated for my taste. You feel bad for the folks standing around waiting for a table to open up so you rush through your drinks and bites and, well, how happy is that? Not really.
(4)
Mike B.

The family collectively gives this place 5 full stars. My son had the Flat Iron steak and said it was the best steak he has ever had, my wife highly recommends the stuffed Salmon, I had a great order of fish and chips... finish it off with the Chocolate Bag! We will be back, when we are in Portland..
(5)
Troy J.

Portland on a Plate. Jakes Famous Crawfish was a battle between my belly and my wallet. My full belly gave in first -- but not until my wallet had taken a serious, well-deserved, blow. The food was locally-sourced, plentiful and flawless. We had a tough time narrowing down the appetizers, and eventually gave up by selecting oysters, calamari, crab dip, and bacon/crab-wrapped prawns. The bluepoint oysters were 'fresh and briny' and didn't require any of the toppings provided. The calamari was crispy and included three sauces. The sweet and zesty marmalade sauce was the table's favorite and the first to disappear. The only appetizer I would have changed was the bacon/crab wrapped prawns -- which, frankly. didn't need any wrappings. The prawns were huge and flavorful... so I'm not convinced that the bacon or crab added anything. The Rockfish entree I ordered came in a rum-sauce, topped with dungeness crab and accompanied by roasted red potatoes and three thumb-sized asparagus. The entree looked 'heavy' after the appetizers was was light, tender, a rum-infused without any liquory-aftertaste. It was perfect. Best fish dish I've had in years. The potatoes and asparagus were well-prepared, but I couldn't find room for them in my belly. Menus change daily for all meals, based on the ingredients available. This is a great place to taste Portland on a plate,
(4)
Ray W.

We go to Jakes at least 6 times per year. Cioppino and Halibut cheek are my favorite.
(4)
Ling Tzu W.

Jake's famous is definitely worth the title of being famous. The seafood here has always been very fresh and the service is always prompt and on par with its 4 star reviews on here. My favorite thing about this restaurant and I will always remember is their variety of fresh oysters. They have different types of oysters on their menu and you can order half a dozen or a dozen with the variety. It has to be the freshest oysters that I have ever tasted on the west coast. The location of this restaurant is very easy to get to if you were walking to it. But because it is downtown, the parking around that area is difficult. I would recommend not looking for parking spaces in that area, instead I would walk to the restaurant and enjoy the views downtown at the same time.
(4)
Mark B.

This is one of those places... Its rough to review again because I have good memories here. Good food, great service in a classic space... Then the company that owns this restaurant was sold. The restaurant was always good for late night and happy hour. With a strong menu for both. The Petrole Sole Parmesan was something I looked forward to each year.... The restaurant is in a good location between downtown and the brewery blocks, Powell's is close by and lots of newer restaurants. Ok not most restaurants in town are newer when compared to Jake's but the last few years this area has really upped its game. Probably because of that and because it used to be a favorite I keep trying to come back but the food just isn't as good and the prices are way up. The staff now seems to change all the time and there never seems to be enough waiters to go around. where it used to be if something was wrong the waiter would make it right on the spot, now the manager comes over to apologize. Finally the last few times I have been there, the floors needed swept. Sigh, I will keep the memories and move on...
(2)
Kristin M.

A decent walk from the Marriott Waterfront to Jake's got my family and I ready to chow down on some seafood! The Ã©touffÃ©e is loaded with crawfish and had the perfect rice to gravy ratio. Don't underestimate it, it's pretty darn filling. My sister ordered the lunch special salmon which just melted in your mouth. We also had the calamari appetizer which had three decent sauces (however, still requested the tar tar and cocktail sauce). The only thing that's hindering me from 5 stars was the lonnng service on a slow week day. Seriously, we got our food almost an hour later with our server to be MIA most of the time (she was really nice tho). Anyways, try the Ã©touffÃ©e, it's delicious!
(4)
t w.

Great service from Sharman. Our first stop in town off the plane, nicer than expected (I'm uses to my crawfish places being dingy open air barns).
(4)
Kait K.

Upon arrival the hostess seated us promptly and our server was close behind. Her babe was Lisa and she was very kind and had a nice aura about her. Very calm and nice to engage with. To start we ordered goose oysters, which my mom loves. She brought over some sourdough and butter as well. We ordered a bottle of cab, seven hills I believe it was called. And it was fabulous. We shared the house salad which was simple but delicious. For our entrees we got the swordfish special topped with crab salsa and the stuffed salmon. We shared the entrees as mothers and daughters like to do ;). I definitely enjoyed the salmon more. It was cooked just perfectly and the shrimp and Brie stuffing was to die for. I could have done with out the green beans on the plate, I really feel like a better vegetable could've been used. For dessert I got a small cobbler which was good. The filling and ice cream were sooo yummy but the pastry topping was pretty hard and so it was mostly like warm berries and ice cream.
(4)
Phattra V.

I decided to head to Jake's for dinner one evening with my boyfriend since we were in the area. I had made a reservation and we arrived a little early but still had to wait in the lobby for our table past our reservation time. And there wasn't much standing room. We felt very in the way. Once we were seated, our waiter was very friendly and quick. The lighting was really dim so the photos I took came out awful, unfortunately. I ordered the crabcakes and my boyfriend ordered the seared ahi tuna plate. My crabcakes were okay, I guess. I have definitely had better. They were bland and the crust was soggy. And the sides were the quality something I would expect from a sad diner. I was expecting more since the restaurant is known for seafood. My boyfriend's tuna looked great, but it came with sushi that looked like it was prepacked from a grocery store. The prices didn't match the quality at all. I don't know that I would visit Jake's again (maybe for happy hour) knowing that there are so many great food choices in Portland, and better seafood especially.
(3)
Scott B.

To start off the host was very sweet, we had a reservation and got in 20 min before. Thank you. The food was amazing. Our server Elise was one of the best servers my girlfriend and I have had. Thank you for a wonderful time. We will be back again and again.
(5)
Tiffany D.

I normally don't give 5 stars, but I Absolutely LOVED everything about Jakes, except one thing! I was visiting Portland with my husband, my mom and her bf. During the city sight seeing tour the driver suggested Jake's as a good place to eat, and I'm glad my husband and I stopped here to eat. The food and wine were amazing. Besides bread we started off our dinner with fried crawfish. This was the one exception of the one thing I didn't love. I like crawfish but there was nothing special about this appetizer and the breading lacked seasoning. Other than that everything was 2 thumbs up. For our meals I got the Stuffed Salmon with Mashed Potatoes and Vegetables. I'm cautious about ordering salmon at restaurants bc some ppl don't cook it right, but hands down the best salmon I have ever tasted (I'm thinking about it now as I write this review wishing I was going to eat it for dinner). The salmon was cooked perfect ANNNDDD OOHHH that stuffing was DAMN good! The best stuffing for a fish that I have tasted . I was in heaven! My husband had their fried catfish with a jalepeno mango chutney. One of the best fried fishes we had tasted and that chutney was perfect. It acted like a hot sauce with a sweet kick. Perfect! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone that passes through Portland or lives there. If I am ever in Portland again I WILL DEFINITELY come back !!!!
(5)
Kat M.

This place never disappoints. We dined at the bar shared steamed clams, plenty for two ( a heaping pile of beautiful littlenecks!) pacific oysters on 1/2 shell and some pan fried oysters and pinot gris wine. The quality was outstanding once again! There are so many good restaurants in Portland but we keep going back here. Get in there and enjoy! Ciao!
(5)
Dan S.

Decent cocktails and great crab cakes, but everything else (oysters on the half shell, fried calamari, and clam (tasted like ham) chowder was just meh. Service was friendly but slooooow.
(3)
Jackie P.

Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Stuffed Prawns served in a butter sauce ... Literally tasting a piece of heaven! Sooo delicious! Dad had the crab legs and again, heaven. Soooo delicious. I had the Cajun and Shrimp Fettuccine and couldn't be happier with the choice. So delicious and savory. The sauce was amazing and had the perfect amount of kick. Love the atmosphere of the restaurant and the service was great! So happy to have finally tried this gem! Will be coming back more and more!
(5)
Katherine J.

I should've looked into this place further. It's old, smells old and has a tired menu to boot. It took us over an hour after ordering to receive our entrees and then they were just meh. Nothing inspired or unique here.
(2)
Charles P.

Good bartender as our server. The salmon/shrimp cake sandwich was not the best so I ate the cake by itself and left the rest for the trashcan. The salmon chowder and crab bisque was very very very good although I the amount of grab on the bisque needs to be more than 1.5 ounces. 3-4 ounces is what I should get for the money. They had the original Irish coffee on the menu served at the bar and it was a 7.5/10. They need to use heavier cream and it would be perfect. This place deserves a solid 4 stars
(4)
Seth F.

Tourist trap in my opinion. The fish was fresh and cooked to order but it was so traditional without any real flare. Also the prices compared to some of the other places I ate while on a business trip were close to most expensive.
(3)
J K.

Doesnt get anymore old school than Jake's. We had a lovely meal at Jake's. I was told they had the best bouilabaisse?. Nope, it was respectable, but best??!! However, the good thing was that Jake's bouilabaisse can be split, since it is chock full of crab, mussels, and fish. We got a bottle of wine, had fresh oysters on the half shell, baked brie kind of app, and tried a sampling of their dessert. They were all delicious. The waiter we had was a pro and was very welcoming. I hear you can get some good deals during HH and save a bundle.
(4)
O'Neill J.

Ordered the crab and shrimp cakes because I'm a huge fan of crab cakes...this order was good..not the best..oceanaire still the best...But I would come back to try their other seafood dishes...but the crab cakes were not worth the price...
(3)
Zia H.

Jake's is a classy and hospitable establishment with absolutely fantastic food. I would come here again in a heartbeat. The service was truly impeccable. I dined with a large group and we were all impressed. The food is not cheap, but you get what you pay for. I had the oysters and the rockfish and they were both served/cooked to perfection and the portions were very filling. All in all, a wonderful place to eat at if you are visiting or a local.
(5)
Dom M.

Jake's has a pretty decent and well priced Happy Hour running from 3-6 daily & 9-close Sun-Thurs & 10-close Fri & Sun. It's old school but in all the right ways. Recommended.
(4)
Krischanna R.

This place is awesome! Great service and recommendations from Bobby N! We had the stuffed salmon and crab legs (prepared out of the shell) delicious! Sangria and southern Smooth cocktails started us off paired with the roasted beet salad! Next time I'm in Portland I will be back! Reservations definitely recommended!
(5)
Linda T.

I have dined at Jake's Famous Crawfish about 3-4 times in the past few years. Each time I have visited has been a good experience. One of the first times I visited was when I dined during dinner with a group of about 10 people with a reservation. They were able to accommodate our table on a busy weekend dinner night. We just had to wait a few minutes for them to finish setting our table, and the lobby was not very big so it is a good thing we didn't have to wait too long. Dinner entrees range from $17-40. Once we were seated, the waiter was quick and friendly. For dinner I have tried their Ã©touffÃ©e. I thought it was just alright, the portion was a good amount, and I enjoyed the flavor and spices in this seafood stew. However, I think that the Ã©touffÃ©e at Montage has a more bold and rich flavor that I like better. I have also tried Jake's seafood linguini, which was tasty and well prepared. I have also dined during happy hour with my husband on a different occasion. They have a good and cheap happy hour menu. I enjoyed the oysters, mussels, clams. The only bad experience I had was on New Years Eve a few years ago when I came with my husband and 4 other friends for dinner. We ordered some oysters on the half shell to share. When the oysters came out, they were extremely small and poorly shucked, a few of us got bits of shell in our mouths. However on the flip side for that same evening: One of my friends is dairy free, and while we all enjoyed our ice cream and cake desserts, the waitress was kind enough to bring out a complementary dairy free fruit sorbet for my friend to enjoy as well. We thought that was kind of her, and it almost made up for the poorly shucked tiny oysters we had during dinner. Overall Jake's is a good choice for happy hour seafood in Portland, and I plan on visiting again in the future for dinner and happy hour.
(3)
Tom C.

This place is fine. It has the feeling of being a bit of a tourist trap. The food is good, not spectacular, but good. Service is fine-ish. I had a salmon special, which was good, and oysters, which were also pretty good. The menu is intimidatingly long - probably far too long. How can you possibly master that many dishes in a kitchen? The happy hour is supposed to be good. I think we were on our way there when we got distracted by some other place, though we ultimately wound up there, just in time for dinner, though.
(3)
Susan C.

Actually 3 plus stars. Always reliable and walking distance to The Living Room theater where we just saw Map To The Stars. We chose their delicious Crab Louis, wedge salads and chowder all around. Great quick stop for our foursome about 5pm with no reservations last Sunday.
(3)
Wendy S.

Crab bisque was fabulous. Steelhead melted in my mouth and was served with a pile of fresh green beans and roasted red potatoes. No room for dessert unfortunately as they looked awesome. Excellent service and never felt rushed. Jakes is a favorite haunt of ours.
(5)
Randi W.

When you're sick of Portland's communal dining and hipster attitudes, and find yourself longing to return to a classier, more sophisticated time of jazz and wood paneling everywhere, Jake's Famous Crawfish is your spot. I'd heard great things about their happy hour and came in for a late lunch to celebrate the end of 2014. The bar area was fairly full, but I was quickly escorted to a lovely table by the window. Unlike some other restaurants, the glass was thick and I couldn't feel a chill from the window; it's the little things in life. The servers were quick, wonderfully friendly, and the most professional I've seen in this town. I ordered a tall glass of bubbly Prosecco and settled down to the view. This is not the place to dine while penny pinching. Dinner entrees mostly range from $18-$40, but there are definitely dishes north of this served in the evening. Come in prepared to indulge, schmooze and soak up the atmosphere. Though not in direct competition with farm to table restaurants, they do declare the many of the origins of their seafood proudly on the menu. I had a delicious Pacific salmon saute, with oyster and shiitake mushrooms in a hazelnut cream sauce. Some raspberries on top and my prosecco on the side cut through the cream beautifully. I also enjoyed a perfectly grilled side of roasted squash/zucchini, and the sourdough bread was warm and complimentary. Pro-tip: happy hour isn't served on New Year's day, and lunch comes to a hard stop at 3 p.m. I might have chosen to go elsewhere if I'd know this before I sat down, because prices easily double for dinner. I heard the servers mention that no one had informed them either until the kitchen started rejecting lunch orders, so it's more a fault in communication than anything else. It was a fabulous last lunch of the year though, and I certainly don't regret staying. It's for this reason I had to knock down a star, but I can't wait to come back and enjoy more delicious, and more reasonably priced, lunch fare in 2015!
(4)
Sarah C.

This place is very homey and big. We made reservations for 2 at 6:15pm for a Friday evening. We were given a booth in the far corner. It is a bit cramped and we could hear other parties' conversations. Everything on the menu looked delicious. Our waitress was friendly but I think she was a bit too busy. The menus are printed everyday. Petrale Sole Parmesan Warrenton, Oregon Pan Seared with Seared Lemon , Crispy Capers and Beurre Blanc .......... 28.99 - Came with two pieces of the sole. It was very good. I love capers. This dish was perfect. Came with a side of mash potatoes and veggies. Complimentary bread - nothing special. comes with butter. The bathroom is in the back. Nice. Overall, if you like seafood this is the place for you. Also the portions here are quite large so you don't need to order sides or appetizers.
(4)
Kim I.

Mehhhh. Used to be one of my favorite affordable hh spots. Now this place to me is just outdated and not even worth the small amount they do charge for food. It is no longer good here. The food is super mediocre now for happy hour and their drinks are lazy. The cocktails are sad and boring and I'm just super unimpressed. I've been going here for awhile and didn't want to give up on a classic, wanted to give them a chance to redeem themselves... But a las, I think I'm going to throw in the towel to this place. Even their food off the non hh menu was super boring and mehhhhh. Clam chowder and crab cakes, and other main entrees made my mouth fall asleep with boredom.
(2)
Julian N.

Went there with my partner on a whim and was very pleased. The servers were all very nice (albeit, dressed like doctors) and we were seated quickly. We ordered the crawfish tails with sherry wine aioli and the bacon-wrapped, crab stuffed prawns for starters. The crawfish was amazing and the prawns were great, but a meal in and of themselves. Next we had the Caesar salad which was good. Not great, but still quite good. She and I then split the twin lobster tails with roasted potatoes and mixed vegetables. The lobster was mind-blowing. It was delicate, buttery, rich and delicious. The vegetables were alright, as were the potatoes, but we didn't order the dish for the sides. Finally, we got the dessert trio with cobbler, chocolate torte and cream puff, all of which was amazing. I would have to say, Jake's pleasantly surprised me and I would recommend it to anyone I meet.
(5)
Jamie C.

The hype is real. If you love seafood as much as I do, this is the spot to visit. Amazing food, and excellent service. Place gets packed but you'll find a spot easily if you come with a small party. Small being 2. I had the salmon stuffed with dungeness crab, shrimp, cream cheese & brie. You don't know what you're missing until you've had this. My next target when I visit Portland again - the crawfish boil :D
(5)
Rainy R.

MA lovely lovely restaurant ,quite lovely and old fashioned in its servers step back in time,so attentive and full of knowledge and history about what's on offer on menu... ..didn't want to leave.yep bit expensive but food yum yum and lots
(5)
Melissa L.

All the different Jake's outlets are owned by McCormick and Schmick and are fairly typical M&S restaurants but we went for the late night happy hour. Portland has it's share of great happy hours and late night happy hours. If you just want a little something and want a deal, hit up one of the M&S locations. Each one is different. My husband couldn't remember if the burger was full sized or not and figured it wasn't so we ordered calamari ($6), full size cheeseburger with steak fries ($4), and wings ($5). WAY too much food.
(4)
Hanson W.

We got the stuffed salmon, fried razorclam, and crawfish - the salmon and crawfish were pretty average, but the razorclam was quite bad (even the batter was chewy). For $30+ a dish, I definitely expected better; the ambiance is good for a bar though.
(2)
Lynne B.

Excellent service excellent food excellent everything so glad we found out about this restaurant definitely get the filet mignon well worth the 42 dollars price best I've ever had on the west coast
(5)
Sam B.

Hands down the best high end restaurant in town, so it goes without saying its the best seafood. I have been to so many upscale restaurants, and many of them disappoint. This is NOT one of those restaurants. It's well worth the price, and my favorite place for a special occasion. When they are in season get the Razor Clams...perfection.
(5)
Chanwoo C.

Phenemonal service, very kind, quick, and our waiter, Matthew (by the way, he is very humorous as well), recommended amazing dishes for my wife and I: Washington Halibut and SautÃ©ed Crab Legs. Definitely coming back here next time when we are in Portland. Price is a bit steep but worth coming again. It would be interesting to try their happy hour items.
(5)
Mark H.

Read my review at cuisineandspirits.com/20â€¦
(5)
Hart P.

Great place in Portland to have dinner. I am usually there on business, so go into the bar during happy hour, enjoy a local brew and then pick 2 items off the happy hour menu. (greater variety for less) The dining room is available and has excellent service.
(4)
Ron H.

Although I have dined at Jakes many times in the last 3 decades this is my first review. Let me start by say I do not recall EVER having a disappointing meal. A decade ago I would hit happy hour once a week. I moved a few years back and had not been there since.....they picked up where they left off. I had the Seafood Newberg while the Girlfriend had the stuffed Salmon, both spectacular. The disappointment came when we returned to the car (not the restaurants fault), a parking ticket on Sunday, REALLY! When did this happen? I knew I left Multnomah county for its outrageous revenue tactics, but I am afraid it will come at the cost of commerce.
(5)
Stacy S.

Come by for the historic ambience but not for the food. Picture a smallish lump of crabmeat topped with a canned black olive and piled on top of pale strips of iceberg lettuce. Then imagine paying $18 for that combo. I found the character of the place to be stiff--definitely not typical Portland. The people everywhere else we've been were kind and relaxed. In better news, I liked that they gave crayons and a coloring sheet/kids menu to our two kids.
(2)
Trevor L.

Top notch food and top notch service. Pricey but excellent. I had the ahi. It was a lot of food but manageable. Loved the sourdough bread. Lots of business folk around. Nice place for a date for a classy person or special occasion. They've been there for 120ish years.
(5)
Ayumi W.

Salmon salad was delicious. Salmon wasn't dry and flavorful. Service was also excellent.
(4)
D G.

Had a very nice drink with a new friend here. The service ,the crowd, the atmosphere, Were all GREAT. There is nothing better(happy hour-wise) than an old fashion bar that wants to serve you without attitude and pour you a strong one. Jakes is still a place to enjoy. My Hippy Daughters will experience this place and God willing and my careful guidance they will experience old time style. Thanks Barb
(5)
John H.

We chose this place based on the reputation--consistently in the top 10 seafood in the US according to our research. Also, we were focused on restaurants with history as part of our trip. This place is more than 100 years old. It is beautiful. Painted tin ceilings, wood paneling, great looking bar. It was a bit of a convolution, which added to the intimacy of the eating experience and could signify years of gradual expansion. Valet parking was appreciated but not needed--we took Max and only had to walk a few blocks. I had a half dozen oysters. There was a huge selection. My prior research was not very helpful--same descriptions for each varietal. Therefore, I just accepted the kumamoto recommendation made by the waiter. Nice presentation and good taste. No grit. My wife had the house version of the clam chowder. Lots of bacon to accent the clam. She was quite pleased and scraped the bowl clean. My entree was the pecan crusted catfish with mango-jalapeno "chutney" (seemed more like a sauce). Oh my! It was good. My wife claimed that she could taste a bit of the mud under-flavor typically found in catfish, but I could only sense the blend of textures, reverberating spice and excellent preparation. My wife had the special swordfish but sent it back due to being overly salty. She is not a picky eater, typically. So, I trust her assessment. I tasted it before it was sent back--yeah, it was salty, but that is a subjective thing. She got it replaced with a salmon dish. She was very happy with that (I preferred the swordfish, truth be told. both paled to my catfish). The plates were identical--fish with 3 asparagus spears with julienned carrot on that and some mashed potato. My wife thought the potatoes were lump-infused, which meant that they were not from dehydrated. Not a helpful description(that's why I write the reviews on Yelp). I thought they were delicious--great way to counter the spice of the catfish (which wasn't overly spiced, by the way). We got the trio for dessert. I enjoyed the creme brulee, but happened to have had this dessert 3 days in a row and rate this 3rd on the list. The chocolate item was da bomb and my wife and I competed to get the bigger half of the bread pudding. We didn't try the berry crumble, which was a possible selection for the trio. I also had the San Francisco lemon drop. Very nice. Sufficiently sour and expertly balanced sweet. Great start to a great meal. Worth the effort. Obviously, get the catfish if you are overwhelmed by the expansive menu. I'm sure they prepare a fine steak too, but don't order beef at a seafood restaurant, even if you are just going there because someone is taking you and they want to go.
(5)
Alice T.

Excellent food and service. My husband and I had the crab and shrimp cake - very tasty. One son had the salmon Cesar salad - delicious . Other son had the jakes cheeseburger - good! The crab bisque was very smooth and yummy!! The service was excellent
(5)
David L.

I took my wife here for our 2nd year anniversary. I had one of the best margarita I've ever had. The shrimp Alfredo was amazing. Great experience and I will definitely keep coming back. I love the vintage decor and mood. The staff were friendly but didn't lay it on to thick. Felt very homey. Thanks for a wonderful time.
(5)
Juan S.

I liked this place but really wasn't blown away by the food. The best part of the meal was the service. Excellent, professional and friendly. The food i thought was just ok. I had the grilled salmon and oysters and thought they were good but not great. The bread was just ok too. I love the atmosphere. Very historic and almost like you're in a museum. But again with the food, I'm not sure I'd hurry back here.
(3)
Stace K.

Tried this place for the first time tonight. Very busy on a Saturday so best to make a reservation. No complaints about the food and service (Thanks, Langdon!) Though. I had the etouffe and the husby had the special (blackened swordfish). Would recommend this place to anyone. They are also part of Landry's select club if anyone is a member.
(5)
Scott L.

Had the opportunity to eat at Jake's on a trip up from LA. I want to go back just to eat there again. I had the salmon that was stuffed with a combination of crab and herbs and cheeses, and it basically just melted in my mouth. The salmon was cooked so perfectly and was so soft, tender and juicy. Definitely a must try place, and somewhere I'm willing to sit in a car for another 19 hours just to eat there again.
(5)
Eva P.

Went to dinner for my Birthday with family at Jakes!! Called same day for reservations and they were able to grant my reservations. Food was Awesome, Waiter Was great very nice atmosphere and clean!!!
(5)
Lindsay J.

If you haven't been here yet you need to put it on your to do list now! Atmosphere is very pleasant, service is great, and food is exceptional!!! Can't forget to mention the key lime pie ... It is simply one of the best I have tasted anywhere and I have had it in many restaurants all over the country!!! Don't miss out on Jakes!!!
(5)
Mike P.

This review is just on the happy hour. Food and prices are certainly four star, you can't beat that deal or the quality. If you were looking for hospitality this is not the place. 2 stars for that. Bartender could not have been bothered with being friendly or overly helpful seemed like we were bothering him . So back to the food. We started off with the spinach and artichoke dip very tasty and a really great size portion followed by pork potstickers and salmon cakes. Finishing with some steamed mussels. Drinks are all full price, but food prices are crazy reasonable so it balances out.
(3)
Braedon S.

Jake's is amazing! We went last year to celebrate my Dad's birthday and the staff was kind enough to print us personal menus with "Happy Birthday, [Dad]!" at the top. So cool. The service was impeccable, although the food did take awhile to arrive. It was well worth the wait, though. The seafood is great, steaks were perfect. You can't go wrong with anything on the menu, honestly. The dining area is a little noisy with the bar area so close to it, but still a very cozy and fun atmosphere. Very pricey, but worth it in my opinion.
(5)
Sunny W.

We've only been here for an afternoon happy hour (not lunch or dinner) so please keep that in mind when reading this review. PROS: + Good list of items for happy hour + Decent prices for happy hour CONS: - Food was average, did not taste very good, and we even returned one of the dishes. - Restaurant looked too old and worn down. I know this restaurant used to have a good reputation, so I sadly have to rank this at the very bottom for all the happy hour restaurants we've tried. Again this review and rating is only for happy hour, and there's a chance that its regular dinner service will blow you away. But I personally would not take that chance - if they offer happy hour and cannot do it well, then I wouldn't want to take the chance that quality would dramatically increase for the pricier dinner items. Reading through the other Yelp reviews, it seems like the restaurant quality went downhill since they got bought out. If people start rating the restaurant better, I might give this a second chance in the future.
(2)
Robert H.

Attitude from the hostess the minute we walked in. We left and went to Deschutes Brewery. No regrets
(1)
Eli W.

Great seafood! Fresh, Fresh, Fresh! They pint a new menu everyday. The daily Chef Recomondation is spot on. Calamari with 3 sauces is a great start. Enjoy!!!!
(5)
Maria C.

Jake's bouillabaisse! It was was filled with creatures from seafood heaven- clams, mussels, shrimp, Dungeness crab, salmon, mini scallops (but that's ok).. All mixed in a salty, but tasty broth. The entree was enough to share with another. Server was nice & attentive, the ambiance is romantical but accommodates large groups. The booths are super cute with coat hangers protruding out from the side. Overall.. A bit pricey for seafood, but I would come back just because of the great service and friendly staff.
(4)
Gerald M.

Arrived for our dinner reservations and were immediately seated. Bread and water arrived quickly and our drink orders were taken. Our bottle of wine came quickly with an ice bucket as requested. My wife had the Crab Louie and I had the horseradish-Parmesan salmon. Both were excellent. Service was good and the decor reminded us of older restaurants in San Francisco. All in all an very pleasant evening.
(5)
Luke S.

We eat here often and it never disappoints! The seafood is always excellent, and so is the steak! We love the Manila steamer clams and wedge salads for appetizers- delicious. When you're done eating you can take a walk in the Pearl District to top off the night!
(5)
Sam P.

The food was good, but make sure you talk to your waiter. This is a place full of stories. Ask, and you'll get an unspooling of Portland history, through the lens of this historic restaurant. My waiter had worked there "Only 18 years." Man. Every town has "That Place." This is "That Place" in Portland.
(4)
Jack O.

Jake's looks like a classic, has top-notch service, and charges like they aren't going anywhere, but at the end of the day they just don't live up to it I don't mind dropping well over $100 for dinner for two, but it just has to be better than this honestly. I had a good meal on a packed Friday-night and nothing was bad, but I tried a couple of things that should have been jaw-droppingly good at a place like this (calamari, basic cod dish, mixed clam order) and they were just...regular good. I guess as others have mentioned this might be the perfect place to take the in-laws (or even better, the grandmas who remember what all restaurants looked like in the newly settled territories) but the atmosphere is more stuffy than it is classy or upscale. I get that the place has some historical value, but the vibe is like eating at an antique shop or a museum. In fact, this place is shockingly similar to Huber's Cafe only with a focus on fish instead of Thanksgiving type-meat. Also, the tourist trap spidey sense is easier to ignore at Huber's because again, not nearly as pricey. Admittedly, I'm a carpetbagging city-slicker who is ruining Portland, but it is what it is. I don't care if a place was built when the Oregon Trail was a game or an actual trail. I'm not handing out 5-stars just because. Do you have family from out of state who want to be blow away by fish? Fine - swerve way off course and take them to Syun Izakaya. It'll be a lot more memorable.
(3)
John L.

I had heard good things about this place, but admittedly it was from someone that had not been to Jake's in recent years, and probably before the restaurant was purchased by a large chain that will go unnamed. Jake's is in a great downtown location and the service is excellent, but as far as what I heard about the quality of the food, we were very underwhelmed. We had the popcorn crawfish, which was the only good dish out of the entire meal. I don't know if Jake's has become inundated with corporate policy and thus become a watered-down version of its former self, but the food is not very good, and it's unbelievably overpriced for the quality level. I ordered the macadamia-crusted halibut, and while I LOVE halibut in general, this was the most bland dish I've had at any restaurant in quite a long time, and the asparagus and carrots I ordered on the side tasted like they were just thrown into a microwave and served. No seasoning, no oil, not even a dab of butter. My wife had a crabmeat-stuffed piece of salmon, and it was so rich with cream cheese that it was inedible, at least for us. I assume Jake's does this to avoid the crabmeat getting dried out in the cooking process, but it was too much. The taste of cream cheese overwhelmed the crab and salmon taste, and the dish as a whole suffered. At $41 for the halibut and $38 for the salmon, I was extremely disappointed. Perhaps we made the mistake of not focusing on the restaurant's strength, which are apparently crawfish and oysters/shrimp, but while the crawfish appetizer was good, it does not make a meal, and the fish dishes were so poor compared to my expectations. I've cooked halibut and had it come out tasting 10 times better than the dish I had. On top of the major disappointment in the food, the staff did not recognize the note on our reservation telling them that we were celebrating our wedding anniversary. We will never return to this restaurant, and I will not recommend it to any of my friends or family.
(2)
Marna G.

I love Jake's. I love seafood. I love old world charm. I love the amazing service. There's really nothing I don't love about this place other than the noise level and the itty-bitty bathrooms. Now I know that Jake's is part of that McCormick and Schmick chain and a lot of you hate chain restaurants- but I like this place a lot. They offer a great happy hour menu! The vibe is fun- older and it really has the feel sort of like San Francisco. Now because it's Jake's crawfish it serves mostly seafood- duh. So don't come here expecting pizza okay? I am a crawfish, crab, shrimp, lobster lover. Jake's does not disappoint. They have a decent wine list and I can't write this review without giving a shout out to their waitstaff. The service is stellar. The last time was there I tipped 25%. Stuff not to miss- Popcorn crawfish. Little crawfish tails with sherry wine aioli. Yum Yum and more yum! The blackened rare ahi is delicious!! Served simply with Ginger and wasabi. Their version of baked brie comes with Apple chutney - thanks I'll have another:) The prawn cocktail is like other higher end restaurants - the prawns are largish and you can't go wrong. I think I can make a meal out of prawn cocktails. Their clam chowder rates right up there with some of my favorite places for amazing clam chowder. I always do New England clam chowder I never do Manhattan clam chowder - tomatoes in clam chowder is just wrong. Like broccoli on pizza - gross. I have had their French onion soup and you know what it's pretty good. I am sort of a French onion soup snob but I would order this. My dirty rotten secret - I love iceberg lettuce on some things. And I love iceberg wedge salads. These don't disappoint. They put just enough bacon and don't overdo the dressing. Hey stop judging me! Now I'm just going to say it - I hate salmon. I grew up on salmon like some kids grew up on hamburger. My mom made it a lot. I just hate it. Took a bite of one of my dinner partners salmon and you know what it wasn't half bad. That's saying a lot from a girl who hates salmon. The salmon had decent flavor, it was fresh, it was cooked on a cedar wood plank, and I could've eaten it - if I had to and someone was holding a gun to my head :) really it was okay. I ordered - the Ã‰touffÃ©e - Crawfish, chicken, and shrimp in a rich nut brown sauce. It was spicy and fantastic. I skipped dessert because I was too full. Later we went to Salt n Straw but that's another review for another time. Great place for a business dinner meeting or just socializing. Good drinks - fun wine list - excellent service. Oh and they have valet parking!!! And they validate it.
(4)
J R.

We enjoyed our lunch. Crawfish etouffe, salmon, gumbo--nothing to complain about.
(4)
Hungrylone W.

I like the location of this place, and the atmosphere is nice, although the staff is not very friendly. The food was very good, but super expensive. It was good, but I don't think it was good enough to be worth the prices they were asking for. Over all though, not much bad to say about this place.
(4)
Heidi H.

First timer coming from California but my hubby is from Louisiana so he grew up eating crawfish.. He had two orders of the crawfish and said they were outstanding but they don't make them spicy. We tried them fried as well and they were good.. Lightly breaded and came with two diff sauces. The crab legs were amazing. I had a cup of clam chowder but it wasn't that creamy, I like mine to be thick and chunky. We shared the Ã©touffÃ©e and the roux wasn't done right. Overall experience was pleasant.
(4)
Lauren G.

Yelp let me down with this one. I thought four stars with ~800 reviews would be a safe bet, but then I was a little nervous when I was able to get reservations for a party of six only two hours ahead of time. I should have listened to my inner yelper... Anyone giving this more than three stars is doing so based on their memories of it in 1978. The recipes may be "classic", but they just aren't being executed well. For the price, I expected better food and better service. My stuffed salmon was overcooked and the stuffing was watery and lacking flavor. The only one at the table that was thrilled with the meal was my daughter who ordered chicken fingers off of the children's menu.
(2)
James H.

Be sure to head here for happy hour, the food is fantastic and incredibly cheap. For $3, $4, $5, and/or $6 happy hour options include fish tacos, oyster shooters, gumbo, pork stickers, mussels, prawns, chicken quesadillas, salmon cakes, Cajun chicken sandwich..., you get the idea. The staff awe wonderful. We sat outside with our Boston Terrier who the staff made a massive fuss over. The manager even came out to see him. The drinks selection is good, and liquor portions very generous (probably the largest 'single' whiskey I've ever had in bar).
(5)
Sophia Y.

I always get sucked into places that sell themselves as a "top 10" or a "best ___" list. According to their postcard, they are rated one of the top 10 restaurants for seafood in the nation. Yeah, that I had to try. Of course I got one of the crawfish dishes since that's what they're known for. I got the Spicy Chilled Crawfish and it was probably my favorite dish of the night. It tasted exactly what it sounded like. It was chilled and a tad spicy. Not too many other flavor which was nice because you can really taste to crawfish. Our waiter was also nice enough to show a step by step how how to eat a crawfish properly. As the main dishes, we got the Rockfish Lafitte and Jakes' Etoufee. The Rockfish Lafitte was pretty good. I felt the crab meat on top was a tad salty and the fish was kind of bland minus the salt. It also came with asparagus and mashed potatoes which were okay. Nothing amazing about those. And Jakes' Etoufee - usually one of my favorite dishes at cajun/creole restaurants, but I thought it was just okay. They give you a little bit of rice and a ton of sauce, which usually works for me, but the ratio of rice to sauce was just really off. The sauce had a generous amount of crawfish tails and chicken and shrimp, but I felt like the shrimp could have been fresher considering they're a top seafood restaurant. The sauce was a little too gelatenous to me and the flavors were just okay. Overall, I did like the crawfish, but I felt like the meals were just okay. The service is great though.
(3)
Vienna S.

Parmesan crusted petrale sole with capers, paired well with garlic mashed potatoes and acrobat pint gris. So yummy. Very delicious. Will definitely come back. All of my friends dishes were also delicious. Disappointed in the reviews left here. This place is forsure still great. But I could just not be snobby enough. I'm not from portland. I wish eugene had a spot like this.
(4)
Jim M.

Amazing food, amazing environment and top notch wait staff. We went in as a group and were able to make last-minute reservations. There were 8 guys, away from the wives for the weekend and this was our top pick for downtown Portland. I had the stuffed cod with crab and shrimp - wow, it was fantastic. Fresh ingredients, along with a cup of Crab Bisque, holy cow, there is nothing better. The bread was fresh, linens were a nice touch and the professional wait-staff was second to none. Their beer selection was good (Hey, it's Portland) and a bottle of Merlot was excellent. (No, it was not a beer chaser) I would recommend it for anyone. The only slight complaint was that it was a bit noisy but then again, it was a busy Saturday night
(4)
Amy Z.

Was attracted to the restaurant because of the signage. I'm drawn to a solid logo and the illusion of a long lineage. 30 years in business and a solid 4 star Yelp doesn't hurt either. Dined solo and had the lump Dungeness crab & artichoke for dinner served on a bed of rice with asparagus. Quite simple but very good and would definitely return for a seafood meal in Portland.
(4)
Jacob M.

Jake's has been one of my favorites for many years. They have excellent seafood, and a very lucrative membership program that offers several large discounts on meals throughout the year. While dinner is a little pricey, the cost is entirely justified by the quality and range of local options. If you're undecided, order whatever wild pacific salmon happens to be running when you're there. You'd be hard pressed to find a better dish. For the budget conscious, you can't beat Jake's for happy hour. The happy hour food is delicious, and menu prices for food range from around $3 to $6. My favorite is the seafood gumbo and salmon cakes, but their hamburger also gets rave reviews and you can fill yourself up on either for less than $5. To top it all off, they even have happy hour desserts -- miniature cream filled, chocolate wonders, and local berry delights -- that won't spoil your diet or ruin your wallet. So why four stars and not five? Well, the answer is fairly simple. Jake's has been around for years. Maybe even a century. And while the happy hour menu is great, it used to be even better. Over the years, some of my favorite items, like their Cesar salad, have disappeared from the menu, and the drinks are really not as cheap as they should be. But whether four stars or five, Jake's is still a local favorite and will always be my "go-to" place when I want good food or a great happy hour.
(4)
Lorissa M.

Five stars. Absolutely amazing. For appetizers we had the crab leg cocktail, bacon wrapped shrimp and calamari. All were spectacular and played were cleared. For dinner I had Jakes Crawfish Boil. I was the best I've ever had. The sausage was spicy, the broth was to die for, corn and potatoes cooked to perfection. For dessert we tried the chocolate bag, key lime pie and banana cream pie. The chocolate was my favorite. It was filled with a not-too-sweet whipped cream and topped with raspberries purÃ©e. I would recommend Jakes to anyone looking for fantastic seafood.
(5)
Rocky C.

The food and the service were good but when it came time to pay the tab we found out that our credit card had gone missing, our card was missing for about 15 minutes. When the person who I assume was the manager became involved, our card was eventualy located. We did receive appologies from our server and from the person I assume was the manager but that was it. Now, I am not looking for a free meal ticket but feel that they could have done more to make up for our momentary discomfort and inconvenience. Update: A few days after I posted this review I received an e-mail from someone at corporate customer relations. Dissapointed with her e-mail, she requested that I provide her with a personal phone number where I could be reached at in order to address the issue. I responded that I preferred to communicate via e-mail and that the restaurant already had my wife's cell phone number. It's been a few weeks and there has been no response, guess they are not concerned. Did a little research and found out that Jake's is owned by a sizeable corporation, guess they place profits above customer satisfaction. Too bad.
(2)
Allison H.

Sometimes old school rules! Jake's is Portland old school and can feel a bit touristy. I know it can be hard to consider more traditional fare with the Portland food explosion. But it's worth a visit! I sat in the bar (place was packed) for a drink and appetizer. Great bar with interesting cocktails. I had the mussels puttanesca which was fabulous. The mussels were plump and perfectly steam. In a wonderful sauce that I mopped up with crusty bread (the diet begins when I get home...)
(4)
Amy H.

We came here for the cheap happy hour. This place is crazy cheap but the food wasnt the best. I guess I should have expected the quality of food but whatevs. We got some oyster shooters, shrimp, spinach artichoke dip, gumbo, and this fried cake thing. It was the classic happy hour food that was fatty, comfort food. I guess if you are looking for a chill place to hang at night with an option of outdoor street seating, then this is the place for you. Maybe we should have ordered actual seafood but it wasnt on the happy hour menu....
(3)
Martin S.

This place is OLD SCHOOL! I'm always wary of restaurants that have the word "Famous" in their name, but the reviews on here were solid, so we decided to give it a try. I'm glad we did. This is a seafood joint, so order the seafood. If you want a burger, try Henry's Tavern just down the block. Our server was great, and was quick to point out some of their best dishes. Cocktails were perfect, oysters were fresh and expertly shucked. We ended up ordering their signature dishes, the Horseradish Crusted Salmon, and pan seared Halibut. Both were cooked perfectly. We fished off our meal with a very rich bread pudding. Service and food were great! Minus 1 star for the loud noise in the main dining area. We were fortunate to be seated in a side dining room that was noticeably quieter than the main area. Additionally, if you don't like fish, you may be put off by the fishy smell when walking in, but hey, FISH is the focus of the place.
(4)
Hulk I.

Great food and amazing service. The staff was very smart about menu and have great recommendations. We had the filet mignon and the jake Ã©touffÃ©e. Both were amazing and very filling. The clam chowder wasn't salted enough, but easy to fix. I want 5 star, but menu is a bit pricey.
(4)
Carol H.

Went to Portland for the day and found this place on Yelp when we searched for a Seafood Restaurant nearby. Our waiter was pleasant, he even taught us how to take the crawfish apart. They have a good selection of desserts but we were too full to try any. It seems pricey but so are most seafood restaurant. Next time I want to try the Bouillabaisse!
(4)
Tara G.

The atmosphere is great but you should only come for the seafood. I got a chicken linguini dish that was ok, but the chicken was dried out and I picked it out of my plate. My friends however ordered the stuffed salmon and loved it. Overall, cute little place recommended by everyone in Portland, but only for seafood eaters.
(3)
Katie G.

After yet another 14hr work day, what a great place to unwind for drinks and seafood-order the fresh oysters and sea scallops. At first glance, I wasn't impressed by the outdoor decor. It looked like any other regular run of the mill bar/diner, but I had it completely wrong once we were seated. The place is huge. The service is very friendly and more knowledgeable than I expected. A lot of the waiters here looked like lifers. I felt the Portland history in them. In addition to the great oysters my coworker selected, I loved the dungeness crab, shrimp cocktail, and calamari (kudos for the 3 sauces). I was so full after sampling the appetizers that I wasn't sure how I was going to work on the main course. I found a way. The sole was delicious as was my coworker's halibut and side of mash potatoes. Then it was time for dessert. I was completely stuffed, but it didn't prevent us from ordering the fruit tart and chocolate bag. Oh and the lemon drop is a great starter drink. Keep 'em coming... I wasn't shocked at our high bill, but we enjoyed every dollar spent. Luckily, a portion of the bill can be expensed.
(4)
Raoul U.

Even more impressive than Jake's delicious food, good drinks, and fantastic late-night hours? The prices. Our crew of happy retards sort of happened upon Jake's on a late-night tourist food quest, and what a lucky break it was for us. With the purchase of a drink each--and you know we were going to do that anyway--we were able to order huge portions of excellent seafood staples like fish and chips, fried calamari, and more, from their 'happy hour' menu. And for those with more discerning tastes, the regular menu was also in full effect. In short, we sat outside late into the night in downtown Portland eating great food, chugging great hooch, enjoying our friendly server--and we didn't pay a lot of money to do it. That is as good as it gets.
(5)
Dan K.

Oh my! It's easy to see why Jakes Famous Crawfish has been around for over a hundred years. Great service and great food. I started off with the Dungeness Crab Cocktail which was awesome, then the Bouillabaisse, again amazing and finally their little trio of desserts. Actually just had the chocolate one since they didn't make me buy all three. What a delight! Nice people and a really great meal. Highly recommended. Both by me and Lucy, the former Miss Oregon, who told me when I went to Portland I had to eat a Jakes. She did not lie. Amazing!
(5)
Jay S.

After reading some great reviews we decided to try this landmark for dinner on a Saturday night-big mistake! The place was packed to the rafters so we were told to wait at the bar until a table was available. Great ambience and the decor is striaght out of the early 40's with the wait staff dressed that way too - really cool! I was expecting to see the "Sopranos" show up any minute. After milking a club soda for about 30 minutes a table finally opened up. We were given a basket of warm and delicious bread (variety) with whipped butter as soon as we were seated. We were famished so we ordered 2 appetizers: fried calamari with 3 dipping sauces, and their famous Oregon chilled Spiced crawfish. Our waiter was very friendly and showed us how to properly and delicately open a crawfish and eat the delicious morsel - it was so good! For the main course I went with pecan crusted catfish that was fried and topped with spicy jalapeno mango chutney. Seasoned and cooked perfectly and served on a bed of rice pillaf. Dessert was also memorable, Oregon three berry cobbler (marrion, raspberry & bluberries) under a flaky crust and accompanied with a scoop of Tillamook vanilla bean ice cream- scrumptrulescent! This place is pricey, so it was a one time indulgence. But I will remember it when we visit Portland again!
(4)
Adam E.

I learned a lot of things in Portland, the most memorable of which is probably this- Portlanders are CHEAP. They won't spend money on anything, even if it's really terrific. Good thing there's such thing as Happy Hour. Can you believe that it's against the law to have Happy Hour in Boston? I think that might be why you all packed up your Conestoga wagons. To get Happy Hour specials at Jake's. I made one of my roommates check this place out with me because I love old man type places, and Jake's is perfect in that regard. Old timey bartenders who make absolutely perfect drinks, but look like they'd laugh you out of town if you asked for something like a "Flirtini." They do offer a bunch of drink specials like that, but it just feels wrong to order anything but a Tom Collins or Manhattan. I don't remember what exactly the deal was, but my roommate and I got burgers and a couple of appetizers, with drinks of course, for basically the price of a couple drinks! I guess dinner gets expensive but oh man is Happy Hour a great deal.
(5)
Tanya O.

My husband and I have been regulars at Jakes Famous Crawfish for years. I took him there to suprise him for his birthday dinner. When we checked in I was asked if we still had reservations for 6 people--there went his surprise. I tried not answering and they kept asking, so I told my husband "surprise we have guests too". The manager did not even apologize for ruining the surprise. The waitress was not polite, friendly or fast. We had several empty water glasses, a lot of time betweeen being able to order drinks. We had a question on the bill at the end and she was very brittle with us. The food was good but nothing exceptional. Landrys owns this now not McCormick and Schmick's. It is obvious it is not the "old Jake's" that Portlanders are used to. I would never reccommend this restaurant now. The prices are more expensive, the staff is not friendly, our bill was wrong and if it was Jake's they would have never questioned us they would have fixed it right away. I called a few days later after to give feedback to the General Manager. He took my information and said he would talk to someone and get back to me. I have never heard back from them. Sorry, Landrys you lost some loyal customers and I will be telling everyone of my friends how disappointed I am in what you have turned Jakes into.
(1)
Christine S.

I wentt there recently. The portions were really large. I split a dish with a friend and it was more than enough. The French Onion soup may ave been the best I've had. Save room for the dessert!
(5)
Rebecca A.

My boyfriend was super excited about dinner tonight- mainly because he was starving, but also because he loves seafood and was really looking forward to crawfish. Well, heads up- you can't really get crawfish at Jake's. In any case, we did enjoy our dinner- the service was friendly, and the oysters we had as an appetizer were amazing. The main reasons this restaurant only gets a 3 star from me are 1) price- omg, is this place overpriced!! and 2) atmosphere- the place kinda has that "fancy chain restaurant" feel. Lets put it this way- we had a really good time, but I'm not sure I would go back.
(3)
Kristiin P.

So pretty much anyone you ask in Portland will tell you to go to Jakes. But I do advise getting directions from a local, as your GPS will tell you to make about a million different u-turns and crazy one way streets just to get at the entrance. But once you are there, its very retro-chic. The bar scene is all types and looks like it might be fun to booze out on with a group. I'm not quite sure if it is owned by McCormick and Schmick's Seafood restaurants.... because the menu was VERY similar. But any who I love those restaurants anyway. Tons of choices of every fish you could imagine, that are all cooked to perfection. Any dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Overall a wonderful dining experience. A fish lovers dream. They even have shark....
(4)
Stephen J.

The atmosphere has an elegant feel. Wood paneling, classic dark paint, and oil paintings on the walls. My favorite type of place. The service was quick and friendly. The prices were not too bad for a fancy place. I had the Gumbo. It was my first time ever eating Gumbo and I found it too spicy for my taste. I would like to return and try out some of the other fish dishes on the menu.
(4)
John R.

Pretty spendy but some of the best seafood in Portland. Love this place!!!
(5)
Jeff G.

Solid but not awesome.Love the history and the memories that go with it but 17 bucks for a crab coctail with a couple spoonfuls of crab doesn't quite cut it. Not what it used to be.
(3)
Doug D.

Heavenly seafood, absolutely worry of its reputation.
(5)
Howard C.

Appetizer platter is terrific but spendy. Great fresh fish selection - had the Alaskan halibut cheeks in a lemon butter and caper sauce - amazing! Plan to drop some cash here - expensive. Service was stellar. Atmosphere is cramped and noisy.
(4)
Maria M.

excellent meal. service was great
(5)
Lenny V.

sorry for being a buzzkill here but unbelievably overrated. started with the sourdough bread and butter.... I came in at 9pm .... the bread was so chewy and stale it was on the verge of inedible... I figured I'd try Salmon, cedar plank style with mashed potatoes and vegetables ....Salmon came out very dry, with a brown sauce which totally overpowered the flavor of the fish. The vegetable medley was a few pieces of asparagus and a few carrots. and there was a lemon wedge on top. Very simple diner-style presentation and left a lot to be desired. Maybe this place is cheap and people like it for the bar specials but quality has its price and if you want cheap eats I guess its a step above McDonald's, if you want a quality fish dinner to sample.... go somewhere else.
(1)
Ron T.

Famous and therefore pricey restaurant but very good quality. First time, so we did appetizers for dinner to get a selection. Manhattan clam chowder is very good, prawn cocktail gives you 4 enormous and tasty shrimp, crab cakes are excellent, and the steamed clams very tasty. Good wine selection by the glass, plus local brew on draft. Tempted next time to try crawfish boil with corn and sausage, or sturgeon.
(4)
Tom S.

The first time I ate at Jake's, I went in having heard of their reputation as one of the best seafood restaurants in the country. Usually this would mar the event, causing me to expect platinum the whole meal and only get gold. But no, this place was special. Over the course of three visits to Jake's, I was privy to dishes ranging from very good to astonishing. The Arctic Char was soft, meaty and flavorful, the stuffed salmon was rich, creamy, almost dessert-like in consistency. And so simply prepared, the seared Ahi tuna was the best tuna I've ever tasted. During each visit they had eight different types of oysters from the region, and Dungeness crab seemed to be available every time I went in. The wine list went very deep, the beer list was decent and our servers, each of them, were true professionals. These people got to where they are by waiting tables their whole lives. My only complaint is price, but if were any cheaper it wouldn't be as good. That's a sacrifice I plan on making over and over, every time I go back to visit Portland.
(5)
Cameron B.

The gf and I ate here last weekend on a trip to Rip City to purchase a car. The decor is old school. Dark woods and dim lights. You can imagine the old days where some Rockerfeller types would be closing the bar, drinking single malt and playing poker while smoking cigars. Even at our 9pm reservation time, the place was bustling. A good sign. We were seated in a window booth. Our server was friendly, informative and on top of her shit. She also did a good job explaining why "Jake's Famous Crawfish" was only sporting one menu item with actual crawfish in it. (Way out of season). That was disappointing. Cause I was betting the craws are what the draw is. It turns out I was right. Our food was good, but at these prices, it fell far short of blowing my doors off. There's something about being served seafood in a dimly lit setting, the klaxon horns start sounding in the back of my head. We started with a dozen Kummomoto oysters on the half shell. I had two and the gf devoured the rest. They were great. Sweet with the salt from the seawater and very fresh. For entrees the gf ordered the grilled halibut and I ordered the true cod with crab meat. Both were served with a scoop of garlic mashed potatoes a tong full of green beans and julienned carrots. As far as portion sizes go, both dishes were seriously lacking in the main protein. But the halibut was perfectly cooked and seasoned. My cod and crab meat had almost no flavour even with the Dill Beurre Blanc, as I had to add salt and pepper to pull the dish together. The fish itself was to be pan seared, but rather had a soft, oily texture, as if it had been undercooked. Overall a bit dissapointing. The desserts were awesome. The tiramisu was generous and outstanding. We ordered a bread pudding to go and the gf gave me a thurmbs up when she later ate it. Overall, it was a pleasant experience, but the product doesn't match the price unfortunately. Would try again, during crawfish season or for desert only.
(3)
Michael T.

Came down from Seattle for work, and Seattle people can be picky about their seafood. This was a really good spot and the day was beautiful so we could eat on the sidewalk cafe tables. I miss that sidewalk scene in Seattle. Good Salmon and seared Tuna. Would eat here again and would recommend it to visitors. After dinner, walk into the Pearl district to find a local pub with local beer.
(4)
Bingying L.

Had dinner here at about 8 on a Sunday night. Made reservations but the place was huge so we didn't have to worry about space. Service was friendly and attentive, and there was a nice homely feel to the place. Ordered the manila clams for appetizer and decimated the huge plate of it between the 2 of us in less than 15 minutes. We couldn't stop eating, they were so good! I had the famous crab cakes which came with delicious mashed potatoes. The cakes were really good and I liked the dip, but the whole dish was a bit too heavy for me. Unfortunately we were too stuffed by the end of it to get dessert, but they sounded good on paper! Will revisit if I'm ever in town again, the seafood is super fresh so I'd love to try the fish here.
(4)
Alicia P.

While my out-of-state friends were staying here the concierge suggested we all go here. The place was far snootier than it should have been. We were looking to have a good meal with some local flair. The waiter was snooty and when we asked him questions about the menu he felt the need to complicate it by letting us know the history of the food, and every grain of salt in it. He also looked at us like we were aliens when someone mispronounced something. The food came and it was medicore. We each had a seperate dish (5 total) and only one person liked it- I think it was a Fetticuni dish. Most of us did not finish it our pricey meal. The dessert and drinks though were great! The dinner was so good our camera-happy friend snapped away. The "basekt" dessert was amazing!! If I went back I would just go to dessert after dinner someplace else. The waiter was rude and the food was so-so, especially since it was expensive
(2)
Dave R.

I have been here at least 12 times over the past dozen years and one thing I will say is always the same, the food is good but I have never had it great, the seating is going to be uncomfortable, and the sound levels will be very loud. I will say that I have always left satisfied with everything and the service and the scene keep me returning.
(3)
teresa m.

we brought my partner's parents here. i hadn't been here since the late' 70's and wanted to return. my partner started with a hub pilsner. next we had fresh sourdough. yummy. we shared stuffed pacific salmon with dungeness crab, with green beans and carrots, plus suble garlic mash potatoes. her parents had petrale sole parmesaen with green beans/carrotts and garlic mash potatoes. all were excellent. the server was great, friendly, and efficient. the ambiance with the stained glass, paintings, wood, and brass was relaxing.
(5)
Matt L.

Great place! I have been going here since I was a kid. Always great! It used to be more of a local place but when your good people find out about you. Grab a table in the bar area, order what is fresh and you will not be disappointed. Manilla clams are always great. Good atmosphere and the bar is good. Bartenders are REAL bartenders meaning they know how to make a drink. Don't order something stupid this is an old school bar. Happy hour both early and late offer great deals.
(4)
Michelle R.

First time here for dinner yesterday in celebration of my gf's bday. We got there right in the nick of time apparently b/c a few minutes later, the line seemed neverending! I had no idea this place was so popular LOL! Aaanyway, we started off w/some oysters on the half shell. They had about 8 different kinds on the menu so we asked the server for advice. He suggested this 8 oyster combo that has 2 of their top 4 oysters. Great choice! I can't stress enough how fresh and delicious these were. For dinner, we decided to order the top 2 entrees that caught our eye and split them. I tried the macadamia nut crusted, mango infused halibut first. I love crunchy exteriors to certain foods and it gave a perfect texture to this dish. Upon the 1st crunchy bite, the mango infusion awakened my tastebuds. It was not overpowering at all. The fish was so moist! Little pieces of chopped mango were served on top as a garnish and it paired excellent with every bite. It was served w/ creamy garlic mashed potatoes and some steamed greenbeens and carrots. I now understand why that was the "chef's special" of the day. The other entree I had was the lobster tail... a whole one- as the dish came with two. There was so much meat!!! It was amazing and a must have if you're ever in the mood for fresh lobster. It came with roasted red potatoes, steamed greenbeens and carrots. We were seated in one of the wooden booths along the wall. The atmosphere was perfect because we were in a lively restaurant, but away from the commotion of all of the people walking around. We also enjoyed the server's dry humor. We were too stuffed for dessert, but the server kindly brought out a cheesecake w/a lit candle in a to-go box for the lady. This is a great place to go for any special occasion when you're in the mood for seafood. We'll have to try their happy hr next.
(5)
Carolyn S.

The Pacific Northwest is known for its fresh local seafood. In order to try and convince me to stay out in Oregon, my vegetarian boyfriend did a little meatatarian reconnaissance. He asked around to find a good seafood spot in Portland. Jake's came up on more than one occasion. I wasn't entirely convinced until we mentioned the name at breakfast. One of the other hotel guests remarked, "It's good. HE likes it." She pointed to her husband. The man leaned back in his chair, eyes partly closed, and rumbled to himself, "The bouillabaisse. Oh the bouillabaisse." His eyes were rolling back as he rubbed his belly. Later that day we headed to downtown Portland to check out Powell's and to try out the seafood (or rather, I tried the seafood; my boyfriend sacrificially just had a salad for dinner.) I knew exactly what I wanted. In a very short amount of time the waitress brought by a large steaming bowl chock full of fresh seafood. She also brought a tacky plastic bib with a cartoon of a crawfish on it. Ignoring the teasing comments, I suited up and dug in. The broth was light, herby and just a little bit spicy. The mussels and clams were fresh and perfectly steamed. The shrimp tasted better than the stuff we get on the East coast and the gigantic crab legs were DELISH. I've heard that in the NW you can get a variety of salmon. I'm not sure which variety they added to the soup, but it was really good -- very light, juicy and tasty. I ate beyond the point of no return and felt rather ill for the next day or so (I think I might be slightly allergic to seafood!) Even so, I would say the trip was worth it. And yes, I would go back to Oregon.
(3)
Dessa T.

I tried Jake's because some locals said that Jake's serves the best seafood in Portland. I had a wonderful meal that was worth every penny! Our server did an excellent job of guiding us through the meal and everything he recommended was fabulous. I would highly recommend starting with some oysters - they were so buttery and delicious. Very different from the oysters you get from the Gulf (which is what I'm used to) but excellent nonetheless. My dining partner had the salmon stuffed with crab and I had shelled crab legs served with artichoke hearts--an unusual but delicious pairing. Both entrees were flawless and my only disappointment was that I was too stuffed to try any dessert.
(4)
Steve S.

I've been going to Jakes regularly for 20 years... I've never had a bad meal here! One of the BEST Happy Hours in town...
(4)
Tim V.

Damn, I should have known- all that rain/snow/hail and slush in P-town had to pay for something- and that my friends, is Jake's happy hour. Now, in Frisco, they've got these things called "happy hours". Why the quotes? Simple- its because they're not really happy hours- they're quite a bit less happy. 1 dollar off of a 9 dollar drink or a 5 dollar beer is not happy- thats barely "mildly amusing". What does that have to do with Portland, or Jakes- comparisons my friend. Me and buddy stumble in at 11:30pm on a Friday night- a very happy hour- but not usually in the discount category. Well, not at Jakes- in addition to the awesome local beer selection, they've got a menu that's rocking 2 DOLLAR BURGERS! And we're not talking white castle microwave shizzle, its like a "fo-reals" 10 dollar burger, but its two freakin bucks- and even has the "classy" restaurant fries (no- not the TGI McFunsters fries). So in a nutshell, late night food, awesome beers, cheap drinks. cheap and strong- which got me all ready for the "unhappy hours" of 1pm to 5pm the next day. Jakes- time to open a branch inf Frisco- i promise i'll be more than mildly amused ;)
(4)
Diana A.

In Portland for SEMpdx SearchFest 2008 in March. I had the HUGEST bowl of steamed clams for dinner at Jakes. I ordered it from the appetizer menu. The serving was so gigantic that my dinner mates all took bets that I wouldn't be able to finish. I won ... finished every last one of them. Excellent service - our server had absolutely no problem splitting the receipt 6 different ways for 8 of us. (check my review for Gorden Bierch in San Jose for the dark side of crappy service) The menu was on the spendy side, but well worth the price.
(5)
Sarah L.

I think this might have been the best seafood I've had in my life: I sampled the crab and shrimp cakes, rock fish, and salmon, and all three were were more flavorful than any seafood I've had almost anywhere else! (And I lived on the east coast for seven years). Also the desserts were CRAZY!! When the check came, it was only about half as expensive as I expected, so that's a nice bonus!
(5)
Mike C.

I've been wanting to try this place for awhile. Our son is 13 months old. Like most parents a true "night out" is forever a dream. So Jake's felt like the perfect place for some take-out to celebrate one of life's big events. It's not that far out of the way on the walk home from work. It felt like the perfect plan. The phone order was very pleasant. The staff was well versed in the menu, and happy to provide suggestions when I learned it was not Crawfish season. I ordered the next best thing - the Ã‰touffÃ©e. Rather pricy at $25, but I had high hopes. Walking in to Jake's to pick up the order, it's very clear that Jake's is a Portland institution. It has the look of a place that's been around forever. They type of place your grandparents went to as kids. The walk home felt like it took forever - I was so tempted to open up the take-out for a nibble. Once home, dinner was quickly transferred to plates, and we sat down to enjoy. One word: Disappointed. The Ã‰touffÃ©e was salt-lick city. I don't expect Ã‰touffÃ©e is a dish that is made to order, but for $25 I do expect something that has not been on the stove for a week. If this had not been a take-out order, I would have taken my chances and sent it back to the kitchen. Some other reviews suggest this is the type of place your Grandparents take you for a special dinner. They're right, not because it's a special place, but it serves the type of food that the older generation's reduced sense of taste enjoys. I hate to judge based on one experience, but with all of the other great places to eat in Portland, it will be awhile before I go back here. Too salty. Too $$$
(1)
Meg G.

Yummi food, great service, but a little pricey. Seafood platter for appitizer is a must! All salmon entrees were good; we had a table of 7, so tasted it all. 1 bathroom stall in the womens restroom for a huge restaurant, really?
(4)
Holly M.

I came here for my birthday with no reservation on a weekend, and while it took a while to get a table, we managed to get one without waiting an eternity. If the weather is good, sit outside. Excellent seafood--good booze, and a friendly atmosphere. I guess if you make reservations for a special occassion in advance, they can print up special menus with the event details. Pretty neat.
(4)
Cee L.

This review is for happy hour only....was was the best meal of my weekend trip to Portland!! You only have to order $3/person minimum in drinks (which is only like a beer, which you will need to go with all your happy hour foods anyways). The happy hour menu was wonderful. Oysters, mussels, fish and chips, a 1/4 lb burger under $4, and the artichoke/spinach dip, california roll with real crab, sweet potato fries for under $2?!!?!? Yup, it's all for real. The catch is that you have to eat in the bar area, which is tiny and you will have to fight off other patrons who are hoovering around for your seat, and you can only go from 3pm to 6pm or after 10pm. But it was well worth the time and effort!
(4)
Steve D.

Not the cheapest place in Portland, but one of the best!! I eat here every time I visit Portland - about once per year. The food is fantastic, the atmosphere is great, and the desserts are incredible. They also have a fair wine list. I would STRONGLY suggest the Petit Filet Mignon. It's kinda expensive, but you will not eat a better steak anywhere on the planet. Seriously - I've looked. I eat at Ruth's Chris, House of Prime Rib, and Harris Steak House in San Francisco regularly. I have stopped several times at HArris Ranch on I-5 in the Central Valley. I have also tried the Filet Mignon at the SW in the Wynn in Las Vegas. All had fantastic Filets, but none compare to Jake's. You will die happy if you have Jake's filet mignon. Simple as that. No one should go through life without experiencing it. For shrimp - Killer Shrimp in L.A. For Burgers, it's Kirk's in Campbell. For pasta, it's Al Dente in Santa Cruz. For Steaks - it's Jake's in Downtown Portland. Try it - you'll be glad you did. --------------------S
(5)
Charles F.

My wife and I saw that this was the place to go when visiting Portland since Jake's had been around for about over 100 years. The tables outside had no wait so we decided to sit there and the waitress recommended that we skip the crawfish and go for the Dungeness crab saute with artichoke hearts and mushroom, and crab cakes. We had great meal and a wonderful time.
(4)
kelly s.

There are other places to go for seafood in town, though this is a respectable staple. I will say my food has always been fresh, the freshest, what was lacking was a little complexity to the experience- they cleared $4 dollars worth of oysters before we were done with them, but I won't hold that against them, in short, they received only 3 stars, because while everything is very fresh and tasty, there is not a lot of imagination to the menu or the environment beyond any nice seafood joint, and in a town with so many options as Portland the prices should be moderated here.
(3)
Jocelyn L.

I've been going to Jake's for decades for their consistently good quality service, rich moody ambiance and dependably fine cuisine. However, in the last 5-7 years I've seen my favorite bouillabaisse stairstep from $19 to a present day $36. There are many other choices for fine dining in Portland, including seafood, with more market accurate prices.
(2)
Mark O.

I never miss coming here at least once, sometimes twice, every time I am in Portland. You cannot miss with anything on the menu and the service is first rate.
(5)
Maura G.

Completely not what I was expecting, but excellent never the less. My husband is from Louisiana and I was expecting a true crawfish restaurant, more of a casual dining experience. This was more like McCormick and Schmick's (who I later found out own Jake's), so dressier than expected, but I didn't feel under dressed in my jeans. I'm glad we made reservations! The food was good, but the cocktails are worth writing a review over. The Blood and Sand sounds awful, yes, but it was amazing. The Basil and Grape was excellent and refreshing. All of their juice mixers are fresh squeezed, their Peach Bellini was out of this world. Our server was personable, very nice and helpful. Overall, I had a wonderful night at Jake's and look forward to going back.
(4)
Amber P.

Jake's is usually a good place to go for seafood downtown. My husband let them know when making the reservation that we were coming in for an anniversary dinner. When we arrived, we were greeted with "happy anniversary," and we got menus that were specially printed to say the same. The steelhead special ($28.99) was grilled and delicious. The mashed potatoes are always amazing. The portion of green beans was a little small, though. The petit fillet plus two lobster tails was very reasonably priced and nicely presented. The service on the other hand, was below par and is the reason for the three star rating. Thirty minutes after I finished eating, I had to ask for the check, and only then was I offered dessert. By that time, I had decided to go elsewhere for dessert, even though Jake's desserts are amazing. Then I had to box up my own leftovers. I was very disappointed in the service overall during this trip. The food and atmosphere are generally very good, so I'm going to try again another time. Hopefully I will be able to give 4-5 stars next time.
(3)
Consumer A.

Happy Hour service was not good tonight, actually it was nonexistent! Lady server with an attitude eventually took my order, however, it never showed up. I ended up walking out. While at the window seat for the longest time, two guys came in, sat at the bar, and received immediate service. VERY FRUSTRATING!!! They got me and I got them!
(2)
Lizzie V.

The staff is knowledgeable. There are no spring chickens serving in this joint. Their servers have been around for a long time. That says a lot of things to me, and all of them are good. I went here with my husband for our anniversary and they printed out a special menu just for us, wishing us a happy anniversary with our names on it and everything. They are classy people here. They know how to make you feel special and well attended to. They are considered among the top ten seafood restaurants in the nation for good reason.
(4)
Alex N.

Great food and great service! This place was recently bought buy the Landry's group but they still have the same small town, fine dining feel. The service is top notch and the food is always excellent! This is the place I take every out-of-town guest for a fancy, real Portland classic dinner. The Happy Hour is great too! Try the Gumbo and the Salmon cakes for great price at HH.
(5)
Ryan B.

overpriced. still good though!
(3)
Paige H.

Plus one star- our waitress was awesome even though it was really busy and we kept adding people to our group and none of us could order at the same time- it was happy hour after all. Plus one star- love the old-school feel of the place. I felt like I was sitting in a bar that hadn't changed much since it was a high-class establishment a very long time ago. Minus one star- the ridiculous get ups of the waitresses, while amusing, were only one step above hooters. The cocktail waitress has upgraded for good reasons since these uniforms were instituted. Plus one star- AWESOME drinks. The combinations are fresh and interesting, and very satisfying. Even the guys were going for girly drinks because they were super sophisticated. Plus one star- huge portions on the happy hour plates. You can definitely split any of them at least two ways. Minus one star- the fish was not the star of the menu by far, and should be for a fish house Plus one star- location- downtown portland has this Urban feel that makes me feel it's a totally different city than the one I live in every day, I don't come down often because I hate traffic/parking, but am always happy when we do make the trek. Plus one star- easily accommodated our large group, which every happy hour should I think, the more the merrier! We had plenty of seating and felt in the middle of the action, instead of tucked away in some back room somewhere.
(4)
Jacob V.

This restaurant holds true to the saying " you get what you pay for". Fresh food large selection of clams and oysters from the northwest region. Very nice environment and excellent waitstaff you ask and they will make it happen.
(4)
Meg M.

So I am not really a seafood snob or anything, but this place was kind of underwhelming. The bar area was probably the best thing about it, as the dining room was kind of dingy and crowded. Unsure of what to order, I went with my staple seafood...crabcakes. I felt they were at best, average and in my opinion, too creamy and overly fried. My husband had the pan-seared scallops which were pretty good, but again, not earth-shattering (and ps. they were shipped in from maine...which was puzzling since portland is so close to the pacific!?) In general I think that Jake's really plays on the fact that they specialize in 'seafood' but their menu is too large to really specialize in anything. On a good note (& the main reason I'm giving it 3 stars instead of 2) is because our waitor was fantastic, knowledgeable and attentive. All in all, I would maybe recommend this place for unadventurous tourists who are looking for a mediocore seafood experience. Locals...you should know better!
(3)
Lee P.

Jake's has the best ambiance and service compared to anyone in Portland. The seafood is fresh and they always cook it right. I would recommend this restaurant to any new faces to seafood any time. My friends all agree that this is a great restaurant.
(4)
Stacee S.

My favorite happy hour in Portland! They have amaaaazing cheese burgers for $2.99 and it comes with fries. Such a good deal! I've also tried the chicken quesadilla and chicken sandwich on the happy hour menu and they are delish!
(5)
Sy K.

I'm not usually an ambiance critic, but it was a bit stuffy inside. I'm surprising myself with that critique. Service was decent - Had a waiter that resembled a minor evil movie character - you know, Johny's cobra kai side kick. However, he was very pleasant and made a seriously awesome suggestion - The sturgeon. Convinced me the minute he uttered the words "Fresh, Local and wild." ...and back to the Sturgeon. I've never had that fish before. I'm sure there are multiple varieties (doesn't one variety make caviar?), but the local Oregon Sturgeon had a nice, mild flavor - served grilled with a little salt, pepper and lemon juice - simple and satisfying. It was pretty darn cold today, so we ordered the clam chowder (a wee bit thick) and arugula salad (ended up with a spinach salad - we'll assume it was a silent suggestion - still good). The price point is a bit higher than I expected - not surprising given the staid history behind the restaurant (operating since the 1900s?) and the McCormick and Schmick ownership...also, I have no market reference point for fresh Sturgeon. Maybe it was fair market value? You tell me....
(4)
Erin S.

OK, don't get me wrong - the dinner was good. The hollandaise crusted salmon was perfectly cooked and everything else was good. But I expected it to be a little more.. I don't know? Hip? Jake's felt like somewhere my grandpa would prefer to go when he visited Portland. We were the youngest couple in the restaurant and the dishes were way overpriced for what they gave you. I feel like you could get the same fish for half the price somewhere else. Overall, underwhelmed.
(3)
Brian M.

We stopped here for a late night snack. Our Black Friday shopping consisted of Powell's Books and Spartacus and this was right nearby. I haven't eaten here in a LONG time. So the experience here was OK. We just got a couple of appetizers and a bowl of chowder. Now I have to admit...the chowder at New Season's is probably better in my opinion. Not as thick and HUGE chunks of clams in it compared to the chowder here at Jake's. So they lose some stuff there. The fried shrimp was OK. The dipping sauce was good. The mussel's were kind of eh. I don't know why but the liquid was really tasty, but the mussels didn't get the same essence. Almost like they steamed the mussels alone then put the liquid on top? I don't know. So overall OK...but kind of over priced considering there are other places to get better.
(3)
Jim D.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for...Dungeness crab. Yes, you read correctly, the crustacean. This is, without question, my favorite seafood. I love it. LOVE it! And now, I love Jake's. On the day I ate here, their menu (which changes daily) had it prepared in at least 8 different yet glorious ways. It must have been my lucky day indeed. My problem was having enough stomach space. Service was outstanding. Our server, although a bit too friendly, was very good. He knew that menu like the back of his hand and was always attentive to our every need. We never felt rushed and the whole dining experience was an absolute pleasure. My only gripe is that this place gets ridiculously busy. Lines are Ã¼ber long and the wait can really test your patience. But exhibit diligence! You'll be rewarded with some of the best seafood in the area. Besides, the long waits can prove to be quite entertaining as you will often see the wide array of customers this landmark establishment tends to draw.
(4)
Sherlock H.

My partner and I ate Christmas Eve dinner at Jake's this year. We were looking forward to it. I'll say up front that the food was very good, and this review's 2 star rating is focused more on the experience. When paying a pretty penny to dine somewhere we expect a pretty nice experience, yet that's not what we got at Jake's this night. When we arrived for our reservation at 4:30 pm they tried to seat us in a room that had a large family with screaming babies. Other tables were available, and we asked to be reseated to a booth. They did that for us, but it just seemed strange that they wanted to shove us back there in a very bad setting. We ended up back by the kitchen and men's room doors. That's ok though. The waiter was very short with us, and recited the menu highlights as if he'd done it a million times not even looking us in the eye, but rather scanning all over the restaurant. When I interrupted to ask a question about something he mentioned it threw him off. Very impersonal. We got our salads, and he didn't offer us any freshly ground pepper. Other waiters did that for their tables, but we didn't get that level of service. Our meals were very good as I said, but the waiter merely delivered the food with no connection with us at all. He got a small tip and we left. If that was a low end place I might have let it pass, but for a nearly $100 meal that was pretty poor service.
(2)
Tom Y.

Holy Happy Hour, the prices for HH are pretty slick, not only do they have regular happy hour at 3-6pm Sunday through Thursday but they also have late happy hour Sunday-Thursday 9pm-close and Friday-Saturday 10pm-close. I was starving one night when got here and I had an order of the salmon cake, oysters and cajun chicken sandwich. All of that food for only 9 bucks, SWEET!!! The oysters were pretty fresh, and everything else was pretty good quality. The bartender was really friendly to all of the patrons, and even though the dining room was closed they were still plenty of people flowing in-and-out of the bar area, been summer there was outdoor seating. The only thing that is stopping this place from reaching greatness is the limited or lack of micro-brews on tap, this is Portland after all.
(4)
Amy K.

I had Razor Clams and they were fantastic. Fresh not frozen and cooked perfectly. We Sat in the bar as it is way more casual and I was just having a fun night out with s friend. My friend has a ton of allergies and they accomodated her with no problem. Great food, service and a great time! Highly recommend but it is spendy so be prepared for that.
(5)
Sharon W.

My boyfriend and I arrived at our hotel rather late and didn't know anywhere to grab a late-night bite, so I checked Yelp. Five minutes later, we were sitting at the bar at Jake's and being offered happy hour menus (at 11 pm on a weekend? discounts? wow!). SF sets high standards for calamari and seasoned fries, but Jake's serves really great snacks, if a little too salty. Just as I'll absolutely be back to Portland, I'll probably be back at Jake's to try more fresh seafood.
(5)
Jordan L.

The crawfish here sucks. Food was decent but not for its price. The stuffed salmon was pretty good but again, not for it's price. If your motivation to come here is to eat seafood, then I guess this is the right place. If your motivation was to have a kind of fancy dinner, then go somewhere else.
(2)
Pamela D.

Our waiter drank the Kool Aid. I just know it. What Kool Aid, you may be asking? Well, the Kool Aid that makes you become a walking, talking, partially functional robot with dead eyes. That Kool Aid. I think it's grape-flavored. Dead Eyes McGee: Wellllllcome to Jake's Faaaaaaaaamousssss Crawfish, folks! Let me telllllll youuuuuu a littlllllllle bit about our menuuuuuuuu. (continues to prattle on about the freshest of the freshest fish and whatnot while his dead eyes glisten with what I can only imagine are android tears). Me: *blank stare* Friend: *curt nod* Dead Eyes vanishes into the back for another sip of his Kool Aid while I decide to order the seafood gumbo. Somewhere in the corner of the restaurant a very fat woman with a tragic mullet eats alone and snaps pictures of her food with her cheap camera. Our orders go through when Dead Eyes McGee reappears, looking slightly refreshed. To my right, a man dines alone while drinking cheap beer. He reads not a book, but a magazine. When our food arrives, Dead Eyes sets it down with a flourish. He is clearly proud of himself for walking from the kitchen all the way to our table without bursting into tears over a life wasted. The sauce on my gumbo is fucking congealed. Congealed sauces remind me of death. Which, after some contemplation on my part, is actually fitting at a place like Jake's. Once I stirred it all up and gave it a go, it wasn't half bad. Tragic mullet woman in the back has moved onto her third plate of food and to what I can only guess is her 4th amaretto sour. Dead Eyes McGee takes our plates away, his Kool Aid running low. He appears nonchalant that neither of us have completely finished our meals. He goes away, and I anticipate the check to be delivered soon. Out loud, I wonder about who this guy is and whether or not he feels bad about himself when he goes home. My friend hushes me and tells me Dead Eyes is on his way back to offer us dessert. This is not what I expected....He come out with a tray of what looks like plastic desserts strapped to his chest. The Kool Aid is back in full effect. Dead Eyes McGee: Heyyyyyyyyyyy folks! Could I tempt you with some desserrrrrrrrrrrrrt todayyyyyyyyy? We have peeeeeaaaaaach cobbleerrrrrrrrrr and chocolate moussssssssseeeee? Me: *blank stare* Our check came. We paid. We left. I don't think he even said goodbye to us.
(3)
Kisha B.

In town on Thanksgiving and were able to get a reservation at Jake's. Husband started with the mussels in white wine. It was a huge serving (about 20) of plump, tasty goodness. I had the roasted beet & cucumber salad w/ blue cheese. Also generous and very good. I ordered the Ã©touffÃ©e. It came in a cast iron pot and was plenty for two people. It had nice plump shrimp, tender chicken and lots of crawfish tails. Hubby had the rockfish lafitte, which had crab & shrimp on top. He enjoyed it, although he was full from the mussels. I asked for a to-go box for the rest of my Ã©touffÃ©e. Then came the dessert tray....it was very tempting. We settled on the chocolate bag. The cream/ mousse inside was not too sweet and perfectly complimented the berries. Overall, I was very pleased with our Thanksgiving meal at Jake's. I didn't think of Mac and cheese once :)
(4)
Steve S.

There's a reason that Jake's Famous Crawfish is still a dining destination after more than 100 years. These folks cook fish right! We had sturgeon, steelhead and salmon tonight, and they were all artfully prepared and super fresh. Oh, and the bread pudding and Spanish coffees were the perfect ending to a perfect meal. Six thumbs up!
(5)
Phil S.

Most definitely a tourist trap as clearly observed when we dined here last week! My overly inquisitive self perused the entire restaurant and can easily pick out them diners from overseas. But for a tourist trap, I quite enjoyed it. The menu changes daily it appears cuz our menu was dated on the top. And boy oh boy, is it ever the most exhaustive seafood menu I have ever seen with some meat dishes included. I opted for ol' faithful fish and chips and out came 2 giant pieces of halibut with loads of chips. I realized whilst it was fresh, I had made a mistake cuz halibut is too tough for me, I'd prefer cod, should have been more specific. Not the restaurant's fault my bad. Overall the food was amazing, we also tried their Maine lobster and that was so fresh I swear I found the eyes glaring at me. One warning though, don't stuff your face with the loaf of sour dough that they bring before your appys or entrees, otherwise you'd be rolling out of the restaurant, like I did, the whole time complaining I am going to die of fullness. I'd recommend this place even though it is really a tourist trap, go for the experience, its fun, food's good, service fast and friendly and I really had a good time here. Oh, the dessert tray looked amazing but I could barely finished my entree (damn sour dough bread) hence I could not even look at ordering that chocolate in a bag dish.
(4)
Jason S.

It was good to revisit this classic standby on a trip home for a weekend. I know there are newer, more adventurous places to eat, but I miss the half loaf of sourdough, the white-jacketed waiters. Ours -- the waiter, not the bread -- was able to tell us exactly how the salmon special would taste if it was flame-broiled rather than backed on a cedar plank. It's good to be back where people know their fish.
(4)
Michelle H.

What a great place to get your happy hour on! While you don't get any drink discounts, the food is not only affordable but delicious and plentiful. All of the tasty offerings live in '$5 and under' land, which absolutely speaks my language. Things like red curry mussels, quesadillas, and blue cheese fries grace your eyes as you peruse the menu, giving you a number of options. The food took its sweet time to make it to the table, which ultimately ensured the freshness of every morsel we put in our mouths. With quesadillas, mussels, fries, spicy tuna rolls, Ahi tuna skewers, I don't think I heard one complaint. The mussels were a little less cooked than I'm used to, but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing. The drinks are a little pricey, but they're creative and cater to the timeless elegance that Jake's is known for. The pours were decent too, so you wouldn't feel hard pressed to just keep the drink limit to one while you indulged on some food fare. The dim lighting coupled with the dark woods and old school bartending garb lend to an almost swanky experience. It's now nonsmoking, but you can definitely imagine what the place would look like all smoky. It fits. While it feels a little swanky, you wouldn't feel out of place in jeans. It is definitely a happy hour spot for the 'I just climbed out of my cubicle crowd' so get there early to snag a table.
(4)
Preston T.

This restaurant has a very good reputation around these parts. When asked "What is the best seafood restaurant in Portland?", Jake's Famous Crawfish is mentioned more than once. Not just in Portland, either. Some say this could possibly be the "best seafood restaurant on the West Coast." Now, I don't think I can make that claim simply because I haven't eaten at nearly enough seafood resetaurants on the West Coast yet. But damnit, this place is freakin' awesome so it gets my vote for now. As you can see from the pictures, Jake's doesn't look like much from the outside. In fact, if you walk through the wrong entrance like I did on a Friday night, you'll be surrounded by people at their bar, which was PACKED by 5:30pm. Luckily, one of their staff saw that I was looking around for a place to sit and asked me if I was there for the restaurant. I nodded anxiously and he led me to a table. The restaurant wasn't nearly as busy as the bar, but then again, it was 5:30pm. The only other people in here eating at that time were senoir citizens. lol. On to the more interesting stuff - what we ordered: I started with a cup of the Crab Bisque ($8), which was amazing. Creamy, rich bisque topped with a very good portion of fresh lump crabmeat. Oh god, yes. I would definitely order this as a starter every time. My wife ordered the Valentine's Day Special ($30), which came with a House Salad with walnuts to start. She liked it a lot, although she said there were way too many nuts in her salad. *snickering* We also ordered a half-dozen of the Fanny Bay oysters - which are smaller in size than some of the other oysters, but they have a very sweet taste and when fresh, are among some of the best oysters you can have. And these were very fresh. Delicious. Even my wife, who usually looks at raw oysters with some kind of a hesistancy, downed her share happily. "We should've ordered more!", she would go on to exclaim. For the main course, her Valentines Day Special came with a 7oz. top sirloin, which isn't the most tender cut of me, but she ordered it rare so it was just tender enough. Served with seasoned butter on top, it was excellent. It also came with half of a stuffed lobster, which was also delicious. Served on the side were mashed potatoes and asparagus. For MY main entree, I ordered the Whole Dungeness Crab ($33), served hot and with drawn butter. Ooooo good. Crab was fresh and very well cleaned. I'll admit, I looked pretty ridiculous with my bib, but thankfully it saved my shirt because I tore into that crab like it was my last meal. As I continued to clean the crab out, my wife got the last part of her VDay meal: a chocolate pudding with whipped cream. It was good, don't get me wrong, but neither of us really had any room left for it. Haha. Service was excellent. Our server was super-friendly and answered all of our questions knowledgably. Our drinks never went empty and despite the restaurant being packed at about 6:30pm, she was always around. Oh that reminds me, unless you come in really early like we did, I'd recommend making reservations on the weekend because it did get extremely busy and by the time we left at 7:30pm, there were a lot of people waiting. Overall, a 5-star experience. The interior was from another era and lent a very cozy and relaxed atmosphere. Parking can be difficult to find, but again, we were there early and found a metered spot directly across the street. Prices are not too high - especially considering the grade of food you get here. The only question I had was about the name of the restaurant. I didn't even see any crawfish on the menu. Hmmm.. Anyhow, we will be returning to Jake's for another date night the next time we're in Portland.
(5)
Rachelle W.

Was visiting town on business and had a group of 10 that visited on a Wednesday night. Our waitress seemed to have too many things going on to pay attention to us. While ordering dinner several members of my party ordered additional drinks. After 10 minutes, we still hadn't seen our drinks. A member or our party got up to ask someone about our drinks. We continued to wait. She got up again, found a manager and asked about the drinks. The manager did help bring our drinks, but didn't go out of her way to apologize or offer us something for the trouble. We started noticed that smaller tables around us who had been sat down after us were getting their food first. We were only checked on once while eating. While I understand the policy to add gratuity to bills for large groups, I don't feel my waitress earned her 18%. The food was great.
(3)
Danielle K.

Yes. Yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, YES. This fabulous little bistro is much smaller and far less intimidating than the full-on old-fashioned elegance of the Grill downtown. The location is primo, being in a small triangular corner of upper Pearl, and it was surprisingly easy to hail a taxi without calling ahead. And the food, as always, was spot on. As for happy hour locations, I'd be hard pressed to find one that beats this. You can skate out of there after a tip, for five bones. Assuming you get a diet Pepsi instead of their to-die-for Cosmimosa. $1.95 will get you a plate of potstickers or a huge platter of quesadillas or a generous portion of a Cajun chicken sandwich or cheeseburger or several other things. Service was extra nice, and it was totally charming that the last call was actually the bartender ringing a huge bell and screaming "LAST CALL!" at 1 a.m.
(5)
Brian T.

One of the best Happy Hour menus in Portland. It has a great nostalgic atmosphere and an equally nostalgic handmade drink menu. App prices range from two to five dollars and none of them disappoint. Get there early for Happy Hour (3pm-6pm or 9pm-close) because the bar fills up quick and seating is a bit limited. I recommend a Basil Grape Refresher (7.50) and a big bowl of Curry Steamer Clams (4.95).
(4)
Scott N.

Food was pretty good -- not amazing. Service was just okay. I ordered the stuffed salmon that was supposed to have crab and shrimp filling, but only had about a teaspoons worth of crab. Had to ask for a wine bucket for our white wine. Overall, I'd have to say the place is overpriced for what you get.
(3)
Rebecca H.

It's still good but I was disappointed last time I went back. The pan fried halibut salad was horribly overdressed and drippy, but the halibut was delicious. The smoked salmon linguini had big chunks of tasty salmon but the linguini was dry and the texture was like grit. Great service, bread, and onion rings. Maybe we just hit an off day, and lunch isn't as good as dinner, because I was really happy with my previous experience there. I'll still give it four stars, but perhaps people should stick to dinner.
(4)
Adrienne B.

This review is based solely on my HH experiences there, but I'm a fan. Granted, I'm not exactly looking for gourmet when I hit Jakes, but when in the mood for a huge amount of seafood for next to nothing, I'll settle for "it's pretty good." At least the freshness is not questionable. With the amount of crawdads this place goes through, they're always delightfully sweet tasting. So I went back yesterday with a couple of friends for a happy hour feast. I'm not kidding, either. 2 orders of crawfish, salmon cakes, calamari, mussels, 6 oysters on the half shell, potstickers, tempura ahi roll (I think the Asian influence is a little wierd, but who am I to judge what's on the menu when it's so cheap?), a burger and fries, 2 cocktails, 2 beers and an 8 oz. pour of wine. And our bill was $66. The three of us were starving upon arrival (hence the over-ordering), and we were all in pain upon our exit. And I though all the dishes were decent to good. Highlights were steamed mussels, calamari, and the crawfish. The potstickers and fried roll were mediocre, but my two pals adored them, so no points docked. The burger is a steal at $2.95 and comes with awesome steak fries and plenty of mayo and ketchup on the side to drench them in. It's certainly not Paley's burger, but juicy and loaded with shredded lettuce and white onion. Then again, the Paley's burger with fries is $21. It's comparing apples and oranges. Or cross-cut, ground-to-order kobe to frozen patties from some huge operation in Montana. Tried the Mango White cocktail ($8 just for that). Pretty good for a frou-frou drink. Service was super on the ball. My cocktail waitress asked me for a drink order while I was still taking off my jacket. Like I said, it's not gourmet, but if you're looking for decent, super-cheap happy hour, it's gotta be one of my fave spots around.
(4)
Mary M.

We ate here on Thursday night after asking at Powell's (a fabulous bookstore!) for a recommendation for a place to get a drink and food in the vicinity. I *love* Powell's but this recommendation scored them no points with me. Maybe it's that I live in Seattle so another McCormick & Schmick's restaurant has a "chain" feel. The food (fish and chips for me; the sole with crab for my date) was fine. Nothing spectacular; nothing awful. My complaint, I guess, aside from the general blandness of the experience, is that the sole was listed at $18.95 on the menu. The server, when we ordered the dish, told us that the chef had pointed out that that was a mistake and that the actual price was $28.95. I think that it would have made sense for them to change the price on the menu--add an errata sheet if nothing else--rather than leave it mispriced there. So a star less for the inability to correct their mistake on the menu and at least a star less just because the best word to describe the food and atmosphere would be "workmanlike."
(2)
Mobius S.

The best seafood you could ever hope to get on an airplane. Totally doable at half the price, outrageous (in a bad way) at the actual price. Every city has a place like this that's inexplicably crowded. Hey, I was fooled into going there...
(2)
Matt C.

Great for a business dinner to bring in outsiders to a taste of Portland. Also great for locals after hours for a great burger on the cheap.
(4)
Dave M.

I really wanted to like Jake's. Everybody likes Jake's after all. How could I possibly go to Jake's Famous Crawfish and NOT leave totally happy? Dunno, but it happened. Grandma called me up and said "I want to take you and your girlfriend out to a nice dinner for your birthday, and talk crap about how fat your Cousin Ryan has gotten since he got a desk job." Ok, she didn't really say the part about wanting to talk about Cousin Ryan, but I knew she would talk about it (and she did). I've been to Jake's Grill, and thought it was fab for the most part. Jake's Famous left something to be desired. I walk in, and I feel like the Newport Bay Bar hooked up with Skippers and had a baby, only that baby grew up and doesn't realize it's trashy looking. Did that even make sense? I've re-read it 3 times now, and it sums up the emotional moment for me as good as anything else will. I ordered the Halibut, which was fine but not fabulous. The mashed potatoes were perfect, but my asparagus was served luke warm and wasn't very well cooked. The wine portions are ample, and the bartender knew how to pour a Makers on the rocks fairly well. My water glass was never empty, so the service was great. I can't put my finger on it, but I just expected more than what I got. Maybe I am a persnickity high maintenance diner, but I really don't care if Henry Wienhard himself allegedly built his brewery near Jake's 100 years ago because it was his favorite restaurant, I care if a restaurant serves delicious food in a defined atmosphere with zest and panache. Humphrey Bogart may have dug the place, I'm not so inclined to say it's that great anymore. If you want expensive food in Captain Stubings fantasy boat house, ahoy matey. Just because our parents generation, and dusty stuck up guppies (grown up yuppies) think the place is cool doesn't mean it's cool, ya dig?
(3)
Ed J.

Old school fish house that will remind you of an old school San Francisco restaurant. The staff is friendly and attentive. A great selection of fish & seafood on the menu.
(4)
Arlyn G.

I'm all about happy hour (hey, I'm a student and we all know students are always strapped for cash) and I've got to give them a thumbs up for their happy hour selection and decadent tasting cucumber martini. Yes, cucumber martini! I was skeptical when the server suggested it, but I'm so glad she did. I won't hold it against them, but they were out of buffalo wings and normally happy hour without buffalo wings just isn't happy hour. However, the $1.95 Jake's Famous Crawfish Cajun Chicken Sandwich and Spinach and Artichoke dip as well as the $4.95 calamari (soooo good!) and Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla were absolutely delish and perfectly proportioned! Some places tend to serve small portions when it comes to happy hour, so I was quite impressed especially when the server came out with the plates at how huge they were. We also ordered salmon cakes for $1.95 and they were ok. There were four of us and we couldn't even finish the quesdadilla! The only catch to getting the happy hour priced dishes is to order a drink (it can be soda, iced tea, cucumber martini...), but it's still a steal. I'm not from Portland or Oregon for that matter and I'm so glad we stumbled upon the place as we were walking through downtown. I think we may just make another trip back up to Portland to have another cucumber martini before we head back down to SoCal. It's that good. We never made it inside, but enjoyed our meal alfresco as the weather was absolutely gorgeous. Great service, great food, great drinks, great price = you need to check them out, at least for happy hour!
(4)
Elizabeth S.

Jake's - been there twice and the experience was the same both times. Great clam chowder; great seafood (I had the Halibut Cheeks/ partner had the grilled sturgeon); wonderful sourdough; Key Lime pie was the northern version. Waiter (who must have been there when the place first opened) was quick in serving the food then disappeared. We had to ask the hostess for our check. Bottom line - good food, service is mixed. I highly recommend making reservations for dinner in advance. On the attire: Many were there after work - hence business attire. Large parties dropping well over $1K per table. We were playing tourist and were casually dressed. Our bill was the same regardless.
(4)
Jennifer W.

One word: Happy Hour! Been here few times for happy hour and love it. My fave is the steamed curry manila clams and the gumbo. I've tried the other dishes from the HH menu and they were good too. Generous portion :) Came here one time for a super late lunch or super early dinner if you want to see it that way and just in time for their HH menu. I ordered the clams and gumbo and I was one well fed piglet after :)
(5)
Mike R.

Portland landmark. Very nice place for specail occasions. Spendy, but a great happy hour. Tempura Ahi roll, Calamari and Crab Bisque are the best I've ever had. Great drinks, too. Every time I go to Portland, it's on the list of places I have to stop.
(5)
Devon D.

This is classic dining (unfortunately bought out by McCormick and Shmicks) with career wait staff and an excellent wine selection. The oysters were fantastic. While every dish was tasty (and priced as thus), our favorite entrÃ©es at the table were the halibut cheeks and razor clams.
(4)
MollyJohn J.

My husband and I were visiting Portland and wanted to try a place that offered good $$ during happy hour - this is the place! We arrived around 4:45pish and a couple was leaving so got a table immediately. The happy hour menu (check it out online) has something for everyone. We ordered the calamari - delicious, one of the best we've had in a long time.... spinach & artichoke dip - really good, and they put the chips in the cute pail that was warm... next was jake's cheeseburger - this was a decent burger for $3.95... and lastly, we tried the corndogs... really good as well. This is a definite stop if you're looking for good food at a great price.
(5)
Chelsea A.

It was happy hour. It was delicious and cheap. My service was arguably lacking, but it was forgivable . . . considering it was happy hour and I don't expect superhero abilities all the time. Really, I don't! I will return and I will love everything and it will be awesome. And I will give them another star if they return to fill my water glass.
(3)
Jason B.

Jake's is the kind of place that makes you wish you were bar hopping in the 1940's. Bartenders in white jackets, old school back bar, vintage cocktails...it's awesome for happy hour, or any hour!
(4)
Eric M.

We split a "famous" crab/bay shrimp cake. I don't know if they're actually famous or not, but they were really good. Then I had a stuffed salmon special, and my dining companion had the crawfish Ã©touffÃ©e. I loved my salmon - I wasn't going to get it originally because I was thinking "Salmon I can get anywhere," but the waiter recommended it and it was stuffed - something I've not had done with salmon before. I'm glad I got it, as it was delicious. The Ã©touffÃ©e on the other hand was very disappointing. I don't know what kind of roux they used for it, but it wasn't a blonde one and it was past even a brown-red one, because this Ã©touffÃ©e came out about the color of dark chocolate. It was so dark that it became nearly impossible to taste the crawfish. I would never order it again there and strongly recommend anyone else against it. The server was a true pro - friendly without being overly familiar, professional, with the right balance of checking in and letting us eat. An older guy, a little round, seemed like he'd worked there forever. If I'm ever back there, I hope I get him as my server.
(4)
Ruth A.

The Dungeness Crab Leg Saute was sublime. It was recommended by our waiter and its flavor was subtle and light. A fabulous choice!
(5)
Alex Y.

Best lobster in Portland! Love this place for a sit down or a quick meal at the bar. Service is on point, prices reasonable, and food simply delicious.
(4)
Dan G.

We hesitated when we read who owned this joint(McCormick and Scmidts) but when we read the fine print and the history we knew this was a perfect spot for dinner. The location is great, the waiters and service are impeccable and the food was delicious. We started at the bar with a Guinness and a Bloody Marry. When our table was set we were escorted to the back passing walls decorated with photos and news clippings that tell the history of Portland. We ordered the assorted oysters and they were amazing. I've only eaten raw once before. This was really tasty and I'd go back for more. I had halibut cheeks for my main and they were awesome. The sauce was delicious, temperature perfect and portion filling. Great spot for tourists and residents.
(4)
Noa L.

Famous for crawfish but they didn't have any when we went...the salmon is great though!
(3)
Khalilah S.

Ordered the seafood fettuccine . It was just ok. Highly recommend the Banana Cream Pie. OMG! So Good..... It freshly baked and melts in your mouth.
(3)
Jenna B.

Words cannot describe how amazing my experience was here. I was craving seafood and told this was the place to go. I had an AMAZING dish with clams, mussels, crab, crawfish and a million other things in it. The service was fast. The price was reasonable and the wine was delicious. If i lived in Portland I would be here every week!
(5)
K W.

Ironically the waiter tried to steer me away from the crawfish. I should have listened as others were quite satisfied with their dinner but my crawfish was nothing special, even quite bland. The atmosphere is fun and I'm sure it hasn't changed much over the years but it's also very McCormick and Schmick's, the current owners. My dinner mates had the catfish and the etouffee and both were pleased. Service was very good and even though the place was busy on a Saturday evening we got a table within 15 minutes. The wine list looks like it was picked by their wine and beer distributor rather than a sommelier. The wine list is decidedly middle of the road and heavy on Oregon and Washington wines seemingly at the expense of better wines (sorry OR and WA, I know you have some great wines). If a sommelier did pick the list they should be taken out back and shot or at least encouraged to apply at Applebees. I would have given 4 stars if the meal that shares it's name with the restaurant was better but I'd suggest avoid that particular dish. By the way, the desserts were fantastic.
(3)
too l.

Hit this place up on Sunday evening twice - First for a cocktail and then for a late night snack. Outstanding bartender named Ricardo and his co-workers were off the hook. Drinks are made fresh to order, I ordered a cella rosa which Ricardo had never made but was up for the challange. Ordered the gumbo and clam chowder for snacks. Excellent - Talk about about giving your customers the TCE. (Total Customer Experience) This place knows how to treat it's customers. Keep up the good work and see you in the spring.
(5)
Jocelyn L.

"Good, fresh seafood. Had the crabcakes which were great. Crab bisque was "white" not red..threw me off a little. Wish there were more selections without cream sauce or deep fried. Fresh seafood is best served steamed or "light"...!"
(3)
Jeff C.

This is one of my favorite places for Happy Hour. Their Garlic Steamed Mussels are my favorite I get two orders of them at least for the table. The only thing I dislike about Jakes is their Happy Hour section is extremely small for a place their size and getting a table can be a pain. Especially if you have more than a party of 4. This place is usually always packed as well.
(4)
Brandy S.

I came here for happy hour to celebrate a birthday. It was pretty good for how cheap it was, but not 5 stars. Oh, and all of the Nixon paraphernalia . . . which was a little bit creepy. Overall, worth a trip if you are a meat eater (ok selection if you're vegetarian).
(4)
Songphon M.

I went there with my friends for an happy-hour. It was Friday night and the place was packed with people. We waited for a while to get a seat. I ordered the signature Irish Coffee and I really like it. As for the food, we underestimated the amount of foods we would get from the happy-hour menu so we ordered a lot of different items. It turned out that the portion of the food was bigger than we expected (I should give more stars for this but...) However, many of the dishes tasted not so good to me epically the clams and mussels which seemed to be not fresh. I only liked the artichoke dip and pork pot stickers. I don't think we would go back there again in the near future.
(3)
Evan R.

I have been eating here since I was a child. Now I take my children here and we are always happy. The servers are old school and very professional. They treat the kids with respect and the kids eat it up and try to use their best manners to match them. It is so fun to watch. I love the clam chowder, the classic old school seafood dishes are what you want to eat here. Don't go for anything crazy or too fusion inspired or ethnic. You will be disappointed if you stray too far. Bummed to read from Rebecca there are no longer crayfish at Jake's they used to but I haven't ordered them in maybe 10 years, outside New Orleans. The wine list has a good number of great values and classics. A great place for out of town visitors who are not real foodies but want an Oregon experience and seafood. And well the last two words you need to know about what else to eat at Jake's : CHOCOLATE BAG!!
(4)
Tim S.

No place has more choices or is more dependable. Great place to take the family.
(5)
Tyson H.

Hello. I won't be snarky, I won't be faux-ironic. I won't be cheeky, or hipster humorous. I will just say that there is a reason Jakes has been around for almost 120 years- it is an awesome dining experience. On my recent trip to Portland, I was driven to go back. The service, atmosphere, and food was all top notch. Loved it. I loved it like I love my dog. And my dog is awesome.
(5)
The B.

We asked a person on our plane to Portland for a recommendation. They went safe and suggested this place. A good solid restaurant that has the feeling that it has been around forever and it has. Reminds me of what the Tadich could be if they hadn't been resting on their laurels for so long. Would definitely go here again. Would recommend it. However, there are probably lots of new, great restaurants in Porttown that need the business.
(4)
Will D.

As a native Portlander, I'm kinda obligated to be a seafood fan. You don't spend the bulk of your life living this close to the ocean without learning to enjoy its fruits. Jake's consistently pulls off great dishes; even the cheap lunch special (~$8) is usually a good bet. The clam chowder is delicious and tastes exactly like clam chowder should. A personal favorite is the NW Salmon Saute. I've never found the service to be anything less than impeccable. They are always cordial, even when I'm there with my networking group each Wed. afternoon. Our group is fairly large (15-20 people) and they are very accommodating, even delivering separate checks to each member of the group and giving us our own room. The only reason I can't give Jake's 5 stars is because of the parking. Finding a parking place downtown at lunchtime is a job in and of itself. I often have to come up to 15 minutes early for my meeting so I can make sure there's a place to park and I have time to walk there, regardless of how far afield the spot is. I know lots are at a premium, but offering a better parking solution for their customers (shared lot with another business, validating parking, etc.) would really make this place perfect... ...well, that and if I could score a recipe for the NW Salmon Saute.
(4)
Jodi K.

Seafood heaven. Old Portland style. Ambiance coupled with great food makes it a wonderful place to share time with friends over a meal.
(5)
Kate F.

The service was awful and it really ruined the restaurant for me. I'm sure the food would have been excellent if I'd ever gotten a chance to try it. This is the second time I've sat at a table for 40 minutes without having my order taken, and walked out. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.
(1)
Jess B.

We ate here twice during our 8 day trip to the coast, and I thoroughly enjoyed both times. The first time, my boyfriend and I had the crawfish etouffee and the salmon (stuffed with brie), and the second time, we had the whole Dungeness Crab and the horseradish encrusted salmon. For appetizers, we tried the crab cakes and the mini-shrimp cocktail. I enjoyed it all ...to be honest, though, I was not as big of a fan of the crawfish etouffee as other people have been. I am also very picky about my etouffee so it might just be me. Our server was incredible (Monica, I believe), and she spent a lot of time recommending places to go during our trip. She also remembered us on our second trip to the restaurant (a week later) and came over to greet us. The place is pricey but it's worth it. What's a trip to the coast without some great seafood?!?!?
(5)
Kathy G.

Gotta say that this was as good as it gets -- in all categories. Meeting an out of town relative last Sunday afternoon for happy hour and had our 10 year old with us. Didn't consider that happy hour would be in the bar - not the restaurant - and that 10 year olds are 10 and not 21 and therefore banned from the bar. Hullo. So happy hour was turning into unhappy hour but for the 'think out of the box' manager, who put us in the dining room with the happy hour menus. He saved the day! The ambiance was just as fun in the restaurant and we had a booth and the privacy we needed to chat and catch up with each other. Fabulous food at an even better price. Even at full price - this place is worth it. Loved it - we'll be back!!
(5)
Mario S.

We were looking for seafood cuz we are in Portland Oregon. Went to Jake's an institution. Ambience was cool and our Cuban waiter was really efficient & friendly. Ordered cioppino, rockfish with crab and sole with lemon capers. Quality of food was above average but San Francisco seafood is still better. Prices were like SF too.
(3)
Erin O.

I was underwhelmed. This was our first dinner our first time visiting Portland. Jake's is supposed to be a landmark place, now owned by McCormick and Schmick's (sp?). Hard, dark wooden booths. A definite theme, but not too comfy. I tried the macadamia encrusted halibut and it was somewhat dry. Had a little fruity salsa on top, but needed some sauce. And I normally love beet salads, but the one here was not great. Gotta admit though...my daughter's mac and cheese (which is only on the kiddie menu) was THE BEST mac and cheese we've ever had. So just OK and not a place I will be rushing back to. For the price and the hoopla, it should have been much better.
(3)
Tayla M.

The first time I went here, I went with my mother for my 16th birthday. Since then, I've been back multiple times and have loved each experience. The customer service was impeccable, as well as the food; their valet service is always great too. Their braised halibut cheeks is my personal favorite, and their chocolate bag dessert is another favorite. Their flavor pallet in each dish is truly amazing. Any time of day, I would recommend going here. It truly is my favorite restaurant in Portland.
(5)
Jim W.

Simply one of the best meals I have ever had. Roasted beet salad, stuffed salmon and raspberry cobbler. Wow. I'm hooked!
(5)
Amber F.

We stopped in here when we were in Portland for a small lunch. We just had some salad and clam chowder. It was good. We will go back because they are one of those restaurants that prints their menu twice a day depending on what's fresh. The restaurant was very nice also. Lots of wood. Pretty classy and great service.
(4)
David M.

Jakes is an old restaurant dating back over a 100 years and now is a part of a large chain. Over all good food but in many ways but not great, you can read that the attention to the bottom line profit is apparent. Though the name has "crawfish" as a headline when ordered as an first course the batter is reminiscent of a 2nd class kitchen and covers the marvelous flavor of the crawfish, just batter and sauce. oysters were outstanding, fish was good but in tasting my guest's fish they were all on the over cooked side. I sent my Creole dish back as the chicken and fish were rubbery, rice and sauce were nice and the spice was right on. Very busy, nice wait staff and knowledgeable but for a $300+ evening Portland has many other restaurants to offer to return anytime soon.
(3)
Charlie L.

Love this place! Stuffed halibut! Yes please!!
(4)
Ryan C.

Very good food and a very fun atmosphere. It's a little touristy and the prices are a tad high, but if you're visiting Portland for the first time, I highly recommend checking it out.
(4)
Chris H.

We stopped by this restaurant for happy hour one day, about two years ago, and had the fresh clams in a delightful broth, they were amazing. We ordered them again last Wednesday, again for happy hour, but this time they were terrible; obviously not fresh, two clams barely opened, most laying outside their shells in the bland broth, SO disappointing. The trout was also disappointing along with bland (but cooked perfectly) green beans, and some older tasting roasted potatoes and cold bread on the side. Needless to say we were disappointed with the food that day. We dropped a load of money for dismal food.
(2)
Chris Z.

Just happened by this place while spending time in Portland. Sat down around 4pm, outside. Ordered off the happy hour menu and was treated to some excellent food for next to nothing. Had crawfish and fish etoufee. Both were quite good, the crawfish were excellent. Throw in a couple good local beers and it made for a great late lunch. Everything on the happy hour menu looked good and the waitress was knowledgeable and friendly as well. For what I paid the meal was unbelievable.
(5)
Sarah B.

Really great food, really great service. Great ambiance -- very old school. The wait staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and fantastic at what they do. The menu is printed every day and everything is very fresh and tasty. It is pricey, but completely worth it if you're out for a nice dinner. I would recommend the stuffed salmon filled with bay shrimp, crab, brie and cream cheese. EXCELLENT.
(5)
Claudia K.

with a name like this, the crawfish only available few months per year does not make sense. not only disappointed to miss the crawfish i came here for but also the other dishes we tried. the oysters was good but the steamed Manila Clams is just ok. the jack's traditional Bouillabaisse is way too salty ruining the seafood within. my husband had the Jakes touffe and it did not taste good, just a pot of brown thick sauce with bits and pieces of don't know what. very disappointed.
(2)
Marcus C.

Great service and ambiance. I suggest reservations if you go on a weekend night, but the wait is not bad. The food was tasty and well prepared. If your in Portland, give it a try.
(5)
G. G.

This is a very cool restaurant bar with a friendly staff and clientelle. We had an order of mussells and a bowl of gumbo at the bar, both off the appetizer list. They were each less than four dollars and the portion was enough to make it a meal. We were quite full afterward.
(5)
Jenni L.

Jake's is a great example of Portland style. The food is superb, the staff is amazing. Come by for happy hour and have a martini and an appetizer after a long day running around the city, you won't be dissappointed.
(5)
Marvin D.

Best Happy Hour menu of all the M&S chain. Love the mussels and Gumbo.
(5)
Shawn P.

Great location, best staff, awesome wine list. the food is great too
(5)
Shannon D.

This is definitely a classic family joint - friendly service, long menu, classic decor. The food I ordered was good but I would end up going back more for the convivial atmosphere for a family dinner or something. High prices
(3)
Ali L.

This is how we found Jake's. We were on Burnside and 4th and looking for a place to eat and we're obviously new to the city and stick out like sore thumbs. A homeless, butch, alcoholic asked us if we were lost and we quickly said, "nope, just looking for a bite to eat". As we walked by her she goes, "try Jake's---it's good". Not thinking anything of it, we meander the streets for almost an hour and finally we end up at--- drumroll please---Jake's? We got there at 9:35 and we waited til 10PM for their late night happy hour and then gorged ourselves for a grand total of $20/person. Thank god for Portland's love of late night happy hours! My only beef with this place was that the server was incredibly slow, to the point where I had to go inside three times to see if she'd left the premises. And it took 30 minutes from the moment we ordered the check to the time we got it. I got the salmon cakes and the burger. The burger was just ok. The salmon cakes were incredible and only $3!! 2 huge salmon cakes for $3? They also have a badass old-school drink menu, and I would recommend the Russian Mule. The sweet potato fries rocked. And my friend loved her mussels which cost a grand total of $4? The portions on their late night menu are huge! I'll definitely go back when I head back to Portland.
(4)
Tracy M.

What is up with the reviews??? My wife and I ate the stuffed salmon which was over priced and mediocre. I ate some type of crawfish, corn, and spicy sausage (waaaay too hot). Also we purchased the crab cake. All in all it about $65 and the taste was less than mediocre for ALL of our dishes. My advice is to eat at one of the food trucks. It is waaaaay cheaper and you will probably get your moneys worth with them.
(1)
Jeff B.

This is one of those institutions that laughs in the face of changing a la Peter Lugers. Problem is, I didn't find the food to be special enough to warrant the obstinance. I had the rockfish, which was good, just not great. Other dishes I tasted, the Fillet, the Stuffed Salmon and Lobster were all decent, but again, not exceptional. The thing pulling it down the most was the price/experience ratio was out of hand. My Rockfish was $30, the Stuffed Salmon $39. The sides were terribly boring and it just didn't add up. I'm glad to have tried a Portland institution but personally I will never go back.
(3)
Ann E.

We have been eating at Jake's for 10 years, but this was the most disappointing $140 meal ever. When we made the reservation, we said that we were celebrating birthdays. First, they seated us next to the kitchen. We asked for a different table. They seated us kitty-corner from a crying baby in the back room. It had all the ambiance of a Denny's. We left before dessert and came back to our neighborhood for gelato, which was great.
(2)
Christine C.

Dinner date...We made reservations for 10:15 pm. Arrived early, at 10 pm and got seated promptly in one of their private booths. The hostess was really friendly and so was our waiter. I didn't know what to order! I like that they have a new menu everyday. There's so many things on their menu that I wanted to get. At first I wanted to get a bunch of appetizers so I could try everything, but decided to get an entree instead. I also got a bowl of the crab bisque. The cup size is about 6 oz (according to the waiter) and the bowl is only $2 more and double the amount, so I got the bowl and figured I could take the rest back if I couldn't finish it. It was delicious and super creamy. I love bisque, but this one was maybe a bit too creamy. My favorite part of the soup was the big lump of crab in the middle, of course :) You kinda have to drink this fast because it becomes firm really quickly! Looking back now, I think I should've gotten the cup size...They also give you sourdough bread and butter. I wish that bread was warm though :/ For my entree, I got the crab and rockfish sautee which also came with mashed potatoes and veggies (green beans and carrots). The crab/fish sautee was really good. At first I really liked the sauce, but after a while the lemon in the sauce became a little too much. The mashed potatoes were SUPER creamy, and my date really liked them. The veggies were cooked well and they were still crunchy. My date ordered the sirloin and lobster combo, which also came with mashed potatoes and veggies. The lobster was DELICIOUS! One of the best I've ever tried. I didn't steal any of his steak though. I wanted to try some dessert, but I was stuffed. After we finished our food we realized that there wasn't any crawfish on the menu...strange, but no biggie since we probably wouldn't have ordered it anyway. The service was wonderful. Our waiter was friendly and very knowledgeable of everything on the menu and of the restaurant. He also came by to check on us enough, but not too much. Yes, the food and service was good but I think it's one of those place I would just try once.
(3)
linda t.

On our first night out in Portland, the hotel recommended Jake's for a guaranteed good time. Yes the service was friendly, she recommended the oysters and the pinot which were good. But the stars were not aligned when we got to our table - the restaurant was packed and we got an odd table for two in the corner, where we sat about 3 feet from eachother - we had to really lean in and crane our necks to converse over the noise. My mahi mahi was overcooked and oversauced and I only tasted butter, which for some folks, I guess thats a good thing... but the biggest tragedy was my boyfriend's seafood linguine. I'm always wary ordering this dish at tourist traps as it's almost guaranteed to be drowning in cream sauce but he insisted. I even requested with our waitress to please tell the chef to go easy on the sauce - but to no avail, the pasta noodles needed a life-jacket. Needless to say we returned it but by this time we were full on bread and by 6 oysters. The night ended at the hotel bar with a burger and mussels provencale. If you're looking for loud, vibrant resto-bar, this place is it. Just lower your food expectation and you'll go home full but make sure you pop an alka-seltzer.
(2)
Doug P.

Amazing happy hour. If craving shellfish, find Jake's! Oysters, Mussels, Shrimp, oh my! Really good.
(5)
Kalie F.

I came here with a few friends, and it was just ok. I will say that I dont eat seafood, and there were a limited number of options for me, which was a bummer, we went there bc i was outvoted by 3 others, they all wanted to try it, so ok, whatever. My friend and I ordered: the grilled cheese, tomato and bacon sandwich and the Grilled Chicken Breast with Avocado, Swiss and Bacon on Ciabatta bread. it sounds delic right, and it was good, not to bad, but the cheese, tomato and bacon sandwich had a weird taste, and was waaayy too greasy. The fries were pub fries, nothing special. I would not come here again. But for those of you who like shell fish, give it a try. PS.. no patio seating with dogs :(
(3)
C.W. J.

Must go destination in Portland. Screw the trendy hipster shit in SE Portland. This has been here since 1885. Great people. I love it
(5)
Holland O.

My boyfriend and I had an amazing night out at Jake's. It was the first time for us so we ordered it up. We started with a couple of margarita's from the bar and they were tasty. The bartenders were busy but still took good care of us making are drinks promptly. We had to wait about 15 minutes before getting sat but it was no big deal with our delicious drinks in hand. For dinner we started with the baked brie and the crab cocktail and they were both excellent. Next we each had a salad, my boyfriend got the beat salad and I had the house salad and they were both the perfect size and tasted great. For our main dish we split the lobster tail's with baked red potato's, carrot's, and green beans. Our server brought our main dish separated onto two plates for us and that was awesome, I couldn't believe how fresh the lobster tasted and the meat was so large. We ordered a couple more drinks from the menu which were tasty as well. We couldn't save any room for dessert but we will be going back for another date night and dessert soon!
(5)
J E.

Hmmm. Good but not as good as I was expecting. Our server seemed...distracted? and indifferent. She was pleasant and nice, but not exactly warm and welcoming. She made sure she handled her job responsibilities (e.g., took our order, brought us water, brought our food, then brought the bill) but didn't seem to care about our overall experience. It was busy and a little noisy, but I wouldn't complain about the noise level as it added to the atmosphere. Given the reviews and history, I was thinking the food would be great or, at least super fresh and memorable. It was only good. That's not a bad thing, 'cuz I'm not interested in eating crappy food. But, just manage your expectations. Its kinda like going to a movie that everyone raved about, only to discover it was 'just ok' by your taste/standards. That's how this place was for me. I'd go certainly go back, but I'd try to check out some other places first.
(3)
Jeannie J.

Seriously, it's hard to go wrong with the happy hour here. Even the lunch prices are reasonable. If you come in on even a semi regular basis, they remember you. I love the salmon cakes, and for $1.99 they are awesome. The cheeseburger and fries will fill up the biggest eaters. I love the NW martini, especially when James makes it. Give it a try, much better prices than the dinner menu. Oh, and don't miss the chocolate bag! Semi sweet chocolate bag filled with white chocolate mouse, whipped cream, and fresh berries on a raspberry sauce. It's to die for! If you just need a few bits of something sweet, they have $1.99 creme brulee, pot de creme, or berry cobbler.
(5)
Doreen D.

Waitstaff was wonderful! Food was just ok. Over priced Assume it is all tourists. Was forced to go because of company meal. Still a chain restaurant. Not special. No thanks.
(2)
G D.

This place is OK if you don't know much about Portland, which my friends and i did not when we visited last weekend. The food is very, very good, and fresh, I'll give it that. But the place has zero atmosphere, and I thought pricey for what you get. It's like eating dinner at your grandmother's house. The service was very competent and friendly, and they take good care of you, but don't go here if you're looking for a fun, lively dinner out. We were given many other recommendations from locals which we did not have time to explore, but this place seems to be very popular among tourists. Best to go on an expense account, or for your Mom's birthday.
(3)
Kai Y.

We went to Portland for a weekend trip. We asked a few locals and the hotel concierge for restaurant recommendation. Jake's seems to be a well-known place among locals and tourists alike. Since it's so popular, we were told to make reservation ahead of time. We were able to make dinner reservation on a Saturday. We ordered some oyster on the half shell and fried calamari as appetizer. The oysters were very fresh and the calamari was well prepared and not greasy tasting at all. They sure make sure the classic appetizers are well executed. I ordered Rockfish Lafitte and my boyfriend ordered Halibut Macadamia. Both dishes were sooooo good. The fish was fresh and tender. The sauce was yummy. What a delight! The waiter was an older gentleman who certainly knew the menu well. He offered us some good tips in deciding our entrees. He was also very amiable and humorous, which makes our whole dining experience at Jake's quite enjoyable. The history of the restaurant was a great addition to the experience. The restaurant ambience is pretty traditional American styles. It is warm and welcoming. By looking around, I could tell everyone around us seemed to enjoy their food as well as have a good time. We certainly did! I would totally go back to Jake's next time I visit Portland.
(5)
Kate O.

Went to jakes tonight like always, ready to receive the classic great service. The drinks were fantastic as usual, and the food was old school sublime, but the staff was a complete disappointment. Not only did the waitress ignore us, but she was so presumptuous as to bring our check before anyone was done, how rude. Jakes hopefully is not going downhill as many fine establishments are these days and I hope that this was just a blip on their otherwise great record, thanks so much for your rude demeanor and ignorant attitude tall, short blonde hair, thinner bar waitress, Andrea..something. server).
(2)
Jen K.

Old school cool in downtown Portland. I've been here a number of times over the years, primarily for dinners with a large family group or out of town guests. It is one of those classic Portland joints whose location is ideal. Just a block from Powell's and the Pearl District and around the corner from my new fave, Cacao Drink Chocolate. This is the kind of restaurant where you meet the parents for the first time or announce your engagement or pregnancy. You get a sense that there is a lot of history in these walls. Had dinner here recently with a friend before attending a performance a few blocks away. I was running late and appreciated the attentive service and that our meals and drinks came quickly. I ordered the coconut prawns and didn't realize it would be deep fried (my bad) and my friend had the sockeye salmon. My meal was tasty, but I was planning on getting something a little lighter, so I'd make a different choice next time around. This is probably my favorite M&S restaurant in Oregon although I've soured a little bit recently on both M&S and McMenamins in general. Tourists beware... not all properties are created equal! If you are going to go to McMenamins in Portland, go to Kennedy School or drive to Edgefield. If you want to go to M&S in Portland, go to Jake's. It is the class act of the bunch. A traditional place, so don't expect any fancy decor (the bathroom is the size of a closet) or experimental items on the menu. But you will get consistently good food and service and a sense of tradition. For those that are price conscious, this is a moderately expensive place (entrees $20 - 40), but you can get a discount package through Costco that includes gift cards, cookbook and cooking DVD at a reduced price.
(3)
Marc W.

5/8/2011 Update - We already love Jake's Crawfish, but decided to give them a try for Mother's Day Brunch. I will say, very pleasantly surprised. My wife had the Seafood Crepes - we both enjoyed those very much. I had the Jake's Florentine (poached egg over spinach) - it was good, but in my head, I was expecting something like Eggs Benedict - a bit more flavorful and some crusty bread/english muffin underneath. No carbs - just all spinach. I love spinach; just needed a bit of carbs. The mimosas were tasty, but $5 for 1.5 inches in my wine glass? Come on... especially on Mother's Day.. at least fill the glass!! There were several more brunch options to try, so we'll go back for sure. We are still huge fas.
(4)
R S.

The food was fine but it seemed overpriced for what you got. It's one of those places where the vegetables are an afterthought and the same ones seem to come with each main course. Ours were attractive but undercooked. The potatoes were mediocre. The fish was good.
(3)
Grace T.

so, bf and i have a new travel plan where i'm only allowed to pour over a limited number of guidebooks because otherwise i lose the forest for the trees (or is it the other way around...i never really did undertand that phrase...) and get very overwhelemed because there are TOO MANY OPTIONS! -- still, in the select references we had, they ALL said to go to Jake's FAMOUS crawfish... and boy oh boy, are we glad we did...the dinner in mind was quite a while ago as my posting is a bit delayed, but the deliciousness of the meal is still fresh in my mind...(doesn't hurt that i took pictures of the meal either) the seafood was fresh and perfect, large portions, awesome service, and great beer -- MacTarnahan's Ale -- delish! can't wait to go to portland again...and go to jake's! yum!
(5)
Amy B.

Oddly enough, Jake's is not famous for their crawfish dish as it is not frequently order. Our waitress told us that! Still Matthew ordered the crawfish, and I--with a sour stomach--stuck to a cup of clam chowder, a caesar salad and a pinot noir. Yum! The crawfish dish was a heaping pile of spider-y looking lobsters. I'm sure you know what a crawfish looks like, so it's not difficult to imagine that you need a lot to get a little meat. Quite the chore and quite the mess. The dessert menu was fantastic. We had a cobbler and split it. Delicious! The ambiance was great--similar to a McCormick and Schmidt's--and we had no complaints with the service.
(4)
Dillon M.

This review is only in regards to happy hour fare which is all I've had here. We ordered: Mussels ($5), spinach dip ($2.95), two beers (4.50 ea), and the three berry cobler (not sure). For the price, I thought this was a great snack. I also peeked over at the people next to us who had ordered the $3 burger and it looked great. I had to give Jake's an applause for their happy hour deals. I believe we counted 19 mussels and the spinach dip was hefty also. The three berry cobbler was actually really good and homemade tasting. For the most part I just thought this was great because it was above average food for really good prices. I gave it three starts cause they didn't have drink specials during this happy hour and the food quality wasn't off the charts. I wanna make it clear, this doesn't mean it was bad, it just means I'm a stiff grader (I think some yelpers need to take a note hear to be honest). Now, if Jakes offered up a $2.50 beer, I would make it four for sure.
(3)
melita s.

We tried five dishes on the happy hour menu and the only one that was decent was the shrimp cocktail and that's probably because all you could taste was the (decent) cocktail sauce. The artichoke dip had been sitting around for a while and had a hard layer on top (not crispy and delicious, but old and clearly not fresh from the oven); the chips were also stale. The tempura ahi roll was 90% rice and the tiny bit of fish was not good. The gumbo was so-so and the salmon cakes were mushy. Service was lackluster. On the positive side, it was cheap and voluminous so if you're hungry and craving a deal (and don't mind subpar food) this might be a good stop.
(2)
Ron G.

Should have believed the reviews! Was there several years ago and food and service were worthy of a 5 star rating - not so this time. Unfortunately the good service did not make up for the quality of food. Roasted red potatoes were way over done. The Macadamia Crusted Wild Alaskan Halibut was bland, the veggies were underdone and not seasoned, but were the best things on the plate. Sadly, they did not redeem themselves with the berry cobbler, which was too tart and too runny. It was our anniversary, and we were looking forward to a special evening out. We could have had a better meal at home for a lot less money.
(2)
C W.

best happy hour in portland. oysters on the half shell and their calamari are my fav. Their drinks are super tastey too.
(5)
Kenny P.

We came here (party of 8) during happy hour. The lady who served people in the happy hour was not very nice. She told us first come first serve, but let others who came after us sit first. She did not even care if we stood there. She did not approach us and asked us anything. I had to run to her to asked something. I forgot to write down her name. However, there was one nice gentlemen who served in the dining area (not happy hour area) and gave us a special booth which the first lady claimed that we could not go there because it was not for happy hour. this gentlemen is truly one of the many who are keep trying to keep Jake's name to the top of the list. The woman just dragged down the quality. Anyway, we ordered soooooo many stuffs (2 of each from below). More than we could put in our stomach 1. spinach and artichoke dip - Nothing exceptional. the dip is a little bit too salty. Not taste bad but could not say it was good. just so so 2. hummus plate - our mistake to order hummus from american restaurant. they combines two orders into one plate and half of the plate was tomatoes and cucumbers. blehhh 3. Jake's Cajun chicken sandwich - now, we are talking about food that taste good. The cajun chicken taste good. Kind of like it. Salty, a little bit spicy and cooked in a proper way. like it 4. Pork pot stickers - probably i like this the most. how ironic.. american restaurant that serve pork pot stickers better than any other american food from the menu. anyway, it is good with some kind of red sweet thai chili sauce. Dip that in the soy sauce... yummmmm 5. Northwest salmon cakes - somehow this is disappointing. I expect so much from this one. Could not really taste the salmon. The salmon cake is not coherent. It is kind of unattached and difficult to eat 6. Northwest Seafood Gumbo - the look itself was not very attractive and the taste itself was not attractive too. we ordered two plates and only one plate was finished. the others was left almost untouched. 7. fried calamari - they made good calamari . nothing can go wrong with calamari. you have to order this one :) you will be happy to do so 8. curry steamer clams - where is the curry ? noo curry taste at all.. in fact the sauce taste a little bit bitter... a big no no for me 9. garlic steamed mussel - we did not finish this one too. a big no no for us too from all the menu above, just ordered calamari and pot stickers. I dont really like the rest. just my two cents :) hopefully it's helpful
(3)
Jennifer L.

For the love of God, do yourself a favor and make a reservation. Not only to prevent waiting over an hour, but to avoid derisive snorts and "how stupid can you be" attitude from the bartender. Since we're not from here, we didn't know that this place is packed to the gills whenever it's open, Captain Friendly, and furthermore, we're not actually that hungry, so just hush up and serve us drinks until then, whaddaya say? Alas, seats opened up at the bar before our names were called, so we just sat there. That in and of itself was a bit of a feat since the bar was packed too. While the bartender's attitude and willful disregard for our presence wasn't my favorite thing, the food may have been. The etoufee was out of this world, and the parmesan crusted petrale sole was heaven. Worth the wait? Yup, probably.
(4)
Indyra V.

After reading some of the reviews, I was a bit scared. My husband had decided that he wanted seafood for his birthday and Red Lobster was not going to cut it. After reading the reviews on Yelp, we decided to try it out. I've lived in the Portland area for 15 years and my husband, all of his life so it's sad to say this but we have never been to Jake's! To make a long story short, we had the best food, the best waitress and the best dessert!!! The waitress took the time to tell us what was fresh and what wasn't, made helpful suggestions based on what we were in the mood for. She was friendly & attentive but not fake and all up in our bidness - bonus! The seafood was super flavourful and delish!!! I had a scallop/shrimp dish, hubby had some new orleans type of dish, my father in law had salmon, mother in law got a stuffed something rather. I know it sounds bad that I can't recall the names but OMG, each dish was great! Although, mine won best plate of the evening...again, can't recall the name but look for the scallop/shrimp dish. Then to top it all off - I tried the Chocolate bag for dessert...this was one of the best desserts I've ever had. It wasn't heavy, very light, but yet it was ginormus in size and one of the best desserts I've ever had. Definitely pretty expensive but it was a birthday dinner so you can't really put a price on that and luckily my in laws paid! :0) Bottom line is, that we'll definitely go again and next time we'll hit up the happy hour that everyone keeps talking about. Thanks Yelp reviewers!
(4)
Jeff M.

One of my favorite restaurants! Food is consistently outstanding. Had the Chef's special stuffed salmon and the wife had crusted Sole. Good sized portions and everything was cooked nice. Could have used slightly more seasoning, but, not bad. Service was also very good.
(5)
Jacob G.

I dunno if just reviewing the happy hour is fair, but here goes it. $2.95 cheeseburger and fries! It's not a small burger, either. 3 stars for that alone, though there's a drink minimum (it's happy hour after all so that doesn't factor in this). It's the same burger that Jake's Grill has, of course, but this place occasionally has a giant crab on it. Good thing it was nice out because the bar was full so we ate outside. Sure, there were some people asking us for change, but that's expected downtown- not the fault of the restaurant at all. Service was decent enough. What I'm trying to say is $2.95 cheeseburger and fries.
(3)
Allen C.

I ate there last night based on a recommendation from someone I met on my plane. Great service and a definite upscale atmosphere. Decent wine list but slanted to west wines almost exclusively. The crab special had too many competing flavors but it was okay. I would probably go back the next time I'm in Portland.
(4)
Leslie R.

One of the best meals I have ever had. Off the charts. Great atmosphere too. My partner & I ate here on a tues. night. The place was hopping! Make sure to make a reservation. We ordered the calamari to start. Very, very fresh. Yum! Then I ordered the crab cooked w artichoke hearts & mushrooms. They must have an ocean in the back -sooooooo fresh. Partner had the halibut w macademia nuts. Excellent! The oregon kings estate wine added to the memorable meal. Can I please go back tomorrow? A plus plus
(5)
Kristen M.

Owned by McCormick & Schmick's, is another seafood joint for a nice dining experience. Right next door is their bar called Jake's Grill. My friend had a couple old pals in town and decided to take them to Jake's Crawfish. We decided to dine in and endure the love of seafood and wine. After being seated for about 30 minutes (FAIL #1), our waiter finally decides to check up on us and deliver us the specials of the day. It was late at night and upon hearing the menu suggestions we decided to eat a light meal. I chose to go for a healthy route and tried the Manhattan Clam Chowder (clam chowder with a tomato base instead of cream). It was exceptional because there was lots of clam pieces and veggies. I was glad that they did not skimp out on the clams. I also had the honor to sample their escargot and it was cooked beautifully. It wasn't overcooked or burnt and had enough flavor from the sauce that it was cooked in. I also was able to sample their appetizer of Lox - the smoked salmon and sauce was delicious. With a lovely restaurant, and exceptional food, I wanted to give this place a 4, but unfortunately we had shitty service. When dining out, servers should be able to compromise having several cards being used when paying for a large group of people. People do not carry cash these days and as my polite group asked nicely about having this type of transaction occur, the waiter said yes but immediately ROLLED his eyes as he was walking away (FAIL #2). I was a bit baffled by the waiter's action because from my knowledge of those who are in the waiter business, it is allowed to have multiple cards run for the payment of the bill. So our table decided to tally up their own total and write what should be charged to each card to make life easier on our waiter so that they would not be able to make separate bills. My group and I totaled what we ate and added the service charge since we were are large group. Just to make sure, we double checked our addition and made sure everything was correct. We had enough cash and amount on the cards to suffice the bill and then some. Unfortunately the waiter came back saying that we were about about $7 short. To my dismay I was a bit shocked to hear this because the totals were counted twice if not three times. To prevent any heated measures from occurring at that point. A good friend decided to shell out the $7 while the rest of us were a bit baffled over the secret over-charge our waiter had made. We sat adding the amount and it turned out he did overcharge us for something we had added correctly in the first place (EPIC FAIL #3). Jake's Famous Crawfish is probably a good seafood joint to enjoy for probably a small party up to 4. To endure a large amount of people to enjoy this establishment would probably be overcharged by their waiters. Not to mention the unfriendliness and abandonment from checking up from our table. Although our water glasses were filled and for delicious food, I give this place 1 star. I really wanted to like this place, but after really bad service, I do not think I would be dining here again. I will though try their bar and the bar menu. Unfortunately I have gone to 2 of McCormick & Schmick's establishments in Portland and have received shitty service from them. I think they honestly need to teach their waiters how to be more polite to their customers.
(1)
Bernie F.

We were traveling through Portland and staying the night. The Westin concierge recommended the historic, Jake's Famous Crawfish. This place gets packed, so early reservations are a must. While we were waiting to be seated, we had drinks at the bar - I had the Jake's Sidecar which was VERY GOOD. Jake's dinner menus are printed daily and everything sounded delicious. Our waiter was efficient but not very friendly. He seemed upset at something, was very brisk with us and just breezed through the menu without caring if we even understood the crazy pace he raced off the specials. (I also personally find it part rude/creepy when people don't look at you when they're speaking to you.) For the price of the dinner, it did not wow us. The crab cake appetizer was bland. My Dungeness Crab Leg Saute was missing something I couldn't put my finger on (my friend suggests flavor LOL). We left stuffed but not fully satisfied. Happy we checked out this historical restaurant but will not likely re-visit.
(3)
Thomas B.

I moved back to Oregon in 2008 after being gone for a long while. I walked into Jakes for happy hour by chance and walked out a fan. I attempted to explain to my mom about Jakes in Portland and she told me my grandmother used to come here when she was young. Since that time I've been to Jakes more times than I can count and I'm never disappointed in the food or the service. If ever their was a restaurant in Portland that I had to name that has history Jakes would be the one. From the bullet hole in the nude painting to the walls filled with notable people who have been there the place oozes the history of Portland. I've now did countless happy hours around Portland but this one is my favorite. I've had everything on the happy hour menu but my favorite is the burger as it's an exceptional value. The hummus platter and spinach artichoke dip are also favorites. On one more positive note... My wife and I tend to judge places based on their service levels or a lack of. Once in a while the waitresses have been only better than average. Most of the time they have been the best I have had...remembering us, being prompt, and just overall exceptional.
(5)
Mardi C.

fabulous. had the salmon bake with crab and shrimp stuffed inside with brie. really wonderful and delicious. the caesar salad also perfect. the chocolate truffle cake scrumptious. my mom had the same, but with halibut. my niece had steak with potato croutons, which she loved. this place has always been stellar. always. the service impeccable, the flavors fresh, and the oysters buttery. I would'nt have had it any other way. my dad used to court my mom at this establishment years ago, and even she said, hasn't changed much, still wonderful. the menu changes daily, and is printed daily, the prices aren't over the top, pretty standard, as I'm from new orleans now, and I know what the prices are where I live in five star establishments, so this is pretty fair, and priced well. the wine was wonderful too, and you get two choices on size, so the 8 oz did me just fine. do you ever do creme brulee? I could see that on the menu. see you next time I'm in town celebrating.
(5)
Pete D.

They seated us in a room in back with a table for 12. Could not hear to talk with my guests. Food was great.
(3)
Ron T.

The food, even the seafood which they serve in majority, is mediocre at best. Go somewhere else for specialty NW grown food and delicacy. I would not recommend this restaurant to any of my friends. It has become more of a landmark than one of the better restaurants here. The crawfish is almost non existent. So don't be deceived.
(3)
DT T.

I would give them "4 stars" but they shucked my order of oysters horribly and there were at least 10 shell fragments in every one of 'em. That said, their crab cakes were very good. The crab meat was chunky and not too mashed, which seems to be the case with other restos.
(3)
David R.

This was my favorite meal in Portland during my four-day visit here last November. I loved the bartenders; they mixed great, classic cocktails such as Tom Collilns, and did it pleasantly and decorously. That's a tough combination to pull off but they must have a great training program. The service from the hostess and waitress was more straightforwardly friendly. The food was great. I started with a cucumber/beet/onion salad. The entree was red rockfish lafitte with garlic and sauteed crab meat. Yum. I sat in the bar area, but that was fine because, as I was dining solo, I wanted to watch the Sunday night football game. Plus I got to watch the bow-tied bartenders at work (at play?) all evening. I'll be back on my next trip to Portland.
(4)
Peter T.

Very old school. Had the caesar salad and bouillabaisse. All very good. Worth a visit when in Portland.
(4)
Russ C.

Went here looking forward to eating crawfish and was told that the crawfish weren't available and were only seasonal. Um, no - sorry Jake's but crawfish can had year round. Can you be famous for something you don't serve? We turned around and walked out
(1)
Laura P.

Should have gone to nearby Kenny and Zukes instead of Jake's. At least Seattle doesn't have one of those. Bah to Jake's 4 star rating (Kenny and Zukes has a 3.5 star rating). Bah to the huge crawfish on top of Jake's. Hubby tried to order crawfish etouffee but he was told by our not-so-great waitress that crawfish wasn't in season. I guess that we should have known that but with the larger than life crawfish that you can see for blocks away, it just makes one want to order crawfish. He settled for etouffee with frozen crawfish. My salmon sautee with mushrooms and hazelnuts in a sherry cream sauce, but why do McCormick & Schmick's always have to put raspberries in their seafood dish? Easily picked off, but a puzzling trait for this chain. A major complaint for me was our daughter's dish. We ordered off the kiddie menu and we were supposed to get a child's milk and sundae with her chicken strips and chips. The chicken strips were several shades beyond golden brown. She loved the chips, but then again she rarely meets a fry that she doesn't like. The chicken she wouldn't even touch. At that point we should have asked for the sundae (hey, we are paying for it!) but we were just done with our Jake's experience. Bah. Rarely do we get disappointed with restaurants that are popular with yelp, but here you go.
(2)
Jen T.

To Whom It May Concern: Jake's is an excellent institution. For your information, I've been writing so many cover letters recently that I can only list positive aspects in bullet-point format: -Was the first restaurant establishment I ever stepped into in Portland -Has an extensive Happy Hour menu...all under $5 -Said Happy Hour runs from 3pm-6pm, 9pm-close Monday-Thursday, 10pm-close Friday-Saturday -One of the bartenders looks like Colonel Sanders (the uniforms don't help) -The bruschetta is made with actual FRESH mozzerella (in house? I didn't get to ask!) -Beers on tap are $5 (no happy hour deals on drinks...) -The aioli that comes with the sweet potato fries and regular fries is enjoyable All in all, I would definitely return to Jake's for Happy Hour. Thank you for your time and consideration. If you have any questions regarding Jake's qualifications, please feel free to contact me via Yelp. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, Jen T.
(4)
David C.

We figured we should go to a seafood place when near the coast, so we decided to go to Jake's upon a recommendation. It was good, though I wish it wasn't part of a national chain. The seafood was definitely fresh, and the menu said where everything was from, so I went with the dungeness crab and Oregon bay shrimp Caesar salad. It was piled with lots of crab and shrimp, so it was suitable for a dinner portion. Other fish looked pretty good too, and the accompanying sourdough was very good. We skipped the apparently famous crawfish, however. Prices are a bit high, so we didn't add on any extras, choosing instead to go for gelato for dessert. I like how they have a daily menu based on what is fresh, so I'll go ahead and tack on an extra half star for making the effort to get fresh seafood from as close to the restaurant as possible.
(3)
Jon G.

Awesome spot. I wold come here over and over again, especially when the Crawfish craving kicks in. We came, we saw, and we conquered these little lobsters as my son calls them. They were so good as soon as we finished our order I wanted more. We also ordered the 8 oyster sampler plate, so delicious, with great minuet sauce to go with it. Overall we are very glad we listened to the tourist map and will be back.
(4)
Hal P.

This is a really outstanding seafood restaurant. It is not cheap, however. We had spinach salad and onion soup for starters. The salad was great, the onion soup OK. For entrees, we had king crab legs and Sitka King Salmon grilled (a special). The quality of both entrees was really superb, and even memorably good (we're fussy). The place is a kind of neat old building with a lot of history to it, and the service is efficient and friendly. They know what they're doing here.
(5)
Jeremy S.

Sunday, 31 Jan 2010, 5:40pm Happy Hour, 3 people gorged on... Fried Zucchini Quesadilla Sushi Calamari Salmon Cakes 3 Beverage minimum $24.25 + tip Good service, good portions, seating limited, will definitely return.
(4)
David J.

I went to Jakes Famous Crawfish on a Friday for dinner with a group of six people. Food We ordered a large seafood platter as an appetizer it had crawfish, shrimp, lox, crab (real of course), smoked trout. One of our guests had Manhattan clam chowder. My dad had a half dozen raw oysters. For the main course, three of us had the salmon. My dad had the crayfish boil. One had a crab dish and another had a seafood pasta dish. I think we all enjoyed our food very much. It was all good as expected. The two spectacular things were that the platter had a bowl made from ice inside of which parsley and boiled (I assume) crawfish had been frozen, and the giant bowl of crawfish my dad was presented with. It was huge! And there was another bowl for the refuse. Needless to say we all finished our meals before he did and he got about halfway through the thing and stopped not so much because he was full but because he was tired. If you have not eaten a crawfish before, it's like a tiny lobster. The shell doesn't come off as easily as it does on a shrimp, but it has about the same amount of meat. Environment The restaurant is located very close to downtown. It is a central location and they have valet parking. The clientele were dressed casual to a little dressy. The decor is very traditional with wood panel and pictures and soft lighting. Tables have cloth tablecloths, cloth napkins, metal forks, spoons knives and glass wine and water glasses. Bar There is a bar attached to the restaurant which was very lively that night. They have several local beers on tap as well as any number of mixed drinks and a wine list. Service When I called to make a reservation, the person on the phone was polite and accommodating. When we arrived, the staff at the front was polite and efficient. Once we were seated, our waitress was very attentive and gave us a number of suggestions from the menu. Our food arrived in a fair amount of time as did the check. Overall Recommendation This is a good place to take guests from out of town or to celebrate a special occasion.
(3)
Peter M.

To be fair, Portland is about as far away from true craw daddy country as it gets. Still, they had a menu that had completely befuddled. There were so many delicious looking items that we had to send our server away three times while we bounced back and fourth between this, that, and the other thing. I landed on the calamari steak, with a crab cocktail as an appetizer. Both were very fresh tasting, and absolutely delicious. Word to the wise, I was there on a business lunch, and by 12:15 or so, the noise level had escalated quite a bit. It is not rock concert noise levels, but not the place for a quiet lunch. I would imagine that dinner is equally good. If you are a seafood fan, Jake's is worth hitting at least once.
(4)
Caroline L.

3 star for the food, .5 for good service= 3.5 Pretty impressive they print out a huge daily menu. Dungness crab cocktail- fresh and pretty good Crab/shrimp cakes- great! I don't even like shrimp and I thought it was good Manhattan Clam Chowder- not so great Jake's Clam chowder- good w/fresh clams! Ling cod entree- so so, bit oily
(3)
Kyle P.

KAPOW from a batman punch to your face will knock you on your back after you taste this delicious food. My favorite restaurant in the whole world, and I have been places, I have driven over three hours just to get here because of a craving. The peeled Dungeness crab saute is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G and the berries in a chocolate bag desert will make cry and quake in ecstasy. The wait staff is fabulous and always try to fit you in and I love their valet service, they make me feel like a King with a capital "K". I have written Yelp about possibly giving this restaurant six stars but I have not heard back. I will persevere.
(5)
Jessica H.

Awesome steak, awesome lobster, awesome bread, awesome dessert, awesome cocktails, awesome service! In summary, this place is awesome. Chris, our waitress, was attentive and quick. My bellini was delicious and the meal was even better. Filet was flavorful and cooked perfectly (I enjoy the "melt in your mouth" kind of steak) and the lobster was equally as good. It was so good I ate until I felt ridiculously full because I couldn't stop. And then I got dessert. Dessert was a chocolate bag. Literally, it was a bag made out of chocolate with white chocolate mousse and berries. YUM! Fiance got the surf and turf as well and was very happy with his meal! If you are in Portland I definitely recommend a trip to Jake's!
(5)
Luann A.

This place was definitely THE business that I had to make Jake's Famous Crawfish my first review! Boyfriend and I went here for the Valentine's Day happy hour special from 9-close and it was our first time there. After reading all the reviews from yelpers and also from friends that live here too (I just moved up from Cali) I knew I had to take my boyfriend here who was only visiting for the weekend. For $36 we had baked mussels, spinach and artichoke dip and chips, 1/2 cheeseburger, and a cajun chicken sandwich, 2 beers and a mixed drink! Pretty good deal right?! And all the plates had hefty portions so we couldn't even finish everything! I would give this place 5 stars based on the happy hour alone but unfortunately the bar server provided less than stellar service. Not sure if she was having a bad day or not but that shouldn't mean you need to be rude! Wanting to be adventurous I wanted recommendations on some drinks and after asking for her opinion I received a, "well we have everything I don't know what you want" and in a exasperated tone. Lady, you're lucky I didn't complain about you! Such an unexpected attitude that was uncalled for. Other than the rude server our food was great and I would definitely come back again hopefully to eat in the restaurant!
(4)
Sesha M.

oyster bar!! and other stuff too..
(5)
Albert P.

One of the best meals I have ever had. I could have a house for what I spend eating out but i would rather have spent it at Jakes.
(5)
H G.

what I had: bloody mary ($7), chicken quesadilla ($3), california roll ($4) Good: Open late mid-week, plenty of value, and their happy hour menu will get you stuffed and it's tasty too. Bartender makes a mean bloody mary. Interior decor is historic if not kitschy with its various and unexplained collection of Richard Nixon campaign posters. Bloody mary was one of the best I ever had. It was spicy, peppery, and still kept its tomato-y essence. Bravo! Bad: Parking can be a bit dicey. Conclusion: I wound up here after circling the city for a while and had food that was decidedly not seafood. Still, what I did eat was tasty, satiating, and easy on the pocketbook to boot. Come for a late snack and stick around for their cocktails, especially aforementioned bloody mary.
(4)
Neal S.

My wife and I went on a rainy Friday night. The appetizers were OK...standard fare crab and shrimp cakes, decent escargot, and mediocre beet salad. The stuffed Halibut was ok. We were disappointed over all, but I must admit the service was great.
(3)
Jim T.

Jake's was spectacular. Went for a birthday dinner (sister-in-law) and it did not disappoint. We started with Calamari and a bowl of dungeness crab bisque (spectacular!). We tried the "mixed grill" which comes with creme brulee. The risotto was excellent as was the grilled sea bass. The salmon was average (my wife's was slightly overcooked). The signature crab cake (also with dungeness) was over the top! Finally the service was top notch. Our server was awesome - extremely friendly and very helpful. What a fun place. Little bit of trivia, thanks to our server - this is the restaurant which launched the McCormick and Shmick chain.
(5)
Carolyn C.

Always excellent. Great atmosphere, location, and food. Their happy hour is great and well-priced. Try ordering the Lobster or Crawdad Bisque. It's usually not on the menu. In fact I heard that the soup chef they've had for 20+ years quit recently, so maybe it's off the menu completely, but it really leaves a mark on the palate if you are lucky enough to try it.
(5)
Aaron J.

Great shrimp and crab cakes. Friendly staff. Very accommodating to gluten free needs.
(5)
Chris O.

Quality food. Phenomenal service. Terrific atmosphere. Did I miss something?
(5)
B O.

This was just ok. Drinks were meh. Service was great. restaurant was a little worn down and the food was decent.
(3)
Jarrett B.

This place has the best fries that I've ever had and I've had a lot of fries in my life time.
(5)
sue t.

Did you know that Jake's Crab Shack offers a secret vegetarian menu? Neither did I! Come to me vegetarian bouillabaisse. I met the gang here after a particularly bad day at work and wasn't sure how I felt about their choice of bar. But, the Bloody Mary was delicious and the secret menu gave me 5 dinner options none of which were a gardenburger! HIP HIP! The soup (which was gigantic!) was thick and rich and chock full of vegetables and our fantastic waitress even gave me extra bread to sop up all of the left over broth. YUM! Nothing like a hearty soup on a cold August evening.
(4)
Jeff S.

If you like good fresh seafood and you like attention to service combined with a classy warm feel - this is the best spot I have found. A true "must try" place when in Portland, OR. Make a reservation - you need one almost every night of the week. Get there early and have a beer at the bar - the history is great.
(5)
Canyon C.

The most amazing Kung Pao Ahi. Truely divine.
(5)
Tracey M.

Jake's Rocks! I lived in OR for two years a long time ago and would go there as much as possible. Whenever I visit I still have to stop in for my fresh seafood fix. I highly recommend Jake's!
(5)
Marti B.

This local historic landmark never disappoints. Decorated in dark wood, this place is a timeless classic - the food is what you would expect; traditional steaks, seafood, salads, and bread pudding for dessert. And, they know how to make a Rob Roy. This is where Don Draper would eat and hang out with this Mad men buddies and clients for sure. I absolutely love the iceberg lettuce salad drizzled in blue cheese dressing and bacon, followed by a tender, juicy New York steak. You can dine in a booth or hang at the bar area to people watch. The GM Mike Poe is great and his staff is attentive/friendly and helpful. #corvsmb
(5)
Andrew F.

I had Salmon with a horseradish crust, excellent. The calamari appetizer was some of the best I've had. My girlfriends halibut cheeks were very good too.
(5)
Matt S.

Very power lunch/dinner environment made by mahogany, but the service is kind, warm, and prompt. Lunch started with bloody marys and oysters. Fantastic Bloodies, I must say. The winner of the lunch was the crabcake sandwich. It was stellar.
(4)
Justin C.

I've been here a few times now, and it is hands-down my favorite happy hour burger in town. It's a good sized plate of food (fries included), and the burger's flavor is exquisite. And at $2.95, it's a friggin steal. Really the only drawback to this place is the limited seating in the bar during happy hour. It's a Darwinian survival-of-the-fittest melee trying to get a seat in this place, but the grub's worth it once you do...
(4)
Amanda H.

I had a friend visiting from out of state and we picked this restaurant to go to. I personally wasn't so much a fan of the decor but that's not what the review is about. We sat in the dinning area at a booth. They had white paper over the table cloth, I assume to keep it clean, but apparently that didn't help. My side of the table cloth was caked in something brow, I'm assuming chocolate. My small salad plate also had food caked on it. Not appealing at all. The glasses looked dirty too. We were soon checking the silverware laughing and joking that those are likely dirty too. We had sat for only three minutes when we were asked if we were ready to order. The waiter came back three minutes later to ask if we were ready yet. He seemed really impatient to take our order. Of course after we told him no twice it seemed to take him forever to finally come back. We ordered our lunch and martinis. I had the seafood newburg: SautÃ©ed Prawns and Scallops in a Lobster Cream Sauce. My friend had the Parmesan crusted halibut. We placed our order and I don't think it took 10 minutes before the food was on our table, it was amazingly fast. My plate had three large scallops, three large prawns, a perfect formed scoop of rice, one whole crawfish, and it was all swimming in lobster sauce. There was soooo much sauce and nothing to soak it up with. The entire meal was luke warm too. Not pipping hot or steaming. I also found the lobster sauce to be almost too sweet tasting. The scallops them selves were mushy. I was expecting melt in your mouth like butter scallops but I got mush. It was pretty bad, so bad that I ended up leaving one left on my plate. I had only two of the shrimp too. The rice was also mushy like it had been sitting in a rice cooker for far too long. For $34.95 I expected a lot more. I kept trying to eat my meal, because my friend was paying and I felt horrible not eating it since it was so expensive, but I finally just had to stop. It was pretty bad. I didn't even eat the crawfish because I was afraid it was going to be just as disgusting. The reason I'm giving the place two stars instead of one is because my martini was really good! So I'll give them props on drinks. I will not be returning here ever again. Totally not worth the price.
(2)
S. K.

I love this place and its a staple for happy hour here in portland. their happy hour menu is really awesome, but their calamari could be better. I still love this place though!
(4)
Rich C.

As a native Floridian, I have eaten some of the greatest seafood on earth straight off the boat, but I have yet to eat anything as good as Jake's. I ate there in 1995 and to this day can still taste it. Can't wait to go back someday!!
(5)
Eric M.

Fine service, fantastic food, good cocktails, and a warm inviting atmosphere. This is old school dining, with proper stiff drinks and good deliciously unhealthy food. Came here with a group of people, which worked marvelously. We sat at a round table and were easily able to converse across the table since the noise levels were not high. The food was very good and nicely prepared. The selection was excellent and it looked like everything ordered was good. A bit on the expensive side at time, but worth the money for the food.
(5)
Sara V.

Last night was our yearly outing to celebrate my best friend and my B-days. Our husbands chose Jake's. I was a little leery because of a previous lame dinner a few years ago. My Hubby made our reservations on line. We pulled up to the valet parking zip, zip they had us taken care of. The restaurant was packed, of course. When they said it would be only be a 5 minute wait I had my doubts. 5 minutes later our waiter Keith was welcoming us. The rest of our night just got better and better. As busy as it was Kieth, still anticipated our need for drinks, water, bread. For appetizers we ordered the Jumbo Shrimp cocktail and Calamari. Fantastic!! The salads were crisp and fresh. Our entrees were, Pecan Crusted Catfish, Stuffed Salmon, Filet Mignon and Shrimp and Crab Cakes, all delicious. To sum it all up it was a great evening. Good food and a wonderful waiter. Jake's Famous Crawfish, your back on the list.
(5)
Tom N.

My first time at this place, had their signature salmon salad for lunch...it was to die for, the salmon was extremely fresh and perfectly cooked. This is one of Oregon's oldest establishment and the restaurant has a lot of history and character. While we were having lunch, a tour bus stopped and people were wondering through taking a closer look. I'll have to come back and try dinner next time I am back in town.
(4)
Liz A.

I love the atmosphere every time I come here. It's got dark lighting, dark mahogany wood work, a very classy establishment. However, it doesn't mean that you have to dress up to the nines, a nice pair of slacks will do. The service is always wonderful...the staff are always helpful and very caring to your needs. I've had the sword fish which was cooked perfectly, not dry at all and a very large portion. I tend to stay to what I know best, which is steak...I LOVE their steaks, always cooked to perfection. Their wines are delicious and the selection is substantial. You can't leave the restaurant without trying their desserts...I had this huge chocolate dessert that was shaped like a bag, filled with mousse and fresh fruits like raspberries and blueberries. Topped off with a chocolate crust and caramel and chocolate drizzled all over, everything was presented very nicely. In addition, yes, to some this place is pricy, but you pay for what you get. I've never had a bad meal, bad drink, or bad service here. Also...theres parking on the corner so you never have to walk far.
(5)
Andy M.

While visiting the Portland area my Wife and I wanted to try a good Seafood Restaurant. With a name like Jake's Famous Crawfish and we being from Louisiana we had to give this a try. Glad we did - we stayed away from the Crawfish and stuck with the Dungeness Crab. Awesome food, desserts were over the top and they had a classic old bar which served the local brews and service was great. Can't recommend this place enough if you are in the Portland area.
(5)
David C.

We had to get the salmon because it was king salmon season. It was cooked to perfection and the risotto as well. The clam chowda was one of the best on the west coast. Lots of goodies and the right creamy chowda consistancy.
(4)
Eric C.

Once again a half star would have been perfect. I can not really give it 4, but it was slightly better than average too. Ah well. Stopped in for Lunch the other day and ordered the Crab/Shrimp Cakes with a cup of Manhattan clam chowder. I was pleasantly surprised that they offer New England and Manhattan Clam Chowder every day since getting Manhattan chowder is usually a not an option. In fact the soup was my favorite part of the meal! My Entree was ok but not great. The mashed potatoes were yummy but the vegetables were a bit greasy. The actual crab cakes were so so. The service was good, I asked for the order to be filled quickly since my car was at a parking meter and the waitress was quick and helpful. I will be going back and trying something else next time since so many people seem to think it is a bit better than what I experienced.
(3)
Connie C.

Went there for the first time last night during happy hour. Happy hour prices were cheap, food quality was awesome, friendly bartenders... I don't have anything bad to say, except maybe get there a little early for happy hour because they were quite busy!
(5)
B D.

Yummy but expensive. I ended up getting the etouffe and it was great. Our server brought over a refill of rice when she saw that I had quite a bit left. The oysters were also great -- but again, really pricey for what you get. I wasn't too keen on the grilled fish -- which is why I moved it to 3 stars.
(3)
Lauren W.

So apparently this place has been around forever, and is a total Portland institution, which is why we went there in the first place. Good seafood, decent prices, and I particularly liked the NW Martini (raspberry puree and vodka), which is a house specialty. But... the service. Good lord. I just hope I caught them on a bad night. We had a reservation, but had to wait a good 15-20 minutes to be seated anyway. Once we were seated, it took forever for our server to show up, and another forever to get our drinks, and yet another forever for our meals to come. Our waitress was very friendly, but I think she was either totally swamped or just horribly inefficient. Hard to say. In any case, we didn't actually get our food until after 9, and we had a 7:45 reservation. Good times. The food was really good, though. I had dungeness crab ravioli and my mom enjoyed the crawfish etoufee. I think their menu changes daily, and they tell you where most of the fish is caught, which is a nice touch. For dessert we split their chocolate truffle cake sundae thing, which was totally awesome.
(3)
Jamie W.

We had a great waiter here ... very friendly and offered to help us tourists know about the changing neighborhood and places to walk late at night. The food was wonderful - I had an etoufee (spelling?) with crawfish and shrimp that was very tasty with bread to dip in it. We tried crabcakes, and they were fine .... I loved the interior ... looked like a great place to have friends/family get-togethers.
(4)
Arthur V.

"You get what you pay for" is the case here at Jake's. Expect a $100+ tab for 4 but expect to be fed very well. The seafood here is amazing...the only thing better than the seafood were the snails in butter and garlic...errrrr I mean the escargot...the best snails ever eaten. I ordered the shrimp and scallop fettucine (5 stars) and my parents got the crawfish (5 stars). My sister got the etoufe which was good but not great.
(5)
Sasha R.

I come from Boston, that means that I grew up knowing, eating and loving good fish. So, it's hard to find a place that can actually stand up to the fresh and perfectly cooked seafood of my youth. Add to that, my New England family visiting from out of town and there are some pretty high stakes, however Jake's met and exceeded them. We ordered fried calmari & crab bisque for appetizers, and were almost too full to begin our entrees. Almost, being the operative word there, because when the copper salmon, Alaskan wild salmon and 'rex' sole came out we all made just enough room to sample them and the garlic mashed potatoes, asparagus and greens that were served alongside. The meal was wonderful, we left with doggie bags, and full bellies. The guests were impressed, and we will all return. Go Jakes! Now if there was only a baseball team around here.....
(5)
Madelyn Y.

My husband and I had dinner here and the food was just aight. I would recommend to eat here during their happy hour because that's when it becomes really lively and the specials look decent.
(3)
Desiree G.

This place is amazing. I ate here with my husband and in-laws during a vacation trip to Portland. Everything we had was delicious. Especially the mussels appetizer. I love mussels and these were truly the best I'd ever had. Large portions and exceptional service. Our server replaced a bottle of wine for us because we didn't like it. I know that all nice restaurants always SAY that you can do that, but I'd never been to one where I felt comfortable enough to actually send it back. I will eat at Jake's every time I go to Portland for the rest of my life.
(5)
Eric S.

I'm in Portland for a meeting and ask the hotel doorman where to go for fish on a Sunday night. Right away it was Jake's, unambiguous. The dining room is pretty full so I opt for a table in the bar area. The music is very eclectic within the pop-classic rock-jazz range. I didn't feel like springing for what seemed like pretty steep prices for the "real" main fish entrees so it was to be the $17 Alaskan halibut and chips--plenty and done just right, crispy batter and steaming fish inside. (Most of the other dinners are priced 50-100% more again.) Decent fries and coleslaw. I'd give it a 5 with good service and food but I'm thinking the prices are a bit on the high side.
(4)
Thomas W.

BEWARE ALL TOURISTS!!!! I went to Jake's Famous Crawfish today and had the worst experience of my life. I am from Switzerland and come to the USA for vacation for over 10 years now. I never had any problems so far. I was in 100s of bars and restaurants and never had a problem with my swiss ID. It is valid in the whole world and the whole USA EXCEPT in Jake's. In Jake's any out of country ID is not valid for whatever reason. The waitress looked at me suspicious and asked her idiot manager to confirm the ID and he said that it is no good. I even had a drivers license with my date of birth on it and a credit card with my picture on it. This should be sufficient even in the USA BUT NOT in Jakes. They kicked me out!!! I have never experienced anything close. It's their policy. And I wouldn't complain if i looked close to 21, but no, I am 32! and still they treated me like a child. So that was the last time for me and any other people I know. NEVER AGAIN. If you are a tourist and don't want to carry your passport everywhere you go, then I would advise you to not go to this place of idiots.
(1)
Jen Y.

No reviews about the amazing HAPPY HOUR?! My husband and I just got back from a trip to Portland and ate at Jake's on both of our two nights in town. After loving it the first night, we couldn't wait to go back on the second night and sample more of the awesome happy hour menu. For $1.95 - $3.95 we got fresh, deliciously prepared apps ranging from ahi tuna sushi rolls to chicken caesar salad to fried calamari to seafood tacos -- all of which came in generous portions and tasted incredible. And we couldn't stop gawking at what everyone else ordered around us -- it all looked so good. I still can't believe they put so much love and care into making these creative and delicious dishes and charged so little for them. Can't wait for our next trip to Portland!
(5)
Susan H.

Was not impressed. At all. Bread came out cold and wasn't good. Clam chowder tasted like potato soup from a chain restaurant and the wait staff was so freakin stuffy and stuck up. Will not ever go back.
(2)
Catie L.

I was setting a couple of my friends up on a date and wanted a new place to try (two birds with one stone). I knew one of my friends dug crawfish so I thought Jake's would be a safe bet. We had already made reservations so it didn't take long to be seated. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal as we sat in a cozy, curtained booth. There were no hitches as the gracious waiter took our orders. And we soon broke bread (and the ice) over various seafood dishes. I had an exquisitely rich fettucini with salmon and shitake mushrooms (I believe). My mouth still waters just thinking about it.
(4)
Daniel Z.

Mind blowing happy hour. It's been a year since i was there and i still remember; 7 happy hour items and 4 beers = 45 bucks or so. Came in after visiting powell's and hung out for the lunch rush. Very nice atmosphere and worth going back for. The dishes were delicious and i look forward to the day i go back to portland.
(5)
Courtney E.

Very good seafood restaurant, but nothing special. Busy as all get-out, if that's any indication. I've read of many "house specialties," "signatures" and whatever else they're "known for," but I can't help but wonder where's this is all coming from: the regulars or the restaurant?? Crabs cakes, salmon, chocolate box... all tasted like a tourist trap to me. I'm thinking Jake's been calling himself "famous" all this time.
(4)
R Z.

My favorite restaurant. My wife and I have lots of great memories from eating here over the years. The food and drink are fantastic.
(5)
Joshua M.

The bartender was cool. The prices on their happy hour menu are very good. The happy hour food? A resounding so-so. The burger was way overdone... and the salmon cakes were more caper cakes than salmon. I usually expect very little quality out of happy hour food, but I think perhaps if the burger had been cooked medium I could really endorse this place as at least a good happy hour destination.
(3)
Lark L.

It was my first time to enjoy a meal at Jake's and the cup of crab bisque was a real delight. As a cook and a Southern, it was way over the top with flavor and I was not expecting the quality for the price. Waitstaff was truly knowledgable and on time with all the necessities. I'll be back!
(5)
Paul B.

I'll make this simple. This is without question one of my, if not THE, favorite restaurants on this planet. Incredible food, always the freshest fish (flown in if need be), great service, incomparable bartenders. It's always packed. Call to make reservations.
(5)
Chuck D.

I had heard from many people to try Jakes while I was in Portland and was hoping it to be as good as advertised. I gave it 4 stars...I ordered the Salmon on the cedar plank. The entree came with mashed potatoes, carrots and asparagus. A great piece of salmon not to mention the friendly staff that waited on me. Overall it was a great experience...85/100
(4)
Elizabeth E.

Jake's provides classic restaurant dining for tourists and locals alike. They offer over 30 fresh seasonal fish/seafood options every night and the servers are all knowledgeable and can help you select something you'll enjoy (because if you're like me, you haven't ever heard of thirty different kinds of fish and aren't sure if you'll like the 'dolphin'). Besides excellent seafood, you'll find Jake's is filled with well-dressed diners and an amiable atmosphere full of conversations and the smells of good food. The bar is popular (often standing room only) and offers a great selection. So enjoy a cocktail, drink in the atmosphere, and enjoy your dinner!
(5)
Constant C.

We use to take out of town guest here for the famous NW seafood, and though the food is highly praised, the service is outstandingly obnoxious. Enough so it has been dropped from the tour menu. Perhaps they have gotten too used to tourist, but the snarky, hateful waiters do nothing for my appetite. And forget about asking questions or making request! Ringside Fish is a better choice for us.
(2)
S R.

I feel bad giving this restaurant only 2 stars because I really wanted to like it - I mean it is Famous Jake's! Unfortunately, I despise when restaurants are late seating people who had reservations (and this was a Wednesday night...they were 20 minutes late seating us). I thought the food was average... it definitely didn't blow me away. I had the Lobster Ravioli's and they really weren't that good - and the pasta was way overcooked and mushy. The atmosphere is fun but it was SLAMMED. I probably won't return.
(2)
Kim P.

We ate here while visiting Portland. The dungeness crab appetizer was excellent. Good wine selection, strong drinks, and good service. My husband and his coworkers eat here whenever they are in town on business.
(5)
Bob M.

Too expensive, owned by a corporate chain (M&S), service sometimes sucks-- but then again its got this old school feel and the seafood is pretty damn good- i like the dungeoness stuffed salmon. Parking isnt very good, though there is valet.
(4)
Catherine C.

I have been to Jake's for a meal, for a drink, and for happy hour. Every visit I am impressed and extremely satisfied with the food, the service, and the ambiance. I recently discovered the Happy Hour menu- who knew?! It is FANTASTIC! And the quality of food isn't lowered from Jake's standards. We ordered the fish tacos (around 4.50) and the ahi tempura roll (1.95). Both dishes were fantastic! There is a 3.50 drink minimum, but who cares? The servers are always fantastic, the food is amazing- I have NOTHING bad to say about this place! Just GO!
(5)
Bunneh L.

I've dined at Jake's Crawfish a number of times and have never been disappointed. Their standout dish is the sauteed crab legs (out of the shell) with artichoke hearts and mushrooms in a white wine/butter/ garlic sauce. It's served with a side of rice and veggies, which I usually ignore, as the star of the dish is really the huge chunks of fresh crab legs. IT IS SIMPLY PHENOMENAL. It's pricey ($34 or so), but worth every penny. I mean, I think it's just about the best thing to have ever graced my lips. Just writing about it is making me crave it! Damn it, why did I move to Seattle? ;) They have decent happy hours in the bar and is one of the few bars to actually allow smoking, which may or may not be a good thing, depending on your point of view. :)
(5)
Ashley B.

I have only been for happy hour but the HH food and drinks were great! My party tried a ton of HH menu items and everyone was pleased. Some of the favorites were the basil grape refresher, the chicken wings, and the parmesan zucchini. Be sure to get their early if you want a spot, they fill up fast and it gets pretty busy.
(4)
Randall F.

A real tradition in Portland is to go to Jake's Famous Crawfish....the same feeling to me as Tadich Grill in San Francisco...old wood, booths, servers that really know their stuff (more on this later). Not hit completely by the recession but not hard to get a table at all. Our server was extremely informative on the menu, wine list, oyster selections and even informed us that dogs should not be fed salmon (since we requested 'doggy bags' for our leftovers. My Petrale sole was perfect and the stuffed salmon looked excellent as well. The next time I'm there, it will be the razor clams because I had a taste and it's like eating breaded clams without any of the work of the shells, not that it's that laborious. Oysters were super fresh and the mussels in the wine broth was close to 'Mussels in Brussels'. When in Portland - Jake's is a no-miss for entertaining or people watching too. Great bar area also that is packed with interesting people visiting or just in from a long work day.
(5)
Thibaut and C.

Very professionnal service. Fish was fresh but I ordered the rockfish in Lafitte sauce which I think overpowered the fish, just a personal taste. The cobler was delicious. Nice selection of wines.
(4)
Carmen M.

West coast folks, we need to appreciate Dungeness Crab! We took our clients from the east coast here and they have never seen such gorgeous delicious whole crab served with vegetables and drawn butter. We have contests on who can finish first! Any time you get a menu that is on 11x17 card stock, you know it'll be pricey but fresh since the menu is always changing. If you want a wide selection of seafood in Portland that you're not cooking yourself, go here. It's not like McCormick & Schmidt's where the seafood tastes like they cooked it in the microwave. Depending on what section of the restaurant you are seated you can have a romantic dinner tucked away in a corner table or booth or be in the heart of the dining area with a boisterous group of co-workers. Not to mention if you have dessert there, try the chocolate bag. Literally a bag about 6" tall, 3"x2" base made of chocolate, filled with a chocolate mousse, topped with fresh whipped cream with tossed seasonal fruit, absolutely decadent!! Sea ya there!
(5)
Breanna L.

i LOVE coming here when we feel like splurging or have something to celebrate. the food is phenomenal, the atmosphere is vibrant and the service is exceptional. the best thing on the menu (in my opinion) is the grilled fish, whatever the fresh/seasonal fish may be. i'm not big on sauces and lots of extras on my fish and they by far have the best grilled fish. keep it simple and it will be the tastiest!
(5)
Stephanie H.

Totally missing why this place gets such great reviews. It was barely mediocre and easily twice as expensive as it should have been for such crummy food. Bummed we ate here and wasted a perfectly good dinner while on vacation.
(1)
Rachel W.

My husband and I often treat ourselves to a dinner at Jake's. We usually start the night in the bar waiting for a table. Excellent staff. I love the cozy two person tables in the back. The seafood is good... just be sure to order what is "fresh". I love the crab cakes and the steak is quite delicious too. Helpful hint: Make reservations. Valet parking available.
(4)
Sonia E.

Raw oysters, local beers, the salmon on a plank, the crab appetizer... and the booths with the curtains that you can shut and finger each other behind.
(5)
Nancy C.

Whenever we visit our daughter and son-in-law in Portland, we always go to Jake's at least once. Although everyone in the family has their favorites, and all are delicious, the reason I go is for their razor clams. We used to live on the northern California coast where I became addicted to breaded pan-fried local abalone... my very favorite food. Once we moved away from the coast, and our abalone sources dried up, I resigned myself to the fact that I probably would never experience this tasty meal again. Then my daughter discovered razor clams (almost identical to abalone) at Jake's and the rest is history. My daughter and her family are moving back to San Francisco this fall and, while I'm happy the whole family will be together again in the same place, I'm going to have to think of a good excuse to return to Portland so I can have some more of Jake's razor clams.
(5)
Travis O.

What a wonderful place to eat in Portland. A+ all the way. The staff was so friendly and our waiter helped us pick out the most tasty oysters. Our entrees were perfect. If I'm ever in Portland again, I plan on going back to Jake's!!
(5)
Tabitha R.

I see mixed reviews here for Jakes ... I personally found it to be great both times I've been. The first time we hit this place was before we lived here and it was delicious - and memorable - which is key since I have a terrible memory and get overwhelmed with too much sightseeing! We munched on oysters and crabcakes which were delightful. The last time we went - we popped in with a group of 7 on a Saturday night and they had us seated within about 30 minutes. Which -- considering the caliber of this place was very impressive. Our waitress was awesome!! But you have to watch for the "upsell" -- you know where you order an entree and they say "what would you like to start that with?" ... which to me means - it's included - but in reality it's an extra item. Good technique! I splurged and had the lobster - which was delicious. But sampled several of the other entrees being consumed at the table and was pleased with all tastings! They have an extensive wine and beer list and their desserts (though we didn't try them) looked simply divine!! Despite the kids wrestling on the street and (literally) crashing through one of the front windows - the whole experience was wonderful. We all left full and satisfied ...
(5)
Eric L.

Had the crawfish, which were pretty good. Also had the Salmon and Halibut with mushrooms in a cream sauce. Lot's of food, definetly left full! A little on the pricey side.
(4)
sm r.

I do love this place. It was one of the first places that I took my wife to when we moved to Portland. She relaxed with the knowledge that Portland has some really good food. The service is really, really great, I can't say enough about how good they've treated us whenever we go. We just took her parents there when they were visiting and, even though the place was packed, they still treated us like we were the only ones there. (Which reminds me, you may seriously want to consider reservations sometimes.) The steak and seafood is great, you can even get crab that was caught on Discovery Channels "Deadliest Catch!" The in-laws thought that was pretty cool. The only thing we've had there that wasn't great was the etouffee. If you've been to New Orleans, you know how it's supposed to be, and this one really missed the mark. (My wife is telling me right now that it was baaaaad. Now she feels bad for saying that.) But we forgive them for that, they've made up for it in every other way.
(5)
Diana G.

This is easy. We go to Portland once a year and this is a must everything on the menu is a hit. The food and waiters are amazing. Reservations are a must. Diana
(5)
Stephen C.

Jake's Famous Crawfish has the kind of working class bar feel that I wish downtown Portland had more of. I went for happy hour and was impressed. The menu is cheap but the food was just slightly above average. The bar had a decent selection of beer and the bartenders really knew how to mix a solid drink. So I liked the feel, the food was cheap and decent, and they mix good drinks. So only 3 stars? Well I went for happy hour, it was packed, and I was the youngest person in the bar by about 20 years. Jake's is definitely not a young person's bar, so much so that I felt a little bit uncomfortable being there. I certainly don't need to be surrounded by people closer to my age, but watching older men sloppily hit on the 20 something waitress isn't my kind of atmosphere. Neither is listening to the table of drunks talk about hitting up a strip club.
(3)
Mak H.

Get the happy hour blackened chicken sandwich. It will hands down be the best thing you ever get for $1.95. Then, with all of the money you saved on the sandwich, you will still pay a pretty normal bill when you realize your pint was $6.50 or more. Oh well, the food here is excellent and the Happy Hour prices and selection is stunning. The bar has been around for so long, it definitely feels like you are part of history stopping in here. I would recommend it to anyone visiting Portland, and I think everyone should drop in sometime.
(4)
Shane K.

I've been here at least a handfull of time and the food is always great. Happy hour and late-night happy hour offer great prices on food and there is a good selection of beers. I often take out-of-town friends here for some of the best seafood in town. The decor is a bit outdated, but it's fitting for a restaurant over 100 years old.
(4)
Joe D.

I had been here several years ago and ate at the bar. At that time I thought to food was pretty good but not great. I went with a group this time and sat in the dining room. The food was very good. We had calamari, prawns, and oysters for starters - all very good. The calamari could have used more little squids instead of so many rings. I had a seafood assortment entree with halibut, salmon, and I think a shrimp cake. The halibut and salmon were very tasty. Wines by the glass pretty decent and the cocktails were above average. Someone else had the crawfish dinner and really liked it. The dining room is deeper and bigger than expected. It's a popular busy place. Worth a visit.
(4)
Eunice B.

I've eaten here twice since I moved here in Portland, but I only eat here when my mom visits. We've always had really great food that were always served in enormous servings, even the dessert! I still have to try the "famous crawfish"... next time.
(5)
Chanda I.

what a great late night happy hour. things on the happy hour menu range from $1.95 to about $5.95. i got gorgonzola bacon mac n cheese for $4.95 and clam chower for $1.95 or $2.95. friends got the spicy blackened chicken and hot wings. the cocktails are not cheaper during the late night happy hour. they had a large list of cocktails which was fun to be adventurous.
(4)
E W.

I went for happy hour in the bar- great prices, great beers! Not a bar scene. It's a late night happy hour food scene.
(4)
Anita R.

The time before my last visit to Jakes was over 20 years ago. I was a college student, travelling on a Unlimited Amtrak ticket up and down the coast. Everyone talked about Jakes, and told me it's worth the few extra bucks to eat here... and they were right. I still remember my solo meal that cool autumn night in downtown Portland. It was one of the best (and most expensive) meals I treated myself to during my 20 day train trip. I returned last night with my B/F. It was a cold night, much like that night 20 years ago. We waited 25 minutes at the smoky bar for a table, and were seated in the dining room by a very friendly hostess. The waiter was very cordial, but approachable, and he took our order of Manila clams, garden salad with bleu cheese, and halibut cheeks. Everything was great, the only disappointment came when we were told the Pumpkin pecan pie was sold out... That was probably a good thing, because we were full to the gills anyways. These days, I am able to afford a meal at Jakes no problem. The waitstaff is superb, the bar is a cool place to hunker down wtih a good stiff drink or refreshing ale (be careful with the ales, they'll fill you up faster that the sourdough!), and the prices are very, very reasonable.
(5)
Quynh b.

When I first moved to PDX, several people recommended my group of friends to try out Jake's for a Portland experience. Eh- this ranks at the bottom of my list for Portland restaurants. I don't get what all the hype is all about. I've had McCormicks before back home and always thought it was one of those places where if the world got blown up and all I had to eat was McCormicks- then yeh, I would eat there. Well when I first stepped into Jake's I immediately noticed the similarities. I asked the waiter aren't they affiliated with McCormick's and they said proudly "We're actually established BEFORE McCormick's"... hmm, not sure if that's something I would be proud of.. Well I was still skeptical because hey- if it's owned by the same company and the menu looks similar then it's going to taste the same - bland over priced seafood. We ordered anyways. Everyone got something different from shrimp cocktails to catfish to fish and chips to salmon. Well we were all unimpressed with the food. And yes, like McCormick's- it is just bland mediocre overpriced seafood. Since then I have experienced better food in PDX. But I would def not recommend this place to others.
(2)
Richard R.

Well, I've heard and read all the hype about Jake's. It has to have something good about it to be around 100 years (or thereabouts). I'm not picky or complaining at all, but here it goes... Maybe it was not the right day or I ordered the wrong items, but I won't be going back here. We sat at a nice table outside and that was about the best part of our dining experience. We had a very average shrimp salad, stale bread, and flavorless boiled crawfish. There was zero spice or flavor to the crawfish. That's about it. Bottom line: big disappointment - okay, I'm done venting!
(1)
Christen M.

My brother and I came to Jake's Crawfish several years ago -- neither of us lived in Portland, but decided to meet up here to celebrate my 21st birthday. We kicked off our festivities here, partly because my bro's name is Jake and because he likes to eat the little fishies. Personally, I do not eat little fishes, and as is the case at many seafood restaurants, my only ordering option was the fettucine alfredo. The service and atmosphere were top notch, but for perhaps-obvious reasons, I haven't been chomping at the bit exactly to come back. He loved his etouffee, though.
(3)
Celia H.

fantastic happy hour! I just love this company. Its one of the only corporate restaurants i enjoy eating at.
(4)
Glenn F.

One of my friends took me here for dinner during my visit. It was very busy and there was a 45 minute wait, but the host offered us seats at the "back bar". My friend didn't even know they had a back bar! We were tickled to be seated immediately and I have to say that I think this was a better choice than getting a table. The staff was warm, friendly, and adorable. Yes...adorable. I bought the most expensive entree I've ever had -- the stuffed salmon fillet. Normally, I'm pretty cheap about things, but I figured I should splurge since I was on vacation and had the money to treat myself. WOW... I was blown away. I also re-discovered clam chowder. I think, though, that I'll stick to just Jake's clam chowder. So...if you go by yourself or with just one friend, don't forget about the back bar!
(4)
Jesse K.

We enjoyed a very pleasant late night meal at the bar at Jake's. It was friday night and fairly busy but two seats opened up as soon as we walked in. We sat down and were greeted almost immediately by a very busy young bartender. They really have their work cut out for them at this bar. All the juices are squeezed as needed for the individual drinks. All manner of ingredients are being muddled, shook up, and chilled right before your eyes. These bartenders take it in stride and seem to enjoy making all these rather complicated drinks. I ordered a beer and my girlfriend ordered a Basil Grape refresher. One of those involved drinks. It tasted and looked great. We ordered some things from the happy hour menu and the regular dinner menu. From the happy hour we got spinach artichoke dip. A rich and cheesy dip with Parmesan shaved on top. It came with a cool metal bucket filled with warm tortilla chips. Very good, especially for my vegetarian girlfriend. I ordered buffalo wings and cold crawfish. The "wings" were actually all drumsticks and they were huge and numbered at six or eight. They came coated with hot sauce. Served with celery and carrots and blue cheese dressing. This plate was a good meal by itself, no doubt about this. The crawfish came cold on a plate with crackers and dill havarti cheese slices and cocktail sauce. There must have been a dozen of them gracing this dish. They tasted wonderful with the cocktail sauce. It also important to remember that these items were ordered from their happy hour and menu and they cost but three or four dollars each. I am always hesitant to mention price on Yelp. This is a great deal designed to offer some inexpensive food to go with your drinks. I do believe this menu should be ordered from only as something to go with a few (at least) cocktails or beers. Otherwise it is a bit of a waste of time for the staff of the bar and kitchen. My darling also ordered the hummus plate that was very large with warm pita, tomato and cucumbers. I also splurged on the dungeness crab LEG cocktail of the dinner menu. It was awesome, simple as that. Approixmately ten leg segments removed from the shell. It was served with a bowl of cocktail sauce and some extra horseradish. I asked the bartender for some drawn butter and he happily obliged. It was really great. I had a few Rogue Dead Guys. My gal had a few of these really creative cocktails. We both had a bunch of great food, and enjoyed the lively but not too crowded environment. The bar is a cool part of Portland history and shows it well. The staff is great and fits the bar. It is great that there are still bartenders that understand the tradtion of service and like to talk with the patrons. I highley recommend this establishment and look forward to our return.
(4)
Arvey S.

Two thumbs up. I can't add much more to what many have said. I just wanted to enter a high mark for this place as our dinner was splendid. An enthusiastic mention for our waiter. He was pro and service was very good.
(5)
Brian H.

Don't be fooled. This is a McCormick and Shmick's in disguise; and not a very good one at that. With all the dining options in Portland, you can do better just about anywhere.
(1)
John S.

Great beer, wine and Spirits. The place is a seafood lovers dream. I had the Sturgeon and it was awesome. Its not pretentious and it is not cheap. Its a good mix. I think its perfect for a seafood place. Reminds me of a place you could bring your catch and pay to have them cook it. without the fish smell
(5)
Nilendu M.

We recently were in Portland for a day. After emptying the wallet at Powell's, we headed to Jake's for lunch. I chose the "special of the day" Cajun style Crawfish with Chicken in a gravy with rice -- that was simply the BEST ever seafood dish I ever had. My wife tasted a bit and she agrees too. We are thinking of a road trip to Portland again just to be able to eat out there!
(5)
Andrew D.

My Dad introduced me to Jake's a few months ago and I fell in love with it immediately. I prefer this Jake's to the one a few blocks away, but they are both great. I love Jake's because of the old school vibe, the oysters, the horseradish salmon, and the hot waitresses! Only downside is the booths in the back area are cramped and uncomfortable.
(5)
stephanie w.

We made a 10 person reservation for Sara's birthday. It ended up being 11 or 12 so they graciously added extra seats. They printed out special menus that said happy birthday Sara! At the top, nice touch. We shared 2 seafood platters, everything was very fresh. I shared a crab leg dish that had a butter sauce and veges on the side. Luckily I shared this dish with someone because it was enough for 2 and very heavy. They brought a special cheesecake for Sara's birthday and that was very good, I would have ordered this for dessert but you can only get this if it's your birthday it's not on the menu otherwise. They make a great lemon drop martini. Full bar service. The berry cobbler and the bread pudding were both good. The server was kind of stuffy. He asked for my ID when I ordered a drink but than spent a while questioning whether it was me because I was brunette in the picture but blonde in person. It's called hair dye. I just felt it was slightly offensive to spend that amount of time lingering in doubt when I am with my whole family who wouldn't have allowed me to drink if I was under 21. At the end I just laughed it off. All in all it was a good meal with friends and family.
(4)
Phil K.

If you love an old fashioned (over 100 years old), traditional, consistently good restaurant then this your place in Portland. Great bar (has a urine trough in the floor in front of the bar that used to be something that "in the old days" was used for quick relief) My wife celebrated our anniversary there and split a wonderful Sturgeon dish as well as a brie and crabmeat stuffed Halibut. They presented us with a complimentary chocolate cheesecake for dessert which topped off an excellent dinner. Our server was excellent, our dinner was perfect, and we will return any time we are in the Portland area. Jake's Famous Crawfish is everything we had hoped it would be.
(5)
Marshall P.

The Stuffed Pacific Salmon (Salmon stuffed with Dungeness crab and brie) was excellent, mashed potatoes very tasty as well. The vegetables they gave me where on a plate. Everyone else in the party was pretty happy with their meal. Cool atmosphere, but definitely crammed and packed in like sardines on a Thursday night. Not a great place for a chill, quiet but fine for family / work dinner.
(4)
Jim H.

Wow you guys in Portland are spoiled. I had the best salmon of my life at Jake's on a recent business trip. Baked horseradish covered salmon, yummm. I will take your word for it that this is a chain restaurant, but to me the atmosphere, service and food were excellent. The bread alone was off the chart. Clam chowder to die for. I will trade you a Macaroni Grill for a Jake's in Hawaii any day.
(5)
Liliana G.

i think this place just isn't my speed. i feel like i've had better food all over the place in pdx. also, i'm not saying you need to be a marine biologist, but maybe some basic fish knowledge would be nice if you are a server at jake's. went for lunch. the hit of the meal was the seafood chowder. it was full of big chunks of salmon, crab, and clams in a light broth. way better than the standard new england clam chowder. my ceasar salad was overly dressed and a little heavy on the anchovy paste. the "grilled" salmon was swimming in a butter and marrionberry sauce, eww. i know it's old-school and there's prolly a reason it's been around since forever, but i just don't get the big deal. the cocktails are wicked good, though.
(2)
Noodle S.

I really love the atmosphere of this place. The setup is old fashion and have lots of wood. The entry to the rest room is bizarre. It resembles a photo booth and once you enter the door, opens into a good size rest room. The service is friendly and attentive. I love the blacken ahi fish (serve a la sashimi style). The selection is excellent and have a lot of fresh daily catches. They also serve local micro brewery here. This is one of the better Seafood place that I have tried.
(4)
Jen R.

Kind of a given if you love Seafood that this IS THE BEST PLACE!!!
(5)
Mister X.

No crawfish on the menu when we went (out of season I guess). Nice service from an older lady in a uniform three sizes too large for her body. At her suggestion, we tried the Dungeness Crab and Bay Shrimp cakes with jalapeno ginger aioli. They were good (expensive!), but not great. It's kind of odd to have bay shrimp in crab cakes. The texture just doesn't work. They also felt like a cheap filler. Also had the Rockfish Lafette, pan seared with sauteed dungeness crab meat, rum and garlic. Now, this dish had a very odd taste we couldn't pin point at first. Finally, we realized what it was. It tasted like caramel popcorn. Bleh. (Disclaimer: I like caramel popcorn, but not caramel popcorn flavor on my fish). The other dish we shared was the Petrale Sole Parmesan - pan seared with lemon and capers. This was better, no odd taste, but very oily and the mashed potatoes had a ton of butter in them. Old school, yes. Good seafood, not really. I was very disappointed in everything except the wine (A Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir).
(2)
Gina G.

Chain...whatever! Went on a Saturday night and the place was jumpin with tons of energy! My boyfriend swore we didn't need a reservation, but I made him book one anyway and good thing we did because the place was packed. Arrived a good hour beforehand and hung out in the bar area where we had a lot of laughs with the other patrons. Once seated, our server was so on top of it! She was friendly, funny and prompt. Initially, I was unsure about the food because I am picky as hell, but it was fantastic! Not one single complaint! Not a very romantic spot, but it was upbeat with great food, not over-priced which made it a lot of fun, which is what it is all about.
(5)
Edward J.

Jake's is a big seafood chain in Portland, not to mention its a big roundup for your suburban career folks. Though I have to say two things I like about Jake's. First its a good place to bring your parents or buddies from out of town. The place is big and decorative, the food is decent, and the service is good. Second, hit the bar after 10pm and you get the cheapest big portion happy hour meals in town. $3 for two large seafood taco with Spanish rice, $2 calamari, $1.50 shrimp springroll, and as long you order a drink its all yours to pick from. After a good workout at the gym, that's one of my favourite place to hit up with friends. Its late and nothing else is open. Jake's happy hour is my place.
(3)
Marc G.

Great service and excellent seafood at a reasonable price. This is the first McCormick and Schmick's. The restaurant has been around and in this location for over 100 years.
(5)
Justin S.

This place has been here for 119 years. Very cool and great food and bar right in the Pearl district
(4)
Jim c.

Overall Jakes was a pretty good experience, good food and pretty good size drinks, which kind of surprised me.. The lobster, Crawfish and clams were all good.. This is place is a little pricey, but it was a good place to go on a date.. I forgot my I.d. and they let me drink which was cool cause i was only 22.. The waitress was helpful and friendly. When i came here my girlfriend and i had just drivin from Seattle and were dressed super casual.. I got a lot of looks and definitely felt a little out of place, next time i go there i will wear a nice suit and tie.. So all in all a little yuppi-ish but pretty damn good!!
(4)
Sherry D.

Attended a conference at the Portland Convention Center and went here for dinner. Three of us shared 3 appetizers and two dinners. The seared tuna was delicious, as were the crab cakes, and the oysters. The Dungeness crab saute was unbelievable, and there was no shortage of crab. There was a king salmon special, which was also divine. Shared a bottle of brut, and then wine with dinner, and with tip....$300, so not a cheap place. Second night, we stopped in after 9pm for the happy hour bar specials. Big bowl of mussels for $5, oyster shots for $1.95, sushi for $3.95. Great deals, except no drink specials. Would definitely visit again.
(4)
David H.

We called at around 6pm for an 8:30pm reservation, which we secured. We were seated almost immediately at a nice booth. It took a few minutes before our waiter showed up at our table but that was okay, as the menu was quite large, in size and scope of items. The waiter explained the menu and answered additional questions we had. For starters, we ordered a bowl of clam chowder and a spinach salad with bacon dressing. While the clam chowder wasn't anything out of the ordinary, the spinach salad was very delicious and reminded me of the times I've had hot bacon dressing in Amish Country, PA. We ordered the Seafood Newburg and Petrale Sole as our entrees. The SN included shrimp and scallops in a cream sauce. Very tasty. The Petrale Sole was panko-crusted and fried, with a lemon caper buerre blanc sauce. It was delicous, although I wished there was more sauce to dip my pieces of fish into. Surprisingly, we still had room for dessert so we ordered the dessert trio, chocolate pudding, creme brulee, and a berry cobbler with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Honestly, it was just okay, especially the creme brulee, which we've definitely had better. I would definitely return to Jake's, especially for the many types of fresh fish and seafood they serve on a daily basis.
(4)
Michael C.

One of the few Portland places that lives up to the hype. I always bring people from out of town here. Service is always good and the food is always up to par. I hate seafood, but I love this place.
(4)
Laura Q.

This is my go-to restaurant for out of town guests. Consistently great LOVE it.
(5)
Dan K.

This is one of the better known places in Portland, so it was a must visit. Unfortunately everything we ordered was extremely salty. On the whole, the place seemed to be no where near the caliber of Jake's Grill on Alder.
(2)
Jo Ann V.

Did not know what to expect when we had dinner here--all we knew was that it served seafood, so we hoped it would be good. Got there about 1/2 hour before our 6PM reservation, so we were treated to happy hour prices on the appetizers and booze (yay!). When the rest of our group arrived, the four of us were given a semi-private booth that could have been made private if we chose to close the curtains (which we didn't). I ordered the trout, hubby got the halibut, K & J got salmon. Only hubby was disappointed, the rest of us were happy with our choices. Service was outstanding.
(4)
David W.

Jake's is awesome! I wish their ambiance was more like Portland City Grill's but other than that I absolutely love this place. I have never had a bad meal here. My favorites are the crab cakes as well as the etouffee. This is where I take friends and family that are visiting Portland, no one has been disappointed yet. Jakes is #1 for great sea food at fair prices.
(5)
Samuel C.

One of those classy, old, landmark restaurants, which are hard not to like! Jake's is consistently very good with their seafood dishes, especially the ones that deal more with local ingredients. Even though Jake's is sort of claiming to be a famous place for southern style seafood, crawfish, etc., I don't think it's what they do best. Burgers are good, the daily blue plate specials are SO cheap but hit and miss. The service is professional and great, and I've found the waiters usually know what's best to order on the menu. Also, the happy hour is my favorite in portland! While the drinks are expensive (and I just drink beforehand to be cheap about it), the food is really cheap! Sure it ain't all the absolute best, but $1.95 for a half pound hamburger and 4.95 for a big bowl of steamed mussels in a delicious sauce is hard to beat. Oh, and good ambiance
(4)
Reid I.

Dined tonight at 6:45pm. We expected to have to wait, but we were seated immediately. Greeted by very friendly and efficient hosts. The food and service were excellent. I am new to Portland and would highly recommend it to someone looking for a great seafood dinner.
(4)
Jamie J.

My parents live in Portland, and they took me to this place when I was visiting. The first time I ate there I had a great experience--really delicious seafood, nice service, good drinks, good location, etc. SO, the next time I came to Portland with a group of friends I decided to take them here. There were four of us, and we each ordered entrees, appetizers, salads, and drinks. The food was good and didn't disappoint us, but what happened after dinner ruined our entire experience. Our bill came to somewhere around $150 I think. We paid and left a very nice tip for the older woman waitress and proceeded to leave. A couple of seconds later, she came running out of the restaurant after us, yelling at us down the street saying that we shorted her on the bill. I walked to where she was, and immediately told her that we had left more than enough for the bill and tip. She counted it again, and found that she had miscounted it before, and that we had paid it all AND left a good tip. She looked embarrassed, mumbled a sorry, and ran back inside of the restaurant. I know we may have looked younger, but I felt that she assumed we cheated her on the bill because of our age. I was really offended, and my friends were too. Looks like you lost some good customers, Jake's.
(1)
Jason G.

unbelievable happy hour (after 10pm) food deals at the bar!!! $2.95 for a half-pound burger and $1.95 for salmon cakes??? eat here every night if you can wait till 10pm. great raw oysters and other seafood, too.
(5)
mvc j.

I always try to visit Jake's when I visit Portland. The food is always good, and it is a cut above the McCormick's and Schmick's which I have been to (which I always find about ok). Great environment, location, things are prepared simply but well/everything is fresh, and somewhat of a local institution.
(4)
A P.

Overpriced for what you get! Service started out great, the waitress very friendly, but then she must have sensed I didn't like the food, she got avoidance behavior. And then when I made a small criticism (like how they should reduce the massive amount of roux so you can get at the shrimp), she didn't care for it. Really! She's a waitress, not the chief, not the owner, unless I'm mistaken. Anyhow, appetizer: coconut shrimp with mango salsa sauce. The pieces could have been bigger, and the batter, better. I've had bigger at chain (bahama breeze) and better batter at Red Lobster. I had a bad feeling about this place. Next appetizer: seared ahi tuna. Room temperature and dry, like it was cooked three hours ago and sat around waiting for a diner. Six very small pieces for 14.95. And I thought sushi restuarants were overpriced. This was half a sashimi order for $14.95!!! When you have sushi, the fish still seems fresh, but this was lifeless (and this place panders as a fresh seafood restaurant.) Main meals: pork tenderloin. Pretty good. The the waitress was unwilling to change the sides when we found out the rice also had butter; she said the order was already in the kitchen. Please! What a lazy or cowardly bitch. Not sure which. Some kitchens can be mean. And she insisted that they only used a little butter in the veggies. Bullshit. Actually, this is a bad restaurant, so let me reduce my rating to one star. Because if you drown things in butter, minus one star for you. Just make the food better, jeez. I got crawfish/shrimp/chicken etouffee. Bleh! I had years of amazing etouffee in Austin, so I know what I'm looking for. I've also had experience of bad etouffee, so I know what to worry about. This was a blend. For one: massive quantity of etouffee BUT it was all roux! So I did this: I spooned the roux onto empty plates so I could pick out the large shrimp, the teeny, tiny crawfish and the occasional chicken. So much burnt tasting roux, what a brown, muddy mess. And they don't give you nearly enough rice for the amount of roux, unless they wanted you to just eat roux by itself. Now the dessert: chocolate box. Big. But, I've had much better at Red Light in Chicago, my ultimate place for chocolate box. At Jake's, the chocolate itself was acidy and not dark enough at all. And very, very thin. I prefer a strong sided box, very dark chocolate like. Also, there was a lot of berries, but the whip cream was too heavy (the kind that won't melt because it is SO heavy. And the chocolate mouse wasn't tasteful and was too darn heavy too. It's like a french guy did the chocolate box: bleh! And the rasberry coulis (sauce) was not sweet or tart enough, though it tasted very, very natural, almost too much so. So, the box overall was very bland, like french desserts, which some people may like. All the food was on the level of a medicore chain, but it shouldn't have been for the prices.
(1)
Zack S.

Almost walked out when I got there. This was exactly the kind of place I was trying to avoid. Wow was I wrong. Great beer, AWESOME OYSTERS, and fun people. Came here for late afternoon oysters and beer with friends after a long day site-seeing (visiting from SF). I was really impressed with the selection of shellfish, and how fresh it was. The ambiance and vibe is pretty much lacking. The original integrity has been maintained with is simple. Nothing wrong with that, I just wouldn't necessarily make a dinner out of it. A perfect place to grab a snack or quick lunch.
(4)
Jessica C.

This past Saturday night was spent in downtown Portland walking, exploring, people watching and drinking (natch.) After a few previous stops, it was already midnight and we had yet to eat! So after talking about Jake's earlier in the evening, we decided to stop in and see if they were still serving. To my surprise, they sure were. Full menu and happy hour. We picked a nice table in the bar and enjoyed watching patrons in Jake's and out on the street. After a round of beers (that weren't happy hour $) we ordered some happy hour food. Their menu has a good amount of options and great prices. Plus, the portions for the price were excellent. We got the calamari and hummus -weird combo but satisfying. The hummus was your basic flavor sided with tomatoes and cucumbers. The calamari was great! I would definitely order it again - especially for $4. Our friends got the chicken wings, oysters and a full size strawberry shortcake. As far as I know, they too were satisfied. Apart from the food, I enjoyed the atmosphere. The old paintings and dark wood features make for a nice ambiance. Service was friendly and prompt. Whenever I take a tour of downtown late night - Jake's will definitely be on my list of places to stop.
(4)
Grumpy B.

I had dinner this evening with my partner and adult daughter at Jake's. We were "greeted" by a hostess who, when we asked for a table for dinner, informed us that there was open seating in the bar. We then asked if there was a wait for a table for 3, and she told us there was no wait, so we were seated immediately. I was surprised that she directed us to the bar when we had asked for a table, but put it out of my mind when we were seated, though we found it rather rude to assume we'd prefer dining in the bar when we had come in for dinner. My partner presented his Jake's Club card and the waitress acknowledged it. We ordered light fare (a salad, an appetizer, and an entree to share) and wine and it was brought in a timely manner. We ordered a dessert as well. The food was good and plenty for the three of us, and we were presented with the check for $58. We placed $65 cash and the club card in the payment folder, but when the waitress brought us back the receipt, there was only the receipt and club card in the folder, no change. We were rather surprised that she would assume that the change was her tip, without giving us the opportunity to make that determination ourselves; it was a shallow tip - not even the 15% that we would have likely supplemented had we been given the chance, but we were frankly so shocked at this assumption in a fine dining establishment, particularly when dealing with a frequent diner, that we didn't leave any more. The rudeness and snobbery of the hostess and waitress, perhaps judging us by some aberration of appearance (my partner has long hair? my daughter has tattoos?) or food choices (because we didn't order 3 entire entrees which would have been too much food for us?), left us with a foul taste in our mouths. I doubt that I will feel welcome in this establishment again. I'm quite disappointed as I have enjoyed Jake's food and atmosphere for many years. I hope that Jake's will take this opportunity to educate their staff on common courtesy towards people regardless of the hosts' personal tastes, and wait-staff's expectations about gratuity, which should be earned, not assumed.
(2)
Senthil R.

This place is well reviewed and the food and service are consistent with the review. Excellent seafood in the same mold as McCormick seafood restaurants. I had the Pecan crusted Halibut. It was good, not great. I took a bit out of my friends Wild Salmon, that was delicious. I was not a big fan of the french onion soup. Overall a good experience. Better make a reservation before you visit this place.
(4)
Tiffany T.

Lovely inside, with classic decor of rich woods and clean white tablecloths. We also sat outside at the tables and watched the city go by for a leisurely lunch. The servers were courteous, well dressed and attentive. I sampled the best salad I have ever tasted, arugula with luscious pomegranate vinaigrette and spiced nuts with mandarin orange slices. The tart pomegranate and arugula leaves balanced wonderfully with the spicy walnuts and sweet orange slices. I'm very picky when it comes to salad and hate heavy dressings so each time I ate there I made sure to order this tasty salad. I also really enjoyed their barbeque salmon, which was a little over a 1 lb of salmon cooked on a cedar board and serviced with a covering of rich barbeque sauce. I thought the sauce might overpower the fish but it was really exemplary and had a smoky sweet hot flavor that was really delightful! My husband had the grilled rainbow trout with lemon and that was cooked to the perfect consistency and was hot and succulent. I also appreciated that the menu listed exactly where each seafood item came from. Jakes is Fancy, and on the more expensive side, but they do a reasonable lunch and if you were taking out visitors for a formal meal I would highly recommend them.
(5)
chelley L.

many stars for having a late night bar that serves happy hour and oyster (too bad it isn't happy hour oysters). The bf was still hankerin' for some oysters on the half shell after a having them in seattle, and jake's hit the spot for him. (but he still hankered for more the next day!) happy hour started at $1.95 up to $3.95 from hummus to chicken cesar salads. i'm not big on cesar salad but i like the way jake's made the lettuce still crispy and light on the dressing with plenty of chicken. service was awesome here as well!
(4)
Jamie M.

My husband and I recently visited Jake's and were severely disappointed. We were on a road trip from Napa to Whistler and thought stopping for a night on the way would be a good idea. We decided on Portland for the cool city and great microbrews and, upon researching restaurants, were delighted to find out there was a restaurant that served crawfish! We go camping a lot and catch crawfish in the lake, then cook them up and serve them with butter next to the campfire. This was going to be great! Well, after eight hours of driving and a walk over from Taylor street, we arrived at Jake's Famous Crawfish. Imagine our sadness when we saw that the only crawfish on the menu was a sad, cold appetizer. No crawfish boil like what I saw on the online menu (with corn on the cob and sausage). We even asked our waitress if there were any to be had via specials and she laughed at us. Laughed! She laughed and replied, "Well, even if we had it I wouldn't recommend it!" We were really sad. We then ordered a bowl of clam chowder (which was more like potato chowder sprinkled with tough, stringy clams) and crab cakes (which were quite good). We couldn't wait to get out of there.
(2)
John H.

Whoa this is some damn fine seafood I must say. And being in the Pacific NW for 3 years now, my standards are pretty high. But the coconut prawns were a perfect appetizer, and the stuffed salmon while not incredibly fancy was absolutely delicious. Like they say, kind of an older crowd but if you've got the dough and like seafood this is the place to hit.
(5)
John P.

I had the pleasure of eating at Jake's on a visit to Portland in early January of '07. I had one of their signature dishes- stuffed salmon with bay shrimp, crab, and brie. It was easily the best piece of fish I have eaten in five years, and I eat a lot. It was fresh, juicy, tender, and full of flavor. The house salad with candied walnuts, Oregon blue cheese, and white balsamic vinaigrette was the perfect starter to the meal. To top it off, our server was fantastic. He timed everything perfectly and knew when to stop by and "bother" us, and when to let us be. Great restaurant! I will definitely go back every time I am in Portland.
(5)
Matt C.

I went here Sunday based on Yelp reviews. I knew it was a McCormac and Schmidt or whatteva but, for a chain this company has the right approach. Fresh fish everyday you really can't ask for a much better motto. In any case, we had a knowledgeable waiter for our party of 5. He recomended the items I have noticed other yelpers mention. Two had the stuffed salmon one had the crab and artichoke thing my wife had the tortellini with lump crab and I had the pan-seared oysters. I found everything very good, very fresh. I never order salmon as it is one fish that I find too fishy 99% of the time so I was surprised the stuffed salmon was AWESOME! My oysters where super fresh but (I shouldn't complain) almost shockingly so and the Ocean taste made my meal the one I enjoyed the least. The crab with artichoke thing I probably wouldn't order but it was exactly as explained and very good but not exactly my taste. Tortellini was great, lots of very large fresh chuncks of crab. Also, the place was rocking busy and my mojitos where perfect. It always gives me a good impression when a place has a very busy bar and food crowd, and they don't skimp in any area. The fact that they made the mojitos the proper way when the place was crazy busy is a good sign....
(5)
Niki K.

if your looking for louisianna crawfish, this is not the place to go. i came down to portland looking forward to eating louisianna crawfish, but i was very disappointed, when i got boiled crawfish and a side of melted butter. it was not the idea i had in mind. however, other than this disappointment of my crawfish, they other dishes of seafood were relatively good. however, i found another crawfish joint in the Asian district, which served some awesome louisianna crawfish.
(3)
Jennifer D.

We sat outside and had a good, but unmemorable meal. It was a little pricey.
(3)
Craig M.

Ugh, McCormick's and Schmicks is the Starbucks of Restaurants. Jake's sold out!! This 'famous' Portland downtown landmark, near Burnside Street used to be on the edge of a warehouse, brewery district, thus it had slightly more of an edge to it. Now its sits on the edge of another Yuppified district known as the 'Pearl District'. 'Cutting edge stores (Chico's and Elm to name but two) are in the 'faux avant garde' district. Food was mediocre/good, service was sluggish and the (?) asst. manager "I'll tell your waiter" doesn't cut it. How about just saying "absolutely, or no problem or I'll get it"? I probably won't ever eat here again....what once was (since 1892) is no more.
(3)
Kerry M.

Humm, after reading all the raves about this restaurant, I'm wondering if I went to the wrong Jake's Famous Crawfish in Portland. Had a late lunch, $34.95 for hazelnut crusted halibut and my husband ordered fresh salmon $37.80. If there was a hazelnut anywhere on that halibut, you could have fooled me but there was a sauce on there that tasted like something that sat in a compost pile for a week with mangoes in it I think. The halibut tasted old and so did the salmon, as if they just picked it up at Safeway. The bland potatoes were similar to the ones a sick relative was recently served for dinner at Kaiser Hospital, 4 chewy asparagus, some so so sour dough bread, a beverage and a bill of almost $100.00! I have dined in many fine restaurants and can honestly say that the chef had absolutely no imagination or creativity in creating these overpriced dishes. This place is terribly overpriced and the food was bland and tasteless. We felt totally ripped off and would never recommend this restaurant to anyone who was a friend. Had to run over to Whole Foods to buy some dessert to get the taste of this awful food out of our mouths. This is not an exaggeration and we are not picky eaters, it was just too horrible not to complain about.
(1)
Andrew F.

Lets start off with the fact that I HATE SEAFOOD! All of it. From the nasty lookng snot that are called oysters, to the foul smelling fish. This place ROCKS! It is by far one of the greatest places in all of Portland for a great steak, and the service we all deserve. Jakes knows how to treat their guests and it really shows. For my BF's birthday, I made reservations, and they printed his name with a big happy birthday on every menu. We have been several times, and have finally joined the prefered guest reward program. It helps if you call ahead during the evening rush. Go here, go here and go here!
(5)
dae m.

i didn't eat here but the drinks were good. bit of an old timer's joint but hey if you're the type to get down @ retirement homes then this is your point of destination.
(3)
Piggy P.

I would say it is the best steak in the world. Crawfish is also highly recommended. It may be the only reason I will travel back to Portland from California. Must try! The rib eye steak is great! Oysters are awesome, fresh, and not expensive.
(5)
Knit s.

Awesome restaurant! My husband and I are big fans of McCormick & Schmick's, and have frequented their restaurants in several other cities, but this was the first time we had been to Jake's. It was great. It was our anniversary, and they had printed, "Happy Anniversary" on our menus, which was a nice touch. We had brought along a bottle of Martinelli's sparkling cider (because I'm pregnant, the B&B where we stayed left it for us instead of the requisite champagne), hoping to have it with dinner. Our waitress initially told us there was a $15 corkage fee, which we would have been happy to pay if it had been a bottle of wine. However, when we told her the situation (our anniversary, pregnant, etc...), she said she would see what she could do. She came back and said they would waive the fee. How nice! We enjoyed our meals and the complimentary dessert, too. Now this is the service we've come to expect from a McCormick & Schmick's establishment.
(5)
Ursula M.

A very comfortable 4 stars for Jake's venerable Portland restaurant. Four of us visited Jake's on New Year's Eve, 2012. The menu was varied, and the offerings were very good. The place was crazy with crowds of diners and waiting diners, yet the staff stayed sane and efficient. We started with Blue Point oysters, which were delicious. Fried crayfish legs served with two sauces on a bed of shredded cabbage. The chicken Marsala was loaded with mushrooms and nicely prepared green beans and carrots. The Crab Louis was nice, and the amount of crab was sufficient. The stuffed salmon had crab and shrimp and brie in it and was served with mashed potatoes and the green beans. The liver and onions with bacon was good but I couldn''t find the onions. The mashed potatoes were very uninteresting but I suppose if we'd seasoned them, they would have tasted better. The key lime pie was very good. Best of all, amidst all the chaos of New Years, "Julie M" was a marvelous, efficient and friendly server.
(4)
Margaret J.

Stopped in for a Mojito with the family for our daughters 21st Birthday. Great bar, EXCELLENT drinks. Love the vibe and location. Missed Happy Hour, so we'll be back! Didn't eat this time, but have been in the restaurant many times. 3 bartenders and many servers. Overall a positive experience. Casual dress in the bar, maybe a little dressier in the dining room?
(4)
Andrea E.

While on a business trip to Portland I decided to check out Jakes and sit at the bar. The menu lists which items are freshly caught that day, which helps you make a decision on what to eat. I started with a half a dozen oysters that were extremely fresh and then had grilled steelfish with rock shrimp and veggies. All items were amazing-fresh and tasty. The local beers offer a great variety and are worth exploring instead of wine. I would definitely check this place out next time I am in town.
(5)
Marjorie L.

Not the old Jakes, however good. The atmosphere is different than before, less formal. Most people were in shorts and tennies. Would like to see the shift away from everything so casual. Need to bring back the big juicy lobster tails!
(4)
Angie W.

I almost gave this 4 stars, but the minor issue wasn't enough to deduct a whole star. To start, this is where my bf wanted to go for his birthday, but I was a bit worried after all of the reviews and knowing that it was no longer a locally owned place and is now part of the Landry's chain. But, he was absolutely sold, so I decided to hope for the best, and that's really what we got. Food: Appetizer - We had the steamer clams to share which were amazing. I got one bit of sand after probably 15 clams (and it was split!), so I can't fault that. The broth was rich and yet still acidic, absolutely delicious. Entree 1 - He was hesitant, but I told him to get the dungeoness crab sautee, which was $43, because he LOVES crab and really wanted something that would highlight the taste. It was also very good. He and I both love mushrooms and artichoke hearts that came with it, but they were left on the side while he ate all the crab. The amount of shelled crab that comes with it is really worth the money, considering they are shelling it and still providing probably 1/2lb of crab. His only remark, which is very subjective, is that he wished it had been baked because he thinks baking crab makes it sweeter. Entree 2 - I really wanted halibut. I haven't had really good halibut for a while, and I had been craving it so I asked for our waitress's opinion between the halibut cheeks and the grilled halibut. She suggested the cheeks because you can't get them anywhere else and when was the last time I'd had halibut cheeks. Fair enough, I had never had them, and I am always up for trying something new. They came in a creamy, yet acidic sauce with capers. They were very delicious, tender and sweet. I am not a huge fan of heavy creamy sauces, and this was just on the border so I just pulled the pieces out before I ate them. The accompanying asparagus was cooked to perfection. Easily cut with a butter knife, but still firm. Yum! He got white rice and I got some good garlic mashed potatoes in addition. Dessert 1 - Since it was his birthday, she brought a molten lava cake with some ice cream, that we liked very much, and we were unable to turn down the dessert tray after seeing the options. Dessert 2 - We got the trio, which had a berry cobbler, chocolate torte, and creme brulee. I'm a sucker for creme brulee and if it's on the menu, I always order it. I also love berry desserts, and chocolate, so we couldn't go wrong! Except, unfortunately here it did. The berry cobbler filling was quite good, but the crust was very hard and I was worried I'd break the dish or the plate it was on trying to get into it with my spoon. The creme brulee also was very, very disappointing. It either was not properly prepared, didn't cook long enough, or water got into the pot because when I cracked the delicate sugar top, I immediately saw a watery mess in the middle of my creme brulee. I still took a bite, because I had to! but it was watery and weird, so that was it. Thankfully the chocolate torte was fantastic, almost like fudge or a brownie in richness, so we finished the meal with that. We also had some really yummy drinks. I got the blueberry and regular lemon drops, and he got a gin and ginger drink that he fell in love with, especially after asking for no sugared rim on the second. Service: The highlight of our experience, however, was our waitress. 5 stars for Mariko! My mom was a waitress when I was a kid and I know how it can wear on a person, and how people are soo picky at finer dining restaurants like Jake's. But Mariko was absolutely genuine. Whether with us when we asked for suggestions, or with other tables I could hear her. When I brought up the creme brulee, she offered to get a new one, but we were full before that dessert anyway and didn't need anything more. I just wanted them to know, so they wouldn't send any others out to diners (who might be more rude than us). The only other thing is that since it IS owned by Landry's now, she had to try to sell us on the member card, which is a $25 buy-in and not a very good point system. She left us to "mull it over" at the table privately and didn't push it at all when we declined though, so it was not obtrusive at all. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by everything and glad it was a very good and memorable night out for a special occasion. I would go back to Jake's again.
(5)
Spazz R.

Reservation for 7:30. Got there 5 minutes early. Didn't get seated until 8. They put us in the very back next to 2 parties with screaming babies. Took over 10 minutes for our waiter to even come to our table for the first time (we timed it). Sure, it was busy, but for being one of the "top 10 seafood" restaurants in the nation as they claim, this isn't "top 10" behavior. After we got our water and the 7-year-old at the table next to us kept open-mouth coughing her bread up at us, we got fed up and asked to be moved. (Sidebar: this may make me an asshole, but why would you bring your kids to a fancy restaurant on a Saturday night at dinner time?) Once moved, the food came at a decent speed and everything was pretty good. Baked Brie was good. Crawfish popcorn was okay, not good. The Wild Oregon Salmon was good, but not as good as it's price point ($40). The banana creme pie was really good - probably my favorite thing I ate there, and the cheapest at around $7. In closing, the food was pretty good, and both of the waiters we had were actually really good and nice. But my date and I were dressed up, and front of house really shouldn't seat date couples next to children people. We saw other dates next to us looking really frustrated with the noise. Guess they just didn't have the cojones to ask for a better seat.
(3)
Toshifumi O.

122 yrs. old seafood restaurant in Portland. Everything here is all excellent. Crab and oyster are some of musts. The Clam Chowder is much better than regular Boston restaurants'. Don't forget to spare your stomach for a "Banana Cream Pie"! . :D
(5)
Jessica F.

Jake's is definitely worth the hype. Everything from the bread to the house salad to the etouffee was delicious and the service was just as good. Will definitely be stopping in again, and soon!
(4)
Nik O.

Review is for happy hour at the bar only. I was lucky enough to snag a table right away, but the waitress basically ignored me once she dropped off the menus. I was waiting for someone to join me so its fine not to take the food order, but she didn't even bother taking my drink order. But whatever, despite the not so stellar service Jake's does have a crazy cheap and good quality happy hour that makes it all worthwhile. Since they're the same company, Jake's happy hour is similar to McCormick & schmick - not much for drink specials but decent sized portions of great food maxing out at about $5.
(4)
Ty D.

We went here on a vacation to Portland. It has been around for 120 years so they must be doing something right! We had the camari appetizer. I had clams and my wife and son had rockfish. All the fish was fresh and well prepared. Our server was very attentive and the old building was charming. Great experience!
(4)
Carlin S.

I'd rate this place 4 stars if it were cheaper. My favorite seafood restaurant in Corvallis (Aqua) has better food that's better presented and costs exactly the same. Jake's does have a more romantic and slightly quieter atmosphere though. My party of three had a fried crawfish apetizer with several dipping sauces. It was ok but considering the crawfish were the last catch of the season from a week ago I understand why it wasn't particularly tasty. For our entrees we had trout, salmon and tilapia. The trout was excellent, the salmon over-sauced and the tilapia was very plain. I make better tilapia at home using recipes I find online so I won't be ordering that again. The salmon was probably really good and the sauce was very tasty so it wasn't terrible that we couldn't taste the salmon but I expected better of such a famous seafood restaurant.
(3)
Ed W.

Great oysters! Unfortunately everything else fell into the good but not great category. We came a little early and were seated promptly. However, after that it took almost ten minutes to get a menu and the wait continued on refills of beer and wine.
(4)
Thumb P.

Great atmosphere and phenomenal service. Pete is the best!
(5)
Melissa S.

My husband and I always enjoy coming here. The service is always the best. The fish is always amazing and we love the clam chowder here. My only complaint is the prices can be insane...but if its my birthday game on!
(5)
Stephanie M.

Amazing food, nice atmosphere and friendly staff! I left my prescription sunglasses at the restaurant the night before I flew back to colorado. When I called, the woman who helped me went out of her way to locate them and mail them to my home! She went above and beyond.. Now that's great customer service!!
(5)
Stephanie A.

Awesome happy hour. The red wine sangria was delicious! Salmon cakes and calamari were delicious, but the best was the tempura sushi roll!
(5)
Seanna M.

I wish I could remember the name of the server we had because she was fantastic. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. I came here on a date night with my boyfriend and we decided to try the razor clams and a shellfish dish. The waitress generously offered to have the kitchen plate the dishes on two separate plates so we could share - this was a very nice gesture. We were celebrating a major event and this kind of thoughtfulness made the evening feel even more special. The razor clams were great - breaded and well cooked. I wish I could remember the name of the shellfish dish - it was a baked dish swimming in butter (of course - one of the best ways to eat crab and lobster!). Again, everything was tender and cooked very well. The portion sizes were more than enough for us. The server was attentive, and seemed to be there every time we needed something. Water glasses were never empty. The atmosphere is typical of a McCormick & Schmick's restaruant - upscale pub like feel to it. I will definitely go back the next time I'm in Portland!
(5)
S E.

Went here because I love crawfish. It was lunch so I ordered off the lunch menu. Service was good and the atmosphere was nice. The dish was unappealing and not very good. I didn't finish it (it was a generous portion) and the last bite which included crawfish tasted "off". A few hours later I'm sure something was not right. Very upset digestive tract. Fabulous!
(1)
Bernadette R.

This place is now terrible. I am writing this so anybody else does not spend this kind of money on the worst food I've had in Portland. I had not been here for 3 years and I remembered how good the food was THEN! So as a special treat for out of town guest we took them here. The macadamia crusted halibut is what i remembered being so delicious so I ordered again. IT WAS GROSS!! It had to of been frozen as it was so mushy I could not eat it. All the appetizers were terrible too. I did not say at the time anything as I did not want to be the downer at the table. When I talked to my guest the next day they admitted that the food stunk too. $350 bucks worth of bad food. Do not go here.
(1)
Shannon P.

I've been to Jake's a handful of times now. I'm personally not a seafood lover (I know, it is shameful), but I go with seafood lovers who are always 100% satisfied with their meals. My mom loves their scallop dishes and my fiancÃ© always gets a seafood gumbo type dish. But for me, their filet mignon seared and the cooked is probably the best I've had. Better than Ringside. Last time we went a little earlier in the day, and I don't know if it's just how they make it for lunch, but they grilled it which wasn't quite as good but still hard to ruin a good cut of meat that they use. I would go sometime before 5p and avoid the crowds or make a reservation. Bar area is also nice for lounging and people watching.
(5)
Kimchi L.

I heard a lot about this place and being the underemployed transient that I am, ordered off the happy hour menu and stared at the bathroom door the whole time since I was one seat away from the door. I looked at the quesadilla next to me and proceeded to eat clams and drink something I don't remember..probably a ginger whiskey. I like old timey ambiance so it wasn't a complete waste of time and I got in some interesting people watching and that was that. Not interested in going back.
(3)
Krista N.

It's my fault. I went to a Landry's-associated restaurant. *shakes fist at the sky* WHY?!?!? Okay, I realize this is over dramatic, but I'm so pissed at myself for going to such a boring seafood restaurant in a town with such great food! I should have known it was part of Landry's! First of all, all of the dishes we ordered were boring. I ordered the macadamia-nut crusted halibut and it was the lamest halibut I've ever eaten. This includes all my attempts to cook halibut I purchased at Costco. That's bad! There was absolutely no flavor to the macadamia nut topping, nothing, nada. The halibut was also dry. Boo. And it was $38. Also, sort of odd, everyone in the restaurant was over 50. I'm not an ageist, but, yeah. Portland elderly, you can do better!
(2)
Amireh G.

Christ almighty, fish! Bar area in front with more casual dining, outdoor seating and more formal dining area in the back. Super friendly service. Gluten free menu! Big portions. My scallops were overcooked :*(
(3)
Rick S.

Bottom Line - Mmmm. Oysters, albacore and rockfish! Came on 5 September 2011 with a friend and we had a pretty good meal. We ordered the following: Chowder ($5.50/cup, x2) - We both ordered a cup each, and I had mine mixed (half manhattan and half new england). It was good. 1/2 Dozen Kumamotos ($12.95) - So yummy! Should have ordered more. Kumamoto's are the best! Rockfish ($24.55) - I ordered this and it was cooked nicely. Not overcooked. Was really good, and I'll order this again when I come back. Seared Albacore ($23.95) - My friend got this and it was alright. She liked mine better (= Along with a couple sodas ($2.95 x2) and a couple beers ($5.00 x2), our bill came to $88.35 + 18.00 tip = $106.35 for two of us.
(4)
Karma L.

Hands down, a seafood lovers dream. The oysters, french onion soup, and Chocolate Bag dessert are unbeatable.
(5)
Peggie L.

As always, this was wonderful.
(5)
Craig M.

Finally got a chance to visit Jakes after missing out the last time I was in Portland. It was a late night visit and still crowded enough were we decided to eat at the bar. The food selection was vast and the service was great. Our bartender was gracious enough to take the time with our order and walk us through recommended mixer drink selections. It was a great experience and adds to one of the many reasons why Portland as one of my favorite cities to visit.
(4)
Richard C.

Had dinner tonight while visiting my daughters family in Portland OR. Beautiful restaurant ( founded 1892 ) serving NW fresh seafoods , expertly prepared. Menu changes daily depending on catches of the day. I had Horseradish Crusted Washington Steelhead, My wife, Dungeness Crab Leg SautÃ©, Daughter, Jakes Traditional Bouillabaisse. Meal was out of this world! The food , ambiance, service.... All five stars.
(5)
Cathy T.

I'm a bit torn between the service and the food. The service is superb, the food not so much. They are so busy, and I came in pretty late so it was a bit of my own doing. The place itself is very much like strolling into a place in New Orleans, the ambiance is cozy and the menu as well. Food is meh, two stars, the crawfish is Pacific so the meat is plentiful but the taste is not the same as Louisiana with their aroma and texture. Entrees are pretty much typical West Coast seafood style. Lots of desserts to choose from, but they don't seem very freshly made, like they've been frozen. Our server was fantastic with suggestions and drinks were promptly delivered and were very strong. Overall B.
(3)
Chocoolate I.

I love Louisiana food but was afraid that this place, which is very famous in Portland, would not live up to my expectations. I was wrong. I love the Humphrey Bogart type appeal, the waiters who wear old-fashioned waiter's coats and the food was off the hook. I would definitely recommend the Manhattan clam chowder, the seafood gumbo, and do not leave without having popcorn shrimp. I would not order the penne pasta or day salad because a salad without a single tomato is not a salad but Erik and Callie, my servers on two separate occasions were great and I am glad that I went back for happy hour. The happy hour food menu is great.
(4)
Elena A.

Best meal we have had in Portland! Must come back next time we are in Portland. Great service, great drinks and the food was amazing. Make sure you call ahead and have reservations. The hostess was so nice and gave my little girl a toy gift.
(5)
Shaelyn W.

The food here was great, I was able to adjust my order of calamari to be non-fried. The wine is great also and you get a choice of either 5oz or 8oz
(5)
Darron N.

If you enjoy fresh seafood and are looking to indulge in Portland this is a must have. A wonderful experience with a classic atmosphere that has been lost in most cases over the years.
(5)
Peter C.

In town on business and had a hankering for Cajun cuisine. Sat at the bar and had impeccable service. Ordered the escargot and it came out bubbling hot, as it should be. Great blend of garlic, parsley, and oil. It was accompanied with fresh sourdough. I followed this with the Rockfish Lafitte. Stupendous!! Sampled 3 different local brews which went well with my dinner. A bit pricier than I normally go for but will go back to there when I return. I will try the other Jake's (grill) tomorrow.
(4)
Gwen A.

We found their Cute sidewalk patio when strolling down the streets unfortunately the whole experience just wasn't up to par. To start we ordered a Bloody Mary which in turn was vodka, tomato juice and a giant piece of celery. No seasoning or spice whatso ever. When we let our waitress know there were no apologies or even how it could be remedied. The oysters we ordered were covered in shells, not rinsed at all after they were shucked. Our waitress was polite but seemed put off with serving us. Probably won't be revisiting this place.
(2)
D P.

Come on people. Let be honest. Their food is mediocre at best. They have a sign boasting "the best happy hour in America" ....not. The lobster and crab croquet was soggy and tasteless. The wings were dry and oyster shooter was basically oyster and cocktail sauce. Would not be going here again.
(2)
c g.

This is an excellent restaurant. Some reasons: - called with a party of ten, they promptly accommodated. - they nicely phoned six hours before reservations to confirm and offer a customized menu - excellent bar for gathering prior to reservation time - sat us before all in party were there and did not complain when, dye to unusual circumstances only 7 showed. - excellent food - excellent service - excellent wine selection
(5)
Mandy G.

Waitstaff- 5 stars Food- 5 stars Atmosphere- 5 stars Location- 5 stars I think you get my point! I fell in love with this place & have been recommending it to everyone who visits Portland. The waitstaff is very friendly & helpful. If you have questions about the menu or any of the food they are more than willing to help & give great suggestions. I am not a huge seafood person but two thumbs up here, I enjoyed everything I tried. Seriously, you need to come check Jake's Famous Crawfish out, like right now! You won't regret it!
(5)
Alie K.

Overrated. The service was good.. That's about it. I ordered the hot seafood salad.. It was served with cheese with it didn't say on the menu... So much that I couldn't even pick it off. They gladly remade it but this time the seafood was so hot it melted the lettuce/spinach... And the seafood was flavorless. My boyfriend ordered an alfredo dish with shrimp and scallop. The seafood tasted fine, but again it was bland. He's easy to please, and even he was like 'ehh'. I was very disappointed based on the reviews. Also, they claim themselves as one of the best seafood places in the country, started in 1892... They are part of mccormick and schmicks! I grew up near Boston, any hole in the wall there is much better than this place. Even the seafood I get from the local bars in Vegas is better!
(1)
Brendan T.

Jake's is an institution that solidly retains it's standing as a classic. Anything with dungeness crab, all of the fresh fish and the oysters are all excellent. Be warned that your diet will likely be out the window as many dishes are rich and the sourdough is irresistible!
(5)
Tammy P.

best crab bisque anywhere! great atmosphere . one of the best restaurants in portland hands down!
(5)
Shani R.

Un-Happy Hour! We were invited by a couple of friends for happy hour at Jake's, seemed like it was a pretty cool place, until the wings. As our friend was about to dig in, he noticed a hair on the plate near the celery and carrots. We politely waved down the waitress (accidents happen) and she promptly went back to the kitchen. Now this is were it gets really gross, the second set of wings had a longer, darker hair that was deliberately hidden under the celery and carrot side. What type of restaurant is this! The kitchen obviously was joking around - a word of advise, do not joke around with your customers! And Jake's Management - fire all of your kitchen staff! I still feel queasy and wish I didn't eat anything from this place! I will never go to this restaurant again, ever, nor will I recommend it even to my worse enemy. Jake's is overrated and needs to close, 100 years my "insert expletive here"! A 100 years in business means you have no excuse, period! I am not sure that even Chef Gordon Ramsay would be able to turn this place around - Jake's is dirty dining at its finest! I highly recommend that you really consider taking your money and patronage to a real restaurant, as the rest of the food we had was lackluster.
(1)
Jan V.

Paid $36.95 for a soggy Macadamia Crusted Wild Alaskan Halibut -- for that money, you can eat way better at the Heathman, Andina, and many other places. You pay for the Old Portland ambiance. Good for non-foodie out-of-towners.
(2)
Erin G.

What I ate: Oysters on the half shell, Jake's Etouffee Visit date: September 2, 2011 First time? Sure was. We heard the crawfish was goooood. We wanted to order the crawfish boil, but the waiter gave us the inside scoop on how 'it's been better'. We decided on the etouffee. My friend and I shared the meal and it was a good thing we did -- that order was huge! The flavors were rich and had a good amount of crawfish and shrimp. It felt like comfort food. Even though I was thoroughly pleased with our order and the wait staff, this meal is not something I'd crave. I'd give it 2 stars because I wouldn't recommend it and probably wouldn't return if given the opportunity, but am deciding to post 3 because if you end up going I think you'd like the portion sizes.
(3)
Tamila H.

Very good seafood, we had the rockfish special and the salmon stuff with dungeness crab, shrimp, and cream cheese. The mash potatoes and asparagus complimented perfectly. The service was spot on, we did do a reservation so that is a must. I would love to revisit, this restaurant been around over a hundred years.
(5)
Nina D.

I went here for my birthday this year. What an amazing meal! Oysters on the half shell! Halibut stuffed with Dungeness and shrimp. To die for. Add the classic ambiance and it was a meal I will long remember.
(5)
Troy H.

One of my favorite places in PDX. Always fresh local things.
(5)
Lili K.

This restaurant is very overrated. I don't mind paying a lot for good food, but Jake's food is not worth the high cost. I was part of a party of four and was not impressed with our bland-tasting food. Maybe this restaurant used to be good, but it is nothing more than an overrated Portland establishment. I suggest reading the other low Yelp ratings of this place for confirmation. On the plus side, the service was excellent. I was impressed at how friendly and professional our server was.
(1)
Seymore B.

Dude, let me tell you like it is. First the prices... Holy $hit. Cost $150.00 for 3 meals, and 2 appetizers. Second this is a very crowded place that is very small and smells like day old empty tuna cans. Third, the calamari and oysters were good. The meal was blah... I mean come on, steamed asparagus and mashed potatoes are not outside the box enough to charge $25.00 for the whole meal; not even with the 2x2 chunk of rockfish that tasted like burnt popcorn on the plate. Overall, totally felt like a meal I could have whipped up me self.
(2)
Kristen C.

I came here in January hoping that I would be able to try their famous crawfish, but I was hugely disappointed to learn that their crawfish season wasn't the same as Cali's. Instead of eating in the dining room since they didn't have what we came for, we decided to sit at the bar for Happy Hour. Their HH menu was decent and had a good variety. We ordered the gumbo, mussels in wine, and the fish tacos. All in all, it wasn't bad. I think I was still bummed that we didn't get what we came for, but that's definitely not the restaurants fault.
(3)
Greg H.

Portland is a city known for great food. Great service...not so much. For the most part I am ok with that. When I want to get both I go to Jakes. Jakes is old school and it has class. It is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in Portland. I love the vintage hand painted murals and canvases that have turned yellow with age (and cigar smoke). The waitstaff here is fantastic. Many of them have spent their careers at Jakes and it shows. On to the food..On our most recent trip we had: Shrimp and Crab stuffed Salmon-best salmon dish I have ever had. Etoufee-Fantastic. Smoky-Spicy, but not to the point that it covers the flavors of the seafood. Parmesan Crusted Sole with Capers- very tender, flavorful whitefish contrasted perfectly with pan fried coating. If you want to take someone on a can't miss PDX seafood experience, take them to Jakes.
(5)
Jeremy P.

When I was in Portland last weekend, I was looking for some of that famous Oregon dungeness crab. I scoured yelp, and there were only a few places that turned up. This was the only one convenient to downtown. I arrived, at 8:30 on a Saturday night, and it was packed. I got my name on the list, walked around a bit to kill a bit of time. After being seated, I was brought some tasty bread, and started perusing the menu. Unfortunately, there was no whole crab; the server said they had run out. I guess that means at least they're fresh when they have them. That setback aside, I ordered a half-dozen oyster sampler and the stuffed salmon. The oysters were oysters. No complaints there. It's really hard to ruin an oyster, right? The stuffed salmon was stuffed with dungeness crab meat, shrimp, and brie. The dish tasted excellent, but it may as well have been stuffed with just brie... There was not a whole lot of crab or shrimp in there. Too bad. The service was not spectacular, but that seems to be the case with most touristy places. And this place seems a little too touristy. My take on Jake's is you can go there expecting a decent meal, but don't expect to be blown away, and don't expect it to be reasonably priced. At least the historic decor and building are nice.
(3)
Erin S.

The cajun shrimp fettucine was delicious - and the atmosphere was wonderful. Even on a super busy night they were still gracious and very attentive.
(5)
Kristina Z.

I have dinner at Jake's every time I'm in Portland. While I've been trying to make my way through the extensive menu, I keep coming back to the crab leg sautÃ©, hands down the best item on the menu. It's a big boat of crab legs already shelled, artichoke hearts, and mushrooms sautÃ©ed in butter. I also love the salmon stuffed with crab, shrimp, and Brie. Everything I've tried here has been excellent. Highly recommended.
(4)
Scott C.

I wish I could give 5 stars for the service because it was great. The halibut was okay but the sauce was a wine sauce that was clearly not reduced and was horrible. I had the most expensive crab dish with lots of butter and mushrooms so of course it was wonderful. We ended up taking the halibut out of its dish and pouring my crab butter sauce over it to make it edible. All in all, this place is a tourist trap or a good place to take your grandparents. Thanks but no thanks.
(2)
Devin T.

This is a fantastic place to start or finish an evening of pub crawling/beer tasting. It is a great location near to the street car line, and they offer multiple happy hours (an early and a late one). Admittedly, I've never been to Jake's for the full menu, but the happy hour is hard to beat. They have a wide array of small plates, and finger foods for extremely cheap. Additionally, the kitchen is always very accommodating to special requests, even on happy hour items (although there may be a modest extra charge if you want to add something). On the down side, you MUST sit in the bar area to get happy hour prices. Additionally, they do not take reservations in the bar (although they do for the restaurant), so seating can be a little hard to find on busy night.
(4)
Jessica P.

Yes and Yes! LOVED the food that we got! Loved the service! We went to celebrate my husband's birthday and it was for sure the place! My husband got the Etouffee which was absolutely delicious! I got a perfect steak! It was a great time portion between the appetizers and the meal and dessert. If you do go I suggest hitting up Costco first as they are a McCormick and Schmitz restaurant which they have a deal for $79 at Costco for $100 gift cards. Great deal and you will for sure use it! I have nothing to complain about at this place! It was amazingly delicious!
(5)
RM J.

When my dad was in town he really wanted to eat seafood seeing as we were on the west coast and all. I insisted that Portland was light in the seafood category, but had found Jake's on Yelp, so I took him there. Well, he loved it so much that we not only had lunch there, but dinner as well. This is definitely a dad restaurant. There is nothing hip about it. Not the drink menu and certainly not the servers or the atmosphere. However, Yelpers promised good food and that was exactly what I got. We had our two meals on Mother's day. The lunch menu was fixed and limited to about 10 items. That was a bit disappointing because I wasn't blown away by the options. I opted for the same thing my dad got which was the shrimp and crab salad. While I never would have ordered something like this I was surprised by the deliciousness. My dad went on and on about how fresh it was and how this was his kind of restaurant. If he was writing this review, I'm sure it would have been 5 stars. For dinner I made a reservation and even though we arrived on time, I was told the wait would be 15-20 minutes. Instead, we sat in the bar just one seat down from where we had lunch. Seating is open in the bar and I recommend checking out that area if you don't want to wait for the main section. For that meal, I had the filet. Dinner was top notch and the menu had much more to choose from. I'd go to Jake's again and I'm pretty sure my dad will want to eat three meals a day there next time he's in town.
(4)
Julie N.

Loved the interior and being seated at a booth overlooking the street for lunch. Our waiter was good, but the food was mediocre for the price. I got the shrimp and crab cakes ($16) which I couldn't help comparing to shrimp cakes at my favorite Madison, WI restaurant Sardine. At Sardine every bite of the shrimp cakes are like heaven; Jake's just didn't compare. The food also arrived super quickly which always makes me suspicious about the amount that is done in advance. Too bad that such a great atmosphere doesn't measure up with amazing food.
(3)
Josephine L.

The only reason why I came here was because my family was craving crawfish and inexplicably thought Portland would be a good place to get some. The initial service as terrible. I had made a reservation and informed the man who looked to be the manager (he happened to be at the hostess's podium) when we came in. He wasn't very friendly and told us to wait 10 min. He then left and the two other women who were hostesses literally just ignored us the entire time we stood there and waited, even though they were less than a foot away from us. No smile, no greeting, nothing. It was mind-boggling. Our actual server was very nice and professional, so she sort of made up for the crappy hostesses. However, the food was just mediocre. We got the crawfish boil, seafood Ã©touffÃ©e, chicken and prawn fettuccine with tomato sauce, and the truffle cake and vanilla bean cream puff for dessert. The boil could have been seasoned much better. It was literally just boiled crawfish, and I've had enough boiled crawfish in my life (my parents lived in Louisiana) to know it doesn't have to taste like water. The etouffee had a really weird taste that wasn't seafood but wasn't anything else discernible either. My fettucine was okay but could have used more prawns. Of the desserts, I'd recommend the cream puff because it was huge and delicious. The place was utterly packed when we arrived, but the noisy room we were placed in eventually quieted down as large parties left. By the time we were done eating, we were one of only two tables left. I'd really hoped this place would be like Atlantic Fish Co. in Boston (now THAT'S a perfect high-end seafood restaurant), but it felt much more like an older, more overpriced Red Lobster. Skip.
(2)
Mischa M.

delicious and definitely worth the splurge if you are in Portland. Highly recommend the fish dishes. They were amazing!
(4)
Mike M.

This place reminds me of Shaw's Crabhouse in Chicago. It's both a local institution and tourist haven. They have two sides....a happening bar that serves food in a loud fun atmosphere, as well as a pretty big, more formal side, served by white shirt and black tied professionals. I could have gone to either side but we did the formal side. The service was exceptional. The waitress made very good recommendations for the beer and oysters. She really asked the right questions before making her selections. An admirable quality. The sunset oysters were delicious, served in the traditional style. The crab cocktail was pretty good but nothing remarkable. My buddies had a steak dinner and a crab meat special. They both looked great and were greatly enjoyed. Maybe I was inebriated, but there was only one dish I could find on the menu that contained crawfish. Is it out of season? I only saw it in the Ã©touffÃ©e dish. Fortunately, it was highly recommended so I went for it. It was heavy,, but delicious. Served on a bed of rice, it was plentiful with lots of ingredients in a tasty brown gravy. Just delicious. I needed a few beers and waters to deal with the saltiness but I did not complain. A great spot for a casual happy hour or fine dining.
(4)
Joyce J.

I love the environment and background music of this restaurant. The large oysters were good.
(4)
Tyler T.

This was the best restaurant in Portland until the sold to M & S and then were sold again Landry's. Seriously Landry's...frozen vegetables?! Anyways I used to eat here every Friday and Saturday night for many years until they sold and then my bartender left due to the Corporate environment. I would still stop in for HH but never for regular dinner. Flav-r-pak doesn't cost $65 per plate. Back when you could smoke cigars in the bar, there was nothing better....RIP original Jake's
(4)
M. C.

Went there for HH with friends and sat at the bar. The bartenders were hilarious!!! The food was really good. My favorite was the calamari dish... it was perfectly done and the sauce they serve it with was delicious! Can't wait to go back!!!
(4)
Cierra L.

Great atmosphere and service, food was a bit lackluster however. I had the pan seared surf clams, which were very tasty, but were very very greasy and began to fall apart before I finished them. The veggies served with it, asparagus and carrots, were bland and not really seasoned at all. The mashed potatoes were good, but nothing special. Very old school dish, which I guess could be both a positive and a negative, but mostly I was underwhelmed.
(3)
Mark G.

Excellent service. Crab-stuffed salmon was excellent, but small portion. Sourdough bread bread was just mediocre. Not what I expect from a high-end seafood restaurant. They should fly in San Francisco sourdough bread, if they can't get it locally. Prices are higher than overall experience.
(3)
Josh G.

This place almost made me throw up, but in a good way! Flash back an hour prior to when I received my food at Jake's... I was being touristy and of course stumbled my way to voodoo donuts. Because my last name has Glaze in it, I of course had to go with the super sized, as big as your head, glazed donut and proceeded to eat the ENTIRE thing in the time it took to walk from Voodoo donut over to Jake's. Now I may be as skinny as a rake, but I sure can eat, so by the time we were sat down at our "table", I was sure this donut was not going to spoil anything for me that night. I knew I wasn't extremely hungry, but I WAS hungry so I decided to go with the smaller of the filet mignons offered on the menu (medium rare of course!). Everyone loved the food that they got, and I sure loved mine enough to eat it all. But... after taking my last bites, I could feel my insides busting at the seams, screaming at me... "WE TOLD YOU THAT WE WERE FULL THREE BITES AGO!". I really should have listened, and if this place had more than just urinals in their restrooms, I seriously believe I would have thrown up for the first time in my life for eating too much food at once. I managed to walk it off though, and didn't throw away all the money that was just spent on the wonderful food. tldr: There is NO actual toilet in the men's restroom, so don't eat too much of this wonderful food to the point you might throw up!
(5)
Jake A.

This place is a must visit when you come to Oregon. Awesome menu that they print daily with all of the fresh fish selection. All dishes we ordered were amazing. Best item is anything with the Dungeonous crab. Absolutely amazing! Waiter and management were also amazing.
(5)
Terry C.

This place is damn pricey but pretty good. Fiancee surprised me and took me here for my Birthday. We got a table in the back area and we reviewed the menu. Started with crab cake appetizers. Crab Cakes were fantastic. They are a pretty good size and packed with shrimp and crab cakes. They didn't go cheap on this. Clam Chowder (regular style) really good. No over powered by bacon and just thick enough that you can use a fork, like Chunky Soup...what a minute... Had the Macadamia Nut Crusted Halibut. Was pretty good. Not too heavy on oil and seared to perfection. Came with some asparagus and mashed potatoes. The halibut was a pretty good size. Almost want to try the catfish since I like catfish more than halibut but for $33 bucks, it wasn't bad at all. The Fiancee had the Jake's E seafood dish. Which was basically a side of rice and a pot full of crawfish, shrimp, and chicken I believe. Really good! It was a little spicy but it didn't over take your tastebuds. The service was great. We ate too much and didn't have room for desert. I would come back here again, but not like every month but maybe when I feel like splurging.
(5)
Maxene A.

(me, girl in picture is)-- a Happy Hour Whore!!!!!! and Jake's is the place my HH whoring started! This review is solely on HH and nothing else! HH Menu is from $1.95 to $4.95 and 20 items to chose from! Some typical Happy Hour items and some amazing! Lets see here I have got this menu on Lock Down -here's what I can remember (again I am a food whore like this) 1.95- Gumbo, Hummus Plate, Sweet Potato Fries 2.95- Quesadilla, Chix & Meat burgers, spin dip 3.95 & up -Clams, Mussels, Fish Tacos, California Roll The food portions are straight ridiculous and so cheap! I feel bad every time I order more then 3 items because I know there are kids starving in foreign countries and blah blah blah but that is just more the reason to drink beer - To preserve the water reserves! O and when its nice out bet your ass you can sit outside! Hollar! *Sadly I would love to just give a 4.5 stars but looks like a 5 will have to do -only because the HH menu is lacking in drink specials except for a bit of wine and a Sangria bev.
(5)
Janet M.

I love Jake's. I haven't liked either McCormick and Schmicks ( the one on the river or the one in Beaverton), so this is somewhat surprising. Jake's is just better? I dunno. Whenever we have an Occasion, or visitors, or extra money ( not that often) we head here. Or a couple other places, but I like here. I love the chowder, the mussels, the cioppino or was it bouillabase?, the crab.. all of it. I love the awesome servers, and the stiff drinks, and the cool old school interior. LOVE it. Last time I had some kind of macadamia nut crusted fish, I don't remember what it was, and it was delicious. I'd be careful about keeping the meal simple though, one of my complaints about McCormick and Schmick's is that everything is a tad overdone, fancied up, instead of letting the fish yumminess shine unadulterated. Jake's is doing this more now too, be careful what you order. It's pretty touristy, but it also feels very Portlandy to me. Chain now, or not. Everyone should go at least once. And happy hour is the way to go if you're not up for shelling out a lot of money for dinner. You have to buy a drink but then you can get mussels for $6 or so, and fish tacos for less than that Score. Jake's may be overhyped... but it's good.
(4)
Amy T.

This place is super fancy! Did not expect this to be a super fancy restaurant, went in with some friends thinking it was just a causal attire restaurant. Everyone seems to be friendly and they have really great service. BUT I HAVE TO ADMIT this place is PRICEY! I had the fish and chips here, it was DELICIOUS! I think it was the best fish and chips I ever had. It came out just right. I didn't expect much, but what I got of it was a plate of heaven! Sadly because I am a college student, i can not afford to eat here often. If i had a ton of extra money to spend, I would definitely come here more. The environment and the food is off the charts AWESOME! definitely would go back if i become rich.
(5)
Anthony W.

Excellent seafood, not outrageously priced considering the quality. What has lingered in our memory since dining here, however, was not the seafood: it is the Chocolate Box dessert. I hope that they still serve it, because we will stop here our next time in Portland just for this.
(5)
Nicole G.

I've been here three times now. I love their raspberry Cosmo! So good! The servers are very sweet. The sea food is fresh. I had the wedge salad and prawn cocktail. It was amazing. The calamari is my favorite by far. I could have had that for my meal! Parking sucks downtown but that's not their fault!
(4)
Angelica C.

What a great find! Great food Great atmosphere Great service and the waitress Angie was also Great! Will definitely return :-)
(4)
Susan W.

Just a little behind in doing my review for Jake's. LOL! Hubby & I went here last month while on a weekend trip to Portland from Seattle. We have been to a few of the Mc C's in SEA & I have been to the Mc C's in Sacramento & Chicago as well. As with the others this location delivers consistent good service & good food at fair prices. No they are not cheap. But you get what you pay for & I don't want Skippers or Ivars Fish Bar quality food or service. Hubby had a delicious pasta with crawfish in a cajun cream sauce. I had the jambalaya with crawfish. Both were excellent! I started my meal with a nice green salad. Could have used a touch more salad dressing but what ev. Hubby had the chowder. Yummo! Had to order more bread & butter because it was wonderful & went so well with our food. Wish we would have room for dessert because they all looked fabulous!
(5)
Hayden N.

Excellent happy hour prices and tasty food. I prefer the atmosphere in the bar area at Jake's Famous Crawfish on 12th, don't confuse it with Jake's Grill on 10th.
(4)
Carolann L.

After hearing about Jake's we had to give it a shot. We arrived and the restaurant wasn't very busy. They seated us immediately, but the service afterwards lacked. Our waitress seemed to be ignoring us and only refilled our drinks when asked (if we could get a hold of her). I know it wasn't the entire restaurant because one of the other waiters was very kind and courteous and I'm pretty sure she reported our personal waitress to one of the managers. The food itself was good, but not worth the large price tag that was attached. I've had food about the same quality and taste back home for about $15 dollars less a plate...
(2)
Rebecca S.

I am a huge fan of seafood and any seafood place typically has my number. I went here with a business associate for lunch expecting a great meal I ordered their special. The service was great, I really liked our waitress and the staff was very attentive and helpful. The fish I got was cooked well however when I lifted the fish up it was sitting in a pool of butter. This may not be a complaint to most but the pool of butter soaking into the bottom of my breaded fish makes me think greasy and does nothing to add to the flavor of the fish it actually pulls it down. I nixed the mashed potatoes and ordered a second helping of veggies and the veggies were dripping with butter when I picked them up with my fork. It was just way to much butter for me to really feel like it was a true quality meal, it made me wonder what they were hiding under all that butter? Perhaps it was because they just opened, but I would be willing to try them again but probably not anytime soon and would not be on my top list of places to recommend. But, it was not horrible.
(2)
Chandrea O.

Amazing seafood. Everything tasted very fresh. Although I only tried a few things off of the menu, it seems like it can't go wrong at all. My husband and I had to wait about 30 min or so, but lucky for us the bar wasn't crowded. Also, great location for downtown Portland.
(4)
Craig L.

I loved Jake's, but like an old girlfriend the memories might have been better than reality. When you walk in you are greeted by a strange mix of odors a subtle mix of seafood seasoning and musty dirty sour bar smell. Service was slow and uneventful. The sour dough bread loaf is best used for jaw exercise, or perhaps since Portland is dog friendly a great throw toy for rover. We ordered the etouffe, which came out in an impressive bowl big enough for a family, but was an uneventful mix of some seafood hidden in an over thick brown gravy. Then we ordered the catfish which came out in a very large portion, with a hard fried encasement and ladled with some type of marmalade. The portions were large and the price tag equal to them. There are better choices. Sometimes there were legitimate reasons why you left the old girlfriend.
(2)
Kenneth N.

It's a nice restaurant, to my fellow Vancouverites, coming here is like Joe Fortes back home, so if you've been there, nothing here to really check out. Not just the menu, but even the decor, quite heritage-like. Maybe be a tad cheaper, though up in Canada, everything's relatively more expensive lol. Had the fish n chips about a year ago, not bad. Definitely date worthy material.
(3)
Tim M.

I will say the service here was absolutely amazing. In spite of being a bit under dressed in t-shirt and jeans the staff was on top of everything and my glass never even got near empty. The servers were also helpful in every way possible. Unfortunately, that was the best part of the evening. Their calamari is very good and I enjoyed it a lot. The whole steamed crab and lobster tail on the other hand were very plain and not very good. I've honestly had a lot better at places that looked like dumps compared to Jake's. Especially for the amount of money you're paying. The food was simply not that good and I left disappointed.
(2)
Melina H.

I've avoided Jake's for a long time because the thought of eating at a "chain" restaurant vs. a locally owned/chef owned establishment is definitely starts Jake's out with a demerit, but I must admit that our meal was super yum and we are looking forward to going back. We went in for HH and ended up saying "what the heck", took the plunge and had dinner. It appeared that there was a shift change happening so we sat at the bar for about 15 minutes before they took our drink order. I was parched and hankering for a beverage so not getting a libation promptly was not due to a lack of teamwork on our part in trying to attract any of the 3-4 bartender's attention. I have an automatic one star deduction for service HOWEVER, I the rest of the evening's service was stellar so I am happy to ammend my star rating on our next visit if it's warranted. I started with 1/2 dozen oysters (chef's choice), which were delish. I had a halibut dish and the hubs had etoufe. I loved my dinner - fish was cooked perfectly and the sauce was heaven...oooh...mashed potatoes were incredible! I personally did not care for the etouffe, but it wasn't my dish and the hubs thought it was outstanding so...there you go. They serve dinners with sourdough bread which is just the icing on an already perfect meal. The atmosphere in the restaurant is really nice - Prices woudl probably categorize this as a good candidate for special occasion or date night dining. The hubs and I ate at the bar. Why? Have you ready any of my reviews? This is where we always sit! The best conversations, people watching and drinks come from sitting at the bar...just sayin'. I had their HH wine (which is a great deal) but their specialy cocktails were flying out the door so I'm thinking they must be pretty darn good.
(4)
Kendall B.

This is hands down the BEST seafood restaurant I've ever been to. The place is really cool and full of history. Check out the bar and the trough urinal on the ground (obviously not in use anymore). The drinks are delicious. The bartenders know what's up. As for the food, I highly recommend the CRAB AND SHRIMP STUFFED HALIBUT. It was delicious and I wish I could eat that every night. My boyfriend ordered HORSERADISH PARMESAN CRUSTED SALMON, which is just as good. The waiters/waitresses are awesome, very friendly. The restaurant is very clean and great for a date night!
(5)
Kristin H.

The menu and food are awesome! Our waitress did a wonderful job of keeping all sixteen of us happy and well served. I am not sure the rest of the poor folks in our room enjoyed our noise, but we had an awesome time and we all enjoyed our food immensely.
(5)
Sam H.

I think they may have to re-lable the "crawfish" part of the restaurant to more "Jake's famous seafood". As for the over all mood and food they are pretty solid!!! Good drinks and food. Awesome service. While here visiting friends, we tried a variety of food to include gumbo, crawfish pasta, salmon and etc. One reason we were drawn to this place was due to the name "crawfish!" Apparently they were not in season so they only had 2 things on the menu that had crawfish on it. To comment on rest of the seafood part, they have alist of all the freshly brought in seafood menu of the day, so you could tailor your menu to fit this. Over all a solid seafood restaurant.
(3)
Shawn O.

Yeah, I'm just going to throw it in with the group on this one. Jake's is a classic. One of the best downtown eateries, period. At the time of this review it is my favorite. You're going to pay for it, of course, but you will have a very pleasant experience. Food, service, ambiance, the whole bit. This is another place I bring dates for the purposes of impressing them (see my Portland City Grill review) but I'll come here even without a date. The seafood is obviously great but even the "turf" is better than average. Better than that "Ruth's Chris" nonsense, for my money. I *have*, on occasion, had marginal service here. But even just one peep to a manager that things aren't going as well as you'd like, and suddenly, like a shot in the arm, you are transported back into the world of awesomeness. The management pays attention here. You do know, don't you, that if you're not getting the service you're hoping for at a place like this, you can demand it, right? I really don't care for the bar area, though. It's not quite up to the high standards of the rest of the place. In fact I prefer to be seated in the rooms off to the side, away from the hostess/greeting area. It's a little more private and pleasant, mostly booths that area placed away from the open-area tables. Save room, and ask for the dessert tray. Oh, boy, some special goodies on that baby! You're not on a diet, are you? This is a premier dining experience, though not quite suit and tie. Make a reservation, as a walk-in may cause you to wait a long time even during the weeknights.
(5)
Dick C.

A shadow of what it was. The magic is gone, some afternoons the place is almost empty. Dishes don't compare to when the original owners operated this historic haunt. Sad Sad Sad
(1)
Kay L.

Had a recent family dinner here. The apps were all great and we shared the large seafood platter- super fresh and delicious!
(4)
Jeff F.

Essentially the original & better McCormick & Schmick. Can't believe Bill & Doug sold this place. Exceptional service. Solid food.
(4)
Molly B.

Husband and I were seated quickly in a quiet booth. Everything we ordered was hot, fresh and delicious. The clam chowder was amazing. And the service was great! We're moving here and will definitely return.
(5)
Beto V.

Food is great and service was just as good. It did take a little long to get our food but well worth it.
(4)
gerry g.

What a Portland treasure this restaurant is! Whenever we visit Portland Jake's is a must to visit. The servers are very personable and accommodating. The menu offers good variety at reasonable prices and the food is always excellent. We can't wait to visit Jake's during our next visit.
(4)
Derek A.

Great local place with an old-time restaurant feel, with classic furniture and decor. Also a classic menu with a lot of options but nearly all focused on simple seafood prepared well. An appetizer of calamari had some of the most tender pieces of squid I've ever had and with three tasty dipping sauces. I think the calamari could have used a little hit of salt, but otherwise, it was just wanted you would want in a fried calamari: crispy and tender. The cedar plank grilled king salmon was tender and moist with a light seasoning and sauce that let the fish speak on its own. Great place for well-prepared, non-fussy seafood in a classic atmosphere with a good selection of local beer and wines.
(4)
Carrie S.

Great Happy Hour food and prices! Their food is great.. I heard they sold their business a while back though, and I haven't eaten their since.. but I'm hoping nothing has changed because it was totally one of my favorite places to go on dates and eat and drink during happy hour! Their staff is usually awesome, even though they are so busy and I don't have any complaints.. Who doesn't love this place is what i'd like to know..
(4)
David B.

Food, awesome. Service, awesome. Atmosphere, very nice. I would recommend and return again without hesitation.
(5)
Steve I.

Service was good but the food was just average. This used to be my go-to seafood place in Portland but it just feels old and stale now. The food is fine, but doesn't leave you wanting more. In an "average" food town Jake's might stand out but not in Portland. Time to find my new go-to seafood restaurant. Any suggestions?
(2)
Marie B.

Jake's Famous Crawfish is A-OK! My travel companion and I got lost (dang iPhone's navi), and when we realized we were no where near our destination, we settled on going to Jake's for lunch. (We intended on going there for dinner later that night, but lunch was probably a better fit.) I enjoyed the charming ambiance at Jake's. The decor and vibe is very early 1900s, very welcoming and carried out well throughout the restaurant. The wait staff was friendly and excentric, and even their vibe fit the restaurant (talk about being part of a "brand"). Upon learning what Jake's Ã‰touffÃ©e was, my companion and I both order it. SautÃ©ed crawfish tails and chicken in a nut brown Cajun sauce was exactly what the day called for since it was a bit cold and the dish warmed us up good. The only complaint I had was the Cajun sauce was super rich, and there was not enough rice in the dish. Though, I have to say, I appreciated it that the rice was not incorporated in the soup, but rather as a scoop a top the Cajun sauce. The sour dough bread served prior to the meal (not your San Francisco varietal) was good for dipping in the sauce, as well. I can see why Jake's is famous out in Portland. Fresh seafood and overall ingredients. I wasn't so thrilled though that I would be so inclined to dine there again. Perhaps though, it's just me not being a seafood person.
(3)
Dung L.

Came in for the sat happy hour after reading all the great reviews. Had their oyster shooter, ahi roll, mussels and tomato and mozzarella. Mussels were decent, but everything else was subpar. The ahi roll was in edible due to the chewy fish inside the roll. Not my cup of tea.
(2)
Honest Y.

Jakes is a must if you are in Portland and wanting to have a nice intimate dining experience. The ambience is great and I give the service a 5 star rating! Had the oysters and the escargot which was the best I ever had...however the Salmon and Cod entrees were a disappointment...dry dry dry...Oh well what lingered on my mind was the great service and appetizers to die for!
(4)
Laura C.

This wasn't my first rodeo dining at the original Jake's, but I'd never been there for St. Patty's day. Besides being really expensive - which was to be expected considering we chose to party at the famous restaurant - it was a lot of fun. There's a $10 cover charge, but we had dinner reservations so that was waved, as well. Drink tickets are $8 and you have 3 beer options, 2 wine and an Irish whiskey drink. There's a short wait outside, but we bypassed that by getting our drinks inside at the bar. We found out later that drinks are less expensive with dinner (a Guinness outside in the tent is $8 but it was only $6.50 at dinner). As for dinner, they offered an Irish menu - which we all chose from. I got the bangers and mash with asparagus. It was really good - until I tried the Irish lamb and shrimp stew my friend got. Wow! That was amazing!! It was spicy - so it isn't for everyone - but I LOVED it!! The others shared some calamari. I'm not a fan of it in general but the group all thought it was wonderful. The set up giant tents that took up most of the block to the north and had multiple bars and music for dancing. I guess you could say it was a smaller version of the celebration Kel's puts on. It made sense that the bars were cash-only, so when 11pm came, they could announce closing and send us all on our merry way. The only downside is the lack of restrooms. There are 2 single ladies toilets in the restaurant, so I opted to wait behind 8 -10 women each time than use the porta-pottie's outside. All in all, we had a wonderful time!
(5)
Steve S.

Great place to go for an enjoyable meal and good drinks. I wandered over to Jake's after being told it would be 20-30 minute wait JUST for a drink at Ringside. Bartenders at Jake's are great, food is good. I went back a second night and had an equally enjoyable evening. Forget Ringside - head over to Jakes for a great evening.
(4)
Kim K.

3 stars- 4 for service ...but only 2 for the happy hour quesadilla. The portion was large but the flavor was disappointing. I used to live in Arizona so maybe my quesadilla expectations were too high. I'll go back but try something else next time. So much history, it's worth another impression.
(3)
Racdor F.

The waitress recommended the most expensive thing on the menu which was a bit disappointing when you're asking for an honest opinion. The crab cakes were delicious, the seafood fettucini was also very tasty. The $38 Dungeness Crab Leg Saute was bland. Wouldn't order it again, but the portions were quite good. The dessert of apple pie was average, but the banana cream pie was delightful. Good portion sizes for those. Would probably go back, but try something different. Maybe a bit less expensive.
(4)
Matthew A.

Their stuffed entrees are amazing. So delish, so stuffed and rich that I had to split it. Which works out well if you're not so hungry, OR you can enjoy their tasty bisques. No regrets on that. PLUS, the service is good, prompt and the food is good. That's what I am there for and I can't say I have ever been upset. Get the chowder! I will add, the HH is great, do NOT miss.
(5)
Sam B.

Always busy but has good food and drinks. Get the chocolate bag- an absolutely amazing dessert
(3)
David T.

Standard Landry's fair that is very expensive. Impressive cocktail menu. Good not great, you would be much better off going to some of the smaller local spots that serve much better food. Food and service are good but again not great w high cost.
(3)
Sean K.

One of the best happy hour places in downtown Portland. Great drink selections.. If you are a beer person, maybe not.. but there are many kinds of hard liqour, martini, and mixes available. Seating can be little difficult at night but I was seated in about 3-5 minutes after I got there. But this place can get really crowded so plan accordingly. Happy hour food menus are valid with a purchase of $3 or more I think. But if you are ordering one or two collectively, you will do fine. Order one of them mixed drinks or martinis with an assortment of great happy hour finger food and you will be fine for a good hour and half. I guarantee it. Decent service - again, it gets quite busy late night - and as I have said before, I would love to go back to Jake's again.
(4)
Michael C.

After a 3 year absence it was nice to return to Jake's. For all the hype around new restaurants opening up in Portland, there is something to say for an old line dining experience. They pour a mean drink, service is excellent and the food is always consistent if not spectacular.
(4)
Kristy O.

Everything was GREAT! The food, the atmosphere, our server Susan. Out of the four of us, we are all from out of town and found this place on Yelp. I can see why there are so many great reviews!! Make sure you make a reservation is all I can say and Enjoy!! 5/17/2013
(5)
Shy A.

Totally could've been a solid four stars in my book....why just the three? Well read on fellow Yelpers.... The place was busy when we arrive....tons of happy hour goers enjoying life, so that was a great sign for us. We decided to be seated in the restaurant and were greeted and seated right away. We waited a few moments until our server came up, offered us water and gave us our menus...so far so good....we ended up ordering: Drinks: Basil grape refresher, the grapes were hand pressed with vodka....it does what it says...definitely refreshing and one of the best drinks I've had in a long time...so good I had a few! Hazelnut martini-decadent and delicious...Lemon drop, one of the best this girl has had-not too sweet and over the top. For starters, we got: Red curry mussels great spice and full taste. I was a bit skeptical because I'm not a big fan of curry but this was very well done, not too heavy on the palate but just right. Clam chowder-really good! Being from SF, i know a good chowder, i loved how you got big chunks of clams in every bite! And these clams were not from a can! Yum! Beet and cucumber salad-tasy and earthy. The cucumber was a great balance to the beets. Shrimp cocktail-HUGE portions! Fresh and perfect. Fish and chips-I have a fixation with fish and chips and must order it if it's offered on the menu. The fish were large, almost like fist sized nuggets and it was delicious. The food was good, so why the three stars? It was absolutely unusual how the food came out....mussels came first...then 20 min later out came our chowders....then the salad...another fifteen minutes go by and i'm wondering where the duck is my shrimp cocktail??? Still no shrimp cocktail but my fish and chips come out. We finally get the elusive shrimp cocktail at the end of our dinner....almost like dessert....hmmmm...By that time, I didn't even want them. Maybe, it's just me but I like to get my appetizers in the beginning of the meal. It was just a clusterduck of a mash of a meal. Tasty but confusing with no fluidity. The server didn't seem on her game, our waters stayed unfilled for what seemed like ages. Our server was nice enough but the entire meal service was just poorly executed.
(3)
Wibert C.

OMG. Food was outstanding. We had the popcorn crawfish and razor clams as appetizers. The razor clams was actually an entree but we ordered in for 4. Yum. I ordered the rockfish with dungeness crab and my son ordered the crab cakes. We both agreed both were excellent. My wife had the Alaskian true cod and my other son had the bay scallops and fettuccine. Got the chocolate bag for dessert. Wow. Not cheap but worth the buck. Gets very busy even with reservations.
(4)
Valerie L.

I love historical places, so I had to visit Jake's while in Portland. Happy hour is from 3-6pm everyday! Get there early because they get busy after 5pm. Happy hour is available to the whole bar area including the outside seating. The service was amazing! I would definitely recommend this place to friends!
(4)
Chef M.

Wow! What a difference 2 years makes! Jakes was my sit at the bar place to eat dinner when in Portland, Or. I bet I ate at Jakes 20 plus times over the years. As soon as I sat at the bar, I asked for a menu and just got the feeling something had changed. I immediately asked about a change in ownership and sure enough about a year and a half ago, Landry's bought Jakes and I guess the entire McCormick Schmick restaurant group. The bartender was overwhelmed and really unable to adequately serve the bar people. He was short on patience and very obviously over-extended with work to do, but still have to say he struggled keeping an accommodating way about him. So, I tried the basic salad and it was OK, nothing wrong, just boring. Then, I tried the crab and shrimp cakes, which was always outstanding and the reason I returned to Jakes. Instead of 2 like the old menu, you now get one and its $14.99. Its full of the real small, popcorn style shrimp. I did not taste any crab. I tried dousing it with cocktail sauce to bring this tired cake to life, but it didn't work. I was going to have a main course, but after a very lame start, a server(bartender) who made it clear he has zero time to serve me, I just got the hell out of there. Diners, beware! There is no question that as the number of restaurants owned by the same corporation goes up, the ingredient list, quality and quantity will be managed by accountants, not chefs. Landry's believe they have the restaurant business down to a science, and they probably do. They are looking to maximize profit more than anything else. Truth is every business wants to make as much $$ as possible, but some do a very poor job of hiding it. If Jakes opened today as a new restaurant owned by Landry's, I believe they fail. Just too structured and ordinary. Too bad because Jakes's was a very cool local Portland-feel institution. I agree with other reviewers who are astute foodies. Jakes will appeal to the tourists who will like the feel of the room and possibly overlook the price to quality ratio. When it's not tourist season, Jakes will struggle. Portland is a great food town, one of the very best and there are just too many options. Save your money and find something interesting from a food truck vendor. The corporate-ization of restaurant ownership moves the focus from customer to shareholder. It's business school and boardrooms, not culinary school and prep-kitchens. Its unfortunate.
(1)
David c.

Good service, polite hostesses. Large menu. Went there late and had a HH menu along with the regular one. The crab and lobster stuffed prAwns were the best item out of what we tried. I would definitely go again
(4)
Antoinette B.

By far my favorite restaurant in Portland. Everything I have eaten there is great. It is a bit pricey but worth every penny. My favorite dishes are the oysters on the half shell and the mussels in white wine. Definitely try Jakes Seafood Chowder not to be confused with the clam chowder. This item isn't always on the menu but if you ask for it they usually have it. Also the Northwest Pacific Salmon and Alaskan Halibut SautÃ© is WONDERFUL!!!! It has chunks of Salmon with Shiitake & Oyster Mushrooms, Sherry, Hazelnuts and Cream.
(5)
Jason H.

If I could give 3 1/2 I would. We started with cocktails at the bar - great service and a nicely made martini! We were seated promptly and enjoyed excellent and knowledgeable service with an great recommendation on the oysters (though they could have been shucked a little bit better). The main I had - grilled steelhead was delicious. Others had varying degrees of success. The scallops were plated oddly (crammed into a small bowl) and the ahi tuna had way too much Cajun seasoning on it - ending up kind of grainy as you are it. I finished with a pumpkin pecan pie which I greatly enjoyed - not too sweet and a nice crust.
(3)
Matt C.

Hit this place for a quick happy hour and had the best tasting oyster I've had, and some really good calamari. It was clear that whoever is buying the seafood for this place is doing it right. There was nothing special about either dish, but the quality of the meat was as good as anywhere I've been. The bartender closest to us was ace, very well trained. I watched him rim a glass, juice a lemon, and shake out a perfect lemon drop with a smile in about 20 seconds. Nothing better than a place that cares about the little stuff.
(4)
Cindy M.

Maybe people who come to Jake's don't cook much but honestly this place is a big disappointment!!! I ordered the scallops with artichoke and bacon and my scallops were mushy and was not fresh. The seafood linguine was fishy and looked worst then Olive Garden. I think Cheesecake Factory is better then Jake's and that is pretty sad considering there is a big price difference. The service wasn't that great either.
(1)
Brian Q.

Great place for old-fashioned folks who have a fondness for wood paneling and curly parsley garnish. Not so good for young whippersnappers. House salad with blue cheese and candied walnuts - Very good. The best part of my meal. King Salmon (grilled) - Served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and garnished with several sprigs of curly parsley. The fish itself was properly cooked, but it was lukewarm when I got it. Overall, a boring dish and not worth $40. Berry cobbler - Judging by the rock-hard crust and super-mushy berries, it had been sitting in a warmer for at several hours before being served. My fault for having dinner at 8pm instead of 5pm. Disappointing.
(2)
Bruce M.

Excellent food, and service, and the location in the Pearl District was fun as we had an extra half hour before our reservation to walk the area. I'd recommend the "famous" crab/shrimp cakes, and the key lime pie for dessert was a great way to top off the meal. Generous "bar" pours, good beer and wine list, and we will go back.
(4)
Myca T.

Fantastic service, tasty food. We went here after watching a movie and got calimari, soup for him, beet salad for me, and then crab cakes and he got the special (stuffed salmon). Everything was prompt and quick, delicious and hot. It's a little pricey but good seafood typically is. Server was kind and quick to refill any glasses and take any dishes away (empty!). This would be a great date night or a business dinner. :)
(5)
Karen R.

We turned into a couple of zombies when we popped in here for dinner last month. We promptly sat in the bar (which a loud and dark), were given bibs and when we looked at the menu we thought it was a little more expensive than we thought it would be - but my God, the value. We ordered the crawfish boil and the crawfish Ã©touffÃ©e. Our waitress didn;t warn us how much food was coming. The crawfish boil was MASSIVE. It's enough for 3 people - a huge ass bowl of crawfish, corn, potatoes and chorizo covered and smothered in the most delicious broth, accompanied with 2 huge hunks of garlic bread. You take the shellfish cracker (is that what it's called?)a and eat the meat in the tail and then suck out the brains. The brains are the best part - sweet, rich and tasty. The corn was fresh and the chorizo gave the dish the right amount of spice needed to cut some of the richness of the rest of the dish. Sadly the Ã©touffÃ©e was pretty much ignored. It very rich and has huge prawns and lots of pieces of crawfish. You dump it over rice and again, there is more than enough for 2 people. I would definitely go back and get the crawfish boil not that I know you don;t really need to order anything else...though the dessert table looked pretty amazing. Next time!
(4)
Kal C.

I think it's 4.5 stars for me. The interior reminds me of an old New York or San Francisco seafood restaurant that never went through any renovations/updating. It's comforting and romantic in a way. Everything was delicious, minus the bread & butter. The bread was cold and chewy in a bad way. Although the butter was whipped, it was also cold and hard to spread. They should serve the bread warmed and the butter more of a room temperature. We had the Petrale Sole Parmesan (a lot of food), Seafood Newburg (a perfect amount of food), and the Crawfish Boil. My boyfriend was reluctant to order the Crawfish because he lived in Louisiana for years and thought it would not compare. We were all pleasantly surprised, although some of the crawfish were not edible (ie. the tail meat was mushy - which is to be avoided). The crawfish are different here than in Louisiana. They have spikes on the edges of their tail underside, which was a shock when I poked myself accidentally. Best part of the meal was the lobster cream sauce mixed with the rice. The bar area seemed to be less busy for drinking/dining, but more high traffic for entering guests. It's also decorated a bit differently and isn't as private. I love seafood, so I loved our meal, but I'm not going to say it's the best seafood I've had. It's definitely on our list of top places to eat in Portland just due to the fact that it has been around for so long and it seems to consistently impress most everyone that visits.
(4)
Lauren T.

I avoided the crawfish due to many people on Yelp complaining that their crawfish sucked. I love seafood, however, so I enjoyed my dinner while visiting Portland. The food was good, but it wasn't great. Oysters on the half shell: Oyster Combination: $17.95. I loved all selections but one. Which one it was that I didn't like, I cannot say. But the oysters were served with the right chill and accompanied with a great sauce and lemon. Yum! Lobster tails were amazing. Get the lobster! It was better than the Jake's Traditional Bouillabaisse.
(3)
J B.

Wow, this was just such a disappointment. I'm ashamed to say that I've lived in Portland for seven years and had avoided Jake's up until now. Why? Who the heck knows....just didn't appeal to me with all of the other options in town. I should have trusted my subconscious as this pretty much sucked. To start with, the wife and I sat in the bar and had a cocktail. With a youngun' and all, we don't get to have grownup discussion without a little voice butting in constantly so we were content with the old-style atmosphere of the bar. So, we waited maybe fifteen minutes with our drinks before we were seated - a good thing. We got seated at a decently appointed table. As I looked around, I could feel the age of the restaurant. Not a stuffy/historic age as much as a worn down kind of age. Then, I thought, "Well, maybe this is one of the landmarks that just stands on its reputation alone - one of those places where the food speaks volumes and the atmosphere is just the stage for the entertainment." Wrong. Service was good. We were first struck by the lofty prices. I get it - seafood is expensive, but sole, no matter how it's prepared, should not venture anywhere near the mid twenties (It's a damn bottom-feeder for Pete sake!), but it was one of two chef's recommendations so the wife was hooked. I opted for the scallop sautee which seemed awfully expensive, but I took the bait because the server said that all of their sautees were very good. We had the popcorn shrimp appetizer which, I know, is a bit of a copout at a nicer restaurant, but we fairly enjoyed it nonetheless. We split a house salad which was neither remarkable nor terrible. Our main courses arrived and looked appealing, but the flavors of both dishes were off. When I say off I mean that the wife's sole had no flavor which is a travesty considering that it was parmesan crusted and was recommended by the chef. My scallop sautee tasted like smoked bacon, sitting in melted butter. Gross. Sure, there were tomatoes, scallops, mushrooms too, but all I could taste was smoked bacon and butter not to mention that there was zero evidence of sherry in the dish as was advertised. Don't get me wrong - bacon makes everything better, but bacon does not make bacon and butter better. After eating as much bacon in butter as I could, I felt that gut-wrecked feeling that signals that I should have sent the dish back to the kitchen no matter how much I abhor that practice. I looked around us to see people eating fish and chips and burgers - maybe they already knew what I didn't - the fish is overrated which is exactly how I feel at....get ready for it.....McCormick & Schmick's which, it turns out, runs Jake's. BAMMO! There you have it. I should have known better - they're largely one in the same seafood outfit. In retrospect, this may have flown as a touristy spot for folks looking for the old Portland experience, but this, unfortunately, was my first/last. There are far too many great restaurants in town where I can burn as much cash or less and ensure an excellent meal and experience. This isn't it.
(2)
Sunny S.

Super nice and accommodating at Jakes! we had a fussy baby with us so we know! Delicious food. Awsome downtown location. Cool historic building. Expensive but you get what you pay for. Altogether great experience.
(5)
Lauren C.

My husband and I made the reservations from out of town because it was one of the restaurants that advertised its services for Christmas Eve, so our expectations were not too high. Also, we had a party of eight to accommodate. Our expectations were exceeded. The decor and service is warm and transport you to another time. I had the horseradish-encrusted steelhead, a local favorite, which was so amazing that half the table kept taking bites of mine. My friend had the scallop and bacon dish which was equally as incredible. The key lime pie was out of this world, as was the local wine. For a chain-owned restaurant, it surely did not feel like it. The energy in the place was fantastic, and perfect for family dinners as well as romantic dates. Delicious, traditional, local, fresh, and appropriately priced. Wish we had one in the New York area.
(5)
Angelo S.

I was very disappointed in my halibut stuffed with crab and shrimp, an overly priced (45.00) item on the menu that was poorly prepared and poorly served. I did not taste any crab or shrimp in the stuffing, the halibut itself was dry and tasteless, and the whole meal was served lukewarm. The restaurant has a "100 year reputation," was recommended by the concierge at our Hotel (The Benson), and required reservation. My wife had the salmon, and got sick on it. The dish I ordered was highly recommended by our waitress, who never checked in with us after the meal was served. I regret going and spending the money.
(1)
Piccolena T.

When restaurants have more then 400 reviews, it can only mean two things: 1. Lots of people go there. 2. Most people have terrible taste in food. Affordable seafood seems hard to come by in Portland strangely enough. I was curious about the Crawfish, never had them before, and apparently these are what make this place famous. Our waiter did not recommend them. First red flag. He talked about the crab "written up in GQ magazine" please, that doesn't work on me, I just want some damn crab. The crab was good, and so was the pound of butter it came with, along with the 56 artichoke hearts that were also saturated in a pound of butter, the stale rice, the uncooked vegetables, the lasting memory of a creepy ghost waiter, and the $86 check.
(1)
Chelsea Z.

If this was based on food alone, I would give it 5 stars. I had one of the specials of the day. Parmesan crusted sole with mashed potatoes and vegetables. It was wonderful. Really, really delicious food. My husband was in the mood for clam chowder, and he wasn't disappointed! They also serve really good sourdough while you're waiting. My one recommendation is- make sure you have a reservation on a Saturday night. We had been wandering around the area, very indecisive about food. We settled on Jake's because the menu looked good. They told us the wait would be a half hour, but we ended up waiting over an hour. But, it was a Saturday night, and this restaurant is much classier than it sounds. And the food was worth the wait. But the restaurant has NO room to sit and wait, unless you want to sit at the bar (which we should have done!). It's really uncomfortable and you feel like you're constantly in the way of everything. So do yourself a favor and make a reservation!
(4)
Megan S.

Don't bother. I know this place is a Portland institution, and institutionalized food is what you're going to get. For a part of the world that has amazing seafood, this place massacres it. It was sad, really. I felt bad for the fish and shellfish that were killed to make such mediocre food, and I'm a staunch omnivore, so I usually don't say things like that. I got the Pacific Salmon SautÃ©, thinking that Oregon has such awesome salmon, how could I go wrong? Very, very wrong. To call it a sautÃ© was totally misleading. It's basically overcooked salmon chunks in a cream of mushroom soup base. I couldn't even taste the fish. Horrid. Even more horrifying--they garnished the thing with out-of-season raspberries. I cannot even begin to tell you how disappointed I was. And at $28, this sort of thing should not happen. A total waste of money and fish. My husband got the bouillabaisse. Also disappointing. Overcooked Dungeness crab, mussels, and clams in a reasonably tasty but flat broth. I get the impression that they actually don't care about cooking the food properly here. That you're just supposed to be charmed by the "old-school" ambience and not notice that the food is awful. There is no excuse for this in a place where the seafood is so delicious and abundant and the restaurant scene is so wonderful. Save your money and go to one of Portland's truly great restaurants. This place was just depressing.
(1)
Jennifer A.

delicious. it's a special occasions place, and feels very old school. lots of wood and ambiance and pretty pricey. but the dungeness crab and cheese stuffed salmon is one of my favorite things I've eaten this year. Everything we had was great--giant prawn cocktail, drinks, desserts. all yum.
(4)
Art V.

Had lunch today. Erik serving us. Or, at least he was playing the role of a waiter. Vanished for long periods despite the restaurant being nearly empty. Had to be asked to bring some bread, after we had been sitting for 25 min. He forgot which wine we ordered. Asked if we liked our appetizer. We answered that it was pretty greasy but "ok". I guess to him that meant that we were finished because he swooped in and took away the remaining 1/4 of our dish. Food was greasy. Calamari was limp, heavy, and very greasy. The salmon and veggies were coated in oil/butter. My guest used her bread to blot the grease off her food. Then, ol' Erik thought that he should lock in his tip. So, he added $0.09 to the credit card slip. We thought that $0.09 was too much. I called the restaurant afterwards and asked to talk with the mgr. I was told by the hostess that the mgr was busy and that he would return the call. 3 hours later and no call. manager finally called. he said the $0.09 tip was an error. we conveyed to him that their food was sub par (to the extent that my guest was ill afterwards) and that the service was far below standard. he told us that he would address our concerns with the "chef". No way I'll return.
(1)
Jon M.

Power, Privilege & Inertia in the Restaurant Business: A Case Study at Jake's "Famous" Crawfish This was a date. It was a combination Valentine's Day and 3rd anniversary dinner. The #1 you-have-to-try-this-restaurant in Portland seemed like a natural choice. After a glance at the 4-star rating on Yelp, I believed the hype, and I reserved a table, making note of our special occasions. We looked forward to the meal all week. Everything started off fine. The maÃ®tre'd mentioned our special occasions, as did the hostess, and the print-out menus said "HAPPY VALENTINES DAY/3RD ANNIVERSARY" at the top. Our names weren't there. I hope they didn't print these for everybody. Things turned weird when our server came. Tina and I immediately recognized side effects of medicinal inhalation: fumbled greetings, persistent amusement, inexplicable hand gestures, and hungry eyes. We expected this to be a good sign; it would behoove a waiter at a good restaurant to be hungry all the time. As we would learn, perhaps there are other reasons for a waiter to self-medicate. Fatefully, I ordered the "famous" dungeness crab and bay shrimp cakes, and Tina ordered the "Northwest salmon sautÃ©." I considered the pecan crusted catfish, but I decided to go with a Jake's staple. "It's less risky," I said. That may have been the best call of the evening. The crabcakes were fine. The menu described them as "fried golden brown, served with jalapeÃ±o ginger aioli." It didn't mention the under-boiled pile of string beans and shaved carrots or decent mashed potatoes, but those were acceptable. Whatever Fred Meyer bottle the sauce came in may have been labeled "jalapeÃ±o ginger aioli," but I couldn't really taste anything. Tina thought she sensed ginger. This dish cost $25.65 for three palatable crab cakes. The "Northwest salmon sautÃ©" was an atrocity. The menu prepared Tina for this: Northwest Salmon SautÃ© Shiitake & Oyster Mushrooms, Sherry, Hazelnuts and Cream ..... 21.80 What she got can be seen in the photo I've uploaded. It was a slop of variously-sized chunks of salmon so overcooked that one could not determine its quality, stuck in a muddy, caloric puddle of cream, out of which protruded irregular shards of mushroom, surrounding an unexpected mound of unseasoned white rice and garnished, inexplicably, with several raspberries. What if she'd been allergic to raspberries? Tina's dish was absolutely disgusting. She makes these adorably childlike facial expressions of her reactions when she eats. When something doesn't taste good, you half expect her to just spit it back out. The second I saw that face, I flew into a rage. I love her faces, and I love taking her out to dinner to watch her delight in an excellent meal. In that one flash across her face, Jake's "Famous" Crawfish had ruined our Valentine's Day and our third anniversary simultaneously. I chose Jake's "Famous" Crawfish because I am a Southern boy, and Tina has never had crawfish before. There were no crawfish on the menu. "It's like wedding food," Tina said, dropping her fork next to the "Northwest salmon sautÃ©" for the last time. She politely but honestly sent back her food, agreeing to an appetizer-sized plate of the crabcakes. She managed one, but she was too full of unnecessarily heavy Jake's fare to finish her second. "You really don't want another bite?", she asked. "No. I had three of them," I replied, my voice muffled by cream sauce. "I feel bad for you," she muttered, frowning. Our waiter was awkward before, but after he found out we hated dinner, it became a thousand times more uncomfortable. He offered us some complimentary cheesecake. "I hope that's good, at least," I said. Tina replied, "I don't care anymore. I'm just trying to steal their resources." The cheesecake was good. After loading up on that (one slice was enough), we lolled about in a cream-induced torpor, criticizing the art on the walls until the check came. This is the taste of a 20th century restaurant in decline. Food has no excuse to be this slimy, bland, and expensive. Jake's "Famous" Seafood, once independent, now owned by schlock-food chain McCormick & Schmick's, must survive entirely on tourism, hype, and price-gouging. It's time for this restaurant to move out of the way. At least now, when we find ourselves in conversations about Portland and are inevitably asked, "Oooh, have you been to Jake's 'Famous' Crawfish?", we will be able to say "Yes. It was awful." As in other reviews, the silver lining was our goofily-smiling waiter, who seemed to have girded his mindset against this sort of thing. He struck the offending meal from the bill, and brought a second plate of crab cakes for free, with a slice of cheesecake. He was rewarded handsomely. That morning, Tina made dill-seasoned scrambled eggs with cheddar and salami, baked beans, and toast. It was the best meal of the day by a wide margin, and the ingredients cost less than a glass of wine at dinner. I love her so much.
(1)
Hulda W.

I was a little hesitant to come here after reading what some other Yelpers thought of it but came anyway as everyone else wanted to give it a try. I am glad we did. I don't think we have ever walked into a restaurant, given our name and be seated in less than a minute. That was our case a Jake's. We were given a private little booth right near the entrance that I think cut down on the noise a bit, not that there was anything wrong with the noise level anyway. It was a bustling urban scene and everyone there looked as though they were having a great time. You could tell our waitress had been doing her job for a long time and she took pride in everything she did. Very pleasant and friendly but very efficient and competent as well, she knew her menu. She gave great descriptions and paid attention to every detail. The cocktail menu was a delightful combination of Old Fashioned drinks as well as some new and interesting combinations. DH and I shared a wedge salad, which was already divided in the kitchen and still very generous. Home made blue cheese dressing, crisp lettuce, crisp bacon and fresh tomato - just delightful. My daughter ordered the Roasted Beet and Cucumber Salad which we all thoroughly enjoyed as well - great combination of flavors. Her husbands order the crab cakes and they were prepared just right and were delicious. Daughter and son-in-law shared a rib eye steak to which they added a lobster tail, divided in the kitchen again and each looked as though it was a full entrÃ©e. When we order a steak "char-medium-rare" and it comes out of the kitchen that way you know that the chefs knows what they're doing. I ordered the "famous" Crawfish Boil as everyone felt we couldn't come here without ordering the signature dish and it did not disappoint. We all ate our fill and I feel as though I brought a whole order home. DH ordered the Seafood Newburg and it was just amazing - light and flavorful - tender scallops and shrimp in this wonderful lobster sauce. The Dessert Trio was a perfect end to the evening with just the right combination of Strawberry Shortcake, Truffle Cake, and CrÃ¨me Breulee. A delightful time left us with the opinion that we need to come back just to sample more of the wonderful variety of flavors to be had.
(5)
Joanna T.

I had a wonderful lunch at Jake's during this weekend's getaway. When I had asked for a recommendation for a fish place, I was told to go to Jake's. I asked about crawfish dishes that they offered since I noticed that the crawfish was local to Oregon. Jake's had only the etouffe at lunch. My nice waitress mentioned that they had a crawfish boil normally in the evening and she'd be willing to ask the kitchen if it was available. I said I'd like to try it and was really glad I did. When it was served, I was delighted to see such a classic dish. Crawfish in the boiled broth, roast potatoes, a couple of mini corn on the cobbs in a silver bowl along with two slices of garlic bread. I tied my bib around my neck and started cracking away at the shells. It was messy. It was something of a chore. But it was so fun!! I loved all the history and old timers stopping in to the restaurant for lunch. This is a nice place to experience the old Portland of yester year with some classy and classic food.
(4)
Vivian Y.

I'm not sure why so many people gave such high ratings for the food. Maybe because I'm a foodie and picky eater, Jake's left me unsatisfied. I ordered their famous crawfish boil. Only good thing about it was the crawfish was hugh, like a small lobster almost. Bad was it had no flavor, the broth said spicy but it was far from spicy and no flavor. Only spicy thing was the sausage in it but everything was so bland. Disappointed because they are famous for their crawfish and it sucked, especially also because it was on the more expensive side, i expected at least 70% better. My husband got the stuffed salmon special, which was okay but nothing to brag about and only reason why they're getting 2 stars. After seeing so many good reviews, my husband and I wanted to give it a try. The service was good but the food was bad to okay. I ordered the Jake's crawfish boil (since its famous for the crawfish). It stated that it came in a spicy broth, not only was the broth not spicy but the whole dish had no flavor. The crawfish was bigger than what I've ever eaten before. But that was the only good thing about this dish. It was a big let down overall. My husband ordered the special Stuffed Salmon, the dish was okay but nothing to brag about. Perhaps, I'm spoiled and had high expectations because we get pretty spoil in California with Boiling Crab and Crawdaddy.
(2)
Christopher S.

One of the best happy hours I have found. I usually order the steamed muscles with a side of bread to dip in the amazing white wine sauce they are cooked in, and a ginger beer. And I love the jazz they have playing.
(5)
David B.

I was finishing off a conference trip to Portland, and I went here for the happy hour menu. The place was relaxed and quiet, and there was plenty of room at the bar. The oyster shooter was fine. The fish tacos were okay. The tortillas were a little stale, and the fish was a little bland, but it was well cooked. However, the steamed mussels were just awful. Half of them were just empty shells, and the half that actually had mussels in them were filled with sand and grit. For a place that's known for seafood, I was disappointed.
(2)
Myranda M.

Writing this makes me hungry and sad again that I live in Seattle and not Portland. The service was excellent and the food was even better and such a great deal. The crawfish penne blew my mind it was so friggin good. This place is a must visit!!!
(5)
Randy M.

A tasty treat! We shared the cold crawfish (excellent, meaty, and a delight to dig into), the beet salad (very good), and the blackened sturgeon (meaty, yet tender, and the blackening didn't overpower the fish).
(4)
Bruce L.

Never been to Jake's before Sunday night , as whenever we came to Portland we thought it as to exspendy . Didn't know they have a happy hour menu and as we were staying near by , decided to give it a try. What a deal . What a neat place. We liked it so much we went back the next afternoon and ordered differently off of the happy hour menu again. Four dinners , four beers , two coffees , one dessert and under $60 not including the tips ! We will try to make it here at least once every time we come north.
(5)
Mike R.

I have eaten at this place many times and I will eat here again. Yet, I can't bring myself to give it more than three stars. Overall, the food is good. Sometimes they have seasonal dishes and then the food is incredible. But for example, I went in today and nothing seasonal caught my eye...and everything was fine, but nothing spectacular and nothing that was mind-blowing. The prices can also be a bit steep here. The staff is friendly and food comes quick. There seems to be a lot of regulars. Like I said, I don't want you to think that this is necessarily a bad review because I am only giving three stars. To me three stars is the baseline average for a place...to get more they have to go above and beyond. This place is entirely adequate and I will eat here again, although it may not necessarily be on the top of my list.
(3)
Gregory N.

My go-to seafood restaurant, and the stuffed salmon is the best (filled with bay shrimp, crab meat, and brie cheese). Clam chowder is good, and pretty much everything on their menu.
(5)
Michelle Q.

We stumbled upon this during happy hour and grabbed a seat at the bar. Had a glass of wine and decided to have dinner. The bartender recommended the Copper Creek Salmon and Dungeness Crab leg saute. We scored the last piece of salmon and it was heaven. The crab legs in saute were tender, flavorful and huge. We definitely couldn't finish the meals. If you find yourself close to here for happy hour make it a stop. If the dining room is crowded go for service at the bar you will be spoiled. Food was decadent and if you go for dinner, prices for quality seafood are reasonable.
(5)
Inga W.

This is one of those classic establishments that has been around for a while and has good quality food that's simple yet satisfying. This place is not romantic or intimate, it's a great place for groups and a fun loud dinner. We started with the calamari which was well prepared and tender, nice sauces with it. Next I had the crab and shrimp cakes and my friends had the halibut and salmon. The crab cakes were amazing, I haven't had such good ones in a while, light tender, great flavor and preparation. The sides were OK, mashed potatoes and green beans, a bit pedestrian but then again this place is more American than refined. Desserts were ordered, al though I just had a bite of the chocolate one which was OK, not great, the key lime pie looked something similar to a diner food. This place is all about the steak and fish not desserts or beautiful food.
(4)
Carrie S.

So, I decided that was going to hit up the "hottest" happy hour in town, and I was hoping I may encounter an elusive population in Portland: the single man with a stable job who showers regularly and doesn't wear socks and Birkenstocks. I helped myself to a nice glass of wine and some yummy happy hour treats. The bartender had no idea what gluten free meant, so I did my best. I went for the California Roll, which was a major mistake. Seafood is their forte, not sushi. Next came the prawns, which was great. I wouldn't call this the hottest happy hour in town. Unless you live in Lake Oswego and need to escape the Moms who buy their 7 year old lattes at the local Starbucks.
(3)
Axel R.

I came here on my birthday. It was a pleasant evening; the weather was nice and I was hungry. The lady with the short blonde hair was my waitress. I've forgotten her name, but she is very friendly and funny. You would recognize her instantly. Now on to the menu. The stuffed salmon with dungeness crab and shrimp with brie instantly had my name on it. I took my time savoring every bite. My taste buds was very pleased:) The ambiance and atmosphere nice and cozy. The food, service and dining was very pleasant. I will definitely be stopping by here again whenever I'm in Portland.
(5)
Belle B.

We visited this place on the recommendation of the manager at the hotel we were staying at. Great recommendation. We were lucky enough to arrive at a time where we were seated right away (apparently that is rare). I had the scallop, artichoke and bacon saute and quickly told my honey that it was almost better than sex. It is rich and super yummy! I sat there oohing and ahhhing with each bite. Definitely worth trying out. I high recommend it. The service here was increadible. I love the elegance and the history of the place. It was like stepping back in time.
(5)
Sam R.

Great food and great service. My favorite thing is the shrimp and crab cake sandwich.
(5)
Mary D.

Two words. Onion Soup. EntrÃ©e was good but the Onion Soup was tops.
(4)
Brian M.

It was sunday afternoon and luckily it's not that busy which means I could enjoy a lot the whole course of meals, from appetizers thru my loved seafood and the dessert. The cajun chicken and seafood pasta was really good, that's what I am craving for the real seafood taste with it's spiciness. I was with other 3 guest together they were all happy with everything here, but the price is that you should know, it's downtown and upscale restaurant, it's a bit high. Very nice experience.
(4)
Kayt B.

I love Seafood, in fact a bit of a snob about it. If you like your fish well done, try Jakes. Staff are great, great ambiance and plenty choices.
(3)
Nicholas S.

The crawfish sucked!!! If u want crawfish head to Salty's during the all u can eat weekend bunch. My wife says its just Sunday, but I think they do it both Saturday and Sunday. Check em out for crawfish. Only reason I know Jakes sucks is because I've lived down south and know how good crawfish can be.
(1)
Lexie A.

Their stuffed salmon is the best salmon I've ever tasted! It was spendy, but worth every dime! :] Also, the happy hour is one of my favorites! They have a great selection for food and their drinks are never disappointing! Blueberry lemon drop is the besst ! My favorite happy hour items are the spinach artichoke dip and the cheeseburger! SO DELICIOUS!
(5)
Charles O.

Sometimes older is better. Jake's has been around awhile. We were there for lunch. Sat in the barroom at a window table. The barroom is cool. Great old paintings, paneled walls, tiled floors and old tables. Started off with a dozen oysters on the half shell, a sampling of 6 of the 7 varieties on offer that day. Fresh, plump, and chilled, these oysters were remarkably good. I also had the Blue Plate Special. Blackened Salmon, masher, and veg. My wife had the grilled cheese and fries; basic food for a vegetarian. The Blue Plate Special blew me away. For $8.95 I got the Seventeen Dollar experience. And, the salmon was succulent, blackened but not aggressively so, and filling. Yes the veggies were Al dente, the mashed were creamy and the presentation colorful and simple. I should mention the lemonade with cucumber, grapefruit and lemon, which was both unique and refreshing. Our server was Morgan who excelled at making this a super lunch. Jake's hit this one out of the park. It is near impossible to imagine a better experience at lunch. Next time we visit Portland we will be at Jakes for dinner. If we lived there we'd probably be regulars.
(5)
Angela K.

Note: Crawfish is seasonal, ending in September; best time is June. We're from San Francisco, dined here on November 1st, after reading great reviews as one of the best crawfish places in the nation. The name of the restaurant is deceiving. Name your place crawfish, you should have a lot of crawfish, don't you think? It was quite disappointing to find out they didn't have crawfish the way I like it (you know, get down and dirty trying to crack those little suckers open). Instead, they have popcorn crawfish, crawfish penne pasta, and the Ã©touffÃ©e, to name a few. They were all very good! The portions are large. My advice - share your entrÃ©es. Their oysters on a half shell are delicious, and they have a variety of delicious cocktails. I would come back...perhaps in the summer next time.
(4)
Michael S.

Food was good but nothing extraordinary. The service was excellent. The waiters helped each other out with filling our drinks and bringing our entrees. Friendly staff and nice restaurant. They had told us our appetizer wasn't ready to their standards and made the items free. We never asked or complained but that is how amazing service was. Would recommend this place to everyone!!!
(5)
Cher H.

I made the reservation online and mentioned we are going to celebrate my husband's birthday. When we arrived, the warm welcoming made me feel great already, then they gave us a special menu with a happy birthday on top, I tho the price will be different, s oh crazy they said "special", but it was the same with regular one. The whole dinner was great, food was good, drinks was good, service was good too. Totally satisfied my expectation. The husband got a small surprise from the restaurant, they gave him a complementary cake for his birthday. That really surprised me, although I mentioned on the reservation, but I didn't expect anything would happen, that's really sweet and thoughtful. Excellent experience after all.
(4)
Viraf P.

Had another great meal at Jakes! Great service and "entertainment" from Brett! Seafood platter was tasty and plentiful for 6.
(5)
Julie C.

I will go back to Jake's! My husband and I went to Jake's Famous Crawfish for the first time on New Year's Eve 2014. Our reservation was for 8:00pm. We were seated at an intimate booth by 8:45pm. Due to other reveiws, the fact that it was NYE, and Jake's is a VERY popular restaurant, we expected to wait to be seated. Once we checked in we moved to the bar where we found a seat (literally at the bar) and were served quickly. The bar is loud, lively, old school, and has a healthy mix of young and old patrons. It can be a bit intimidating if you cannot find a seat. Once you've found your place and settle in the servers are helpful and attentive. After I finished a half glass of wine and my husband had finished one beer we were seated by a hostess in a cozy, spacious booth in the far back of the restaurant. Our server came to our table quickly and was very friendly and knowledgable about the menu and drink recommendations. We were served bread and butter and more drinks while we waited for our appetizer. Appetizer: Dungeness Crab and Bay Shrimp Cakes with Ginger JalapeÃ±o Aioli. This was delicious! Even though the cakes were small, light and not overly greasy they were still very filling. In hindsight we probably should have either not ordered an app or just ordered something even lighter because we had a hard time eating even a quarter of our main courses after eating these. Main courses: Dungeness Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Salmon, Dungeness Crab Leg Tortellini. Holy deliciousness! If you love crab, cream sauces, and cheese order one or both of these plates. You will not be disappointed. You will likely be taking home leftovers. Desert: Yea, right! After our drinks, app, and main courses there was no way we were going to be able to stuff more in. Our bill was around what we expected to pay and we tipped our server generously as she was very helpful, kind, and attentive. I really appreciate mature servers and bar staff who are classy and know their stuff. It seems that much of the staff at Jake's understand the value of truly serving and meeting the wishes of their patrons.
(5)
Steve C.

When my family was in town, this was the restaurant we chose to go all out on seafood and Jake's did not disappoint. We were able to be seated immediately on a Thursday afternoon, but the place was hopping. Went with some pacific oysters on the half shell and some wine to start off. Never have I had an oyster that melted in your mouth...it was by far the best oyster I've ever had. The server was very helpful recommending meals, and was attentive without being overbearing. The main meal was out of this world. I went with a hazelnut seafood dish with different kinds of fish, which was outstanding. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed their food and commented they would return for sure.
(5)
Jennifer C.

We celebrated my fiance's birthday dinner at Jake's during our trip to Portland, and it could not have been a better choice. Though a vintage restaurant, Jake's was lively and full of patrons eager to devour the fresh seafood offerings of this iconic place. The portions are quite large, and very flavorful, a tiny bit on the heavy side, but the food is delicious. We enjoyed a fantastic meal, with minimal wait, and very friendly service.
(4)
Paulina F.

I liked my experience, though crawfish is out of season and therefore no longer served in November. I might have misunderstood the appetizer menu, but I was a bit confused by having received my bacon-covered prawns but not bacon-covered crab. The escargot in garlic sauce was on point and provided a nice dip for the complimentary bread later. The lobster tails weren't flavored amazingly, but I appreciated the butter and the mashed potatoes in lieu of salad. Nice ambiance and decent service.
(4)
Jacqueline C.

This place is old...and the food tasted like it too. Oysters were okay but then again how can you really screw up oysters? The beet salad was the most boring and bland salad that I have ever seen. Literally sliced cucumber and beets stacked and topped with an anything but special blue cheese. Meh even the free bread was bland. This place is on the pricier side so I would at least think that I could get something decent here. I was even shocked because of all the reviews I had seen on yelp! All well guess we live and we learn right?
(2)
Joe C.

There's loads of charm in this historic restaurant, but the food was mixed. I was dining solo and therefore didn't have the opportunity to try many dishes, so that's the caveat. The bay shrimp coctail was great because the shrimp were so sweet and tender. The presentation was utterly traditional and uninspired. The salmon crusted with horseradish was a good flavor combination, but the salmon overcooked and the accompanying beans and carrots were unimaginabley boiled and served totally bland. green beans and the like, in my opinion, need to be cooked in a way that takes the water out of them, much like brussel sprouts. Boiling them ADDs extra water. Ambiance was great though, like an old time saloon. Compare this place to the Tadich Grill in SF. They have a similar formula and both share uninspired menucraft.
(3)
Shonda J.

The Halibut Cheeks!! That is all. Great place for dinner. We ate at the bar and had great service. This is a must if you are visiting Portland.
(4)
Michael M.

This is just a sliver of the amazing things I could say about Jakes. It's seriously old school, but they do what they do very, very well. Impeccable service, knowledgeable, with excellent fresh selections. I've tried several of the specialties and never been disappointed over several visits!
(5)
Deeno D.

Stopped by with the GF on our vacation from LA. And OMG! The crab and shrimp cakes!!! Amazing. Same thing goes for the crab and artichoke dip. The crab was just so fresh and delicious. 10+/10! And the waitress was very friendly and helpful in helping us choose.
(5)
Michael K.

Great food, awful service as usual. ... This is the place to go for dood if you care less if you've been forgotten the minute you get your food.
(4)
Sherry D.

Sure the happy hour prices seem great but the quality of food is barely average. Worse than that was the service- I asked for a box to take home a few leftovers and the response received from the server was a level of rudeness I hadn't experienced in years. I guess there policy is "no take out" for happy hour- which is understandable but not what I was asking for. I simply wanted to take home the leftovers instead of throwing it away- which is what the server suggested I do. She ended up bringing over a manger and he talked to the table like we were 5 years old. In the end- she gave us a box but also a few condescending remarks about how most people understand their rules but obviously we didn't. I have over 10 years in the service industry and have never talked down to a customer in such a way. I won't be returning- even if it is the closest restaurant to my house.
(1)
Ricky M.

Amazing and unique food combinations. Great service and drinks. I highly recommend this to anyone!
(4)
Jeremy J.

Ok, it's a bit dated in cooking style, but always a lively happy hour. Admittedly not on the happy hour menu, but go for the MUD BUGS!! (aka crawfish)
(4)
Ben S.

Such a Portland institution, mostly I think because they are absolutely consistent year over year. Their array of seafood is impressive but they still have great options for those of us who don't really like our food from the water. I started with the french onion soup. If you like french onion soup, I don't care if it's 110 degrees outside, you must have THIS french onion soup. It was by far the best I've ever had. Perfectly balanced, tons of cheese, and the right amount of crouton. I actually considered canceling my steak and just getting another bowl of it instead. My steak was great. Crispy onions on top, perfect mashed potatoes and green beans on the side. The steak was so good on its own and they know it. So no weird sauces or cheeses to mask the flavor. Just great, straight up steak. Great place for dinner with friends or a romantic dinner with someone you love.
(4)
Andres B.

its a stone cold classic... and the cheap happy hour menu is awesome. white tablecloth service. new orleans brasserie fare. good oysters go!
(4)
Sandra A.

The best seafood restaurant ever, and the drinks were great. I am from Seattle and i started to look for restaurants in Portland area and when i see all the pictures they have post on yelp i knew it was going to be o good place , and yes i was right the best food ever i love it.
(5)
A H.

Happy hour was super cheap. Tried the pork pot stickers which were really good, calamari was good , the buffalo chicken wings were good nothing special, and the happy hour drinks were yummy... Basil Grape Refresher and The San Francisco lemon drop.
(3)
Matt H.

Food was delicious, and there was a wider price range available than at most restaurants. Having crawfish in the name was false advertising.
(4)
Bill H.

This place is awesome! Flew in from Vegas and Yelp sent us to Jake's. Girlfriend and I sat at the bar and our keep was a guy named Casey. Super cool dude with lots of advice on other places to eat and visit while in Portland. The drinks were wide ranging and DELISH! My favorite craft beer of the nite was their local organize HUB beer. We ordered the crab bisque, crab/shrimp cakes and twin tails. The food was outstanding! Wow. The bisque was our favorite. The bread was good too.
(5)
Ivy N.

I never intended to go to Portland for crawfish (that's what New Orleans is for), but yum yum yum! They are humungous & you definitely need a claw cracker to get into the meat, but it was a pleasant surprise. My boyfriend & I stumbled into this joint & ordered the Jake's Crawfish Boil as an appetizer as we were waiting for a table at Tasty n Alder. Boy were we happy. The only other place where we have gotten crawfish this good was in New Orleans. This is locally caught & delicious. Must try for anyone who visits. We didn't try any other foods there so we cannot judge =D
(4)
C P.

Stopped by for dinner last night. I ordered the crawfish etouffee, my 17 month old son had the mac and cheese, and my husband had the halibut cheeks. Everything was outstanding! My son couldn't get the mac and cheese in his mouth fast enough. Not going to lie I had more than a couple of bites of his delicious food. Their etouffee was perfect and the halibut cheeks were mouth watering.
(5)
Darres M.

Fantastic Happy Hour!! Prices great and appetizers awesome.
(5)
Cindy T.

My coworkers have a tradition to eat here every time we do a PDXLAN event. We had drinks, oysters, appetizers, entrees and dessert. All were amazing. Highlights were definitely the oysters, bacon wrapped shrimp, lobster tails and crab meat. The chocolate bag dessert is neat. Can't wait to return!
(5)
Matthew H.

Awesome seafood restaurant! We sat at the "back counter", which is a second bar at the back of the restaurant. I had the swordfish and she had the ahi tuna. Both plates were amazing. The service was friendly, prompt and attentive. Thanks to our server/bar tender Jarred for the great drinks and service, we had a great time!
(5)
Anthony U.

What can i say about this place? This place was great. The servers were really nice and explained any dishes we didn't understand. Prices were high but fair considering the quality of their food. We ordered the calamari as our appetizer and it's probable the best calamari I have ever had. As my main dish, I ordered the steak and lobster tail. Steak was great and was cooked well.
(5)
Cara M.

We went here for our first time and it was very delicious!! My husband got the chicken and shrimp fettuccine. Holy flavor!!! It's was sooooooo good!!!! The flavors were amazing and it was a very good-sized portion. I got the Dungess Crab Leg sautee and it was really good as well. My husband also got a cup of the clam chowder and it to was very delicious!! It's a good thing we don't live here Bc we would prob go back for the fettuccine every night!!!!!
(5)
Victoria C.

GREAT FOOD! Loved the Bouillabaisse
(5)
Bill K.

Mixed emotions about this place. I do love the expansive menu, but it seems really overpriced and the execution can be hit or miss. Jake's is still kind of going on its reputation from years ago to pull in out of towners, but there are many better options right in that part of town. For an old-school place, the bartenders often have that too-cool-for-school attitude. The wine pours and drinks are really expensive and not that well done...I guess they are just trying to nail tourists on that front. If your friend is treating on a business expense account, then fine...
(2)
Izzat A.

Ate here for dinner while on a business trip. Ambiance is really nice and classy. Ordered fish and chips and they were outstanding. Service was friendly albeit a little bit slow (they were really busy). Would definitely come back here again.
(4)
Rob S.

Stuffed Salmon was excellent. They had a decent beer selection and great wine selection. I would have liked to have seen a few more local tap beers but that is splitting hairs. If you have a sweet tooth this place has you covered for dessert.
(4)
Jena R.

My boyfriend and I loved the food. The Lobster was melt in your mouth good. Service was good. Our server was funny and on top of his stuff. We didn't like the room we sat in. It was very harshly lit, not the most romantic dinner date we were looking for. It was pricey but we didn't try and hold back, so it's partially our fault. We will definitely return though.
(4)
Kirsten M.

I was underwhelmed by my dinner at Jakes. Wait staff was wonderful. That was the highlight, but the food was no where near as good as it was many years ago when I used to dine there. Jake's used to be amazing, I'd rave on and on; but after my last few experiences. I've been unimpressed. Saturday night, the potatoes and green beans were cold and unimaginative. The swordfish was only OK. Room was cold and too bright, so it left a sterile unwelcoming feeling. It needs an overhaul to go back to its roots, or it's not going to last. I will not be returning, which is disappointing as it used to be my all time favorite treat to dine there
(2)
Rebekah T.

I decided to book a reservation at Jake's Famous Crawfish for our Valentine's Dinner. It was a surprise. We both love seafood. So much to my surprise, when I met him for lunch...he brought me here. I couldn't help but laugh, but it was perfect. We would go to Jake's for lunch and figure something out for later. Jake's is the second oldest restaurant in Portland. Over 121 years of service means a lot. Being that they are part of McCormick and Kuletos also shows a certain standard of seafood. My expectations are always high. We ordered some raw oysters, served with horseradish, lemon and vinaigrette. You can request Tabasco as well, which we did. I'm a fan of the Arnold Palmer, so we ordered a few of those. Love the classic fresh lemonade in the sweetened tea. It's perfect with seafood. I indulged in the Dungeness Crab and Bay Shrimp Louie Salad, it's a large one and worth the price with the amount of crab meat and shrimp. The homemade thousand is put underneath, so that it doesn't interfere with the seafood. The dressing should never distract. My guy ordered the Parmesan and Horseradish crusted Steelhead. It was really good and a nice little combination. I want to try this myself at home and never would have thought of the combination. Our friend, who accompanied us to lunch ordered the Liver and Onions with Bacon. A traditional family favorite that she wanted to try. I had to try a bit, because I'm always curious. Although it didn't taste bad at all, it was a little too rich for me. Lunch was perfect. I ordered what I wanted and it was awesome. It was the perfect start to the Valentine's Day we spent in Portland. ;)
(5)
Nick C.

You know that suit that your dad wore in the 2000s? The grey one with the yellow shirt that really just screamed 'I bought this when the BeeGees was still on the charts' but was still strangely comforting? That's Jake's. It's faded, and I think it knows that. Cobwebs stick to fixtures, paintings are fading, the wood-paneled walls don't stick as tightly to the building as they used to. But it's still tasty. Their chefs still do good things with the fish they bring in. And they act as though they're completely oblivious to the rest of the Portland restaurant scene, evolving around them. Jake's, in Spokane or Boise or Omaha or even Sacramento, is going to be one of the finest restaurants in town. In Portland, it's among a pack of very good places, and is probably still one of the best traditional seafood restaurants in the Northwest. Our parmesan/horseradish steelhead had great layering of flavors. The etouffÃ© is quite good. $22 worth of good? No. And the Chocolate Bag? This temple of excess richness is amazing to look at, until you realize that the berries taste like they came from the freezer, an unacceptable sin in Oregon in June. But you're not here to be blown away. You're here because it's comfy, because it's always been there for you, and you just don't want to see something like this go away.
(4)
Jon B.

Oysters were fantastic. Also had the horseradish crusted salmon. Also delicious. Highly recommend.
(5)
Jonathan M.

I went to Jake's Crawfish to celebrate family visiting from out of town. We were seated in the section of one of the most awful servers I have had the displeasure of being waited on in quite some time. She was rude, short, and condescending. One relative has a medical diet and when asked, for example, if an item had dairy, the server replied "I can't imagine it does" rather than checking to be sure. As for the food: Appetizer: The mussels in white wine and butter were delicious and among the best I've had in recent memory. Entree: The bouillabaisse contained clams, mussels, salmon, shrimp, and crab legs in a healthy serving of broth with a side of garlic parmigiana bread. (The server brought this to one of the people with a dairy allergy after stating she couldn't imagine it had dairy) Dessert: Due to the long wait and poor service which ruined the meal we opted to skip dessert and go elsewhere. I would recommend this restaurant to those without dietary restrictions and especially for businessmen. It is a very expensive meal and one where you would expect excellent service. Unfortunately on this visit, the restaurant failed miserably in the service department and barely delivered in the food department. Visited May 2013
(2)
Tara R.

Great happy hour and late happy hour menu. Drinks were decent, a little on the petite side of things though. A friend got a Spanish coffee and it was tiny. The service was decent, having a party of 8 was a little hard on our servers though, which is to be expected on a saturday night.
(3)
Karen B.

Fantastic meal, fantastic service, fantastic place. A must try, if you are in Portland.
(5)
David E.

Totally 5 stars. We had our engagement dinner here 38 years ago. It is still fantastic. We were hesitant because of some of the reviews. Don't be scared. The Prawns and Port Stickers in the bar at Happy Hour are out of tis world- and CHEAP ! . The food in the restaurant was awesome, the waiter superb. The mashed potatoes were heavenly, whatever they did to them! He were highly impressed. I know it's not part of the new modern Kale, seaweed and dandelion restaurant scene.... but we like that !
(5)
Joe T.

Wow! This place was great. Big crowds and a lot of noise. The atmosphere is lively and the food fits the mood. I had the crawfish boil and had a mountain of work in front of me. I paired it with a local Chardonnay which was magnificent. The manager stopped by and we chatted for a few minutes as we were old friends. I can't say enough good things about this place.
(5)
Kelly N.

This place has delicious seafood. My friends and I enjoyed it. The service was one of the worse I have ever experienced. Our server Noah behaved rudely to my friends and I. He was condescending to us from beginning to end. My friends and I are in our early 20's so we suspect part of the reason is our age. Most people who go there are middle age adults. Although the food is good, I would never come here again. If you are thinking about coming here and you are in your 20's I suggest you dress up in order to get decent service.
(2)
Luanda G.

I had a good time at Jake's. The food is solid and the service was attentive and friendly. Considering this is a more upscale seafood restaurant, the prices were pretty reasonable. They also serve large portions if that helps you feel better about the price. :) We made the mistake of ordering two appetizers - calamari and popcorn crawfish. Big mistake! The appetizers were way bigger than I thought they would be. For a party of two, 1 appetizer is plenty. This place is great if you're with a lot of people. The restaurant is quite large with lots of seating available. 10 person party? No problem. I'm sure Jake's could accommodate you. It's also great if you're celebrating an anniversary and want a more intimate setting.
(4)
Annie S.

Went here for the Happy Hour food a few times now. Your lucky if you can find a seat in the bar where is the only place theyll serve you Happy Hour. There not any drinks on the happy hour menu which I didnt like but when the food came I was in heaven. The burger is amazing, the spinach dip is fresh and rich, the hummus plate is also delicious! and I am picky about my hummus. The decor is kinda southern but classy. Its an old school place with well kept decor. Good luck looking for parking but they do have valet which is great! The waiters were quick and friendly and answered all the questions we had about the items on the menu.
(4)
Steve P.

Beware----this is your typical over hyped, totally yesterday restaurant, GROSSLY overpriced, average food. I was so disappointed!! Be prepared for a average meal and spending five times what it is truly worth. Just save yourself the frustration, wish I would have donated the cost of this rip off meal to my favorite charity. I feel like a absolute fool be taken by this place. I would not go back if it was a third of the price!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Â!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(1)
Tim J.

Over rated over priced I have no problem at all paying top dollar for great food..this wasn't. Crawfish was almost entirely absent from the menu. The soups were average the fish and chips were pedestrian at best and the entuffee was floury and perhaps a little over done. None of the food was actually horrible, from an average bar it would have been OK for a quick lunch. At the price these folk operate I would expect first class...this wasn't. There was no flair, no charm and little visible authenticity. Heavy handed old school and dull at best.
(2)
Pigs Out S.

If feels like you are traveling back to the early 90's. The food is very old school. I would suggest my parents to go there.
(3)
John M.

We have been to Jake's Famous Crawfish several times, for lunch and for dinner. Each time we find the food consistently great, the wait staff extremely friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere very warm and welcoming. Recommended - the raw bar has a wide variety of oysters from the NW and NE, anything fish (especially the salmon) and the wine list is extensive. Whenever we have out of town visitors we bring them to Jake's for a sample of great Northwest cooking. The only downside is that it is a little pricey.
(4)
Hey U.

4 1/2 stars, it's really good. Think old school fine dining with a pretty friendly staff - some place your parents would love. Actually brought the In Laws here for a dual birthday/anniv. celebrations for them over the holidays and it was worth every penny. Got their names printed on top of the menu, they were just delighted to be at a place for crawfish seeing they are from Louisiana. We did it up. Soup, salads, calamari app (which oddly came out in the order but it was ok) then some excellent dinner. I had the Dungeness crab special...that was a lot of delicious crab. No work and all delicious. Wife had the stuffed salmon that was so rich she had a hard time finishing (I helped). We all had one mixed drink or so and ate a terrific meal. You are looking at $60 a head if you do it up a little and have a drink, this aint Red Lobster (and no worrying about getting herpies from the all you can eat "shrimp"). Excellent meal, great place to take visiting parents or even for HH to grab a oyster shooter of 5. $10 valet and off you go.
(4)
High S.

Pretty decent standard for good seafood. Staff is always nice and if you go when it's not busy (not after working hours and not during prime Friday and Saturday) you'll get a nice table. The bar area is open seating if you don't want to wait for a bigger table, too. Fair prices and good drinks.
(4)
Kris G.

I went to this place by mistake thinking it was Henry's, but I was happy I did. Amazing food a stellar service very high standard. A great place to go celebrate a special occasion. Everything about this place seemed like an old mob joint, loved it. It is fairly expensive so pack a wallet. But definitely worth it for the quality of food. Just don't expect crawfish. I think they had one thing with crawfish. Odd since its in the name.
(5)
Mel S.

My husband and I loved this place. We had salmon stuffed with crab, shrimp, brie and cream cheese. It was the best salmon we've ever had, the bite was heavenly. It was cooked perfectly, words can't describe the perfection. We loved it do much that we ate very slow, we did not want to end our food fast, it was too enjoyable. It's the kind of place u know the chef is actually a real true chef when u taste the food. Our dish was amazing, and they wrote on our menu "Happy Anniversary", very nice service and the food is unforgettable! :)
(5)
Kelsie V.

A legendary establishment in Portland. I've been in and out of these doors over the years. A can't miss in the wintertime for a cocktail and great people watching. I always get this - and the other Jake's mixed up. Both have reliable seafood---I had some oysters last night. Their bartender's are professional and pretty friendly. I dig their happy hour ! Very reasonable portions and prices. Classic old bar feel. Extensive wine selection. They are part of the Landry chain, which sometimes creeps in. But this location remains pretty authentic. Bring your out of town visitors here.
(4)
Roger C.

We have been visiting Portland for 18 years and never miss an opportunity to visit Jake's downtown. We have never been disappointed! I am a creature of habit so I either order salmon or fish and chips. While you are at it, try the onion soup, but be prepared to have some one in your party roll you out of the place. If you like soup it is as near a complete meal as one can get Our wait staff has always been outstanding! The last two times we were in for a treat we had a waiter with a great sense of humor. We gave him gas and he gave it right back. We really enjoyed having him stop by our table. Hopefully we can be seated in his station again! Congratulations to management who isn't afraid to hire some one who can let his/her hair down and still deliver absolutely outstanding service with a great deal of grace and consideration! By the way, we are in the process of moving to Portland regardless of the increased traffic. Portland has changed in 18 years, but we still enjoy the vibrant environment. At our age, in our mid-70's, Portland keeps us young
(5)
Nikhil B.

Had lunch here. Good service, wasn't busy though. I had the salmon which was really tasty. Decent selection of beer. Staff seemed friendly
(4)
Anne H.

This was my second trip to Jake's and even more impressive than the first. The stuffed salmon was so rich and amazing. Definitely the best fish I have ever had. I also really enjoyed the clam chowder and sides of artichokes and mashed potatoes. Overall an incredibly delicious meal. Dessert was also great. Our table split three different desserts and my favorite was probably the strawberry shortcake. Fresh strawberries and a wonderful shortcake biscuit! I like this place because even when it is most crowded you can easily hear those at your table. It's hasn't been too noisy to enjoy a good conversation with friends. Definitely a place I will go again!
(5)
Anne A.

Overrated and overpriced. There are literally hundreds of better restaraunts in Portland and you'll notice most of the rave reviews here are by out of town visitors. For the price you really should get better service, more food, better bread and better sides. I had the $33 dollar horseradish "crusted" steelhead, which was cooked nicely but coated with a soggy half inch of mayo parmesan and horseradish. It came with plain boiled green beans and bagged carrot shreds plus lukewarm mashed potatoes. Sides truly worthy of a retirement home cafeteria. Skip skip skip this place if possible.
(2)
Douglas O.

This place has an amazing menu and the Etouffe is both phenomenal in presentation and taste. I can see why the restaurant is as popular as it is. Great location in downtown Portland...if during a nice time of the year, there is dining on the sidewalk outside as well.
(4)
Matthew K.

All I had was the "basil grape refresher cocktail"which was beyond refreshing I had to have two! I did not dine there but I did notice that they had a lovely and reasonably priced happy hour menu which if I'm in Portland long enough I might go and check out just to have an excuse to have another "basil grape refresher cocktail"!!!
(5)
S T.

We ate here a few days ago after many trips to Portland and realizing, wow, how did we miss the infamous Jake's Crawfish. Here's the thing about Jake's - it's not trendy food in a hipster atmosphere - it's just exceptionally prepared local food in a traditional northwest atmosphere. And isn't that what you want when you visit Portland? We had the Dungeness Crab in a garlic base, with artichokes and mushrooms. Superb and the crab is pre-shelled removing that annoyance. We've caught our own Dungeness, fresh out of the ocean, and this was absolutely as fresh as it gets. Also had the mussels fettucine, another excellent meal. The mussels were not at all gritty, very tender and blended perfectly with the puttanesca sauce. Also had the seafood bisque, another very tasty dish. We finished it all off with the Chocolate Bag - which I cannot recommend highly enough. It is now my favorite dessert ever, be sure and get the bites with the marion berries! Addressing a couple of frequent comments on this restaurant. Price. If you think $44 for 2 8 oz lobsters is expensive, you don't get out much. Still, there are 5 items on the blue plate special, the mussels fettucine being one, and that was $10.50. There are plenty of choices for any budget. Execution. Yes, they execute all dishes to perfection as you can see with the rave reviews on all the different selections. Finally, this restaurant is not at all pretentious. It is so comfortable. The staff are professional servers, friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive; without being pushy or intrusive. Sometimes you might want to venture into the more nouveau northwest cuisine or even a local food truck. But for a solid dining experience that is sure to please every diner, including kids, you can't beat Jake's Famous Crawfish.
(5)
Ed L.

Family and I had a wonderful meal here last night. Arrived with no reservations and were seated promptly. Waiter was excellent. Good beers on tap. Very classy experience. I've lived in town for 20 years and treat this place as tourist / out of town business dining. That may be, but it was still a great experience. All our meals were excellent. Even the kid's mac and cheese was good (had to try some). The fish was fresh and well prepared. This is part of the McCormick's chain. This review doesn't apply to the rest of the chain. Luckily, this place seems to be run on it's own. The rest of the chain is overpriced and frequently not good. Indifferent servers and bad food. Just another chain restaurant.
(4)
Ashley M.

Such amazing food for such an amazing price! Happy hour was great! The bar felt old and classic. The dining room was hug as well
(5)
Michael C.

Everyone talks about Jakes and a lot of the locals roll their eyes when its mentioned, but there's no denying the food is great. Crawfish ettouffe is really goodxand so are all the seafood options that I've tried over a few visits. The salads and the like are a little underwhelming but that's not why you eat here
(4)
Lori S.

Went here in Monday night for dinner, service was excellent and my meal was even better. I ordered the trout and I must say it was FANTASTIC and I would highly recommend it. My husband can never stray away from his old faith full fish and chips, they were fresh light and crispy, panko always makes for the best breaded fish. I never go here enough, so I'm putting it in the top of my list, just because the trout was that good and I know I'll crave it often!
(5)
Ruins ..

I went to this Jakes because I'd previously only been to the other Jakes and wanted to see what this one was like. I went for happy hour before a concert at the Crystal Ballroom. Great proximity to the venue. I had a cocktail which was weak and pricey. I wouldn't buy cocktails here again. I had the Cheeseburger which was flavorful and came hot and fresh. The service was spotty as the bar was busy. I would have preferred a little more attention given the volume of bartenders. The prices were extraordinarily reasonable and I ended up having too much food. I was lucky enough to meet a very interesting person who sat next to me and that made the visit worth it by itself. We chatted through our meals and talked about music and traveling. I don't talk to many strangers so if that's the caliber of people who hang out at Jake's that would be another reason to go. He was there specifically for the Crawfish and makes a point of ordering it whenever he is in town. The restaurant wasn't too noisy and it was clean. This is definitely a place to go to order seafood. You could tell by what people ordered.
(3)
Matthew B.

I had the crab cakes. Sadly enough, I've had better at almost every other restaurant in which I've ordered crab cakes. The crust didn't even have a fresh texture or taste. Disappointing.
(2)
Dave E.

Tonight was a true "five star experience" at Jake's. Food and service were exceptional. My wife and I were again in town on business, staying at the Mark Spencer hotel across the street from Jake's. We had reservations for 6:30 but arrived early, about 6:00, and were still promptly seated. We each ordered one of the great many specialty drinks - both were very nicely done and tasty (I had the Lemon Drop - quite yummy - I don't recall Anne's drink but it too was an old-fashioned recipe and also quite tasty). We did not have appetizers. For my entre, I ordered the "Chef's Recommended" Wild Oregon Petrale Sole Parmesan - delicately crispy pan-seared sole - and it was fabulous. It came with very creamy and clearly fresh mashed potatoes as well as lightly grilled green beans and carrots, also well prepared although a tad bland. The veggies could have done with a little seasoning. But the star of the plate was the sole - simply delicious. A nice touch was crispy lightly grilled salty-style capers - added a little zing. Anne had the grilled trout (which of course I had to sample multiple times!). As with the sole, fabulously prepared and delicious, cooked just right and very well seasoned so as not to overpower the flavor of the trout. It came with the same veggies I had, and instead of mashed potatoes this dish came with baked or grilled potato chunks. They were tasty but nothing spectacular. Didn't detract from the dish overall though. And as with my previous review, VAST menu, and gigantic portion sizes. The prices are a tad high, but the portion size makes up for it. Would be nice to have smaller portion sizes ("Lunch Size Plate") at a lower price, since some of us prefer not to leave stuffed, but also hate to waste food (traveling so can't box it). Our server, Scott H., was awesome. He checked on us regularly, had a nice sense of humor, and when he'd pop by and see us in conversation would simply move along and not interrupt. He was very menu-aware and in fact recommended the sole to me over another choice I considered. He made a great suggestion based on what I was looking for. Up 2 stars from last time just because of the overall terrific experience, food, and service. Dave
(5)
Dave D.

Used opentable for reservation a week prior, called confirmed day prior, arrive 30 min early planning on having drinks in bar SUPRISE NO RESERVATION After explaining that I had even called to confirm the hostess acted like she did me the favor and "found a table" we were immediately seated and not able to get our first drink order then sat at a table that litterly felt like it was in a hallway! It was right next to server station and everytime they came out I got clipped even with everyone running into me it to 27 minuets to get a glass of water / a server and 20 min more to get or drinks (that were wrong)! Another 28 min to get salads and 30 more to get main course! Other tables came in were seated and served / left in time we were there for a $300 dinner to get so so food and crap service Never again! And valet parking is a huge joke! I went and found my car parked next to a dumpster with homeless person routing through dumpster and I think my cars hood was going to be the dinner table! Happy freaking Valentine's Day to us!
(2)
Carmela L.

The menu is extensive and you would be pleased even if you were blindfolded and just pointed! The servers are always extremely attentive and the price point is not for the cost conscious but you definitely get what you pay for so you will feel it was worth it! This was my number 1 choice for Mother's Day! That speaks volumes about my opinion of this place!
(5)
Tanner B.

Let me please start off with, is this restaurant heaven? I came for my best friends grandmas birthday. I had never been here before today. I had fell in love with this restaurant. It was busy, but it didn't matter. The awesome lady serving us kept on refilling drinks. She totally rocked. Props to her. When the appetizers came, they were mind blowing. The calamari and popcorn shrimp were great and went well with the cocktail sauce. Then the food came. I ordered the Filet Mignon. It was to die for. It melted in your mouth and the taste was amazing. I plan to get dessert, for I'm writing this in between times. I totally recommend this place! It deserves more recognition than it gets now!
(5)
T R.

I've never actually had good food or good service here - but like a beat puppy I keep coming back.
(1)
ML J.

DON'T GO HERE LOOKING FOR CRAWFISH! Jake's is a solid choice if you want good service and high-quality, safe upscale dining. But they should really just remove the incredibly prominent crawfish aspect of the branding. Aside from a frozen fried crawfish tails dish and the "Jaketouffee" with mostly chicken and sausage, and a few frozen imported crawfish tails thrown in, they really don't have them. The photos on the Yelp page with the big piles of mudbugs insinuate otherwise, but man was I disappointed. Like I said, the food was decent. But not having real crawfish when your logo is a giant crawfish and the words "famous" and "crawfish" are in your name is pretty misleading.
(3)
Lydia H.

Official my first 5 star review. Not much I am going to say will sway you one way or another. Amazing food, ambience, staff, only downfall was it was a little loud and crowded. Wow just amazing. Drinks (try the berry martini) wine list is more similar to a book, appetizers were the same portions add a full meal, and the main dishes were ridiculously tasty. You will have to read another review about dessert because we were way to full. I am going to nap now from my gourmet food coma. Soooooo good.
(5)
Katie S.

Last time I was in Portland I came here and I had to come back this time! It is so good. I think happy hour from 4-6 is the best deal otherwise it can be kind of expensive. They have a decent selection of beer on tap and they have some great shareable food on happy hour. They also have a dinning room
(5)
D M.

Went to celebrate my daughters 21st birthday. She decided on the grilled salmon with dill sauce. I had prawn scampi. My dinner was good, but portion was quite small for the price. My daughters salmon was awful. It was either under cooked or extremely greasy. Worst salmon I have ever tasted. In fact the entire table tried it and all of us agreed. The price of our entrees, I would of expected so much better. I have been at this restaurant 10 years ago and was excellent. I would not go back again. Not worth the high price.
(2)
Momo B.

N'AWLINS ON 12TH AVE I had no idea this Landry's restaurant has a capacity for 300 plus, and there's not an empty seat to be found in the dining rooms during this beautiful evening. Our reservations were received like a French clock in waiting for the hour hand to strike twelve as we were seated in the room behind the bar. Our server Michael reminded us of the late great actor Rod Steiger without the hair and with glasses. Michael's table side mannerism is soundly savoir faire . Michael proceeds to take the following order for this evening: -Sour, sourdough chewy goodness -Roasted Beet -with cucumber, red onion and bleu cheese crumbles -Jake's Ã‰touffÃ©e -Crawfish, chicken, and shrimp in a rich nut brown sauce -Seafood Fettuccini - SautÃ©ed bay scallops and shrimp in a garlic cream As the food is being served we couldn't help but sit up straight to take notice of the huge portions especially the Etouffee in the cast-iron kettle. Actually there's enough food to feed our twins. It's rue was gummy, heavily saturated with flavor of seasoning with the shrimp and scallops and grainy fine like sand found in the Gulf Coast. My seafood fettuccini was creamy hot with a strong scent of butter, fresh shrimps and scallops. I could only finish half of the meal. No dessert , but we did save ourselves for a Ruby Jewel pit stop. Yes, it's part of a big restaurant chain, but the engulfing 121 years of southern nostalgia is hard not to appreciate and love.
(4)
matt s.

My wife and I ate here by pure coincidence. We were waiting for a table at another restaurant down the street and went in here for a drink. We were lucky enough to get a spot at the bar and were served delicious cocktails (this was last week and I can't remember what we ordered). After watching the food go by, we decided that we were going to forget the other place and eat here. That was the best decision we could have made. We started off with the popcorn crawfish and it was amazing. Both my wife and I just spent the whole time stuffing our faces and talking about how good it was. Then out came the main course. I had the stuffed salmon and my wife had the razor clams. Both of our meals were amazing. I don't think we talked the entire time we were eating. It was just too good. At the end of the night we were already talking about taking her parents when they come to town in the summer. This place was amazing and you owe it to yourself to at least run in for a cocktail or two. Just don't be shocked if you end up staying for dinner.
(5)
Areena M.

The experience here is nice, but it's not necessarily the best restaurant. Not bad; not stellar, but with some notable items. Sometimes I just want to hang out in a place with history and old school vibe while enjoying a good meal--this fits the bill for that. The person who compared it to Tadich Grill in SF was spot on.
(3)
Frank F.

I was just back in Portland. Went back to Jake's Famous Crawfish. (Don't confuse it with Jake's Grill, which is also quite nice, same owners, but not the same restaurant). Almost cried with happiness. Oh my lord in heaven above, how I love this place. It is similar to the Tadich Grill in San Francisco, and Musso & Frank in Hollywood. 2 or 3 deliveries of fresh seafood every day. Awesome cocktails. Just PERFECTOMUNDO. I had razor clams, fresh off the boat in season, butterflied and pounded thin, breaded and fried like fish fillets. Absolutely wonderful. I would eat that every single day. Go here.
(5)
Kyle B.

Although a little pricey, the food here is definitely worth it. I ordered the crab and shrimp stuffed halibut, and it was exquisite. My girlfriend got the sauteed shrimp scampi style which also was divine. An excellently classy place to go on a high end date, our anniversary. If you are going for the crawfish however, the only time of year is from approximately April thru October, this is fresh crawfish season. If you order crawfish outside of that time it will be frozen crawfish!
(5)
Ariel B.

My previous trip to Jakes had been one of those fancy splurge dinners, and it was delicious but far too expensive for anything less than a very special occasion. Today, however, I hit up the Happy Hour and enjoyed the prices immensely. The cranberry sangria was beautiful and anything but skimpy. The seafood and sausage gumbo was good, as we're the crab cakes, and less than $5! It was a pretty quiet affair from 3-430p, with only us and the jazz music making noise.
(5)
Olivia O.

My father-in-law took my husband and me here for dinner last Sunday night. The dining room was packed, but we managed to score a perfect three-seater table in the bar area. Our menus were laid out and dreams of lobster tails, crab legs, and oysters floated through my mind's eye. It was a difficult decision, but since someone else was paying, I went for the lobster tails. Truly they were blessed lobster tails, garnished with parsley and drawn butter. I destroyed the buttery tails in a matter of minutes, savoring each morsel of soft white meat. My husband got the the mahi-mahi steak, which is he said was meaty and filling. His father got the seafood pasta with cream sauce and it looked amazing. For dessert, we got a slice of banana cream pie, key lime pie, and a chocolate cream puff. Again, all of it was flavourful and rich. I was impressed and hoped I'd get to come back. The meal was priced reasonably for the quality. I appreciated the friendliness of the staff and the attention to detail when it came to the presentation of our food. This is great place for a high-end dinner, but still less expensive than some similar downtown restaurants, like El Gaucho and The Heathman. Thanks for the amazing dinner, Jake's.
(5)
Sun S.

Loved the food. I actually enjoyed the old school feel of the place. Yum crawfish. Try the gumbo.
(4)
Tracy T.

There are great restaurants and then there are amazing restaurants. This falls in the amazing catagory. Top notch service from the hostess, the bartender, the waiter. Now the decor isn't posh, but it was festive for the holidays. The food was just rich, and fresh. This was the most excellent dinner that my boyfriend and I have had in the last year.
(5)
Matthew G.

Besides the somewhat impatient waiter, uncomfortably old fashion feeling, extremely overpriced food, and the fact that the beer battered fish weren't actually beer battered, this is probably one of the best restaurants of all time. Simply put, we probably aren't coming back anytime soon.
(2)
Michael V.

SUPER DISAPPOINTED! It came highly recommended, so I walked nearly two miles to find out they have only one fish item on the menu for lunch. I thought this was a seafood restaurant. I will not return!
(1)
Kathryn L.

Seafood fresh off the line, delicious complimentary French bread, and a clubby atmosphere continue to keep this fantastic, classic fish restaurant in business for over a century. The three of us forgot to make reservations during the holidays, but we were still seated fairly promptly, even though it was busy. Awesome oysters and a rich, creamy pasta with bay scallops left no room for dessert. Eager to return!
(4)
David c.

Mahogany walls, vintage bar and brass. This old world Irish pub/restaurant, is a classic. (1892) Right downtown, oh, be sure to get a window booth. The food was wonderful, especially the calamari and seafood chowder. Try the banana cream pie (enough for two) The service was the best. But the Irish coffee, was, well, nothing less than perfect, especially on a very cold winters day. The go shopping, because, you will be all warm and fuzzy.
(4)
Gabe E.

I often travel to Portland for business meetings with several partners from various interior states and when they come to the northwest they always want seafood. I never hesitate to take them to Jakes and I'm never disappointed. This time around meals included Dungeness Stuffed Halibut from Alaska, Quilcene oysters from Washington, wild Ahi tuna from Hawaii and of course wine to round it out. As is the case each and every visit all plates were void of unfinished food and I got an almost embarrassing number of thank yous for picking this place. Highly recommended.
(5)
Michael O.

Service was amazing and knowledgeable. Our waitress knew the menu front to back. Would be 5 stars, but my fiance and I stopped in here to get Crawfish... that are apparently out of season. Obviously, I can't fault them for that, but it was a dissapointment.
(4)
Fred C.

After trying several restaurants over the last four days that have been highly rated by locals and are the "talk of the town", this old 120 year old standby was by far the most satisfying and the best value for money. The seafood was fresh, expertly cooked and served with professionalism and honesty that made for a wonderful last evening out in Portland. I highly recommend it.
(5)
Tamara C.

This place doesn't get much love from the cool kids, possibly because it is part of the McCormick & Schmick's chain and chains aren't cool. True, Portland is littered with awesome (non chain) happy hour options all within walking distance downtown/NW Portland and The Pearl District. But chain or not, quite frankly, Jake's has a solid happy hour food menu. A fine example of awesomeness is the regular sized cheeseburger with fries for $3.95 or the Cajun chicken sandwich, also with fries for $4.95, either is a swell deal. My burger was cooked rare, just the way I asked. We sat at the bar and received attentive service even though the place was packed and super busy. When the weather is warm, I'll come back and people watch from one of the many outside tables. Right now, it's just too cool for that.
(4)
Jesica F.

Good happy hour size. I like their fried calamari and drinks. I think it's affordable and a good place to chill with friends at night on the weekends or after work.
(3)
Ruben A.

We went here for dinner on a business trip. There were six of us, and most of the group got alcoholic beverages, i.e. mojitos, margarita, etc. They all liked theirs. Sooooo....there was nothing bad about the food here. It was fresh and cooked well. But honestly, there was little spice and taste to it. I had a cod with some kind of panko and parmesan crust, which was good, but most of the flavor came from the cheese. When I eat seafood, I prefer to taste the fish rather than the extras, breading, etc. or at least not have it over-powered. My co-worker sitting next to me had some fish too, and he said the same. It was under-whelming. Nothing gross, just bland. Place was pretty busy and service was slow, on a Wednesday night.
(3)
John O.

Enjoyed a great dinner here with my wife. Victoria was friendly, helpful and efficient on a busy Thursday night. The meal was tasty and included oysters, mussels and two seafood entrees.
(5)
Riki Y.

Absolutely amazing! Our waiter knew the menu so well and even sold the specials to members of our group that had already settled on a different plate! I had the Dungeness crab bisque. This was the best, most delicious bisque I've ever experienced yet. It was only $10 a bowl and with free sourdough bread, that's all I needed. The only criticism I'll give is the chairs were super crappy and felt cheap and unstable for my liking. The other plates offered were higher in price as would be expected from a seafood restaurant. Everybody loved their food.
(5)
Mari D.

We were hesitant to have dinner here, as we had our 1.5 year old with us on our trip; however, to our surprise, our waiter, John C. was absolutely amazing and very sweet to our daughter. He, as well as the reception staff, made us feel welcomed and found a perfect spot to park our stroller in the restaurant. We ordered the Dungeness Crab & Artichoke Dip as an appetizer, which was delicious, and the Cajun Chicken & Shrimp Fettuccini and Seafood Fettuccini, which were perfect! John C. brought our daughter some ice cream as a special treat and a plush crab named Jake (appropriately). The drinks, our food, and the service were amazing and this is definitely a spot we'll be returning to on our next trip to Portland!
(5)
Bunny B.

This place is so good!!!! Blue plate special for lunch was the best deal I've ever had. Great value, good sized portion, rock fish was cooked to perfection along with great tasting mashed potatoes and asparagus. Love this place. I will be back!!!
(5)
Jen F.

Maybe the expectations here were too high given the $$$ prices, but I have to say, this meal was not worth it. I'm surprised by all the four and five star reviews. Maybe my coworkers and I didn't order the right things, but none of us were impressed by our meals. We all ordered some type of fish (it is a seafood restaurant afterall). I ordered a rockfish which was alright, but kind of overcooked and lacking flavor even though it was drowning (no pun intended) in some sauce. The rest of my coworker's fish entrees- salmon, the nut crusted halibut, some other fish I don't remember- just weren't impressive. It was the same quality meal you would expect from somewhere at half the price. Heck, I've had much better for half the price. If I'm paying $40-50 for a piece of fish, it should be awesome. The service is okay although our waitress was a bit pushy. The sourdough bread was a little weird in texture.
(2)
Maren M.

Not the smartest decision to eat here given I am allergic to shellfish. Place was lacking fresh air and it made me feel very ill. The food I did eat was okay but I ended up having a reaction and needing Benadryl. I did alert them of my allergy so... :( I only ended up here because that is where my group decided on. I will not return.
(2)
John L.

Best Happy Hour in Portland, they are full meals in themselves. Good drinks, good food. Love the seafood
(5)
Nick H.

Very high-volume, tourist-oriented restaurant. Lots of kitschy stuff on the walls. Friendly and efficient service, good food, fairly expensive. Giant menu. Four stars for an excellent example of this class of restaurant.
(4)
Bho H.

Great lunch prices, bar is excellent and Pete was very charasmatic and gave us awesome service. Nice to feel so welcomed. Food was delicious and prices were perfect. Definitely make this a stop while in Portland!
(5)
Terry D.

Great restaurant. From the custom menu celebrating our anniversary to the three berry cobbler, everything was great. We had the Crab & Artichoke dip, Twin Lobster tails, Dungeness sautÃ© and Oregon Three Berry Cobbler.
(5)
Kyle B.

Best seafood restaurant I have ever eaten at. The food is impeccable and would without a doubt eat there again. The only reason I'm knocking off one star is I'm not wild about the decor and the seating is a bit uncomfortable. I'm sure they are going for a historic feel given that the restaurant is a Portland institution but it just wasn't for me. Without a doubt would recommend this place to a friend.
(4)
Leah H.

My dinner at Jake's was quite possibly the worst meal I've had in my life. Comparing my experience to the reviews, I feel like I'm being punk'd...but it was all just really really really bad. All of the food looks about the same; some type of seafood + starch + bland steamed vegetables. The abomination on my plate had the most unpalatable sauce I've put in my mouth. It tasted like some sort of vomit/garbage cream sauce? My dining companions also had terrible dishes although potentially not as much as the horrifying brown slop on my plate. And then there is the price! $40 plates and I can't even get a vegetable paired to go well with my dish? No seasoning? Just overcooked bland steamed beans? EUUCCCHH. I got about 1.5 bites through my plate. When the waiter stopped by he simply asked me if I needed a box. I declined and so he brought the bill. I would have given Jake's a shred more credit if they had offered to remove the meal from the bill. But no. Oh well, at least I was not paying.
(1)
Gio A.

My wife and I have been wanting to come here since we moved to the area over a year ago. We were not disappointed! The calamari were huge and cooked to perfection. Our entrÃ©es were both excellent and our server was very nice. Overall we were completely satisfied. Looking forward to going back again soon!
(5)
Greg S.

Very nice lunch with very good service. I've eaten here a couple of times many years ago and they still do a wonderful job.
(4)
Vama H.

Good seafood, good ambience and friendly staff. We go to jakes mostly for their bread, mussels and clams. They do a nice job plus they are very accommodating to adding/removing ingredients. Their soups are pretty good too.
(4)
Dallas K.

We came here because my boyfriend wanted to experience a popular Portland restaurant with rave reviews. I was really hoping to try their happy hour menu because it featured items there that aren't available on their standard menu. Sadly, happy hour menu was unavailable the day we chose to dine. Fair enough. I really scoured the standard menu up & down. It was mostly ala carte for a high price. We have expensive restaurants in Vancouver, Canada like this but I'm not a fan. I didn't want to pay more for cheap vegetables. We did begin placing an order.... long story short, I had a misunderstanding with my boyfriend and revoked my order. I needed time to reconsider so he just ordered his appetizer. I got confused about something so I asked the server for more time. I'm not sure if he was just old and deaf or really condescending, but he kept acting bewildered that I would do such a thing, as if I was harming his wallet. Yeah-hmmm. He gave me another 10 minutes to see if I was ready and by then my nerves were shot. My boyfriend chimed in on my behalf and the server may as well have puked up his scoffing on my lap. He rolled his eyes and stormed off. Rather speedy for this elderly man whose demeanour, at first, was quite gentle and soft. Snobbery - at its finest! I certainly felt embarassed and undervalued as a customer. Apparently, I was not welcome at this restaurant unless I was willing to throw money at our server. Want money thrown at you?? Go work at a geriatrics facility with stripper poles. My boyfriend ate his appetizer and cancelled the remainder of his order. We paid our bill, he still gave a good, undeserving tip [which surprised our server], and we left the restaurant. My boyfriend mentioned, after we left, that even he got a few bad stares while we were inside. As travellers, and with me coming down with a nasty head cold, we dressed casual. Not ugly or offensive; just jeans/leggings and t-shirt casual. We totally experienced a Pretty Woman moment. I may not have been having a good night, personally, but your behaviour was unwarranted and appalling. This is the most disgusting service I've ever encountered from a so-called upscale, classy restaurant. Ever. ----- Dress nice and have your wallet open before you enter.
(1)
Tom T.

Last weekend, my wife and I had a very nice evening out at Jake's. Started in the bar with some mussels and drinks. My wife asked the bartender for something new to try. After a few questions from him to set the direction, he prepared a pear brandy Sidecar. Pear brandy from Hood River. Fresh lemon, she loved it. Then to the dining room for salmon and steelhead. Scott, our waiter, was wonderful, and I asked for some recommendations. He was spot on with some wine and entrees. (Thanks Scott!). Note: we always like to try new things and get recommendations when we travel. Always fun. People say it is expensive. Yes, it is a nice place with very good service. We were willing to pay that. So were a bunch of other folks that night. Thanks Jake's folks!
(5)
Tai F.

My cousin was so very excited to have an excuse to come to this restaurant for lunch. She said it's some of the best seafood in Portland and the expensive prices are a little more manageable in the afternoon. I'm in, I love seafood. The waiter we had was so pleasant the entire time. And funny. And very good at keeping my water glass full. I'm sure I've told you guys this before but just in case, I drink a lot of water and I can definitely see how it would be annoying to wait on me and constantly be refilling my water. I feel dat hurt, bro. But, this guy did a great job and he did it with a smile. Kudos. Side note: When I was visiting my brother in NC he made me this incredible trout dinner. I'm telling you I was simply possessed by this trout. I usually prefer my fish raw and salmon tends to be the only fish I eat cooked but this trout really turned things around for me. Things got so intense with my brother's trout I was eating it right out of the skillet with my hands. Seriously. Point being, I ordered trout at Jake's. Ever since my first sensational trout experience I've been keeping my eye peeled for more. I was ecstatic to get on this. Now before you start swirling vicious rumors, I did like the trout at Jake's. So let's not get ahead of ourselves. It was good. But not standing over the stove eating it with my hands good. I think the main difference was my brother's trout was a steelhead and it seems this was not. I still liked it but I didn't have a euphoric trout moment. sort of sad really. This trout was in a beurre blanc sauce with almonds. There was potatoes and asparagus on the side. The first bite was so disappointing because I wanted steelhead (apparently). But, thankfully, all subsequent bites were very tasty. After I adjusted my fishy expectations this was still very, very tasty. Different but definitely tasty. I really enjoyed the beurre blanc and the subtlety of the almonds matched perfectly with the clean taste of the fish. It's a dish I recommend. Jake's is snazzy. It's sort of big band-ish and classy. I can dig that. I like me a fun joint. I would for sure come back. I'd probably still do it for lunch. Even though I didn't see the check, I know that my fish was like $18 on its own. Not a cheap meal. But, you get what you pay for and Jake's is a stand up establishment.
(4)
Banty P.

Before this week, here is what my review of Jake's would've looked like: "Jake's: It's food." I work in the Pearl for a well-known caustics laboratory and frequent many restaurants in the area. Jake's was never the Crazy Uncle or the Admired Grandparent but it was the Old Reliable Aunt. You got a big meal, never ambitious or novel but generally executed well, at a price that was neither cheap nor expensive. I don't like my own blood but I know it's there. Jake's was that kind of blood. Not the scary kind. Not the kind that is thicker than water or the subject of country songs. Jake's was breathing. Not the yoga kind or the kind dignified with "first" or "last". It was a positive that never wants to know that its world is flat. Obligatory fresh seafood line: The ocean is a ginormous place full of organisms that taste good. If you set the Earth ablaze through non-nuclear war and set our oceans boiling, you would have a delicious soup on your hands that could feed the hungry to days. Too bad everybody would be dead on the shores. Whatever. The menu at Jake's goes to great pains to showcase its fishiness and the many places these living ingredients come from. Do you like Idaho? That's the only thing about the "Trout." It's trout from Idaho. Take that, Dubliners! Jake's: It's food. I never found so much there that I thought I could lose it. But I did. And now Jake's must pay. As I said, I work for a lumberyard embarrassed by chickens. Yesterday, I went to Jake's with a large party of co-workers, some friendly, some not. We were all hungry and ready to rock. There may even have been drinks in mind. Jake's was chosen as a convenient option that no one minded. We were seated at this giant table by the window and got ready to order. We talked about a lot of things. Including me. Our server came by and we got beverages. Including some drinks. And then ... we waited. The strength of Jake's has always been its reliability. The food will never surprise you, for better or worse. The place isn't exactly comforting, but there's nothing wrong with it. it will neither improve nor decline your day. That's why I was completely stunned when, over an hour after we were seated, our food still hadn't materialized. Maybe it was because the server took forever to take our order. Maybe it was because we had made a joke to him about a personal gaming console and SOME PEOPLE DESPISE THAT WAY OF LIFE. Regardless, a lunch that should've been about the path of zero resistance and raising none of my physiological signals above a steady blip turned into a gigantic pain. A wait that never ended. A truth that didn't know how to prosper. The whole place had cleared out--we're now pushing 3PM here--and my party was still waiting there like jerks. Finally, someone made that peremptory whistle noise and said "Sir?" in the context of a story about another restaurant. Basically we had been there so long we had forgotten where we were or why we were there. I guess that takes Jake's back to its most basic form of identity that I was describing but only in the same way that death is the same thing as birth, which it isn't. The waiter couldn't help but perk up, saunter over, and tell us that our food was ready and would be out in a second. So many questions: Was it us? Had our food really just been ready at the moment we inadvertently flagged him down? What is wrong with some people? Where else could we have gone instead? Is the owner going to leave a bitchy comment on this review? The waiter? Why did he actively avoid us before that crucial moment? Is the X-Box really that polarizing? Most of all, why never even check up on us to say "this is taking a while, I'm sorry?" I guess that's not the Jake's way. To be seen, heard, or otherwise affect the customer, is not what they do. I have so much to learn about the Northwest. Or maybe my work-friends and I are all just reprehensible, loud, tasteless slobs not worthy of the warm caress of Jake's on a Friday afternoon. Oh and my side of pasta was too garlicky. Jake's, I'm sorry change is so hard. I'll probably give you another try. But once your Aunt asks you for money and drives drunk into a golf course, it's hard to look at her the same way.
(3)
Holly L.

Jake's was fantastic as always! Had the stuffed salmon and dessert trio. Can't go wrong with either one. Jake's is a great date night destination!
(5)
Saithong W.

Best late night happy hour in Portland.
(5)
Tarik A.

For the price, I expected high quality ingredients and preparation. We got neither. Ordered a filet mignon with garlic mashed potatoes and an iceburg chop salad. Everything was bland and made with average grade ingredients. The place has the trappings of quality, but the food just doesn't back it up.
(2)
William O.

It pains me to only give this place three stars, but there is reason behind my insanity. The fact is that, on my recent trip to Portland, I only stopped in on this place for a drink on my way elsewhere. Really, I was only there for about fifteen minutes. However, if you want to take the fact that I still felt compelled to review Jake's as a good sign, then you have my complete support. What a great vibe. The place is decorated beautifully. Bar beautiful. Which is the most special kind of beautiful. All around you are pictures and pictures of famous local and national personae who've stopped in for dinner and a drink, and curiously located among them are pictures of servicemen and women, which is a very nice, very honorable touch. The bar is absolutely LOADED, and when I got there (it was still quite early), I was able to witness the bartender prepping all sorts of garnishes for the day of drink orders he'd soon have to prepare. What does this tell me? That the gentlemen knew his stuff, that he was prepping things I'd never even seen before because his crowd knows what it wants and he has to know how to prep it all. There was also something really special about what everyone was wearing. Despite the casual, almost divey feel the place affected, the staff was dressed in nicely-pressed long-sleeved white shirts. I almost felt like the bartender's name should've been "Jeeves." I don't know. I totally dug this. I felt the age, the tradition, which seeped through wonderfully. This was a great sign. I really wish I could've visited again. Next time, Jake's... Next time. Screw it, I changed my mind as I was reading my post back to myself. Four stars! The feel was just too much.
(4)
Dominique B.

Really well seasoned food. Reasonable priced. It was my first time in Portland and thisbplace came highly recommended for seafood. I wasn't disappointed
(3)
Paul L.

This has thee hands down best happy hour in town. This is the place I will always end my nights at when I'm in Portland. Great food at unbeatable prices during happy hour. It's very cozy so get ready to squeeze in at a table with friends because its always full from my experiences.
(5)
Ibrahim C.

One of the best seafood restaurant i have ever been to. Great food and service. Make sure you try their Calamari plate! Little bit pricey but quality doesn't come cheap guess.
(5)
Ben K.

To be honest, the food wasn't too great... I got the chef's special, which was a whopping $38 dollars for the horseradish crusted salmon, and I was quite unimpressed. However, the service was absolutely fabulous; we had an incredible waitress, a woman whose name I am unable to recall, and she was just a complete delight! I believe she warrants a 5/5 star review; however, due to the quality of the food, I needed to rein in my rating.
(3)
Darren B.

I can only speak for the atmosphere (classy old school/old world vibe, check out Bogart's booth), the service (excellent, one of the best waitresses I've ever had, thank you Monica!), and the banana cream pie (fresh, and indulgent, I felt like I was just taking in fork fulls of sugar, but it's good to do every once in a while, right). I've heard the crawfish was great too. I'd definitely come back.
(4)
Janet R.

fabulous happy hour, great ambiance, especially that old bar and wonderful dining. had the horseradish crusted steelhead - melt in your mouth heaven!!
(5)
Helen A.

We stumbled upon this place by accident . We had the best waiter. First helped us order wine and then with the meal. I ordered the pacific salmon which was delicious .. I can't wait to try jakes trio dessert .. This place has been around 122 years
(5)
Chrysanthemum A.

Jake's Famous Crawfish has a vintage feel. There are black&white pictures of its famous patrons, old Oregon memorabilia. While it feels part of the past, the menu is very much up to date. It's the perfect place for fish on Fridays. The tomato&shrimp-topped steelhead is luxurious. Who needs surf&turf when the surf is sufficient? The chocolate bag is such a decadent dessert that it can definitely be shared. It's a relaxed and relaxing place, perfect for a night on the town!
(5)
Man E.

Food, Atmosphere, staff all great. While visiting for the weekend we stopped in last Saturday late afternoon. Cozy bar, great menu, friendly helpful staff all provided a great experience. The Petrale Sole Parmesan was incredible. The
(5)
Jb B.

Great spot to take out of town guest for business dinner or for those in town for a long weekend. Good variety and good food.
(3)
Ann B.

Briefly put: I ordered the salmon and halibut saute. I ate half and the server boxed up the remainder. The next morning, the contents of the box became my dog's breakfast. Ten years ago, this was one of my favorite restaurants. So very sad.
(1)
Bob T.

Been dining here for 35+ years and Jakes's never fails to impress. Brought my wife, daughter and son in law for birthday celebrations. They even printed the menu wishing my wife a happy birthday. Food was perfect, cocktails were great and service was excellent (server Corin? Did a great job). We now live in California and miss this place. Hopefully the new owners (Landry's) will leave you guys alone. One of the top 10 restaurants in the country!
(5)
Polly P.

Jake's has never disappointed me so far. It has one of the best Happy Hour in town. We were there for the late night HH, and you really do get the bang for your buck from the HH menu. We ordered couple of oyster shooters, steamed mussels, chicken quesadilla, sushi roll and fish tacos. It was a lot of food for 2 people, the food portions were really generous but we did work up an appetite from the gym. :) And also, oh!dear, we couldn't resist the Oregon 3 Berry Cobbler with ice-cream on top of it, and we did share this with two other friends. It was that big of a dessert. The cobbler was so yummy. The berry filling was delicious. It was not loaded with sugar, which would have done the berries injustice, and the pie crust, I loved the pie crust. I literally scraped the edges of the crust off the dish with my teeth. And finally, I do have to give accolade to the staff. They were really friendly and funny, and made our late night experience even more enjoyable.
(5)
Julia L.

My husband is a seafood aficionado. He loves all things fish and especially loves the delicacies that are seasonal and unusual, such as shad roe and razor clams. So when we came to visit family in Eugene and took a special night in Portland on the way out of town we decided on a search for Razor Clams. I had recently had the most delicious razor clams at the Hayes Street Grill in SF, sautÃ©ed in oil and garlic and very tender. So on a mission today we found Jakes Famous Crawfish in the heart of razor clams, the great northwest. The service was great and the wine wonderful as it usually is, but the clams were a huge disappointment. There was more breading than clam and they were beaten to submission like a chicken thigh flattened for chicken Parmesan. I only write this in the spirit of my loyalty and love for McCormick and Schmidt and their goal for continued excellence. The razor clam should be treated with more respect and love as the delicacy it is and I would like to suggest to the chefs that cook them in all restaurants to consider the subject and other ways of cooking instead of throwing it into a pan covered in panko breading and frying it until you don't know what it is you are eating.
(2)
Jennifer D.

Always fantastic. We wound up here after an awful experience at another restaurant. Everyone from the valet to the host to the server was professional and super warm and helpful. I had the Ahi and it was delicious. My husband loved the Ã©touffÃ©e and my parents loved the cod and sole. There is a reason why this restaurant has been here so long, wonderful job!
(5)
Mac U.

Well, I've only been here once. The restaurant was noisy, the seafood was undercooked, and I threw up before I could make it out to the car in the parking lot. Never again!
(1)
M W.

There are SO many reivews on here, so I'll try to keep this short and to the point. My boyfriend and I traveled up to Portland from Eugene and wanted to go somewhere nice to eat. I had known about this place from friends but it always seemed pricey. We decided to go here just to try it out after finding out they had a happy hour menu. And let me tell you, it is a GREAT happy hour menu. It's cheap and the food was SO good. I never thought about ordering pork potstickers at a seafood restaurant, but I really mean it when I say they were the best potstickers I have ever ate. We also got fish tacos (also awesome) and margaritas. When happy hour ended we decided to order dinner, because at this point, we said screw the price. My boyfriend ordered a steak, which the waitress recommended, she talked him out of a $40 steak for a cheaper one. We were confused about that at first, assuming she would want the bill to be higher for a better tip, but the steak he got... SO good. She knew what she was talking about. He also added shrimp and I nearly ate every single one of them after having one bite because they were sooo delicious. I got crab cakes for my dinner, also GREAT. I left this place so stuffed and had no regrets about spending $100+ on a meal. It's up on the list as one of my all time favorite restaurants.
(5)
Regenia B.

I went to Jake's 12 years ago, and remember it being amazing. I came back for a special occasion, and was totally unimpressed. They put us at a table in front of a high trafic spot. Didn't cook the steak right, and I paid $300! I went to another resturaunt in town that was $100 that blew my socks off! I have to say the waiter was great and on it! The cooks are not like they use to be. The food is average!
(3)
Marj Q.

Food was great, server was very attentive. Would be a regular if I were a Portland local.
(5)
Greg S.

WARNING - Yelp Complaint Included: Three stars for the historic surroundings and atmosphere. But.....the fish was overcooked; the waitress seemed a bit rude and grumpy (like she would rather be doing something else), and gobs of butter were thrown on everything. I have been harassed by the Yelp web site for months to write this review since I made this reservation on-line (OpenTable) through the direct link on Yelp and everyone is watching everyone and I assume there is some relationship between Yelp and OpenTable. I don't like wasting my time on meaningless reviews (I like to get the word out on great eats and warnings on horrible eats, but this place was one I would prefer to just not waste my time on). Again, the historic bit is great; just like eating in one of the historic taverns in Williamsburg; but just like them, the food is just nothing special. OK Yelp, are you going to stop bugging me for reviews from OpenTable reservations or should I just start making reservations the old fashioned way????
(3)
Richard J.

I've had the opportunity to have both Jake's happy hour menu and dinner menu. Both of which are incredibly delicious. Jake's has been around for a very long time in Portland, and it's no wonder. It's truly a Portland gem. If you are either here for happy hour or a regular meal, I highly recommend getting the garlic and butter clams/mussels. These are probably the best clams/mussels I have had. Also, their wide selection of cajun inspired foods have a bit of a kick to them and most of their seafood has a great deal of garlic. I love going to Jake's whenever I get the chance to visit home in Portland, you will not regret giving it a try!
(5)
Frank R.

Wow. Special experience. Went in for a beer and crawfish. Beer took about 15 min and then after a few rude interactions with the overwhelmed waitress, it turned out that crawfish didn't make Saturdays menu. Maybe unfair to rate since we didn't have food, but how do you not have "your world famous" dish on the menu?
(2)
Chase L.

Good food...nice old school atmosphere. Very helpful and professional staff. Service was a little slow the night I dined.
(4)
Derika L.

The chicken and prawn fettuccine was delicious and the hot buttered rum definitely warmed me up but wasn't very happy with being stuck in the farthest back corner where I was usually bypassed by the waitstaff.
(3)
Ed J.

I have been wanting to try out Jake's for a long time. I wish I had gone earlier because I had been missing out. No real need to spout of some long lengthy blathering about this place. Just go there. The second you walk out of their door you'll be looking forward to the next time you go back.
(5)
Joey Y.

BEST HAPPY HOUR. EVER. I go here on Fridays for their happy hour meals (it starts at 10). Great, great food for low, low prices. You have to come earlier than 10 to save seats for your party but it's definitely worth the price and taste.
(4)
Sita P.

My go to happy hour place. The food will not wow you, but it is at a great price. The bar side fills up pretty fast, so be prepared to wait around for a bit, and don't go in too large a group unless you don't mind getting slit up.
(4)
Eric t.

Its a solid meal of Northwest seafood (or northwest inspired seafood), and a quintessential "old school" vibe in the Rose City. The waitstaff was pretty friendly. The clam chowder was pretty humdrum, but the salmon dishes weren't bad at all. and the sauces were their highlights of most of the dishes we had. Mine had some chanterrelles and a cream sauce, not bad at all. Is it mindblowing? No. But it kind of represents a lot of portland history and a sense of the NW scene of the 1980s era. The prices were high for what it was though.
(3)
Dan W.

Great food, great service. The seafood is always top notch, but...You must try the, all too often overlooked, Liver and Onions!
(4)
Austin H.

Great place for seafood. I've been here a few times now with coworkers when I'm in Seattle and we've never been disappointed. It's a classic establishment with experienced servers to give you an enjoyable dining experience. The plank grilled salmon with horseradish crust is awesome. Fresh oysters on the half shell are always good. Last time I was there we had the banana cream pie for dessert and it was reaaaallllly good. Must try if you like bananas!
(4)
Ronald A.

In our office we celebrate each employee's birthday with a nice lunch out that includes everyone in the office. This past week found us at Jake's for lunch. We made reservations ahead of time, told them it was a birthday lunch and our menus had been specially printed with the birthday girl's name at the top. We had a wonderful meal. From salmon to fettuchini to catfish to halibut, each dish was wonderfully presented, warm and prepared perfectly. It was a wonderful meal. I thought Jake's was a bit worn out the last time we had been there. It must have been a bad day; we will happily go again.
(4)
Megan L.

OMG!!! Talk about a lovely and amazing seafood dinner!!!! So we started with the calamari appetizer....we should have ordered two! It disappeared as fast at it showed up!!! I was very lucky enough to have dinner and then someone else's left over. I had the shrimp scampi with enormous prawns! It was so amazing! Then my brother couldn't finish his crab cakes so I had that the next day for lunch. Mmmmmmm! Then, even though I was a bit full I had read all about the Chocolate bag so I had to get it. Holy crap it was Amaze-ING! But you will have to share, it is huge! Our waitress, Susan, was great, the drinks never got low and she checked in often. She even brought my friend another drink after she spilled her's reaching for the butter. that was very cool. This place is old school and that is apparent with all the wood and the details. It has been around for quite some time. Come in and enjoy. I will be back!
(5)
John C.

I have been a regular at Jake's for several years when visiting Portland. I used to love this place but something has changed. I usually get the horseradish crusted salmon. Something has changed there was virtually no taste, it was bland. Maybe I am picky. The prices seemed to have escalated or I am stuck in 1999 prices. The Happy Hour looks like a decent deal. The servers I think are all pleasant as well. The place has some good qualities. But the value and quality have sunk a little.
(2)
Mila H.

Stopped here for lunch about a week ago, and we were happy we did. Loved the old-school atmosphere. I had the seafood fettuccini which actually arrived at the table HOT - yay! Good flavor, and the scallops and shrimp were well cooked. My brother had the salmon, and said it was very tasty. We opted for dessert (which we normally forgo), and were quite happy with the simple but well made creme brÃ»lÃ©e. The service is attentive but not pushy. We will definitely be back.
(4)
Vince D.

Pretty touristy, but when the food is this good it doesn't matter. The staff was super cool, too. They pride themselves on great customer service and it shows. On the food front I'm just gonna report on one item, the Salmon & Dungeoness Crab Chowder. Wow, this blew me away. I literally just drooled on my keyboard while writing this. Okay two items, the Crawfish Linguine w/ Creole sauce was great too. Jake, I want to dine with you again then curl up in one of your giant booths and take a nap.
(5)
Bend M.

Whenever I visit Portland I always try to eat at Jake's. The variety and quality of the seafood is excellent and offers some quality meats for those of that persuasion. Service is very good as well as the wine list and cocktails. It is best to make reservations as this place is always popular and lively.
(4)
Rick J.

Very nicely done Jakes. Took my girl there for the first time and she loved the drinks, food, and ambience of the place. Still a consistent favorite. Price, expensive about $160.00 with tip for two without wine but a couple of drinks. If you are a cheapass maybe not for you. Looking forward to some crawfish when they arrive in April.
(5)
Jessi S.

Go for happy hour! Super cheap and extremely tasty food! I tried the chilled crawfish. They are fantastic. Everything that was brought to the table was decent portions and very well done. Prices for happy hour ranged from $2 to $5. You can get a great meal for cheap.
(4)
Robert M.

Great Oysters! Fantastic Happy Hour! Staff is professional, nice place, I would recommend Jake's to any friend o' mine
(4)
Michael M.

Great place to chow down on a helping of crawfish. Took my mom here and she loved it. The meal was excellent and the dessert was to die for. Site would not allow me to add photos here so I have placed a couple in my profile of the above noted menu items, have a look!
(5)
Sean T.

To keep it simple, my experience was good with a little help from Lady Luck. As my friend and I walked into Jake's, we were immediately sat and greeted by our waitress. She was very nice even though after greeting us, we had a hard time finding her when we wanted to order. When we finally ordered, we had the shrimp & crab cakes and the spiced chilled crawfish as appetizers. I don't know, but the crawfish was not what I expected and it was actually kind of a pain to eat. The crabcake was delicious though so I definitely recommend it. My only issue with the restaurant is that the prices seem to be a little over what their true fair price would be. Average entree runs in the mid $20s to $30s even though there were 2 or 3 that were priced in the teens. But when you have so many other delicious choices such as the horseradish-crusted salmon, who in their right mind would go for the fish & chips? But once again, you end up spending a little over $100 just to have a basic 2 entree with app. type of meal. So definitely go to Jake's if you want some delicious seafood but also aren't shy about spending money on food.
(4)
Chelsea G.

When my husband and I honeymooned in Newport, OR, we spent a night in Portland before heading back to Seattle, selected Jake's for dinner and ended up dropping $300 on food and drinks. It was wonderful. Appetizers: 2 dozen oysters Entree's: crab stuffed salmon and 22 oz. ribeye covered in etouffee Dessert: 3 berry cobbler and banana cream pie Drinks: countless Chopin vodka tonics o.O I think our waitress started getting a little concerned when my husband stood up in his chair to address the restaurant and gave a short toast in honor of our newlywed status. We left her a big tip. We'll have to go back on our anniversary to repeat the process (minus the drunken toast, of course).
(4)
Joshua C.

Ever walk into Costco or TJ's hungry? After finishing our double (and procuring a table in the bar area) we were starving. Waitress: What can I get for you tonight? Just Three of Us: We'll take a Cajun Chicken Sandwich, Cheeseburger, Salmon Cakes, Curry Steamer Clams, Seafood Gumbo, Garlic Steamed Mussels, and Fried Calamari Waitress: You know the portions are... Us: Yeah, and actually can we also get a half dozen of the Goose Point Oysters on the half shell. Two hours, a Sangria, a lot of water, and a table full of empty plates later I determined that Happy Hour at Jake's was indeed, "happy" - not to mention delicious, cheap, and filling enough that it's almost a must visit the next time we have out of town guests (or the next time my coworkers and I miss our shift meal).
(4)
Michelle B.

We were in Portland last Summer visiting for a few days and stopped by Jake's one night and were seated right away at a sidewalk table on a beautiful, cool NW Summer evening. We gorged ourselves on steamed clams, calamari, crab cakes and yummy wine. It was such a nice evening, part of a wonderful vacation and a very special memory. Now, one year later, we live in Portland (as of a month ago) and have been dying to go back to Jake's. My folks were coming to visit so we decided to take them there, honestly I was a little worried that it wouldn't live up to our memory! It was a Saturday night and we had made reservations, luckily since it was busy, but they seemed to be accommodating walk ins pretty easily and they have a very nice bar where you can wait. As the other reviewers have mentioned, the decor is a little stale, sort of "men's club"-esque but certainly nice enough. But you don't go to Jake's for the decor.... you go for the fish. As well you should, because it is amazing! We are a close knit family so everyone gets to try everyone else's meal and there was not a dog in the bunch. The fish and chips were very good. Flaky white fish, crispy panko breading. We also had the Horseradish and Parmesan encrusted Salmon.... delicious. The crab and shrimp cakes were to die for and the servings were huge (3 cakes!) and Crab and Cheese stuffed Salmon was also without a flaw. My only complaint was that the restaurant was busy so it was loud but that's what you get for going to one of the city's most beloved restaurants at 8pm on a Saturday. Certainly not their fault! Jake's is a little spendy in our world, each entree was in the $25 range, and we also had some apps and wine but the evening was thoroughly enjoyable and worth every penny. We will be back.... many many times.
(5)
Dan H.

Let me start this out by saying this is for Jake's Happy Hour. I've never actually eaten there when the regular people eat there as I can't really justify spending that kind of money on a meal at this time. JAKE'S HAPPY HOUR KICKS ASS. Let me say that again. JAKE'S HAPPY HOUR KICKS ASS. Sorry for the yelling, but I needed to get that out. If you could shine a light on this review from the mighty heavens (I am not a religious person), whatever that means, it would point you to the fact that Jake's has a pretty amazing happy hour. Actually they have 2 happy hours, but that is pretty common in this town. True, Jakes is part of the Mccormick and Schmicks restaurant empire, but do not despair. They have $1.95 menu items. No, you didn't read that incorrectly. For 195 pennies you can get 6 or 7 different menu items. From a burger and fries to sashimi grade tuna rolls. Come on. You can find 195 pennies underneath your couch cushions. If not, check under the floor mats in your car. True, you do have to purchase a drink, but the kick is it doesn't have to be a drink drink. Personally I think their regular drink menu is spendy and their beer menu is mediocre at best. Other menu items are $2.95 and $4.95. Still both good deals when you consider the amount of food and quality (mostly top notch) that you are getting. One never gets to say the word notch enough. Notch. So, there it is. A good deal on good food during these difficult economic times.
(5)
Vida D.

The moment my plane touched down, and we left the airport bar I reminded my friend that I wanted seafood while I was in Portland. We went to breakfast Saturday morning and passed Jake's and made a mental note that this is where we were going to be eating. We had my favorite escargot for an appetizer along with steamed clams. Delicious. I had the pan fried oysters with garlic mash and green beans. The Oysters we're awesome! The mash tasty. The green beans flash cooked and still raw with very little flavoring. Our server recommended taking them home and re-heating them, that's how she enjoys them. My friend had stuffed halibut, along with a side of stuffed shrimp, again we cannot complain. The seating was tight, and it was busy and halloween night so the service left a tiny bit to be desired. I will definitely go back when I'm in Portland again so I can continue on down the menu. New menu every day with all of the information of where the seafood was flown in from fresh at the top. It left me with a smile.
(4)
Vic V.

Dennis is my friend from Springfield, Missouri. He introduced us to Jakes. He introduces us to a lot of GREAT restaurants. Dennis is one of those high energy guys that just can't help making you laugh. He's like a deep down happier version of David Letterman. If he was younger he'd be like Conan. Anyway Dennis enters a city and manages to root out the best of the best restaurants. He came to Portland in 1991 and discovered Jakes for us. Jakes has been our Go To Restaurant for the best Seafood in the city, and possibly anywhere. We always go at lunch to save a few bucks. After all we're poor urban dwellers that don't live in The Pearl, but in inner Southeast! We still manage to spend around $50, but that's because the desserts are so incredible. Basically, the menu changes daily here. Ask the super helpful waiters for their recommendation. They KNOW what's good. Let's just say we've always tipped them very well because they do not lead us astray ever. I usually start with their clam or seafood chowder, sometimes a crisp fresh Caesar Salad. They have one of the best Chowders in the Pacific Northwest. Our new appetizer favorite are the steamers. Fresh clams in a super delicious broth. Their clam nectar broth is practically a course on its own. I love their seared Tunas and Ahi's. Perfectly grilled on the outside and melt in your mouth on the inside. Kathy loves their seafood futtuccini's. And dessert. All I can say is WOW. I think you need to save room for the Fruit and Mousse in a chocolate dessert bag. If we're too full, we still have to order it to go. It is Da Bom! Hands down, Jakes is the best seafood restaurant in Portland!
(5)
Tutti C.

Mmmm... Originally got a recommendation from my coworker. This place is exceptional! Everything was so good but the service was the most impressive. Our waitress was super friendly and very helpful. She gave us very honest feedback on our selections. I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. The clam chowder has a lot of clams! What clam chowder is supposed to taste like. And the Seafood Newburg, drooool, so good. And the truffle cake is something you should try no matter how full you are. It gets very busy come dinner time, especially during the holidays with all the fams and whatnot. I came around 5 so I got lucky and got seated right away.
(5)
Ika M.

The insides of this place really transports you back in time. We stopped here for brunch and didn't have any seafood, so even their regular entrees are decent. Beware there's a lot of fried foods so if you're picky about oils and whatnot, this is probably not the place for you. However, the portions are HUGE so more than enough to sample and share!
(3)
Jack F.

Jake's "Famous" Crawfish is known and touted as one of Portland's best seafood restaurant. Some will go as far to say one of the best in the nation. But just because something is expensive, doesn't mean that it's better restaurant. The reputation overshadows the actual quality of the food - salty, heavy, overwhelming. The desire to feature fresh seafood is forgotten in a bath of cream and butter. The crab tortellini was so salty that it became bitter. The rockfish had hints of donut batter (a slight vanilla flavor). Maybe I should have opted for something beyond the mid-range entrees but I'm afraid that it would just be wasting money. The silver lining of the meal was our waitress - friendly, knowledgeable, and honest. When asked about the Ã©touffÃ©e, she said that it was good but the ingredients were frozen (crawfish is currently out of season). It's one of rare times I actually told the waitress what I thought about the dish and she offered to have the kitchen prepare the entree again - even as a take-out. It's also one of the rare instances where I left a 20% tip. Bottomline: Needless to say, I wasn't terribly impressed. I know that I've experience better seafood restaurants elsewhere. I'm certain that you can find equally amazing seafood restaurants in Portland at a fraction of the price. I'll agree that Jake's is probably an ideal venue for puffery and celebratory meals. As a foodie tourist, on the other hand, Jake's would rank among the last places I'd recommend because the price-value-experience ratio isn't on par. [Original Visit: December 17, 2010] Follow-up: We left the crab tortellini in the hotel refrigerator. Despite being cold, the second batch ended up fairly decent. But I still think that there are better seafood restaurants elsewhere. And, I still think that Jake's is overpriced. [Last Visit: December 18, 2010] Death by PDX - An Extended Weekend of Eating #2.
(2)
Mandy B.

Don't get the crawfish!!!!! While there may be "crawfish" in the name & a giant crawfish perched outside, you will be sad if you decide to order it. I am not a crawfish fan, but my brother-in-law had the plate and was surprised with the bland flavor aka, not spicy. The waitress was super polite and understanding informing our party that the crawfish really is not the best choice on the menu and offered to get the upset brother-in-law a different entree. HOWEVER, do go here! My plate was delicious- halibut stuffed with crab, shrimp, and brie cheese. It truly lives up to the restaurants proclaimed title as "one of the best seafood houses in the nation". I would recommend coming here for special occasions as the menu is on the high side, but it is definitely worth it!
(5)
Nari L.

I liked it. I went in on a Sun night at about 530PM and there were so many empty tables. I got Jake's Famous Dungeness Crab & Bay Shrimp Cakes and my bf got the Seafood Fettuccine. They were both delicious! The service was pretty quick. The cakes were definitely one of the best I ever had! It would just melt in your mouth. It comes with green beans & carrots & mashed potatoes. All in all, it was a good meal.
(5)
Mai H.

I had their blackened salmon and it was delicious. A little pricy but was pretty good.
(4)
Christa A.

We are huge, huge fans of this place! The first time we came here, we had a fancy schmancy dinner and it was very filling. Jake's does not mess around with their alcohol, they have some pretty spiffy people tending bar. Anything you want they make and with super fresh classic ingredients. The happy hour here is top notch. I would say that although our initial dinner was delicious we came back on our next trip 2 more times just for the happy hour deals. A great way to sample some awesome food but for fraction of the price. We really dig this place and I think everyone should check it out at least once. It has a lot of history around Portland and i like that.
(4)
Brian R.

If you visited the website and found it had something to do with McCormick and Schmicks and you're not one of their fans, do not dispair. This is the same restaurant run on its own terms for more than century, and it is a great place to catch a bite to eat. The bar is huge, and features specialized drinks that date back to the turn of the century that are worthy of your sampling. The food is top quality, and comes in huge huge portions. The fish and chips were exceptional, as was the crawfish appetizer, one of the house specialties. The clam chowder was good, with a little hint of bacon, although there is a texture that seems like dissolved mashed potato in there that isn't quite a great mouth feel. We live near a Legal Seafood, though, so I have a high bar for chowdah. The desserts looked good, but the waiter never brought the tray over for us to look at, so he loses a star, even though he was tipped well. Decor is very traditional old school restaurant and has a very hip quality in its vintage being. TIP: MAKE A RESERVATION. They use OPEN TABLE. Even with that it still took them nearly fifteen more minutes to clear a table for us. The fresh fish dishes and some of the other main courses passing by made me want to come back the next time I visit.
(4)
Veronica V.

Was going around Portland with a Meetup group and this was one the stops. A part of our group was already there and sitting in the outside area because two of them had dogs with them; while the rest of us were a table apart. Other than that, I had an overall good experience here. I wasn't that hungry so I just got a French Onion soup, which was really good. I also had a couple of drinks - the Lemon Drop (it was ok) and a Pomegranate Mojito that was AMAZING! Really tasty and refreshing! A lady in our group got the crawfish; it's a lot of work for such little meat and I tried one: it tasted a bit bland. But the cheese with dill in it along with crackers were good. I shared an order of fries with a friend and there tasty with just the right amount of salt and a crispy outside and soft inside. I also tried a bit of the gumbo and fish tacos a few in my group were having - very tasty with a good amount of spicy kick to them. For dessert, I saw they have creme brÃ»lÃ©e, so I had to try it. Very creamy and delicious with that hard sugar top...so yummy! I also tried a bit of apple pie someone else was having: OMG delicious! Service was not bad either. If I ever want a Pomegranate mojito and I'm in Portland again, I'm definitely making a stop back here!
(4)
Mike B.

10 of us for a birthday dinner! Jake's accommodated us just fine. In fact they printed up a special menu just for our group with Birthday Wishes printed at the top of the menu just for the occasion and naming the celebrant! That was a nice touch. Now on to the review. Jake's is a Portland Landmark and has been for many years. I haven't eaten there very often because, well, I don't do seafood due to allergies. BUT this was the wish of the Birthday Boy, so here I found myself. Their non-seafood offerings are slim to be sure, but they have a couple of chicken dishes. I opted for the Chicken Marsala and it was very well presented and prepared. Nothing real special about it. The seafood dishes that were scattered across our table looked very good, and I didn't hear any complaints. Our server looked a little like Brian Doyle-Murray and had similar mannerisms. He was adequate in his ability to serve a large group, but forgot some things here and there (we had to ask three times for water and bread, drink orders were mixed up as well as salad orders). I felt the ambiance of the place was warm and inviting if somewhat crowded on a Friday night The price point for the service and food was a little high, even by Portland standards. I don't mind paying extra for quality food and good service, but Jake's waned in both areas. It would have been better to have two wait staff for our group and frankly the portions of the food for the price was small. If you are in the Portland area, I would suggest a stop at Jake's. Just be sure to have plenty of cash on hand if you want to eat.
(3)
Shay R.

I experienced the worst and the best in the last few years at Jake's Crawfish. We started to go with a group of friends 1-2 times a week to Jake's for their famous Happy Hour. They had the best in town for the last 2-3 years, even if it was a little bit frustrating sometimes when they were changing their menu for no apparent reason. Atmosphere 5/5: Irish Bar by excellence, this restaurant is the oldest in Portland, OR and the venue has been well maintained throughout the years. On one side, you have a classy restaurant and the other side, you have a bar decorated with many famous celebrities who ate at Jake's. Food 4/5: Great food. I'm a fan of their Bouillabaisse! It is my favorite dish on the Dinner menu. For happy hour, the Cajun Chicken Sandwich is the signature dish! Sushis, Spinach & Artichoke dip and Sweet Potato Fries are some great options on the Happy Hour menu as well! Service 3/5: At Times, we really experienced the greatest service from the personnel. They knew we were regulars and prepared our order even before seating at the table! (5/5 for this one) Throughout the years, we brought a LOT of customers at Jake's for afterwork drinks, or business meetings. To be clear, we aren't expecting anything back but at least some flexibility and better service with good customers. One of the problem encountered by us is greatly explained by one of the review wrote by one of the Elite Yelp member Michelle Pearl G. since the incident I had happened to be with her. I talked to the manager and he was sincereley sorry for what happen. Nevertheless, be aware that service can be inconsistent at that place. Still a good place to enjoy what Portland has the best to offer... FOOD!
(4)
Susan C.

I read they had a great happy hour, so I decided to swing in for a snack and a cocktail. The muscles were incredible! The wine was a heavy pour! The bartender kindly plugged in my cell! And I should have stopped there. I opted for the crab cakes (also raved about) and my face dropped. Deep fried was nowhere on the menu and it completely covered up any taste of crab.
(4)
C. W.

So the food isn't bad here to me, it's actually pretty tasty. The service was great and I loved the atmosphere. Here is what we had: -crab cake appetizer -French onion with way too much cheese for me, clam chowder for my husband) -Sturgeon entree for me(it was fantastic) and etouffee for my husband. Let's start with the bad....As I said before, there was about an inch too much of cheese on top of my soup, and it just tasted ok. My husband found one piece of clam in his entire bowl of clam chowder. And he hated the taste of it. He also said that the etouffee was just flavorless. I was disappointed that the crab cakes were deep fried, seems like a place like this would want the crab to be the main star, not the breading. I loved my sturgeon, it was definitely something that I could not get back home so I jumped at the chance to get it. So why only two stars? Our bill hit three digits, and the food did not measure up to that price. They are now owned by Landry's, so at least I got some points on my card.
(2)
J J.

Absolutely wonderful dinner! Special ordered a blackened swordfish and it was probably best meal I've had in about a year. Service was perfect, timing impeccable, and the special appetizer of bacon wrapped prawns was unbelievable. Obviously a little on pricey side but worth the premium if you're up for a great dinner experience.
(5)
Julie F.

Great food for a special night out. The staff was very accommodating and helpful. The food was wonderful. I highly recommend!!
(4)
Samantha G.

This was a wonderful meal. Great service and food. Old-school upscale dining with an air of casualness to it. The menu is primarily seafood, with a couple of non-seafood appetizer offerings and a small steak section. But really, even if you aren't a seafood person, you need to have the seafood. The seafood is fresh and delicious. And they will basically prepare your underwater selection however you like (always nice to not feel constrained to the whats and hows listed on the menu). For appetizers, we selected the baked brie and ahi tuna. Both were fantastic. Neither was overwhelming - nice subtle and delicious flavors. Everything was just right. For an entree, despite not being someone who particularly enjoys seafood, I went with the stuffed salmon. Oh my! It was absolutely delectable. Completely perfectly cooked. And the stuffing, which was shrimp and other sea critters, was so yummy. It all went perfectly together. For dessert, we opted for the trio, which was three mini versions of some of their desserts. The bread pudding was my favorite - just the right amount of warmth and just the right amount of flavor. The service was excellent. The waiter was friendly and very knowledgeable about the menu and various offerings. All in all, an excellent Portland experience.
(5)
Pooja S.

Great service and food! We had the crawfish and salmon starters, both very fresh. Sangria was pretty good too!
(5)
Hion L.

I have to admit that I was bit surprised the moment I entered Jake's Crawfish. I hadn't done a whole lot of research so I expected a cajun/gumbo shack style restaurant. Boy, was I wrong! Instead, the wife and I walked into a place that was very swanky and reminded me of the typical steakhouse environment - sans leather booths. I don't know what it is, but usually if a restaurant has someone's first name on it you expect it to be casual. Our server was very understanding and she stated that back over a 100 years ago when Jake's first started out, it was one of those places, and now it has transformed into a high quality seafood place. Currently owned by Landry's it was previously owned by McCormick and Schmick and was their flagship restaurant. Crawfish is still served, but only as a tradition when it is in season. But enough of the history, and on to the food. The selection of fresh seafood and oysters are incredible here. The fact that they also have escargot attests to how old school they are. We started off with a dungeness crab Louie salad, which is a total misnomer. It has a huge amount of crab in it (hence the $30 price tag) and almost no "salad". I know it makes some people cringe to just think about the fact that Louie salads usually employ a good deal of Thousand Island dressing. But in this case, it did not overpower the delicate meat of the crab. It was one of the best crab Louie salads that I had ever had. There was enough crab meat to split between two people. My wife ordered the oven roasted stuffed pacific salmon and it was fantastic. Stuffed with Dungeness crab, bay shrimp, brie and some dill beurre blanc, it was perfectly prepared. The salmon was so soft and fresh it was melt-in-your-mouth. I have been to other restaurants that serve a nationally acclaimed stuffed fish, such as Mama Fish House in Maui, and usually the dish ends up being overcooked and heavy. Not this one, the brie cheese added a dimension of richness while keeping the dish relatively light. I had Jake's etoufee which was pretty decent. The sauce was nice and nutty, what you would expect from a well-prepared roux. The crawfish, however, was a bit strong and overcooked, probably because it was previously frozen and not in season. Overall, Jake's is a great place to go for fresh well-prepared seafood with a killer selection.
(4)
Cara S.

This was an ok meal, but given the history, location and price I had higher expectations. The highlight was the shrimp and crab cake appetizer - if that was all I had I would give it 4 stars. I ordered the stuffed halibut. The fish was good quality but the overall dish lacked seasoning. The mashed potatoes and vegetables were watery tasting.
(2)
Honesty J.

Accidentally wound up here when a friend and I made plan's to go to Jake's and she didn't mention which street. A world of difference between the two. We went for happy hour and while the place was busy we were completely ignored by staff. Having never been here and being dressed appropriately I'm not sure what was going on there but hostess/servers seemed to go out of their way to avoid eye contact with us. No "We're really busy it will be a while" or anything along those lines. Not worth it for those prices and especially when the Grill is quick walk from there.
(1)
Dave B.

Every time we eat at a McCormick & Schmick's restaurant it's a great meal. Went here with dad for dinner in downtown Portland. We had a reservation and were seated immediately. Everyone from the hostess to our server was genuinely friendly and attentive, yet never intrusive. We started with the popcorn crawfish for an appetizer. It was really good, very meaty with just a light batter and 2 delicious dipping sauces. On to the main course, I had the cedar plank salmon, Kevin had the crab & shrimp cakes, and dad had the rock fish. All of the meals were well prepared, and the accompanying beans and mashed potatoes were great. While all were very good, my and Kevin's favorite of the three was the salmon. We finished up with the bread pudding ... Warm and soft, yet still firm, with just the right amount of sweetness. If you're a fan of good bread puddings, this is worth trying. All in all a very nice dinner and we will be back!!
(5)
esme o.

The best clam chowder I had within the city of Portland, Or. I waited in line before they even opened for lunch. My only complaint is I wish they would open earlier.
(3)
Josh K.

Had a great meal at Jake's a couple weeks ago on Vacation to Portland. It's an old school ambiance, all the way down to the servers in white dinner jackets. I had a filet with potato croquettes, and my wife had salmon. We also ordered salads and had bread. Every element of the meal was just really, really good. It's not the *best* steak I've ever had, but it was a really good filet and the croquettes were unreal. My wife enjoyed her salmon, and both the salads and the bread course were awesome. They have a full bar, and seasonal beers (god how I miss those), so we ate and drank well. Service was attentive and friendly, but not overbearing. It was exactly the right mix. Jake's has been rated as one of the top seafood restaurants in the country, and if you come, you'll see why. It's pricey, but the food is really top notch, and the overall experience is memorable. I'll happily come back.
(4)
Greg D.

Perfect execution of an old world Steak and Seafood house. Servers were very attentive and the food was really really good. It feels like 1940 in this place.
(5)
Christian M.

Literally an institution. The fam has been coming here for Christmas/birthdays since the late 80s and ordering oysters on the half-shell every single time. Its exciting to see my nephew and brother-in-law now think of the place as familiar and OUR PLACE.
(5)
Mike W.

Absolutely love this place. Although it is expensive (less the awesome happy hour) the quality of the food and service is well worth the price. Alaska razor clams always come out piping hot and tender and the chocolate bag desert is, uhm, wow. Be prepared to spend about $50/person and eat some of the best seafood that Portland has to offer.
(5)
Aaron L.

Jake's Ã‰touffÃ©e is a must have.
(5)
David M.

We really liked Jakes. The food was excellent and the server was attentive. Good selection of local/craft beers. A friend of mine from Portland recommended Jakes and we were not disappointed.
(5)
Lee-Lee P.

The name confused me as I saw a big inflatable crab on the building of the restaurant. I thought the name said Jake's Famouse Crawfish? Hmm... This restuarant has been in Portland for over 100 years. Let's see how they measure up. I went here with a group of coworkers. We were given prompt seating. Not sure if we made reservations. I doubt it. But we did get seated fast! Parking here is nonexistent as you must find a parking garage nearby to park your car. No private lot is what I seen. The menu had ALOT of tasty options for fresh seafood. The only crawfish offered was in the seafood gumbo. Everything else was crab and fish. LOL. Again, the name just threw me off! I ordered the stuff salmon. It came with brie cheese and shrimp. And mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. Everything was so fresh tasting. Then again, salmon is abundant in the Pacific Northwest. I wished I did not stuff myself with sourdough bread before my entree came but overall, I rolled out the restaurant later overstuffed and happy. Yes, sourdough bread is served before your meal. Comes with the good butter that you slab on that goes on creamy. My coworker, who is in his 60's, pointed out that the waitstaff was probably the oldest waitstaff he ever seen. I looked around and yes, the waitstaff is a more older staff and very experienced and knowledgeable. I guess I do not notice these things but my coworker did. Very cool observation. On our way out, we were told thank you many times by numerous people in the restaurant and the manager himself. Jake's is probably the best seafood restaurant I been to. I wish I could have some more of that stuffed salmon right now!
(5)
Laura H.

Hit it for happy hour and you'll be much more pleased with value for money. I haven't been here for the "traditional" mealtimes, mostly because this place is relatively high-end and I don't have the means to be throwing three digits at meals. But the happy hour is very affordable. I have to admit that I got the cheeseburger here, which, er, is not the star item at this restaurant. But I was here and hungry, and the burger seemed like the least expensive item that would definitely fill me up. And it delivered on that; the burger was full-sized and came with a healthy side of steak-cut fries. I paired it with an amber ale and it was a very good meal in nice ambiance for basically $15 after tip. That's not bad at all. There are also fish-based entrees and appetizers on the happy hour menu for people who would like to actually eat fish at a crawfish restaurant. You do have to buy a drink and there's no discount on the drinks, but, again, happy hour makes this place very reasonable. The service was friendly and well-trained, as you'd expect from a place like this. So I can't speak on the fish, but their happy hour is awesome and makes a place like this affordable for people like me. I'm a fan.
(4)
Daniel D.

Stayed a couple nights in Portland and really enjoyed this place. First night at the bar - I got there around 8:30 and after a fifteen minutes thought to order some food. The bartender suggested waiting until nine to save a little money with their happy hour. I could see a manager hating this move, but to be honest - it's the only reason I came back the next night and ate in the dining room, rather than trying some place different. I ended up staying for an entire football game and gladly spent more than I intended the first night, and had a great time the second night. Everything is fresh and a decent wine collection. Will visit again if ever in Portland.
(4)
Anne M.

I really, really hate to bash Jake's. Such a part of Portland history, but wow - really disappointed in the price and quality of the food. The ambiance, friendliness and knowledge of the staff is impeccable, but really not worth the price when the food just doesn't meet muster. We started with a requested appetizer of razor clams - that were NOT made to order, unseasoned, and WAY over breaded. Totally covered up and ruined the razor clam flavor with bread and frying oil. My main meal of seafood fettucine was equally over-cheesed, thick and heavy covering up what little seafood was in the dish (and I mean little, as in size and quantity). My boyfriend's seared ahi tuna was rolled in Old Bay seasoning prior to searing and was so salty that it was rendered nearly unedible - for $38 bucks!? Our waiter was fun, but inattentive. We enjoyed the Pinot Gris and IPA - neither of which can be attributed to the talent in the kitchen. Fun place for tourists, who will pay the price for mediocre food. There are so many great restaurants in Portland with really good foodie food, Jake's, unfortunately is NOT included in that category, in my humble opinion.
(2)
Alex C.

I've actually been to this place a couple times before and was just there..maybe 2 hours ago. My previous experiences at Jake's were mainly the late night happy hour. I've always enjoyed the food there, especially the Garlic Steamed Mussels. I also enjoy the Basil Grape Refresher since it is very light, the flavors are balanced, it's as refreshing as most alcoholic drinks get, and it compliments the happy hour items. That said, today was a horrible experience - bad enough to make me consider not going back (at least for the afternoon happy hour, perhaps indefinitely). My three stars are for the previous experiences and the fact the drink(s) is/are always pretty good. Long story short: Don't go to Jake's Happy Hour during the afternoon. It's crowded, they are understaffed, and the food is not good. Go for a late night happy hour if you go at all. Full story: We arrived around 4 pm in the inside, open seating area to a table that had one chair. We asked for another chair and promptly sat down. After spending about five minutes deciding what we want, no one showed up for about 20 minutes. No "hi, how are you doing?", nothing friendly. It's not like this is a cheap place you guys are running, I don't have to eat here. I actually considered going to another bar for happy hour instead after about 15 minutes, but decided to wait because I wanted my friend to try the seafood. A waitress finally notices we have not been helped and explains they are changing shifts. Okay, I can deal with that. If your service is sub-par that day, one can only place hope in the food right? Nope. The food we got was way worse than the previous times. It had clearly been warmed in the oven and prepared way ahead of time. The buffalo wings were dry and crusty, the ranch had a thick layer of oil and fat over it. The vegetables had been desiccated in the oven. The skin of the potstickers was dry, crusty, and very chewy. The cheeseburger was overcooked. The mussels were under-cooked and floating in what seemed to be a watered down, tasteless garlic and wine sauce. Sure, you're serving me food that you made for lunch but couldn't sell. BUT THERE HAS TO BE SOME QUALITY CONTROL IF YOU CHARGE ME THAT KIND OF PRICE, RIGHT? Scratch that. ALL restaurants have to have some sort of quality control of their food before it goes out. Otherwise how can you retain customers? So the service AND the food is bad? Why am I here again? Do yourself a favor - go somewhere else for happy hour in the afternoon. Consider this place only for late night runs.
(3)
Alan D.

This place was nice and the service was excellent and impeccable as our water was very professional new the menu well and was able to answer all of our questions. I had New England clam chowder and was disappointed as I could not find any clams at all in the chowder. I complained about this is I could not let it go by without a comment. Our waiter apologized profusely and said that he speak to the chef after offering another appetizer on the house. The manger also came over to speak with us and apologize and took the chowder off the bill. The rest of our dinner was excellent as I had the razor clams that were very fresh and done perfectly. My wife had the Halibut that was also very fresh and done perfectly. We would recommend Jakes when in Portland and we will be back again the next time we are in town.
(4)
Sean P.

This McCormich & Shmick's restaurant is more unique than the full chain restaurants it normally has (which I totally appreciate). I ate in the bar so can only speak to the service that and the bar is small so you will have to wait for a table or possibly a stool. The food was amazing as I had the Prince Edward Oysters which were of course amazing and to follow up had the Steelhead as the waitress highly recommended it. So The steelhead was a top ten piece of fish, again might be biased as from Colorado and don't get fresh seafood all the time. However the steelhead came with a basil butter sauce over the top of it with bay shrimp and roma tomotoes. The basil butter sauce was so good I even ate the green beans that came with it , which is saying alot! The only problem I have with this restaurant, again only for the bar area, is the service. Now it is more managements fault as they had one wiatress serving the majority of the bar area and just made it impossible for her to make the rounds enough to get orders and drinks in an efficient manner but understandably that is the chain part of this quality restaurant. I will definitely want to go back and eat in their dinning room and see if their service is better in there.
(4)
Steven C.

Went to this place for my last night in Portland before heading back to the Bay Area. I gotta say this place is pretty legit. My coworker ordered a Fat tire beer and the seared ahi tuna for about $36 total I got a bowl of clam chowder, 6 raw oysters (the Nitari ones, aka the ones from oregon), and the appetizer steamed mussels in spicy tomato sauce for about $33 I gotta say if you go there with a date, if you got what I ordered it would be enough. I have no idea how I finished all the food I got, but it was pretty epic. The 6 oysters were delicious, I asked out waitress for the 2 most popular ones and I got 3 of each, I forgot the other one I got but feel free to ask your waitress! The bowl of clam chowder was pretty good, but I still gotta choose the chowder in San Francisco over this place. Lastly, the steamed mussels came and it was HUGE. When I first saw it I thought the waitress had gotten the order wrong, or maybe I ordered the entree portion because it was so big. My coworker had his about 8 slices of tuna with a salad on the side, while I had this heaping portion of mussels with parmesan bread in this amazing spicy tomato sauce, AFTER already consuming those oysters and a bowl of chowder I cannot describe how BIG that plate of mussels was. When I was half way through, i seriously contemplated giving up in life, but being the champ I am, i powered through and finished it. If you check this place out, the steamed mussels are a MUST
(4)
L.A. W.

It was a great birthday dinner w my hubbie. Didn't know what I wanted and seafood sounded great. Found this place on Yelp and crossed our fingers. Pre- App - oyster sampler; we needed more oysters - always more oysters!! App- Him: bowl of clam chowder and the ice berg salad - he was a happy boy :-) Me: seared RARE ahi w yummy hot wasabi made fresh - waaaaaaaaaaaaa!! Main Course - Him: Catfish w some kind of sweet sauce- "it was good" (he's not much for talking - that's my job) Me: Crab and shrimp cakes w a lemony something sauce - I loved it. And with both FRESH steamed veggies and mashers. Very nice!!! A couple of beers and we called it good - I have a pooch belly now and I'm OK w it ;-) Server- very nice and answered and explained as I needed. Very nice job!!!!! Hostess- don't bite your nails while walking someone to their table. That guest didn't notice but I sure thought it was kinda yucky. Not sure why- it's a hand to mouth germ thing. I'm just sayin'.
(5)
Dave T.

Top-notch traditional seafood and stiff drinks. What's not to love?
(5)
Sonia C.

Holy sweet halibut cheeks! This dish alone was worth 5 stars - succulent ,flaky, tender flesh in a savory, buttery, slightly lemony sauce. Unfortunately, the crawfish boil that we also ordered was a bit subpar. The crawfish was a bit bland - a little more seasoning would definitely have helped. I liked McCormick and Schmick's so I liked Jake's too. I don't think that the two are so different.
(4)
B. C.

I went to the happy hour with a friend. I had the NW seafood and sausage gumbo and a glass of wine, which weren't bad. They weren't very impressive either though. My friend got the hazelnut martini and tempura ahi sushi roll. The martini was tasty. I didn't try her sushi but she seemed content with it. The service was good but I was not that impressed with the experience as a whole, considering that they are supposed to be more upscale.
(3)
Gerard B.

Really like the Happy Hour at Jake's
(4)
Hugo C.

Happy Hour kills it! We sat at the bar for their late night happy hour and couldn't have been happier. The salmon cakes were tasty, and the oysters were scrumptious. Figuring we couldn't leave without at least trying the crawfish, we put in an order. At under $2, it was a total bargain. I'll admit I had to sheepishly asked the bartender how to eat the crawfish. "Well, just pick it up like this and then do this, and then just do that." I think he noticed the glazed over looks so he asked, "Would you mind if I just picked one of them up to show you?" I would have normally called the coodie police in a situation like this, but this guy was just so friendly that I thought it was the nicest thing in the world. Jake's is a ringer for cheap eats and a great late night environment.
(4)
Geogre H.

Had not been there in a long time. Did not meet expectations. Service was good but meal was not. Undercooked veggies and razor clams weere overcooked(rubbery). Garlic mashed potatoes were ok. Seems like they are overpriced and riding on their reputation. Will not be back.
(2)
Robert H.

I had family in town a few weeks ago, so this was a prime spot, and known far and wide beyond Portland. The labyrinthine dining rooms are nicely decorated and in suitably paneled in dark woods. The staff polite, efficient and service-oriented. We were able to eat late, 10ish, with no reservations. The menu morphs each day, based on available fishes. I had the horseradish encrusted salmon, fine, but not sublime. The desert options were epic, I don't eat that stuff, but would recommend a desert only date to anyone! You will not find here a NYT raved on spot, nor hipsters, modernist design, body mod waitstaff, vegan, guten-free, local free range, ... You will find an epic historic restaurant, mid-fancy, great service and a great rotating fresh seafood section. The Jake's truffle cake, pure chocolate, eggs, butter, is a good (refrigerated) gift to buy whole and carry out to deliver to out of towners.
(4)
Amy G.

We were visiting from out of town and only had time for 2 dinners in the Portland area. Before we left home, we'd determined that Jake's would be dinner on day #2. Very old school seafood place. Not cheap, but well worth the money. Brie and apple chutney appie was excellent, the Bouiliabaisse and prawn cocktail were hearty portions and quite yummy. French onion soup was good, very cheesy, but not much broth. On the basis of a recommendation, we'd specifically requested to have Scott H as our server. Wow, he was just the bomb. Professional, knowledgeable, efficient, friendly, he was terrific. We'd love to have a beer with Scott if we were back in town. If seafood's your thing, this is the place. Highly recommend making a reservation.
(4)
Christine W.

Arrived at 8:45 on a Sat night (with last min reservation). The place was packed. It looks like an old Portland staple. We had three kids with us. The waiter was AMAZING with getting our food fast (like 15 mins). We had bread on the table in a snap, appetizer 5 mins later then food. He definitely knew how to handle hungry kids and didn't keep us waiting. I think his name was Langdon. Busy restaurant. Nice ambiance. Very busy on Sat night. Packed in fact. And loud. The menu is nice. It is mostly seafood (which you'd expect -- however some seafood restaurants have more variety). I had smoked trout with a remuloude as an appetizer. The only change I'd make would be to change he water crackers it to freshly made croutons. I had grilled salmon. Very tasty. Certainly not the best I've had. But very good. Hubby had ettouffee. Very good! Lots of heat. I was concerned that we'd need to douse it with Tobasco. No changes needed. The kids had fish and chips and burger (they're kids!). My son said its the best fish and chips he's had. Fantastic dessert tray. Too sweet for me (I don't like very sugary desserts -- I usually cut the sugar in half when I bake too -- so may just be me). The menu had a lot of fresh fish. Some was frozen. The menu conveniently tells you where the fish comes from -- so you can see what's fresh and what is not. I'd eat here again and recommend to others.
(4)
Monica B.

PHENOMENAL! I had dinner here last night and it was seriously one of the best meals I have ever had, certainly the best Salmon I've ever had. We had the full Jake's experience from cocktails to dessert in this visit and it was all exceptional. We started with a cocktail in the bar while we waited for our reservation, the Cosmopolitan was very good and it was great that our waitress coordinated with the reservation table so they found us immediately even though the place was packed. We scored a table in the front window which has a curtain that closes to block you from the people waiting for their tables, very nice. Our waitress was excellent and right on top of everything we needed, starting with the wine. She recommended a bottle of the 2007 PepperBridge Cabernet Sauvignon, a little spendy but an excellent choice. We started with the Smoked Rainbow Trout and Remoulade appetizer and shared a cup of their Manhattan Clam Chowder and their House Salad with Glazed Walnuts and Bleu Cheese Crumbles. The trout was amazing and a perfect appetizer. I've never had Manhattan Clam Chowder before so this was a new experience for me and is my new love, I'll be back to Jake's just for the clam chowder alone, A+. For the main course, I had one of their signature dishes, the Oven Roasted Pacific Salmon that was stuffed with Dungeness Crab, Shrimp, and Brie Cheese. This dish seriously "melts in your mouth" and was so good that if I'm ever a death row inmate who has to pick their last meal, this would be it! The salmon came paired with garlic mashed potatoes, green beans, and carrots, For dessert, we shared a few bites of the Key Lime Pie which was also delicious and the Chocolate Bag which is not only delicious, but a work of art. Needless to say, we had to take most of the dessert to go because we were so full at that point. Overall, it was an amazing dining experience - the food, the service, the drinks, and the location. Outstanding. I'd highly recommend Jake's Famous Crawfish and can't wait to go back!
(5)
Heth H.

Jakes is one of my fav places for seafood. last week we had the sole and the razor clams. very dissapointed. not to the standards i have experienced before. bith dishes were poor.
(1)
Greg G.

We went to Jake's tonight for another special occasion dinner. This place is easily the most reliable restaurant in Portland. There were six of us and there was quite a bit of consistency in the ordering due to the extensive number of times we have eaten here. There were 2 orders of seafood pasta, 2 orders of petrale sole parmesan, 1 order of Alaskan Coho and 3 orders of crab cakes. All of the items came out piping hot, cooked perfectly, except for the salads which were not supposed to be that way of course. As usual, the place was quite busy by the time we left. The only negative of the evening was the waiter, a mid thirties early forties guy whom I had never had serve my table in the nearly 20 times I have been here. He was not very attentive and had a bit of an arrogant attitude. I was disappointed as most of the waiters are top notch. This guy, from my perspective, left me with a bit of a negative feeling about the restaurant because he was not very pleasant and had virtually no personality. At least the food made up for how badly he sucked at his job. I will be back, Jake's has too good of a track record with me to stop going there. I just did not think that they had any mediocre servers.--until tonight.
(4)
Brandon D.

Oysters, some happy hour grub and a chocolate bag? I'm so gonna do that next time! During my birthday (well, a few nights after really, but screw it, THIS was my birthday dinner!) a group of friends and I came here for dinner. I had wanted seafood that wasn't sushi for a while and it seemed that this would be a good place to go. For the most part, I was right and I left quite satisfied. Service and decor are spot on here. Some may feel that the feeling is antiquated, but I'd disagree, there is a difference between old and long-lasting refinement and this place leans more towards the latter. Our server was fairly attentive and did a nice job of pacing our meal, although at times, it was faster that I would have liked it. But he definitely did a good job of giving me those little touches to make my meal feel extra special for my birthday. On the other hand, food was a smidge bumpy in execution, presentation and taste for a restaurant of this quality. Oysters were fantastic, but the Popcorn Crawfish needed to be crunchier on the outside to complement the meat on the inside, but the aioli served with it was very delicious. The Horseradish Crusted Salmon and the Dungeness Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon were good, but felt a bit lacking. The Stuffed Halibut (what I ordered), despite being one of the more expensive items, just was not up to snuff; the edges were much to bland to be pleasurable, although the center provided me with several bites of bliss which sort of made up for it. Surprisingly, the item that I felt was the best was the Chicken Linguine; despite being under half the price, the flavors were nearly as good as what I ordered. This was quite unfortunate. I'm so glad that their dessert selection did a fairly decent job of removing the buyer's remorse that I had felt. The Chocolate Mousse was pretty good, and so was the Bread Pudding. The Oregon Three Berry Cobbler was full of flavor and the Truffle Cake was just delightful. But the complete star was the Chocolate Bag! Filled with so many delectable berries (that reasonably speaking can't fit in the bag), sinfully luscious white chocolate mousse and the perfect complement of whipped cream and raspberry sauce, the Chocolate Bag (which was delicious also) has left a lasting impression on me and I can't wait to go back and get another one! I will go back, but the next time I might have to opt for the happy hour menu instead.
(4)
Harlan M.

There's a lot of corporate fish houses that I would never give 5 stars in a million years - but Jakes really does get it. I had lunch there today - perfectly done blackened salmon with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables for 9 bucks. I added a Caesar salad with anchovies - creamy and delicious dressing. One of the best things about the place is they tell you at the top of the menu where all the fish comes from and it's all fresh. Yes, the menu is predictable and they have all the standards without fusion anything - but when you go to a place like this, that is what you want. The ambiance is really unique and you can feel the history in the place. Happy hour is exceptional and has fish tacos for 4 bucks and a cheeseburger and fries for 3. No break on drinks but you go for the peal and eat shrimp for 5! It's one of the top 3 fish houses in Portland despite its corporate ownership and if you love seafood there's something there you want.
(5)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Address : 401 SW 12th Ave
Portland, OR, 97205
Phone (503) 226-1419
Website https://www.mccormickandschmicks.com/locations/portland-oregon/portland-oregon/sw12thave.aspx
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 10

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Classy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Jake’s Famous Crawfish

401 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR, 97205

Jake’s Famous Crawfish Menu

Chef's Exclusive Dinner - Starter

Soups & Salad

Chef's Exclusive Dinner - Entree

Chef's Choice

Oyster Bar

Perfect For Sharing

Fresh Fish

Simply Great On Fish

Signature Fish

Seafoods Specialties

Mixed Grill Selections

Steaks & Specialty Meats

Simply Great With Steak

Signature Sides

Chef's Exclusive Dinner - Dessert

Healthy Meal suggestions for Jake’s Famous Crawfish

Chef's Exclusive Dinner - Starter

Soups & Salad

Chef's Exclusive Dinner - Entree

Chef's Choice

Oyster Bar

Perfect For Sharing

Fresh Fish

Simply Great On Fish

Signature Fish

Seafoods Specialties

Mixed Grill Selections

Steaks & Specialty Meats

Simply Great With Steak

Signature Sides

Chef's Exclusive Dinner - Dessert

Heather D.

Annie K.

Corey G.

chris s.

J T.

John E.

Evelyn O.

Steven O.

Dallas S.

Heather G.

Linh N.

Kimberly P.

Buzz M.

Michelle Pearl G.

Elvia J.

Nora B.

Ed U.

Jeff H.

Jake W.

Lisa E.

Jack S.

Kevin H.

Miguel M.

Angela K.

David B.

Jessica B.

Jenny K.

Johnny L.

Casey R.

Rachel M.

Ryan P.

Lady G.

Daniel R.

Rachel S.

J W.

Scott V.

Priscilla A.

Richard S.

Tim M.

Brandon S.

Nicole P.

Adam M.

Keith B.

Josh W.

Connie L.