Great place for drinks! We didn't eat here, but started and ended our evening at Jake's.
(4)
Blorch H.
Maybe the bar is better, but as a restaurant, Jake's has been coasting on its reputation longer than Harvard. Service is slow and inattentive, even by Portland's relaxed standards of industry, the food is overpriced for what's being served, and the seafood quality is somewhere between Red Lobster and Long John Silver's. The only thing I like less than the service and food is their seating- I've been stuck in Airline coach seats and church pews that are more comfortable and well placed than what passes for a place to sit. There are dozens of better bars and restaurants in the same price range with the same menu items within a five minute walk of this location. Don't risk wrecking a night out by wasting your time and money here.
(2)
Marina S.
My uncle had his birthday dinner here this past Monday. I would say that overall, I was not very impressed. I can definately think of other places to go to, that do not charge as much and do have the same quality of food. I will say that my flank steak was cooked perfectly. Definately melt in your mouth kind of steak. The mushroom sauce that went with the steak was overseasoned. The stems of the steamed kale were woodsy and tough. I finished my dish because I was hungry (my sister left the kale untouched), but I do not think I would return there for the same meal. The atmosphere in the room that we were in, was kind of gloomy, not comfy and inviting like you would expect it to be. For the 26 people that were in the party, there was only 1 (!!!!) dedicated server. That meant, that to get the salads out, it would take him 9-10 trips to the kitchen, as he could carry only 3 plates at once. By the time we got our food, the people he started with were already done eating. There was another 2 people that would come and help him pour the water from time to time, but 90% of the time it was only 1 person. It was very annoying, because he did seem overwhelmed and not as attentive as he should have been. I might give this restaurant another try and ask for a seat by the window, may be that's going to make a difference in the whole restaurant experience, as I really hated the room we were in.
(3)
Candy B.
Last Thursday, I was visiting Portland and after a disappointing experience with another restaurant in the area (see my previous review), my group of ten was left without a reservation. Ut-oh. A couple of the ladies had said that they visited Jake's the night before and loved it and wouldn't be adverse to going again. We walked over knowing that they might not be able to accommodate a large group, but hoping we could at least get on a list and walk around a bit or something. They were not able to seat us right away, but the manager himself found us some tables together in the bar to wait (a very nice couple offered to move over to another area for us - nice folks all around). We ordered drinks and the waitress was able to get us some appetizers that were on the happy hour menu (even though we were past happy hour - we wanted hummus, darn it!). We happily chatted and waited 45 minutes to an hour and had a great time - the wait staff were all very attentive and we never felt like we were a bother at all. We were seated and had a fabulous waitress (shout out to Amy). We were very very well taken care of. They even had a magician that came around to entertain us. I'm still working out how he made the dollar bill float. Cuz I was sitting RIGHT there in front of it. I suspect they put hallucinogenics in my water cuz nothing else makes sense. I'm just saying. The decor of the restaurant is very nice, very regal - yet relaxing at the same time. It felt cozy, just what a steakhouse should feel like. The food was amazing. I had a beet salad that was perfectly dressed and tasted amazing. I also had the Jake's Mixed Grill and OMG. I ordered the steak medium and came out perfectly cooked along with a lobster tail and a prawn. Amazing. Simply amazing. We finished up with three desserts for the table and passed them around so everyone got a taste (major shout to the cheesecake). I even forgot that gratuity was included because I was paying for a large party. Amy came over and quietly pointed it out and asked if I wanted to adjust it. I did a little, but still left her a large extra tip for being so honest. Great place. Great food. Relaxed yet nice. A winner. I would not hesitate to go here again. I also found out later that they are part of the McCormick and Schmicks family. We have one of those here in Austin so I'm looking forward to checking it here as well. Major thumbs up for Jakes!
(5)
Martha C.
Mediocre at best. With a disappointing start to breakfast it was hard to recover. Their coffee was awful. We asked for a fresh carafe and it was just as bad. This is portland people! Good roasts abound! My husband's eggs looked overcooked and he didn't like the potatoes or biscuits either. I had the Marionberry stuffed French toast and it was passable. I guess we make another trip to Bijou for another great breakfast.
(2)
Brandi B.
I was pretty disappointed in brunch at Jakes. The 2-buck mimosas are nice, but in a table of three, two of us had to send food back... I ordered the bagel and lox plate and the "lox" was thickly-sliced smoked salmon, (not cured) dry and curling around the edges. icky. Maybe I just ordered wrong,and I have been to events at the Governor that Jake's has catered very well, but I think I'll be heading elsewhere for brunch.
(3)
Andrea W.
This is a great spot for dinner, but excellent spot for happy hour. Late night happy hour is even better!
(4)
John P.
I went there earlier this week with a business partner for a lunch meeting. Arrived and no tables were available, so we sat across from the bar. Took good 6-7 minutes till someone showed up at our table to offer some drinks. I ordered diet coke no ice, my friend ordered coffee. 4 minutes later we both get coffee (??). I started drinking my coffee as the waiter was gone by the time I wanted to explain the mistake. She was back and apologized, got me a glass of diet coke with ice (strike 2). Didn't mind that too much, but was thinking to myself this is not a great first impression. We both ordered the burgers, mine was mid well, his was mid-rare. Got those after some time, but not at the needed temperature (they switched them). At this point I returned my food back and finished my meal. They paid for lunch (really) but that was not what I wanted for. Last impression - restrooms were not clean and felt like i was in grand central. Not my cup of tea, don't think I will be back for 1-10 years...
(1)
Hilary B.
There are so many wonderful restaurants in Portland, if your visiting out fair city please reconsider a visit to this place. I'm sure Jake's was good at some point, but it seems to have turned into a glorified Red Robin with less chipper service. We walked in the door and the hosts looked at us with expectation - like we are supposed to "do" something for them. Now, in this situation I know that we need to tell them our parties reservation name. But if I was from out of town, and I walked up to a host stand, was not greeted with a smile, but instead a stare, I would be confused and uncomfortable. A "good evening ladies, do you have a reservation?" would have been nice. We sat at our table with some out-of-town girlfriends who had made the reservation. The table was in the middle of the restaurant and was very loud. Granted - it was a Friday night at 6:30, busy, busy. But, if you are looking for a place to catch up with some friends, be warned it gets a little loud in there. The server was an ass from the start. Not quite sure what we did to piss him off, but he was rude and barely stopped by our table to take orders (we wouldn't be done ordering drinks and he would already be walking away - we had to wait until he graced us with his presence to order again). So right about now I started talking some shit, as all my girlfriends were getting VERY disappointed. I started mentioning loudly how I was going to give them a piece of my mind on Yelp. Can you believe it - they changed their service immediately!!! Ah, the power of review websites. So, now the service doesn't suck. I looked through the menu of $17-$35 meals trying to decide what I thought that I could order without breaking the bank. I settled on a $20 pasta dish - Shrimp Pomodoro. No, that does not come with anything for $20. Just spaghetti, red sauce with basil (the sauce was tasty, I will give them that) and 8 medium shrimp. I felt the dish was bit overpriced. All and all, if you are visiting Portland and want to say "we went to Jake's", then knock yourself out. If you are visiting Portland and you want to try some real Portland cuisine, you have LOTS of other options here on Yelp.
(2)
Carrie S.
Great place for wine and seafood. They messed up my order but fixed it immediately, no charge. I love the bar area. Waitstaff is great. I had the sole with risotto. Yum!
(4)
Denise B.
Nice outside seating vibe. Enjoyed the meatloaf very much. House Pinot is a tremendous value. Friendly service and fair pricing
(3)
Gary S.
Jake's is obviously a venerable Portland dining spot. We had friends visiting from out of town and they asked us where a great place to go would be. We suggested Jake's and made on line reservations. The problem is that the food prices were outrageously high. Worse yet, our food wasn't nearly up to the level of the pricing. I had fish and chips. The breading on the fish wasn't crisp and I think it was under-cooked. My friend had talapia, but she also didn't think it was so great. It was "swimming" in greasy butter which made the breading on the fish and the rice soggy. Also too salty. Our friends didn't complain about their food, but they did complain about the prices. Service was very good. I have to wonder if they were just having a very bad night in the kitchen or if they're resting on their laurels at this point...
(2)
Alvin N.
I enjoyed Dinner here while on a visiting weekend in Portland, it was just only 2 blocks away from the Westin where I stayed. While browsing Yelp & a couple recommendations from the Front desk, Jake's Grill was something to check out. So the items in the menu that were ordered for the Chefs to prepare were raw oysters =D , fresh garden salad, Rib-eye steak & Salmon Pasta. The bartender was required to prepare some Brew & Wine. Everything that came out was excellent. Portlanders have it good no TAX!! I want to thank Jake & Oregon for a nice time. I believe that Jake's Grill is part of the McCormick's Family of Restaurants. Good food, Good times =)
(5)
Jen B.
My friends and I visited Portland and decided to eat at Jake's for dinner one night. We all agreed that the food was pretty good, but nothing amazing. (Especially for that price point.) I had the chicken Marsala, and I felt like it was something I could have made for myself. The service was a little slow here and it seemed like our waitress forgot about us a couple times. Regardless it was an ok meal and somewhere I would consider going again. (They had some steaks on the menu that looked promising).
(3)
Sara Q.
i'm pretty sure jake's grill is one of my favorite places to eat a really good, fully packed in every way possible meal. when i came here i had the parmesan crusted tilapia with a side of pilaf rice, crispy capers and seared lemons. it was beyond delicious. out of this world. i highly recommend coming here for a delicious dinner .. romantic night out, birthday celebration, anniversary dinner etc. came here for happy hour as well. they made me an awesome basil grape refresher. it was light, minty and crispy. perfect for a summer night out for happy hour. mom and i shared 1/2 burger which was coked pretty decently. i always have a good time here, you should definite;y check it out.
(4)
Emma F.
Went to this restaurant for the first time last weekend and it was amazing! Our server Tony had the best recommendation, we listened to every single one and loved them all. Atmosphere was nice, it was busy yet not too loud. We were served promptly and everything tasted great. Thank you Tony for the best recommendations!
(5)
Olivia W.
Oh Jake's, how I love you. My SO and I have gone here a few times and always get dressed up and make reservations before going out to the theater or somewhere else hoity-toity. You can come in in jeans, but this is a place you really should dress up--if you're here for dinner and not HH. We make an event out of it and order wine, appetizers and sometimes even desert. Maybe because we're dressed up and care about how we present ourselves and order food thats not the cheapest thing on their menu, the wait staff have always been incredible. We get fast service and food that is cooked to perfection and presented in a way that you know the cook cares about his art. I usually order a steak because seafood is not my thing, and they have ALWAYS cooked it perfectly (so that lady who sent her steak back twice either didn't know what medium rare was or maybe Jake's was having an off night--by the sound of it the manager thought it was right--my bet, it was right) The portions are typical of what you would expect at a FINE dining restaurant, adequate to fill you but not huge "American Sized" portions like you'd find at Olive Garden (with their endless bread baskets) or other chains trying to satisfy us impossible to please gluttons, who want to go home feeling so full you can barely move and "this close" to sick. The exception to this rule would be their spaghetti string onion rings which is a HUGE plate (at least it was when we went) of the most delicious onion rings thinly sliced into magic fried goodness :) Again, this is a place I would get a reservation, dress up, and expect to spend a bit of money. If you do decide to just show up on a Friday night at the dinner rush, and during happy hour, try to be realistic with your expectations, any restaurant that is busy on a Friday night is probably going to get a little loud, and it might take a while to get your order. But usually, busy is a good sign, it means you picked a place people like to go. I have eaten here once for happy hour and was very happy with the prices, food and service as well, but I prefer to make an event of this place and enjoy it as a fine dining restaurant, and go somewhere else when I want a casual night out. Glad to see a lot of 5 star ratings on Jakes, I will continue to eat here on fancy nights out.
(5)
Manali T.
Food wasn't anything special. The service was slow. Very disappointed at how this restaurant is promoted only to be let down by the mediocre quality in the food.
(3)
Ran B.
Excellent sirloin. Annoying waitress. Heavenly asparagus! Place gets kinda empty at 10pm.
(4)
Jeremy S.
06 June 2010, 4pm, Happy Hour Redemption! I knew this place had potential. My last experience was subpar. This one, on the other hand, was delightful. fried zucchini cheese burger/fries fish tacos fried calamari 2 beverages all made fresh, fish tacos were more substantial than last time, was busy but there were a few seats at the bar fast service, attentive refills bartender made nice small-talk able to satiate the appetites of two guys that had just run 17 miles. Also got points on my McCormick and Schmick's card.
(4)
Alyx W.
Talk about turning a local landmark into a corporatized POS! Every time I come here, I get more and more disappointed, the service is always snide and acts as if they are entitled to be better than everyone because, oh my, they work at Jake's! I went for lunch and thought it would be nice to eat a light salmon salad. It was light, indeed. There were four very thin, very charred, and very dried, very small pieces of salmon in my salad. They were strategically placed on top of a bed of greens, which upon further examination was simply a "spring mix," better known as a pre-packaged salad one can buy at the grocery store. Not only that, the salad did not consist of anything OTHER than salmon, a super light drizzle of what I'm sure was dressing from a bottle, on top of what I'm POSITIVE was to be pre-packaged greens. And to top it off, the bread was stale and the butter in the dish was a cold cube, it had been chopped off a stick. Way to cut corners, McCormick's!
(2)
Chris T.
Great cocktails, great outdoor seating when it's nice. The staff is very helpful.
(5)
Alex E.
Here's an idea...don't hand out a menu that includes brunch items when brunch is over/not available. We were seated 1 minute past the brunch time and our waiter wouldn't even CHECK with the kitchen. He was like, "uh no, so what do you want off the lunch menu?". Hm... Nothing? But alas, we did order off the brunch menu and much to my disappointment, the food was really good ;)
(4)
Michelle C.
A quintessential Portland establishment. Great downtown dining experience with a beautiful antique bar where you can get full service meals without a reservation. We stumbled upon Jake's Grill during Christmas day as we were on our way to another place for dinner. We noticed the restaurant was filled with people and decided to eat Jake's instead. Unfortunately, we didn't have a reservation, but totally lucked out on finding two seats at the bar for dinner. Service at the bar was sort of slow as it was super busy that night, but all of Portland seemed to be waiting for a seat that night. We weren't too concerned about the service once we got our drinks on. The mixed drinks were yummy, especially the coffee drinks with the liqueur. The prime rib was delicious, and the turkey was a little on the salty side, but still very tasty. We had such a fabulous time that we have decided to make Jake's Grill our Christmas dinner tradition, and can't wait for next year!
(4)
Amanda F.
Skip it. Overpriced and not a fun spot. Portland has better!
(2)
Elizabeth F.
Jakes is a great place for a quiet, cheap happy hour meal and drink. The crowd tends to be a bit older (think 40s +), which I like as it is not as rowdy as some other happy hour spots in PDX. Outside of happy hour, the food is overpriced and what you might expect from a hotel restaurant - not awful, but nothing to write home about. One thing to know - they close around midnight on the weekends, so if you end up there late, expect to be booted around then.
(3)
Thomas W.
Jake's Grill: because Huber's stops serving food after 8. Well, that might be a bit harsh. My experience with Jake's was nothing less than memorable (in a good way, like my first kiss ...er...well, something good, at least...) but we probably would not have stopped in when we did if not for the fact that all I was able to order at Huber's was a Guinness before we discovered the awful truth: there was simply no food to be had! Well...whatever! We knew we wanted someplace that served drinks, and we wanted food - ANY food. (Well, ANY food, but not just ANY food. I know, that made no sense. Try going out to dinner with us sometime - the experience is riddled with logical pitfalls just like that one, only more severe and potentially damaging to your mental health.) So, Jake's came up and we decided to try our luck. First off, let me just say this: how awesome is it that a place like Jake's is open until 11:00pm? Portland, are we not truly, truly, truly outrageous? (Whooa Jem!) I submit to you that, yes, we are in fact that outrageous; blessed by the food gods, for every other place was either closed, closing, or a bar. We were seated and our waitress was at our side immediately to take our drink order. I am not sure that I have ever had such exceptional service at a restaurant before. Our waitress was fast, attentive, descriptive, funny, friendly, and I'm pretty sure she would have dove in front of our table if a crazed customer randomly decided to toss a roll at us from afar. Yup - we had our own damned Secret Service! Would our waitress have fought a Kodiak bear on our behalf? I truly, truly, truly (whoooa Jem!) believe so. So, we ordered some onion strings, and a short time later, our waitress reappears with a hugenormous plate of fried onions that was so big it reminded me of the All-Knowing Trash Heap from Fraggle Rock. (Only I am sure it smelled waaaaay better, and offered no advice on how to rescue Uncle Travelling Matt from Outer Space. Oh well.) After digging into that, our orders arrived, and, well... ...this was an experience for me. I ordered the Sea Bass and Pork Belly. Yes, the belly of swine. Perhaps this is a common food item, regularly consumed? Well, not in my experience, it's not. I mean, have that conversation with yourself for a second: "Would you like to have some pork belly?" "You mean, slice off the stomach of a pig, cook it and serve it as a meal?" "Yeah." "Huh, no thanks." Well, I am not sure what overrode my sense of caution (coughcoughGUINNESScoughcough) but I did indeed order this, and the results were beyond even my drunkenly lofty expectations! The pork belly was sooooooooooo tender, the way that only an 11 "o" so can be. The flavor, somewhere between subtle and Bacon Prime, forced me to hold off until the end so that I could readily savor every bite. It is a rare thing for me to reluctantly eat sea bass, but here it was - an exceptional compliment, and well cooked, but a far cry from the most delectable bit of pork I have ever had in my life. So anyway, I loved my meal. Were it within my power, I would have the sea bass and pork belly every night for the rest of my life. Then, I would follow it up with that amazing creme brulee that our waitress suggested. (So helpful!) Honestly, this is one of the best meals I have had in a restaurant in a LONG time. I am already planning our next outing to Jake's, and as I write this, my stomach already growls with a deep, guttural yearning for their expertly cooked, tender-yet-crispy pork!
(5)
Tana J.
I had a reservation there at 5pm for a celebration and when we got there, first where they seated us there was no one in there so we could have had a window table but no they sat us in the corner not happy about that, second the table cloth on the table had spilled food on it, grease dripping down the front of it, and food under the paper on top, third I got the clams and oh my they were so salty I was un-able to eat them and I was already disappointed because you did not have escargot, then the other person with me order fettuccine and I tired it and it was literally flavorless and I also ordered a salad it came totally wilted we ended up packing all the food up and leaving Jake's use to be a phenomenal place to eat at and it was very negative last night and for the price I think the food should be superb and there was no "I am sorry", "can we do something to make it better" no manager NOTHING!
(1)
Leslie F.
A happy hour fav, great food and service for an excellent price.
(4)
Jeff W.
It was just okay for me. The first time I went here with a group, I remember the food being very good. The next time my wife and I stopped by for a birthday dinner, it was just so-so. For the price you pay, I'd like to be getting a little larger portions. But, that's what you get at restaurants like these. So, it's kinda expected I guess. Anyway, the steak wasn't good enough to rid the thought that I could have grilled up a nice piece of meat at home on the BBQ that would have been just as tasty if not better and for half the price. The atmosphere wasn't spectacular, it was alright. Just nothing to write home about. We sat by a window which was pretty neat, so we could do a little people watching. All in all, it was an alright experience. A nice evening out that we over paid for. But, you can do that every so often I guess. I was more excited for the Stumptown Coffee stop which came after.
(3)
C Y.
Despite years of Portland visits, I'm a bit embarrassed that this is my 1st dining experience at this Portland mainstay. I expected a straight forward, traditional restaurant with great service and food and that's exactly what I got. We tried a seafood entree and a steak, both were excellent. Portions were generous, prices reasonable. Would not hesitate to eat here again.
(4)
Diane B.
This place is a great hidden secret. It is part of the Governor Hotel which made it so convenient for us when we stayed there. They have a happy hour that includes a menu of food that is ridiculously priced! Best value in town. It was just great. In addition we ate breakfast there and it was one of the best I have ever had. The seafood eggs benedict and the blueberry pancakes were to die for!! Check it out.
(5)
Wile E I.
We were recommended by our hotel for Happy Hour. This is the place where cheap meets great. prices range from 1.95-4.95. The HH apps are super cheap and delicious. The ahi tuna skewers were tasty and big. Definitely worth the four bucks!Blackended fish tacos were ok. I enjoyed the Japenese style pork gyoza. The ruby Ruby was fresh squeezed and good. Very good and creative mixed drink menu. Good ambiance, the large room with way high ceilings definitely add a touch of class to the bar area.
(3)
Brandon L.
Should you come here? If you've got a heavy appetite but a light wallet, or just love a bargain...a resounding "YES!" Happy hour here is one of the best both on price and quality. My favorite humus plate bar none, and it's $1.95! The the $2.95 gourmet burger and fries is also a cant-lose proposition. I like McCormicks also, but the food quality is even a touch above that at Jake's, and for the same price no less. The waitstaff and bartenders are cool, and I like the high ceiling-ed old-world Americana ambiance. The Hotel Governor itself is equally impressive looking at night with the lights on. 5 stars!
(5)
Jeremy P.
Good food. Service is hit or miss depending on who you get. We were once told there was no French onion soup because the onions were too expensive. Was much better when McCormicks owned it! Good place for a date in the evening.
(4)
Knox K.
Located in the famous Governor Hotel, Jake's can be a very happening place - especially for the business crowd (M - Th). I have frequented Jake's on multiple occasions -- choosing primarily to eat a late meal at the bar while watching sports. I always found the service (bartenders) to be friendly. If Gino's working, be sure to ask for the Greg-arita -- which requires hand squeezed limes. It's sure to make him smile and say, "how do you know that guy?" Just tell him that Texans know everyone! The second happy hour prices are outstanding. How can you go wrong with a $3 hamburger (regular price $13)? Enjoy!
(4)
Marti B.
Just took my mom and her friend from SF to one of my most favorite best places for traditional, American comfort food in downtown Portland. Decorated in dark wood in a historic building, Jake's reminds you of a place that could even be at home on the East coast; steeped in tradition, good food, and history. If the cast of Med Men was alive and well in PDX, they would eat here. Here are my suggestions for never-fail traditional items: the iceberg wedge salad drizzled in fresh blue cheese dressing, tomatoes and asparagus, the spicy salmon crab cake, the perfectly cooked steak with the buttery mashed potatoes, the three-cheese macaroni and cheese. Pair any of these with a Canadian Club on the rocks and you are living in an America many miss - where good food was just good food! Best of all, their prices are very reasonable. They have a reasonable priced kids menu,too, at $5.95 per plate.
(4)
Steve L.
A Portland institution (no, not of higher learning) - a stalwart, very very respectable pub and food provider (breakfast through late night). If you are solo, try to grab a stool at the bar and ask for your fave bev.....wash with their choice bar menu....strike up a convo with whomever is to your L or R. Window-side seating/booths are the best, I think. Watch the foot traffic just outside. Breakfast menu's are smashing: salmon-scrambles are done with perfection....white linen tables throughout the eatery. Wait-staff is attentive and usually dressed in black and white. Location is central in DT PDX, convenient to MAX; parking is street side and/or valet at the front door....pay parking across the street. Another good indicator and convincer: the place is packed! If with somene special or with a group of goers - make a resi in advance.....sure helps! I will return, often. Hope you do too!
(4)
Paul B.
Great Happy Hour! This is a nice place in the Governor Hotel- an old fashion bar with character! The decor will take you back to the fashionable late 1800's west... dark wood panels, wide beams, leather, and moose heads on the walls! The happy hour food is very good and very reasonable! Blackened Fish Tacos with Chipotle Aïoli, Seafood Ceviche with Scallops, Calamari and Shrimp, Cheese Quesadilla with Green Chiles, Crème Fraîche and Salsa. These are the tidbits we tried. Each was very good and a real bargain at one dollar and ninety five cents! This is a nice place to sip a Manhattan and enjoy some good food- A must visit! Ha! a Manhattan out west?? Oh well, have your Makers Mark straight up! :)
(4)
Matthew C.
My first review on Yelp has to be on my favorite happy hour stop. As a "regular," this review may be somewhat biased, but I guess you can be the judge. The burger is the go-to on the happy hour menu. For $2.95 (it was actually $1.95 before the economy hit the skids; true story) it is the best culinary bargain I have found. The burger is cooked medium by default and, although I usually prefer medium rare, it is always thick and juicy. It comes with all the trimmings, a pickle, and fries. It is a must! The atmosphere is classic, but somewhat rustic. Mooseheads and American Indian art decorate the dark wood and leather of the restaurant. It looks like a cross between a golf club house and a hunting lodge; both fine by me. The gentleman in the table next to us telling my date about shooting a mountain lion only added to the ambience. Probably not the optimal place for vegetarians/vegans, although the hummus plate is excellent. More meat for me!
(5)
Christina D.
2 Stars for our server...She was really attentive, helpful & friendly *Will never go back *Food wasn't anything special or out of the ordinary *Salad was fresh and tasty *Good Bottle of Chardonnay Why I would never go back: We ordered a steak (medium rare) it came out well done, we kindly asked them to take it back. The Kitchen Manager came out with another one and stood there to make sure we were pleased with what we got. It was disappointing that the 2nd one came out between Blue Rare & Raw. The Manager then said as he was taking the 2nd plate away "The whole kitchen staff and I looked at the 1st Steak and we all agreed it was medium rare". As annoyed as we were we kindly and humbly asked him to take it back again. He comes back a 3rd time and it was finally medium rare. I thought the comment was uncalled for, unnecessary and inappropriate. Again not a food expert but i'm a Meat-a-tarian, love my meat and know my meat. We are very easy going, no fuss, low maintenance and forgiving diners. The last thing we needed during this meal was to be insulted.
(2)
Quentin Z.
Lobster pasta, with lobster and shrimp terribly over-cooked. Flavor was good, and service was excellent, but the reputation of a great seafood restaurant is questionable.
(2)
doreen w.
A friend took me here for a light late dinner to experience a "portland landmark." Jake's reminds me of many a manhattan landmark in the meat packing district, great american food and exceptional service. I "just" had a salad but it was exquisite! My plate arrived with a gentle pile of arugala, a half clove of roasted garlic with cranberries and a simple molasses dressing with 2 garlic crostinis full of olive oil. The wine list features a variety of Oregon pinots, local beers and a full bar. This was a portland highlight for me, despite the fact that i just lost my favorite seirus outdoor gloves at powells!! I left them right by the info desk, i was reading what to expect when you are expected...please portlanders if you find them message me!!
(4)
Raymond S.
Very disappointed in this place. Went for a special Birthday dinner. Service was ordinary, T-bone stake was OK but nothing to rave about. The Lobster pasta was not good at all - the shrimp and lobster was overcooked and tough. We cannot recommend this place. Very very disappointed.
(1)
JW S.
Top line: * Really slow, fairly inattentive (borderline overtly rude) service * Missed a lot of little details: e.g., cracked pepper for salads, pulled plates when people were still eating, agonizingly slow wine service (at a table of eight) * Let people order dishes that they were out of (at 7 p.m. on a Saturday night?!) * Food overpriced for value. * Fish was OK at best. * Lack of concern about whether the meal was satisfactory for the diners - no check up or follow up by waiter Our dinner experience (and especially the [lack of] service) was really surprising and disappointing. I expected more from this restaurant and the server; as well as the manager. A table of eight should normally get a little more attention. In this case, the table service was spotty at best. And lots of missed details - that you'd expect to be included in a $25-$35/entree restaurant. Here are a couple examples (that the personnel at Jake's Grill failed to do): * If you pull appetizer plates that have a knfe/fork on them, replace the knife/fork before the diner receives his/her entree (so they don't have to wait and/or ask for silverware). * If someone asks (has to flag down a bus person from another table) for cracked pepper for his salad, why not offer the pepper to the rest of the diners at the table. Don't just leave. * Explain which oysters are being served (there were 18 on three plates). * When you take an Entree order (at 7 p.m. on a Saturday) for something that's out-of-stock, offer a recommended alternative. Don't just stand there - help the diner. Bottom Line * Not recommended for price/value. * Not recommended for service. * Frankly, there's better food and better restaurants in Portland - with less of a hassle and more of a customer appreciation factor.
(2)
Olivia T.
Jake's Grill is my new Happy Hour crush. He offers me happy time everyday including Saturday. From 1 pm - 3 pm, I can satisfy my needs.. $1.95 Hummus plate, $1.95 Quesadilla, and my favorite 1/2 lb CHEESEBURGER for $2.95 and comes with french fries too! Jake's also offered me a loaf of complimentary free warm bread and butter while I was waiting for my yummy goodness. The only thing that he asked from me was to buy a minimum one drink, it doesn't have to be alcohol, Iced tea and sodas will do as well. Isn't he sweet? Now tell me, a reason why I shouldn't fall in love with Jake's Grill?
(4)
Alicia F.
My mom comes to visit 4-5 times a year. As a result I visit Jakes 4-5 times a year. My mom is quite obsessed with their Hemingway daiquiris, which I have to admit are very tasty. The atmosphere is wonderful, all dark woods and old-school. The service has always been excellent. I've had several meals here over the years but I have to say my new favorite is their warm beef salad. If ever a salad could be finger-licking-good this is it. But since I'm out to lunch at a nice place with my mom I refrain from indulging my cave girl instincts. If you're looking for a great lunch spot at a great location, Jakes is it.
(4)
Lisa C.
Jake's made my night out in Portland wonderful! First I had a free train ride from my hotel and it stopped right in front of Jake's. We were seated right away, got a lovely glass of Washington state wine and explored the menu. We tried several local cheeses, WOW. My friend and I bravely tried the halibut cheeks only to be so pleased and wanting more. I wonder what will happen when I go back to Arizona and ask for halibut cheeks? We also shared salmon, which was nice. The desserts were sinful - including panna cotta with raspberry, blackberry cobbler and chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!!! Truly enjoyable dinner. And a building with character!
(5)
Stanley T.
Alas, after twenty-some years (or so I'm told), the Jake's $1.95 HH cheeseburger + fries is no more :-( It's now $2.95. Still a Hell of a deal, but that doesn't keep me from being disappointed. Last time I was here I chose the HH pot roast sliders and they were quite good. I'm sure I'll be back.
(3)
Jeff M.
A Haiku Review of Jake's Grill: Tried to like this place. But it kept disappointing. Get what you pay for.
(2)
Shane S.
Nice classy place with great food. The servers are attentive and there's really not much more to say! It's a Portland fixture for a reason.
(4)
Brianna H.
When I went here the waitress kept eyeing my date... it was odd. Also, we were stuck at a small table close to the door which wasn't too comfy.
(3)
Jess L.
I have to be honest... I wasn't overly impressed. First off, they are having some issues with their sound system, so we went for a nice dinner and spent it listening to very loud Lady Gaga & Black Eyes Peas. Annoying... The food was ok, not what I was expecting for or hoping. The crab and shrimp cake was honestly like what you get in the freezer section of safeway, the salad was very heavy on dressing. The entrees were good, but not amazing. For the price, I won't be going back... the experience was average.
(3)
Ashley C.
I took my eight year old niece her for brunch and she loved it. I'm not sure if it's the ambiance or service, perhaps both, but she eat all her food and she always ask if we can return. Great old world charm, but the high class of a nice restaurant. We did get a to-go box, but can you blame us?
(4)
Gypsy R.
Jake's has a great inexpensive happy hour. Other than that, it is pricey, but quality food.
(4)
John Y.
We walked around downtown Portland on our only night in that quirky, interesting city. I got the impression that there were tons of great restaurants, so when we peered into Jake's Grill, my instinct told me to keep on walking. Sure, the place looked pretty.... a spiffed up version of a cool, 1940s-era joint. But I felt certain we could do better. We walked around a few more blocks, then, what the heck, we headed back to Jake's. I'm sure glad we did. The glammed-up retro feel is even more pronounced once you walk in. But it's not stuffy at all; it has a fun, ironic spirit to it. We ordered fancy cocktails, though I wasn't using my best judgment when my first choice was a Portland Raindrop, or something like that. It was green and vile. I can count on one hand the number of times in my life that I've sent something back... this was one of 'em. The waiter couldn't have been more gracious or more kind. The followup drink was much better; and the food was superb, especially the Kobe beef pot stickers. Even more significantly, the service was out of this world. Our waiter was extremely professional, friendly but not cloying, and he hustled, hustled, hustled. It was a great dining experience, worth every penny.
(4)
Richard K.
Can't go wrong with a delicious evolving menu, attentive service, and an overall great fine dining experience
(4)
Charles R.
Went there for lunch on 1/26. They messed up my wife's order (not that uncommon as asking for food dairy free is challenging for many restaurants). Once the correct one arrived a bit later her salmon was good. My chicken pear salad, while large enough for at least one follow-up meal, was covered with so much cheese that I could hardly taste the greens or the chicken. How hard is it to produce a decent chicken salad?!? Both entrees were around $15, and given the general stuffiness of the place I expect better for the price. I won't be back.
(2)
Mrs F.
Jakes Grill was delicious! I got a steak and my husband got the salmon and both were cooked incredibly. It was our 2 year anniversary and the hostess and waitress were very sweet congratulating us and had our names printed on the menus. Definitely going back soon...
(5)
Gary T.
My gf and I had just arrived in Portland and we needed some chow and booze to take the edge off of a 12 hour drive. So, we came here on the recommendation from the receptionist at the Westin. When you step inside it's like harkening back to the film noir era of the 20's or 30's. The host was dressed to the nines and the waitstaff were all wearing black & whites w/full length aprons. The bartenders were all wearing short jacket tux style tops, nice. We found a spot at the bar and made ourselves know to the bartender. My gf ordered a jack & coke and I went for a Deshutes. My gf also ordered a cup of the split pea, prawns and tomato bruschetta, and the blackened fish taco off the bar menu. The split pea tasted like it was homemade and the taco was prettty good, the bruschetta was on the not so good side. If you come here for a late night and want food, the bar menu looks like your best bet value wise because everything was only $1.95 and up. In all a pretty good experience, I'd give it another try and order dinner the next time.
(3)
Amado L.
Yeah, you're paying only $1.95 USD for that 1/2-pound juicy burger with a handful of fries-- thanks to their awesome Happy Hour menu-- and you're thinking that you're getting an awesome deal (which, on food, you are), but they get you on the beverage. Case in point, I've never paid $6.00 USD for a pint of Guinness anywhere in this city until I enjoyed a couple of them at Jake's Grill. Am I complaining? Not necessarily. I mean, that burger was da bomb yo! But don't fool yourself into thinking that the HH here is the shizzle when they're jamming it up your a-hole in some other way. Namely, the price of that beverage with which you wash down that cheap food. Having stated that, the HH menu is certainly quite impressive, with at least half-a-dozen priced at $1.95 USD, including the aforementioned burger (which would've easily cost more than nine bucks anywhere else). In fact, while I was chowing on my burger, another happy hour patron pointed to mine and asked the bartender, "Is that the happy hour burger?" to which the bartender proudly nodded in the affirmative. I would definitely have to return for more HH meanderings in the future, if only to tackle the rest of their impressive HH menu, some of which, although priced at $3.95 USD or higher, are still quite the bargain for food bearing Jake's caliber. Just don't be surprised about the cost of the booze; Jake's is attached to a hotel after all, and those unsuspecting tourists may not know any better.
(4)
Shalane B.
I had breakfast here while staying at The Paramount. Friendly staff, and the service was fantastic. The traditional eggs benedict was fabulous, but the biscuits and gravy were a bit on the salty side. No real complaints, and we will definitely be back!
(4)
Pedro U.
Food is great...both meat and seafood. However very busy and loud. Great service in general and an awesome happy hour with great appetizer choices
(4)
Windy S.
We've been coming to Jake's for quite a few years now. Every time our good friend from Seattle is in town he likes to meet us at Jake's. The cocktails are consistently good, so we never complain. The food is also consistently good and reasonably priced. They have a wide variety of cocktails on the menu, which I have never been disappointed in anything we've ordered. For food, dinner and lunch have always been good. The steak salad for lunch is really good. The sweetbreads for dinner as well as any fish dish have always been good.
(3)
Chelsea A.
I went to Jake's for dinner when my family came into visit me. And now I understand why people promote Jake's happy hour, and not just for the cheap food. Was my food awesome? Yes, yes it was. Was the ambiance and decor spectacular. Yep. However, my service was sorely lacking in personality, and aptitude. Jake's is good, and probably the best for what it is and promotes. However, I probably wouldn't sing it's praises, or make it my number one option for dinner.
(4)
Evan R.
The Original restaurant is so much better. I am sorry to those of you who like this place, I haven't found the same in many visits. The seafood, which should take first priority here is at best good and at worst dreadful. The last time I went with my daughter before we went off to see a play and she ordered the fresh razor clams and I ordered Ahi. We love razor clams and we often go down to the coast dig some and cook them up when we can. They are one of the reasons I would never leave Portland. My daughter loves razor clams. These sadly were heavily breaded and cooked too long. Once you got through the breading to the actual clam it had been cooked to rubber. As much as she wanted them to be good she barely ate one. My Ahi was just ok and for its price I was a little disappointed. The servers were very inattentive for a father and daughter dressed up and obviously going to a show. We will not be back. Higgins has been much more fun for pre-shows and the original Jake's is a much better place to enjoy some seafood.
(2)
Shawn P.
I finally checked out Jake's happy hour out at the bar and let me just say it was the best happy hour food I have in town! The steak bits are amazing and at that price having two or three orders doesn't hurt the pocket. I also tried the fish taco's that day which were Ahi Tuna and let me say I have been going back looking for it again because it was great.
(5)
nadia a.
I found this gem walking around Portland 10 years ago. SO excited that my hotel was close by. When my work buddy and I heard about their happy hour, we ran between the raindrops sans umbrella to go! Getting into the door at 6pm the bar was PACKED and we were told the Happy Hour just ended. WHA??? Every Mc and Schmicks in the USA has a 4-7 Happy Hour. Who gets off work at 3??? BOOOOOO! But I REALLY wanted their yummy crab cake, so we sat in the dining room. Our server was top notch and not pushy or corny or annoyed that we were only doing apps and salads...or at least he was an award winning actor and kept a good poker face about it! The arugula salad with the big ol' clove of roasted garlic, cranberries and chunk of roquefort is good vampire repellent food and damn tasty! My friend had their iceberg wedge-the steakhouse staple-but I'm sad to say it was a chunk of iceberg with a glob of bottled runny dressing on it. No bacon, no nice big crumbles of blue cheese.(but then again, maybe the Metropolitan Grill in Seattle has spoiled me rotten!) So thumbs up for MOST of the food and the five star service. Thumbs down for the UNhappy hour ending at 6pm. No FIVE STAR for you!
(4)
Kathy W.
We had lunch at Jake's while in Portland on business. Wow, the place seems to be a big hit with locals, as it is huge and was packed with happy patrons. When we got there, all the window seats were "reserved" and so we sat at an inside table (away from windows); the location was fine but you can barely hear over the noise of large boisterous groups. I ordered the Shrimp/Sesame Salad and it was very sweet, but tasty and my friend ordered the Beef Stroganoff and she loved it. The service was very good and we enjoyed a good, leisure lunch. *Side note here... We LOVED Portland!
(4)
Liz G.
We were in a steak mood, and not being frequent steak eaters, had no idea where to go, nevermind that it was approaching 10pm. So we ended up at Jake's. The host was a pretentious little guy and was hesitant to seat us. The beer list was one of the smallest/worst I've seen in Portland. Plenty of Coors/Budweiser type choices, not many that I actually wanted to drink. There were plenty of steak choices, all of which sounded pretty tasty. I settled on a flat-iron steak, cooked medium-rare, served with cherry tomatoes, onion rings, and mashed potatoes. The boy ordered one of the more expensive steaks, cooked medium, served with mashed potatoes. The steaks came out, mine done perfectly, the boy's terribly overdone. The server was really apologetic when the boy sent his steak back, although it was clearly the "Oh shit, my tip" sort of apologetic, which I guess it always is, but still, try to act sincere. In any case, he offered to bring out extra break or salad while the steak was being remade, and promised a dessert on the house. My steak was pretty tasty, garlicky (which I love), and tender. The boy's steak was pretty good once it came out cooked correctly, but I thought his plate looked kindof sad, just steak and potatoes, no veggies or garnish or anything. And the potatoes weren't even very good, the ones I make at home are better. For our "on the house" dessert we had the chocolate lava cake. There was no lava, as the cake was, surprise, overdone. The outside was too hard, and there was no molten flow once we reached the center, just some underdone cake batter. Again, I've made better at home. When the bill came the server had give the boy a beer on the house, not the dessert that we only ordered because it was free. Oh well. The final bill was about $90, which would have been fine if it had been a stellar dining experience, but it wasn't. I think Jake's is just trying too hard to be upscale, I wish they could pull it off. The servers all wore white jackets, but looked disheveled. The tables had white table clothes, only to be covered with paper. And our server used the crumb scraper thingy...on the paper, classy. It wasn't terrible, but I don't think we'll be going back.
(2)
Chad H.
My second time at jakes. First time was very good, but I think we ordered downscale - cheeseburgers and such. This time we ordered salmon, calamari salads and a few beers. Two people $114.00 with tip. I have to say the food was just OK. Service was excellent and we had a good table in the bar is the atmosphere was informal and very friendly. I agree with others that there are better, more interesting choices in Portland.
(3)
Adam T.
At jakes, currently on thier wifi. This place is legit!! Happy hour is unbeatable. The vibe is classy, but unpretentious. Great barstaff. Very knowledgeable and curteous. Everything you would want in a perfect happy hour spot. I cant wait to try the steak!
(5)
D N.
Really nice place, very friendly staff had the one pound burger it tasted...good but for $9.95 it was ok.
(3)
Colleen C.
Very disappointed in their food and service, especially after the fact that this place came recommended by two people! I went on a Saturday night with my family (7 adults 2 kids) and we had very early reservations. The service was very slow and we had to repeatedly ask for more bread (she gave us one basket which feeds up to 5 people) and refills on our water. The host seated us behind the door of the walkin area, which he said we would not feel a draft (we were there in January 2009). We had to ask that they close the door because we did feel a draft, a very cold one at that since it had been snowing that week. The table across from us thanked us for speaking up because they had it worse since they were in the direct path of the open door. I had the pork chop, which was decent - not dried out, but nothing that wow'd me either. The rest of my family all had complaints about their food. Very disappointed especially when we paid $20+ per plate.
(1)
Shane M.
Great customer service. I went during happy hour 15:00 - 18:00 and the prices on the food were great. It was only $2.95 for a cheeseburger and fries. This place has an excellent eloquent but casual ambience. Great appetizers, too for cheap prices during happy hour that is. There isn't anything bad to say about this place!
(5)
Corey S.
Very happy with our experience at Jake's Grill. My main entree was good and the fish was fresh, but what I really enjoyed was the sashimi appetizer. The best sashimi I've had on the west coast! My only regret here is not ordering the seared ahi once I has the appetizer. We had a large group (with a reservation) and were handled very well.
(4)
Andrew M.
Jake's Grill has a special place in my heart (and thus, an extra half star) because it's one of the few McCormick & Schmick owned restaurants that has a different menu from all the others. I've had the steaks, the lamb and the mushroom salmon fettucini. All were hits. During and after college, there were no meals more annoying than going to Spenger's in Berkeley/Emeryville when I would visit the fam in the East Bay or Jake's Crawfish (because it's a place everyone tourist has heard about and wants to go to) in PDX when the fam would visit me and having the same menu. Don't get me wrong, they're both good fish joints, but they get boring after awhile. Having worked in the bar and restaurant industry, I know it is much easier to get higher quality an lower prices by ordering in bulk for all the restaurants. From a customer's point of view, it becomes rather bland.
(4)
Ngo L.
I recently stayed at the Governor's Hotel and found out this place was connected to the hotel. I was looking for some breakfast and by the looks of the restaurant I was assuming it would be an expensive breakfast. Dead wrong! I was very surprised that the presentation of the meal was nice and it was pretty damn cheap. Great service and I'd definitely come back again!
(4)
Shana N.
My sister and I stopped in here 3 different times on our weekend trip to Portland! We were impressed from our first visit and just kept going back for more! The first stop was for lunch on a Saturday. $2 mimosas...awesome! We started with a side mixed greens salad and french onion soup. Both were delicious!! For our entrees I had the mac and cheese and my sister had the steak salad. I am not exaggerating when I say the steak melted in your mouth! The salad was amazing, full of flavor and came with goat cheese crustinis which we ate every bit of! The mac and cheese was great too, fantastic creamy comfort food! Our next visit was for late night happy hour Saturday night. The waitress was so friendly, she really made our night! We had stopped somewhere else and were so disappointed with the menu we came here instead and were so happy we did! We had a cheeseburger and chicken wings, they were both under $3! The food was fantastic! I had a Cool Breeze cocktail and my sister had a glass of wine. When the waitress told us it was last call and asked if we needed anything else I jokingly said a piece of chocolate cake for my sister's birthday would be nice...and she delivered! We had the most amazing chocolate truffle cake and she gave it to us for free! YUM! Our last visit was Sunday brunch. The food was good, I had steak and eggs, my sister had crab and shrimp cake eggs benedict. The steak was cooked perfect! We were both disappointed in the potatoes, they were dry, hard, not seasoned well and barely warm. The crab and shrimp crab cake was too big for the english muffin, it tasted good but my sister wished she had stuck with the traditional eggs benedict. We again had $2 mimosas and my sister also tried a bloody mary. Unfortunately on this visit we had a very distant, unfriendly waitress. Our water glasses would sit empty even when she stopped to bring food or take our order, I finally set my glass at the end of the table so she would notice. She rarely made eye contact and seemed distracted the entire time, we felt like we were a nuisance to her. Also, a table by the window had a group of 4 people who were talking so loud it prevented my sister and I from being able to carry on our own conversation. Not that this is the restaurants fault by any means, it just took away from our overall experience that day.
(4)
Julie P.
Great steak, great fish and chips. Rockin' wine list and delish cocktails. We were able to get a table by a window which I love, since I'm a people-watcher. Our waiter was kind of weird. Only said about 2 words to us the whole time but whatev, he did his job well except for the whole "friendly" thing. Kobe beef potstickers were AMAZE!
(4)
John W.
Had two appetizers because a had a late lunch -- crab cakes and oysters on the half shell... Oysters -- completely disappointing... Small, and almost tasted like flem. Ugh.. I can get better oysters in Southern california that are flown in from Seattle. Crab cakes were ok, but nothing to write home about. They were pretty crispy, and definitely fresh.. but for 15 bucks? eh.. House Bread -- the bread tasted like it was 1 day old. Total bill, with a san pellegrino and tip came out to about 40 bucks.. Ehh.. Unless someone tells me I have to order a specific item on the menu, I'll probably be dining somewhere else. I feel bad rating this place low, because the service was great. Waiters and waitresses were very attentive.. it's just that the food was just so-so, especially for 40 bucks.
(2)
Matthew W.
"It's not you, it's me... Look, I'm sorry, but Jake's has so much more to offer me." Jake's wins my heart for the best Macaroni and Cheese I've ever had in my life (other than mom's, of course)! Spiral noodles immersed in a thick 4 cheese sauce... mmmmmm! I should probably mention that I love cheese, and in my world, mixing good cheese with good noodles makes an edible heaven. And Jake's has taken lessons straight from God because the fine art of creating such a dish has been perfected through their skilled craftsmanship mixing the perfect cheeses. Every time we go to Portland, the thing I look forward to the most is this. Of course, the amount that they serve me is bigger than my head or stomach, yet somehow, I still manage to eat it all! (wonder why!) Anyways, I enter skinny and hungry and I enjoy my meal and then roll out the door as a human beach ball: fat and happy!
(5)
Douglas C.
Shame on me for ordering something other than crab or salmon at a McCormick and Schmick owned place, but I just wasn't feeling salmon-y that day. Stirike one: They don't have Alaskan Amber beer in bottles or on tap Strike two: They served me dead bad muscles. How hard is it? They start CLOSED and OPEN when you cook'em. Strike three: a bone in my fish fry. Suuuriously. Sadly the waitress spilled saffron sauce all over my suit and I had a meeting to get to. At least I smelled...good(?) the rest of the day.
Excellent! A wonderful steak house vibe, great food and booze. Not cheap, but one of a kind. Dined there with the in-laws about 3 years ago and we still talk about it. I would rate it better than Ruth Chris, but then that may not be saying all that much.
(4)
Eric L.
Jake's is a pretty solid establishment. Awesome happy hour prices on the food. Where else can you get a 1/2 lbs burger AND fries for $2.95?! And I'm not talking about a frozen patty, I'm talking about a real 100% USDA choice beef patty made to order. The fries are good too! Wide variety of HH selections to choose from but the burger is a must have. Beer selection is okay but nothing to write home about. My only complaint is that the place is pretty warm. Actually, a bit too warm bordering on hot if you sit near the kitchen. Be prepared and dress accordingly. Other than that, Jake's is a great HH joint.
(4)
Paula E.
Two YUMMS up! We hosted a small graduation dinner there and were not disappointed. The service was stellar and the food was delicious. My husband's t-bone steak was perfectly done as was my prime rib. The fish and chips are outstanding. And the section of the restaurant where we sat was beautiful. I had to explore the hotel a little and it reminded me of the hotel in the Shining movie but in a good way. Gorgeous and a great place for a special event.
(4)
Tiffany T.
Jakes is extravagant, and on the luxurious side. The decor is very attractive and the restaurant feels like it has a lot of history. It seemed like a lot of the other diners were enjoying a meal there for a special occasion or bringing out of town guests for a good meal. One night we split a dessert that was basically a chocolate sac filled with a white chocolate mouse, with a sprinkling of raspberries. The desert was creamy and sweet. It was very tasty except the base of the chocolate sac was too thick to cut with a knife. But it was pure chocolate so of course we tried to cut it anyway! 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 (ate there 3 or 4 times since we enjoyed our dining experience) I made sure to order this tasty salad each time. Yum! I also ordered the halibut cheeks in lobster sauce and it was all right, the lobster overpowered the halibut and the texture was a bit squishy so I don't think I would order that again but it was my first experience with halibut cheeks, so they may naturally have that texture. I also appreciated that the menu listed exactly where each seafood item came from. Overall a very succulent dining experience.
(4)
Leo Q.
The food and service were good. I had a very good Sockeye Salmon dish and my wife had their Beef Medallions. Her dish was really, really good. I only gave it 3 stars because Jake's is billed as classic Portland favorite, yet I found it to be very average in our overall experience. Food was above average, but there was nothing about the place that made us feel like we were in Portland or in a unique restaurant. Much of the overall experience felt like we were at a chain restaurant of some sort ... like McCormick & Schmick's ... good food, but not special or unique. Anyway, if you are visiting Portland for an extended period ... I recommend you visit Jake's. If you have only a few days and want something "different" or unique ... Jake's will not knock your socks off.
(3)
J M.
Nothing negative to say, just not my kind of place.
(3)
Brice B.
Jake's is one of my regular stops for business lunches here in Portland. One word describes the experience: consistent. If you need to impress a client, or if you're just jonesing a decent lunch, Jake's Grill does a fine job. The service is generally good, and the food kicks ass. The real draw of Jake's is the atmosphere: this place is beautiful. From the casual bar to the more formal dining rooms, Jake's is really rockin'. Aside from the snooty waitress I had today (minus one star), I have never been disappointed in the service. In fact, I've gotta say... I always feel swanky at Jake's. I like feeling swanky.
(4)
Louie D.
A northwest treasure! I first went to Portland in the early 2000s and stumbled upon Jake's. I thought it was a real cool joint. Ate brunch there with my friends. Having worked in Portland for some time, I became a huge fan of Jake's. They have great steak and scotch - great combo!! I then ran into this blog yesterday and noticed other Portland steakhouses: triangletrip.com/2009/05… Thought I share this with everyone. Lots of insightful info re: steakhouses. Fun read. There's a sister restaurant called Jake's Crawfish but that isn't as good as Jake's Grill. Bring a cigar to Jake's if you're a smoker. I believe they still allow smoking after 9PM. Great joint! Portland Classic.
(4)
Shay R.
Nice atmosphere. They have a good happy hour with an unbeatable $2.95 cheeseburger. Coktails are good and they have a large choice of desert. Definitely one of PDX top place to go.
(4)
Sarah B.
Best Happy Hour Burger. $1.95 for 1/2 pound of juicy meat and large fries (you know, not jo jos, but ones with some skin still left on the ends). I have tried the burgers from the other McCormick & Schmick's family (M & S Harborside, Original M & S, M & S Grill, and Jake's Famous Crawfish), and Jake's Grill by far presents the best burger. It is consistently cooked to order, and the fry portions are the largest at Jake's Grill. My one complaint is that the service usually sucks. I usually don't feel ignored, but I felt as though I was a burden on my server. You know, the attitude was more of "let's get this over with" than "thanks for coming in."
(4)
Sue B.
We dined here while staying at the Governor Hotel. The service was excellent and so was the food.
(5)
M C.
food is acceptable but expensive. and i had waited for almost an hour for my steak on that night.
(2)
Johnny D.
The welcome at the door was very lacking, with a rude host who seemed like he was having a bad day and showed it! Food was good, and the service was OK...Not that memorable..
(3)
Adrienne T.
A couple days before I left for Portland, I saw an episode of "Little People, Big World" in which one of the 17 year old boys on the show took his girlfriend to Jake's Grill for their anniversary. I watched, horrified, as the girl proceeded to pick up a fried filet and fish and eat it with her hands. At some places this *might* be appropriate, but Jake's seemed a little too fancy for that. I decided I had to investigate. I tried Jake's on a weekday evening. The host was friendly and attentive, and I got a nice seat even though I was alone (don't lone diners always end up getting stuck in a corner somewhere?). My waiter seemed a little lethargic, but nice enough. The food, however... the food did not impress me. The bread and butter were cold and dry. The stuffed salmon and fingering potatoes were good enough, but the portions were very small, especially considering the price, and that entrees don't include salads, or vegetables for that matter. For such a well-dressed place, I expected much more from the food. So in conclusion: eat the fish and chips with your hands. It's not worth the pretense.
(3)
Kevin T.
Here's what I like about Jake's: 1) great atmosphere for a dinner... its main dining room is bustling, noisy (in a good way), and full of energy; I particularly like being seated in a booth; 2) the menu is printed daily (although there are only small changes from day to day); 3) the service is always great 4) And, finally, the food is good. although it's far from being the best food in Portland, it is always consistently good and predictable; 5) it's an easy walk from most downtown Portland hotels; 6) the desserts are always the same (creme brulee, chocolate cake, fruit cobbler, etc)... they're actually very good. you can order a dessert trio and split with another person. Here's what I don't like about Jake's: a few years ago, they expanded the dining room. the auxiliary dining room used to be the reception area of the Governor Hotel. It has none of the feel of the main dining room. In fact, it feels just like they moved some tables into a hotel lobby. If they seat you here, you should demand to have them put you back into the restaurant. (Otherwise, if you really do want to have dinner in a hotel lobby, I would suggest your order a pizza from Pizzacato and eat it in your own hotel lobby for a fraction of the price of a Jake's Grill dinner);
(3)
Sherry J.
In the dining room or at the a board meeting in the private wine room Jake's makes me happy! The food is consistent and you can always count on fresh seafood. Recently I attended a board meeting in the private meeting room. I love Jake's dining room but did not have great expectations for food in a group. I was pleasantly surprized. The food was just what I have come to expect. No prefixed meal for this group. We ordered right off the menu! I was also delighted when the wait staff was invisible. We were able to carry on with our discussion throughout the service. They appeared just when we needed them but never interrupted. I guess what I am getting to is this is not only a great place for dinner but a terrific place to have an intimate meeting. Impress your friends and your business associates with the charm and great food/wine at Jakes Grill.
(4)
Bruce S.
Jake's really impressed me and 26 of my friends on July 1, 2011. We were in town for a convention. I had arranged a reservation with Jake's in advance, having never set foot in the place, nor having ever been to Portland. Jake's really came through. The staff was attentive and professional, the room was beautiful (we were in the room to the left as you enter the front doors), and the food was great. Thank you, Jake's, for making me look good for choosing you for this event!
(5)
Patty Y.
The bar area was hopping for happy hour! I was there for business conversation so we sat in the dining room. The dining room is more formal and has the service to match. Our waitress was professional and attentive. The food was good with fresh seafood, of course. However the preparation is quite basic and boring. Me and the dining partner shared a warm chocolate cake a la mode - it was really rich.... If I return it would be for the happy hour.
(4)
Dylan B.
Spendy. Anytime, that is, but happy hour. The thing about a 2 dollar cheeseburger with fries at a fancy restaurant is that they still make a good 2 dollar cheeseburger, no matter how little they're charging for it. The drinks are a little.... Meh. For mojito's at least; the martinis are worth it. But if you're doing beer and a burger, you might as well get your buck's worth. Weekends, the wait is short to nonexistent. The breakfast is quite decent - I love the spinach / mushroom omelette, and my friend loved the crab cake benedicts. And it all comes with biscuits; some of the best fluffy and happy biscuits in Portland (I say they beat out Pine State) but no gravy. (Pine State obviously crushed by Tin Shed and Cup and Saucer in my world view, but I'm a very biased guy sometimes)
(5)
Mishee D.
Was able to place order just before Jake's was closing. The staff was nice and friendly. I got the Cheeseburger with fries for $8.95. Big burger, but the bun was too toasted. I liked the zucchini and pickled red pepper addition, but ended up having to add ketchup because the burger was a bit on the dry side. Maybe because I ordered just as they were closing. Still, price is decent and will give it another try. --------------------------------------------------Â------- Gave them another go and I'm bumping them up to 4 stars. Why? My server was awesome. I dined alone since I'm the straggler of the bunch, but was promptly greeted and seated. My soup and bread came quickly. I ordered the 3 Cheese Mac & Cheese. The portion was HUGE...enough for 3 people. But the blend of three cheeses topped with crunchy bread crumbs was so delicious! I left room in my tummy for their carrot cake. It's a wonderful way of revamping the old fashioned carrot cake. It 's layers of carrot cake with cream cheese filing, drizzled with the cream cheese icing and decorated with candied orange peels! So yummy I had to stop myself from looking like a pig as I almost devoured the whole thing!
(4)
Ann H.
Service was OK; Salmon was overcooked and dry. Not the worst place in town, but I wouldn't got back. Its a sad commentary that the Mexican food cart that I ate at for lunch the following day was MUCH better than Jakes. Oh well.
(2)
Melisa W.
Very good! Real solid food experience. Wasn't anything super fancy, but very good food, great price, wait-staff very attentive, atmosphere nice. Smokey bloody mary is a must have! Fish and chips, very solid. Kobe burger, succulent (the carmelized onions were great!). Coming back for breakfast tomorrow..have to try one of those benedicts!
(4)
Danielle K.
Oh, my, this is probably one of my favorite restaurants. The food is amazing, as is the service. Try the clam chowder for something warm and scrumptious, or the baby greens salad with Gorgonzola, walnuts, and chicken for something a little healthier. All of their food is to die for. They also have a really good selection of palate-whetting wines. If you're looking for something a little cheaper, DEFINITELY check out their happy hour. They have the same great service, and some awesome, cheap dishes (like cheeseburgers/fries for $2.50). Not to mention the amazing cocktails list. My favorites include the Cosmimosa (a bubbly citrus/cranberry drink), Appletini, White Mango Martini, and a basic vodka tonic. I come here to catch up with my girlfriends.
(5)
Ronald L.
Had dinner here while on business in Portland. The restaurant was recommended by a local. Had Alaskan King Crab pasta, the portion was really small, ordered the ahi and hamachi apetizer and I have never seen such thin slices of sushi. Expensive too.....
(2)
Thomas G.
A perfect place it you want a server with attitude and a gin and tonic with little if any gin. A very disappointing experience.
(1)
Greg Q.
Jake's is where all of the concierges sent me the first time I was in Portland and I was trying to find a good place for breakfast. And for the first few trips I made to the Porty city, it was. The wait service is fast, the food is decent, and the coffee is hot. But on our 2nd or 3rd trip to Portland the veneer began to slowly peel away. First, there was the guy smoking a cigar in the restaurant. I asked the waitress about rules and regulations, and she assured me that he wasn't actually _in_ the restaurant, as his table was located just over a particular threshold where they didn't serve food. Too bad she couldn't prevent his cigar smoke from crossing that threshold and ruining our meal. All the way across the room. Next, there was the waitress who gave us what can only be described as god awful service. Sad thing is, I'd dined with her before and she'd always been pleasant. Finally, the floors. The floors are filthy. The sort of filth you don't notice until your child drops their spoon on the floor and insists on having *that* spoon back on their plate. No other spoon will do. And you look down, and reach to pick up the spoon, and realize that the blackness on the floor beneath you isn't part of the tile pattern. Jake's does in a pinch. It's there, and it's really accessible if you are staying upstairs in the Governor hotel. But there are many better options in Portland, if you ask someone besides a concierge.
(3)
Lisa W.
We take advantage of the happy hour at Jake's Grill every time we're in Portland. We arrived on a Saturday around 2:00 and hadn't had lunch (or breakfast) yet. Their Saturday happy hour runs from 1:00 - 4:00 so that was good timing. They have a variety of small dishes in categories of $1.95, $2.95, and so on. I had the seared ahi skewers which was a generous serving of 4 ahi skewers alongside a drizzling of wasabi sauce and cabbage slaw. It was just the right amount and tasted delicious. My BF had the happy hour BBQ'ed ribs and his report was "satisfying and filling". He had a pint of the MacTarnahan's, a Portland based beer and I had a mimosa (which turned out to be $2). Great happy hour experience at a low cost...that's why we keep coming back.
(3)
Ann C.
HAPPY HOUR REVIEW Prices were cheap, bartender was super friendly and quick and food was delicious! Pork ribs was a winner! 4 pieces of sticky gooey sweet BBQ meat that falls off the bone. Crab cakes! Two pieces of crunchy exterior, with warm flavorful crab inside- very good. Crispy brussel sprouts was a fail. They were more like baked, soft and only some parts crispy. Flavor was good but I thought they didnt meet the description.
I'm sad to give this place four stars but unfortunately I need to. Not because of service, because it was awesome. Not because of ambiance, because it was great. However, as much as I love both of those...I go to a restaurant for the food. The mashed potatoes were good and so were the green beans. However, I have been craving salmon forever and finally got it today. It was so dry and over salted. That really bummed me out...especially with the reputation that Jakes has. I will definitely give it another shot...but I was sad to not want to give this place six stars. PS - the lemonade is absolutely wonderful though.
(4)
Mark H.
This place couldn't have been any worse! Reading other reviews makes me think that I had eaten at a different restaurant. The building was a gem that is now filthy, dirty & should be closed down. The amazing tiled floors haven't been washed in at least 10 years & there was either hockey or duct tape on the floor. Also, there was either food or paint (or both) on the green velvet curtains, and the once terrific woodwork looked like it had been attacked by beavers. I spoke to the manager, and he had food stains on his mis-matched pants & blazer. This place & he were disgusting! My filet mignon had 'freezer burn' and a sad excuse for a grilled tomato sat next to an overcooked baked potato. It wasn't cheap either! I understand that different States or Provinces have different liquor laws, but they were offering Happy Hour at 8:30 on a Sunday night. Really?! This is a genuine shame that this place has hit rock-bottom when there is such potential for it to be terrific. Locals think it is great. I think there has been too much Happy Hour, and that a lot of people need to be in rehab!
(1)
Ron T.
It is a Portland classic. If you have visitors that are craving for something Portland, old, traditional. This is the place to bring them. They will enjoy the high ceilings, tiles, dark and almost rustic ambiance of the place. Sadly, there is a faint grandma's closet odor there too. But you can get over it soon. They have delicious food that changes on routine. A sign of a healthy and well managed restaurant. Try going to one of their happy hours, you'll be delighted with what you think is little but is packed with flavor. Wings, Shrimps, Oysters (they currently have oysters and shrimps for a dollar HH at the bar only deal), cheeseburger, salads, arancini, steak bites, pomme frites, veggies. The drinks are drinks. I don't see anything that stands out and noteworthy. They have their own signature cocktails, I opted to skip on those. The service could be hit and miss. They are always busy, we know but the servers on the floor seem to be missing a lot. They could use a better ordering system so they don't have to walk from one point to a farther point where an automated system could easily handle things.
(4)
mandy s.
My bf and I were excited for a big date night during our trip to Portland. Even though we knew this once family-owned restaurant is now a major corporate chain, we still decided to give it a try. The table and ambiance were perfect, and the server was sweet and not-overly chatty, although my water glass was empty more often than it should have been. We ordered appetizers, and our dinners showed up before we were halfway through. It wasn't the server's fault, as the kitchen should know how to time multiple course dinners. The manager didn't even come over after we expressed disappointment, and as a result of the inappropriate timing, our food was cold (not great for seafood and steak). The server offered free dessert, but we weren't planning on dessert, so it seemed like a cheap alternative. We ordered a salad and the crab dip, steak medallions (perfectly cooked medium rare), stuffed salmon, and drinks. The food was very good, so I would still recommend dining here. Even though our night still turned out well, the manager should probably review general customer service tips.
(4)
Kerri L.
I haven't been to Jake's Grill in an age, but went after a friend suggested trying their Happy Hour Burger for $3.95. Great advice. I was there by 4:30 yesterday afternoon and got a great table. The Lemon Drop I ordered was expertly mixed and quite a treat. I sat next to a fellow who teased the daylights out of me about my being a cheeseburger trendsetter (they garner a lot of attention when they come out of the kitchen), but he finally gave in and ordered one too. The quality was outstanding with lots of trimmins'. The meat was well seasoned and of outstanding quality. My cheeseburger friend and I had a lot of fun talking and laughing the rest of the time and decided this was a great way to spend Happy Hour. Happy Hours should all be so good!
(4)
gam h.
Went here for date night, I wasn't impressed at all, food was average, service was poor. The only reason I gave it a 3 is because our appetizer, the ahi tuna was exceptionally good. Probably won't return.
(3)
Gabie L.
I do like this place since there are quite music and professional servers. Plus, you can have better deals during happy hours(3-6pm & 9-close). If you don't want to hang out at a lousy place, this is the one for you.
(5)
Michael G.
This is really a nice looking old school bar. They have many smaller rooms and is much larger than it appears. This gives you that exclusive quaint feeling. You can sit in the windows and watch Portland go by. Unfortunately you may have plenty of time to sit as service can be slow. They are proud of their food judging by the prices. The food isn't that bad, but they are really making profits on the drink prices.
(3)
Kait K.
3 dollar mimosas on the weekend.... Just sayin. We came here for lunch today after the shamrock run (whoooop!) so it was busy but we only waited 5-10 minutes. The hostess was very sweet when she took us to the table. Our server was also prompt and all smiles. She helped me settle a good dilemma, French dip or Mac and cheese with grilled chicken. I got the Mac!! And I ate every cheesy bite. My mom got the burger which was juicy and cooked perfectly. Everything on the breakfast menu looked really great too! I would definitely come backs again to try it out!
(4)
David B.
Stopped in here for lunch on a Saturday. I was impressed by the architecture and ambience. I sat at the bar and was pleasantly greeted by a warm bartender (Ivy). I ordered a cocktail and felt a little out of place as most of the regulars socializing were locals. I enjoyed a pastrami Ruben which was cooked perfectly and was very tasty. I had a very good lunch and I wish I had time in town for dinner because I would definitely come here. You really can't go wrong here in an area which has so many excellent food options. See you next visit Jake's!
(5)
Peter C.
Went to this restaurant as I went to the Jake's Crawfish 2 nights earlier and had a tremendous dinner. Not so here. Found out it was bought out from the family by a corporation a few years ago. Sat at the bar and Iris was very attentive, and courteous. Ordered the pork chop, by her recommendation and it was very dry. I should have sent it back but was starved and it was getting late. The real capper was I heard a waitress ask the other bartender for 2 glasses of a white wine. He told her he only had enough for maybe 1 1/2 glasses. She told him to fill the second glass with some other white wine to fill it up. I asked the bartender if he did just that and he said she told him to do it. I then asked him if she was his boss and he slinked away. I mentioned this incident to the manager and he did not seem too upset. Maybe he will when they have no more customers. AVOID THIS PLACE.
(1)
Linda H.
This is an ok place if you have a business dinner and want a solid dinner that is nice but not too fancy. If you want a delicious meal to write home about, this isn't it. I came here with friends for a birthday dinner and found the service to be extremely slow and lacking. It took an hour to take our orders and the waiter hardly checked on us throughout our meal. The food was not bad, however, being in Portland, it doesn't compare to the other amazing places you could go to.
(2)
Olivia O.
I like Jake's for happy hour - pretty good deals and the drinks are usually strong. For most other events though, Jake's is just okay, especially for their prices. The food just doesn't blow me away, and at 15 - 30 dollars a plate during dinner, it really should be something better, you know? That being said I've never had a bad meal here. I've had their salmon dinner, their eggs benedict brunch special, their Sunday morning mimosas (at $3 a pop, not bad!), every happy hour menu item, and a steak there. It was all nice but not something I was wowed by. I think it's because Jake's caters to some older more conservative audiences and they don't really try anything out of the ordinary with their food. And in terms of playing it safe, they just do what's required, never anything memorable. All in all: a great happy hour place, a great place for brunch mimosas on Sundays, and other than that, it's overpriced and stuffy. A few blocks from Tasty n Alder, the Brasserie, the Multnomah Whiskey Library, and a host of other similar price-point restaurants, Jake's is a sleepy place with basics at best.
(3)
Jessica A.
We got room service from Jake's for our hotel room & were very pleased with the food! My daughter got the mac & cheese with broccoli, I got the blue cheese & candied walnut salad with chicken, and my husband got the sausage & chicken pasta. We also got a long island & mimosa. Everything was amazing - tasty & perfect temp. Good quality of ingredients too.
(5)
Jeff W.
I'm giving Jake's 5 stars based off of the excellent service and quality breakfast. When we first arrived we were told that it would be a 40 minute wait but we could seat ourselves in the bar area to be served right away. It seemed as though there was only one server running the entire bar area, but if she was overwhelmed, she did not show it. She was very friendly and we received our food and drinks in a timely manner. The food was great and reasonably priced. I will definitely return.
(5)
Charlie L.
Don't really care for the new menu. They have the same steaks which are great but left off several favs that my family enjoys. Most times it tastes like a 40 dollar steak but this time it was just meh. One note on the service, the waiter seemed to be trying too hard to be professional so that it came off as fake. One thing about a bread roll, had a table for 4 and asked for an additional rolls, waiter said to the table, how many do you want me to bring? I mean humor me and bring 2 but do you really expect us to play rock paper scissors for only one you bring?!? I do like the atmosphere and location but without our favorites I'm just not sure it worth it for us anymore. This trip the onion strings were a bit mushy and soft, prefer them when they prepare them with a little crunch. Sorry to say this trip dissapointed this time. Not sure when Or if I'll be back.
(3)
Bebe K.
Good eats and fun times. When all the others are booked you wont be disappointed. We had the fish and chips...haven't had that in a decade or so and this was the perfect eats for the wait!!
(3)
Evan J.
Was working in Portland and Jake's was recommended as one of the "best places to eat in Portland." The whole experience was okay at best; it's over-priced for the quality and taste of the food if you ask me. After eating at a few of the highly recommended and rated Portland food trucks, I don't think Jake's should even be in the same conversation. From a "tourist" view, I would spend your $$$ elsewhere. It seems like this place is carried by the vibe and history more so than the quality of food nowadays.
(2)
Matthew S.
Reliably good food. Serves the most tasteful Happy Hour in town. Even the best is second to Jake's.
(4)
Tim E.
Stop in for a hamburger at happy hour and it might be okay but otherwise Jake's sells mediocre Sysco food for too much money. You're paying for ambiance and little else.
(2)
Justin O.
Great place to check out while in downtown Portland. Phenomenal service and great food. Nice personal touches. If you make special reservation ahead of time, they go out of their way to make your experience over the top. Manager visited the table multiple times, ensuring that the experience was amazing. (Nice touch!) Nice selection of menu items. Can't go wrong with any of them.
(5)
Mara W.
Thoroughly enjoyed our happy hour drinks and snacks at Jakes. Great IPA on tap for $4 per pint. The ribs were delicious and a very large portion (both with and without the bbq sauce). And we loved the fried Brussel sprouts...aioli sauce was superb. The service was a tad slow but we are on vacation in Portland so we weren't in any rush.
(5)
Lady I.
What a wonderful experience. This place was recommended by a couple we met at the airport who are regular travelers to Portland. We highly recommend their happy hour, especially on Wednesdays when oysters and shrimps are $1 from 5pm-close. We first called in on Wednesday night to check if reservations were needed and it was recommended, but the happy hour only applies at the lounge area. Come on an empty stomach because aside from the oysters and shrimp they have a great selection of food and drinks during HH. We ended up with: Fritto misto (fried shrimp and calamari) Slow braised pork ribs Blackened fish taco Pulled pork sliders Two dozen oysters The service was good and the wait was not long at all. We will definitely come back here when we are back in Portland.
(5)
Joe G.
DON'T mistake this for Jake's Famous Crawfish! NOT the same! Ate lunch at Jake's Grill on Saturday and it was terrible. The hamburger was clearly frozen and not made at the restaurant. I could have bought it at Costco. Salmon salad was OK. Waiter was very attentive and polite but the girl that seated us was totally untrained. She reached across my plate to clear the unused settings and got her hair into my clean plate. This is the second McCormick & Schmicks we've been to and they both were terrible.
(2)
R. A. M.
Went for dinner. Old school, pricey, fussy, but i loved it. Try the beef stroganoff. rich and wonderful.
(4)
Tom M.
It's Christmas Eve and I'd been cooped up all day. I wanted to go out for some coffee and dessert. Jake's was one of the only places open and they're also open on Christmas Day, NYE, NY Day. I really love the feel of this place. It's elegant and busy and full of people. The staff seem a bit hurried and sometimes that can affect the overall experience and it can also account for a lackluster service. Good coffee but after the first cup we had to ask for refills. Even when she brought the dessert she didn't notice our empty cups. Anyway, we had the Three Berry Cobbler: Trio of blackberry, raspberry and blueberries. served warm with a sugared pie crust and scoop of Tillamook vanilla bean ice cream. You know, sometimes it's just worth violating your glutard status once in awhile, provided you can tolerate it. This was a great choice overall for this experience. Christmas Eve evening, coffee and dessert in good company.
(3)
Five Star S.
Went there last night at 9pm. The waitress was not very nice, sort of rude. The food gave me a heartburn so I not recommending it to anyone.
(2)
DandA T.
Had a business lunch here, and everything was fantastic. The wait staff was attentive without being overbearing. The food was excellent and I love the decor. Will definitely be coming back here at some point.
(5)
Zoe J.
Average service and very poor food. We both went for Eggs Benedict which was the worst I've ever had with watery sauce that was mainly vinegar and no lemon and some very average potatoes. I also had a 'freshly squeezed' lemonade that didn't taste like it had seen a lemon recently. I reckon I could do a better job first time at home on both of those. All in all very disappointing.
(1)
Sam S.
Been going to Jakes for years. This place is the bomb!! Seriously, anybody that doesn't get it needs to get off their high horse and get a clue. Solid old school dining with best of class bar tending, go anywhere else and let your dollar beware.
(5)
Drew L.
I hate to do this... Decades ago, I worked at Jake's Bar and Grill. I have very fond memories of what it was. The food is still high quality. That is the reason for the two stars Jake's gets in this review. The dish I had was tasty, and presented well. That's where the good of this experience stops. The service was.... atrocious. For the price tag at this Bar and Grill, I expect significantly better. There are a great many things that money does not necessarily equate to, but service should not be one of those things. It doesn't cost a thing to be courteous, or prompt. it doesn't hurt to ask how things are when your customers are waiting. I hope seriously that my experience at Jake's is a one off, but looking around, it didn't seem like it. I will try again, we'll see if the next stop is an improvement.
(2)
Robin H.
You had me at "dollar oyster night"! Thank you for the excellent service!! Always a treat!
(5)
Diane K.
I was visiting Portland for the first time and a local recommended my friend and I try Jake's. After ordering our food and drinks, the manager and a kitchen staff member came up to us to inform us that the kitchen had been closed for the night but that they could make a few of the happy hour items for us. We tried to tell them that they didn't have to do that and we were satisfied with just our drinks but they wouldn't take no for an answer. When our food came out, we had 2 additional dishes on top of what they said was available for a total of 5 plates for the two of us. On top of that, when we received our bill, we saw that they had only charged us for 2 of the food items. Where in the world can you go to a restaurant, be told the kitchen was closed, but then get free, not to mention delicious, food?? We were blown away by John the manager, Christian our bartender, and the kitchen staff, and I was sincerely sad that I didn't live in the area to be able to come back on a regular basis. Thank you so much for your incredible service and for being so genuinely kind. I will 100% be coming back to Jake's the next time I visit Portland.
(5)
Peggy M.
First time disappointed here Classic Cobb salad was all lettuce and minimal toppings. Definitely worst Cobb that I ever had On positive note, other salads all looked good as were the oysters
(3)
YaiYai S.
I love this place. Our current trend is we hike early every Sunday and then go straight to Jake's for breakfast. We sit at the bar and the most lovely gal serves us Grapefruit Mimosa and a big smile. She remembers our name and what we like. I love the old Portland feel of the place, been going there for years. Their seafood is fantastic, the bread is good, the service is professional and old-school. It's a must for us.
(5)
Lauri J.
We made reservations at Jake's for my daughter, granddaughter, and I. We arrived 10 min. early, but even though the dining room was not busy, we were ushered to the waiting area and left for the full 10 min. Not even offered a cup of coffee. We were given a nice table by the window. We asked for a child's menu...asked the server for an apple juice for my granddaughter. The server snapped.."We don't have apple juice!" Who doesn't offer apple juice during a breakfast service? So, we ordered orange juice instead. When it came, my granddaughter stirred it with a spoon. When she pulled the spoon out, the back was covered in dirty food..looked like either chocolate cake...or feces. I called over the hostess ( our server could not be found), showed her the dirty spoon, asked for a new orange juice. She apologized, but left the filthy spoon on our table. The sever finally came back and we showed her the spoon. She said she would tell her manager, and apologized, but left the dirty spoon on our table. At that point, we left. Will not return. Ever.
(1)
Jasmine D.
That place was a perfect example of how a beautiful restaurant doesn't alway serve the best food. First of all everything in that place was so over priced you have to be a millionaire just to enjoy the good food. Secondly the man who served me was so annoying and constantly invaded my personal space. Not to mention he treated me like a child, I get that I'm 16 but I'm still a paying costumer who deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Then he gave me a really crappy table in the back of the restaurant with a dirty table, so I had to clean it myself. Third he actually had the nerve to chastise me when I forgot say "yes sir" to him once even though he was not my father, and he mocked me just because I couldn't pronounce the food I wanted to order even though it was in Italian which I cannot speak. I'm pretty sure he did this because I was black and there for stupid. It makes sense since I was literally the only black person in that place. Finally the $45.00 shrimp spaghetti(which was the appetizer and the cheapest item on the menu) that I ordered tasted awful, the smell alone made me want to gag, and the shrimp in that pasta was undercooked and still had the tail attached. I had to eat it since I paid for it plus the waiter was watching me like he would kill me if I didn't finish it. So if you're a rich, white, and an adult over 30 then this is the perfect place. Otherwise never eat there!
(1)
Douglas J.
Found this place by accident and glad we did. Four of us enjoyed a Sunday breakfast/lunch in the gorgeous dining room. The room oozes old school class & style. Our server, Michael, was friendly and attentive. Our food was perfectly prepared to order. Look forward to returning.
(5)
Laurie I.
We were so disappointed in this restaurant. We had to wait an hour for our meals. The hamburger was inedible. I tasted it and did not eat it. I immediately returned the meal. My husband's trout was dry. Scott the manager, was very nice and we did not have to pay for our meals but we left hungry. Our Ben & Jerry's was my dinner. Delicious!
(1)
Melissa F.
The room oozes with charm but there is a general problem with the food and service being subpar in an entire geographical region where the service and food is beyond good. The food was average- nice higher end ingredients not handled correctly- overdone The service was sloppy- some tables got complimentary bread- other tables it was forgotten. Bonus- this place stayed open even though nothing else in town was during the snow storm. I don't think I would typically go here if it weren't the only place in town open.
(2)
Paul O.
I used to love this place. Today it was almost empty and we can tell you why. The food was terrible. I am not sure if they are cost cutting, but you either provide good food and charge or you reduce your price and serve crap. Our plate was incomplete and the bread seemed many days old. I thought at least I could get a cold Stella, which came in a old pint glass. I asked, and was told they broke all the Stella chalice, and did not get more. I asked the server what she thought, I could see the look in her eye, she agreed. The servers are always great, some of them are still there, but nice as they are, without decent foo, there is no reason for me to go back.
(1)
A S.
Not sure what the negative reviews are about because I had a Great experience at Jake's Grill. Makes me wonder if there is some corporate warring or personal vendettas going on. Yes, because of new, out-of-state ownership, the menu has changed and some of the ambiance too, but Jake's is still beautiful, in a grand old historical building, and the food is still very good. From there originally and traveling through, for our wedding anniversary my spouse and I spent the weekend in an upscale Portland hotel and revisited Jake's for dinner the night we celebrated. The service was excellent. I was so charmed by our server, my marital partner was gracious about my over-tipping. Our steaks were just right for each of us, and we like our red meat cooked very differently from each other. The meat was tender and the entire meal was flavorful. So were the drinks, which might explain my over-tipping our charming server. In response to some of the other reviews, we didn't like the food because we are "stodgy," "conservative," and "do not like to try new things." To the contrary, we are well traveled (probably better traveled than most of the younger set as we've had longer to do it), like to try new twists on food, and regularly eat cuisine from a wide variety of cultures. However, very good classic cuisine has its place too. It, too, is a culinary style after-all. The restrooms were clean, as was the dining room. Unlike my last experience at a Sullivan's, I didn't leave Jake's feeling like I'd been ripped off. We left Jake's and walked back to our hotel feeling all warm, fuzzy, and satisfied. So all in all, we had a great time relaxing over our upscale meal as we were treated to very good service. I do hope the current ownership doesn't make many more if any changes to the ambiance, though, or become too stingy on servings to increase its profits, because we value going to and giving our business to nice establishments in gorgeous historical buildings. If corporate management thinks Jake's needs to be hip and contemporary for the younger crowd, they need to remember it is in Portland, not Vegas. The cultures are vastly different. I didn't experience the chintzy servings someone else referred to, but if management is heading in that direction, they also need to remember "older" consumers are smart enough to recognize style over substance; when we are being treated disrespectfully by a business giving us little for our money, and will take our dollars elsewhere. Those dollars should matter to a smart corporate management because the older set who values establishments like Jake's has more money than do the kiddos. Just sayin'.
(5)
Terry S.
07/19...beef stroganoff w/mushrooms...outstanding. next time Ivy....I'll have a glass of wine.
(5)
Malcolm H.
Great dinner, and even better dranks! Had the 10oz top sirloin, late birthday dinner, and it was bomb. But the star of the night was the portland Streetcar Martini! I'm a beer and whiskey drinker, this had me losing my s$&t. It was smooth, not too sweet and the raddest drink I've had in a minute!
(4)
Karen A.
We had a marvelous experience! We went to the bar, sat at great table where we had the best waitress ever Anna! Good personality and very helpful. We did happy hour which was really great, Anna stayed with us into the next courses! We couldn't ask for anything more! Great atmosphere, wonderful wine and amazing food with a fabulous waitress!
(5)
Callie R.
This place is pretty good for happy hour. What I most enjoyed about Jake's was the service we received. When we looked at their menu, I realized that the meal I was craving was an odd combination of mismatched side dishes and a lobster tail. The waiter accommodated this bizarre request happily and even charged it as the meal with a minor substitution, rather than for each individual item, which would have doubled the cost. The service was prompt, everything we ordered was well-seasoned. However, for their price point, there really wasn't anything super memorable about their menu or the food.
(4)
Francisco C.
Nice place to dine in. Their breakfast menu is basic. I had the traditional egg Benedict. It was ok but not terrible. The price was fair. Restrooms are clean. Service is friendly
(2)
Elizabeth H.
Fantastic service, very good food, but for 39 for a piece of king salmon the salmon was just okay. Old world decor was lovely as was the booth seating. Bathroom is located so far away from the dining area, so need to drop bread crumbs to find your way back is vital!
(4)
Jacob B.
My friend and I ate here on a recent trip to Portland. It was a great experience. I had the meatloaf for lunch and my friend had an egg and pancake dish for breakfast. The service was good and it is also on Open Table, so you can get 100 points for eating there. The restaurant was very clean - also clean bathrooms. Both of us enjoyed the experience and would go back here for sure.
(4)
S.E. H.
My father and I dined here about 8 years ago. I wrote about that dinner and the chicken oscar I ate for my application essays to get into college... Enough said.
(5)
Alex S.
My girlfriend and I went to Jakes for the first time last night, and the entire experience was amazing. After being seated we were asked for our drink orders in a timely fashion. Both of our cocktails were delicious, with healthy pours. We started with the kobe beef pot stickers, which were different from any kind of pot sticker I have had in the past. This is not to say they weren't excellent. For our entrees, I ordered a rib eye with garlic mashed potatoes, and my girlfriend ordered the stuff sole. We were both very happy with our choices. The steak was cooked perfectly. Our server was an older gentlemen, and he blew us away with his level of service. He made great suggestions throughout our meal, and checked on us frequently. I will definitely be returning, probably to try out their happy hour.
(5)
Chloe G.
My experience could not have been better. I had the ribeye, which, for me, is the tastiest cut of beef since it's usually beautifully marbled. The steak was cooked beautifully. The Yukon gold potatoes were wonderful. The French beans were simply delicious. Everything was cooked PERFECTLY. It's been a long time since a restaurant I've been to cooked everything to perfection ^_^ We definitely plan to return on our next trip to Portland!
(5)
Mina H.
I'm a little late I'm giving this review as it is based on my visit from the last time I was in Downtown Portland. The Concierge at my hotel recommended Jake's so I walked over. Overall it has a pretty cool ambience. I went on a weeknight and it was pretty full with lots of people all around. As far as the menu goes, it is very mediocre. It's your traditional All-American type of restaurant however once the food comes out, it's certainly nothing to brag about. It's not bad but it's nothing to rave about. I guess one visit is enough I won't be returning. I ended up ordering some beef medallion plate which I had to send back because it was not cooked enough. I ate the potatoes while I waited for my server, and when I gave him my plate to re-cook the meat, he took the entire plate but only returned it with meat, and not the rest of my potatoes. When I asked him where my potatoes went, he said oh I didn't know you wanted those. Uh, yeah! He didn't even offer to replace it. Overall this was an okay experience. I certainly will not be returning here nor would I really recommend any out-of-towners to stop by. It's nothing special.
(3)
Alisa G.
This review is for happy hour only. Coincidentally I went two days in a row so got to try almost all the bargain grub. I was actually surprised that the food and drink offerings were so limited, given how much people rave about their HH. * Hummus plate: one star. Stay away from this one. Tasted way too heavy on the tahini and served with sad and floppy pita bread. * Polenta "fries": two and a half stars. Yummy but greasy and heavy. * Ribs: four stars. Seemed like they were fried and then coated in BBQ sauce, resulting in a nice crust. * Wings: three stars. Not outstanding, but perfectly serviceable. * Cheeseburger: four stars. Substantial, good quality, and the star of the show. Limited drink offerings ($4.00 well drinks, $6.00 house red or white wine). The friend I was with still managed to drink 7 Ketel 1s at $9.50 a pop. It was all fine, but I won't be rushing back. Try Saucebox for wonderful drink and food options.
I enjoyed lunch in this place. I ate at the bar and had great service. the menu was a little on the small side but the hamburger I got beautifully done and cheap. I mean dirt cheap. I'd go back here in a heartbeat
(4)
Mike B.
Stopped by for a quick dinner and had a great meal with drinks. Danielle was great and recommended some incredible happy hour items. Did the happy hour burger and had the dessert sampler. All was great. Will tell all of our family that lives in Portland!
(5)
George D.
Went there twice within the past 3 weeks. This last visit was fantastic! World-class, attentive service by the lovely red headed Dashnia (or something like that). Had the Cesar salad (with anchovies) and the Beef Stroganoff. Absolutely brilliant! Service was superb, the two Bombay Martinis were par excellence and I left full, happy, crocked and content! The only suggestion I would make regarding the stroganoff, is that it could have had a slightly more tartness going on -- like mom used to make! But it was excellent the way it was. Jakes is a very traditional, old school wood beam, wood bar place with tons of room! All kinds of various dining rooms and banquet facilities. As I sat there eating my excellent meal, I was watching all sorts of scrumptious looking plates walk by like huge shrimp cocktails, oysters on the half shell and more! Jakes is the place in downtown Portland! It doesn't get any better at these prices! I don't give 5 stars unless I leave with a woody! :/
(4)
Saul B.
Great ambiance, fabulous staff - hostess at front desk was welcoming and entertaining as we waited for our table to be prepared...and, Mychael was our brilliant waiter - and they accommodate your wishes with a major smile. Yesterday's lunch was an off the menu Crab Louie - as good as it gets. This mornings crab Benedict was as great as it gets. Kudos! Kudos! Kudos! Was recommended by a former Portland resident. Lucky us.
(5)
Joanne C.
I'd eaten during happy hour at the bar last year when I visited Portland and thought it was a great deal and great food. We were too late for happy hour tonight, so ordered from the regular menu - which is not cheap! My friend and I shared Beef Stroganoff and the trout. Both were less than mediocre. The stroganoff had way too much sauce, very little beef or mushrooms, and hardly any flavor of sour creem. In fact, one somewhat larger piece of beef I was able to find was mostly fat. However, after complaining about it, they promptly took it off our bill (that wasn't my intent though - I'd rather pay full price and get a great meal). The trout was too greasy, uninteresting, little flavor and not worth the $20-something price. Probably the worst trout I've had. It was served on a bed of uninspired rice. The rolls served before the meal looked good, but didn't have an interesting texture. I was hoping for a crispy-on-the-outside, springy-on-the-inside baguette-like texture and taste, but it was more like rolls you'd buy in the grocery store. Only way I'll go back is for their happy hour. I remember having little crispy logs of polenta that were delicious and a great price.
(2)
Angela C.
The clam chowder was good. Nothing special.The ham and eggs were good also. Ham wasn't overly salty and wasn't over cooked. The crab cake benedict was okay. I've had much better but it wasn't bad. The mimosas were good. Overall, Jake's Grill isn't a bad place to have brunch. Don't expect anything super amazing but it won't kill ya to eat here.
(3)
Stacy P.
After landing in town on Christmas, Jake's Grill was one of the few restaurants that was open, and that I was able to secure a last minute reservation for. The restaurant was decor was on older upscale pub side, which was nice. The lights were dimmed as you would expect, but want was a little odd was all of the mirrors on at the tops of the wall in the dinning room bar side. Whether it was to make the space larger or what, it was kind of off putting as you sometimes found yourself being watched. The menu was limited due to the holiday and being that I can not eat gluten, my options were further restricted. Opting for the Ribeye, which I was told was the best when trying to find a place to eat, I felt very underwhelmed by it. It was extremely overpriced and not worth the money. The service was just ok, the staff seemed tired and stretched a little thin. For what I paid for the meal, I would have expected better quality.
(2)
Cindy A.
HAPPY HOUR REVIEW 3:00-6:00pm Mon-Fri; 9:00pm-close Daily 1:00-4:00pm Saturday; 3:00pm-close Sun Food Deals $2.95-$5.95 Changing menu of about a dozen items with outstanding, hearty sizes: wings, cheeseburger with fries, ribs, hummus, pizza, pork sliders, fish taco, oyster shooters, chicken Caesar wrap, frito misto. Drink Specials $4.00 drafts; $6.00 red or white wine; $4.00 wells Atmosphere Stately and traditional with convivial class; fancy, white jacket and bowtie servers; connected with impressive Governor Hotel. Wildly popular and like Jake's Famous, pretty much always packed. Note: Keep it in mind for breakfast (daily!) and lunch too! I think dinner gets to be just a touch expensive, so only 3 stars there. But a solid FIVE with all the other meals.
(5)
Anne N.
Went to try out their happy hours, it was a decent selection with various of food. I wouldn't say it's the best food but it's nice atmosphere and for the price you can't be beat. I ordered the Jake's sandwich, it was pretty all right. I wasn't expecting it be phenomenon but I wasn't disappointed. Friendly service, great price, decent food!
(4)
Alexis R.
Can I just say that Amanda is an amazing manager who dealt with our issue tonight with such promptness and grace. She came to our table to apologize for our appetizers not being what we expected. She stated it didn't wasn't up to their standard. She then delivered our entrees to make sure we were still being satisfied with our service. Our waiter was friendly and right on with all the service he provided. We love Jakes and can't wait to come back.
(4)
Fabian N.
$3.29 for a can of Coke? Really. What a rip off. They were locally owned forever and used to be amazing. Now all the Mccormick's are owned by a giant restuarant empire called Landrys. That's why you hear about them pitching their membership card in reviews. Planet Starbucks in the Microsoft galaxy. Bummer
(1)
Lisa P.
Very unimpressed by the food and the service here. Breakfast took over an hour to get, and the restaurant wasn't even half full. Our server seemed extremely uncomfortable the whole time she was serving our table. The food itself was only okay, and how hard is breakfast? I ordered the pancakes, eggs, and bacon, but it was praline-bacon that was wayyy too sweet and not even edible. The eggs were overcooked. I'd say if you are looking for a place for breakfast or brunch, keep walking... The building itself is really impressive though.
(2)
Scott M.
Great place and food. Will be back again and again and again. Amazing food!!!!!!! Great service!!!!!!
(5)
Dathan L.
My wife and I had an amazing dinner. The service and food were amazing. After dinner we began looking at all the old pictures. A chef then showed us other pictures and shared the stories. What a truly amazing evening for our 3rd anniversary. Thank you!!
(5)
Chloe B.
Good drink..poor food..marginal service. Very dissappointed that this once great place is now not much more than Red Lobster:( Prices too high for the quality of the meal. The dessert was very good and the manager bought it for us to make up for our uneventful meal.
(2)
M R.
We had an exceptional experience last night for New Years Eve. The service was outstanding, the food was superbly prepared, seasoned and was of extremely good quality. We will definitely be returning.
(5)
Suzanne L.
Had dinner with the family on a Saturday night. The food was good, not great, but good. The service was AWESOME. You can't ask for any better service. Next time I'm there I'll try a steak and see if it's better, but the prices are SO high that my standard for the food is pretty high too.
(3)
Wes W.
What a great experience. Everything from the timing, to the food, to the wait staff was wonderful. We were a bit disappointed with the appetizer, but that would be our one and only complaint.
(4)
Katie R.
I was really excited to try the Happy Hour because I worked all day and my child is at his grandmother's house for the week because his daycare is closed for the week (and I have to work) so I can actually go out for a happy hour instead of rushing to pick my kid up from daycare (like I do every single night). But Happy Hour isn't offered on New Years Eve. Because it's a holiday? The holiday is tomorrow folks. Way to dampen one of my few free evenings :(
(1)
Ariana G.
Great ambiance. Awful lobster bisque, for a seafood restaurant. I usually have excellent service here from the bartenders.
(4)
Holly L.
Always a great meal! It is hard to find seafood that is better prepared. The waitstaff was friendly and attentive.
The restaurant was over priced for what we got. It was also half empty on a Friday night. Someone (owner/manger?) kept interrupting our meal to try to get us to join a some kind of loyalty plan and got offended we answered "How is your meal?" honestly, but that didn't stop him from coming back. The wine list was expensive and the bottle we ordered was disappointing. Of the "trio" of desserts one was okay, one was excellent, and one was meh. How do you make creme brulee meh? The main course was good and our server was excellent but the overall experience was very, "Meh, I've experienced better."
(2)
Andy J.
This is the place I enjoy taking the work team for lunches. The staff is always friendly and seating usually is pretty quick, even during the lunch hour. We all went a few days ago and all the food from the French dip sandwich to the crab and shrimp salad was on par. Probably my favorite of all the McCormick and Schmicks family restaurants. Enjoy!
(4)
K M.
Went on a recommendation. Interior is as expected, dark wood, clubby, banquettes... Nice and felt authentically "established". Service was good. Not as attentive as I might like, but well informed and knowledgable. Drinks were well made and did not skimp on the alcohol. On the food, I am torn. I eat salmon. My husband likes a medium rare steak. Even medium rare, the steak needs more cook time than the salmon. As with so many of our dining experiences, he got a perfectly cooked steak and I got overdone salmon. The fact that Jake's specializes in seafood made this a little harder for me to accept than most of the time. I suspect that they can do better. The dessert sampler trio was outstanding! That was perfectly proportioned and timed and saved the meal for me in the end.
(3)
Brittany V.
We visited Jake's Grill for breakfast / brunch on a Sunday morning. The breakfast menu was impressive and unique, but felt a little limited on choices. The coffee and mimosas were great, the food was good, and the booth spaces next to the windows are amazing. I would definitely be interested in having lunch or dinner sometime.
(4)
Jim M.
Not recommended. The food is over priced for the quality delivered. Salmon is ok. I got the sirloin with crab cake. The crab cake was awful and looked like something out of a Mrs. Paul's box. When we checked out the waitress put on a high pressure sales pitch to buy their chain owners (Landry's) membership card. It took three strong no's before she finally got the message.
(1)
chris k.
Don't be fooled by the delicious sounding menu! Great menu, executed in a "mediocre at best" fashion. The food is just like any food you have ever eaten at any chain-owned restaurant - might as well have been at Olive Garden. When my wife asked our waiter if she could have *any type of vegetable* instead of mashed potatoes or rice, he just shook his head and said "afraid not." Not "sure, but we will have to charge extra" or "no, but you can get a side of them separately." Just plain old "no". Apparently they don't have any vegetables in the house. We also had a 9pm reservation, arrived at 8:50, and weren't seated until almost 9:30. Definitely pass on Jake's Grill. Portland has some great fare to offer, but this place does not have it.
(2)
Tara M.
This food is pretty great! The calamari app was amazing! The mashed potatoes we SO creamy. We even sat next to some soccer stars! Very laid back atmosphere, and perfect for drinks and dinner! You could spend a couple hours here and have a wonderful time! :)
(4)
Andi O.
The first time we visited was on our honeymoon (yes, honeymooned in Portland in October, we're from AZ, rain and cold felt exotic). AZ is a wasteland when it comes to good food, especially seafood, so it was probably the first time I tasted salmon that was fresh and well prepared. We were introduced to the joys of Oregon wine as well. Going back to our deprived upbringing in AZ, the old beautiful building and atmosphere was again new to us because in Phoenix they're all about tearing down the old in order to build yet another strip mall. Loved the cozy booths by the window, love people watching. We've been back a few times, and even though we've always enjoyed it, no visit has been as good as the first.
(4)
Kimberly M.
Let's be perfectly honest!...I was at Jake's for my brother's 60th birthday. I loved the wine room, the drinks were good and the food was reasonably priced. We had extenuating circumstances which caused some disenchantment with our waiter at my brother's 60th. Long story short, we had a celebration several weeks ago for my father's 85th birthday. We have celebrated years of birthdays at other major restaurants but they do not offer the great conference table set up and a room where we can all visit for such a wonderful occasion. We had the same waiter for our second event, Chad. He was absolutely fantastic!! We discussed my previous experience which I was not the coordinator for. Explaining our expectations and instructions he went behind the call of duty. The General Manager (Manager on Duty) Scott checked in on our party. I let them both know upon departure that I was very happy.
(5)
Gary H.
I had breakfast here while staying at the Governor. It seems like a pretty classy place. The service was good an very responsive for what it's worth (we were one of 3 tables). I got the Oregon Harvest Omlette and added bacon--because what's breakfast without some form of pig? They brought this delicious biscuit basket with bitter and jam. The jam was great. Felt very home made. The omlette was delicious. Full of fresh vegetables. I especially enjoyed the Oregon wild mushrooms. My girlfriend got the eggs Benedict. I had a bite and can say it was pretty damn good as well. Cooked perfectly. Very good experience. I would recommend it.
(4)
Steve R.
I have eaten at Jakes Grill in the past and enjoyed the experience. While the food was never in the category of "great", it was certainly "good enough". This was not true during my recent dinner experience. The carpaccio was good. The entrees were not good at all. We had the stuffed salmon and the ahi tuna. The salmon was very, very dry (like it had been under a heat lamp for hours) and the "stuffed with dungeonous crab, shrimp & cheese" was a flat out untruth. There was no crab, no shrimp, and the "cheese" was more accurately labeled a "glaze". The ahi tuna was perhaps the worst entry I have ever eaten in a restaurant. It seemed like it had been prepared in a crock pot and cooked until no flavor remained. We did not have dessert at jakes. Any time I spend $150 on a dining experience, I expect the food the be better than adequate. The food at Jake's Grill was poor. I will not eat here again.
(1)
Nick M.
Not good at all. The prices are WAY too high for the quality of food and service. The food is bland and there is no presentation at all. A $40 New York steak plate came to me with Steak, dry potato, and 3 spears of asparagus on a white plate. No garnishments; nothing. The food was... meh.
(1)
Jorge P.
This place blows! Heard about how great their burgers were. Got my drink right away, then waited at least 15 minutes to order. Tried French onion soup. Meh....Burger came halfway through soup. Should have known better. Asked for medium and it was rare. They offered to make it right and it came back well done. Brought it to floor manager's attention and only offered apology: no offer to make new one, no comp, no discount, nada. Good news is hundreds of other places to eat at next time I'm in town.
(2)
Erik w.
Ok food. Cheap. Nothing special. After I paid waitress came up wondering if everything was ok wondering why I didn't tip the usual. Apparently she thinks tipping is mandatory for mediocre service. Tipping is for exceptional service. For the person that goes above and beyond. I normally tip rather liberally, but for those that work for it. Their prices compared to the quality was not acceptable. They make the environment nice and cozy but was just a show for mediocre barely even acceptable service
(2)
Tyler R.
Went for happy hour and had some awesome food for a great price. Used the internet for awhile, received great service over a couple $4 dollar drafts. Very classy for how reasonable the prices were. Cheers!
(4)
Stephen G.
Chloe G. is right - the ribeye was fantastic, as was everything else here. It's a BIT on the pricey side, but still less than other steakhouses that offer comparable quality. I will definitely return.
(5)
Corey H.
I like these older joints. I like that the bar's worn and the stain is spotty. I like the penquin outfits. I dig the comfortable amble of the staff who've been there for twenty years and could probably serve a whole shift blindfolded. As these spots slowly get turned over into newer whiskey bars and homogenous farm to table crap, I cry every time we lose one to time and evolution.
(4)
Carlin S.
I've been here for busy dinner and relaxed brunch and I have to say, it was two completely different restaurants. For brunch we were led to a table by the window. Service was prompt and we spent just the right amount of time enjoying the decor while waiting for our food. I ordered the crispy poached eggs and they were both wonderful and well presented. My parents also loved their entrees but I've forgotten what they ordered. I went here for dinner on Saturday evening, sat at the bar and ordered steak and potatoes. I asked for medium rare but got rare on the inside and medium-well done on the outside. I actually prefer it this way when my sister cooks steak but she must have a much better knack when it comes to buying the steak or seasoning it because the steak was extremely bland, somehow dry despite the very red meat on the inside and it definitely didn't taste like top shelf steak. For 40$ I'd expect top shelf steak. I asked them to take it back and fix it... maybe cook it some more. I really wasn't sure how they messed it up. It came back 10 minutes later and the only difference I noticed was that it was a bit more burnt on the edges and even drier. I've cooked steak maybe 8 times at home and I've never made a steak that tasted this disappointing. So, I will never have dinner here again unless it's happy hour. Brunch any time I'm willing to pay the price.
(3)
Mister S.
Food was decent. A bit pricey. Out waiter (I forget his name) was very nice. For what its worth, you can do better in Portland.
(3)
Justin W.
I have had a really rough week of car problems, motorcycle problems and just general bad luck. I came by today for a quick drink and a taco and ended up having a great conversation about trucks with the manager and even witnessed him and the bartender divert a potential drunken predator away from a young lady nearby. All in all, the strong drinks and delicious food were a nice accent to the overall hospitality I experienced. Perfect end to a shitty week. Thanks guys.
(5)
Kevin M.
Old style saloon look with formal service. Food and drinks were good, especially the steak.
(4)
John L.
First time visit to Portland and stumbled into this place. Great ambiance, delicious grilled salmon salad for lunch. Only negative was slow service.
(5)
Nina S.
From the minute we arrived to the minute we left we were perfectly treated. We don't get to go out often because we have two young kids so we love to sit at the bar when we can get away. We were immediately greeted with friendly bartenders and had drinks as soon as we ordered. It took us awhile to decide what we wanted, but when we were ready the bartender was there to take our order. It did take a bit longer than our neighbor to get our dinner which I didn't even think of because I was deep in conversation, but the bartender aparently did because be bought me a glass of wine. He also bought us dessert to go. Very appreciative and unexpected for such a short delay for our order. We will be back! Food was perfect and delivery near! Thanks!
(5)
Lina A.
It was our first time in Portland, and we decided to try out this spot. It was in a convenient location, and it seemed "local" enough to try out. The atmosphere is nice, not too fancy, not too casual. They serve Brunch on the weekends, but it ends at 1:30, so if you want brunch, come early! we missed brunch so, we ordered from the regular menu. The menu doesn't have much variety. We ordered the Mac n Cheese, and the Parmesan crusted Tilapia. They were both O.K, not much flavor. The Tilapia didn't taste fresh, and the Mac N cheese, was... nothing out of this world. The quality of the food doesn't live up to the prices on the menu. Service was O.K nothing special. We got our food and the server pretty much forgot to check back until it was time for the check. Will I be back? maybe for drinks. but not my "go-to" spot in Portland.
(2)
Mike P.
Stopped in for happy hour. Better read their menu carefully. Drinks are misrepresented. Gently probed manager regarding pricing and got reprimanded. Perfectly lousy treatment. I would avoid this place. Mike
(2)
jack d.
Family ate here after arriving in Portland. This place is situated downtown and we parked in a nearby parking garage for only $5.00 for the evening which is a real deal. You have to pay for street parking downtown. I really like this place, it looks like a very old remodeled hotel on the inside and out. Inside is what you would expect from a fancy steakhouse, leather and dark wood. Full bar with animal trophy heads on the wall. We got to sit at the window which is cool. Our server Chad was very helpful, attentive and took care of business. I started off with the prawn cocktail, 5 large prawns served in a chilled margarita glass with cocktail sauce. I had the grilled pork chop with mashed potatoes and vegetables, wife had the stuffed salmon and my son had the seafood trio, All of the dishes were tasty and well presented. We finished dinner with the chocolate cake with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. Chad even took $25,00 off my tab because I am a Laudry member and got to use the card sign-up membership deal which I had for a couple of years but never used it, I basically gave it back to him for the tip. Remember, Oregon does not have a sales tax which is a big plus. Great eats, great service, great place.
(5)
Janet S.
I'm giving Jake's Grill 3 stars because my dinner, the crab shrimp & brie stuffed Salmon, was excellent. The Beet salad was excellent. The Cesar Salad was OK - nothing to write home about. My main complaint was my husbands Delmonico steak. $49 for an 18 oz steak - it had better be exceptional. It was not. And it definitely didn't look like 18 oz. It was just OK. The only complaint I have from my meal is that the green beans were uncooked. Not even a little under-done. Just warmed over. And for 2 people with a tonic water and a coke the bill was $104.00!! I've never been less than blown away by Jake's Original, so I guess I'll just put Jake's Grill on my "do not go" list.
(3)
Bryan I.
I've been to Jakes several times for happy hour and still count it as a solid option for late-night grub and drinks despite its shortcomings: Pros: - Your typical mix of several different cuisines of food, ranging from burgers, to sushi, to quesadillas (they succeed at the "jack of all trades, master of none" concept) - Decent and consistent quality and quantity pub grub at a very reasonable price - Good hours (open late most nights) - Good location, situated in the heart of downtown, close to the streetcar and max line - Decent size venue - Big enough to seat probably 50+ in the bar area (note that some places have HH bars that are full with only 5-8 people) Cons: - Sometimes it's PACKED (especially peak late-night hours on weekends and after large city events like timbers games, starlight parade, etc) - Variable service quality that is usually, but not always, linked to how busy they are. I've never had any horrible experiences, but admit it can be near impossible to flag down a waitress to order or get the bill when they are busy. So yeah, I always keep Jakes in mind for happy hour food and beer. Probably best to go somewhere else if there's already a line of people just waiting for table, but if they've got space, it's definitely worth trying.
(3)
Anna B.
OMGawd, what a soul sucker. I've had a long-time aversion to this place, but found myself back there again recently, and I wasn't in there five minutes before I regretted it. How this place still hangs in there, with so many amazing places within blocks, is a mystery. They have done nothing over the years to even attempt to keep up; that menu's straight out of 1994. Midori? Blue Curacao? In the "specialty" cocktails, are you kidding me? Oh, right. It's tied into a hotel. That's somehow making this possible. Wait, no. Even that's not right. There are lots of hotel bars in downtown Portland. And they're awesome! What in the holy hell is going on here? We made our way across the sticky floor to take a seat at the sticky bar, grabbed seats, and nearly left before we finally got attention from a bartender. There were two other people at the bar. But we were there to research some drinks, damn it, and needed to at least complete that part of the mission. Bartenders were completely without knowledge about what they were making, drinks were terrible, and the snacks were even worse. Yes, you can get some Happy Hour food there on the cheap, but I'm of the mindset that life's too short to eat crummy food, even if it seems like a good deal. Trust me, it's not a good deal. I've now had dinner, lunch, weekend brunch, and happy hour here. I think that's enough tries for a conclusive "ick". Yes, they have somewhat inexpensive mimosas on the weekend. But is the terrible food and service worth it? No. Dingy, dilapidated, and depressing. I rarely give out a bad review. But I very rarely find myself anywhere less than awesome in this town. But, for reals, out-of-towners, if you're seeing this: don't spend your bucks here. Walk 30 seconds down the street and have the best food and drinks of your life at Clyde Common, for similar if not better prices.
(2)
Greg H.
I lived in Alaska for 13 years, and I am very fond of Salmon. One of the items on Jake's menu is crab, shrimp, and Brie stuffed salmon. It is my favorite salmon dish anywhere. (With traditional cedar plank smoked salmon being a close second.) Tony our server was quick and professional.
(5)
gerry g.
We recently had Sunday brunch which is a recurring experience whenever we visit Portland. We always order the eggs benedict with crabmeat. We started with Mimosas. We requested little orange juice so we could taste the sparkling wine. They arrived mostly orange juice. When we inquired of our server why our request was ignored she replied that for twice the price we could have mimosas as requested. We declined and drank the one orange juice with a splash of sparkling wine and ordered our eggs benedict. When they arrived we were very disappointed by the lack of crabmeat. For the price of the eggs benedict we were expecting to be able to taste crabmeat! We have always enjoyed Jake's in the past for brunch. Our Mimosas were always as requested and the eggs benedict something to return to the restaurant for. Based upon our recent experience, we will take our business elsewhere.
(1)
Mark B.
Why cant I give less then 1 star?? I used to really like Jake's and Jake's Grill, but since Landry's bought them out not so much. Prices are up, service is down and all of a sudden once Landry's bought them they could not run my gift cards. one I had used a couple of times so maybe had 30 left on it the other I hadn't used so had 50. Just went back after a year to see if they had fixed it and no instead the manager kept trying to blame me for it... as in "the card is really old" me "card says it never expires and that is the law" manager " I wish I could help you but I think it is demagnetized " me "really none of my other cards have had that problem" him"There are no numbers on the card for me to look it up" me "your company made and sold the cards if there are no numbers it isn't my fault" after several passes he said I have to pay another way I told him to use my credit card and I would not be back....I will how ever burn you on yelp... Note, this apeared on Episode 217 of Grimm
(1)
Adam S.
Ambiance was nice, prime rib as expected. The appetizers were very small, and half of our party thought the food was just Ok. Service, however was significantly below expectations. Slow, unattentive, and generally not engaged. In the end, it was decent, but I wouldn't make it on my regular rotation.
(3)
Diaz M.
Hands down, one of my favorite brunch spots! No wait, fabulous service & great food. The eggs Benedict were ahmazzing!
(5)
Mark F.
We ate here for lunch. Cool historic location and we got to eat by the fire place which was a nice treat on a cold day. The clam chowder was solid with real Westminster crackers. The meatloaf sandwich was awesome on toasted Sour dough and some great onions with the right sauce. Try it out!
(4)
David M.
We stopped in to have a few appetizers and found ourselves buying a couple of adult beverages as well. We shared a cosmo, mojito and a vodka cranberry. All of the ingredients were outstanding (all tasted fresh) and balanced. We really enjoyed the drinks. For the appetizers, we shared a sashimi plate, cheese souffle and oysters. The goose point oysters were excellent, the best we can recall having. The sashimi plate was excellent. All of the ingredients were excellent. The cheese souffle was also very good. We were very happy with everything we had. I can highly recommend Jake's Grill.
(5)
Jenni L.
Happy Hour all day Sunday. Need I explain more? The girls and I were trying to catch a showing of the Hangover round deux at the Fox Tower the other night. We bought tickets, went in and promptly turned around and exchanged them for the later showing as the place was so packed, we would have had to sit in the very front row. We had some time to kill and were all pretty hungry, so the change in showtimes suited us well. We wanted to be back early to get good seats, so we decided that our restaurant of choice had to be within just a few blocks walking distance. Jake's fit the bill nicely. When we walked in the bar was jam-packed. We did a loop looking for a table and by the time we made it back to the front, exactly three seats had cleared from the bar. We grabbed them quickly, and the couple next to us even commented "that didn't take long." We started with a round of drinks. I had the Queen Bee because I have a standing love affair with St. Germaine and it was perfect. The HH food is pretty diverse which I appreciate, and it's all extremely well-priced. One of my friends got the shrimp tempura, which she quickly peeled free of the tempura coating, and the hummus plate, which in mho was spectacular. The hummus was perfectly seasoned and came with roasted red peppers, pitted (thankfully) kalamata olives and fresh, soft pita bread triangles. Definitely a good choice, and probably the best hummus I've found in Portland thusfar. My other friend got the cheeseburger and fries, which I think came out to be a whopping $2.95 or something thereabouts. The fries were really good. I know because I think I ate more of them than her, and I made her give me a bite of her burger which was cooked well. I ordered the Mediterranean chicken pizza and it was kind of a let-down. The flavor was good, but it was extremely dry. You can't win them all, aye? Food was great, drinks were spectacular, and the service was superb. Our bartender seemed to really enjoy the craft of making cocktails and obviously took great care in making them perfectly. He even skimmed part of a Bloody Mary off with a straw and his finger (in a totally hygenic way) to make sure that the Mary mix was spiced just right. I will keep this place in mind when I'm catching a show next time, or even when I'm in the SW area on a Sunday. It was a great choice and definitely took the cake in comparison to our crappy movie that night.
Two stars as the food was pretty good and I really enjoy the setting. We have fond memories of the pre Landry days and my wife was a server there back in 1996-97. She recalls the intensive training in the front and back of the house that was required. There is obviously a new standard as I have received more courteous and attentive service at a Burger King drive through than my family did last night. The entire meal was spent wondering what was going on and we actually thought someone was going to jump out with a camera crew telling us it was all a joke. We did appreciate the manager coming out to apologize when they brought out the wrong meal. I imagine he may have had a few of those conversations last night. Sorry for the negative review.
(2)
Taylor W.
Very basic food here but all prepared well. For breakfast the other day I got the Dungeness Crab Eggs Benedict and it was very good. I also tried the Country Benedict and it was only okay. But again nothing unique about the menu here that I could not find at a Stanford's. Now the location and building is neat and I feel as if I have taken a step back in time when I got in there. Great for groups and even just to grab a drink before heading on for the evening.
(3)
Katie G.
This is a review ONLY about their Saturday brunch service. I have heard that their dinners and lunches are quite tasty. I think they have some work to do on their breakfast fair. The breakfast potatoes had cinnamon on them - very strange to eat that with an egg dish. I got the Yamhill scramble (goat cheese, Roma tomatoes, and basil). It was edible but not great. They do have fresh biscuits and homemade preserves - which makes for a nice start to the meal. We also got to sit outside - which was lovely. I might give Jake's one more try - but likely not for brunch.
(2)
Skip C.
Came to Jake's to sit outside and people watch which when you are in Portland can be amusing to say the least. The waitstaff was friendly and even treated my daughter with an extra scoop of ice cream. Great location, good drinks and great employees.
(4)
Tennis N.
I've had lunch at Jake's Grill twice now in the past few months with members of a marketing group I belong to. We use one of the private dining rooms and it is perfect for our group or 6-10 people. It's quiet and comfortable. I've always enjoyed the food -- nothing spectacular - but very good and consistent. The service is excellent! They are very attentive, but not intrusive when our group is having a discussion. I would highly recommend Jake's Grill for business meetings.
(4)
Misty P.
I patronized Jake's Grill during a trip to Portland. We stumbled upon it by accident, but it was a great accident! The steaks and seafood were delicious and fresh. Each dish was cooked perfect. I was also impressed that the menu had a wide array of fresh raw oysters from various parts of the world - from Washington State, to Japan, and New Zealand. I tried them all and was intrigued by the different tastes and sweetness of each different oyster. My friends had different meat and fish dishes. My steak was cooked to perfection. The service was friendly and attentive, but not overly annoying. All in all, we were all pleased as a whole. If I am ever in Portland, OR again, I would definitely come back to this fine restaurant!
Stopped in for a quick dinner while in town on business. Not always the most fun thing to do to dine by yourself on business, but the staff at Jake's makes you feel welcome and comfortable. I recommend eating in the bar. Fast, casual service and my server Anna was friendly, efficient and helpful. I had the wedge salad, which was big enough for two people. Fresh and nicely prepared. I had the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and it was served hot, well seasoned and tasted like real comfort food. Great experience, great service and the food was excellent. I'll definitely go back.
(4)
Mike S.
The Happy Hour and LATE happy hour is where it is at! So much food for near nothin! The atmosphere is old wood, which I love. The beers were all local. I was alone and ended up having great conversation with two random guys about everything from Snowboarding outside of Portland to this guys history working with old rock bands! The hummus app was OK. The seafood gumbo was chunky and amazing! LOVED the huge chunks of some random white fish. The mussels in a garlic wine sauce had a very short "plate life" as i devoured them in minutes. Definitely will be back when in Portland. And definitely for happy hour.
(4)
Adam R.
The best part about Jake's was its location. Between the river and JELD WEN, it was the right place for my grandfather. It was, however, incredibly over priced. Half a dozen oysters should not cost $15, being that we're right near the coast. And as for the entrees, my fish was overcooked, but other people's were fine. The outdoor seating was nice, and the service was decent. But if I'm paying for a lot more than what most places in Portland are, they could at least make the food really good.
(3)
D K.
I am shocked to see this place could have above 3 stars. Don't go here! The food is overpriced and the service is awful. There are so many amazing restaurants in Portland! We were in Portland on Christmas Day so we had very few options for where to eat. We had an itch to go out to dinner rather than eating at the hotel so we decided on Jake's as several other options were no longer accepting reservations. We arrived 15 minutes before our 9 pm reservation and had to wait until about 9:25 to be seated. I understand it was Christmas and people were probably hanging around a little longer than usual- we'll let that slide. The server barely made eye contact with us and we waited several minutes to even get water at our table. Our table was probably the WORST in the house; right next to the server's station. We heard their consistent chatting and there were several servers that would drape their arm and hands over the wooden barrier, right into our table area. One server even leaned over the barrier, and over our table to check on one of his tables! This was rude, distracting, and very annoying. We informed the manger about this; however, it still continued. The food was mediocre at best. My biggest complaint is that I said, "May I please have any type of vegetables instead of mashed potatoes or rice?" The server replied, "Afraid not." And offered no solution. We were willing to pay extra but he was not able to help us with this. For vegetables! I wasn't asking for anything out of the ordinary, and we were willing to pay an additional fee. The Christmas Turkey dinner came with vegetables, so I know it could have been possible. The server was also very rushed, frustrated and annoyed that he was working on Christmas, and felt very disingenuous as far as caring about how we were enjoying our meal. The kitchen also got simple things like "dressing on the side" wrong. Overall, it was a very disappointing experience and I wish we had gone to a different restaurant or ordered room service. Avoid this place!
(1)
Todd A.
This place is kind of a standard steak house with a good selections of wine and fish as well. The crab cakes were pretty good but what turned me off was that the waiter did not mention a single item on the menu that was not on the top of the price scale. Everything he mentioned was $70 or more and there were some great choices in the $35 range. It makes you not trust him and if I was handling the bill I would have written him a note and made him feel it. So, it was like NOT having a waiter since this guy was so obviously a sales guy. Hide it buddy. I cant remember his name but he was Bic bald with glasses. I had the Halibut and it was good enough.
(3)
Art H.
I have been a frequent visitor of the two Jake's in Portland over the years and they never fail to please. On my most recent visit with a friend, we enjoyed two classics, the fish and chips and the parmesan crusted tilapia. Both were very good and nice size portions. We each had a couple of beers from there well-stocked draft selection as well. The waitstaff were friendly and very efficient. Also of note, is their amazing happy hour menu that is offerred on the weekend as well. Either Jake's is a great food destination when in downtown Portland.
(4)
Kevin H.
Day trip to Portland and looking for a place to eat. Saw Jake's Grill and thought, "hey, I like grills!" Walked into the place and did not have to wait for a table. On a Saturday night. Perhaps that should have been a sign. My girlfriend had the stuffed salmon, while I had the "Seafood Trio." Despite the Red Lobster-ish sound of the name, the presentation wasn't too bad. However, the food itself was mediocre at best. And at nearly 30 bucks a plate, I'd hope for a bit more than mediocre. The salmon provided was from the east coast (huh?), but fairly flavorful. The dish advertised itself as having prawns, and that was true, though it had the fewest number of prawns as you could have while still being able to pluralize the word. Though, to be fair, the two were wrapped around each other, so they have that going for them, I guess. Finally, a crab cake that was more reminiscent of a dried-out cutlet. Or maybe a diner chicken sandwich that's been overcooked? I'm not sure. Either way, dry was an understatement. Thankfully, the bed of vegetables the dish laid on more than took up the slack, as the entire mix had been liberally slathered with butter. And I do mean slathered. I've tasted butter on carrots before, but I've never tasted butter with a slight carrot aftertaste. Don't get me wrong, I love me some butter as much as the next guy, but I'm pretty sure at least two of my arteries clogged upon ingesting this meal. I liked the decor of the place, though I wasn't quite sure why the waitstaff are being forced into those coats that are a mix of penguin, butler and old-time soda jerk. Ill-fitting, as well - if you're going to force your employees to dress like that, the least you can do is give them some decent tailoring. Anyway, TL;DR: Overpriced, food misses the mark, interesting decor and waiters in penguin outfits. Advise to stay away, unless you really, really, really like overly expensive butter served to you by waterfowl.
(2)
Monique D.
Went to Jakes on 3/29/14 for my birthday dinner. I have never been so disappointed. The service was so bad and the food was even worst. We have eaten there before but won't go back. Spent $249.00 and felt like we have just been ripped off. Thanks for the great birthday, NOT!
(1)
Audrey L.
Went last night for Portland dining month. The French onion soup and desserts were amazing! Both the short ribs and crab crusted steelhead were on the much saltier side but had great flavor. We had to drink lots of water the rest of the evening!
(3)
Mike G.
We have not been here for years! Some friends of ours love this place and invited us for dinner. I must say, this was a pleasant surprise! The service was perfect...not in your face but not wanting for anything either. Our portions were good and the quality of the food was outstanding. With a comfortable atmosphere and many booths and private tables you can come here and have a great conversation as you enjoy your meal.
(4)
Karen P.
Came here for Sunday breakfast and was extremely disappointed. Horrible coffee that was $3.25 a cup - unbelievably bad for that price. Two of us had the French toast which was tasteless and dry and accompanied by blueberries that were cooked in some strange manner that rendered them rubbery and completely tasteless. Worse though was the fruit platter we ordered based on the waitress's recommendation. The plate was so sparse, there were literally 10 grapes on the plate pulled off the stems and sitting pitifully on the plate. Most of the grapes were soft and overripe. Almost every blueberry was mushy and disgusting. We sent the fruit back and also let the waitress know that the French toast was not good. We were disappointed they did not offer to take at least one French toast off the bill. Avoid the place at least for breakfast. Had much better food on our Portland trip than this place. Mothers Bistro was amazing despite the long wait. Save your money and go elsewhere. The only one who seemed to care that we had a bad experienxe was Nicole the hostess who was lovely.
(2)
Josh G.
This place lit a fire inside me to find a basil pesto that would taste just as good as the pesto on their Turkey griller pressed sandwich. I started out lazy and went through a few different jars and even tried making my own at one point and I just could not replicate the flavor the pesto at Jake's had. Finally after stumbling onto Cibo Natural's basil pesto at Fred Meyer I finally found it. I binged on sour dough basil pesto provole turkey sandwiches for months before finally getting tired of it, but boy was it worth it.
(4)
Tamara K.
I enjoy going to Jake's and bellying up to the bar. Great people watching, nice bartenders and a great atmosphere . It is located in a historic old building just a couple of blocks from the MAX so conveniently located to drink and not drive. Other than a semi warm bowl of soup last night after doing some volunteer work on Christmas afternoon, I haven't eaten there. The mushroom soup we had was delicious, although it was barely luke warm and had too much salt. When I mentioned to the server that our soup was cold, she said they were doing a lot of volume and the kitchen couldn't keep up. Sorry excuse but she didn't seem eager to bring us hot soup so all of us just ate it as it was.
(4)
John O.
I'm giving Jake's 5 STARS because these whiny reviews are inane. Come on Portlanders, SPEND SOME MONEY. Thank God I don't live here anymore -- Oregonians are a breed unto themselves (And I can say it because I'm one - but have been able to de-program myself by moving away!). Anywho, let's talk about Jakes -- FRIENDLY, attentive staff. I LOVE the Oregon bay shrimp cocktail -- so much nicer than the typical jumbo shrimp cocktail. The three best entrees I've had are the Grilled Sockeye Salmon, Beef Stroganoff and Meatloaf (maybe the best meatloaf I've ever had). Entrees for $10 - $15? Reasonable by ANY standard, maybe not the cheapskates in Portlandia where no one seems to really work (but hey, they like to go out and expect to pay nothing for quality food and write bitchy Yelp reviews!)
(5)
Jeannie J.
This is one of my favorite brunch spots on the weekend. I've never had to wait to be seated, it's right on the streetcar line, I use my Preferred Dining card from McCormick & Schmicks Seafood for point rewards, they have $3 mimosa's until 4 Saturday & Sunday, and they have a large menu. Why 3 stars? The service is uneven. I have been trying to hold off writing a review because sometimes it is at least a solid 4 stars, and other times it's no more than 2. I've never had an issue with the food, it's very consistent. I've had service that has been bad from the get go, and other times it has deteriorated as the visit goes on. On one occasion the waitress had the dropsy's and dropped the rolls into my friends lap, spilled the water, and spilled a mimosa. I know that isn't intentional, but you would think a comped drink or something would be appropriate after so many mishaps. Other times, there has been attitude, or inattentive service. We have had long lapses between ordering drinks, and having our food order taken. There has also been a trend of not being checked on after the food was delivered, then having the check dropped off instead of asking if we cared for dessert or another drink. There are times we would like to order something else, but instead we sit for 30 minutes, then BOOM, check. I worked in food service for many years, so I know when you get busy these things happen. I just wish that they didn't happen so often here. Now on to the food and drinks. The food is reasonable priced, and I've never had a problem with the quality. It comes out fairly quickly after the order is placed. I like the grilled salmon with pesto, the fish and chips, and the split pea soup a lot. The mimosa's are a great deal at $3 on the weekend, although they are sometimes more juice than champagne. The specialty drinks on the menu are in the $8 range. Not too pricey, but I usually go to a cocktail bar if I want something more complicated than a simple mixed drink. The happy hour is a great deal, and a great way to sample the menu without spending a lot. Cool old school atmosphere.
(3)
Ram R.
It took 40 minutes to get a $40 rib eye. We ordered medium rare but it came out medium well (even the waitress noticed it). it was so dry we had to eat it with A1 steak sauce. the two stars go for the convenience (it was downstairs from The Governor) and the waitress saved the day with a choice to (redo the steak or free dessert). We chose the free dessert!
(2)
Brian A.
I've been to Jake's many times before and had an excellent meal. It's been a while since I've gone and took a friend there for her birthday. We both ordered the filet cooked medium. Hers showed up fine, mine showed up barely even cooked rare. The server took over 10 minutes to check back with us on how the meal came out, which is probably something that should be far sooner when dealing with a top-end steak. He apologized and had the steak heated further. When it was returned, it was still not what I would consider medium but I accepted it. The steak tasted really good. My primary fault with the staff is that they did not check back soon enough to see how the meal came out or offered to compensate us at all for having to go through the inconvenience of having our meals taken back to the kitchen. Even simply comping one of our drinks would have gone a long way to make a happy customer. Probably won't be going back as there are many other options in Portland.
(3)
Mardi C.
Christmas. What can I say? The beet salad with goat cheese was beautiful. Mushroom soup earthly delight. Kobe beef scrumptious. Prime rib....mmmmm.. steelhead with butternut squash n crab risotto? Fabulous. Horseradish crusted halibut wonderful and light. The onion oil on plate to die for. Put the risotto on this plate instead of mashers and it would be perfect. Creme brulee . Waiter and maitre D on it. Your front hostesses are how you lost a star. Very stressed. Very. They need to learn the art of welcome or assign someone to help the elderly through the door. All smiles but huge lack of confidence there. I AM a hostess so I tend to view this as impression number one. Just an observation. .. it can be fixed. Merry Christmas. See you soon.
(4)
Maureen H.
With so many excellent restaurants in Portland you'd think Jakes Grill would kick it up a notch. The food was heavy and underwhelming. The presentation not impressive in the least. Looked like tired food. Steaks overlooked, mashed potatoes lumpy and halibut dry. Very expensive for such poor quality. I would recommend trying one of Portland's other fine restaurants before going here. Disappointing!
(2)
Ben K.
Pros: Good atmosphere, nice location Cons: Feels and tastes like a chain Went to this restaurant the other night. I thought it was a local place and not a chain. Not that I'm anti-chain, but I was looking to take my parents to local places that they wouldn't find outside of Portland. Jake's has a great location and the atmosphere is pretty cool. I had no idea until later that this place was owned by McCormick & Schmicks. After thinking about it, it kind of doesn't surprise me. The food has kind of that chain restaurant taste to it: Good, not great, but nothing memorable about it. My steak was fine, not the best I've ever had by far, but not terrible. In fact, the whole restaurant had that feel after thinking about it: this is good, not great. Somewhere I'd go to again, but not actively crave or seek out. Portland has a ton of great restaurants, many that you won't find anywhere else. If you're looking to show company local flavor, go to another place. If you just need a bite to eat, you could do much worse than Jake's Grill.
(3)
Ana R.
I like their happy hour menu and the ambiance at the bar.
(3)
Kristina G.
Had a very romantic day after Valentine's Day dinner here. Both our meals were incredibly delicious. The tables weren't too close together to feel like your conversations was being overheard. Excellent service!! Went back the next day for mimosas and clam chowder. Possibly the second best clam chowder I have ever had. Super Yum!! Saturdays they have $3 mimosas. I have previously been there for breakfast and the food overall is just great.
(4)
Carlene G.
This review was written after my visit in 2011 and I forgot to finish it, and I see that reviews have taken a bit of a nosedive since I was there. I loved my experience, however, and would go back anytime. Pros: Ambiance: Great Service: Great. We had a super nice waitress Food: Delicious. Wait time: none, despite being there at the height of lunch hour.
(5)
Valerie W.
Surprised myself that I had not yet reviewed Jakes! How dare I pass one of these Portland staples....anyways.....I visited for Happy Hour last week and let's just say their food as of late has really not been up to par. Ingredients seem cheap, portions seem smaller, overall experience is slightly lacking. I used to love coming to Jakes! The Happy Hour prices are always fair and were always delicious. The drinks are fine. Their breakfast/brunch was even pretty good. Unfortunately, I cannot say that I would even come back here....at least not for the Happy Hour food. My latest experience I ordered the fish taco and pot stickers. Pot stickers were decent but tasted like they were previously frozen. The fish taco ended up being salmon....left overs? It tasted awful. I couldn't even eat it. No sauce on it. Just lettuce and a couple cheese crumbles. No flavor. I was really disappointed. The watermellon drink I had was pretty tasty at least. The service was so-so. It was pretty slow even though my waitress was very friendly.
(2)
Tamsen G.
Jake's. You can love it and 'meh' it at the same time. As a bar, I 'meh' it. For this purpose, I love it. Here's why: Jake's on the weekend for breakfast is Portland's best kept secret. As in, you can almost always get a reservation at late notice. I've been keeping this secret to myself for a long time, especially because I absolutely dig on the places where you have to stand in line for what seems like hours. While driving by these places and their hungry patrons, I OpenTable'd it and got an immediate reservation, which equaled immediate breakfast and coffee. Here's the deal - the food is really great. Everything comes quickly, and it is hot and good. Granted, there are no bacon waffles on the menu, but damn good breakfast options, many with Northwest roots. The service - I wish I had her name but it escapes me - is great. Super friendly and accommodating waitstaff. Not hotel-ish at all (It's in the Governor Hotel). This is a great place to have a hangover breakfast, be served great coffee, and have a little elbow room. Or a tasty grapefruit mimosa. Mmmm.
(4)
B N.
3.5 Stars Sorry for the late review, went here for dinner on Tuesday night with business colleagues. I thought the steaks were just okay and was expecting a little more. I was trying to compare this place with some of the other big name chop houses (Ruth's Chris, Flemmings, ect.) and it really just didn' t hit the mark. The sides were good, and the service was good, and I liked the old school interior of the restaurant. I saw some other tables around me that had fish dishes and they looked pretty descent. Next time when I'm in the area on business again, I will try this place again and order a fish entree.
(3)
Mary Ann W.
Killer happy hour on Wednesdays, Oysters for $1! The polenta fries are also very tasty and the pulled pork sliders are delicious as well. The staff is very friendly and service is en pointe.
(5)
Jacqueline N.
Waitress (blonde 40-50 yr old) during happy hour today at 3pm (4th of freaking July!) was absolutely horrible. No professionalism or respect for her customers or staff at all. We witnessed her yell at the host about how pissed off she was for having to serve so many tables! Hello! You signed up for this job, for better or for worse! If you don't want to wait tables, get another job, don't ruin customers experience at the Jakes and do NOT belittle your coworkers!!!!! She represented the restaurant very poorly. It was such a shame because we did enjoy our food but she put a downer on our entire experience. We would like to go back, but most likely not. Especially with that attitude. She was so lazy she couldn't even get my friend a glass of water when he politely asked for one, INSTEAD, she poured water into his BARELY EMPTY LEMONADE GLASS. WOW. I can't think of anything else to say but... WHAT A B*TCH... Where is the manager around this place? Where is the owner? Please keep your employees in check, you are losing customers over the poor service!
(1)
Winema W.
Wonderful staff, food always seems amazing and cooked perfectly. No complainants here! Great happy hour also.
(5)
M. L.
Jake's did an excellent job of catering our wedding reception at The Governor. -Linda Wolfson (who has since left, unfortunately) and Erin Hight were both awesome to work with. Great communication and gracious accommodations on their part to get us exactly what we wanted. When we mentioned a custom champagne cocktail bar, Erin had some really cool suggestions for an Oregon themed champagne drink (champagne with a pear liqueur float and pretty pear garnish? yes, please!) -The food was also good. I was a little nervous as I wasn't blown away at the tasting, but the food and service was awesome the day-of. The bartenders were also nice, friendly, and efficient. -Also hit up Jake's Bar after the wedding. Though it was getting pretty late, the server accommodated our group, said "Congratulations!" (How did she know? We didn't even mention the wedding!), and gladly brought us waters to rehydrate as we downed some well-earned, stiff drinks.
(4)
Nadine M.
I took my son and his girlfriend to Jakes for lunch during the holidays. We did not have reservations. The wait was minimal, maybe 10 minutes. We were promptly seated in a window seat, which was perfect for my guests as this was their first time in PDX. Our waiter, Sean, was awesome! He was able to magically produce an appetizer of fried calamari, which was not on the menu! It was perfectly prepared, not over cooked, light and delectable with 2 amazing dipping sauces. Then he made recommendations for lunch. My son had the french dip, his friend had a cheeseburger and I had the blackened salmon salad. ( really good) We all had dessert, creme brulee`, and the dessert trio. What a great lunch!
(4)
Jaffer K.
This so called "upscale" dinning customer service is a joke. During the happy hour we sat and waited for our server. Three other parties come in later and the server took all of their orders before. She also had a really bad/sarcastic/ Portland passive aggressive attitude. The happy hour pizza was so soggy and disgusting. Frozen pizza from Safeway would have been better choice.
(1)
Sam M.
I wanted to give 2 stars but my meal was actually really good. I got a flat iron steak, with some good sides. My cocktails were good, my main course was good, but... The appetizers were bad, and everyone who ordered fish or gnocchi was very unhappy. The fish was bland and dry, the gnocchi was dry and flavorless, and the service wasn't that good. The fish that others ordered was supposed to have horseradish but you couldn't taste it at all. We mentioned it to our server and he just said that it was fresh horseradish so it was subtle and walked off. I'm no expert but I would think that even if that were the case a good server would offer to bring out some horseradish to make up for the disappointment in the lack of flavor. I liked my cocktail but some others didn't like their drinks. All in all it was very mediocre. Not the high end experience you would expect. In the end I have one thing to say overall: WAY OVER PRICED FOR THE QUALITY OF FOOD AND MEDIOCRE SERVICE.
(3)
Abbie H.
Have been going to Jake's for years for happy hour. The prices have gone up slightly, but still so worth it for the food. The happy hour burger is huge and comes with fries, and I believe it's still right around $3. The drinks at Jake's are really good and they have a lot of variety and fun new drinks to try, as well as your usual classics. I have also had dinner a couple of times here and although pricey it was WELL worth the $. Service was excellent and the food was high quality. Definitely a good way to treat yourself or have a nice date.
(4)
Jay N.
Coming here for a business dinner with a group of people, we were treated quite well. As some of our group had certain allergies and preferences since they came from overseas, the waitress was very accommodating with recommendations and what to avoid. We had a dozen oysters and then crawfish and shrimp cocktail for those averse to the bicuspids. The wine choices with the meals were quite good while I chose a local brew. I wanted something regional for the meal and went with the halibut steak. It was a little slightly over done but still quite tasty. However, my co-worker's halibut cheeks seemed much better. Overall, great food and great service. My issue is with the price point although this was a business dinner. I would have a hard time coming back here on my own.
(4)
Jeffrey P.
My gf's really not much of a breakfast person but she loved the warm yummy biscuits here! The omelette was perfectly done - fluffy and delicious! I don't think I've ever had such a well made omelette before :) Service was great - very professional and well mannered. They came when appropriate and left us alone to enjoy our breakfast when necessary. Worthwhile to come back!
(5)
Tom And Paige F.
Jake's grill has a great atmosphere and the food is excellent, not to mention the best bloody mary I've had in Portland.
(5)
Christopher C.
On a trip to Portland, this restaurant was recommended as having the best Clam Chowder in Oregon. I love clam chowder, so I was excited to try it. I went with some local friends that have been there before and they vouched for it. First surprise - no clam chowder anymore. In a city that is one of the meccas for seafood, the soups were split pea and french onion. Hello? The entree selections were equally disappointing. Apparently, shellfish lovers should try another restaurant. In the past, our friends had asked for fried oyster and they were always happy to oblige. Tonight, however, they weren't as accommodating. I mean, they had oysters on the menu and they had a fritto misto appetizer. Any first year culinary student could put these together to make a customer happy. So, disappointed, we tried the kobe beef potstickers for an appetizer. Although they were totally out of place on the menu, they were actually quite delicious. They had a nice heat and the dipping sauce was delicious. My entree was a salmon stuffed with crab and shrimp (one of the only shellfish dishes on the menu) and brie cheese with a beurre blanc. Even though we were a stone's throw from the Columbia River, the salmon was farmed Atlantic. ??? Despite that, the portion was small, but good. The fish was properly cooked and the shellfish filling was great - not too heavy with brie. The mashed potato accompaniment was a little One of my companions ordered the sole, (which was actually local) only to be told that, at 7:30, they were already sold out. The desserts were hit and miss. The berry cobbler - hit. The creme brulee - miss. And, one of my big pet peeves about service is, lack of water refills. Although we had TWO servers, we had to constantly ask for more water (a basic in even decent service standards). In conclusion, there are lots of restaurants in Portland. I suggest trying something else.
(2)
Tonya J.
Jake's Grill is a nice place to go for a downtown happy hour. I got a mini pizza, oyster shooters, and Thai chicken. I was hungry. The pizza reminded me of the cheap microwave pizzas you buy at Freddie's for a dollar. It was tasty and edible, though.The oyster shooters were yummy. The Thai chicken was a little dry. I did like the spices on the chicken. I ordered a tequila and cranberry. I actually could taste the alcohol, and got my buzz on. I hate when places try to skim on the alcohol just because it's a happy hour/well drink. I am giving it four stars because the service was pretty decent, despite it being a very busy Friday evening.
(4)
Jadyn N.
So I went here a few month ago and it was just ok. Costly yes and nice, but the food was good and pretty, the drinks were lacking and werent that impressive. I think it a good nice place, but the food is just pretty and drinks are ok.
(3)
Greg B.
I highly recommend Jake's - wife and I have enjoyed our meals and the service (efficient, friendly, helpful) every visit and will certainly dine there again on a future Portland visit. While you can certainly spend a good part of a working class paycheck here if you wish, there are lower-cost options on the menu if you are on a somewhat tight budget but still want a tasty, well-thought out and prepared meal - and you will be treated like any other customer. Share the triple desert treat: three small portions of delicious deserts - perfect portion, perfect flavor.
(4)
Cliff R.
Wish I could write a comprehensive review for this place. But I only sat at the bar and had the Manila clams. A favorite for my wife and I. Sadly, I am traveling solo. But the restaurant has a great atmosphere. this would be a great place for a date, or dinner for 6 (or so). Not too loud later in the evening. But I imagine that things get to hopping with the bar crowd during happy hour and weekend nights. Still much of the dining area is reasonably well away from the bar area. The bar staff was professional and well trained. The restaurant is well managed. Got my food quickly and without fuss. The clams came in broth as usual. And they are served with sourdough bread and butter. I will be coming back to try the steaks. That is actually what this place is more known for. Will re-review when I can have a full dinner. For now, I can say that this is a great place to meet friends for appetizers and drinks.
(4)
D S.
Jake's has a comfortable setting and excellent service. The food was great although on the pricey side. Shared rib-eye, lobster tail and shrimp scampi.
(4)
Heather P.
Disappointing, uninspired, pricy. Attentive wait staff, beautiful historic decor- the issue was the food. Calamari tasted like it was frozen out of a bag and my halibut was terrible: salty, dry, no flavor. This was our third try at Jakes over the years. With all of the awesome choices in Portland we won't go back. Sorry Jake's, seems like you are resting on the fact that guidebooks recommend a stop and "famous Jakes." Better step up if you want to survive the competition!
(2)
Barbara O.
How do you ruin a roasted beet salad? You substitute nasty pickled beets and skimp on the gaot cheese, 2 tiny flecks. Then the waitress doesn't bother to ask how your meal was. poor food, mediocre service, high prices.
(1)
Joe C.
I am from out of town and had high expectations for this place. I ordered the Sunday might prime rib special. I asked from medium rare but it came out as more medium well. The flavor was good but for a restaurant of this caliber, I expected a better result. The pudding bread that came with the meal was way overlooked and dry. Also, our waiter name Wesley had to correct our bill twice. We had to get separate checks so the first time, he mixed up items on our bills. He came back with the corrected bills but this time, he overcharged me for my entree. When I pointed this out to him, he said that he would have to get the manager to correct it and it was taking a long time. So after waiting about 10 minutes, I decided to make the adjustment myself...from his gratuity rather than wait any longer. Sorry Wesley but you are lucky I even left a small tip for you.
(2)
Cathi D.
This was our fourth or fifth time dining at Jake's. Since discovering The Governor Hotel and Jake's Grill, we make it a point to have a meal there whenever in town. Traveling this time with my mom, who had never been to either before, it was a real treat showing her around. My mom had the lobster spaghetti and I had the prawn & scallop linguine. Both were exquisite! That much of the food is locally sourced is a delight. The wait staff was extremely kind, especially since we asked to be moved as we were originally seated under a very cold A/C vent. Our waitress was very accommodating and didn't mind at all that we moved. Excellent food, kind and attentive wait staff, and historic ambiance beyond compare - it doesn't get any better than this!
(5)
Dayna R.
Jakes was a nice place for us to start our weekend in Portland. As an alternative to the steaks, I would highly recommend the bay shrimp and scallop pasta...the sauce was a great combo of not too heavy, but just creamy enough to indulge. Perhaps they were a little short-staffed when we were there; our server seemed a little flustered throughout our dinner.
(4)
Jeff H.
Nothing special. Tilapia was drowning in butter and fish and chips were soggy. Cole slaw in a small cup that was half full. Prices too high considering what you get.
(2)
robert a.
As a management consultant who has spent many years teaching restaurants how to thrive, there is one lesson that I have repeatedly stressed: "Find your slogan." If you want people to remember you, do something that others don't do -- or don't do well -- and learn how to sell it. After my third visit to Jake's Grill this weekend, I have no idea what they are tryng to be remembered for. Their daily menu annoys me. It says, "We hope you enjoyed your meal because it won't be available the next time you crave it." And while their offerings tend to be well-reasoned and accomodating to various palates and preferences, they do not exhibit the creative flair that you would expect from even the most novice of chefs. I have never taken issue with the service there, except for the fact that it seems to be their only intention that I don't. The servers seem to have been drilled in the art of what not to do, without any consideration to inviting repeat business. It seems that all of their training is centered around avoiding bad yelp reviews without any thought for the extraordinary. If you have very little imagination, you may just enjoy your next trip to Jake's.
(3)
Annette S.
I am sorry to give this restaurant such a low rating, because the food was good at the breakfast we had. The coffee was hot. Service at the bar during happy hour was prompt and good. However, the waiter reeked of alcohol and the head waiter was really annoying with his efforts to sell the membership program. The waiter also asked us about it as if it's a "sales" requirement. Really tacky and annoying. Put something on the table about it if you must, but leave patrons alone to have their meal without fighting off marketing.
(2)
Peter A.
A wonderfully done simple steak. Great meat prepared properly is a wonderful thing. Top notch fun service rounds out this excellent experience.
(5)
Annie T.
Awesome little place for happy hour! :) There's a bartender there by the name of John. Hands down, makes the best bloody mary's I've ever had! The staff and other patrons were funny and friendly.
(4)
Sara M.
Stumbled upon this place on loosely directed brunch search downtown. Our server was great, how can you not love a server in a bow tie?! The atmosphere is fun, old school and fancy pants - a great place to eat breakfast really. We did not order these ourselves BUT they had $2 mimosas on the menu, which just screams awesome to me. They had two vegetarian options on the menu, my friend and I both ordered the chanterelle mushroom omelette. It was quite tasty but I recommend the salsa on the side for extra flavour. The biscuits that come with are a lovely treat with jam. We were seated by the window which made a great spot for people watching. Only sad part for me was a lack of soy milk. But seeing as this is an old school joint I didn't find it surprising.
(3)
Lisa E.
I met a friend for lunch today at Jake's Grill in Portland. It's one of my favorite restaurants! They have fantastic seafood there (and the best calamari in town). I got the shrimp sandwich on a croissant and a cup of clam chowder. It was okay. The shrimp sandwich had too much onion!! Too much! The clam chowder was fantastic though. One of the things I love about Jake's (besides the great food) is the fantastic service. The waiter is ON TOP of everything. My drink was refilled before I noticed it was low and we weren't waiting forever to order. The food was fast too.
(4)
Chelle G.
I've eaten here twice now, once for my wedding reception. The food is, for the most part, excellent. On my first trip, I tried the lobster pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts. What I failed to remember is that I don't like artichokes and the sun-dried tomatoes somewhat overpowered...everything. At my wedding reception, everything tasted amazing, except the green beans, which were a bit undercooked. But really, they weren't the star of the show. The staff were very accommodating for my super-picky family, and even though they completely smashed the top of my wedding cake, it was a great experience. (They're lucky I don't much like cake.)
(4)
Kris C.
It wasn't bad. I am so neutral on this place it really is weird. The staff is friendly enough, the food is okay. I would not say that the food was really unique or especially creative, but good none the less.
(3)
Joseph P.
OK. I have decided to give Jakes a 3 Stars. And for only 1 reason, they have very friendly and fast service, and dealt well with our kids. Now as for the Steak and my new system of reviewing have come up to debate with my wife regarding this place. Now, for 36$, yes it was a HUGE steak, but to judge a steak that is flavorful and enjoyable, you expect more for 36$. It was ho-hum to say the least. I would have rather gone to Poor Richards in Hollywood District and eat 2 steaks for half that price, but due to the snow that PDX got hammered with, walking to Jakes was good. Now there Mac and Cheese and Kids Cheeseburger were full sized meals, the French onion soup was very very good, but pretty close to 7Bucks, which is worth only that price once a year. I'm a bit bummed out that the steak was not better, but overall it was A-OK..
(3)
Izzy N.
My friend and I came here late last night for some shots and drinks to try and console me from rejection and just a horrid night. Service was borderline horrible and cold, unfriendly. The bar was full so the hostess seated us. She was sweet but our server had a hint of BITCH to her. She had a grouchy face on the whole time. I didn't expect to be coddled but dang.. sorry it's not even closing time yet. Another table was still waiting for their meals so I knew it couldn't be us. Anyway when ordering alcohol, she sternly asked for my ID and not his, with the type of tone I'd expect to be followed with a smack across my face. Granted he's 34 (he doesn't look old, used up and haggard at all) I'm 26 and I look pretty young but still, I thought it was a wee bit rude the way she handled it.. as if my friend bought in this underage asian escort to get drunk (he said it not me). The whole time it was service with pure disdain. We weren't even dressed badly, there were patrons there that looked more casual in dress than us. My friend and I are both snooty clothes whores AND I was dressed on a mission to bag my hottie teacher. (Don't worry, I didn't look cheap and slutty.. I was wearing an effin black cardigan and there was no cleavage showing) I was thirsty and wanted something non-alcoholic like juice and was hesitant to ask her, but I did. We came to the conclusion that she just hated us. Eh, blondie and I enjoyed our shots of patron and corona's celebrating me being rejected by a racist earlier that night at a different bar and wondering out loud why I suck. That was some good alcohol, good company, good atmosphere, bad service. I think our server missed her true calling of being a cop. She'd be perfect for that occupation.
(1)
Cyndy C.
We go into Portland every weekend and always have dinner at Jake's the first evening we arrive. Their service is first class and we always feel like we're our waitress's only customer. We've never had a bad meal there, everything is spectacular. A particular favorite of mine is the French onion soup and my husband's is the pot roast that melts in your mouth. You can sit in the very lively bar and eat or dine at a private table with booths that have curtains that I believe can enclose you for complete privacy. We LOVE this wonderful restaurant in the historic Governor Hotel, tons of interesting antique hangings and pictures. This restaurant is classy without being stuffy, dress in jeans or in your tophat and tails.
(5)
bridget n.
i took the traditional asian parents here hoping to WOW them. um, not so much!! we came right when happy hour started and the waitress informed us that they were out of mussels, which we ordered 2 orders of and it was our most anticipated dish. waitress was reallly really sweet but food was BLAH. expensive too, i have a hunch this was not only our first time but our last as well. we only went bcause Jakes crawfish's happy hour started one hour later : (
(1)
Andrew K.
I was in Portland on business and the bar at my hotel was closed (at 10 pm no less). The guy at the front desk pointed me to Jake's, so I stopped in for a drink. Service was friendly and the vibe was good for Tues night. I'll definitely pay Jake's a return visit on future trips to Portland.
(4)
Shannon A.
My husband and I came here on our anniversary and really enjoyed it. The food and atmosphere were perfect for the occasion.
(4)
Beverly W.
We belong to McCormick and Schmick's frequent dining club in our area and when we vacationed to Portland, we had to try Jake's. Loved the fresh seafood and the great service. Wish we could bring this establishment to the Chicagoland area. The fresh wild salmon in season is wonderful. The chocolate mousse was to die for. I cannot say enough about this place. Hope to return in the future.
(5)
Jesse H.
Great lunch menu. I love their mac and cheese! Great on weekends too! I will continue to visit regularly.
(4)
Chuck S.
It's been a few moons since I went here, but I recall the happy hour being elite, and the Crown & coke being excellent.
(4)
Mark M.
I ate in the bar area and it definitely seems more like a generic chain restaurant in terms of the quality of food (or lack thereof) than at the other Jake's downtown. They are very fond of the little squirty patterns on your plate though--I guess that's supposed to distract you from the mediocre food.
(2)
Christine Y.
yummy yummy yummy!!! great place for dinner!! we came down for my boyfriend's birthday and the people at our hotel recommended this restaurant. It was a bit of a bummer that we couldn't get seated in the dining room but the bar seating worked cuz the service was a lil quicker. perfect cuz it was crazy packed!! They had my favorite Beaujolais and we started with a simple yet yummy salad and great fresh oysters!! Mmm!!! Alvin had the ribeye which was cooked perfectly with a very flavorful demi-glace! and I had the smoked salmon linguini which was perfection!! soo good!! I don't know how else to really describe dinner! everything was fabulous!
(5)
Jamie Q.
This place has a nice ambience. It's located off the lobby in the Governor Hotel and everytime I've been in or walked by, it's been crowded. The food here is good. I had the Ribeye steak, which was served undercooked. When I asked the server if he could throw it on the grill for me for a bit longer, he didn't seem irritated like alot of waiters would do, and just did what I asked. Additionally, the manager came by and checked on if everything was OK. That to me is excellent service. Good food and impecccable service will keep me coming back to this place everytime I am in Portland.
(4)
Margie J.
Aside from them always taking my absolutely FAVORITE dishes off the menu this restaurant is delish! The lemon drops are seriously to die for and it doesn't hurt when everyone knows your name. I walk in there with my dad and we are always given the 1st class treatment. Is it because he has spent more money there that I will ever make in my lifetime, probably, but it feels good to be special damnit. The Petrole Sole is so decadent and refreshing it melts in your mouth and after you get done eating you don't feel like you just gained 10 pounds you feel satisfied & ready for the BEYOND COMPARE Creme Brule.... ahh just thinking of it makes my mouth water.... On a negative note, it can get pretty loud in there sometimes when busy.... those business people just don't know how to use their inside voices I guess!
(5)
Kate M.
Jake's would get 4 stars if the prices were a bit lower. It was definitely good, but nothing spectacular. I'm kind of having a hard time thinking of what to say about it. The wine was nice, my salad was nice, my mashed potatoes were nice, my filet mignon was nice, the waitress was nice. But that's just it: nice. I'm not complaining about having spent $60 a head, I'm complaining about the fact that this wasn't worth it, especially considering how much good food there is in this town. I didn't see why it was so highly recommended (seriously, everyone we asked about steak said to go to Jake's). Looking back on my trip to Portland Jake's will only stand out as the most expensive meal I had and nothing more.
(3)
Anthony B.
Jakes is great. I had the filet with mashers and it was cooked perfectly and the flavor was excellent. Prior to dinner I had a cheese plate appetizer with an assortment of foods that went with the wine I was drinking...great experience.
(4)
leah g.
This was our first meal at this particular location. It was good! The service was friendly and prompt. The food was hit and miss. Two of us loved our entrees. The other two were just ok with theirs. What I enjoyed was the stuffed salmon with brie but i substituted salmon with halibut cheeks. To die for! Try it and you will understand. The risotto was perfect. And the atmosphere is fun. YUM!
(3)
Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.
simple, unpretensious. Haven't been there since opening... so I can say the atmosphere and open kitchen, etc... was lovely. Service had been at issue, but I was an early client in its opening period. Cheers to the hotel tho... that place is sick.
(5)
alanna m.
I am so over this place. I get that it is a a local staple...... but it is boring, overpriced, and the service is mediocre. I wish I could say that the happy hour was worth it but even that is lame. The only great thing about this place is the clientele.....this place is a pretty good spot to people watch at.
(2)
matt h.
Excellent as usual. Great old school Portland spot, great service, seafood, and steaks. Brought 2 out of towners with me, and the are now fans as well.
(5)
melissa h.
Oysters....yum Manhattan clam chowder...yum. I like Jake's, although part of a small chain of restaurants, they take care of you. I also enjoyed the tile in the women's restroom and use of vintage post cards. Jake's is one of the few chains I like in fact - happy to hear there is one in Berkeley. The good news is they serve late and have a delightful wine list.
(5)
John S.
Whenever I'm in the great state of Oregon I hop on the MAX trains and head to downtown Portland to have a least one dinner at Jakes in Governor's Hotel (if my company's paying for it-it's a little pricey for my budget.) It's awesome. I love the atmosphere, I feel like I'm in the old west when I'm at Jakes. I'm waiting for Mark Twain to ride up or something. The food is really good too. If you are on vacation in Portland, have a dinner at Jakes.
(5)
Jennifer D.
I'm not sure about dinner, but this place has a great, cheap happy hour. I loved the muscles in coconut broth. The burger was good too. I agree that the service was a wee-bit lacking. The servers probably don't want to serve the cheapskates eating the happy hour food. Tough.
(5)
PJ D.
Top notch very attentive service. Great food. Highly recommend!
(5)
William S.
Good food in a classy environment. Always good service too. Special kudos to Julius, a house manager who took the trouble to move my wife and I away from a pack of yammering kids.
(4)
Jamie W.
I checked into the Governor Hotel that houses Jake's Grill after 11pm on a Monday night. Hungry because I only had oatmeal that morning and a Subway submarine for lunch, I ventured into Jake's Grill expecting huge prices. To my delight, they serve a $1.95 happy hour menu from 9:30pm to Close ... and yes, they were open at 11ish. I had the Southwestern Chicken sandwich and fries for $1.95. There is a catch though - you have to order a drink. Sure ... give me the $4.25 Amstel Light, though a $2.50 Coke would've met the requirement too. So, for $6.20 (I don't think they charge sales tax in these parts, do they?), I had a nice little meal. It tasted okay ... I just needed something to send me off to sleep. Ambience: 4.5 (They had moose, buffalo, and other assorted dead animal heads around, but I think it fit the place's cigar stank). Food: 3 Value: 5 ($1.95 for a Half Pound Hamburger and fries, if you buy the $2.50 Coke too during Happy HOur) Overall: 4
(4)
Todd P.
I felt that we sat and waited too long in each step of the service. Too long before the waiter came by the first time. Too long before we were asked for our orders. Too long before our soups/salads came. Too long before our food came. Too long before we saw our desert selections. Too long before we got our check. A night at a restaurant should not take 2 hours unless you want it that way. If you want to hang around after your dining experience, fine. But if the waiter is so bogged down with other customers then the establishment needs to hire more help. As for the food, it is rather pricey but about par with other places that are trying to be high class. I am not a believer that if you crank the price up on something it automatically becomes high-class. That would be The Emperors New Clothes. To be frank, the only reason I ate here was because someone else was paying. I dont frequent places that charge 30 bucks for a steak. But since they are, I figure they should at least provide decent service, and the food should be top notch. The steak I ate was good, but was it 30 bucks good? I think not.
(3)
Nick C.
Growing up in Chicago, and frequenting some of the best steakhouses around the country I knew heading here for a steak wasn't a safe bet, but a client wanted to go, so what could I do... The overall meal was better than I expected, but the execution of the dishes left a lot to be desired. The place was very crowded, but the service was just fine. The meal starts out with a warm piece of bread, which is very good, but from this point on the meal became a little "iffy." I had the wedge salad, a steakhouse staple, and for some reason they felt the need to put asparagus in it, and use a bottled blue cheese dressing! I am not sure what to say here, but this is an easy dish to do very well, and there is no need to reinvent the wheel, loose the asparagus and make a fresh, in-house, high quality dressing and you'll have a winner. On to the steaks, and the overall theme here is SALT, and too much of it. The steaks were cooked ok, but were so over seasoned I couldn't finish mine, there was so much salt I could feel my hands and feet beginning to swell! The steak does come with a potato and some other carb, which is a nice touch, but I declined and substituted the fresh spinach (at an additional price), it was ok, but was over cooked and under flavored. The prices were reasonable, but the meal just wasn't that enjoyable... The place has been here forever so maybe I just caught them on an off night and/or steak isn't the thing to order here.
(2)
Dan K.
Jake's Grill is a great default for dinner. The halibut cheek's are phenomenal as is the prawn cocktail and the rack of lamb. My coworkers rave about the NY strip, though with so many great fish choices, I will probably never try it. The wine selection is full of great Oregon pinot noirs to choose from as well. The only complaint is that the food can be crazy slow to come out, but the servers are friendly.
(4)
Double D.
Definitely has good food. Great happy hour menu. Hopefully you don't get Daisha as your server. Make sure not to order the same thing as anyone else at your table cooked differently. Also don't crack jokes or act like you're enjoying yourself, servers need more sunshine
(2)
Jason G.
Read about this place in the tourist map of the area and I usually don't believe anything those things say becuase I'm sure the places listed in them have to pay for the "advertisment" but we decided to check it out anyway... Waiter was nice and very attentive... cool atmosphere, should've come back for happy hour. I had the ribeye and it was one of the best restaurant ribeye's I had! Cooked perfect an amazing flavor! Came with a huge baked potato with all the toppings. Best meal I had in town while visiting!
(5)
Adina E.
I am giving their happy hour 5 stars, and the rest 4 (along with the rest of McCormick & Schmicks) . I love nothing more in a happy hour than a phenomenal 1/2 lb burger with fries for $3. You can. not. beat. that. period. Love it.
(4)
Senthil R.
We went to Jakes Grill for a team outing. I ordered the Rack of Lamb. It was very good. We shared Calamari and Onion rings which were both good. Overall a very good time. A little pricy but I guess you expect that at a good steak house. The service however was a little slow but I have to give the benefit of the doubt to the waiter since we had over 10 people in our party.
(4)
James D.
sucked..positive seafood sampler app got me sick..salad was wilted..server was curt and seemed to have better things to do..no prebussing of app and soup salad plates..table full of empty glassware and plates when entrees arrived.bread stale.empty cocktail and water glasses..grrrr when spending $200 plus on dinner I belive you have the right to much better...won't be going back. sucked..
(1)
Eric S.
Fantastic food & service, beautiful old world surroundings!
(5)
Dave K.
One of the top bars in Portland. Excellent food and service. Great happy hour. No riff raff at the bar. I've been a patron for years.
(5)
Allen L.
i've never to send a meal back to the kitchen, but i almost did here. when you're paying $50 for steak, you'd at least expect it to be cooked the way you asked for it. i asked for medium-rare, received my meat almost well-done. BOO.
(2)
Andrew F.
M & S establishments seem to be going downhill just as fast as the economy. Was there this past weekend and left disappointed. the wedge salad seems to have gotten so small, and the apps were just not up to par. I ordered the fillet Mignon med well, came out as a sloppy bloody mess. Asked for it to be re fired. They did it, but left my mashed potatoes and veggies on the plate while the steak was cooking, so those came back cold and with the same blood still in the potatoes. This is certainly not what I expect from this place.
(2)
Janet S.
Had New Year's Eve Dinner 12-31-09 at Jake's Grill. . Wonderful food, excellent service a must for anyone who has never dined there before. If you are visiting Portland, Oregon..this should be on the top of your list to stop and eat. A very special place.
(5)
Celia H.
love jakes. love mccormick & schmick's. great seafood, good salads, tasty desert and really good happy hour.
(4)
Matt P.
After a Powell's Books employee suggested Jake's Grill for lunch, I decided to check it out with a friend. I was pleasantly surprised by the efficient, polite service of our waiter as well as the filling, tasty gumbo I ordered. The meal was well presented with the exception of the small crawdad that was delicately perched on the top of the gumbo; the crawdad was downright disturbing. I try to avoid eye contact with any animal I'm about to eat - don't you??? Anyway, Jake's is a good place for lunch if you are looking for a place that is a little pricier ($8-$15 for lunch), but nicer than the standard lunch affair.
(4)
Edward J.
I love Jake's Crawfish happy hour. 'cause it goes like two large fish flour tacos with spanish rice for $3. A large portion of calamari for $2. But, over four blocks away Jake's Grill, the happy hour food is by far disappointing. It is also a lot bigger and crowded and louder. I don't like that. Way too many old business man talking nothing about nothing. This is one place not for a gay indie guy. I usually go to Jake's Crawfish to sketch while drinking beer and eating happyhour food. Jake's Grill is crummy, a bunch of out of town business folks and families...what do you get? Really bad fashion and fat or obesity. This is why Disneyland is putting railing to the Small World ride, since the boat sinks when the riders are all way too heavy. (no joke, I did freelance design work for Disney Imagineering) So the happyhour at Jake's Grill, why is it disappointing? You get something along the line of $2.75 for a salad wrap (pretty good actually), $3.75 for a small plate of fried sliced oysters. The fish taco is also very tiny and alone for $2.75 See that extra $.75 for smaller plates? WHY?!
(2)
Renee T.
pancetta wrapped rockfish, drinks, dessert, and a table outside where our dog was served water too. awesome.
(4)
Beth F.
I was in Portland for one night alone on business and wanted to find good northwest seafood within walking distance of my hotel. Jakes was highly recommended by the concierge and yelpers seem to like it, so off I went. When I walked in around 6:30pm it was packed and was told that the wait would be over an hour, so I went to the bar where they serve the full menu and found the one lone seat . At first I was a little apprehensive about sitting there by myself - but I had my magazines and a pair of fantastic bartenders, Matt and Joe, who took very good care of me. I never felt lonely or awkward and met some locals who frequent the place for happy hour. I didn't have to endure any unwanted attention - which often happens when a women is sitting alone at a bar - and really ended up having a great time with those who came and went during my time there. As for the food, well....YUM. I started with half a dozen Buckley Bay Oysters (from BC), which were DEE - licous, then had the grilled large shrimp marinated w/lime and tequila and corn salad...so good I could've kept on eating. Oh, and I found a fantastic Oregon wine I had never tried before - Ponzi Pinot Gris...I don't recall the year....but wow. So good. I'm told that this vineyard is also well known for their Pinot Noir, but I happened to be in the mood for white that night. All in all I had a great meal, met great people and drank great wine at Jakes.
(5)
Tanner H.
I ate and drank here on a weekly basis for about three years. The waitresses are superb, the drinks are perfect, and the atmosphere is a perfect mix of swank and laid-back.
(5)
miriam b.
The salmon was grilled perfectly with a lemon cream sauce and flourless chocolate torte to finish.
(3)
meg g.
New Years Day Brunch......not many places open or without a 2 hour wait here in Portland today. So we tried Jakes....mistake. I have had their happy hour before, belly up to the bar, eating cheap food at late night was fine generally. But, on New Years Day you expect a bit more, especially since they advertised a special brunch. I should have expected as much since the dining room was nearly empty at 12:45pm when Mother's Bistro down the street was hustling. Ordered the classic Benedict, sub fruit for potatoes and my partner had classic eggs breakfast sub fruit for potatoes. Service was quick and good. Food abhorrent . I wish i could have taken a picture of my two TINY bennies sliding around on a massive plate contending only with a brown spray of parsley (what!) on a separate plate came my fruit....no joke; two slices of melon....well 1/4inch slivers actually, one sliver of pineapple and ONE SINGLE GRAPE! my dining partner received a huge plate, with the same fruit "array" and a cup with two cold poached eggs...no bread...no butter...nothing else two poached soggy eggs and horrid fruit for $8. My bennie was $950. I am giving one star only because i was really hungry, had timed entrance to the museum, and after waiting 15 minutes for the manager to see me , she comped our meal, which came to $29. Left the waitress a $7 tip (wasn't her fault) and beat feet out of there, never to return.....sadly. The other location has dynamite happy hour and great drinks, stick to that if you ask me.
(1)
dae m.
my recommendation for all the irie folks out there. get blitzed out of your mind and come here for a massive 2$ happy hour burger and other cheap assorted entrees. shoot, even if u don't get irie just come here and get drinks and eat. this is place is awesome. 2$ and u get a huge burger and fries! and we ain't talking about a sad happy meal sized portion. no sir, no miss...we's talkin' hoooooj!
(5)
Margaret P.
We had a reservation for 18 on Christmas evening. We were lucky enough to find a parking spot right in front of the restaurant. I felt a bit guilty about eating at a fairly upscale place when I noticed a homeless woman in a sleeping bag on a cold, December night. In fact, there were a few homeless people camping out at the building next door. Upon entering the restaurant, I immediately felt comfortable and loved the holiday decorations and multitude of lights. We were escorted to our table and they had given us a private room. Good thing as we had several, very rowdy children with us. Our servers were very nice and skillfully served our large group. We started with the large seafood platter appetizer and the shellfish was all very fresh and tasty. The hard rolls served before dinner were certainly nothing special and many of us ignored those. Our entrees came with soup or salad. I ordered the salad and was very disappointed to see it was nothing but lettuce served with a nondescript vinaigrette dressing. I had a few bites but of course it was very bland. We all had a nice variety of entrees on their special Christmas menu and I heard nothing but good reviews from my family members. I had the seafood stuffed steel head which came with a scoop of mashed potatoes. I would have loved to have seen some broccoli or another vegetable served with it. (I am a huge vegetable lover!) The fish was perfectly done and came to the table piping hot., however. Several of us asked to see the dessert menu. They had a very nice assortment of goodies. I ordered the berry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. The crust was extremely yummy and was coated in a light, granulated sugar. My only complaint was the crust was very thin and would have been better if it was thicker. The majority of the cobbler was fruit and ice cream and was still quite good. After dinner we all agreed it was a wonderful experience and we would return next year. (and ask for the private room again!) On the way out to our car, my brother gave the homeless woman a 20.00 bill and wished her Merry Christmas. It was a great ending to a lovely evening.
(4)
Melissa W.
Jake's is one of my Portland Faves! The food is good, the atmosphere is nice, the staff is friendly and attentive. It is a go-to spot for a nice date. It's been a while since I've had their clam chowder, but it was good enough to be memorable. I'm a sucker for all things seafood-- and I have never been disappointed at Jake's!
(5)
George M.
Jake's is living in the past and living on it's reputation. I hadn't been there for quite awhile until crossing the threshold a week and a half ago and it was as if time had stood still. The atmosphere is dark, but the large windows make up for that. The service is excellent. But the menu? Oh, much to be desired. At least the part of the menu that was actually available. Seems at least half the menu was not. So...why bother? Why not just post at the door a list of what IS available and save everyone the trouble? Disappointment was rampant. Not whining, as another reviewer remarked ( well, maybe a little). Just highly disappointed
(3)
Marilyn V.
My friends and I went down to Portland for the weekend, in the morning we were looking for brunch spots and found this close to our hotel. The staff was very accommodating and made space for all 15 of us. Sadly, that's the best I can say about the staff. We had one waitress waiting on us the entire time, she needed help many MANY times and no one assisted her. As a result, service was slow, she messed up our orders and was peeved that she had over counted an item (that we didn't even order). Food-wise, it was an okay brunch location. Nothing really special about the menu that I would recommend or even come back for. I say if I'm in Portland again, if the food trunks aren't open, I might hit this place back up.
(3)
Mabel H.
"'Ello Govnah!" Jake's Grill is in the Governor Hotel, where my sister bunked for the night. It is a lovely, lovely place! Romantic lighting, beautifully paneled, a nice fireplace. Very elegant place, but informal enough to feel comfortable. Definitely a nice date place! We took my sister there for her birthday--we are all from out of town (us Rochester, NY, her from Seattle). I brought in a birthday cake from a nice little bakery and they had no objections--even brought us forks and plates! I thought that was the classy thing to do; I was really pleased with our server--she was professional and friendly. So, overall it was a good experience. I would go back again, but I only gave it three stars because I am a foodie and my meal was not exactly stellar. Whenever I travel to the west coast I order seafood, but I am learning that Portland may be too far inland(?) All three of us ordered the halibut, which is a delicate, flaky, buttery, INCREDIBLE tasting and incredibley expensive fish.....however, that being said, the wasabi halibut we ordered was bland and really tasted no different from any other inexpensive white fish. There was no spice and the texture was not delicate. Not terrible, it was "just okay". I wouldn't order it again. I was SO HOPING it would be spectacular given what we paid for it. I normally pay $30 a plate when I dine out, so I didn't feel the pinch too terribly. My standards may be different from yours. Expect to pay $25-30 a plate + drinks, coffee, desert, tip= $$$... It is worth it for the experience. It really is a nice place. I'd still go back there. So definitely Do go--just go with lower expectations. Know that the food will be "A-ok", but that you are going to be paying for the server, atmosphere, etc. and not a stellar meal.
(3)
Becca H.
Not too bad of a place to swing by for a drink. The staff and bartenders have always been pleasant to me. I've enjoyed their specialty cocktails like the Portland Streetcar. Nothing to get me in the "crazy Becca Lou" mood...but decent. Always been crowded whenever I've gone in - gee, Friday/Saturday nights around 10-11 pm. Hmmm...
(3)
Honesty J.
Great happy hour. It's a beautiful place and when you walk in your a greeted by lovely hostesses with beautiful smiles and great attitudes. Happy hour menu and prices were excellent. A good mix of options. I enjoyed the Cool Breeze and later a Coffee Nudge. I splurged off the main menu instead of the happy hour menu. Though my friend loves the cheeseburger which is big and comes with a nice portion of fries for $3.95. Service was awesome and despite the fact that it was crowded we were attended to promptly and checked on frequently. I would definitely recommend this place and will be back.
(4)
Edward H.
I had a business meeting/dinner here and felt like I was back on the east coast in a supper club. The bar is very busy and somewhat noisy, but it has the feeling of a "Cheers"atmosphere where everybody knows everyone else. I thought it was one of the largest selections of fresh seafood I have seen in a restaurant - almost too much to comprehend at one time. Of course we tried salmon, shrimp, scallops and many others. The food was excellent. The place is pricey, but when you get top-of-the-line seafood, it is going to cost you some bucks. The service was incredible and our waiter had been there for about 25 years and had some of the best jokes I've heard. Highly recommend it, and if you are traveling to Portland - I suggest at least the happy hour, where you can get incredible seafood to snack on.
(5)
Sally G.
Breakfast at Jake's is lovely. The room is handsome and sleek (I sort of felt I should have dressed better) and the table is set up very nicely. Waitstaff uber-professional. Eggs with tomato, goat cheese and basil, side of really, really good bacon (!!!) and perfectly crisped home fries filled the tummy all day and hadn't a need for another meal 'til dinner time. Wake up early, and treat yourself to breakfast here (open at 7:30 am, complete lunacy that I so much appreciated).
(4)
Ilesha D.
Great service and food :) my friends from out of town visited for thanksgiving and needed to eat some good food. Unfortunately many of the restaurants were closed due to the holiday and I personally did not have time to cook up some turkey. Thankfully, jakes grill was open and they even had a special thanksgiving plated dinner that evening too. The atmosphere was comforting and warm. I always get excited to see holiday decorations. We all ordered the turkey dish with a side of soup. Everything tasted fantastic and definitely got us full. For a fancy dinner, $25 wasn't so bad. I'm just thankful that the turkey wasn't dry it bland. Good thing everything turned out to be worth it!
(4)
Jowel G.
I loved this part of town in Portland. We were visiting for my graduation and came to Jake's for lunch the day before graduation. Sat out on the patio with a slight, quick drizzle (it didn't downpour on us) I sipped on a martini as the naked cycling parade swooped by on 10th street. After that amazement, I chowed down on the pot roast-yummy! Mashed potatoes were creamy and the roast itself was tender. After a couple more of the martini's, I was ready to see what they had for dessert. We opted though to continue to check out the city for the rest of the night. We headed into the Alphabet district to check out the sites and good times there. After all this, I realized that this is part of the McCormick's chain of restaurants. They have the same happy hour menu as they do back home in Pasadena, CA - the deal! (this review is way past due!)
(4)
Julia L.
Is it just me or has Jake's Grill gone way down in service and product?? When I first moved to Portland was b-roke I would frequent here with my roommate because it was cheap and good for happy hour. I don't think I had a complaint about the food, drink or service once (at least as far as I can remember). The other night we headed in for late night HH and snagged two seats at the bar. The bartender started out really friendly, welcoming us and making sure we had enough room as it was a bit crowded) but after that point it just got big time uncomfortable. He seemed annoyed with all of the servers at the service bar and was pretty rude to them half-assing their drinks and slamming items around. I ordered a vodka soda with lemon which he instantly pulled out while I finished ordering and started making. I was impressed with his Johnny-on-the-spotness until he grabbed a lime and squeezed it and sort of slam dunked it in. **SIDE BAR: I was a bartender for many years and have a rule about not pissing them off...it's just a good rule to for everyone to follow. There are exceptions to this of course, but if you are about to belly up to the bar for a little bit I recommend abiding by this rule. END SIDE BAR*** So anyhow, I am not opposed to limes, I just prefer lemon and decided he was in too fragile of a state to ask for a lemon. I asked his opinion on some of the food and he was honest, almost to the point of being grossed out by the food I mentioned instantly turning me off from the rest of the menu. I decided on the hummus and cheeseburger and neither was very good. The hummus was covered in excess with this red oil that overpowered the hummus and veggies (which looked like they were cut for Andre the Giant), the fries straight out sucked and the burger had a weird smell to it. I tore apart the burger in search of the smell and didn't finish anything which is not how I roll. The bartender had since left for a smoke putting a server in charge of the bar. She never came down to check on us when we got our food and just stood down on the end chatting with her coworkers even though I was trying to get her attention. Once he came back from smoking he seemed just a very little bit better. He talked with us a little bit but I felt it was forced and disjointed. Listen buddy, I'd rather you just stand there at the end of your bar like your friend then interject your stressed, crappy attitude into our conversation. I mean, this wasn't a TERRIBLE experience but bad enough that Jake's Grill is now on the very bottom of the list of places I will return to. I will leave this place for the yuppies and tourists.
(2)
Lauren T.
Best suggestion for Portland dining. I ALWAYS tell people visiting Portland about Jake's. Not only do I know they will get great food, drinks, and service, but they'll experience the true friendly nature that is Portland in a very comfortable atmosphere. I go to Jake's for lunch weekly and my main motivation is to have my day made by Geno (one of the greatest bartenders you'll ever experience). His genuinely kind and welcoming personality is greatly appreciated and you'll have similar experiences with all the staff. Never once have I been disappointed at Jake's :)
(5)
Robert M.
These people can make a cocktail. Ed is a great bartender and the food is always fresh n tasty. The blue plate lunch special is consistently good
(5)
Jennifer D.
Truth is, I felt the life being sucked out of me the minute I walked in. I appreciate the classic bars in Portland but this one has done nothing to maintain its integrity. The bartenders and managers spent most of the time discussing their weekend adventures with each other than helping customers. Their uniforms were dirty and sloppy. The drinks were mediocre and the bartenders knowledge of local distilleries was incorrect. They told us they no longer carried a specific liquor anymore because the distiller went out of business. Not only did this distiller not go out of business, they did not even create the product that we were asking about. Jakes, it is time to stop relying on your previous reputation and actually try to keep up with the times.
(1)
Ruben N.
If you need to find a good steak in this town...LOOK NO FURTHER! This higher scale dining experience was probably one of the highlights of my visit to this magnificent city. The wait staff is accommodating and attentive in their demeanor. A white tablecloth establishment that doesn't feel intimidating nor pretentious for us casual diners. Let me run down the selection for the evening: One succulent 12 ounce rib-eye steak, a generous portion of whipped mashed potatoes and a 6 ounce monster lobster tail -- That line alone would be enough to write this review. My steak knife cut through that rib-eye like a spoon through jello (mmm...there is always room for JELLO!) The dish satisfied my carnivore cravings and left me a happy dinosaur with the belly the size of one too! The price is what you would expect of a steakhouse of this caliber but it doesn't matter to me. It was worth every penny!
(4)
Gena L.
Been here a handful of times over the years. The atmosphere screams business lunches to me. The food is tasty but the mac and cheese is probably my favorite. It has a great bread crumble on top that I would recommend to mac and cheese lovers. There is a full bar. My husband recently order a VERY spicy bloody mary that made his eyes water. He also said it was the best he had ever had of that particular drink.
(3)
Tanner A.
Tried happy hour again. Different bartender same terrible service. Don't know if I am willing to do this place again. Too many other happy hour locations where the customer isn't made to feel like an inconvenience.
(1)
RooLyfe G.
Jake's Grill awesome Lunch spot for business. Class and perfect place for business.
(4)
Livie L.
A disappointment! The menu seemed old-fashioned and in need to be adapted to modern times by including some healthy, light, and vegetarian/vegan options. The service was surly, some of the dishware chipped, and the decor old-fashioned. I had expected much more from this restaurant! Many of the surrounding food carts have much better food on offer for 1/3 of the price.
(2)
Wendy P.
You've got to see it to believe it. A fancy dining experience at non-fancy dining prices. We happened to be in the need of a weekday lunch and followed our noses around the corner from our hotel to Jake's Grill. Peering in the windows as I walked towards the door, it looked a little more upscale than what I had in mind. Complete settings and even cloth napkins didn't prepare me for the menu posted outside the door. Wholesome food-appys, entrees, the works-all under $15. Sold! Our waiter was impeccable. Yup, impeccable. He had suggestions and descriptions of his favourite menu items and was just friendly enough to boot. He also informed us that the menus are printed daily to mirror the food they have in stock, so you'll never hear "sorry, we're out of that." Our meal started out with some warm buns. Halfway through eating them, the server brought us another cup of butter. "The buns are always better with enough butter," he remarked. This guy knows everything! Following up on the buns, I had Jake's Grill Class Pot Roast. Man that just hit the spot. Served with vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy, it had comfort food written all over it. We were also offered dessert, but after that big of a lunch who's got room? I did manage a latte to settle my stomach. My share came to $13.90. Colour me impressed. I couldn't get over the decor. I felt like I was in a 1940s hotel with the lights, the paintings, chandeliers and dark wood finishings. Four Canuck yums up for Jake's Grill for sure!
(4)
Barrett I.
I'd go back every chance I get! One time there and I'm hooked. I got the stuffed oven roasted filet of salmon, which was stuffed with dungeness crab, Oregon bay shrimp and brie...loved it. To top it off, got some oysters on the half shell and they were some of my favorite oysters I've eaten. The server was nice enough to answer any questions and give full explanations about the food and where it came from. A very good time that totally exceeded my expectations.
(5)
Chase L.
Love the atmosphere, dark woods, white linens and sweet 1800's tile floor. Food was both presented well and tasted even better. I ordered the fillet and lobster...not too much for an average size guy. I would have given it 5 stars but it lacks in the local (Portland) micro brews. No Widmier Hefeweizenis is unacceptable in Portland. So if Seattle brews are your thing you'll like the micro brew selection, otherwise skip this place or have wine.
(4)
Michelle H.
While the HH menu is cheap as hell, I think I'm in love with their lunch the most. Fresh fish, plentiful portions, out for $10-ish. Dinner is one of those "wow, I just spent how much?" kind of places, but the dishes will still leave you going "Yum!" Service is always awesome no matter the time of the day--friendly and lots of character. If you call ahead to reserve a table for an event (like a company birthday lunch), they'll print the names of those you're celebrating on the menu. It's a sweet touch.
(4)
C.W. J.
Got engaged here. I love this place. If you don't like it you should be in prison. Next time I am in Portland. This is my first stop. Food. Service. Drinks. Location. Outstanding Must go.
(5)
Cathy G.
wow ok it was a long day at class. My friends asked us to go eat with them. Fine .. dalay dalay.... delay.. The first restaurant was like 50.00 dinners and they were going to go for it!! We left and decided to go here.. ominous because of the tablecloths! I was surprised that there was a varitety of prices and meals. I was not so surprised that our waiter was VERY slammed and no one helping - NO BUSBOY!! No WATER refillls! Finally I had to ask to have my meal packed to go before getting served. It simply took too long and I was tired - my friends were not.. however - I feel like it could have been handled better. 3 stars is a gift.
(1)
Giggly C.
Great happy hour. Yummy pork sliders, ribs, potato samosa. The 1/2 lb cheese burger and pizza are just OK. Off appetizer menu, the onion -thin sliced dish was soooo good. HUGE Portion! Go early for the sun prime rib special. by 8pm, it was sold out. we were disappointed. they were out of halibut and sangria too. boo
(4)
Trinh T.
This is a cool spot for happy hour. The $1.95 bar menu is a great deal! You can't go wrong ordering any one of the items on it. The 1/2 lb cheeseburger is juicy and delicious. I had a taste of the three cheese quesadilla, Baja fish tacos and spinach and artichoke dip which were all very good as well. The decor is conservative but the atmosphere is laid back. The happy hour deals attract a fun and lively crowd!
(4)
Jeremy M.
As far as late night eats! This place is great. With prices you can't beat and service that is stillar, with Jakes you can't go wrong. The happy hour menu is perfect. I suggest the ribs and the burger. It's a manivore meal, and will only set you back about $6 bucks!
(5)
Jerry M.
Did the Thanksgiving buffet at Jake's Grill inside the Governor hotel. Buffet was actually on the 4th floor and not inside the grill which was nice. Food was good but not exceptional. Variety was ok but nothing out of the ordinary. I didn't like paying and tipping prior to being seated. Service was lousy and generally speaking we were totally ignored. Won't be repeating the experience.
(2)
Tamara F.
We went to this place on a whim. We went for dinner & both of our meals were amazing. I had the cheese ravioli with crab in a spinach gorgonzola sauce. It was rich and amazing. The service was really great. The ambiance was not one of those overly hip restaurants, which was just fine with us. We loved this place and would go back if we were ever in Portland. It is pricey, but I would say that the food is worth the price.
(4)
Marvin D.
Happy Hour Sunday 3:00pm to close!!!
(5)
Andrew H.
This was by far the best meal I have ever paid for. Ever. Our service was amazing, see Tony, he will take only the best care of you. I wanted to take my boyfriend somewhere amazing for his birthday. We were visiting Portland and discussed where to go for dinner for almost two hours before deciding on Jakes. The cons - We were seated next to a large party, who was of loud business men. It turned out to not be so bad and I realized the whole place was a-buzz with chatter. Additionally, my boyfriend was served the incorrect beverage, but I know it wasn't Tony's fault as he repeated it correctly when taking the order. The PROs - We ordered the Italian Beef Appetizer, while it didn't look like much when it arrived, the subtle nuances in flavor where like getting hit in the mouth with awesome flavor. Think... "POW! Right in the kisser." My boyfriend ordered a rib eye with peppercorn glaze. De-lish. Cooked to perfection, served with delightful potatoes, he claimed it was the best steak he's ever had at a restaurant. I ordered the Top Sirloin. When it came out I was amazed at the presentation. When I tasted it, I was blown away by the flavor. The asparagus was crisp and tasty. The few pieces of crab that came with it were the perfect complement to each bite and I couldn't even finish my potatoes. Again, I have to agree that it was the best steak I have ever been served. Additionally, while my boyfriend received the wrong drink, A bloody Monkey, he enjoyed it as it was a fantastic version of the bloody mary. I ordered a "Queen Bee" which was hands down, the best drink ever. I sent the ingredients to a bartender friend demanding that I have it again sometime soon. At the end of the meal, I asked for Tony's name as the service was amazing and was the food. He later came by to thank us by purchasing our dessert because we were quote "so nice and pleasant." I had informed Tony only after the offer that it was my honey's Bday, and he returned with a chocolate truffle slice, with a candle. While it was most certainly not a cheap dinner, you get what you pay for. And after two hours of research and finally deciding on Jakes, we both felt the right decision was made. We even gave each other three high fives throughout the meal. All in all, anyone who says this place is not up to par, or doesn't have fabulous service, or the food is over priced, is not paying attention. Or is used to receiving the kind of food only kings eat on a regular basis. I Highly recommend Jake's as a wonderful place to get dinner for a special occasion.
(5)
Bill G.
Very impressive happy hour!
(4)
Jenna B.
This place was packed when we arrived, it must have been because of the happy hour. My colleagues and I went to dinner here and I was a bit disappointed. We ordered the calamari ,and shrimp and crab cake appetizers. They were tasty but then again they were safe bets. The salmon with crab and brie entree that I ordered was a bit too rich for me, I ate less than half my order. I also ordered the mini mousse shot dessert and it was mediocre. Overall I expected a bit more- food with more gusto. Instead it was just "A-OK".
(3)
David G.
Amazing service, amazing staff, delicious food... you gotta try the brown sugar bacon
(5)
Alyson L.
My friends and I were in Portland for the weekend and had just attended the Beer and Wine Fest and wanted to stop at a place where we could get a small bite to eat and a few more drinks. It was a little spendy for the budget we were on, so we asked our server if there were other places in the area to get some drinks and possibly some food to soak 'em up. This chick was amazing and I really wish we would have gotten her name! She told us of 3 more places we should check out and brought us some bread to munch on while we figured out what appetizers to get. We ended up getting the crab cakes and the oyster plate, but the real star was the crab cake! All five of us agreed that they were the best we'd ever had. To top it off, our server came back with a list of the places she had suggested, with cross streets, on a note pad paper with the number for a van-cab company (we had expressed concerns that we wouldn't all be able to fit in one cab). She needs a raise! Also, we were seated next to the bar and didn't notice the smoking at all.
(4)
Wyman J.
$1.95 cheeseburgers? Are you serious? Yup, go here for Happy Hour and you will find a good selection of items for $1.95 including a good sized cheeseburger, chicken sandwich, fried shrimp, potstickers, and more. There is a $2.50 drink minimum per person but you can stuff yourself for less than $10. Happy Hour is M-Thu 3-6pm and 9:30pm to close. Friday and Sat 10pm to close. Sun 3pm to close. One of the best bargains I've found in Portland.
(5)
Alex P.
Decent food, decent atmosphere but slow SLOW service. I had the Kobe Rubicon steak and jumbo shrimp dish, the sauce was great but the steak was a little tough. The shrimp wasn't half bad either... Jake's also has great happy hour, but don't expect your food to be served quickly.
(3)
Nickole C.
This is one of my all time fav's! Great atmosphere...food is very good and the prices while higher for most...are much cheaper then other linen table steak houses in town. They have a great variety on the menu and I have never been disappointed...but i also choose wisely it is a seafood place so go with seafood...you want good pasta go to an Italian restaurant. Brunch is divine and I often brunch there with a group of 6-10 so it is nice that they are so spacious. I am not always thrilled with the wait staff...but they are yet to piss me off so much as to not walk away feeling I chose wisely. The crab cakes are out of this world!
(5)
Dennis S.
Jake's grill is one of my favorite goto places for lunch when I am in Portland. I enjoy sitting at the bar, having a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir, taking sports with the knowledgeable bartender and other patrons. Their daily specials are reasonable and other items very tasty. I like it even better now that Portland has gone non-smoking. Prices might be a tad high for some but I don't mind a little splurge for a nice lunch in the big city once in awhile.
(4)
Eric B.
I went here during Sunday happy hour. Here's what I got for $2 each: * 1/2 lb cheeseburger with fries. I was definitely not disappointed. Steak fries aren't my thing, but these were pretty good. * Breaded prawns with Thai chili sauce. Each plate has 4 shrimp, er, prawns, so I ordered a 2nd one. Not great, but not bad. * Spicy ahi tuna roll. This plate inspired my new game, called "Try to Find the Blasted Little Bits of Tuna in the Mound of Rice." (I'm still working on the name - it's admittedly a little bumpy.) I wrapped up this 5-plate meal with their molten chocolate cake ($8). So so. Chili's retains its title as Molten Chocolate Cake Champion. In the end, I'd definitely order the burger and shrimp again for $2. As for the tuna roll, I'd rather have a half-gallon of gas.
(3)
R T.
Great happy hour and classy service. We love stopping in for a bite when walking around downtown.
(4)
Abe I.
Happy hour is where it is at. After 10pm or all day Sunday. I prefer to go in the afternoon on Sunday's for a drink and a $2.00 cheeseburger. You cannot go wrong. Also, I have a strong internal appreciation for the decor, which includes monumental taxidermied animals staring down at you from high places. Fancy.
(5)
Andre F.
I was very impressed with this place. Just stumbled upon this place when my wife made me pull over and find a parking spot. From the name and the outside I thought of this place as a family type steakhouse. Upon walking in realized that it was kinda fancy and my family (wife, Kids 3 and 4, and I) felt very under dressed but after being sat the waitstaff made us feel very welcomed. We arrived at 4 so we were given the lunch menu which, along with the dinner menu, is printed daily so changes are frequent. I had the Blue Plate Special (Roasted Sirloin of Beef, over Arugula Mashed Potatoes and topped with chimichurri sauce), my wife had stuffed Sole with mashed pot and my kids split a grilled cheese sand and fries. The food was delicious and had just the right size portion for all of us. The waitress was very nice and interacted with my children very well. She also pointed us to a fountain park we had never heard of (Jameson Square). We took our dessert to go and enjoyed it while cooling off in the park. The Blueberry Shortcake is very delicious and not too sweet or heavy. Overall: Was very pleased and would bring friends and family. Pros: The non-snobby atmosphere was refreshing. Cons: 10 oz Gingerale for 2.50
(4)
Roche H.
Wide selection of amazing food at incredible prices. Best lunch bargain in PDX. Serve is 5 star even at 3 star prices.
(5)
Gina M.
We went here for breakfast on our most recent visit to Portland. The eggs benedict were okay... somewhat bland but the marionberry spread and biscuits they serve with every meal were to die for!! And who can ask for anything better than fresh squeezed oj? mmmmm! Great service and no wait at 9am on a Saturday...would eat here again.
(4)
Mike L.
Expensive as hell and the food sounds better on the menu than it comes out on the plate. Breakfast/brunch is pretty decent though - I just wouldn't expect either (a) to be overwhelmed by the quality or (b) underwhelmed by the price.
(2)
Brandon H.
There are plenty of other places for a good meal in Portland, and I really can't suggest going here. As our last dinner in Portland, I really think this was a mistake. It seemed to be the destination for the suburban "Let's go to the city for a nice meal" crowd, and it just underwhelmed. The one shining achievement of this place was the kobe beef pot-stickers. Everything else, from the French onion soup, to the NY strip I had for dinner, to the undersized brownie for desert just screamed of mediocrity. Unless you've been here before, and this is your "type" of place, I'd suggest trying somewhere else.
(2)
H B.
Went in to dine and drink after an afternoon downtown. Mary Ann was our server and she was clearly displeased when we ordered 3 appetizers instead of 3 entrees. Her face said it all and from that moment our dining experience became a negative one focused on her making us feel less a priority than her other tables. Sincerity is of great value of working directly with others. It was unfortunate that she didn't agree. We will not be back.
(2)
Angie M.
When I go to a bar, I'm not there to be seen, or to see other people. I'm there to DRINK! Jake's is a great place to do so. Their cocktails were potent and reasonably priced (a friend and I had 2 drinks each and the total was less than $25). The atmosphere is relaxed and reminiscent of old school bars: they even had Frank Sinatra and other jazzy crooners piped in. There are also televisions showing the Monday Night game, but the volume was turned down so it wouldn't bother the other guests. They also had.... $1.95 Cheeseburgers. Ok, so I didn't actually order one, but they looked delicious and for $2, can one really complain?? Their happy hour menu includes many other kinds of treats (pot stickers, blue cheese fries, fish tacos, etc.), and they have a early evening and late evening happy hours. yay! We also went for breakfast during our stay in Portland and they have the most delicious homemade biscuits. Mmmm! Definitely a great place to chill and have a drink.
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 : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Chris O.
It is always a good place to quench your thirst. The bar food beats all. The steak is almost always perfect, much better than most. Fact is, this place is a Portland classic. Elegance without pretension. Your at Jakes, have a drink with fresh smashed fruit or a seasonal treat. A real wine list and if you want Rémy Martin XO, you can be sure you get what you asked for. I tip out of gratitude, not guilt. The staff here always get lots of gratitude from me. There is a reason for it, you will see.. Jake's Grill, a true Portland classic. Thank you to all the staff, managers and everyone that make this place so wonderful.
(4)Amy O.
Great place for drinks! We didn't eat here, but started and ended our evening at Jake's.
(4)Blorch H.
Maybe the bar is better, but as a restaurant, Jake's has been coasting on its reputation longer than Harvard. Service is slow and inattentive, even by Portland's relaxed standards of industry, the food is overpriced for what's being served, and the seafood quality is somewhere between Red Lobster and Long John Silver's. The only thing I like less than the service and food is their seating- I've been stuck in Airline coach seats and church pews that are more comfortable and well placed than what passes for a place to sit. There are dozens of better bars and restaurants in the same price range with the same menu items within a five minute walk of this location. Don't risk wrecking a night out by wasting your time and money here.
(2)Marina S.
My uncle had his birthday dinner here this past Monday. I would say that overall, I was not very impressed. I can definately think of other places to go to, that do not charge as much and do have the same quality of food. I will say that my flank steak was cooked perfectly. Definately melt in your mouth kind of steak. The mushroom sauce that went with the steak was overseasoned. The stems of the steamed kale were woodsy and tough. I finished my dish because I was hungry (my sister left the kale untouched), but I do not think I would return there for the same meal. The atmosphere in the room that we were in, was kind of gloomy, not comfy and inviting like you would expect it to be. For the 26 people that were in the party, there was only 1 (!!!!) dedicated server. That meant, that to get the salads out, it would take him 9-10 trips to the kitchen, as he could carry only 3 plates at once. By the time we got our food, the people he started with were already done eating. There was another 2 people that would come and help him pour the water from time to time, but 90% of the time it was only 1 person. It was very annoying, because he did seem overwhelmed and not as attentive as he should have been. I might give this restaurant another try and ask for a seat by the window, may be that's going to make a difference in the whole restaurant experience, as I really hated the room we were in.
(3)Candy B.
Last Thursday, I was visiting Portland and after a disappointing experience with another restaurant in the area (see my previous review), my group of ten was left without a reservation. Ut-oh. A couple of the ladies had said that they visited Jake's the night before and loved it and wouldn't be adverse to going again. We walked over knowing that they might not be able to accommodate a large group, but hoping we could at least get on a list and walk around a bit or something. They were not able to seat us right away, but the manager himself found us some tables together in the bar to wait (a very nice couple offered to move over to another area for us - nice folks all around). We ordered drinks and the waitress was able to get us some appetizers that were on the happy hour menu (even though we were past happy hour - we wanted hummus, darn it!). We happily chatted and waited 45 minutes to an hour and had a great time - the wait staff were all very attentive and we never felt like we were a bother at all. We were seated and had a fabulous waitress (shout out to Amy). We were very very well taken care of. They even had a magician that came around to entertain us. I'm still working out how he made the dollar bill float. Cuz I was sitting RIGHT there in front of it. I suspect they put hallucinogenics in my water cuz nothing else makes sense. I'm just saying. The decor of the restaurant is very nice, very regal - yet relaxing at the same time. It felt cozy, just what a steakhouse should feel like. The food was amazing. I had a beet salad that was perfectly dressed and tasted amazing. I also had the Jake's Mixed Grill and OMG. I ordered the steak medium and came out perfectly cooked along with a lobster tail and a prawn. Amazing. Simply amazing. We finished up with three desserts for the table and passed them around so everyone got a taste (major shout to the cheesecake). I even forgot that gratuity was included because I was paying for a large party. Amy came over and quietly pointed it out and asked if I wanted to adjust it. I did a little, but still left her a large extra tip for being so honest. Great place. Great food. Relaxed yet nice. A winner. I would not hesitate to go here again. I also found out later that they are part of the McCormick and Schmicks family. We have one of those here in Austin so I'm looking forward to checking it here as well. Major thumbs up for Jakes!
(5)Martha C.
Mediocre at best. With a disappointing start to breakfast it was hard to recover. Their coffee was awful. We asked for a fresh carafe and it was just as bad. This is portland people! Good roasts abound! My husband's eggs looked overcooked and he didn't like the potatoes or biscuits either. I had the Marionberry stuffed French toast and it was passable. I guess we make another trip to Bijou for another great breakfast.
(2)Brandi B.
I was pretty disappointed in brunch at Jakes. The 2-buck mimosas are nice, but in a table of three, two of us had to send food back... I ordered the bagel and lox plate and the "lox" was thickly-sliced smoked salmon, (not cured) dry and curling around the edges. icky. Maybe I just ordered wrong,and I have been to events at the Governor that Jake's has catered very well, but I think I'll be heading elsewhere for brunch.
(3)Andrea W.
This is a great spot for dinner, but excellent spot for happy hour. Late night happy hour is even better!
(4)John P.
I went there earlier this week with a business partner for a lunch meeting. Arrived and no tables were available, so we sat across from the bar. Took good 6-7 minutes till someone showed up at our table to offer some drinks. I ordered diet coke no ice, my friend ordered coffee. 4 minutes later we both get coffee (??). I started drinking my coffee as the waiter was gone by the time I wanted to explain the mistake. She was back and apologized, got me a glass of diet coke with ice (strike 2). Didn't mind that too much, but was thinking to myself this is not a great first impression. We both ordered the burgers, mine was mid well, his was mid-rare. Got those after some time, but not at the needed temperature (they switched them). At this point I returned my food back and finished my meal. They paid for lunch (really) but that was not what I wanted for. Last impression - restrooms were not clean and felt like i was in grand central. Not my cup of tea, don't think I will be back for 1-10 years...
(1)Hilary B.
There are so many wonderful restaurants in Portland, if your visiting out fair city please reconsider a visit to this place. I'm sure Jake's was good at some point, but it seems to have turned into a glorified Red Robin with less chipper service. We walked in the door and the hosts looked at us with expectation - like we are supposed to "do" something for them. Now, in this situation I know that we need to tell them our parties reservation name. But if I was from out of town, and I walked up to a host stand, was not greeted with a smile, but instead a stare, I would be confused and uncomfortable. A "good evening ladies, do you have a reservation?" would have been nice. We sat at our table with some out-of-town girlfriends who had made the reservation. The table was in the middle of the restaurant and was very loud. Granted - it was a Friday night at 6:30, busy, busy. But, if you are looking for a place to catch up with some friends, be warned it gets a little loud in there. The server was an ass from the start. Not quite sure what we did to piss him off, but he was rude and barely stopped by our table to take orders (we wouldn't be done ordering drinks and he would already be walking away - we had to wait until he graced us with his presence to order again). So right about now I started talking some shit, as all my girlfriends were getting VERY disappointed. I started mentioning loudly how I was going to give them a piece of my mind on Yelp. Can you believe it - they changed their service immediately!!! Ah, the power of review websites. So, now the service doesn't suck. I looked through the menu of $17-$35 meals trying to decide what I thought that I could order without breaking the bank. I settled on a $20 pasta dish - Shrimp Pomodoro. No, that does not come with anything for $20. Just spaghetti, red sauce with basil (the sauce was tasty, I will give them that) and 8 medium shrimp. I felt the dish was bit overpriced. All and all, if you are visiting Portland and want to say "we went to Jake's", then knock yourself out. If you are visiting Portland and you want to try some real Portland cuisine, you have LOTS of other options here on Yelp.
(2)Carrie S.
Great place for wine and seafood. They messed up my order but fixed it immediately, no charge. I love the bar area. Waitstaff is great. I had the sole with risotto. Yum!
(4)Denise B.
Nice outside seating vibe. Enjoyed the meatloaf very much. House Pinot is a tremendous value. Friendly service and fair pricing
(3)Gary S.
Jake's is obviously a venerable Portland dining spot. We had friends visiting from out of town and they asked us where a great place to go would be. We suggested Jake's and made on line reservations. The problem is that the food prices were outrageously high. Worse yet, our food wasn't nearly up to the level of the pricing. I had fish and chips. The breading on the fish wasn't crisp and I think it was under-cooked. My friend had talapia, but she also didn't think it was so great. It was "swimming" in greasy butter which made the breading on the fish and the rice soggy. Also too salty. Our friends didn't complain about their food, but they did complain about the prices. Service was very good. I have to wonder if they were just having a very bad night in the kitchen or if they're resting on their laurels at this point...
(2)Alvin N.
I enjoyed Dinner here while on a visiting weekend in Portland, it was just only 2 blocks away from the Westin where I stayed. While browsing Yelp & a couple recommendations from the Front desk, Jake's Grill was something to check out. So the items in the menu that were ordered for the Chefs to prepare were raw oysters =D , fresh garden salad, Rib-eye steak & Salmon Pasta. The bartender was required to prepare some Brew & Wine. Everything that came out was excellent. Portlanders have it good no TAX!! I want to thank Jake & Oregon for a nice time. I believe that Jake's Grill is part of the McCormick's Family of Restaurants. Good food, Good times =)
(5)Jen B.
My friends and I visited Portland and decided to eat at Jake's for dinner one night. We all agreed that the food was pretty good, but nothing amazing. (Especially for that price point.) I had the chicken Marsala, and I felt like it was something I could have made for myself. The service was a little slow here and it seemed like our waitress forgot about us a couple times. Regardless it was an ok meal and somewhere I would consider going again. (They had some steaks on the menu that looked promising).
(3)Sara Q.
i'm pretty sure jake's grill is one of my favorite places to eat a really good, fully packed in every way possible meal. when i came here i had the parmesan crusted tilapia with a side of pilaf rice, crispy capers and seared lemons. it was beyond delicious. out of this world. i highly recommend coming here for a delicious dinner .. romantic night out, birthday celebration, anniversary dinner etc. came here for happy hour as well. they made me an awesome basil grape refresher. it was light, minty and crispy. perfect for a summer night out for happy hour. mom and i shared 1/2 burger which was coked pretty decently. i always have a good time here, you should definite;y check it out.
(4)Emma F.
Went to this restaurant for the first time last weekend and it was amazing! Our server Tony had the best recommendation, we listened to every single one and loved them all. Atmosphere was nice, it was busy yet not too loud. We were served promptly and everything tasted great. Thank you Tony for the best recommendations!
(5)Olivia W.
Oh Jake's, how I love you. My SO and I have gone here a few times and always get dressed up and make reservations before going out to the theater or somewhere else hoity-toity. You can come in in jeans, but this is a place you really should dress up--if you're here for dinner and not HH. We make an event out of it and order wine, appetizers and sometimes even desert. Maybe because we're dressed up and care about how we present ourselves and order food thats not the cheapest thing on their menu, the wait staff have always been incredible. We get fast service and food that is cooked to perfection and presented in a way that you know the cook cares about his art. I usually order a steak because seafood is not my thing, and they have ALWAYS cooked it perfectly (so that lady who sent her steak back twice either didn't know what medium rare was or maybe Jake's was having an off night--by the sound of it the manager thought it was right--my bet, it was right) The portions are typical of what you would expect at a FINE dining restaurant, adequate to fill you but not huge "American Sized" portions like you'd find at Olive Garden (with their endless bread baskets) or other chains trying to satisfy us impossible to please gluttons, who want to go home feeling so full you can barely move and "this close" to sick. The exception to this rule would be their spaghetti string onion rings which is a HUGE plate (at least it was when we went) of the most delicious onion rings thinly sliced into magic fried goodness :) Again, this is a place I would get a reservation, dress up, and expect to spend a bit of money. If you do decide to just show up on a Friday night at the dinner rush, and during happy hour, try to be realistic with your expectations, any restaurant that is busy on a Friday night is probably going to get a little loud, and it might take a while to get your order. But usually, busy is a good sign, it means you picked a place people like to go. I have eaten here once for happy hour and was very happy with the prices, food and service as well, but I prefer to make an event of this place and enjoy it as a fine dining restaurant, and go somewhere else when I want a casual night out. Glad to see a lot of 5 star ratings on Jakes, I will continue to eat here on fancy nights out.
(5)Manali T.
Food wasn't anything special. The service was slow. Very disappointed at how this restaurant is promoted only to be let down by the mediocre quality in the food.
(3)Ran B.
Excellent sirloin. Annoying waitress. Heavenly asparagus! Place gets kinda empty at 10pm.
(4)Jeremy S.
06 June 2010, 4pm, Happy Hour Redemption! I knew this place had potential. My last experience was subpar. This one, on the other hand, was delightful. fried zucchini cheese burger/fries fish tacos fried calamari 2 beverages all made fresh, fish tacos were more substantial than last time, was busy but there were a few seats at the bar fast service, attentive refills bartender made nice small-talk able to satiate the appetites of two guys that had just run 17 miles. Also got points on my McCormick and Schmick's card.
(4)Alyx W.
Talk about turning a local landmark into a corporatized POS! Every time I come here, I get more and more disappointed, the service is always snide and acts as if they are entitled to be better than everyone because, oh my, they work at Jake's! I went for lunch and thought it would be nice to eat a light salmon salad. It was light, indeed. There were four very thin, very charred, and very dried, very small pieces of salmon in my salad. They were strategically placed on top of a bed of greens, which upon further examination was simply a "spring mix," better known as a pre-packaged salad one can buy at the grocery store. Not only that, the salad did not consist of anything OTHER than salmon, a super light drizzle of what I'm sure was dressing from a bottle, on top of what I'm POSITIVE was to be pre-packaged greens. And to top it off, the bread was stale and the butter in the dish was a cold cube, it had been chopped off a stick. Way to cut corners, McCormick's!
(2)Chris T.
Great cocktails, great outdoor seating when it's nice. The staff is very helpful.
(5)Alex E.
Here's an idea...don't hand out a menu that includes brunch items when brunch is over/not available. We were seated 1 minute past the brunch time and our waiter wouldn't even CHECK with the kitchen. He was like, "uh no, so what do you want off the lunch menu?". Hm... Nothing? But alas, we did order off the brunch menu and much to my disappointment, the food was really good ;)
(4)Michelle C.
A quintessential Portland establishment. Great downtown dining experience with a beautiful antique bar where you can get full service meals without a reservation. We stumbled upon Jake's Grill during Christmas day as we were on our way to another place for dinner. We noticed the restaurant was filled with people and decided to eat Jake's instead. Unfortunately, we didn't have a reservation, but totally lucked out on finding two seats at the bar for dinner. Service at the bar was sort of slow as it was super busy that night, but all of Portland seemed to be waiting for a seat that night. We weren't too concerned about the service once we got our drinks on. The mixed drinks were yummy, especially the coffee drinks with the liqueur. The prime rib was delicious, and the turkey was a little on the salty side, but still very tasty. We had such a fabulous time that we have decided to make Jake's Grill our Christmas dinner tradition, and can't wait for next year!
(4)Amanda F.
Skip it. Overpriced and not a fun spot. Portland has better!
(2)Elizabeth F.
Jakes is a great place for a quiet, cheap happy hour meal and drink. The crowd tends to be a bit older (think 40s +), which I like as it is not as rowdy as some other happy hour spots in PDX. Outside of happy hour, the food is overpriced and what you might expect from a hotel restaurant - not awful, but nothing to write home about. One thing to know - they close around midnight on the weekends, so if you end up there late, expect to be booted around then.
(3)Thomas W.
Jake's Grill: because Huber's stops serving food after 8. Well, that might be a bit harsh. My experience with Jake's was nothing less than memorable (in a good way, like my first kiss ...er...well, something good, at least...) but we probably would not have stopped in when we did if not for the fact that all I was able to order at Huber's was a Guinness before we discovered the awful truth: there was simply no food to be had! Well...whatever! We knew we wanted someplace that served drinks, and we wanted food - ANY food. (Well, ANY food, but not just ANY food. I know, that made no sense. Try going out to dinner with us sometime - the experience is riddled with logical pitfalls just like that one, only more severe and potentially damaging to your mental health.) So, Jake's came up and we decided to try our luck. First off, let me just say this: how awesome is it that a place like Jake's is open until 11:00pm? Portland, are we not truly, truly, truly outrageous? (Whooa Jem!) I submit to you that, yes, we are in fact that outrageous; blessed by the food gods, for every other place was either closed, closing, or a bar. We were seated and our waitress was at our side immediately to take our drink order. I am not sure that I have ever had such exceptional service at a restaurant before. Our waitress was fast, attentive, descriptive, funny, friendly, and I'm pretty sure she would have dove in front of our table if a crazed customer randomly decided to toss a roll at us from afar. Yup - we had our own damned Secret Service! Would our waitress have fought a Kodiak bear on our behalf? I truly, truly, truly (whoooa Jem!) believe so. So, we ordered some onion strings, and a short time later, our waitress reappears with a hugenormous plate of fried onions that was so big it reminded me of the All-Knowing Trash Heap from Fraggle Rock. (Only I am sure it smelled waaaaay better, and offered no advice on how to rescue Uncle Travelling Matt from Outer Space. Oh well.) After digging into that, our orders arrived, and, well... ...this was an experience for me. I ordered the Sea Bass and Pork Belly. Yes, the belly of swine. Perhaps this is a common food item, regularly consumed? Well, not in my experience, it's not. I mean, have that conversation with yourself for a second: "Would you like to have some pork belly?" "You mean, slice off the stomach of a pig, cook it and serve it as a meal?" "Yeah." "Huh, no thanks." Well, I am not sure what overrode my sense of caution (coughcoughGUINNESScoughcough) but I did indeed order this, and the results were beyond even my drunkenly lofty expectations! The pork belly was sooooooooooo tender, the way that only an 11 "o" so can be. The flavor, somewhere between subtle and Bacon Prime, forced me to hold off until the end so that I could readily savor every bite. It is a rare thing for me to reluctantly eat sea bass, but here it was - an exceptional compliment, and well cooked, but a far cry from the most delectable bit of pork I have ever had in my life. So anyway, I loved my meal. Were it within my power, I would have the sea bass and pork belly every night for the rest of my life. Then, I would follow it up with that amazing creme brulee that our waitress suggested. (So helpful!) Honestly, this is one of the best meals I have had in a restaurant in a LONG time. I am already planning our next outing to Jake's, and as I write this, my stomach already growls with a deep, guttural yearning for their expertly cooked, tender-yet-crispy pork!
(5)Tana J.
I had a reservation there at 5pm for a celebration and when we got there, first where they seated us there was no one in there so we could have had a window table but no they sat us in the corner not happy about that, second the table cloth on the table had spilled food on it, grease dripping down the front of it, and food under the paper on top, third I got the clams and oh my they were so salty I was un-able to eat them and I was already disappointed because you did not have escargot, then the other person with me order fettuccine and I tired it and it was literally flavorless and I also ordered a salad it came totally wilted we ended up packing all the food up and leaving Jake's use to be a phenomenal place to eat at and it was very negative last night and for the price I think the food should be superb and there was no "I am sorry", "can we do something to make it better" no manager NOTHING!
(1)Leslie F.
A happy hour fav, great food and service for an excellent price.
(4)Jeff W.
It was just okay for me. The first time I went here with a group, I remember the food being very good. The next time my wife and I stopped by for a birthday dinner, it was just so-so. For the price you pay, I'd like to be getting a little larger portions. But, that's what you get at restaurants like these. So, it's kinda expected I guess. Anyway, the steak wasn't good enough to rid the thought that I could have grilled up a nice piece of meat at home on the BBQ that would have been just as tasty if not better and for half the price. The atmosphere wasn't spectacular, it was alright. Just nothing to write home about. We sat by a window which was pretty neat, so we could do a little people watching. All in all, it was an alright experience. A nice evening out that we over paid for. But, you can do that every so often I guess. I was more excited for the Stumptown Coffee stop which came after.
(3)C Y.
Despite years of Portland visits, I'm a bit embarrassed that this is my 1st dining experience at this Portland mainstay. I expected a straight forward, traditional restaurant with great service and food and that's exactly what I got. We tried a seafood entree and a steak, both were excellent. Portions were generous, prices reasonable. Would not hesitate to eat here again.
(4)Diane B.
This place is a great hidden secret. It is part of the Governor Hotel which made it so convenient for us when we stayed there. They have a happy hour that includes a menu of food that is ridiculously priced! Best value in town. It was just great. In addition we ate breakfast there and it was one of the best I have ever had. The seafood eggs benedict and the blueberry pancakes were to die for!! Check it out.
(5)Wile E I.
We were recommended by our hotel for Happy Hour. This is the place where cheap meets great. prices range from 1.95-4.95. The HH apps are super cheap and delicious. The ahi tuna skewers were tasty and big. Definitely worth the four bucks!Blackended fish tacos were ok. I enjoyed the Japenese style pork gyoza. The ruby Ruby was fresh squeezed and good. Very good and creative mixed drink menu. Good ambiance, the large room with way high ceilings definitely add a touch of class to the bar area.
(3)Brandon L.
Should you come here? If you've got a heavy appetite but a light wallet, or just love a bargain...a resounding "YES!" Happy hour here is one of the best both on price and quality. My favorite humus plate bar none, and it's $1.95! The the $2.95 gourmet burger and fries is also a cant-lose proposition. I like McCormicks also, but the food quality is even a touch above that at Jake's, and for the same price no less. The waitstaff and bartenders are cool, and I like the high ceiling-ed old-world Americana ambiance. The Hotel Governor itself is equally impressive looking at night with the lights on. 5 stars!
(5)Jeremy P.
Good food. Service is hit or miss depending on who you get. We were once told there was no French onion soup because the onions were too expensive. Was much better when McCormicks owned it! Good place for a date in the evening.
(4)Knox K.
Located in the famous Governor Hotel, Jake's can be a very happening place - especially for the business crowd (M - Th). I have frequented Jake's on multiple occasions -- choosing primarily to eat a late meal at the bar while watching sports. I always found the service (bartenders) to be friendly. If Gino's working, be sure to ask for the Greg-arita -- which requires hand squeezed limes. It's sure to make him smile and say, "how do you know that guy?" Just tell him that Texans know everyone! The second happy hour prices are outstanding. How can you go wrong with a $3 hamburger (regular price $13)? Enjoy!
(4)Marti B.
Just took my mom and her friend from SF to one of my most favorite best places for traditional, American comfort food in downtown Portland. Decorated in dark wood in a historic building, Jake's reminds you of a place that could even be at home on the East coast; steeped in tradition, good food, and history. If the cast of Med Men was alive and well in PDX, they would eat here. Here are my suggestions for never-fail traditional items: the iceberg wedge salad drizzled in fresh blue cheese dressing, tomatoes and asparagus, the spicy salmon crab cake, the perfectly cooked steak with the buttery mashed potatoes, the three-cheese macaroni and cheese. Pair any of these with a Canadian Club on the rocks and you are living in an America many miss - where good food was just good food! Best of all, their prices are very reasonable. They have a reasonable priced kids menu,too, at $5.95 per plate.
(4)Steve L.
A Portland institution (no, not of higher learning) - a stalwart, very very respectable pub and food provider (breakfast through late night). If you are solo, try to grab a stool at the bar and ask for your fave bev.....wash with their choice bar menu....strike up a convo with whomever is to your L or R. Window-side seating/booths are the best, I think. Watch the foot traffic just outside. Breakfast menu's are smashing: salmon-scrambles are done with perfection....white linen tables throughout the eatery. Wait-staff is attentive and usually dressed in black and white. Location is central in DT PDX, convenient to MAX; parking is street side and/or valet at the front door....pay parking across the street. Another good indicator and convincer: the place is packed! If with somene special or with a group of goers - make a resi in advance.....sure helps! I will return, often. Hope you do too!
(4)Paul B.
Great Happy Hour! This is a nice place in the Governor Hotel- an old fashion bar with character! The decor will take you back to the fashionable late 1800's west... dark wood panels, wide beams, leather, and moose heads on the walls! The happy hour food is very good and very reasonable! Blackened Fish Tacos with Chipotle Aïoli, Seafood Ceviche with Scallops, Calamari and Shrimp, Cheese Quesadilla with Green Chiles, Crème Fraîche and Salsa. These are the tidbits we tried. Each was very good and a real bargain at one dollar and ninety five cents! This is a nice place to sip a Manhattan and enjoy some good food- A must visit! Ha! a Manhattan out west?? Oh well, have your Makers Mark straight up! :)
(4)Matthew C.
My first review on Yelp has to be on my favorite happy hour stop. As a "regular," this review may be somewhat biased, but I guess you can be the judge. The burger is the go-to on the happy hour menu. For $2.95 (it was actually $1.95 before the economy hit the skids; true story) it is the best culinary bargain I have found. The burger is cooked medium by default and, although I usually prefer medium rare, it is always thick and juicy. It comes with all the trimmings, a pickle, and fries. It is a must! The atmosphere is classic, but somewhat rustic. Mooseheads and American Indian art decorate the dark wood and leather of the restaurant. It looks like a cross between a golf club house and a hunting lodge; both fine by me. The gentleman in the table next to us telling my date about shooting a mountain lion only added to the ambience. Probably not the optimal place for vegetarians/vegans, although the hummus plate is excellent. More meat for me!
(5)Christina D.
2 Stars for our server...She was really attentive, helpful & friendly *Will never go back *Food wasn't anything special or out of the ordinary *Salad was fresh and tasty *Good Bottle of Chardonnay Why I would never go back: We ordered a steak (medium rare) it came out well done, we kindly asked them to take it back. The Kitchen Manager came out with another one and stood there to make sure we were pleased with what we got. It was disappointing that the 2nd one came out between Blue Rare & Raw. The Manager then said as he was taking the 2nd plate away "The whole kitchen staff and I looked at the 1st Steak and we all agreed it was medium rare". As annoyed as we were we kindly and humbly asked him to take it back again. He comes back a 3rd time and it was finally medium rare. I thought the comment was uncalled for, unnecessary and inappropriate. Again not a food expert but i'm a Meat-a-tarian, love my meat and know my meat. We are very easy going, no fuss, low maintenance and forgiving diners. The last thing we needed during this meal was to be insulted.
(2)Quentin Z.
Lobster pasta, with lobster and shrimp terribly over-cooked. Flavor was good, and service was excellent, but the reputation of a great seafood restaurant is questionable.
(2)doreen w.
A friend took me here for a light late dinner to experience a "portland landmark." Jake's reminds me of many a manhattan landmark in the meat packing district, great american food and exceptional service. I "just" had a salad but it was exquisite! My plate arrived with a gentle pile of arugala, a half clove of roasted garlic with cranberries and a simple molasses dressing with 2 garlic crostinis full of olive oil. The wine list features a variety of Oregon pinots, local beers and a full bar. This was a portland highlight for me, despite the fact that i just lost my favorite seirus outdoor gloves at powells!! I left them right by the info desk, i was reading what to expect when you are expected...please portlanders if you find them message me!!
(4)Raymond S.
Very disappointed in this place. Went for a special Birthday dinner. Service was ordinary, T-bone stake was OK but nothing to rave about. The Lobster pasta was not good at all - the shrimp and lobster was overcooked and tough. We cannot recommend this place. Very very disappointed.
(1)JW S.
Top line: * Really slow, fairly inattentive (borderline overtly rude) service * Missed a lot of little details: e.g., cracked pepper for salads, pulled plates when people were still eating, agonizingly slow wine service (at a table of eight) * Let people order dishes that they were out of (at 7 p.m. on a Saturday night?!) * Food overpriced for value. * Fish was OK at best. * Lack of concern about whether the meal was satisfactory for the diners - no check up or follow up by waiter Our dinner experience (and especially the [lack of] service) was really surprising and disappointing. I expected more from this restaurant and the server; as well as the manager. A table of eight should normally get a little more attention. In this case, the table service was spotty at best. And lots of missed details - that you'd expect to be included in a $25-$35/entree restaurant. Here are a couple examples (that the personnel at Jake's Grill failed to do): * If you pull appetizer plates that have a knfe/fork on them, replace the knife/fork before the diner receives his/her entree (so they don't have to wait and/or ask for silverware). * If someone asks (has to flag down a bus person from another table) for cracked pepper for his salad, why not offer the pepper to the rest of the diners at the table. Don't just leave. * Explain which oysters are being served (there were 18 on three plates). * When you take an Entree order (at 7 p.m. on a Saturday) for something that's out-of-stock, offer a recommended alternative. Don't just stand there - help the diner. Bottom Line * Not recommended for price/value. * Not recommended for service. * Frankly, there's better food and better restaurants in Portland - with less of a hassle and more of a customer appreciation factor.
(2)Olivia T.
Jake's Grill is my new Happy Hour crush. He offers me happy time everyday including Saturday. From 1 pm - 3 pm, I can satisfy my needs.. $1.95 Hummus plate, $1.95 Quesadilla, and my favorite 1/2 lb CHEESEBURGER for $2.95 and comes with french fries too! Jake's also offered me a loaf of complimentary free warm bread and butter while I was waiting for my yummy goodness. The only thing that he asked from me was to buy a minimum one drink, it doesn't have to be alcohol, Iced tea and sodas will do as well. Isn't he sweet? Now tell me, a reason why I shouldn't fall in love with Jake's Grill?
(4)Alicia F.
My mom comes to visit 4-5 times a year. As a result I visit Jakes 4-5 times a year. My mom is quite obsessed with their Hemingway daiquiris, which I have to admit are very tasty. The atmosphere is wonderful, all dark woods and old-school. The service has always been excellent. I've had several meals here over the years but I have to say my new favorite is their warm beef salad. If ever a salad could be finger-licking-good this is it. But since I'm out to lunch at a nice place with my mom I refrain from indulging my cave girl instincts. If you're looking for a great lunch spot at a great location, Jakes is it.
(4)Lisa C.
Jake's made my night out in Portland wonderful! First I had a free train ride from my hotel and it stopped right in front of Jake's. We were seated right away, got a lovely glass of Washington state wine and explored the menu. We tried several local cheeses, WOW. My friend and I bravely tried the halibut cheeks only to be so pleased and wanting more. I wonder what will happen when I go back to Arizona and ask for halibut cheeks? We also shared salmon, which was nice. The desserts were sinful - including panna cotta with raspberry, blackberry cobbler and chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!!! Truly enjoyable dinner. And a building with character!
(5)Stanley T.
Alas, after twenty-some years (or so I'm told), the Jake's $1.95 HH cheeseburger + fries is no more :-( It's now $2.95. Still a Hell of a deal, but that doesn't keep me from being disappointed. Last time I was here I chose the HH pot roast sliders and they were quite good. I'm sure I'll be back.
(3)Jeff M.
A Haiku Review of Jake's Grill: Tried to like this place. But it kept disappointing. Get what you pay for.
(2)Shane S.
Nice classy place with great food. The servers are attentive and there's really not much more to say! It's a Portland fixture for a reason.
(4)Brianna H.
When I went here the waitress kept eyeing my date... it was odd. Also, we were stuck at a small table close to the door which wasn't too comfy.
(3)Jess L.
I have to be honest... I wasn't overly impressed. First off, they are having some issues with their sound system, so we went for a nice dinner and spent it listening to very loud Lady Gaga & Black Eyes Peas. Annoying... The food was ok, not what I was expecting for or hoping. The crab and shrimp cake was honestly like what you get in the freezer section of safeway, the salad was very heavy on dressing. The entrees were good, but not amazing. For the price, I won't be going back... the experience was average.
(3)Ashley C.
I took my eight year old niece her for brunch and she loved it. I'm not sure if it's the ambiance or service, perhaps both, but she eat all her food and she always ask if we can return. Great old world charm, but the high class of a nice restaurant. We did get a to-go box, but can you blame us?
(4)Gypsy R.
Jake's has a great inexpensive happy hour. Other than that, it is pricey, but quality food.
(4)John Y.
We walked around downtown Portland on our only night in that quirky, interesting city. I got the impression that there were tons of great restaurants, so when we peered into Jake's Grill, my instinct told me to keep on walking. Sure, the place looked pretty.... a spiffed up version of a cool, 1940s-era joint. But I felt certain we could do better. We walked around a few more blocks, then, what the heck, we headed back to Jake's. I'm sure glad we did. The glammed-up retro feel is even more pronounced once you walk in. But it's not stuffy at all; it has a fun, ironic spirit to it. We ordered fancy cocktails, though I wasn't using my best judgment when my first choice was a Portland Raindrop, or something like that. It was green and vile. I can count on one hand the number of times in my life that I've sent something back... this was one of 'em. The waiter couldn't have been more gracious or more kind. The followup drink was much better; and the food was superb, especially the Kobe beef pot stickers. Even more significantly, the service was out of this world. Our waiter was extremely professional, friendly but not cloying, and he hustled, hustled, hustled. It was a great dining experience, worth every penny.
(4)Richard K.
Can't go wrong with a delicious evolving menu, attentive service, and an overall great fine dining experience
(4)Charles R.
Went there for lunch on 1/26. They messed up my wife's order (not that uncommon as asking for food dairy free is challenging for many restaurants). Once the correct one arrived a bit later her salmon was good. My chicken pear salad, while large enough for at least one follow-up meal, was covered with so much cheese that I could hardly taste the greens or the chicken. How hard is it to produce a decent chicken salad?!? Both entrees were around $15, and given the general stuffiness of the place I expect better for the price. I won't be back.
(2)Mrs F.
Jakes Grill was delicious! I got a steak and my husband got the salmon and both were cooked incredibly. It was our 2 year anniversary and the hostess and waitress were very sweet congratulating us and had our names printed on the menus. Definitely going back soon...
(5)Gary T.
My gf and I had just arrived in Portland and we needed some chow and booze to take the edge off of a 12 hour drive. So, we came here on the recommendation from the receptionist at the Westin. When you step inside it's like harkening back to the film noir era of the 20's or 30's. The host was dressed to the nines and the waitstaff were all wearing black & whites w/full length aprons. The bartenders were all wearing short jacket tux style tops, nice. We found a spot at the bar and made ourselves know to the bartender. My gf ordered a jack & coke and I went for a Deshutes. My gf also ordered a cup of the split pea, prawns and tomato bruschetta, and the blackened fish taco off the bar menu. The split pea tasted like it was homemade and the taco was prettty good, the bruschetta was on the not so good side. If you come here for a late night and want food, the bar menu looks like your best bet value wise because everything was only $1.95 and up. In all a pretty good experience, I'd give it another try and order dinner the next time.
(3)Amado L.
Yeah, you're paying only $1.95 USD for that 1/2-pound juicy burger with a handful of fries-- thanks to their awesome Happy Hour menu-- and you're thinking that you're getting an awesome deal (which, on food, you are), but they get you on the beverage. Case in point, I've never paid $6.00 USD for a pint of Guinness anywhere in this city until I enjoyed a couple of them at Jake's Grill. Am I complaining? Not necessarily. I mean, that burger was da bomb yo! But don't fool yourself into thinking that the HH here is the shizzle when they're jamming it up your a-hole in some other way. Namely, the price of that beverage with which you wash down that cheap food. Having stated that, the HH menu is certainly quite impressive, with at least half-a-dozen priced at $1.95 USD, including the aforementioned burger (which would've easily cost more than nine bucks anywhere else). In fact, while I was chowing on my burger, another happy hour patron pointed to mine and asked the bartender, "Is that the happy hour burger?" to which the bartender proudly nodded in the affirmative. I would definitely have to return for more HH meanderings in the future, if only to tackle the rest of their impressive HH menu, some of which, although priced at $3.95 USD or higher, are still quite the bargain for food bearing Jake's caliber. Just don't be surprised about the cost of the booze; Jake's is attached to a hotel after all, and those unsuspecting tourists may not know any better.
(4)Shalane B.
I had breakfast here while staying at The Paramount. Friendly staff, and the service was fantastic. The traditional eggs benedict was fabulous, but the biscuits and gravy were a bit on the salty side. No real complaints, and we will definitely be back!
(4)Pedro U.
Food is great...both meat and seafood. However very busy and loud. Great service in general and an awesome happy hour with great appetizer choices
(4)Windy S.
We've been coming to Jake's for quite a few years now. Every time our good friend from Seattle is in town he likes to meet us at Jake's. The cocktails are consistently good, so we never complain. The food is also consistently good and reasonably priced. They have a wide variety of cocktails on the menu, which I have never been disappointed in anything we've ordered. For food, dinner and lunch have always been good. The steak salad for lunch is really good. The sweetbreads for dinner as well as any fish dish have always been good.
(3)Chelsea A.
I went to Jake's for dinner when my family came into visit me. And now I understand why people promote Jake's happy hour, and not just for the cheap food. Was my food awesome? Yes, yes it was. Was the ambiance and decor spectacular. Yep. However, my service was sorely lacking in personality, and aptitude. Jake's is good, and probably the best for what it is and promotes. However, I probably wouldn't sing it's praises, or make it my number one option for dinner.
(4)Evan R.
The Original restaurant is so much better. I am sorry to those of you who like this place, I haven't found the same in many visits. The seafood, which should take first priority here is at best good and at worst dreadful. The last time I went with my daughter before we went off to see a play and she ordered the fresh razor clams and I ordered Ahi. We love razor clams and we often go down to the coast dig some and cook them up when we can. They are one of the reasons I would never leave Portland. My daughter loves razor clams. These sadly were heavily breaded and cooked too long. Once you got through the breading to the actual clam it had been cooked to rubber. As much as she wanted them to be good she barely ate one. My Ahi was just ok and for its price I was a little disappointed. The servers were very inattentive for a father and daughter dressed up and obviously going to a show. We will not be back. Higgins has been much more fun for pre-shows and the original Jake's is a much better place to enjoy some seafood.
(2)Shawn P.
I finally checked out Jake's happy hour out at the bar and let me just say it was the best happy hour food I have in town! The steak bits are amazing and at that price having two or three orders doesn't hurt the pocket. I also tried the fish taco's that day which were Ahi Tuna and let me say I have been going back looking for it again because it was great.
(5)nadia a.
I found this gem walking around Portland 10 years ago. SO excited that my hotel was close by. When my work buddy and I heard about their happy hour, we ran between the raindrops sans umbrella to go! Getting into the door at 6pm the bar was PACKED and we were told the Happy Hour just ended. WHA??? Every Mc and Schmicks in the USA has a 4-7 Happy Hour. Who gets off work at 3??? BOOOOOO! But I REALLY wanted their yummy crab cake, so we sat in the dining room. Our server was top notch and not pushy or corny or annoyed that we were only doing apps and salads...or at least he was an award winning actor and kept a good poker face about it! The arugula salad with the big ol' clove of roasted garlic, cranberries and chunk of roquefort is good vampire repellent food and damn tasty! My friend had their iceberg wedge-the steakhouse staple-but I'm sad to say it was a chunk of iceberg with a glob of bottled runny dressing on it. No bacon, no nice big crumbles of blue cheese.(but then again, maybe the Metropolitan Grill in Seattle has spoiled me rotten!) So thumbs up for MOST of the food and the five star service. Thumbs down for the UNhappy hour ending at 6pm. No FIVE STAR for you!
(4)Kathy W.
We had lunch at Jake's while in Portland on business. Wow, the place seems to be a big hit with locals, as it is huge and was packed with happy patrons. When we got there, all the window seats were "reserved" and so we sat at an inside table (away from windows); the location was fine but you can barely hear over the noise of large boisterous groups. I ordered the Shrimp/Sesame Salad and it was very sweet, but tasty and my friend ordered the Beef Stroganoff and she loved it. The service was very good and we enjoyed a good, leisure lunch. *Side note here... We LOVED Portland!
(4)Liz G.
We were in a steak mood, and not being frequent steak eaters, had no idea where to go, nevermind that it was approaching 10pm. So we ended up at Jake's. The host was a pretentious little guy and was hesitant to seat us. The beer list was one of the smallest/worst I've seen in Portland. Plenty of Coors/Budweiser type choices, not many that I actually wanted to drink. There were plenty of steak choices, all of which sounded pretty tasty. I settled on a flat-iron steak, cooked medium-rare, served with cherry tomatoes, onion rings, and mashed potatoes. The boy ordered one of the more expensive steaks, cooked medium, served with mashed potatoes. The steaks came out, mine done perfectly, the boy's terribly overdone. The server was really apologetic when the boy sent his steak back, although it was clearly the "Oh shit, my tip" sort of apologetic, which I guess it always is, but still, try to act sincere. In any case, he offered to bring out extra break or salad while the steak was being remade, and promised a dessert on the house. My steak was pretty tasty, garlicky (which I love), and tender. The boy's steak was pretty good once it came out cooked correctly, but I thought his plate looked kindof sad, just steak and potatoes, no veggies or garnish or anything. And the potatoes weren't even very good, the ones I make at home are better. For our "on the house" dessert we had the chocolate lava cake. There was no lava, as the cake was, surprise, overdone. The outside was too hard, and there was no molten flow once we reached the center, just some underdone cake batter. Again, I've made better at home. When the bill came the server had give the boy a beer on the house, not the dessert that we only ordered because it was free. Oh well. The final bill was about $90, which would have been fine if it had been a stellar dining experience, but it wasn't. I think Jake's is just trying too hard to be upscale, I wish they could pull it off. The servers all wore white jackets, but looked disheveled. The tables had white table clothes, only to be covered with paper. And our server used the crumb scraper thingy...on the paper, classy. It wasn't terrible, but I don't think we'll be going back.
(2)Chad H.
My second time at jakes. First time was very good, but I think we ordered downscale - cheeseburgers and such. This time we ordered salmon, calamari salads and a few beers. Two people $114.00 with tip. I have to say the food was just OK. Service was excellent and we had a good table in the bar is the atmosphere was informal and very friendly. I agree with others that there are better, more interesting choices in Portland.
(3)Adam T.
At jakes, currently on thier wifi. This place is legit!! Happy hour is unbeatable. The vibe is classy, but unpretentious. Great barstaff. Very knowledgeable and curteous. Everything you would want in a perfect happy hour spot. I cant wait to try the steak!
(5)D N.
Really nice place, very friendly staff had the one pound burger it tasted...good but for $9.95 it was ok.
(3)Colleen C.
Very disappointed in their food and service, especially after the fact that this place came recommended by two people! I went on a Saturday night with my family (7 adults 2 kids) and we had very early reservations. The service was very slow and we had to repeatedly ask for more bread (she gave us one basket which feeds up to 5 people) and refills on our water. The host seated us behind the door of the walkin area, which he said we would not feel a draft (we were there in January 2009). We had to ask that they close the door because we did feel a draft, a very cold one at that since it had been snowing that week. The table across from us thanked us for speaking up because they had it worse since they were in the direct path of the open door. I had the pork chop, which was decent - not dried out, but nothing that wow'd me either. The rest of my family all had complaints about their food. Very disappointed especially when we paid $20+ per plate.
(1)Shane M.
Great customer service. I went during happy hour 15:00 - 18:00 and the prices on the food were great. It was only $2.95 for a cheeseburger and fries. This place has an excellent eloquent but casual ambience. Great appetizers, too for cheap prices during happy hour that is. There isn't anything bad to say about this place!
(5)Corey S.
Very happy with our experience at Jake's Grill. My main entree was good and the fish was fresh, but what I really enjoyed was the sashimi appetizer. The best sashimi I've had on the west coast! My only regret here is not ordering the seared ahi once I has the appetizer. We had a large group (with a reservation) and were handled very well.
(4)Andrew M.
Jake's Grill has a special place in my heart (and thus, an extra half star) because it's one of the few McCormick & Schmick owned restaurants that has a different menu from all the others. I've had the steaks, the lamb and the mushroom salmon fettucini. All were hits. During and after college, there were no meals more annoying than going to Spenger's in Berkeley/Emeryville when I would visit the fam in the East Bay or Jake's Crawfish (because it's a place everyone tourist has heard about and wants to go to) in PDX when the fam would visit me and having the same menu. Don't get me wrong, they're both good fish joints, but they get boring after awhile. Having worked in the bar and restaurant industry, I know it is much easier to get higher quality an lower prices by ordering in bulk for all the restaurants. From a customer's point of view, it becomes rather bland.
(4)Ngo L.
I recently stayed at the Governor's Hotel and found out this place was connected to the hotel. I was looking for some breakfast and by the looks of the restaurant I was assuming it would be an expensive breakfast. Dead wrong! I was very surprised that the presentation of the meal was nice and it was pretty damn cheap. Great service and I'd definitely come back again!
(4)Shana N.
My sister and I stopped in here 3 different times on our weekend trip to Portland! We were impressed from our first visit and just kept going back for more! The first stop was for lunch on a Saturday. $2 mimosas...awesome! We started with a side mixed greens salad and french onion soup. Both were delicious!! For our entrees I had the mac and cheese and my sister had the steak salad. I am not exaggerating when I say the steak melted in your mouth! The salad was amazing, full of flavor and came with goat cheese crustinis which we ate every bit of! The mac and cheese was great too, fantastic creamy comfort food! Our next visit was for late night happy hour Saturday night. The waitress was so friendly, she really made our night! We had stopped somewhere else and were so disappointed with the menu we came here instead and were so happy we did! We had a cheeseburger and chicken wings, they were both under $3! The food was fantastic! I had a Cool Breeze cocktail and my sister had a glass of wine. When the waitress told us it was last call and asked if we needed anything else I jokingly said a piece of chocolate cake for my sister's birthday would be nice...and she delivered! We had the most amazing chocolate truffle cake and she gave it to us for free! YUM! Our last visit was Sunday brunch. The food was good, I had steak and eggs, my sister had crab and shrimp cake eggs benedict. The steak was cooked perfect! We were both disappointed in the potatoes, they were dry, hard, not seasoned well and barely warm. The crab and shrimp crab cake was too big for the english muffin, it tasted good but my sister wished she had stuck with the traditional eggs benedict. We again had $2 mimosas and my sister also tried a bloody mary. Unfortunately on this visit we had a very distant, unfriendly waitress. Our water glasses would sit empty even when she stopped to bring food or take our order, I finally set my glass at the end of the table so she would notice. She rarely made eye contact and seemed distracted the entire time, we felt like we were a nuisance to her. Also, a table by the window had a group of 4 people who were talking so loud it prevented my sister and I from being able to carry on our own conversation. Not that this is the restaurants fault by any means, it just took away from our overall experience that day.
(4)Julie P.
Great steak, great fish and chips. Rockin' wine list and delish cocktails. We were able to get a table by a window which I love, since I'm a people-watcher. Our waiter was kind of weird. Only said about 2 words to us the whole time but whatev, he did his job well except for the whole "friendly" thing. Kobe beef potstickers were AMAZE!
(4)John W.
Had two appetizers because a had a late lunch -- crab cakes and oysters on the half shell... Oysters -- completely disappointing... Small, and almost tasted like flem. Ugh.. I can get better oysters in Southern california that are flown in from Seattle. Crab cakes were ok, but nothing to write home about. They were pretty crispy, and definitely fresh.. but for 15 bucks? eh.. House Bread -- the bread tasted like it was 1 day old. Total bill, with a san pellegrino and tip came out to about 40 bucks.. Ehh.. Unless someone tells me I have to order a specific item on the menu, I'll probably be dining somewhere else. I feel bad rating this place low, because the service was great. Waiters and waitresses were very attentive.. it's just that the food was just so-so, especially for 40 bucks.
(2)Matthew W.
"It's not you, it's me... Look, I'm sorry, but Jake's has so much more to offer me." Jake's wins my heart for the best Macaroni and Cheese I've ever had in my life (other than mom's, of course)! Spiral noodles immersed in a thick 4 cheese sauce... mmmmmm! I should probably mention that I love cheese, and in my world, mixing good cheese with good noodles makes an edible heaven. And Jake's has taken lessons straight from God because the fine art of creating such a dish has been perfected through their skilled craftsmanship mixing the perfect cheeses. Every time we go to Portland, the thing I look forward to the most is this. Of course, the amount that they serve me is bigger than my head or stomach, yet somehow, I still manage to eat it all! (wonder why!) Anyways, I enter skinny and hungry and I enjoy my meal and then roll out the door as a human beach ball: fat and happy!
(5)Douglas C.
Shame on me for ordering something other than crab or salmon at a McCormick and Schmick owned place, but I just wasn't feeling salmon-y that day. Stirike one: They don't have Alaskan Amber beer in bottles or on tap Strike two: They served me dead bad muscles. How hard is it? They start CLOSED and OPEN when you cook'em. Strike three: a bone in my fish fry. Suuuriously. Sadly the waitress spilled saffron sauce all over my suit and I had a meeting to get to. At least I smelled...good(?) the rest of the day.
(2)Adrian C.
So-so food, high prices. I had plain salmon and salty risotto that cost me $30. The chocolate soufflé was good. My guest had pasta which she enjoyed but did say she had better. All in all, its a crawfish/steakhouse with high prices and stuffy ambiance. Still looking for a great Northwest seafood restaurant in Portland.
(3)Patrick S.
Excellent! A wonderful steak house vibe, great food and booze. Not cheap, but one of a kind. Dined there with the in-laws about 3 years ago and we still talk about it. I would rate it better than Ruth Chris, but then that may not be saying all that much.
(4)Eric L.
Jake's is a pretty solid establishment. Awesome happy hour prices on the food. Where else can you get a 1/2 lbs burger AND fries for $2.95?! And I'm not talking about a frozen patty, I'm talking about a real 100% USDA choice beef patty made to order. The fries are good too! Wide variety of HH selections to choose from but the burger is a must have. Beer selection is okay but nothing to write home about. My only complaint is that the place is pretty warm. Actually, a bit too warm bordering on hot if you sit near the kitchen. Be prepared and dress accordingly. Other than that, Jake's is a great HH joint.
(4)Paula E.
Two YUMMS up! We hosted a small graduation dinner there and were not disappointed. The service was stellar and the food was delicious. My husband's t-bone steak was perfectly done as was my prime rib. The fish and chips are outstanding. And the section of the restaurant where we sat was beautiful. I had to explore the hotel a little and it reminded me of the hotel in the Shining movie but in a good way. Gorgeous and a great place for a special event.
(4)Tiffany T.
Jakes is extravagant, and on the luxurious side. The decor is very attractive and the restaurant feels like it has a lot of history. It seemed like a lot of the other diners were enjoying a meal there for a special occasion or bringing out of town guests for a good meal. One night we split a dessert that was basically a chocolate sac filled with a white chocolate mouse, with a sprinkling of raspberries. The desert was creamy and sweet. It was very tasty except the base of the chocolate sac was too thick to cut with a knife. But it was pure chocolate so of course we tried to cut it anyway! 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 (ate there 3 or 4 times since we enjoyed our dining experience) I made sure to order this tasty salad each time. Yum! I also ordered the halibut cheeks in lobster sauce and it was all right, the lobster overpowered the halibut and the texture was a bit squishy so I don't think I would order that again but it was my first experience with halibut cheeks, so they may naturally have that texture. I also appreciated that the menu listed exactly where each seafood item came from. Overall a very succulent dining experience.
(4)Leo Q.
The food and service were good. I had a very good Sockeye Salmon dish and my wife had their Beef Medallions. Her dish was really, really good. I only gave it 3 stars because Jake's is billed as classic Portland favorite, yet I found it to be very average in our overall experience. Food was above average, but there was nothing about the place that made us feel like we were in Portland or in a unique restaurant. Much of the overall experience felt like we were at a chain restaurant of some sort ... like McCormick & Schmick's ... good food, but not special or unique. Anyway, if you are visiting Portland for an extended period ... I recommend you visit Jake's. If you have only a few days and want something "different" or unique ... Jake's will not knock your socks off.
(3)J M.
Nothing negative to say, just not my kind of place.
(3)Brice B.
Jake's is one of my regular stops for business lunches here in Portland. One word describes the experience: consistent. If you need to impress a client, or if you're just jonesing a decent lunch, Jake's Grill does a fine job. The service is generally good, and the food kicks ass. The real draw of Jake's is the atmosphere: this place is beautiful. From the casual bar to the more formal dining rooms, Jake's is really rockin'. Aside from the snooty waitress I had today (minus one star), I have never been disappointed in the service. In fact, I've gotta say... I always feel swanky at Jake's. I like feeling swanky.
(4)Louie D.
A northwest treasure! I first went to Portland in the early 2000s and stumbled upon Jake's. I thought it was a real cool joint. Ate brunch there with my friends. Having worked in Portland for some time, I became a huge fan of Jake's. They have great steak and scotch - great combo!! I then ran into this blog yesterday and noticed other Portland steakhouses: triangletrip.com/2009/05… Thought I share this with everyone. Lots of insightful info re: steakhouses. Fun read. There's a sister restaurant called Jake's Crawfish but that isn't as good as Jake's Grill. Bring a cigar to Jake's if you're a smoker. I believe they still allow smoking after 9PM. Great joint! Portland Classic.
(4)Shay R.
Nice atmosphere. They have a good happy hour with an unbeatable $2.95 cheeseburger. Coktails are good and they have a large choice of desert. Definitely one of PDX top place to go.
(4)Sarah B.
Best Happy Hour Burger. $1.95 for 1/2 pound of juicy meat and large fries (you know, not jo jos, but ones with some skin still left on the ends). I have tried the burgers from the other McCormick & Schmick's family (M & S Harborside, Original M & S, M & S Grill, and Jake's Famous Crawfish), and Jake's Grill by far presents the best burger. It is consistently cooked to order, and the fry portions are the largest at Jake's Grill. My one complaint is that the service usually sucks. I usually don't feel ignored, but I felt as though I was a burden on my server. You know, the attitude was more of "let's get this over with" than "thanks for coming in."
(4)Sue B.
We dined here while staying at the Governor Hotel. The service was excellent and so was the food.
(5)M C.
food is acceptable but expensive. and i had waited for almost an hour for my steak on that night.
(2)Johnny D.
The welcome at the door was very lacking, with a rude host who seemed like he was having a bad day and showed it! Food was good, and the service was OK...Not that memorable..
(3)Adrienne T.
A couple days before I left for Portland, I saw an episode of "Little People, Big World" in which one of the 17 year old boys on the show took his girlfriend to Jake's Grill for their anniversary. I watched, horrified, as the girl proceeded to pick up a fried filet and fish and eat it with her hands. At some places this *might* be appropriate, but Jake's seemed a little too fancy for that. I decided I had to investigate. I tried Jake's on a weekday evening. The host was friendly and attentive, and I got a nice seat even though I was alone (don't lone diners always end up getting stuck in a corner somewhere?). My waiter seemed a little lethargic, but nice enough. The food, however... the food did not impress me. The bread and butter were cold and dry. The stuffed salmon and fingering potatoes were good enough, but the portions were very small, especially considering the price, and that entrees don't include salads, or vegetables for that matter. For such a well-dressed place, I expected much more from the food. So in conclusion: eat the fish and chips with your hands. It's not worth the pretense.
(3)Kevin T.
Here's what I like about Jake's: 1) great atmosphere for a dinner... its main dining room is bustling, noisy (in a good way), and full of energy; I particularly like being seated in a booth; 2) the menu is printed daily (although there are only small changes from day to day); 3) the service is always great 4) And, finally, the food is good. although it's far from being the best food in Portland, it is always consistently good and predictable; 5) it's an easy walk from most downtown Portland hotels; 6) the desserts are always the same (creme brulee, chocolate cake, fruit cobbler, etc)... they're actually very good. you can order a dessert trio and split with another person. Here's what I don't like about Jake's: a few years ago, they expanded the dining room. the auxiliary dining room used to be the reception area of the Governor Hotel. It has none of the feel of the main dining room. In fact, it feels just like they moved some tables into a hotel lobby. If they seat you here, you should demand to have them put you back into the restaurant. (Otherwise, if you really do want to have dinner in a hotel lobby, I would suggest your order a pizza from Pizzacato and eat it in your own hotel lobby for a fraction of the price of a Jake's Grill dinner);
(3)Sherry J.
In the dining room or at the a board meeting in the private wine room Jake's makes me happy! The food is consistent and you can always count on fresh seafood. Recently I attended a board meeting in the private meeting room. I love Jake's dining room but did not have great expectations for food in a group. I was pleasantly surprized. The food was just what I have come to expect. No prefixed meal for this group. We ordered right off the menu! I was also delighted when the wait staff was invisible. We were able to carry on with our discussion throughout the service. They appeared just when we needed them but never interrupted. I guess what I am getting to is this is not only a great place for dinner but a terrific place to have an intimate meeting. Impress your friends and your business associates with the charm and great food/wine at Jakes Grill.
(4)Bruce S.
Jake's really impressed me and 26 of my friends on July 1, 2011. We were in town for a convention. I had arranged a reservation with Jake's in advance, having never set foot in the place, nor having ever been to Portland. Jake's really came through. The staff was attentive and professional, the room was beautiful (we were in the room to the left as you enter the front doors), and the food was great. Thank you, Jake's, for making me look good for choosing you for this event!
(5)Patty Y.
The bar area was hopping for happy hour! I was there for business conversation so we sat in the dining room. The dining room is more formal and has the service to match. Our waitress was professional and attentive. The food was good with fresh seafood, of course. However the preparation is quite basic and boring. Me and the dining partner shared a warm chocolate cake a la mode - it was really rich.... If I return it would be for the happy hour.
(4)Dylan B.
Spendy. Anytime, that is, but happy hour. The thing about a 2 dollar cheeseburger with fries at a fancy restaurant is that they still make a good 2 dollar cheeseburger, no matter how little they're charging for it. The drinks are a little.... Meh. For mojito's at least; the martinis are worth it. But if you're doing beer and a burger, you might as well get your buck's worth. Weekends, the wait is short to nonexistent. The breakfast is quite decent - I love the spinach / mushroom omelette, and my friend loved the crab cake benedicts. And it all comes with biscuits; some of the best fluffy and happy biscuits in Portland (I say they beat out Pine State) but no gravy. (Pine State obviously crushed by Tin Shed and Cup and Saucer in my world view, but I'm a very biased guy sometimes)
(5)Mishee D.
Was able to place order just before Jake's was closing. The staff was nice and friendly. I got the Cheeseburger with fries for $8.95. Big burger, but the bun was too toasted. I liked the zucchini and pickled red pepper addition, but ended up having to add ketchup because the burger was a bit on the dry side. Maybe because I ordered just as they were closing. Still, price is decent and will give it another try. --------------------------------------------------Â------- Gave them another go and I'm bumping them up to 4 stars. Why? My server was awesome. I dined alone since I'm the straggler of the bunch, but was promptly greeted and seated. My soup and bread came quickly. I ordered the 3 Cheese Mac & Cheese. The portion was HUGE...enough for 3 people. But the blend of three cheeses topped with crunchy bread crumbs was so delicious! I left room in my tummy for their carrot cake. It's a wonderful way of revamping the old fashioned carrot cake. It 's layers of carrot cake with cream cheese filing, drizzled with the cream cheese icing and decorated with candied orange peels! So yummy I had to stop myself from looking like a pig as I almost devoured the whole thing!
(4)Ann H.
Service was OK; Salmon was overcooked and dry. Not the worst place in town, but I wouldn't got back. Its a sad commentary that the Mexican food cart that I ate at for lunch the following day was MUCH better than Jakes. Oh well.
(2)Melisa W.
Very good! Real solid food experience. Wasn't anything super fancy, but very good food, great price, wait-staff very attentive, atmosphere nice. Smokey bloody mary is a must have! Fish and chips, very solid. Kobe burger, succulent (the carmelized onions were great!). Coming back for breakfast tomorrow..have to try one of those benedicts!
(4)Danielle K.
Oh, my, this is probably one of my favorite restaurants. The food is amazing, as is the service. Try the clam chowder for something warm and scrumptious, or the baby greens salad with Gorgonzola, walnuts, and chicken for something a little healthier. All of their food is to die for. They also have a really good selection of palate-whetting wines. If you're looking for something a little cheaper, DEFINITELY check out their happy hour. They have the same great service, and some awesome, cheap dishes (like cheeseburgers/fries for $2.50). Not to mention the amazing cocktails list. My favorites include the Cosmimosa (a bubbly citrus/cranberry drink), Appletini, White Mango Martini, and a basic vodka tonic. I come here to catch up with my girlfriends.
(5)Ronald L.
Had dinner here while on business in Portland. The restaurant was recommended by a local. Had Alaskan King Crab pasta, the portion was really small, ordered the ahi and hamachi apetizer and I have never seen such thin slices of sushi. Expensive too.....
(2)Thomas G.
A perfect place it you want a server with attitude and a gin and tonic with little if any gin. A very disappointing experience.
(1)Greg Q.
Jake's is where all of the concierges sent me the first time I was in Portland and I was trying to find a good place for breakfast. And for the first few trips I made to the Porty city, it was. The wait service is fast, the food is decent, and the coffee is hot. But on our 2nd or 3rd trip to Portland the veneer began to slowly peel away. First, there was the guy smoking a cigar in the restaurant. I asked the waitress about rules and regulations, and she assured me that he wasn't actually _in_ the restaurant, as his table was located just over a particular threshold where they didn't serve food. Too bad she couldn't prevent his cigar smoke from crossing that threshold and ruining our meal. All the way across the room. Next, there was the waitress who gave us what can only be described as god awful service. Sad thing is, I'd dined with her before and she'd always been pleasant. Finally, the floors. The floors are filthy. The sort of filth you don't notice until your child drops their spoon on the floor and insists on having *that* spoon back on their plate. No other spoon will do. And you look down, and reach to pick up the spoon, and realize that the blackness on the floor beneath you isn't part of the tile pattern. Jake's does in a pinch. It's there, and it's really accessible if you are staying upstairs in the Governor hotel. But there are many better options in Portland, if you ask someone besides a concierge.
(3)Lisa W.
We take advantage of the happy hour at Jake's Grill every time we're in Portland. We arrived on a Saturday around 2:00 and hadn't had lunch (or breakfast) yet. Their Saturday happy hour runs from 1:00 - 4:00 so that was good timing. They have a variety of small dishes in categories of $1.95, $2.95, and so on. I had the seared ahi skewers which was a generous serving of 4 ahi skewers alongside a drizzling of wasabi sauce and cabbage slaw. It was just the right amount and tasted delicious. My BF had the happy hour BBQ'ed ribs and his report was "satisfying and filling". He had a pint of the MacTarnahan's, a Portland based beer and I had a mimosa (which turned out to be $2). Great happy hour experience at a low cost...that's why we keep coming back.
(3)Ann C.
HAPPY HOUR REVIEW Prices were cheap, bartender was super friendly and quick and food was delicious! Pork ribs was a winner! 4 pieces of sticky gooey sweet BBQ meat that falls off the bone. Crab cakes! Two pieces of crunchy exterior, with warm flavorful crab inside- very good. Crispy brussel sprouts was a fail. They were more like baked, soft and only some parts crispy. Flavor was good but I thought they didnt meet the description.
(5)Kelsey H.
Great service, delicious food and old school feel. Staff is very attentive and older which I prefer. I don't remember our waiters name even though I know he told us but he was great. I always ask the waiter/waitress for recommendations and I usually get the most expensive thing on the menu because they know their tip is going to be more the higher the bill but he recommended their favorites by popularity, which was NOT the most expensive thing on the menu. I appreciated this. I sometimes like to test the waiter/waitress to see what they do recommend. My dad and I got the lobster & crab dip and it came with some flat bread. Very yummy. The flat bread was a little burnt but still good. Big chunks of crab and lobster. For an entrée, my dad got the 8oz flat iron and I got the stuffed salmon. My dad's favorite flat iron has always been Tasty and Alders but this is his new fav. I tried it too, it was melt in your mouth incredible. The stuffed salmon was also very flavorful. Very good. I would definitely get that again. If you don't like seafood, I wouldn't get it since it jam packed with bay scrimp crab and brie but it was good. Not too rich wither with the balance of mashed potatoes and green beans. To drink my dad got a few glasses of the recommended cab, again not the most expensive glass, I think it was $12/glass. I got the brut rose, very good. We will definitely be back. I always appreciate a good meal and good service. P.S.- We were on our way to the Arlene Schintzs too and it was only about a 10 min walk away. It was perfect.
(5)Micah D.
I'm sad to give this place four stars but unfortunately I need to. Not because of service, because it was awesome. Not because of ambiance, because it was great. However, as much as I love both of those...I go to a restaurant for the food. The mashed potatoes were good and so were the green beans. However, I have been craving salmon forever and finally got it today. It was so dry and over salted. That really bummed me out...especially with the reputation that Jakes has. I will definitely give it another shot...but I was sad to not want to give this place six stars. PS - the lemonade is absolutely wonderful though.
(4)Mark H.
This place couldn't have been any worse! Reading other reviews makes me think that I had eaten at a different restaurant. The building was a gem that is now filthy, dirty & should be closed down. The amazing tiled floors haven't been washed in at least 10 years & there was either hockey or duct tape on the floor. Also, there was either food or paint (or both) on the green velvet curtains, and the once terrific woodwork looked like it had been attacked by beavers. I spoke to the manager, and he had food stains on his mis-matched pants & blazer. This place & he were disgusting! My filet mignon had 'freezer burn' and a sad excuse for a grilled tomato sat next to an overcooked baked potato. It wasn't cheap either! I understand that different States or Provinces have different liquor laws, but they were offering Happy Hour at 8:30 on a Sunday night. Really?! This is a genuine shame that this place has hit rock-bottom when there is such potential for it to be terrific. Locals think it is great. I think there has been too much Happy Hour, and that a lot of people need to be in rehab!
(1)Ron T.
It is a Portland classic. If you have visitors that are craving for something Portland, old, traditional. This is the place to bring them. They will enjoy the high ceilings, tiles, dark and almost rustic ambiance of the place. Sadly, there is a faint grandma's closet odor there too. But you can get over it soon. They have delicious food that changes on routine. A sign of a healthy and well managed restaurant. Try going to one of their happy hours, you'll be delighted with what you think is little but is packed with flavor. Wings, Shrimps, Oysters (they currently have oysters and shrimps for a dollar HH at the bar only deal), cheeseburger, salads, arancini, steak bites, pomme frites, veggies. The drinks are drinks. I don't see anything that stands out and noteworthy. They have their own signature cocktails, I opted to skip on those. The service could be hit and miss. They are always busy, we know but the servers on the floor seem to be missing a lot. They could use a better ordering system so they don't have to walk from one point to a farther point where an automated system could easily handle things.
(4)mandy s.
My bf and I were excited for a big date night during our trip to Portland. Even though we knew this once family-owned restaurant is now a major corporate chain, we still decided to give it a try. The table and ambiance were perfect, and the server was sweet and not-overly chatty, although my water glass was empty more often than it should have been. We ordered appetizers, and our dinners showed up before we were halfway through. It wasn't the server's fault, as the kitchen should know how to time multiple course dinners. The manager didn't even come over after we expressed disappointment, and as a result of the inappropriate timing, our food was cold (not great for seafood and steak). The server offered free dessert, but we weren't planning on dessert, so it seemed like a cheap alternative. We ordered a salad and the crab dip, steak medallions (perfectly cooked medium rare), stuffed salmon, and drinks. The food was very good, so I would still recommend dining here. Even though our night still turned out well, the manager should probably review general customer service tips.
(4)Kerri L.
I haven't been to Jake's Grill in an age, but went after a friend suggested trying their Happy Hour Burger for $3.95. Great advice. I was there by 4:30 yesterday afternoon and got a great table. The Lemon Drop I ordered was expertly mixed and quite a treat. I sat next to a fellow who teased the daylights out of me about my being a cheeseburger trendsetter (they garner a lot of attention when they come out of the kitchen), but he finally gave in and ordered one too. The quality was outstanding with lots of trimmins'. The meat was well seasoned and of outstanding quality. My cheeseburger friend and I had a lot of fun talking and laughing the rest of the time and decided this was a great way to spend Happy Hour. Happy Hours should all be so good!
(4)gam h.
Went here for date night, I wasn't impressed at all, food was average, service was poor. The only reason I gave it a 3 is because our appetizer, the ahi tuna was exceptionally good. Probably won't return.
(3)Gabie L.
I do like this place since there are quite music and professional servers. Plus, you can have better deals during happy hours(3-6pm & 9-close). If you don't want to hang out at a lousy place, this is the one for you.
(5)Michael G.
This is really a nice looking old school bar. They have many smaller rooms and is much larger than it appears. This gives you that exclusive quaint feeling. You can sit in the windows and watch Portland go by. Unfortunately you may have plenty of time to sit as service can be slow. They are proud of their food judging by the prices. The food isn't that bad, but they are really making profits on the drink prices.
(3)Kait K.
3 dollar mimosas on the weekend.... Just sayin. We came here for lunch today after the shamrock run (whoooop!) so it was busy but we only waited 5-10 minutes. The hostess was very sweet when she took us to the table. Our server was also prompt and all smiles. She helped me settle a good dilemma, French dip or Mac and cheese with grilled chicken. I got the Mac!! And I ate every cheesy bite. My mom got the burger which was juicy and cooked perfectly. Everything on the breakfast menu looked really great too! I would definitely come backs again to try it out!
(4)David B.
Stopped in here for lunch on a Saturday. I was impressed by the architecture and ambience. I sat at the bar and was pleasantly greeted by a warm bartender (Ivy). I ordered a cocktail and felt a little out of place as most of the regulars socializing were locals. I enjoyed a pastrami Ruben which was cooked perfectly and was very tasty. I had a very good lunch and I wish I had time in town for dinner because I would definitely come here. You really can't go wrong here in an area which has so many excellent food options. See you next visit Jake's!
(5)Peter C.
Went to this restaurant as I went to the Jake's Crawfish 2 nights earlier and had a tremendous dinner. Not so here. Found out it was bought out from the family by a corporation a few years ago. Sat at the bar and Iris was very attentive, and courteous. Ordered the pork chop, by her recommendation and it was very dry. I should have sent it back but was starved and it was getting late. The real capper was I heard a waitress ask the other bartender for 2 glasses of a white wine. He told her he only had enough for maybe 1 1/2 glasses. She told him to fill the second glass with some other white wine to fill it up. I asked the bartender if he did just that and he said she told him to do it. I then asked him if she was his boss and he slinked away. I mentioned this incident to the manager and he did not seem too upset. Maybe he will when they have no more customers. AVOID THIS PLACE.
(1)Linda H.
This is an ok place if you have a business dinner and want a solid dinner that is nice but not too fancy. If you want a delicious meal to write home about, this isn't it. I came here with friends for a birthday dinner and found the service to be extremely slow and lacking. It took an hour to take our orders and the waiter hardly checked on us throughout our meal. The food was not bad, however, being in Portland, it doesn't compare to the other amazing places you could go to.
(2)Olivia O.
I like Jake's for happy hour - pretty good deals and the drinks are usually strong. For most other events though, Jake's is just okay, especially for their prices. The food just doesn't blow me away, and at 15 - 30 dollars a plate during dinner, it really should be something better, you know? That being said I've never had a bad meal here. I've had their salmon dinner, their eggs benedict brunch special, their Sunday morning mimosas (at $3 a pop, not bad!), every happy hour menu item, and a steak there. It was all nice but not something I was wowed by. I think it's because Jake's caters to some older more conservative audiences and they don't really try anything out of the ordinary with their food. And in terms of playing it safe, they just do what's required, never anything memorable. All in all: a great happy hour place, a great place for brunch mimosas on Sundays, and other than that, it's overpriced and stuffy. A few blocks from Tasty n Alder, the Brasserie, the Multnomah Whiskey Library, and a host of other similar price-point restaurants, Jake's is a sleepy place with basics at best.
(3)Jessica A.
We got room service from Jake's for our hotel room & were very pleased with the food! My daughter got the mac & cheese with broccoli, I got the blue cheese & candied walnut salad with chicken, and my husband got the sausage & chicken pasta. We also got a long island & mimosa. Everything was amazing - tasty & perfect temp. Good quality of ingredients too.
(5)Jeff W.
I'm giving Jake's 5 stars based off of the excellent service and quality breakfast. When we first arrived we were told that it would be a 40 minute wait but we could seat ourselves in the bar area to be served right away. It seemed as though there was only one server running the entire bar area, but if she was overwhelmed, she did not show it. She was very friendly and we received our food and drinks in a timely manner. The food was great and reasonably priced. I will definitely return.
(5)Charlie L.
Don't really care for the new menu. They have the same steaks which are great but left off several favs that my family enjoys. Most times it tastes like a 40 dollar steak but this time it was just meh. One note on the service, the waiter seemed to be trying too hard to be professional so that it came off as fake. One thing about a bread roll, had a table for 4 and asked for an additional rolls, waiter said to the table, how many do you want me to bring? I mean humor me and bring 2 but do you really expect us to play rock paper scissors for only one you bring?!? I do like the atmosphere and location but without our favorites I'm just not sure it worth it for us anymore. This trip the onion strings were a bit mushy and soft, prefer them when they prepare them with a little crunch. Sorry to say this trip dissapointed this time. Not sure when Or if I'll be back.
(3)Bebe K.
Good eats and fun times. When all the others are booked you wont be disappointed. We had the fish and chips...haven't had that in a decade or so and this was the perfect eats for the wait!!
(3)Evan J.
Was working in Portland and Jake's was recommended as one of the "best places to eat in Portland." The whole experience was okay at best; it's over-priced for the quality and taste of the food if you ask me. After eating at a few of the highly recommended and rated Portland food trucks, I don't think Jake's should even be in the same conversation. From a "tourist" view, I would spend your $$$ elsewhere. It seems like this place is carried by the vibe and history more so than the quality of food nowadays.
(2)Matthew S.
Reliably good food. Serves the most tasteful Happy Hour in town. Even the best is second to Jake's.
(4)Tim E.
Stop in for a hamburger at happy hour and it might be okay but otherwise Jake's sells mediocre Sysco food for too much money. You're paying for ambiance and little else.
(2)Justin O.
Great place to check out while in downtown Portland. Phenomenal service and great food. Nice personal touches. If you make special reservation ahead of time, they go out of their way to make your experience over the top. Manager visited the table multiple times, ensuring that the experience was amazing. (Nice touch!) Nice selection of menu items. Can't go wrong with any of them.
(5)Mara W.
Thoroughly enjoyed our happy hour drinks and snacks at Jakes. Great IPA on tap for $4 per pint. The ribs were delicious and a very large portion (both with and without the bbq sauce). And we loved the fried Brussel sprouts...aioli sauce was superb. The service was a tad slow but we are on vacation in Portland so we weren't in any rush.
(5)Lady I.
What a wonderful experience. This place was recommended by a couple we met at the airport who are regular travelers to Portland. We highly recommend their happy hour, especially on Wednesdays when oysters and shrimps are $1 from 5pm-close. We first called in on Wednesday night to check if reservations were needed and it was recommended, but the happy hour only applies at the lounge area. Come on an empty stomach because aside from the oysters and shrimp they have a great selection of food and drinks during HH. We ended up with: Fritto misto (fried shrimp and calamari) Slow braised pork ribs Blackened fish taco Pulled pork sliders Two dozen oysters The service was good and the wait was not long at all. We will definitely come back here when we are back in Portland.
(5)Joe G.
DON'T mistake this for Jake's Famous Crawfish! NOT the same! Ate lunch at Jake's Grill on Saturday and it was terrible. The hamburger was clearly frozen and not made at the restaurant. I could have bought it at Costco. Salmon salad was OK. Waiter was very attentive and polite but the girl that seated us was totally untrained. She reached across my plate to clear the unused settings and got her hair into my clean plate. This is the second McCormick & Schmicks we've been to and they both were terrible.
(2)R. A. M.
Went for dinner. Old school, pricey, fussy, but i loved it. Try the beef stroganoff. rich and wonderful.
(4)Tom M.
It's Christmas Eve and I'd been cooped up all day. I wanted to go out for some coffee and dessert. Jake's was one of the only places open and they're also open on Christmas Day, NYE, NY Day. I really love the feel of this place. It's elegant and busy and full of people. The staff seem a bit hurried and sometimes that can affect the overall experience and it can also account for a lackluster service. Good coffee but after the first cup we had to ask for refills. Even when she brought the dessert she didn't notice our empty cups. Anyway, we had the Three Berry Cobbler: Trio of blackberry, raspberry and blueberries. served warm with a sugared pie crust and scoop of Tillamook vanilla bean ice cream. You know, sometimes it's just worth violating your glutard status once in awhile, provided you can tolerate it. This was a great choice overall for this experience. Christmas Eve evening, coffee and dessert in good company.
(3)Five Star S.
Went there last night at 9pm. The waitress was not very nice, sort of rude. The food gave me a heartburn so I not recommending it to anyone.
(2)DandA T.
Had a business lunch here, and everything was fantastic. The wait staff was attentive without being overbearing. The food was excellent and I love the decor. Will definitely be coming back here at some point.
(5)Zoe J.
Average service and very poor food. We both went for Eggs Benedict which was the worst I've ever had with watery sauce that was mainly vinegar and no lemon and some very average potatoes. I also had a 'freshly squeezed' lemonade that didn't taste like it had seen a lemon recently. I reckon I could do a better job first time at home on both of those. All in all very disappointing.
(1)Sam S.
Been going to Jakes for years. This place is the bomb!! Seriously, anybody that doesn't get it needs to get off their high horse and get a clue. Solid old school dining with best of class bar tending, go anywhere else and let your dollar beware.
(5)Drew L.
I hate to do this... Decades ago, I worked at Jake's Bar and Grill. I have very fond memories of what it was. The food is still high quality. That is the reason for the two stars Jake's gets in this review. The dish I had was tasty, and presented well. That's where the good of this experience stops. The service was.... atrocious. For the price tag at this Bar and Grill, I expect significantly better. There are a great many things that money does not necessarily equate to, but service should not be one of those things. It doesn't cost a thing to be courteous, or prompt. it doesn't hurt to ask how things are when your customers are waiting. I hope seriously that my experience at Jake's is a one off, but looking around, it didn't seem like it. I will try again, we'll see if the next stop is an improvement.
(2)Robin H.
You had me at "dollar oyster night"! Thank you for the excellent service!! Always a treat!
(5)Diane K.
I was visiting Portland for the first time and a local recommended my friend and I try Jake's. After ordering our food and drinks, the manager and a kitchen staff member came up to us to inform us that the kitchen had been closed for the night but that they could make a few of the happy hour items for us. We tried to tell them that they didn't have to do that and we were satisfied with just our drinks but they wouldn't take no for an answer. When our food came out, we had 2 additional dishes on top of what they said was available for a total of 5 plates for the two of us. On top of that, when we received our bill, we saw that they had only charged us for 2 of the food items. Where in the world can you go to a restaurant, be told the kitchen was closed, but then get free, not to mention delicious, food?? We were blown away by John the manager, Christian our bartender, and the kitchen staff, and I was sincerely sad that I didn't live in the area to be able to come back on a regular basis. Thank you so much for your incredible service and for being so genuinely kind. I will 100% be coming back to Jake's the next time I visit Portland.
(5)Peggy M.
First time disappointed here Classic Cobb salad was all lettuce and minimal toppings. Definitely worst Cobb that I ever had On positive note, other salads all looked good as were the oysters
(3)YaiYai S.
I love this place. Our current trend is we hike early every Sunday and then go straight to Jake's for breakfast. We sit at the bar and the most lovely gal serves us Grapefruit Mimosa and a big smile. She remembers our name and what we like. I love the old Portland feel of the place, been going there for years. Their seafood is fantastic, the bread is good, the service is professional and old-school. It's a must for us.
(5)Lauri J.
We made reservations at Jake's for my daughter, granddaughter, and I. We arrived 10 min. early, but even though the dining room was not busy, we were ushered to the waiting area and left for the full 10 min. Not even offered a cup of coffee. We were given a nice table by the window. We asked for a child's menu...asked the server for an apple juice for my granddaughter. The server snapped.."We don't have apple juice!" Who doesn't offer apple juice during a breakfast service? So, we ordered orange juice instead. When it came, my granddaughter stirred it with a spoon. When she pulled the spoon out, the back was covered in dirty food..looked like either chocolate cake...or feces. I called over the hostess ( our server could not be found), showed her the dirty spoon, asked for a new orange juice. She apologized, but left the filthy spoon on our table. The sever finally came back and we showed her the spoon. She said she would tell her manager, and apologized, but left the dirty spoon on our table. At that point, we left. Will not return. Ever.
(1)Jasmine D.
That place was a perfect example of how a beautiful restaurant doesn't alway serve the best food. First of all everything in that place was so over priced you have to be a millionaire just to enjoy the good food. Secondly the man who served me was so annoying and constantly invaded my personal space. Not to mention he treated me like a child, I get that I'm 16 but I'm still a paying costumer who deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Then he gave me a really crappy table in the back of the restaurant with a dirty table, so I had to clean it myself. Third he actually had the nerve to chastise me when I forgot say "yes sir" to him once even though he was not my father, and he mocked me just because I couldn't pronounce the food I wanted to order even though it was in Italian which I cannot speak. I'm pretty sure he did this because I was black and there for stupid. It makes sense since I was literally the only black person in that place. Finally the $45.00 shrimp spaghetti(which was the appetizer and the cheapest item on the menu) that I ordered tasted awful, the smell alone made me want to gag, and the shrimp in that pasta was undercooked and still had the tail attached. I had to eat it since I paid for it plus the waiter was watching me like he would kill me if I didn't finish it. So if you're a rich, white, and an adult over 30 then this is the perfect place. Otherwise never eat there!
(1)Douglas J.
Found this place by accident and glad we did. Four of us enjoyed a Sunday breakfast/lunch in the gorgeous dining room. The room oozes old school class & style. Our server, Michael, was friendly and attentive. Our food was perfectly prepared to order. Look forward to returning.
(5)Laurie I.
We were so disappointed in this restaurant. We had to wait an hour for our meals. The hamburger was inedible. I tasted it and did not eat it. I immediately returned the meal. My husband's trout was dry. Scott the manager, was very nice and we did not have to pay for our meals but we left hungry. Our Ben & Jerry's was my dinner. Delicious!
(1)Melissa F.
The room oozes with charm but there is a general problem with the food and service being subpar in an entire geographical region where the service and food is beyond good. The food was average- nice higher end ingredients not handled correctly- overdone The service was sloppy- some tables got complimentary bread- other tables it was forgotten. Bonus- this place stayed open even though nothing else in town was during the snow storm. I don't think I would typically go here if it weren't the only place in town open.
(2)Paul O.
I used to love this place. Today it was almost empty and we can tell you why. The food was terrible. I am not sure if they are cost cutting, but you either provide good food and charge or you reduce your price and serve crap. Our plate was incomplete and the bread seemed many days old. I thought at least I could get a cold Stella, which came in a old pint glass. I asked, and was told they broke all the Stella chalice, and did not get more. I asked the server what she thought, I could see the look in her eye, she agreed. The servers are always great, some of them are still there, but nice as they are, without decent foo, there is no reason for me to go back.
(1)A S.
Not sure what the negative reviews are about because I had a Great experience at Jake's Grill. Makes me wonder if there is some corporate warring or personal vendettas going on. Yes, because of new, out-of-state ownership, the menu has changed and some of the ambiance too, but Jake's is still beautiful, in a grand old historical building, and the food is still very good. From there originally and traveling through, for our wedding anniversary my spouse and I spent the weekend in an upscale Portland hotel and revisited Jake's for dinner the night we celebrated. The service was excellent. I was so charmed by our server, my marital partner was gracious about my over-tipping. Our steaks were just right for each of us, and we like our red meat cooked very differently from each other. The meat was tender and the entire meal was flavorful. So were the drinks, which might explain my over-tipping our charming server. In response to some of the other reviews, we didn't like the food because we are "stodgy," "conservative," and "do not like to try new things." To the contrary, we are well traveled (probably better traveled than most of the younger set as we've had longer to do it), like to try new twists on food, and regularly eat cuisine from a wide variety of cultures. However, very good classic cuisine has its place too. It, too, is a culinary style after-all. The restrooms were clean, as was the dining room. Unlike my last experience at a Sullivan's, I didn't leave Jake's feeling like I'd been ripped off. We left Jake's and walked back to our hotel feeling all warm, fuzzy, and satisfied. So all in all, we had a great time relaxing over our upscale meal as we were treated to very good service. I do hope the current ownership doesn't make many more if any changes to the ambiance, though, or become too stingy on servings to increase its profits, because we value going to and giving our business to nice establishments in gorgeous historical buildings. If corporate management thinks Jake's needs to be hip and contemporary for the younger crowd, they need to remember it is in Portland, not Vegas. The cultures are vastly different. I didn't experience the chintzy servings someone else referred to, but if management is heading in that direction, they also need to remember "older" consumers are smart enough to recognize style over substance; when we are being treated disrespectfully by a business giving us little for our money, and will take our dollars elsewhere. Those dollars should matter to a smart corporate management because the older set who values establishments like Jake's has more money than do the kiddos. Just sayin'.
(5)Terry S.
07/19...beef stroganoff w/mushrooms...outstanding. next time Ivy....I'll have a glass of wine.
(5)Malcolm H.
Great dinner, and even better dranks! Had the 10oz top sirloin, late birthday dinner, and it was bomb. But the star of the night was the portland Streetcar Martini! I'm a beer and whiskey drinker, this had me losing my s$&t. It was smooth, not too sweet and the raddest drink I've had in a minute!
(4)Karen A.
We had a marvelous experience! We went to the bar, sat at great table where we had the best waitress ever Anna! Good personality and very helpful. We did happy hour which was really great, Anna stayed with us into the next courses! We couldn't ask for anything more! Great atmosphere, wonderful wine and amazing food with a fabulous waitress!
(5)Callie R.
This place is pretty good for happy hour. What I most enjoyed about Jake's was the service we received. When we looked at their menu, I realized that the meal I was craving was an odd combination of mismatched side dishes and a lobster tail. The waiter accommodated this bizarre request happily and even charged it as the meal with a minor substitution, rather than for each individual item, which would have doubled the cost. The service was prompt, everything we ordered was well-seasoned. However, for their price point, there really wasn't anything super memorable about their menu or the food.
(4)Francisco C.
Nice place to dine in. Their breakfast menu is basic. I had the traditional egg Benedict. It was ok but not terrible. The price was fair. Restrooms are clean. Service is friendly
(2)Elizabeth H.
Fantastic service, very good food, but for 39 for a piece of king salmon the salmon was just okay. Old world decor was lovely as was the booth seating. Bathroom is located so far away from the dining area, so need to drop bread crumbs to find your way back is vital!
(4)Jacob B.
My friend and I ate here on a recent trip to Portland. It was a great experience. I had the meatloaf for lunch and my friend had an egg and pancake dish for breakfast. The service was good and it is also on Open Table, so you can get 100 points for eating there. The restaurant was very clean - also clean bathrooms. Both of us enjoyed the experience and would go back here for sure.
(4)S.E. H.
My father and I dined here about 8 years ago. I wrote about that dinner and the chicken oscar I ate for my application essays to get into college... Enough said.
(5)Alex S.
My girlfriend and I went to Jakes for the first time last night, and the entire experience was amazing. After being seated we were asked for our drink orders in a timely fashion. Both of our cocktails were delicious, with healthy pours. We started with the kobe beef pot stickers, which were different from any kind of pot sticker I have had in the past. This is not to say they weren't excellent. For our entrees, I ordered a rib eye with garlic mashed potatoes, and my girlfriend ordered the stuff sole. We were both very happy with our choices. The steak was cooked perfectly. Our server was an older gentlemen, and he blew us away with his level of service. He made great suggestions throughout our meal, and checked on us frequently. I will definitely be returning, probably to try out their happy hour.
(5)Chloe G.
My experience could not have been better. I had the ribeye, which, for me, is the tastiest cut of beef since it's usually beautifully marbled. The steak was cooked beautifully. The Yukon gold potatoes were wonderful. The French beans were simply delicious. Everything was cooked PERFECTLY. It's been a long time since a restaurant I've been to cooked everything to perfection ^_^ We definitely plan to return on our next trip to Portland!
(5)Mina H.
I'm a little late I'm giving this review as it is based on my visit from the last time I was in Downtown Portland. The Concierge at my hotel recommended Jake's so I walked over. Overall it has a pretty cool ambience. I went on a weeknight and it was pretty full with lots of people all around. As far as the menu goes, it is very mediocre. It's your traditional All-American type of restaurant however once the food comes out, it's certainly nothing to brag about. It's not bad but it's nothing to rave about. I guess one visit is enough I won't be returning. I ended up ordering some beef medallion plate which I had to send back because it was not cooked enough. I ate the potatoes while I waited for my server, and when I gave him my plate to re-cook the meat, he took the entire plate but only returned it with meat, and not the rest of my potatoes. When I asked him where my potatoes went, he said oh I didn't know you wanted those. Uh, yeah! He didn't even offer to replace it. Overall this was an okay experience. I certainly will not be returning here nor would I really recommend any out-of-towners to stop by. It's nothing special.
(3)Alisa G.
This review is for happy hour only. Coincidentally I went two days in a row so got to try almost all the bargain grub. I was actually surprised that the food and drink offerings were so limited, given how much people rave about their HH. * Hummus plate: one star. Stay away from this one. Tasted way too heavy on the tahini and served with sad and floppy pita bread. * Polenta "fries": two and a half stars. Yummy but greasy and heavy. * Ribs: four stars. Seemed like they were fried and then coated in BBQ sauce, resulting in a nice crust. * Wings: three stars. Not outstanding, but perfectly serviceable. * Cheeseburger: four stars. Substantial, good quality, and the star of the show. Limited drink offerings ($4.00 well drinks, $6.00 house red or white wine). The friend I was with still managed to drink 7 Ketel 1s at $9.50 a pop. It was all fine, but I won't be rushing back. Try Saucebox for wonderful drink and food options.
(3)Wendy M.
Great service and ambiance. Overpriced food. Halibut entrée was $37 and was bland, small piece, and what tasted like mashed potatoes from a box. 4 green beans. I mean really.. $10 Caprese salad was horrible, looks like they bought under ripe regular tomatoes from Fred Meyer ...no taste, NOT the heirloom tomatoes they advertise Side note: on a Friday night 90% of the people in the restaurant were in shorts, hiking gear, flip flops. Come on Portland, You can do better than that! Not going back.
(2)Duane H.
I enjoyed lunch in this place. I ate at the bar and had great service. the menu was a little on the small side but the hamburger I got beautifully done and cheap. I mean dirt cheap. I'd go back here in a heartbeat
(4)Mike B.
Stopped by for a quick dinner and had a great meal with drinks. Danielle was great and recommended some incredible happy hour items. Did the happy hour burger and had the dessert sampler. All was great. Will tell all of our family that lives in Portland!
(5)George D.
Went there twice within the past 3 weeks. This last visit was fantastic! World-class, attentive service by the lovely red headed Dashnia (or something like that). Had the Cesar salad (with anchovies) and the Beef Stroganoff. Absolutely brilliant! Service was superb, the two Bombay Martinis were par excellence and I left full, happy, crocked and content! The only suggestion I would make regarding the stroganoff, is that it could have had a slightly more tartness going on -- like mom used to make! But it was excellent the way it was. Jakes is a very traditional, old school wood beam, wood bar place with tons of room! All kinds of various dining rooms and banquet facilities. As I sat there eating my excellent meal, I was watching all sorts of scrumptious looking plates walk by like huge shrimp cocktails, oysters on the half shell and more! Jakes is the place in downtown Portland! It doesn't get any better at these prices! I don't give 5 stars unless I leave with a woody! :/
(4)Saul B.
Great ambiance, fabulous staff - hostess at front desk was welcoming and entertaining as we waited for our table to be prepared...and, Mychael was our brilliant waiter - and they accommodate your wishes with a major smile. Yesterday's lunch was an off the menu Crab Louie - as good as it gets. This mornings crab Benedict was as great as it gets. Kudos! Kudos! Kudos! Was recommended by a former Portland resident. Lucky us.
(5)Joanne C.
I'd eaten during happy hour at the bar last year when I visited Portland and thought it was a great deal and great food. We were too late for happy hour tonight, so ordered from the regular menu - which is not cheap! My friend and I shared Beef Stroganoff and the trout. Both were less than mediocre. The stroganoff had way too much sauce, very little beef or mushrooms, and hardly any flavor of sour creem. In fact, one somewhat larger piece of beef I was able to find was mostly fat. However, after complaining about it, they promptly took it off our bill (that wasn't my intent though - I'd rather pay full price and get a great meal). The trout was too greasy, uninteresting, little flavor and not worth the $20-something price. Probably the worst trout I've had. It was served on a bed of uninspired rice. The rolls served before the meal looked good, but didn't have an interesting texture. I was hoping for a crispy-on-the-outside, springy-on-the-inside baguette-like texture and taste, but it was more like rolls you'd buy in the grocery store. Only way I'll go back is for their happy hour. I remember having little crispy logs of polenta that were delicious and a great price.
(2)Angela C.
The clam chowder was good. Nothing special.The ham and eggs were good also. Ham wasn't overly salty and wasn't over cooked. The crab cake benedict was okay. I've had much better but it wasn't bad. The mimosas were good. Overall, Jake's Grill isn't a bad place to have brunch. Don't expect anything super amazing but it won't kill ya to eat here.
(3)Stacy P.
After landing in town on Christmas, Jake's Grill was one of the few restaurants that was open, and that I was able to secure a last minute reservation for. The restaurant was decor was on older upscale pub side, which was nice. The lights were dimmed as you would expect, but want was a little odd was all of the mirrors on at the tops of the wall in the dinning room bar side. Whether it was to make the space larger or what, it was kind of off putting as you sometimes found yourself being watched. The menu was limited due to the holiday and being that I can not eat gluten, my options were further restricted. Opting for the Ribeye, which I was told was the best when trying to find a place to eat, I felt very underwhelmed by it. It was extremely overpriced and not worth the money. The service was just ok, the staff seemed tired and stretched a little thin. For what I paid for the meal, I would have expected better quality.
(2)Cindy A.
HAPPY HOUR REVIEW 3:00-6:00pm Mon-Fri; 9:00pm-close Daily 1:00-4:00pm Saturday; 3:00pm-close Sun Food Deals $2.95-$5.95 Changing menu of about a dozen items with outstanding, hearty sizes: wings, cheeseburger with fries, ribs, hummus, pizza, pork sliders, fish taco, oyster shooters, chicken Caesar wrap, frito misto. Drink Specials $4.00 drafts; $6.00 red or white wine; $4.00 wells Atmosphere Stately and traditional with convivial class; fancy, white jacket and bowtie servers; connected with impressive Governor Hotel. Wildly popular and like Jake's Famous, pretty much always packed. Note: Keep it in mind for breakfast (daily!) and lunch too! I think dinner gets to be just a touch expensive, so only 3 stars there. But a solid FIVE with all the other meals.
(5)Anne N.
Went to try out their happy hours, it was a decent selection with various of food. I wouldn't say it's the best food but it's nice atmosphere and for the price you can't be beat. I ordered the Jake's sandwich, it was pretty all right. I wasn't expecting it be phenomenon but I wasn't disappointed. Friendly service, great price, decent food!
(4)Alexis R.
Can I just say that Amanda is an amazing manager who dealt with our issue tonight with such promptness and grace. She came to our table to apologize for our appetizers not being what we expected. She stated it didn't wasn't up to their standard. She then delivered our entrees to make sure we were still being satisfied with our service. Our waiter was friendly and right on with all the service he provided. We love Jakes and can't wait to come back.
(4)Fabian N.
$3.29 for a can of Coke? Really. What a rip off. They were locally owned forever and used to be amazing. Now all the Mccormick's are owned by a giant restuarant empire called Landrys. That's why you hear about them pitching their membership card in reviews. Planet Starbucks in the Microsoft galaxy. Bummer
(1)Lisa P.
Very unimpressed by the food and the service here. Breakfast took over an hour to get, and the restaurant wasn't even half full. Our server seemed extremely uncomfortable the whole time she was serving our table. The food itself was only okay, and how hard is breakfast? I ordered the pancakes, eggs, and bacon, but it was praline-bacon that was wayyy too sweet and not even edible. The eggs were overcooked. I'd say if you are looking for a place for breakfast or brunch, keep walking... The building itself is really impressive though.
(2)Scott M.
Great place and food. Will be back again and again and again. Amazing food!!!!!!! Great service!!!!!!
(5)Dathan L.
My wife and I had an amazing dinner. The service and food were amazing. After dinner we began looking at all the old pictures. A chef then showed us other pictures and shared the stories. What a truly amazing evening for our 3rd anniversary. Thank you!!
(5)Chloe B.
Good drink..poor food..marginal service. Very dissappointed that this once great place is now not much more than Red Lobster:( Prices too high for the quality of the meal. The dessert was very good and the manager bought it for us to make up for our uneventful meal.
(2)M R.
We had an exceptional experience last night for New Years Eve. The service was outstanding, the food was superbly prepared, seasoned and was of extremely good quality. We will definitely be returning.
(5)Suzanne L.
Had dinner with the family on a Saturday night. The food was good, not great, but good. The service was AWESOME. You can't ask for any better service. Next time I'm there I'll try a steak and see if it's better, but the prices are SO high that my standard for the food is pretty high too.
(3)Wes W.
What a great experience. Everything from the timing, to the food, to the wait staff was wonderful. We were a bit disappointed with the appetizer, but that would be our one and only complaint.
(4)Katie R.
I was really excited to try the Happy Hour because I worked all day and my child is at his grandmother's house for the week because his daycare is closed for the week (and I have to work) so I can actually go out for a happy hour instead of rushing to pick my kid up from daycare (like I do every single night). But Happy Hour isn't offered on New Years Eve. Because it's a holiday? The holiday is tomorrow folks. Way to dampen one of my few free evenings :(
(1)Ariana G.
Great ambiance. Awful lobster bisque, for a seafood restaurant. I usually have excellent service here from the bartenders.
(4)Holly L.
Always a great meal! It is hard to find seafood that is better prepared. The waitstaff was friendly and attentive.
(5)Kaylee N.
Great for happy hour! My friend and I have gone here a couple of times and it tastes good, is reasonably priced, and the bartenders make excellent drinks. I always do a martini with whatever fresh fruit purée they are using. It's refreshing and changes with the seasons. Service tends to be a little slower around happy hour because people are arriving for dinner, but if you don't mind relaxing with your drinks as the food comes out and enjoying the great atmosphere in the bar it's worth the time!
(4)Stephanie H.
The restaurant was over priced for what we got. It was also half empty on a Friday night. Someone (owner/manger?) kept interrupting our meal to try to get us to join a some kind of loyalty plan and got offended we answered "How is your meal?" honestly, but that didn't stop him from coming back. The wine list was expensive and the bottle we ordered was disappointing. Of the "trio" of desserts one was okay, one was excellent, and one was meh. How do you make creme brulee meh? The main course was good and our server was excellent but the overall experience was very, "Meh, I've experienced better."
(2)Andy J.
This is the place I enjoy taking the work team for lunches. The staff is always friendly and seating usually is pretty quick, even during the lunch hour. We all went a few days ago and all the food from the French dip sandwich to the crab and shrimp salad was on par. Probably my favorite of all the McCormick and Schmicks family restaurants. Enjoy!
(4)K M.
Went on a recommendation. Interior is as expected, dark wood, clubby, banquettes... Nice and felt authentically "established". Service was good. Not as attentive as I might like, but well informed and knowledgable. Drinks were well made and did not skimp on the alcohol. On the food, I am torn. I eat salmon. My husband likes a medium rare steak. Even medium rare, the steak needs more cook time than the salmon. As with so many of our dining experiences, he got a perfectly cooked steak and I got overdone salmon. The fact that Jake's specializes in seafood made this a little harder for me to accept than most of the time. I suspect that they can do better. The dessert sampler trio was outstanding! That was perfectly proportioned and timed and saved the meal for me in the end.
(3)Brittany V.
We visited Jake's Grill for breakfast / brunch on a Sunday morning. The breakfast menu was impressive and unique, but felt a little limited on choices. The coffee and mimosas were great, the food was good, and the booth spaces next to the windows are amazing. I would definitely be interested in having lunch or dinner sometime.
(4)Jim M.
Not recommended. The food is over priced for the quality delivered. Salmon is ok. I got the sirloin with crab cake. The crab cake was awful and looked like something out of a Mrs. Paul's box. When we checked out the waitress put on a high pressure sales pitch to buy their chain owners (Landry's) membership card. It took three strong no's before she finally got the message.
(1)chris k.
Don't be fooled by the delicious sounding menu! Great menu, executed in a "mediocre at best" fashion. The food is just like any food you have ever eaten at any chain-owned restaurant - might as well have been at Olive Garden. When my wife asked our waiter if she could have *any type of vegetable* instead of mashed potatoes or rice, he just shook his head and said "afraid not." Not "sure, but we will have to charge extra" or "no, but you can get a side of them separately." Just plain old "no". Apparently they don't have any vegetables in the house. We also had a 9pm reservation, arrived at 8:50, and weren't seated until almost 9:30. Definitely pass on Jake's Grill. Portland has some great fare to offer, but this place does not have it.
(2)Tara M.
This food is pretty great! The calamari app was amazing! The mashed potatoes we SO creamy. We even sat next to some soccer stars! Very laid back atmosphere, and perfect for drinks and dinner! You could spend a couple hours here and have a wonderful time! :)
(4)Andi O.
The first time we visited was on our honeymoon (yes, honeymooned in Portland in October, we're from AZ, rain and cold felt exotic). AZ is a wasteland when it comes to good food, especially seafood, so it was probably the first time I tasted salmon that was fresh and well prepared. We were introduced to the joys of Oregon wine as well. Going back to our deprived upbringing in AZ, the old beautiful building and atmosphere was again new to us because in Phoenix they're all about tearing down the old in order to build yet another strip mall. Loved the cozy booths by the window, love people watching. We've been back a few times, and even though we've always enjoyed it, no visit has been as good as the first.
(4)Kimberly M.
Let's be perfectly honest!...I was at Jake's for my brother's 60th birthday. I loved the wine room, the drinks were good and the food was reasonably priced. We had extenuating circumstances which caused some disenchantment with our waiter at my brother's 60th. Long story short, we had a celebration several weeks ago for my father's 85th birthday. We have celebrated years of birthdays at other major restaurants but they do not offer the great conference table set up and a room where we can all visit for such a wonderful occasion. We had the same waiter for our second event, Chad. He was absolutely fantastic!! We discussed my previous experience which I was not the coordinator for. Explaining our expectations and instructions he went behind the call of duty. The General Manager (Manager on Duty) Scott checked in on our party. I let them both know upon departure that I was very happy.
(5)Gary H.
I had breakfast here while staying at the Governor. It seems like a pretty classy place. The service was good an very responsive for what it's worth (we were one of 3 tables). I got the Oregon Harvest Omlette and added bacon--because what's breakfast without some form of pig? They brought this delicious biscuit basket with bitter and jam. The jam was great. Felt very home made. The omlette was delicious. Full of fresh vegetables. I especially enjoyed the Oregon wild mushrooms. My girlfriend got the eggs Benedict. I had a bite and can say it was pretty damn good as well. Cooked perfectly. Very good experience. I would recommend it.
(4)Steve R.
I have eaten at Jakes Grill in the past and enjoyed the experience. While the food was never in the category of "great", it was certainly "good enough". This was not true during my recent dinner experience. The carpaccio was good. The entrees were not good at all. We had the stuffed salmon and the ahi tuna. The salmon was very, very dry (like it had been under a heat lamp for hours) and the "stuffed with dungeonous crab, shrimp & cheese" was a flat out untruth. There was no crab, no shrimp, and the "cheese" was more accurately labeled a "glaze". The ahi tuna was perhaps the worst entry I have ever eaten in a restaurant. It seemed like it had been prepared in a crock pot and cooked until no flavor remained. We did not have dessert at jakes. Any time I spend $150 on a dining experience, I expect the food the be better than adequate. The food at Jake's Grill was poor. I will not eat here again.
(1)Nick M.
Not good at all. The prices are WAY too high for the quality of food and service. The food is bland and there is no presentation at all. A $40 New York steak plate came to me with Steak, dry potato, and 3 spears of asparagus on a white plate. No garnishments; nothing. The food was... meh.
(1)Jorge P.
This place blows! Heard about how great their burgers were. Got my drink right away, then waited at least 15 minutes to order. Tried French onion soup. Meh....Burger came halfway through soup. Should have known better. Asked for medium and it was rare. They offered to make it right and it came back well done. Brought it to floor manager's attention and only offered apology: no offer to make new one, no comp, no discount, nada. Good news is hundreds of other places to eat at next time I'm in town.
(2)Erik w.
Ok food. Cheap. Nothing special. After I paid waitress came up wondering if everything was ok wondering why I didn't tip the usual. Apparently she thinks tipping is mandatory for mediocre service. Tipping is for exceptional service. For the person that goes above and beyond. I normally tip rather liberally, but for those that work for it. Their prices compared to the quality was not acceptable. They make the environment nice and cozy but was just a show for mediocre barely even acceptable service
(2)Tyler R.
Went for happy hour and had some awesome food for a great price. Used the internet for awhile, received great service over a couple $4 dollar drafts. Very classy for how reasonable the prices were. Cheers!
(4)Stephen G.
Chloe G. is right - the ribeye was fantastic, as was everything else here. It's a BIT on the pricey side, but still less than other steakhouses that offer comparable quality. I will definitely return.
(5)Corey H.
I like these older joints. I like that the bar's worn and the stain is spotty. I like the penquin outfits. I dig the comfortable amble of the staff who've been there for twenty years and could probably serve a whole shift blindfolded. As these spots slowly get turned over into newer whiskey bars and homogenous farm to table crap, I cry every time we lose one to time and evolution.
(4)Carlin S.
I've been here for busy dinner and relaxed brunch and I have to say, it was two completely different restaurants. For brunch we were led to a table by the window. Service was prompt and we spent just the right amount of time enjoying the decor while waiting for our food. I ordered the crispy poached eggs and they were both wonderful and well presented. My parents also loved their entrees but I've forgotten what they ordered. I went here for dinner on Saturday evening, sat at the bar and ordered steak and potatoes. I asked for medium rare but got rare on the inside and medium-well done on the outside. I actually prefer it this way when my sister cooks steak but she must have a much better knack when it comes to buying the steak or seasoning it because the steak was extremely bland, somehow dry despite the very red meat on the inside and it definitely didn't taste like top shelf steak. For 40$ I'd expect top shelf steak. I asked them to take it back and fix it... maybe cook it some more. I really wasn't sure how they messed it up. It came back 10 minutes later and the only difference I noticed was that it was a bit more burnt on the edges and even drier. I've cooked steak maybe 8 times at home and I've never made a steak that tasted this disappointing. So, I will never have dinner here again unless it's happy hour. Brunch any time I'm willing to pay the price.
(3)Mister S.
Food was decent. A bit pricey. Out waiter (I forget his name) was very nice. For what its worth, you can do better in Portland.
(3)Justin W.
I have had a really rough week of car problems, motorcycle problems and just general bad luck. I came by today for a quick drink and a taco and ended up having a great conversation about trucks with the manager and even witnessed him and the bartender divert a potential drunken predator away from a young lady nearby. All in all, the strong drinks and delicious food were a nice accent to the overall hospitality I experienced. Perfect end to a shitty week. Thanks guys.
(5)Kevin M.
Old style saloon look with formal service. Food and drinks were good, especially the steak.
(4)John L.
First time visit to Portland and stumbled into this place. Great ambiance, delicious grilled salmon salad for lunch. Only negative was slow service.
(5)Nina S.
From the minute we arrived to the minute we left we were perfectly treated. We don't get to go out often because we have two young kids so we love to sit at the bar when we can get away. We were immediately greeted with friendly bartenders and had drinks as soon as we ordered. It took us awhile to decide what we wanted, but when we were ready the bartender was there to take our order. It did take a bit longer than our neighbor to get our dinner which I didn't even think of because I was deep in conversation, but the bartender aparently did because be bought me a glass of wine. He also bought us dessert to go. Very appreciative and unexpected for such a short delay for our order. We will be back! Food was perfect and delivery near! Thanks!
(5)Lina A.
It was our first time in Portland, and we decided to try out this spot. It was in a convenient location, and it seemed "local" enough to try out. The atmosphere is nice, not too fancy, not too casual. They serve Brunch on the weekends, but it ends at 1:30, so if you want brunch, come early! we missed brunch so, we ordered from the regular menu. The menu doesn't have much variety. We ordered the Mac n Cheese, and the Parmesan crusted Tilapia. They were both O.K, not much flavor. The Tilapia didn't taste fresh, and the Mac N cheese, was... nothing out of this world. The quality of the food doesn't live up to the prices on the menu. Service was O.K nothing special. We got our food and the server pretty much forgot to check back until it was time for the check. Will I be back? maybe for drinks. but not my "go-to" spot in Portland.
(2)Mike P.
Stopped in for happy hour. Better read their menu carefully. Drinks are misrepresented. Gently probed manager regarding pricing and got reprimanded. Perfectly lousy treatment. I would avoid this place. Mike
(2)jack d.
Family ate here after arriving in Portland. This place is situated downtown and we parked in a nearby parking garage for only $5.00 for the evening which is a real deal. You have to pay for street parking downtown. I really like this place, it looks like a very old remodeled hotel on the inside and out. Inside is what you would expect from a fancy steakhouse, leather and dark wood. Full bar with animal trophy heads on the wall. We got to sit at the window which is cool. Our server Chad was very helpful, attentive and took care of business. I started off with the prawn cocktail, 5 large prawns served in a chilled margarita glass with cocktail sauce. I had the grilled pork chop with mashed potatoes and vegetables, wife had the stuffed salmon and my son had the seafood trio, All of the dishes were tasty and well presented. We finished dinner with the chocolate cake with chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream. Chad even took $25,00 off my tab because I am a Laudry member and got to use the card sign-up membership deal which I had for a couple of years but never used it, I basically gave it back to him for the tip. Remember, Oregon does not have a sales tax which is a big plus. Great eats, great service, great place.
(5)Janet S.
I'm giving Jake's Grill 3 stars because my dinner, the crab shrimp & brie stuffed Salmon, was excellent. The Beet salad was excellent. The Cesar Salad was OK - nothing to write home about. My main complaint was my husbands Delmonico steak. $49 for an 18 oz steak - it had better be exceptional. It was not. And it definitely didn't look like 18 oz. It was just OK. The only complaint I have from my meal is that the green beans were uncooked. Not even a little under-done. Just warmed over. And for 2 people with a tonic water and a coke the bill was $104.00!! I've never been less than blown away by Jake's Original, so I guess I'll just put Jake's Grill on my "do not go" list.
(3)Bryan I.
I've been to Jakes several times for happy hour and still count it as a solid option for late-night grub and drinks despite its shortcomings: Pros: - Your typical mix of several different cuisines of food, ranging from burgers, to sushi, to quesadillas (they succeed at the "jack of all trades, master of none" concept) - Decent and consistent quality and quantity pub grub at a very reasonable price - Good hours (open late most nights) - Good location, situated in the heart of downtown, close to the streetcar and max line - Decent size venue - Big enough to seat probably 50+ in the bar area (note that some places have HH bars that are full with only 5-8 people) Cons: - Sometimes it's PACKED (especially peak late-night hours on weekends and after large city events like timbers games, starlight parade, etc) - Variable service quality that is usually, but not always, linked to how busy they are. I've never had any horrible experiences, but admit it can be near impossible to flag down a waitress to order or get the bill when they are busy. So yeah, I always keep Jakes in mind for happy hour food and beer. Probably best to go somewhere else if there's already a line of people just waiting for table, but if they've got space, it's definitely worth trying.
(3)Anna B.
OMGawd, what a soul sucker. I've had a long-time aversion to this place, but found myself back there again recently, and I wasn't in there five minutes before I regretted it. How this place still hangs in there, with so many amazing places within blocks, is a mystery. They have done nothing over the years to even attempt to keep up; that menu's straight out of 1994. Midori? Blue Curacao? In the "specialty" cocktails, are you kidding me? Oh, right. It's tied into a hotel. That's somehow making this possible. Wait, no. Even that's not right. There are lots of hotel bars in downtown Portland. And they're awesome! What in the holy hell is going on here? We made our way across the sticky floor to take a seat at the sticky bar, grabbed seats, and nearly left before we finally got attention from a bartender. There were two other people at the bar. But we were there to research some drinks, damn it, and needed to at least complete that part of the mission. Bartenders were completely without knowledge about what they were making, drinks were terrible, and the snacks were even worse. Yes, you can get some Happy Hour food there on the cheap, but I'm of the mindset that life's too short to eat crummy food, even if it seems like a good deal. Trust me, it's not a good deal. I've now had dinner, lunch, weekend brunch, and happy hour here. I think that's enough tries for a conclusive "ick". Yes, they have somewhat inexpensive mimosas on the weekend. But is the terrible food and service worth it? No. Dingy, dilapidated, and depressing. I rarely give out a bad review. But I very rarely find myself anywhere less than awesome in this town. But, for reals, out-of-towners, if you're seeing this: don't spend your bucks here. Walk 30 seconds down the street and have the best food and drinks of your life at Clyde Common, for similar if not better prices.
(2)Greg H.
I lived in Alaska for 13 years, and I am very fond of Salmon. One of the items on Jake's menu is crab, shrimp, and Brie stuffed salmon. It is my favorite salmon dish anywhere. (With traditional cedar plank smoked salmon being a close second.) Tony our server was quick and professional.
(5)gerry g.
We recently had Sunday brunch which is a recurring experience whenever we visit Portland. We always order the eggs benedict with crabmeat. We started with Mimosas. We requested little orange juice so we could taste the sparkling wine. They arrived mostly orange juice. When we inquired of our server why our request was ignored she replied that for twice the price we could have mimosas as requested. We declined and drank the one orange juice with a splash of sparkling wine and ordered our eggs benedict. When they arrived we were very disappointed by the lack of crabmeat. For the price of the eggs benedict we were expecting to be able to taste crabmeat! We have always enjoyed Jake's in the past for brunch. Our Mimosas were always as requested and the eggs benedict something to return to the restaurant for. Based upon our recent experience, we will take our business elsewhere.
(1)Mark B.
Why cant I give less then 1 star?? I used to really like Jake's and Jake's Grill, but since Landry's bought them out not so much. Prices are up, service is down and all of a sudden once Landry's bought them they could not run my gift cards. one I had used a couple of times so maybe had 30 left on it the other I hadn't used so had 50. Just went back after a year to see if they had fixed it and no instead the manager kept trying to blame me for it... as in "the card is really old" me "card says it never expires and that is the law" manager " I wish I could help you but I think it is demagnetized " me "really none of my other cards have had that problem" him"There are no numbers on the card for me to look it up" me "your company made and sold the cards if there are no numbers it isn't my fault" after several passes he said I have to pay another way I told him to use my credit card and I would not be back....I will how ever burn you on yelp... Note, this apeared on Episode 217 of Grimm
(1)Adam S.
Ambiance was nice, prime rib as expected. The appetizers were very small, and half of our party thought the food was just Ok. Service, however was significantly below expectations. Slow, unattentive, and generally not engaged. In the end, it was decent, but I wouldn't make it on my regular rotation.
(3)Diaz M.
Hands down, one of my favorite brunch spots! No wait, fabulous service & great food. The eggs Benedict were ahmazzing!
(5)Mark F.
We ate here for lunch. Cool historic location and we got to eat by the fire place which was a nice treat on a cold day. The clam chowder was solid with real Westminster crackers. The meatloaf sandwich was awesome on toasted Sour dough and some great onions with the right sauce. Try it out!
(4)David M.
We stopped in to have a few appetizers and found ourselves buying a couple of adult beverages as well. We shared a cosmo, mojito and a vodka cranberry. All of the ingredients were outstanding (all tasted fresh) and balanced. We really enjoyed the drinks. For the appetizers, we shared a sashimi plate, cheese souffle and oysters. The goose point oysters were excellent, the best we can recall having. The sashimi plate was excellent. All of the ingredients were excellent. The cheese souffle was also very good. We were very happy with everything we had. I can highly recommend Jake's Grill.
(5)Jenni L.
Happy Hour all day Sunday. Need I explain more? The girls and I were trying to catch a showing of the Hangover round deux at the Fox Tower the other night. We bought tickets, went in and promptly turned around and exchanged them for the later showing as the place was so packed, we would have had to sit in the very front row. We had some time to kill and were all pretty hungry, so the change in showtimes suited us well. We wanted to be back early to get good seats, so we decided that our restaurant of choice had to be within just a few blocks walking distance. Jake's fit the bill nicely. When we walked in the bar was jam-packed. We did a loop looking for a table and by the time we made it back to the front, exactly three seats had cleared from the bar. We grabbed them quickly, and the couple next to us even commented "that didn't take long." We started with a round of drinks. I had the Queen Bee because I have a standing love affair with St. Germaine and it was perfect. The HH food is pretty diverse which I appreciate, and it's all extremely well-priced. One of my friends got the shrimp tempura, which she quickly peeled free of the tempura coating, and the hummus plate, which in mho was spectacular. The hummus was perfectly seasoned and came with roasted red peppers, pitted (thankfully) kalamata olives and fresh, soft pita bread triangles. Definitely a good choice, and probably the best hummus I've found in Portland thusfar. My other friend got the cheeseburger and fries, which I think came out to be a whopping $2.95 or something thereabouts. The fries were really good. I know because I think I ate more of them than her, and I made her give me a bite of her burger which was cooked well. I ordered the Mediterranean chicken pizza and it was kind of a let-down. The flavor was good, but it was extremely dry. You can't win them all, aye? Food was great, drinks were spectacular, and the service was superb. Our bartender seemed to really enjoy the craft of making cocktails and obviously took great care in making them perfectly. He even skimmed part of a Bloody Mary off with a straw and his finger (in a totally hygenic way) to make sure that the Mary mix was spiced just right. I will keep this place in mind when I'm catching a show next time, or even when I'm in the SW area on a Sunday. It was a great choice and definitely took the cake in comparison to our crappy movie that night.
(4)Tamara C.
Sometimes cold chilly weather just calls for clam chowder and Jakes is a good standby. Even though it was a busy Friday evening, my gal-pal and I lucked out and scored the perfect cozy table for two in the back away from the door. Even though the place was busy, our server was on the ball, cheerfully delivering water and taking our orders right off the bat. In no time at all, our orders arrived and the chowder, rich and full of seafood hit the spot. My dining companion turned out to be a bad influence and talked me into looking at the desert menu. Turns out you can order just one of the mini deserts from the sampler of three so you feel less guilty... I had the mini crème brûlée. Even though it was small, it was so rich I didn't finish it. I don't make it into Jakes that often, but when I do, I am never disappointed with the menu or the service.
(5)J H.
Two stars as the food was pretty good and I really enjoy the setting. We have fond memories of the pre Landry days and my wife was a server there back in 1996-97. She recalls the intensive training in the front and back of the house that was required. There is obviously a new standard as I have received more courteous and attentive service at a Burger King drive through than my family did last night. The entire meal was spent wondering what was going on and we actually thought someone was going to jump out with a camera crew telling us it was all a joke. We did appreciate the manager coming out to apologize when they brought out the wrong meal. I imagine he may have had a few of those conversations last night. Sorry for the negative review.
(2)Taylor W.
Very basic food here but all prepared well. For breakfast the other day I got the Dungeness Crab Eggs Benedict and it was very good. I also tried the Country Benedict and it was only okay. But again nothing unique about the menu here that I could not find at a Stanford's. Now the location and building is neat and I feel as if I have taken a step back in time when I got in there. Great for groups and even just to grab a drink before heading on for the evening.
(3)Katie G.
This is a review ONLY about their Saturday brunch service. I have heard that their dinners and lunches are quite tasty. I think they have some work to do on their breakfast fair. The breakfast potatoes had cinnamon on them - very strange to eat that with an egg dish. I got the Yamhill scramble (goat cheese, Roma tomatoes, and basil). It was edible but not great. They do have fresh biscuits and homemade preserves - which makes for a nice start to the meal. We also got to sit outside - which was lovely. I might give Jake's one more try - but likely not for brunch.
(2)Skip C.
Came to Jake's to sit outside and people watch which when you are in Portland can be amusing to say the least. The waitstaff was friendly and even treated my daughter with an extra scoop of ice cream. Great location, good drinks and great employees.
(4)Tennis N.
I've had lunch at Jake's Grill twice now in the past few months with members of a marketing group I belong to. We use one of the private dining rooms and it is perfect for our group or 6-10 people. It's quiet and comfortable. I've always enjoyed the food -- nothing spectacular - but very good and consistent. The service is excellent! They are very attentive, but not intrusive when our group is having a discussion. I would highly recommend Jake's Grill for business meetings.
(4)Misty P.
I patronized Jake's Grill during a trip to Portland. We stumbled upon it by accident, but it was a great accident! The steaks and seafood were delicious and fresh. Each dish was cooked perfect. I was also impressed that the menu had a wide array of fresh raw oysters from various parts of the world - from Washington State, to Japan, and New Zealand. I tried them all and was intrigued by the different tastes and sweetness of each different oyster. My friends had different meat and fish dishes. My steak was cooked to perfection. The service was friendly and attentive, but not overly annoying. All in all, we were all pleased as a whole. If I am ever in Portland, OR again, I would definitely come back to this fine restaurant!
(4)Matt L.
I took my boyfriend here for dinner last night to meet my brother and his fiancé. The atmosphere was very welcoming and comfortable. The wait staff was friendly and helpful when making recommendations for dinner and wine pairings. He didn't even judge my brother for ordering a Coors Light with dinner (even though everyone else at the table did). I started off with a cup of clam chowder, and for someone who has ridiculously high expectations of all things bearing the name, I was pretty impressed. For the main course, I had the Italian sausage and chicken rotini, which was delicious and reasonably priced. For those of you who love having bread before dinner, I was pleasantly surprised when each of us was served our own freshly baked mini-roll of sourdough. And this may not mean much to anyone, but for me, sourdough bread can often be a bit too sour. This bread was nicely understated, warm, crispy on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. Overall, it was a pretty delicious meal, and the restaurant itself provided a very pleasant atmosphere to introduce my boyfriend to some of my family. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants to have a nice meal, friendly conversation and has a few dollars to spend
(4)Dennis R.
Stopped in for a quick dinner while in town on business. Not always the most fun thing to do to dine by yourself on business, but the staff at Jake's makes you feel welcome and comfortable. I recommend eating in the bar. Fast, casual service and my server Anna was friendly, efficient and helpful. I had the wedge salad, which was big enough for two people. Fresh and nicely prepared. I had the meatloaf with mashed potatoes and it was served hot, well seasoned and tasted like real comfort food. Great experience, great service and the food was excellent. I'll definitely go back.
(4)Mike S.
The Happy Hour and LATE happy hour is where it is at! So much food for near nothin! The atmosphere is old wood, which I love. The beers were all local. I was alone and ended up having great conversation with two random guys about everything from Snowboarding outside of Portland to this guys history working with old rock bands! The hummus app was OK. The seafood gumbo was chunky and amazing! LOVED the huge chunks of some random white fish. The mussels in a garlic wine sauce had a very short "plate life" as i devoured them in minutes. Definitely will be back when in Portland. And definitely for happy hour.
(4)Adam R.
The best part about Jake's was its location. Between the river and JELD WEN, it was the right place for my grandfather. It was, however, incredibly over priced. Half a dozen oysters should not cost $15, being that we're right near the coast. And as for the entrees, my fish was overcooked, but other people's were fine. The outdoor seating was nice, and the service was decent. But if I'm paying for a lot more than what most places in Portland are, they could at least make the food really good.
(3)D K.
I am shocked to see this place could have above 3 stars. Don't go here! The food is overpriced and the service is awful. There are so many amazing restaurants in Portland! We were in Portland on Christmas Day so we had very few options for where to eat. We had an itch to go out to dinner rather than eating at the hotel so we decided on Jake's as several other options were no longer accepting reservations. We arrived 15 minutes before our 9 pm reservation and had to wait until about 9:25 to be seated. I understand it was Christmas and people were probably hanging around a little longer than usual- we'll let that slide. The server barely made eye contact with us and we waited several minutes to even get water at our table. Our table was probably the WORST in the house; right next to the server's station. We heard their consistent chatting and there were several servers that would drape their arm and hands over the wooden barrier, right into our table area. One server even leaned over the barrier, and over our table to check on one of his tables! This was rude, distracting, and very annoying. We informed the manger about this; however, it still continued. The food was mediocre at best. My biggest complaint is that I said, "May I please have any type of vegetables instead of mashed potatoes or rice?" The server replied, "Afraid not." And offered no solution. We were willing to pay extra but he was not able to help us with this. For vegetables! I wasn't asking for anything out of the ordinary, and we were willing to pay an additional fee. The Christmas Turkey dinner came with vegetables, so I know it could have been possible. The server was also very rushed, frustrated and annoyed that he was working on Christmas, and felt very disingenuous as far as caring about how we were enjoying our meal. The kitchen also got simple things like "dressing on the side" wrong. Overall, it was a very disappointing experience and I wish we had gone to a different restaurant or ordered room service. Avoid this place!
(1)Todd A.
This place is kind of a standard steak house with a good selections of wine and fish as well. The crab cakes were pretty good but what turned me off was that the waiter did not mention a single item on the menu that was not on the top of the price scale. Everything he mentioned was $70 or more and there were some great choices in the $35 range. It makes you not trust him and if I was handling the bill I would have written him a note and made him feel it. So, it was like NOT having a waiter since this guy was so obviously a sales guy. Hide it buddy. I cant remember his name but he was Bic bald with glasses. I had the Halibut and it was good enough.
(3)Art H.
I have been a frequent visitor of the two Jake's in Portland over the years and they never fail to please. On my most recent visit with a friend, we enjoyed two classics, the fish and chips and the parmesan crusted tilapia. Both were very good and nice size portions. We each had a couple of beers from there well-stocked draft selection as well. The waitstaff were friendly and very efficient. Also of note, is their amazing happy hour menu that is offerred on the weekend as well. Either Jake's is a great food destination when in downtown Portland.
(4)Kevin H.
Day trip to Portland and looking for a place to eat. Saw Jake's Grill and thought, "hey, I like grills!" Walked into the place and did not have to wait for a table. On a Saturday night. Perhaps that should have been a sign. My girlfriend had the stuffed salmon, while I had the "Seafood Trio." Despite the Red Lobster-ish sound of the name, the presentation wasn't too bad. However, the food itself was mediocre at best. And at nearly 30 bucks a plate, I'd hope for a bit more than mediocre. The salmon provided was from the east coast (huh?), but fairly flavorful. The dish advertised itself as having prawns, and that was true, though it had the fewest number of prawns as you could have while still being able to pluralize the word. Though, to be fair, the two were wrapped around each other, so they have that going for them, I guess. Finally, a crab cake that was more reminiscent of a dried-out cutlet. Or maybe a diner chicken sandwich that's been overcooked? I'm not sure. Either way, dry was an understatement. Thankfully, the bed of vegetables the dish laid on more than took up the slack, as the entire mix had been liberally slathered with butter. And I do mean slathered. I've tasted butter on carrots before, but I've never tasted butter with a slight carrot aftertaste. Don't get me wrong, I love me some butter as much as the next guy, but I'm pretty sure at least two of my arteries clogged upon ingesting this meal. I liked the decor of the place, though I wasn't quite sure why the waitstaff are being forced into those coats that are a mix of penguin, butler and old-time soda jerk. Ill-fitting, as well - if you're going to force your employees to dress like that, the least you can do is give them some decent tailoring. Anyway, TL;DR: Overpriced, food misses the mark, interesting decor and waiters in penguin outfits. Advise to stay away, unless you really, really, really like overly expensive butter served to you by waterfowl.
(2)Monique D.
Went to Jakes on 3/29/14 for my birthday dinner. I have never been so disappointed. The service was so bad and the food was even worst. We have eaten there before but won't go back. Spent $249.00 and felt like we have just been ripped off. Thanks for the great birthday, NOT!
(1)Audrey L.
Went last night for Portland dining month. The French onion soup and desserts were amazing! Both the short ribs and crab crusted steelhead were on the much saltier side but had great flavor. We had to drink lots of water the rest of the evening!
(3)Mike G.
We have not been here for years! Some friends of ours love this place and invited us for dinner. I must say, this was a pleasant surprise! The service was perfect...not in your face but not wanting for anything either. Our portions were good and the quality of the food was outstanding. With a comfortable atmosphere and many booths and private tables you can come here and have a great conversation as you enjoy your meal.
(4)Karen P.
Came here for Sunday breakfast and was extremely disappointed. Horrible coffee that was $3.25 a cup - unbelievably bad for that price. Two of us had the French toast which was tasteless and dry and accompanied by blueberries that were cooked in some strange manner that rendered them rubbery and completely tasteless. Worse though was the fruit platter we ordered based on the waitress's recommendation. The plate was so sparse, there were literally 10 grapes on the plate pulled off the stems and sitting pitifully on the plate. Most of the grapes were soft and overripe. Almost every blueberry was mushy and disgusting. We sent the fruit back and also let the waitress know that the French toast was not good. We were disappointed they did not offer to take at least one French toast off the bill. Avoid the place at least for breakfast. Had much better food on our Portland trip than this place. Mothers Bistro was amazing despite the long wait. Save your money and go elsewhere. The only one who seemed to care that we had a bad experienxe was Nicole the hostess who was lovely.
(2)Josh G.
This place lit a fire inside me to find a basil pesto that would taste just as good as the pesto on their Turkey griller pressed sandwich. I started out lazy and went through a few different jars and even tried making my own at one point and I just could not replicate the flavor the pesto at Jake's had. Finally after stumbling onto Cibo Natural's basil pesto at Fred Meyer I finally found it. I binged on sour dough basil pesto provole turkey sandwiches for months before finally getting tired of it, but boy was it worth it.
(4)Tamara K.
I enjoy going to Jake's and bellying up to the bar. Great people watching, nice bartenders and a great atmosphere . It is located in a historic old building just a couple of blocks from the MAX so conveniently located to drink and not drive. Other than a semi warm bowl of soup last night after doing some volunteer work on Christmas afternoon, I haven't eaten there. The mushroom soup we had was delicious, although it was barely luke warm and had too much salt. When I mentioned to the server that our soup was cold, she said they were doing a lot of volume and the kitchen couldn't keep up. Sorry excuse but she didn't seem eager to bring us hot soup so all of us just ate it as it was.
(4)John O.
I'm giving Jake's 5 STARS because these whiny reviews are inane. Come on Portlanders, SPEND SOME MONEY. Thank God I don't live here anymore -- Oregonians are a breed unto themselves (And I can say it because I'm one - but have been able to de-program myself by moving away!). Anywho, let's talk about Jakes -- FRIENDLY, attentive staff. I LOVE the Oregon bay shrimp cocktail -- so much nicer than the typical jumbo shrimp cocktail. The three best entrees I've had are the Grilled Sockeye Salmon, Beef Stroganoff and Meatloaf (maybe the best meatloaf I've ever had). Entrees for $10 - $15? Reasonable by ANY standard, maybe not the cheapskates in Portlandia where no one seems to really work (but hey, they like to go out and expect to pay nothing for quality food and write bitchy Yelp reviews!)
(5)Jeannie J.
This is one of my favorite brunch spots on the weekend. I've never had to wait to be seated, it's right on the streetcar line, I use my Preferred Dining card from McCormick & Schmicks Seafood for point rewards, they have $3 mimosa's until 4 Saturday & Sunday, and they have a large menu. Why 3 stars? The service is uneven. I have been trying to hold off writing a review because sometimes it is at least a solid 4 stars, and other times it's no more than 2. I've never had an issue with the food, it's very consistent. I've had service that has been bad from the get go, and other times it has deteriorated as the visit goes on. On one occasion the waitress had the dropsy's and dropped the rolls into my friends lap, spilled the water, and spilled a mimosa. I know that isn't intentional, but you would think a comped drink or something would be appropriate after so many mishaps. Other times, there has been attitude, or inattentive service. We have had long lapses between ordering drinks, and having our food order taken. There has also been a trend of not being checked on after the food was delivered, then having the check dropped off instead of asking if we cared for dessert or another drink. There are times we would like to order something else, but instead we sit for 30 minutes, then BOOM, check. I worked in food service for many years, so I know when you get busy these things happen. I just wish that they didn't happen so often here. Now on to the food and drinks. The food is reasonable priced, and I've never had a problem with the quality. It comes out fairly quickly after the order is placed. I like the grilled salmon with pesto, the fish and chips, and the split pea soup a lot. The mimosa's are a great deal at $3 on the weekend, although they are sometimes more juice than champagne. The specialty drinks on the menu are in the $8 range. Not too pricey, but I usually go to a cocktail bar if I want something more complicated than a simple mixed drink. The happy hour is a great deal, and a great way to sample the menu without spending a lot. Cool old school atmosphere.
(3)Ram R.
It took 40 minutes to get a $40 rib eye. We ordered medium rare but it came out medium well (even the waitress noticed it). it was so dry we had to eat it with A1 steak sauce. the two stars go for the convenience (it was downstairs from The Governor) and the waitress saved the day with a choice to (redo the steak or free dessert). We chose the free dessert!
(2)Brian A.
I've been to Jake's many times before and had an excellent meal. It's been a while since I've gone and took a friend there for her birthday. We both ordered the filet cooked medium. Hers showed up fine, mine showed up barely even cooked rare. The server took over 10 minutes to check back with us on how the meal came out, which is probably something that should be far sooner when dealing with a top-end steak. He apologized and had the steak heated further. When it was returned, it was still not what I would consider medium but I accepted it. The steak tasted really good. My primary fault with the staff is that they did not check back soon enough to see how the meal came out or offered to compensate us at all for having to go through the inconvenience of having our meals taken back to the kitchen. Even simply comping one of our drinks would have gone a long way to make a happy customer. Probably won't be going back as there are many other options in Portland.
(3)Mardi C.
Christmas. What can I say? The beet salad with goat cheese was beautiful. Mushroom soup earthly delight. Kobe beef scrumptious. Prime rib....mmmmm.. steelhead with butternut squash n crab risotto? Fabulous. Horseradish crusted halibut wonderful and light. The onion oil on plate to die for. Put the risotto on this plate instead of mashers and it would be perfect. Creme brulee . Waiter and maitre D on it. Your front hostesses are how you lost a star. Very stressed. Very. They need to learn the art of welcome or assign someone to help the elderly through the door. All smiles but huge lack of confidence there. I AM a hostess so I tend to view this as impression number one. Just an observation. .. it can be fixed. Merry Christmas. See you soon.
(4)Maureen H.
With so many excellent restaurants in Portland you'd think Jakes Grill would kick it up a notch. The food was heavy and underwhelming. The presentation not impressive in the least. Looked like tired food. Steaks overlooked, mashed potatoes lumpy and halibut dry. Very expensive for such poor quality. I would recommend trying one of Portland's other fine restaurants before going here. Disappointing!
(2)Ben K.
Pros: Good atmosphere, nice location Cons: Feels and tastes like a chain Went to this restaurant the other night. I thought it was a local place and not a chain. Not that I'm anti-chain, but I was looking to take my parents to local places that they wouldn't find outside of Portland. Jake's has a great location and the atmosphere is pretty cool. I had no idea until later that this place was owned by McCormick & Schmicks. After thinking about it, it kind of doesn't surprise me. The food has kind of that chain restaurant taste to it: Good, not great, but nothing memorable about it. My steak was fine, not the best I've ever had by far, but not terrible. In fact, the whole restaurant had that feel after thinking about it: this is good, not great. Somewhere I'd go to again, but not actively crave or seek out. Portland has a ton of great restaurants, many that you won't find anywhere else. If you're looking to show company local flavor, go to another place. If you just need a bite to eat, you could do much worse than Jake's Grill.
(3)Ana R.
I like their happy hour menu and the ambiance at the bar.
(3)Kristina G.
Had a very romantic day after Valentine's Day dinner here. Both our meals were incredibly delicious. The tables weren't too close together to feel like your conversations was being overheard. Excellent service!! Went back the next day for mimosas and clam chowder. Possibly the second best clam chowder I have ever had. Super Yum!! Saturdays they have $3 mimosas. I have previously been there for breakfast and the food overall is just great.
(4)Carlene G.
This review was written after my visit in 2011 and I forgot to finish it, and I see that reviews have taken a bit of a nosedive since I was there. I loved my experience, however, and would go back anytime. Pros: Ambiance: Great Service: Great. We had a super nice waitress Food: Delicious. Wait time: none, despite being there at the height of lunch hour.
(5)Valerie W.
Surprised myself that I had not yet reviewed Jakes! How dare I pass one of these Portland staples....anyways.....I visited for Happy Hour last week and let's just say their food as of late has really not been up to par. Ingredients seem cheap, portions seem smaller, overall experience is slightly lacking. I used to love coming to Jakes! The Happy Hour prices are always fair and were always delicious. The drinks are fine. Their breakfast/brunch was even pretty good. Unfortunately, I cannot say that I would even come back here....at least not for the Happy Hour food. My latest experience I ordered the fish taco and pot stickers. Pot stickers were decent but tasted like they were previously frozen. The fish taco ended up being salmon....left overs? It tasted awful. I couldn't even eat it. No sauce on it. Just lettuce and a couple cheese crumbles. No flavor. I was really disappointed. The watermellon drink I had was pretty tasty at least. The service was so-so. It was pretty slow even though my waitress was very friendly.
(2)Tamsen G.
Jake's. You can love it and 'meh' it at the same time. As a bar, I 'meh' it. For this purpose, I love it. Here's why: Jake's on the weekend for breakfast is Portland's best kept secret. As in, you can almost always get a reservation at late notice. I've been keeping this secret to myself for a long time, especially because I absolutely dig on the places where you have to stand in line for what seems like hours. While driving by these places and their hungry patrons, I OpenTable'd it and got an immediate reservation, which equaled immediate breakfast and coffee. Here's the deal - the food is really great. Everything comes quickly, and it is hot and good. Granted, there are no bacon waffles on the menu, but damn good breakfast options, many with Northwest roots. The service - I wish I had her name but it escapes me - is great. Super friendly and accommodating waitstaff. Not hotel-ish at all (It's in the Governor Hotel). This is a great place to have a hangover breakfast, be served great coffee, and have a little elbow room. Or a tasty grapefruit mimosa. Mmmm.
(4)B N.
3.5 Stars Sorry for the late review, went here for dinner on Tuesday night with business colleagues. I thought the steaks were just okay and was expecting a little more. I was trying to compare this place with some of the other big name chop houses (Ruth's Chris, Flemmings, ect.) and it really just didn' t hit the mark. The sides were good, and the service was good, and I liked the old school interior of the restaurant. I saw some other tables around me that had fish dishes and they looked pretty descent. Next time when I'm in the area on business again, I will try this place again and order a fish entree.
(3)Mary Ann W.
Killer happy hour on Wednesdays, Oysters for $1! The polenta fries are also very tasty and the pulled pork sliders are delicious as well. The staff is very friendly and service is en pointe.
(5)Jacqueline N.
Waitress (blonde 40-50 yr old) during happy hour today at 3pm (4th of freaking July!) was absolutely horrible. No professionalism or respect for her customers or staff at all. We witnessed her yell at the host about how pissed off she was for having to serve so many tables! Hello! You signed up for this job, for better or for worse! If you don't want to wait tables, get another job, don't ruin customers experience at the Jakes and do NOT belittle your coworkers!!!!! She represented the restaurant very poorly. It was such a shame because we did enjoy our food but she put a downer on our entire experience. We would like to go back, but most likely not. Especially with that attitude. She was so lazy she couldn't even get my friend a glass of water when he politely asked for one, INSTEAD, she poured water into his BARELY EMPTY LEMONADE GLASS. WOW. I can't think of anything else to say but... WHAT A B*TCH... Where is the manager around this place? Where is the owner? Please keep your employees in check, you are losing customers over the poor service!
(1)Winema W.
Wonderful staff, food always seems amazing and cooked perfectly. No complainants here! Great happy hour also.
(5)M. L.
Jake's did an excellent job of catering our wedding reception at The Governor. -Linda Wolfson (who has since left, unfortunately) and Erin Hight were both awesome to work with. Great communication and gracious accommodations on their part to get us exactly what we wanted. When we mentioned a custom champagne cocktail bar, Erin had some really cool suggestions for an Oregon themed champagne drink (champagne with a pear liqueur float and pretty pear garnish? yes, please!) -The food was also good. I was a little nervous as I wasn't blown away at the tasting, but the food and service was awesome the day-of. The bartenders were also nice, friendly, and efficient. -Also hit up Jake's Bar after the wedding. Though it was getting pretty late, the server accommodated our group, said "Congratulations!" (How did she know? We didn't even mention the wedding!), and gladly brought us waters to rehydrate as we downed some well-earned, stiff drinks.
(4)Nadine M.
I took my son and his girlfriend to Jakes for lunch during the holidays. We did not have reservations. The wait was minimal, maybe 10 minutes. We were promptly seated in a window seat, which was perfect for my guests as this was their first time in PDX. Our waiter, Sean, was awesome! He was able to magically produce an appetizer of fried calamari, which was not on the menu! It was perfectly prepared, not over cooked, light and delectable with 2 amazing dipping sauces. Then he made recommendations for lunch. My son had the french dip, his friend had a cheeseburger and I had the blackened salmon salad. ( really good) We all had dessert, creme brulee`, and the dessert trio. What a great lunch!
(4)Jaffer K.
This so called "upscale" dinning customer service is a joke. During the happy hour we sat and waited for our server. Three other parties come in later and the server took all of their orders before. She also had a really bad/sarcastic/ Portland passive aggressive attitude. The happy hour pizza was so soggy and disgusting. Frozen pizza from Safeway would have been better choice.
(1)Sam M.
I wanted to give 2 stars but my meal was actually really good. I got a flat iron steak, with some good sides. My cocktails were good, my main course was good, but... The appetizers were bad, and everyone who ordered fish or gnocchi was very unhappy. The fish was bland and dry, the gnocchi was dry and flavorless, and the service wasn't that good. The fish that others ordered was supposed to have horseradish but you couldn't taste it at all. We mentioned it to our server and he just said that it was fresh horseradish so it was subtle and walked off. I'm no expert but I would think that even if that were the case a good server would offer to bring out some horseradish to make up for the disappointment in the lack of flavor. I liked my cocktail but some others didn't like their drinks. All in all it was very mediocre. Not the high end experience you would expect. In the end I have one thing to say overall: WAY OVER PRICED FOR THE QUALITY OF FOOD AND MEDIOCRE SERVICE.
(3)Abbie H.
Have been going to Jake's for years for happy hour. The prices have gone up slightly, but still so worth it for the food. The happy hour burger is huge and comes with fries, and I believe it's still right around $3. The drinks at Jake's are really good and they have a lot of variety and fun new drinks to try, as well as your usual classics. I have also had dinner a couple of times here and although pricey it was WELL worth the $. Service was excellent and the food was high quality. Definitely a good way to treat yourself or have a nice date.
(4)Jay N.
Coming here for a business dinner with a group of people, we were treated quite well. As some of our group had certain allergies and preferences since they came from overseas, the waitress was very accommodating with recommendations and what to avoid. We had a dozen oysters and then crawfish and shrimp cocktail for those averse to the bicuspids. The wine choices with the meals were quite good while I chose a local brew. I wanted something regional for the meal and went with the halibut steak. It was a little slightly over done but still quite tasty. However, my co-worker's halibut cheeks seemed much better. Overall, great food and great service. My issue is with the price point although this was a business dinner. I would have a hard time coming back here on my own.
(4)Jeffrey P.
My gf's really not much of a breakfast person but she loved the warm yummy biscuits here! The omelette was perfectly done - fluffy and delicious! I don't think I've ever had such a well made omelette before :) Service was great - very professional and well mannered. They came when appropriate and left us alone to enjoy our breakfast when necessary. Worthwhile to come back!
(5)Tom And Paige F.
Jake's grill has a great atmosphere and the food is excellent, not to mention the best bloody mary I've had in Portland.
(5)Christopher C.
On a trip to Portland, this restaurant was recommended as having the best Clam Chowder in Oregon. I love clam chowder, so I was excited to try it. I went with some local friends that have been there before and they vouched for it. First surprise - no clam chowder anymore. In a city that is one of the meccas for seafood, the soups were split pea and french onion. Hello? The entree selections were equally disappointing. Apparently, shellfish lovers should try another restaurant. In the past, our friends had asked for fried oyster and they were always happy to oblige. Tonight, however, they weren't as accommodating. I mean, they had oysters on the menu and they had a fritto misto appetizer. Any first year culinary student could put these together to make a customer happy. So, disappointed, we tried the kobe beef potstickers for an appetizer. Although they were totally out of place on the menu, they were actually quite delicious. They had a nice heat and the dipping sauce was delicious. My entree was a salmon stuffed with crab and shrimp (one of the only shellfish dishes on the menu) and brie cheese with a beurre blanc. Even though we were a stone's throw from the Columbia River, the salmon was farmed Atlantic. ??? Despite that, the portion was small, but good. The fish was properly cooked and the shellfish filling was great - not too heavy with brie. The mashed potato accompaniment was a little One of my companions ordered the sole, (which was actually local) only to be told that, at 7:30, they were already sold out. The desserts were hit and miss. The berry cobbler - hit. The creme brulee - miss. And, one of my big pet peeves about service is, lack of water refills. Although we had TWO servers, we had to constantly ask for more water (a basic in even decent service standards). In conclusion, there are lots of restaurants in Portland. I suggest trying something else.
(2)Tonya J.
Jake's Grill is a nice place to go for a downtown happy hour. I got a mini pizza, oyster shooters, and Thai chicken. I was hungry. The pizza reminded me of the cheap microwave pizzas you buy at Freddie's for a dollar. It was tasty and edible, though.The oyster shooters were yummy. The Thai chicken was a little dry. I did like the spices on the chicken. I ordered a tequila and cranberry. I actually could taste the alcohol, and got my buzz on. I hate when places try to skim on the alcohol just because it's a happy hour/well drink. I am giving it four stars because the service was pretty decent, despite it being a very busy Friday evening.
(4)Jadyn N.
So I went here a few month ago and it was just ok. Costly yes and nice, but the food was good and pretty, the drinks were lacking and werent that impressive. I think it a good nice place, but the food is just pretty and drinks are ok.
(3)Greg B.
I highly recommend Jake's - wife and I have enjoyed our meals and the service (efficient, friendly, helpful) every visit and will certainly dine there again on a future Portland visit. While you can certainly spend a good part of a working class paycheck here if you wish, there are lower-cost options on the menu if you are on a somewhat tight budget but still want a tasty, well-thought out and prepared meal - and you will be treated like any other customer. Share the triple desert treat: three small portions of delicious deserts - perfect portion, perfect flavor.
(4)Cliff R.
Wish I could write a comprehensive review for this place. But I only sat at the bar and had the Manila clams. A favorite for my wife and I. Sadly, I am traveling solo. But the restaurant has a great atmosphere. this would be a great place for a date, or dinner for 6 (or so). Not too loud later in the evening. But I imagine that things get to hopping with the bar crowd during happy hour and weekend nights. Still much of the dining area is reasonably well away from the bar area. The bar staff was professional and well trained. The restaurant is well managed. Got my food quickly and without fuss. The clams came in broth as usual. And they are served with sourdough bread and butter. I will be coming back to try the steaks. That is actually what this place is more known for. Will re-review when I can have a full dinner. For now, I can say that this is a great place to meet friends for appetizers and drinks.
(4)D S.
Jake's has a comfortable setting and excellent service. The food was great although on the pricey side. Shared rib-eye, lobster tail and shrimp scampi.
(4)Heather P.
Disappointing, uninspired, pricy. Attentive wait staff, beautiful historic decor- the issue was the food. Calamari tasted like it was frozen out of a bag and my halibut was terrible: salty, dry, no flavor. This was our third try at Jakes over the years. With all of the awesome choices in Portland we won't go back. Sorry Jake's, seems like you are resting on the fact that guidebooks recommend a stop and "famous Jakes." Better step up if you want to survive the competition!
(2)Barbara O.
How do you ruin a roasted beet salad? You substitute nasty pickled beets and skimp on the gaot cheese, 2 tiny flecks. Then the waitress doesn't bother to ask how your meal was. poor food, mediocre service, high prices.
(1)Joe C.
I am from out of town and had high expectations for this place. I ordered the Sunday might prime rib special. I asked from medium rare but it came out as more medium well. The flavor was good but for a restaurant of this caliber, I expected a better result. The pudding bread that came with the meal was way overlooked and dry. Also, our waiter name Wesley had to correct our bill twice. We had to get separate checks so the first time, he mixed up items on our bills. He came back with the corrected bills but this time, he overcharged me for my entree. When I pointed this out to him, he said that he would have to get the manager to correct it and it was taking a long time. So after waiting about 10 minutes, I decided to make the adjustment myself...from his gratuity rather than wait any longer. Sorry Wesley but you are lucky I even left a small tip for you.
(2)Cathi D.
This was our fourth or fifth time dining at Jake's. Since discovering The Governor Hotel and Jake's Grill, we make it a point to have a meal there whenever in town. Traveling this time with my mom, who had never been to either before, it was a real treat showing her around. My mom had the lobster spaghetti and I had the prawn & scallop linguine. Both were exquisite! That much of the food is locally sourced is a delight. The wait staff was extremely kind, especially since we asked to be moved as we were originally seated under a very cold A/C vent. Our waitress was very accommodating and didn't mind at all that we moved. Excellent food, kind and attentive wait staff, and historic ambiance beyond compare - it doesn't get any better than this!
(5)Dayna R.
Jakes was a nice place for us to start our weekend in Portland. As an alternative to the steaks, I would highly recommend the bay shrimp and scallop pasta...the sauce was a great combo of not too heavy, but just creamy enough to indulge. Perhaps they were a little short-staffed when we were there; our server seemed a little flustered throughout our dinner.
(4)Jeff H.
Nothing special. Tilapia was drowning in butter and fish and chips were soggy. Cole slaw in a small cup that was half full. Prices too high considering what you get.
(2)robert a.
As a management consultant who has spent many years teaching restaurants how to thrive, there is one lesson that I have repeatedly stressed: "Find your slogan." If you want people to remember you, do something that others don't do -- or don't do well -- and learn how to sell it. After my third visit to Jake's Grill this weekend, I have no idea what they are tryng to be remembered for. Their daily menu annoys me. It says, "We hope you enjoyed your meal because it won't be available the next time you crave it." And while their offerings tend to be well-reasoned and accomodating to various palates and preferences, they do not exhibit the creative flair that you would expect from even the most novice of chefs. I have never taken issue with the service there, except for the fact that it seems to be their only intention that I don't. The servers seem to have been drilled in the art of what not to do, without any consideration to inviting repeat business. It seems that all of their training is centered around avoiding bad yelp reviews without any thought for the extraordinary. If you have very little imagination, you may just enjoy your next trip to Jake's.
(3)Annette S.
I am sorry to give this restaurant such a low rating, because the food was good at the breakfast we had. The coffee was hot. Service at the bar during happy hour was prompt and good. However, the waiter reeked of alcohol and the head waiter was really annoying with his efforts to sell the membership program. The waiter also asked us about it as if it's a "sales" requirement. Really tacky and annoying. Put something on the table about it if you must, but leave patrons alone to have their meal without fighting off marketing.
(2)Peter A.
A wonderfully done simple steak. Great meat prepared properly is a wonderful thing. Top notch fun service rounds out this excellent experience.
(5)Annie T.
Awesome little place for happy hour! :) There's a bartender there by the name of John. Hands down, makes the best bloody mary's I've ever had! The staff and other patrons were funny and friendly.
(4)Sara M.
Stumbled upon this place on loosely directed brunch search downtown. Our server was great, how can you not love a server in a bow tie?! The atmosphere is fun, old school and fancy pants - a great place to eat breakfast really. We did not order these ourselves BUT they had $2 mimosas on the menu, which just screams awesome to me. They had two vegetarian options on the menu, my friend and I both ordered the chanterelle mushroom omelette. It was quite tasty but I recommend the salsa on the side for extra flavour. The biscuits that come with are a lovely treat with jam. We were seated by the window which made a great spot for people watching. Only sad part for me was a lack of soy milk. But seeing as this is an old school joint I didn't find it surprising.
(3)Lisa E.
I met a friend for lunch today at Jake's Grill in Portland. It's one of my favorite restaurants! They have fantastic seafood there (and the best calamari in town). I got the shrimp sandwich on a croissant and a cup of clam chowder. It was okay. The shrimp sandwich had too much onion!! Too much! The clam chowder was fantastic though. One of the things I love about Jake's (besides the great food) is the fantastic service. The waiter is ON TOP of everything. My drink was refilled before I noticed it was low and we weren't waiting forever to order. The food was fast too.
(4)Chelle G.
I've eaten here twice now, once for my wedding reception. The food is, for the most part, excellent. On my first trip, I tried the lobster pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts. What I failed to remember is that I don't like artichokes and the sun-dried tomatoes somewhat overpowered...everything. At my wedding reception, everything tasted amazing, except the green beans, which were a bit undercooked. But really, they weren't the star of the show. The staff were very accommodating for my super-picky family, and even though they completely smashed the top of my wedding cake, it was a great experience. (They're lucky I don't much like cake.)
(4)Kris C.
It wasn't bad. I am so neutral on this place it really is weird. The staff is friendly enough, the food is okay. I would not say that the food was really unique or especially creative, but good none the less.
(3)Joseph P.
OK. I have decided to give Jakes a 3 Stars. And for only 1 reason, they have very friendly and fast service, and dealt well with our kids. Now as for the Steak and my new system of reviewing have come up to debate with my wife regarding this place. Now, for 36$, yes it was a HUGE steak, but to judge a steak that is flavorful and enjoyable, you expect more for 36$. It was ho-hum to say the least. I would have rather gone to Poor Richards in Hollywood District and eat 2 steaks for half that price, but due to the snow that PDX got hammered with, walking to Jakes was good. Now there Mac and Cheese and Kids Cheeseburger were full sized meals, the French onion soup was very very good, but pretty close to 7Bucks, which is worth only that price once a year. I'm a bit bummed out that the steak was not better, but overall it was A-OK..
(3)Izzy N.
My friend and I came here late last night for some shots and drinks to try and console me from rejection and just a horrid night. Service was borderline horrible and cold, unfriendly. The bar was full so the hostess seated us. She was sweet but our server had a hint of BITCH to her. She had a grouchy face on the whole time. I didn't expect to be coddled but dang.. sorry it's not even closing time yet. Another table was still waiting for their meals so I knew it couldn't be us. Anyway when ordering alcohol, she sternly asked for my ID and not his, with the type of tone I'd expect to be followed with a smack across my face. Granted he's 34 (he doesn't look old, used up and haggard at all) I'm 26 and I look pretty young but still, I thought it was a wee bit rude the way she handled it.. as if my friend bought in this underage asian escort to get drunk (he said it not me). The whole time it was service with pure disdain. We weren't even dressed badly, there were patrons there that looked more casual in dress than us. My friend and I are both snooty clothes whores AND I was dressed on a mission to bag my hottie teacher. (Don't worry, I didn't look cheap and slutty.. I was wearing an effin black cardigan and there was no cleavage showing) I was thirsty and wanted something non-alcoholic like juice and was hesitant to ask her, but I did. We came to the conclusion that she just hated us. Eh, blondie and I enjoyed our shots of patron and corona's celebrating me being rejected by a racist earlier that night at a different bar and wondering out loud why I suck. That was some good alcohol, good company, good atmosphere, bad service. I think our server missed her true calling of being a cop. She'd be perfect for that occupation.
(1)Cyndy C.
We go into Portland every weekend and always have dinner at Jake's the first evening we arrive. Their service is first class and we always feel like we're our waitress's only customer. We've never had a bad meal there, everything is spectacular. A particular favorite of mine is the French onion soup and my husband's is the pot roast that melts in your mouth. You can sit in the very lively bar and eat or dine at a private table with booths that have curtains that I believe can enclose you for complete privacy. We LOVE this wonderful restaurant in the historic Governor Hotel, tons of interesting antique hangings and pictures. This restaurant is classy without being stuffy, dress in jeans or in your tophat and tails.
(5)bridget n.
i took the traditional asian parents here hoping to WOW them. um, not so much!! we came right when happy hour started and the waitress informed us that they were out of mussels, which we ordered 2 orders of and it was our most anticipated dish. waitress was reallly really sweet but food was BLAH. expensive too, i have a hunch this was not only our first time but our last as well. we only went bcause Jakes crawfish's happy hour started one hour later : (
(1)Andrew K.
I was in Portland on business and the bar at my hotel was closed (at 10 pm no less). The guy at the front desk pointed me to Jake's, so I stopped in for a drink. Service was friendly and the vibe was good for Tues night. I'll definitely pay Jake's a return visit on future trips to Portland.
(4)Shannon A.
My husband and I came here on our anniversary and really enjoyed it. The food and atmosphere were perfect for the occasion.
(4)Beverly W.
We belong to McCormick and Schmick's frequent dining club in our area and when we vacationed to Portland, we had to try Jake's. Loved the fresh seafood and the great service. Wish we could bring this establishment to the Chicagoland area. The fresh wild salmon in season is wonderful. The chocolate mousse was to die for. I cannot say enough about this place. Hope to return in the future.
(5)Jesse H.
Great lunch menu. I love their mac and cheese! Great on weekends too! I will continue to visit regularly.
(4)Chuck S.
It's been a few moons since I went here, but I recall the happy hour being elite, and the Crown & coke being excellent.
(4)Mark M.
I ate in the bar area and it definitely seems more like a generic chain restaurant in terms of the quality of food (or lack thereof) than at the other Jake's downtown. They are very fond of the little squirty patterns on your plate though--I guess that's supposed to distract you from the mediocre food.
(2)Christine Y.
yummy yummy yummy!!! great place for dinner!! we came down for my boyfriend's birthday and the people at our hotel recommended this restaurant. It was a bit of a bummer that we couldn't get seated in the dining room but the bar seating worked cuz the service was a lil quicker. perfect cuz it was crazy packed!! They had my favorite Beaujolais and we started with a simple yet yummy salad and great fresh oysters!! Mmm!!! Alvin had the ribeye which was cooked perfectly with a very flavorful demi-glace! and I had the smoked salmon linguini which was perfection!! soo good!! I don't know how else to really describe dinner! everything was fabulous!
(5)Jamie Q.
This place has a nice ambience. It's located off the lobby in the Governor Hotel and everytime I've been in or walked by, it's been crowded. The food here is good. I had the Ribeye steak, which was served undercooked. When I asked the server if he could throw it on the grill for me for a bit longer, he didn't seem irritated like alot of waiters would do, and just did what I asked. Additionally, the manager came by and checked on if everything was OK. That to me is excellent service. Good food and impecccable service will keep me coming back to this place everytime I am in Portland.
(4)Margie J.
Aside from them always taking my absolutely FAVORITE dishes off the menu this restaurant is delish! The lemon drops are seriously to die for and it doesn't hurt when everyone knows your name. I walk in there with my dad and we are always given the 1st class treatment. Is it because he has spent more money there that I will ever make in my lifetime, probably, but it feels good to be special damnit. The Petrole Sole is so decadent and refreshing it melts in your mouth and after you get done eating you don't feel like you just gained 10 pounds you feel satisfied & ready for the BEYOND COMPARE Creme Brule.... ahh just thinking of it makes my mouth water.... On a negative note, it can get pretty loud in there sometimes when busy.... those business people just don't know how to use their inside voices I guess!
(5)Kate M.
Jake's would get 4 stars if the prices were a bit lower. It was definitely good, but nothing spectacular. I'm kind of having a hard time thinking of what to say about it. The wine was nice, my salad was nice, my mashed potatoes were nice, my filet mignon was nice, the waitress was nice. But that's just it: nice. I'm not complaining about having spent $60 a head, I'm complaining about the fact that this wasn't worth it, especially considering how much good food there is in this town. I didn't see why it was so highly recommended (seriously, everyone we asked about steak said to go to Jake's). Looking back on my trip to Portland Jake's will only stand out as the most expensive meal I had and nothing more.
(3)Anthony B.
Jakes is great. I had the filet with mashers and it was cooked perfectly and the flavor was excellent. Prior to dinner I had a cheese plate appetizer with an assortment of foods that went with the wine I was drinking...great experience.
(4)leah g.
This was our first meal at this particular location. It was good! The service was friendly and prompt. The food was hit and miss. Two of us loved our entrees. The other two were just ok with theirs. What I enjoyed was the stuffed salmon with brie but i substituted salmon with halibut cheeks. To die for! Try it and you will understand. The risotto was perfect. And the atmosphere is fun. YUM!
(3)Uncle Fishbits Aeneas X.
simple, unpretensious. Haven't been there since opening... so I can say the atmosphere and open kitchen, etc... was lovely. Service had been at issue, but I was an early client in its opening period. Cheers to the hotel tho... that place is sick.
(5)alanna m.
I am so over this place. I get that it is a a local staple...... but it is boring, overpriced, and the service is mediocre. I wish I could say that the happy hour was worth it but even that is lame. The only great thing about this place is the clientele.....this place is a pretty good spot to people watch at.
(2)matt h.
Excellent as usual. Great old school Portland spot, great service, seafood, and steaks. Brought 2 out of towners with me, and the are now fans as well.
(5)melissa h.
Oysters....yum Manhattan clam chowder...yum. I like Jake's, although part of a small chain of restaurants, they take care of you. I also enjoyed the tile in the women's restroom and use of vintage post cards. Jake's is one of the few chains I like in fact - happy to hear there is one in Berkeley. The good news is they serve late and have a delightful wine list.
(5)John S.
Whenever I'm in the great state of Oregon I hop on the MAX trains and head to downtown Portland to have a least one dinner at Jakes in Governor's Hotel (if my company's paying for it-it's a little pricey for my budget.) It's awesome. I love the atmosphere, I feel like I'm in the old west when I'm at Jakes. I'm waiting for Mark Twain to ride up or something. The food is really good too. If you are on vacation in Portland, have a dinner at Jakes.
(5)Jennifer D.
I'm not sure about dinner, but this place has a great, cheap happy hour. I loved the muscles in coconut broth. The burger was good too. I agree that the service was a wee-bit lacking. The servers probably don't want to serve the cheapskates eating the happy hour food. Tough.
(5)PJ D.
Top notch very attentive service. Great food. Highly recommend!
(5)William S.
Good food in a classy environment. Always good service too. Special kudos to Julius, a house manager who took the trouble to move my wife and I away from a pack of yammering kids.
(4)Jamie W.
I checked into the Governor Hotel that houses Jake's Grill after 11pm on a Monday night. Hungry because I only had oatmeal that morning and a Subway submarine for lunch, I ventured into Jake's Grill expecting huge prices. To my delight, they serve a $1.95 happy hour menu from 9:30pm to Close ... and yes, they were open at 11ish. I had the Southwestern Chicken sandwich and fries for $1.95. There is a catch though - you have to order a drink. Sure ... give me the $4.25 Amstel Light, though a $2.50 Coke would've met the requirement too. So, for $6.20 (I don't think they charge sales tax in these parts, do they?), I had a nice little meal. It tasted okay ... I just needed something to send me off to sleep. Ambience: 4.5 (They had moose, buffalo, and other assorted dead animal heads around, but I think it fit the place's cigar stank). Food: 3 Value: 5 ($1.95 for a Half Pound Hamburger and fries, if you buy the $2.50 Coke too during Happy HOur) Overall: 4
(4)Todd P.
I felt that we sat and waited too long in each step of the service. Too long before the waiter came by the first time. Too long before we were asked for our orders. Too long before our soups/salads came. Too long before our food came. Too long before we saw our desert selections. Too long before we got our check. A night at a restaurant should not take 2 hours unless you want it that way. If you want to hang around after your dining experience, fine. But if the waiter is so bogged down with other customers then the establishment needs to hire more help. As for the food, it is rather pricey but about par with other places that are trying to be high class. I am not a believer that if you crank the price up on something it automatically becomes high-class. That would be The Emperors New Clothes. To be frank, the only reason I ate here was because someone else was paying. I dont frequent places that charge 30 bucks for a steak. But since they are, I figure they should at least provide decent service, and the food should be top notch. The steak I ate was good, but was it 30 bucks good? I think not.
(3)Nick C.
Growing up in Chicago, and frequenting some of the best steakhouses around the country I knew heading here for a steak wasn't a safe bet, but a client wanted to go, so what could I do... The overall meal was better than I expected, but the execution of the dishes left a lot to be desired. The place was very crowded, but the service was just fine. The meal starts out with a warm piece of bread, which is very good, but from this point on the meal became a little "iffy." I had the wedge salad, a steakhouse staple, and for some reason they felt the need to put asparagus in it, and use a bottled blue cheese dressing! I am not sure what to say here, but this is an easy dish to do very well, and there is no need to reinvent the wheel, loose the asparagus and make a fresh, in-house, high quality dressing and you'll have a winner. On to the steaks, and the overall theme here is SALT, and too much of it. The steaks were cooked ok, but were so over seasoned I couldn't finish mine, there was so much salt I could feel my hands and feet beginning to swell! The steak does come with a potato and some other carb, which is a nice touch, but I declined and substituted the fresh spinach (at an additional price), it was ok, but was over cooked and under flavored. The prices were reasonable, but the meal just wasn't that enjoyable... The place has been here forever so maybe I just caught them on an off night and/or steak isn't the thing to order here.
(2)Dan K.
Jake's Grill is a great default for dinner. The halibut cheek's are phenomenal as is the prawn cocktail and the rack of lamb. My coworkers rave about the NY strip, though with so many great fish choices, I will probably never try it. The wine selection is full of great Oregon pinot noirs to choose from as well. The only complaint is that the food can be crazy slow to come out, but the servers are friendly.
(4)Double D.
Definitely has good food. Great happy hour menu. Hopefully you don't get Daisha as your server. Make sure not to order the same thing as anyone else at your table cooked differently. Also don't crack jokes or act like you're enjoying yourself, servers need more sunshine
(2)Jason G.
Read about this place in the tourist map of the area and I usually don't believe anything those things say becuase I'm sure the places listed in them have to pay for the "advertisment" but we decided to check it out anyway... Waiter was nice and very attentive... cool atmosphere, should've come back for happy hour. I had the ribeye and it was one of the best restaurant ribeye's I had! Cooked perfect an amazing flavor! Came with a huge baked potato with all the toppings. Best meal I had in town while visiting!
(5)Adina E.
I am giving their happy hour 5 stars, and the rest 4 (along with the rest of McCormick & Schmicks) . I love nothing more in a happy hour than a phenomenal 1/2 lb burger with fries for $3. You can. not. beat. that. period. Love it.
(4)Senthil R.
We went to Jakes Grill for a team outing. I ordered the Rack of Lamb. It was very good. We shared Calamari and Onion rings which were both good. Overall a very good time. A little pricy but I guess you expect that at a good steak house. The service however was a little slow but I have to give the benefit of the doubt to the waiter since we had over 10 people in our party.
(4)James D.
sucked..positive seafood sampler app got me sick..salad was wilted..server was curt and seemed to have better things to do..no prebussing of app and soup salad plates..table full of empty glassware and plates when entrees arrived.bread stale.empty cocktail and water glasses..grrrr when spending $200 plus on dinner I belive you have the right to much better...won't be going back. sucked..
(1)Eric S.
Fantastic food & service, beautiful old world surroundings!
(5)Dave K.
One of the top bars in Portland. Excellent food and service. Great happy hour. No riff raff at the bar. I've been a patron for years.
(5)Allen L.
i've never to send a meal back to the kitchen, but i almost did here. when you're paying $50 for steak, you'd at least expect it to be cooked the way you asked for it. i asked for medium-rare, received my meat almost well-done. BOO.
(2)Andrew F.
M & S establishments seem to be going downhill just as fast as the economy. Was there this past weekend and left disappointed. the wedge salad seems to have gotten so small, and the apps were just not up to par. I ordered the fillet Mignon med well, came out as a sloppy bloody mess. Asked for it to be re fired. They did it, but left my mashed potatoes and veggies on the plate while the steak was cooking, so those came back cold and with the same blood still in the potatoes. This is certainly not what I expect from this place.
(2)Janet S.
Had New Year's Eve Dinner 12-31-09 at Jake's Grill. . Wonderful food, excellent service a must for anyone who has never dined there before. If you are visiting Portland, Oregon..this should be on the top of your list to stop and eat. A very special place.
(5)Celia H.
love jakes. love mccormick & schmick's. great seafood, good salads, tasty desert and really good happy hour.
(4)Matt P.
After a Powell's Books employee suggested Jake's Grill for lunch, I decided to check it out with a friend. I was pleasantly surprised by the efficient, polite service of our waiter as well as the filling, tasty gumbo I ordered. The meal was well presented with the exception of the small crawdad that was delicately perched on the top of the gumbo; the crawdad was downright disturbing. I try to avoid eye contact with any animal I'm about to eat - don't you??? Anyway, Jake's is a good place for lunch if you are looking for a place that is a little pricier ($8-$15 for lunch), but nicer than the standard lunch affair.
(4)Edward J.
I love Jake's Crawfish happy hour. 'cause it goes like two large fish flour tacos with spanish rice for $3. A large portion of calamari for $2. But, over four blocks away Jake's Grill, the happy hour food is by far disappointing. It is also a lot bigger and crowded and louder. I don't like that. Way too many old business man talking nothing about nothing. This is one place not for a gay indie guy. I usually go to Jake's Crawfish to sketch while drinking beer and eating happyhour food. Jake's Grill is crummy, a bunch of out of town business folks and families...what do you get? Really bad fashion and fat or obesity. This is why Disneyland is putting railing to the Small World ride, since the boat sinks when the riders are all way too heavy. (no joke, I did freelance design work for Disney Imagineering) So the happyhour at Jake's Grill, why is it disappointing? You get something along the line of $2.75 for a salad wrap (pretty good actually), $3.75 for a small plate of fried sliced oysters. The fish taco is also very tiny and alone for $2.75 See that extra $.75 for smaller plates? WHY?!
(2)Renee T.
pancetta wrapped rockfish, drinks, dessert, and a table outside where our dog was served water too. awesome.
(4)Beth F.
I was in Portland for one night alone on business and wanted to find good northwest seafood within walking distance of my hotel. Jakes was highly recommended by the concierge and yelpers seem to like it, so off I went. When I walked in around 6:30pm it was packed and was told that the wait would be over an hour, so I went to the bar where they serve the full menu and found the one lone seat . At first I was a little apprehensive about sitting there by myself - but I had my magazines and a pair of fantastic bartenders, Matt and Joe, who took very good care of me. I never felt lonely or awkward and met some locals who frequent the place for happy hour. I didn't have to endure any unwanted attention - which often happens when a women is sitting alone at a bar - and really ended up having a great time with those who came and went during my time there. As for the food, well....YUM. I started with half a dozen Buckley Bay Oysters (from BC), which were DEE - licous, then had the grilled large shrimp marinated w/lime and tequila and corn salad...so good I could've kept on eating. Oh, and I found a fantastic Oregon wine I had never tried before - Ponzi Pinot Gris...I don't recall the year....but wow. So good. I'm told that this vineyard is also well known for their Pinot Noir, but I happened to be in the mood for white that night. All in all I had a great meal, met great people and drank great wine at Jakes.
(5)Tanner H.
I ate and drank here on a weekly basis for about three years. The waitresses are superb, the drinks are perfect, and the atmosphere is a perfect mix of swank and laid-back.
(5)miriam b.
The salmon was grilled perfectly with a lemon cream sauce and flourless chocolate torte to finish.
(3)meg g.
New Years Day Brunch......not many places open or without a 2 hour wait here in Portland today. So we tried Jakes....mistake. I have had their happy hour before, belly up to the bar, eating cheap food at late night was fine generally. But, on New Years Day you expect a bit more, especially since they advertised a special brunch. I should have expected as much since the dining room was nearly empty at 12:45pm when Mother's Bistro down the street was hustling. Ordered the classic Benedict, sub fruit for potatoes and my partner had classic eggs breakfast sub fruit for potatoes. Service was quick and good. Food abhorrent . I wish i could have taken a picture of my two TINY bennies sliding around on a massive plate contending only with a brown spray of parsley (what!) on a separate plate came my fruit....no joke; two slices of melon....well 1/4inch slivers actually, one sliver of pineapple and ONE SINGLE GRAPE! my dining partner received a huge plate, with the same fruit "array" and a cup with two cold poached eggs...no bread...no butter...nothing else two poached soggy eggs and horrid fruit for $8. My bennie was $950. I am giving one star only because i was really hungry, had timed entrance to the museum, and after waiting 15 minutes for the manager to see me , she comped our meal, which came to $29. Left the waitress a $7 tip (wasn't her fault) and beat feet out of there, never to return.....sadly. The other location has dynamite happy hour and great drinks, stick to that if you ask me.
(1)dae m.
my recommendation for all the irie folks out there. get blitzed out of your mind and come here for a massive 2$ happy hour burger and other cheap assorted entrees. shoot, even if u don't get irie just come here and get drinks and eat. this is place is awesome. 2$ and u get a huge burger and fries! and we ain't talking about a sad happy meal sized portion. no sir, no miss...we's talkin' hoooooj!
(5)Margaret P.
We had a reservation for 18 on Christmas evening. We were lucky enough to find a parking spot right in front of the restaurant. I felt a bit guilty about eating at a fairly upscale place when I noticed a homeless woman in a sleeping bag on a cold, December night. In fact, there were a few homeless people camping out at the building next door. Upon entering the restaurant, I immediately felt comfortable and loved the holiday decorations and multitude of lights. We were escorted to our table and they had given us a private room. Good thing as we had several, very rowdy children with us. Our servers were very nice and skillfully served our large group. We started with the large seafood platter appetizer and the shellfish was all very fresh and tasty. The hard rolls served before dinner were certainly nothing special and many of us ignored those. Our entrees came with soup or salad. I ordered the salad and was very disappointed to see it was nothing but lettuce served with a nondescript vinaigrette dressing. I had a few bites but of course it was very bland. We all had a nice variety of entrees on their special Christmas menu and I heard nothing but good reviews from my family members. I had the seafood stuffed steel head which came with a scoop of mashed potatoes. I would have loved to have seen some broccoli or another vegetable served with it. (I am a huge vegetable lover!) The fish was perfectly done and came to the table piping hot., however. Several of us asked to see the dessert menu. They had a very nice assortment of goodies. I ordered the berry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. The crust was extremely yummy and was coated in a light, granulated sugar. My only complaint was the crust was very thin and would have been better if it was thicker. The majority of the cobbler was fruit and ice cream and was still quite good. After dinner we all agreed it was a wonderful experience and we would return next year. (and ask for the private room again!) On the way out to our car, my brother gave the homeless woman a 20.00 bill and wished her Merry Christmas. It was a great ending to a lovely evening.
(4)Melissa W.
Jake's is one of my Portland Faves! The food is good, the atmosphere is nice, the staff is friendly and attentive. It is a go-to spot for a nice date. It's been a while since I've had their clam chowder, but it was good enough to be memorable. I'm a sucker for all things seafood-- and I have never been disappointed at Jake's!
(5)George M.
Jake's is living in the past and living on it's reputation. I hadn't been there for quite awhile until crossing the threshold a week and a half ago and it was as if time had stood still. The atmosphere is dark, but the large windows make up for that. The service is excellent. But the menu? Oh, much to be desired. At least the part of the menu that was actually available. Seems at least half the menu was not. So...why bother? Why not just post at the door a list of what IS available and save everyone the trouble? Disappointment was rampant. Not whining, as another reviewer remarked ( well, maybe a little). Just highly disappointed
(3)Marilyn V.
My friends and I went down to Portland for the weekend, in the morning we were looking for brunch spots and found this close to our hotel. The staff was very accommodating and made space for all 15 of us. Sadly, that's the best I can say about the staff. We had one waitress waiting on us the entire time, she needed help many MANY times and no one assisted her. As a result, service was slow, she messed up our orders and was peeved that she had over counted an item (that we didn't even order). Food-wise, it was an okay brunch location. Nothing really special about the menu that I would recommend or even come back for. I say if I'm in Portland again, if the food trunks aren't open, I might hit this place back up.
(3)Mabel H.
"'Ello Govnah!" Jake's Grill is in the Governor Hotel, where my sister bunked for the night. It is a lovely, lovely place! Romantic lighting, beautifully paneled, a nice fireplace. Very elegant place, but informal enough to feel comfortable. Definitely a nice date place! We took my sister there for her birthday--we are all from out of town (us Rochester, NY, her from Seattle). I brought in a birthday cake from a nice little bakery and they had no objections--even brought us forks and plates! I thought that was the classy thing to do; I was really pleased with our server--she was professional and friendly. So, overall it was a good experience. I would go back again, but I only gave it three stars because I am a foodie and my meal was not exactly stellar. Whenever I travel to the west coast I order seafood, but I am learning that Portland may be too far inland(?) All three of us ordered the halibut, which is a delicate, flaky, buttery, INCREDIBLE tasting and incredibley expensive fish.....however, that being said, the wasabi halibut we ordered was bland and really tasted no different from any other inexpensive white fish. There was no spice and the texture was not delicate. Not terrible, it was "just okay". I wouldn't order it again. I was SO HOPING it would be spectacular given what we paid for it. I normally pay $30 a plate when I dine out, so I didn't feel the pinch too terribly. My standards may be different from yours. Expect to pay $25-30 a plate + drinks, coffee, desert, tip= $$$... It is worth it for the experience. It really is a nice place. I'd still go back there. So definitely Do go--just go with lower expectations. Know that the food will be "A-ok", but that you are going to be paying for the server, atmosphere, etc. and not a stellar meal.
(3)Becca H.
Not too bad of a place to swing by for a drink. The staff and bartenders have always been pleasant to me. I've enjoyed their specialty cocktails like the Portland Streetcar. Nothing to get me in the "crazy Becca Lou" mood...but decent. Always been crowded whenever I've gone in - gee, Friday/Saturday nights around 10-11 pm. Hmmm...
(3)Honesty J.
Great happy hour. It's a beautiful place and when you walk in your a greeted by lovely hostesses with beautiful smiles and great attitudes. Happy hour menu and prices were excellent. A good mix of options. I enjoyed the Cool Breeze and later a Coffee Nudge. I splurged off the main menu instead of the happy hour menu. Though my friend loves the cheeseburger which is big and comes with a nice portion of fries for $3.95. Service was awesome and despite the fact that it was crowded we were attended to promptly and checked on frequently. I would definitely recommend this place and will be back.
(4)Edward H.
I had a business meeting/dinner here and felt like I was back on the east coast in a supper club. The bar is very busy and somewhat noisy, but it has the feeling of a "Cheers"atmosphere where everybody knows everyone else. I thought it was one of the largest selections of fresh seafood I have seen in a restaurant - almost too much to comprehend at one time. Of course we tried salmon, shrimp, scallops and many others. The food was excellent. The place is pricey, but when you get top-of-the-line seafood, it is going to cost you some bucks. The service was incredible and our waiter had been there for about 25 years and had some of the best jokes I've heard. Highly recommend it, and if you are traveling to Portland - I suggest at least the happy hour, where you can get incredible seafood to snack on.
(5)Sally G.
Breakfast at Jake's is lovely. The room is handsome and sleek (I sort of felt I should have dressed better) and the table is set up very nicely. Waitstaff uber-professional. Eggs with tomato, goat cheese and basil, side of really, really good bacon (!!!) and perfectly crisped home fries filled the tummy all day and hadn't a need for another meal 'til dinner time. Wake up early, and treat yourself to breakfast here (open at 7:30 am, complete lunacy that I so much appreciated).
(4)Ilesha D.
Great service and food :) my friends from out of town visited for thanksgiving and needed to eat some good food. Unfortunately many of the restaurants were closed due to the holiday and I personally did not have time to cook up some turkey. Thankfully, jakes grill was open and they even had a special thanksgiving plated dinner that evening too. The atmosphere was comforting and warm. I always get excited to see holiday decorations. We all ordered the turkey dish with a side of soup. Everything tasted fantastic and definitely got us full. For a fancy dinner, $25 wasn't so bad. I'm just thankful that the turkey wasn't dry it bland. Good thing everything turned out to be worth it!
(4)Jowel G.
I loved this part of town in Portland. We were visiting for my graduation and came to Jake's for lunch the day before graduation. Sat out on the patio with a slight, quick drizzle (it didn't downpour on us) I sipped on a martini as the naked cycling parade swooped by on 10th street. After that amazement, I chowed down on the pot roast-yummy! Mashed potatoes were creamy and the roast itself was tender. After a couple more of the martini's, I was ready to see what they had for dessert. We opted though to continue to check out the city for the rest of the night. We headed into the Alphabet district to check out the sites and good times there. After all this, I realized that this is part of the McCormick's chain of restaurants. They have the same happy hour menu as they do back home in Pasadena, CA - the deal! (this review is way past due!)
(4)Julia L.
Is it just me or has Jake's Grill gone way down in service and product?? When I first moved to Portland was b-roke I would frequent here with my roommate because it was cheap and good for happy hour. I don't think I had a complaint about the food, drink or service once (at least as far as I can remember). The other night we headed in for late night HH and snagged two seats at the bar. The bartender started out really friendly, welcoming us and making sure we had enough room as it was a bit crowded) but after that point it just got big time uncomfortable. He seemed annoyed with all of the servers at the service bar and was pretty rude to them half-assing their drinks and slamming items around. I ordered a vodka soda with lemon which he instantly pulled out while I finished ordering and started making. I was impressed with his Johnny-on-the-spotness until he grabbed a lime and squeezed it and sort of slam dunked it in. **SIDE BAR: I was a bartender for many years and have a rule about not pissing them off...it's just a good rule to for everyone to follow. There are exceptions to this of course, but if you are about to belly up to the bar for a little bit I recommend abiding by this rule. END SIDE BAR*** So anyhow, I am not opposed to limes, I just prefer lemon and decided he was in too fragile of a state to ask for a lemon. I asked his opinion on some of the food and he was honest, almost to the point of being grossed out by the food I mentioned instantly turning me off from the rest of the menu. I decided on the hummus and cheeseburger and neither was very good. The hummus was covered in excess with this red oil that overpowered the hummus and veggies (which looked like they were cut for Andre the Giant), the fries straight out sucked and the burger had a weird smell to it. I tore apart the burger in search of the smell and didn't finish anything which is not how I roll. The bartender had since left for a smoke putting a server in charge of the bar. She never came down to check on us when we got our food and just stood down on the end chatting with her coworkers even though I was trying to get her attention. Once he came back from smoking he seemed just a very little bit better. He talked with us a little bit but I felt it was forced and disjointed. Listen buddy, I'd rather you just stand there at the end of your bar like your friend then interject your stressed, crappy attitude into our conversation. I mean, this wasn't a TERRIBLE experience but bad enough that Jake's Grill is now on the very bottom of the list of places I will return to. I will leave this place for the yuppies and tourists.
(2)Lauren T.
Best suggestion for Portland dining. I ALWAYS tell people visiting Portland about Jake's. Not only do I know they will get great food, drinks, and service, but they'll experience the true friendly nature that is Portland in a very comfortable atmosphere. I go to Jake's for lunch weekly and my main motivation is to have my day made by Geno (one of the greatest bartenders you'll ever experience). His genuinely kind and welcoming personality is greatly appreciated and you'll have similar experiences with all the staff. Never once have I been disappointed at Jake's :)
(5)Robert M.
These people can make a cocktail. Ed is a great bartender and the food is always fresh n tasty. The blue plate lunch special is consistently good
(5)Jennifer D.
Truth is, I felt the life being sucked out of me the minute I walked in. I appreciate the classic bars in Portland but this one has done nothing to maintain its integrity. The bartenders and managers spent most of the time discussing their weekend adventures with each other than helping customers. Their uniforms were dirty and sloppy. The drinks were mediocre and the bartenders knowledge of local distilleries was incorrect. They told us they no longer carried a specific liquor anymore because the distiller went out of business. Not only did this distiller not go out of business, they did not even create the product that we were asking about. Jakes, it is time to stop relying on your previous reputation and actually try to keep up with the times.
(1)Ruben N.
If you need to find a good steak in this town...LOOK NO FURTHER! This higher scale dining experience was probably one of the highlights of my visit to this magnificent city. The wait staff is accommodating and attentive in their demeanor. A white tablecloth establishment that doesn't feel intimidating nor pretentious for us casual diners. Let me run down the selection for the evening: One succulent 12 ounce rib-eye steak, a generous portion of whipped mashed potatoes and a 6 ounce monster lobster tail -- That line alone would be enough to write this review. My steak knife cut through that rib-eye like a spoon through jello (mmm...there is always room for JELLO!) The dish satisfied my carnivore cravings and left me a happy dinosaur with the belly the size of one too! The price is what you would expect of a steakhouse of this caliber but it doesn't matter to me. It was worth every penny!
(4)Gena L.
Been here a handful of times over the years. The atmosphere screams business lunches to me. The food is tasty but the mac and cheese is probably my favorite. It has a great bread crumble on top that I would recommend to mac and cheese lovers. There is a full bar. My husband recently order a VERY spicy bloody mary that made his eyes water. He also said it was the best he had ever had of that particular drink.
(3)Tanner A.
Tried happy hour again. Different bartender same terrible service. Don't know if I am willing to do this place again. Too many other happy hour locations where the customer isn't made to feel like an inconvenience.
(1)RooLyfe G.
Jake's Grill awesome Lunch spot for business. Class and perfect place for business.
(4)Livie L.
A disappointment! The menu seemed old-fashioned and in need to be adapted to modern times by including some healthy, light, and vegetarian/vegan options. The service was surly, some of the dishware chipped, and the decor old-fashioned. I had expected much more from this restaurant! Many of the surrounding food carts have much better food on offer for 1/3 of the price.
(2)Wendy P.
You've got to see it to believe it. A fancy dining experience at non-fancy dining prices. We happened to be in the need of a weekday lunch and followed our noses around the corner from our hotel to Jake's Grill. Peering in the windows as I walked towards the door, it looked a little more upscale than what I had in mind. Complete settings and even cloth napkins didn't prepare me for the menu posted outside the door. Wholesome food-appys, entrees, the works-all under $15. Sold! Our waiter was impeccable. Yup, impeccable. He had suggestions and descriptions of his favourite menu items and was just friendly enough to boot. He also informed us that the menus are printed daily to mirror the food they have in stock, so you'll never hear "sorry, we're out of that." Our meal started out with some warm buns. Halfway through eating them, the server brought us another cup of butter. "The buns are always better with enough butter," he remarked. This guy knows everything! Following up on the buns, I had Jake's Grill Class Pot Roast. Man that just hit the spot. Served with vegetables, mashed potatoes and gravy, it had comfort food written all over it. We were also offered dessert, but after that big of a lunch who's got room? I did manage a latte to settle my stomach. My share came to $13.90. Colour me impressed. I couldn't get over the decor. I felt like I was in a 1940s hotel with the lights, the paintings, chandeliers and dark wood finishings. Four Canuck yums up for Jake's Grill for sure!
(4)Barrett I.
I'd go back every chance I get! One time there and I'm hooked. I got the stuffed oven roasted filet of salmon, which was stuffed with dungeness crab, Oregon bay shrimp and brie...loved it. To top it off, got some oysters on the half shell and they were some of my favorite oysters I've eaten. The server was nice enough to answer any questions and give full explanations about the food and where it came from. A very good time that totally exceeded my expectations.
(5)Chase L.
Love the atmosphere, dark woods, white linens and sweet 1800's tile floor. Food was both presented well and tasted even better. I ordered the fillet and lobster...not too much for an average size guy. I would have given it 5 stars but it lacks in the local (Portland) micro brews. No Widmier Hefeweizenis is unacceptable in Portland. So if Seattle brews are your thing you'll like the micro brew selection, otherwise skip this place or have wine.
(4)Michelle H.
While the HH menu is cheap as hell, I think I'm in love with their lunch the most. Fresh fish, plentiful portions, out for $10-ish. Dinner is one of those "wow, I just spent how much?" kind of places, but the dishes will still leave you going "Yum!" Service is always awesome no matter the time of the day--friendly and lots of character. If you call ahead to reserve a table for an event (like a company birthday lunch), they'll print the names of those you're celebrating on the menu. It's a sweet touch.
(4)C.W. J.
Got engaged here. I love this place. If you don't like it you should be in prison. Next time I am in Portland. This is my first stop. Food. Service. Drinks. Location. Outstanding Must go.
(5)Cathy G.
wow ok it was a long day at class. My friends asked us to go eat with them. Fine .. dalay dalay.... delay.. The first restaurant was like 50.00 dinners and they were going to go for it!! We left and decided to go here.. ominous because of the tablecloths! I was surprised that there was a varitety of prices and meals. I was not so surprised that our waiter was VERY slammed and no one helping - NO BUSBOY!! No WATER refillls! Finally I had to ask to have my meal packed to go before getting served. It simply took too long and I was tired - my friends were not.. however - I feel like it could have been handled better. 3 stars is a gift.
(1)Giggly C.
Great happy hour. Yummy pork sliders, ribs, potato samosa. The 1/2 lb cheese burger and pizza are just OK. Off appetizer menu, the onion -thin sliced dish was soooo good. HUGE Portion! Go early for the sun prime rib special. by 8pm, it was sold out. we were disappointed. they were out of halibut and sangria too. boo
(4)Trinh T.
This is a cool spot for happy hour. The $1.95 bar menu is a great deal! You can't go wrong ordering any one of the items on it. The 1/2 lb cheeseburger is juicy and delicious. I had a taste of the three cheese quesadilla, Baja fish tacos and spinach and artichoke dip which were all very good as well. The decor is conservative but the atmosphere is laid back. The happy hour deals attract a fun and lively crowd!
(4)Jeremy M.
As far as late night eats! This place is great. With prices you can't beat and service that is stillar, with Jakes you can't go wrong. The happy hour menu is perfect. I suggest the ribs and the burger. It's a manivore meal, and will only set you back about $6 bucks!
(5)Jerry M.
Did the Thanksgiving buffet at Jake's Grill inside the Governor hotel. Buffet was actually on the 4th floor and not inside the grill which was nice. Food was good but not exceptional. Variety was ok but nothing out of the ordinary. I didn't like paying and tipping prior to being seated. Service was lousy and generally speaking we were totally ignored. Won't be repeating the experience.
(2)Tamara F.
We went to this place on a whim. We went for dinner & both of our meals were amazing. I had the cheese ravioli with crab in a spinach gorgonzola sauce. It was rich and amazing. The service was really great. The ambiance was not one of those overly hip restaurants, which was just fine with us. We loved this place and would go back if we were ever in Portland. It is pricey, but I would say that the food is worth the price.
(4)Marvin D.
Happy Hour Sunday 3:00pm to close!!!
(5)Andrew H.
This was by far the best meal I have ever paid for. Ever. Our service was amazing, see Tony, he will take only the best care of you. I wanted to take my boyfriend somewhere amazing for his birthday. We were visiting Portland and discussed where to go for dinner for almost two hours before deciding on Jakes. The cons - We were seated next to a large party, who was of loud business men. It turned out to not be so bad and I realized the whole place was a-buzz with chatter. Additionally, my boyfriend was served the incorrect beverage, but I know it wasn't Tony's fault as he repeated it correctly when taking the order. The PROs - We ordered the Italian Beef Appetizer, while it didn't look like much when it arrived, the subtle nuances in flavor where like getting hit in the mouth with awesome flavor. Think... "POW! Right in the kisser." My boyfriend ordered a rib eye with peppercorn glaze. De-lish. Cooked to perfection, served with delightful potatoes, he claimed it was the best steak he's ever had at a restaurant. I ordered the Top Sirloin. When it came out I was amazed at the presentation. When I tasted it, I was blown away by the flavor. The asparagus was crisp and tasty. The few pieces of crab that came with it were the perfect complement to each bite and I couldn't even finish my potatoes. Again, I have to agree that it was the best steak I have ever been served. Additionally, while my boyfriend received the wrong drink, A bloody Monkey, he enjoyed it as it was a fantastic version of the bloody mary. I ordered a "Queen Bee" which was hands down, the best drink ever. I sent the ingredients to a bartender friend demanding that I have it again sometime soon. At the end of the meal, I asked for Tony's name as the service was amazing and was the food. He later came by to thank us by purchasing our dessert because we were quote "so nice and pleasant." I had informed Tony only after the offer that it was my honey's Bday, and he returned with a chocolate truffle slice, with a candle. While it was most certainly not a cheap dinner, you get what you pay for. And after two hours of research and finally deciding on Jakes, we both felt the right decision was made. We even gave each other three high fives throughout the meal. All in all, anyone who says this place is not up to par, or doesn't have fabulous service, or the food is over priced, is not paying attention. Or is used to receiving the kind of food only kings eat on a regular basis. I Highly recommend Jake's as a wonderful place to get dinner for a special occasion.
(5)Bill G.
Very impressive happy hour!
(4)Jenna B.
This place was packed when we arrived, it must have been because of the happy hour. My colleagues and I went to dinner here and I was a bit disappointed. We ordered the calamari ,and shrimp and crab cake appetizers. They were tasty but then again they were safe bets. The salmon with crab and brie entree that I ordered was a bit too rich for me, I ate less than half my order. I also ordered the mini mousse shot dessert and it was mediocre. Overall I expected a bit more- food with more gusto. Instead it was just "A-OK".
(3)David G.
Amazing service, amazing staff, delicious food... you gotta try the brown sugar bacon
(5)Alyson L.
My friends and I were in Portland for the weekend and had just attended the Beer and Wine Fest and wanted to stop at a place where we could get a small bite to eat and a few more drinks. It was a little spendy for the budget we were on, so we asked our server if there were other places in the area to get some drinks and possibly some food to soak 'em up. This chick was amazing and I really wish we would have gotten her name! She told us of 3 more places we should check out and brought us some bread to munch on while we figured out what appetizers to get. We ended up getting the crab cakes and the oyster plate, but the real star was the crab cake! All five of us agreed that they were the best we'd ever had. To top it off, our server came back with a list of the places she had suggested, with cross streets, on a note pad paper with the number for a van-cab company (we had expressed concerns that we wouldn't all be able to fit in one cab). She needs a raise! Also, we were seated next to the bar and didn't notice the smoking at all.
(4)Wyman J.
$1.95 cheeseburgers? Are you serious? Yup, go here for Happy Hour and you will find a good selection of items for $1.95 including a good sized cheeseburger, chicken sandwich, fried shrimp, potstickers, and more. There is a $2.50 drink minimum per person but you can stuff yourself for less than $10. Happy Hour is M-Thu 3-6pm and 9:30pm to close. Friday and Sat 10pm to close. Sun 3pm to close. One of the best bargains I've found in Portland.
(5)Alex P.
Decent food, decent atmosphere but slow SLOW service. I had the Kobe Rubicon steak and jumbo shrimp dish, the sauce was great but the steak was a little tough. The shrimp wasn't half bad either... Jake's also has great happy hour, but don't expect your food to be served quickly.
(3)Nickole C.
This is one of my all time fav's! Great atmosphere...food is very good and the prices while higher for most...are much cheaper then other linen table steak houses in town. They have a great variety on the menu and I have never been disappointed...but i also choose wisely it is a seafood place so go with seafood...you want good pasta go to an Italian restaurant. Brunch is divine and I often brunch there with a group of 6-10 so it is nice that they are so spacious. I am not always thrilled with the wait staff...but they are yet to piss me off so much as to not walk away feeling I chose wisely. The crab cakes are out of this world!
(5)Dennis S.
Jake's grill is one of my favorite goto places for lunch when I am in Portland. I enjoy sitting at the bar, having a glass of Oregon Pinot Noir, taking sports with the knowledgeable bartender and other patrons. Their daily specials are reasonable and other items very tasty. I like it even better now that Portland has gone non-smoking. Prices might be a tad high for some but I don't mind a little splurge for a nice lunch in the big city once in awhile.
(4)Eric B.
I went here during Sunday happy hour. Here's what I got for $2 each: * 1/2 lb cheeseburger with fries. I was definitely not disappointed. Steak fries aren't my thing, but these were pretty good. * Breaded prawns with Thai chili sauce. Each plate has 4 shrimp, er, prawns, so I ordered a 2nd one. Not great, but not bad. * Spicy ahi tuna roll. This plate inspired my new game, called "Try to Find the Blasted Little Bits of Tuna in the Mound of Rice." (I'm still working on the name - it's admittedly a little bumpy.) I wrapped up this 5-plate meal with their molten chocolate cake ($8). So so. Chili's retains its title as Molten Chocolate Cake Champion. In the end, I'd definitely order the burger and shrimp again for $2. As for the tuna roll, I'd rather have a half-gallon of gas.
(3)R T.
Great happy hour and classy service. We love stopping in for a bite when walking around downtown.
(4)Abe I.
Happy hour is where it is at. After 10pm or all day Sunday. I prefer to go in the afternoon on Sunday's for a drink and a $2.00 cheeseburger. You cannot go wrong. Also, I have a strong internal appreciation for the decor, which includes monumental taxidermied animals staring down at you from high places. Fancy.
(5)Andre F.
I was very impressed with this place. Just stumbled upon this place when my wife made me pull over and find a parking spot. From the name and the outside I thought of this place as a family type steakhouse. Upon walking in realized that it was kinda fancy and my family (wife, Kids 3 and 4, and I) felt very under dressed but after being sat the waitstaff made us feel very welcomed. We arrived at 4 so we were given the lunch menu which, along with the dinner menu, is printed daily so changes are frequent. I had the Blue Plate Special (Roasted Sirloin of Beef, over Arugula Mashed Potatoes and topped with chimichurri sauce), my wife had stuffed Sole with mashed pot and my kids split a grilled cheese sand and fries. The food was delicious and had just the right size portion for all of us. The waitress was very nice and interacted with my children very well. She also pointed us to a fountain park we had never heard of (Jameson Square). We took our dessert to go and enjoyed it while cooling off in the park. The Blueberry Shortcake is very delicious and not too sweet or heavy. Overall: Was very pleased and would bring friends and family. Pros: The non-snobby atmosphere was refreshing. Cons: 10 oz Gingerale for 2.50
(4)Roche H.
Wide selection of amazing food at incredible prices. Best lunch bargain in PDX. Serve is 5 star even at 3 star prices.
(5)Gina M.
We went here for breakfast on our most recent visit to Portland. The eggs benedict were okay... somewhat bland but the marionberry spread and biscuits they serve with every meal were to die for!! And who can ask for anything better than fresh squeezed oj? mmmmm! Great service and no wait at 9am on a Saturday...would eat here again.
(4)Mike L.
Expensive as hell and the food sounds better on the menu than it comes out on the plate. Breakfast/brunch is pretty decent though - I just wouldn't expect either (a) to be overwhelmed by the quality or (b) underwhelmed by the price.
(2)Brandon H.
There are plenty of other places for a good meal in Portland, and I really can't suggest going here. As our last dinner in Portland, I really think this was a mistake. It seemed to be the destination for the suburban "Let's go to the city for a nice meal" crowd, and it just underwhelmed. The one shining achievement of this place was the kobe beef pot-stickers. Everything else, from the French onion soup, to the NY strip I had for dinner, to the undersized brownie for desert just screamed of mediocrity. Unless you've been here before, and this is your "type" of place, I'd suggest trying somewhere else.
(2)H B.
Went in to dine and drink after an afternoon downtown. Mary Ann was our server and she was clearly displeased when we ordered 3 appetizers instead of 3 entrees. Her face said it all and from that moment our dining experience became a negative one focused on her making us feel less a priority than her other tables. Sincerity is of great value of working directly with others. It was unfortunate that she didn't agree. We will not be back.
(2)Angie M.
When I go to a bar, I'm not there to be seen, or to see other people. I'm there to DRINK! Jake's is a great place to do so. Their cocktails were potent and reasonably priced (a friend and I had 2 drinks each and the total was less than $25). The atmosphere is relaxed and reminiscent of old school bars: they even had Frank Sinatra and other jazzy crooners piped in. There are also televisions showing the Monday Night game, but the volume was turned down so it wouldn't bother the other guests. They also had.... $1.95 Cheeseburgers. Ok, so I didn't actually order one, but they looked delicious and for $2, can one really complain?? Their happy hour menu includes many other kinds of treats (pot stickers, blue cheese fries, fish tacos, etc.), and they have a early evening and late evening happy hours. yay! We also went for breakfast during our stay in Portland and they have the most delicious homemade biscuits. Mmmm! Definitely a great place to chill and have a drink.
(4)