North Light
3746 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR, 97227
North Light Menu
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Address :
3746 N Mississippi Ave
Portland, OR, 97227 - Phone (503) 477-7079
- Website https://www.northlightpdx.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
- Mon :Closed
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Brunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Kim B.
Potato puffs, SO GOOD Braised seared parsnips, ehhh SKIP Polenta, BOMB Rainbow trout, DIVINE! Their drinks are out of this world. I had a spicy drink with habaneros (don't remember the name) that was one of the most creative and tastiest cocktails I've ever had. Will definitely be back-- especially since it's right down the street!
(5)Caden R.
Went to North Light last night as part of Portland's Burger Week. North Light was participating which meant that the Smokey Joe burger was only $5! We had a party of five and sat right down and our food came very quickly. The cream cheese on this burger was a game-changer. I don't know why we as a society aren't putting cream cheese on more things. The fries were also very delicious; crispy to perfection. The bun was a little bread-y, but was delicious nonetheless. The Cock and Bull ginger beer is a must have!
(4)Drake S.
Were I affluent enough to think it reasonable to drop $12 (plus $1 for greens, which chafes) on a basic burger, I would likely become a frequent patron of North Light. Being instead a 20-something stuck somewhere between nostalgic reflections for the structured hedonism of college complete with nightly ramen and natty, and daydreams of a professional existence that affordably allows twice-daily sampling of the myriad gastrointestinal delights of Portland, I relegate this restaurant to the ever-growing "happy hour only" section of my personal eatery index. This isn't all bad though, because their happy hour is damn good. $4 drafts and $1 off cocktails are nothing special, but their short list of happy hour food options is varied enough to appeal to most and the prices are great. Slice that $12 burger price in half and slap on some smoked gouda and greens for free and you've got yourself a filling a la carte dinner. Want something on the side? I suggest the $4 corn fritters with spiced honey, equal parts fried, savory, and doughnut. The space is nice--high ceilings and walls made of windows give it a very open, fresh feel, but watch out for errant sunbeams as they tend to blind if you get unlucky in your seating angle. The staff tightropes perfectly between attentive-but-not-pushy and relaxed-but-not-informal, skills I wish I could export to my dating life--kidding, I don't have a dating life, but if I did, I would be comfortable taking prospective partners to happy hour at North Light.
(4)Amy O.
Really great brunch. It was quiet outside, and the service was great. Several drink options for getting your brunch on, plus they serve Stumptown Coffee. Service - great! Food - excellent! We ordered the ... +pork belly hash with kimchi (great!) +gravlox eggs benedict (great!) We sat outside as it wasn't super hot yet. And it was so beautiful. My favorite meal in Portland that day.
(5)Kelsey H.
This place is cute with good service. I had the Portland dining month with the stuffed phyllo dough and it was average. It was a lot of sweet potato with not a lot of seasoning. I had the sorbet too and it was good but there was two scoops of two different flavors and one was super sour, couldn't finish it. My bf had the chicken and he said it was good. Our house salads were also good. Very hipster part of town, cute décor and quaint place. Drinks were good as well.
(4)Megan B.
I was very pleasantly surprised by my experience at North Light. First of all, I love just about anywhere that takes online reservations for two. I hate waiting when I'm hungry. The food was good, though I wouldn't get the mac 'n cheese again. When they brought out my dish I initially thought they brought me the wrong thing because it looked like some sort of soup. The noodles were drowning in the cheese sauce and were very soggy. The flavor was good but the execution and presentation were quite poor. I did thoroughly enjoy my salad, and my husband's meal was absolutely delicious. Another bit of a strike against North Light was that I waited 20 minutes for iced tea. When I ordered the tea, the server came back a few minutes later to let me know they had to brew more. No problem. I wasn't in a rush. From my seat at the restaurant, I could see the pitcher of tea steeping behind the bar and realized that it had been over 10 minutes that the tea bags were steeping. There were only three tables seated in the whole restaurant so it wasn't like they were busy, someone simply forgot about the tea. Thankfully after realizing their mistake, they started steeping a new pitcher instead of serving me over-steeped tea, and apologized for their mistake. Soggy mac 'n cheese and 20 minute tea aside, their service and other dishes were good enough that I'm excited to return and give them a second chance.
(4)Debbie L.
Great bar on Miss Ave. Clean, open and fresh with private and group tables. Inviting feel for sure. Went for a whiskey tasting event and got the featured cocktail made with Stone Barn Brandy Works ingredients. Very nice cocktail with a great host and loved that she took time out to tell me about the things she had setting on her bar. Very knowledgeable staff and great event. Makes me wanna go home and make bitters out of everything. Looking forward to going back soon. I recommend North Light for cocktails!
(4)Sudipto G.
Another gem on Mississipi, this street just keeps getting better and better. Went here with a group of friends on a thursday night around 830, and there was plenty of seating available. They have an amazing outdoor patio which is perfect for summer evenings with the cool breeze. The service is impeccable. Its a new-american fusion kind of place and they have an interesting menu. I got the roasted chicken breast which was excellent, slow cooked to perfection over 30 mins. They have an excellent number of beers on tap as well, I had the espresso stout which went well with my dinner. Will definitely be back here, its a great place to hang out with friends and enjoy some great food.
(5)Alexis B.
Love the food. Cocktails are spendy but worth it. Excellent service. Come on a Tuesday when there is all day Happy Hour. $4 pints. $1 off house cocktails. Don't skip the Potato Puffs. The Royal Sour is a great cocktail.
(4)Sara K.
$2 Bloody Marys at brunch! Yes, $2! They also have a great burger and everything is always fresh. Definitely a nice sunny brunch spot on Mississippi with little to no wait.
(5)Laura C.
Our poor server James had to man the restaurant solo for brunch Sunday, while another person inside did the cooking and bartending....and we had a group of 15 (the rest of the patio was full as well). Although meals came before drinks, and some people were done eating before others got their food, everything tasted wonderful and we happily sat in the sun, not really caring what came when. I've worked in the industry and know how incredibly hard it is to work a crowd when you are short staffed and our guy remained calm and friendly and didn't make any mistakes in our orders. The best part of this place is the outdoor seating area. That and that they reserved a table for us and let us all pay separately. Again, James got all 15 tabs correct. The 2nd best is their really good breakfast menu.It's my favorite meal of the day and the biscuits and gravy I ordered made the cut! My final compliment is that we were not forced to give the standard 18% tip on a large group, which earned James 20% from us.
(4)Katherine C.
Consistently good food at a very fair price where you don't know to break the bank to receive a quality meal. I went today intending to just order a couple apps and a salad but after looking at their Restaurant Month selection, I was easily away to participate and I am happy I did! I ordered the beet salad, seared duck in cherry glaze (fall off bone tender), and the cheesecake. Everything was delicious. The decor is nice with a big patio and there's also a good drink selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. This was my second visit and it's been 2 for 2!
(5)Michael C.
I was deeply impressed by North Light is past Saturday evening. While I did not have a martini (my key metric but since I had two large bourbons prior to arriving at North Light common sense for once took hold) but absent that all other aspect of the experience were terrific. Service: Awesome; given some of the reviews I was surprised how prompt it was for us. A+ Atmosphere: Nice and bright with high ceilings but good acoustics so you can have a conversation. A Food: Excellent. I was surprised by the considerable portions that were served. The main meals are generous. The steak salad was top flight. A Price: Awesome; I did not pay. A+ (Prices are more than fair) Parking: A challenge since the area was buzzing on the beautiful evening in February. N/A...they do not control the parking.
(5)Eric T.
Had a party of 11. Took 20 minutes to get the menus. No water brought to us either. We waited another 10 minutes for waiter to take our order but he never showed. No apology from the staff on delays. It wasn't that busy either. Horrible service. After 30 minutes of nothing we walked across the street to Little Big Burger.
(1)Ritu K.
We ate here last summer for $5 burger week (gotta love PDX) so this review is a long time coming and I'm hoping they've worked out some kinks- namely boring food. It's really a place you want to love. Large modern space, great outdoor patio, affordable eats, good service- what's not to love? Well the drinks for one. I had two different cocktails- each equally as bad. As for the food I skipped the $5 burger (a kimchi/meat extravaganza) and ordered something which is no longer on their current menu but unfortunately totally forgettable- seriously I have no recollection of what I ate. Needless to say we haven't been back but perhaps it's worth another try with all these fantastic reviews??
(3)Stephanie A.
Within three days I returned to North Light for the highly recommended all day happy hour on Tuesday per the bartender. The place hadn't changed but the service and food was considerably different in terms of quality from 3 days prior. The potato puffs were a soggy mush on the inside but over cooked on the out and the once spicy sauce tasted like a bland mayo blend. The French fries met my expectations and the burger was decent in comparison. We also tried the Mac & cheese it was terribly bland no matter how much pepper you added, the Caesar salad looked good but be warned its an anchovy based dressing- not my thing. My friend had the tofu fries which she liked but I wasn't to impressed by, it tasted like deep fried tofu with soy sauce. The rolls were decent, the butter creme is more tart them sweet. The Moscow mule was a bit weaker on happy hour and sadly the staff looked exhausted & swamped so the service suffered compared to Saturday. Maybe it was an off night for the place but I find consistency critical to a 5 star place and it's lacking here so I've gotta re-rate them.
(3)Raj S.
How hard is it for good to be great? Hard. Hoped for great (brunch) at this hip-vibe neutral-décor restaurant but it didn't rise to it and fought hard to be good enough. The benedict of day (mushroom/spinach with hollandaise sauce) had everything going for it except serving temperature (lukewarm would be generous). Service was slightly off and not excusable because it was Mother's day, no (plenty of open tables). First, they forgot to offer kid's menu for my 9-yr old (check for having one, uncheck for not even mentioning it), then water came 15 mins into being seated, and finally lukewarm brunch plates after 25 minutes tells me our server was late to the kitchen train. Ugh, promise unfulfilled.
(3)Jonathan S.
This cozy restaurant on Mississippi has daily happy hours with great drink specials and happy hour food options. The server noticed us on the sheltered patio immediately and provided prompt, cordial service that lasted the duration of the meal. The angel hair pasta (vegan) was amazing and delicious. It's a great place for friends and even better place for a date with your loved one.
(5)Kelsie V.
I had a nice time here - I was treated well and the food and drink where yummy. I had an ale and a glass of wine the first visit and their happy hour Potato Puffs. I highly recommend the Potato Puffs - it's a fantastic, $3 snack that pairs perfectly with beverage. The second visit - the bartender fixed me a Shandy----light beer some ginger beer, and lemonadge. Delish, although a little too refreshing for the cold, windy weather. Ha. It was well crafted. They recently updated their menu and I enjoyed some Buffalo Chili Fries-the portion was perfect for a single person. It could have had more heat. The inside decor is upscale, mod-Standard Hotel style. It did lack a bit of character, but the lines are clean and the patio is very sleek. Their restrooms are very fancy. I think their music is turned up too loud for being vacant inside. I love music, but there's a time and a place - for higher volumes. I could barely hear the bartender, the place was not filled, so it seemed the staff had it up for their preferences.
(4)Steven M.
We decided to try this restaurant w/ my niece who is quite a picky eater. We had a pretty good meal - started w/ the lollipop chicken which were quite good. The lamb shank was prepared well and literally fell off the bone, but the spinach side was overlooked and not seasoned. The steak was slightly over medium rare, but tasty. The deconstructed Shepherds Pie was a nice seasonal touch, but a little less hardy than I expected. The service was OK - the main problem is that they seemed to be a little short staffed for proper attention to detail and table service. Possibly adding a busboy to clear the tables and fill water/replace utensils would be helpful. Nice location on Williams street, but as per usual in that area a little hard to park.
(4)Mary B.
I'm a big fan of North Light. I've been here on many occasions. Including Burger Week. Oh man, that was one awesome burger. I've also been here for brunch, happy hour and dinner. Their cocktails are special. Unique. I think Happy Hour is my favorite time to come here. Their menu is tasty and has some really great flavors. Good prices, too. This place is honestly one of my go-to places for any time of the day.
(4)Ehow C.
I had been trying to find a good brunch alternative in the neighborhood, so I had to try out the (relatively) new kid on the block. I had to order my staple--or a variation on it--that is chicken fried buffalo. The plate was... meager. The buffalo was seemed only like a slice, but the quality didn't really make up for the quantity. It was a little chewy, otherwise nothing remarkable. The kale underneath was a piddling amount. The eggs were cooked to order, at least. Sadly, I just wasn't impressed, especially for the price ($13 w/o tip). Sorry North Light.
(2)John H.
I went for the Portland Dining Month promotion. I chose it because they still had room for a last minute reservation on a Saturday night. The service was very good. The meal was also really good. I had the duck breast. It was started with a beet salad and finished with dessert of chocolate mousse cake. I really wanted the cheesecake, but they were out. :( They made up for it by allowing me to choose anything on the dessert menu in it's stead. Although I liked everything, the beet salad was 'one note'. It really needed something to temper the vinegar taste (perhaps some goat cheese, or more nuts)? The duck was cooked perfectly. The ambiance is very loud, as there are high ceilings and hard surfaces everywhere. I would recommend this place and would go there again.
(4)Halvdan M.
Food was cold ,]unseasoned and bland. I will never come back and intend to advise others against coming as well... they even made a bad mimosas I did not know that was possible. Seriously worst food and drinks on Mississippi
(1)Cindy A.
HAPPY HOUR REVIEW 4:00-6:00pm and 10:00pm-mid Daily Food Deals 3 $2.00-$9.00 About a dozen items with several really delicious gluten-free options (really!), like their mac & cheese, crispy chicken lollipops, salad, tofu, and fries; plus soup, grilled cheese, crouque monsieur, potato puffs, and burgers. Drink Specials 3 $1.00 off beer, wine, and wells Atmosphere 3 From the owners of the beloved Night Light in SE. Contemporary, fresh spin on somewhat seventies style, with vinyl booth seating, giant drum lights overhead, and little orange glass candle lights flickering and floating on a big white wall. Perfectly wonderful outdoor patio that includes a super-long bartop which is great for groups.
(5)Annie C.
It's been awhile and tonight I was thinking that I need to go back into North Light to get some amaZing cocktails and delicious bites. I've been to North Light a couple times (once for late night happy hour) and another time for a close friend's birthday celebration (a sunny afternoon on the patio). Both times, we received superb service and exceptional food and drinks. I really need to make some time and go back soon!!
(5)Sandra L.
Brought some friends for Happy Hour and can't believe we had the place to ourselves..for about 15 minutes. Our server was prompt and helpful. We ordered a few craft cocktails a North Light and an old fashion both were superb. For food we ordered Mac and cheese, with bacon, Rosemary fries and a cheese curd stuffed burger. As usual the burger was AMAZING! The Mac and cheese and fries were flavorful as well.
(5)Natalie B.
My favorite spot! A restaurant that is equally casual as it is swanky. Decorated with leather seating, rustic wood accents, retro gold lighting, air plants, candles; it all comes together nicely. Works as a random Tuesday spot or a planned anniversary date night. Cozy candlelit indoor winter dining or probably one of the best outdoor patios in NE for summer dining. And the service is perfect every time! Generous portions! Extremely reasonable prices (Moscow mule is $6 reg and $5 on hh). Speaking of hh they have two, one that goes until 6 and one that starts at 10 Couple of fav items: they have an awesome glazed chicken salad with some type of orange in dressing & their gf Mac n cheese is scrumptious.
(5)Jskilicious S.
This restaurant was a bit of a surprise. It was very empty for a Thursday night. Only one other table there, and that being said we had to ask the bartender to seat us because nobody was around. The ambiance is nice with candles and a modern feel. I ordered a lemon drop type drink which was good but very small for the price. We got the potato puffs which were really yummy. There were only 3 which left us fighting over the last one. There was a slightly spicy dill style mayo with them which was a delight. I got the burger which had a good char and nice flavor. The garlic mayo with it was really good and so were the fries. My husband got the steak which wasn't anything special. It was tough and not well seasoned. The veggies were in a watery cream sauce which he didn't eat. I think this place can be great, but I worry if they don't step up their game they may be overlooked.
(3)Jeanne S.
Brunch. Just ok sorry to say. Service wasn't very attentive; no rounding for more coffee, a request for additional gravy didn't arrive, no checking as to how the food was, just sort of indifferent. The food was so-so. The biscuits were too dense, the chicken fried steak could have had more seasoning. I got the feeling this place is the backup for Gravy. I had high expectations but they weren't fulfilled.
(3)Mike T.
Meh. Average spot nothing great, and nothing bad.
(3)Amie B.
This place was a great surprise!! I have frequented their sister restaurant/bar Night Light in Se and have always thought their food amazing great, (especially for being bar food, like WHOA) and upon giving this place a try, I was very, very pleased. I like that they are doing more of a restaurant setting and a little more upscale, while not trying to be overly fancy. Its still laid back and comfortable. The ambiance is pretty enjoyable for a nice dinner. We ordered the lamb meatballs, brussel sprout salad, potato puffs, mac and cheese, and the bacon wrapped meatloaf! I highly recommend getting a variety of plates like we did, because you are going to want to try everything. Now that I've had the bacon wrapped meatloaf, I cannot imagine life without it. The service was great too. I love this place and I cant to see if do well, but I would also be ok if it stayed a secret gem so I can pop in whenever I please:D
(5)Tamsen G.
Really enjoyed the pork belly benedict! Tasty brunch cocktails also for the win. There's a charming outdoor seating area, ideal for people watching on a lazy weekend afternoon. All in all, definitely will come back and see what's on the regular menu.
(4)Cass M.
My husband and I had one of those rare perfect pdx dining experiences last week. It was during burger week, it was late, it was Wednesday, we had already struck out at two other burger locations, so we really were at a pretty low point. The staff at North light seated us immediately, we got our drinks within minutes, the burger week menu was amazing and completely available, the outdoor seating was beautiful and fun, our mood was immediately elevated. Once the food came we got even more giddy. His burger was perfection, my pasta was amazing and the salad and vegetables were all dressed perfectly. Needless to say we had more drinks, stayed longer then we intended, and reveled in our good luck. Already have plans to return this week!
(5)Mel C.
It took about 20 minutes to even get some water after being seated. They were out of both eggs benedict (which i came in for) and biscuits and gravy. So that was cool. The male waiters were friendly and on point but the waitresses were a bit cold and aloof. I guess it's my bad though for trying to get brunch in portland at 11am on a Sunday.
(2)Kate N.
Awesome brunch spot! House made jam, great breakfast potatoes, menu has variety...this is a "must brunch"! Shawon was an awesome server and the food was just down right tasty! Breakfast sliders with bacon and their seasonal hash were ordered, and devoured! Mimosa was solid but the Bloody Mary could have used a little less citrus and more spice. Loved the outdoor seating- will return to eat though the rest of the menu!
(5)Alex R.
I've made two visits to North Light, once for dinner and once for brunch, and I feel like I have the picture of the place now. Our dinner trip was with a party of 4, and we appreciated the sprinkling of menu items for every dietary restriction. We sat outdoors, and our drink order took quite a few minutes to be taken; we had a cider, a beer, and two cocktails between us. The drinks took even longer to come back, and in the meanwhile we foundered a bit; I think we might have ordered an appetizer if our waitress had come back to visit before the drinks were ready. The cocktails were fairly priced, but somewhat mediocre. We tried the GF Mac & Cheese, the Polenta+Ratatouille, the Spaghetti Squash, and the Grilled Cheese between us. The dishes were all quite well plated, but the portion of Squash was quite small. The pullman bread that the grilled cheese was between was *fantastic* in texture and flavor. Brunch was quite quiet on a Sunday morning at 10:30, a rarity in Portland. We ordered two of the hash special (salmon with poached eggs), the pancakes with a side of bacon, and I had the tofu scramble with a side of 'housemade vegan sausage'. I was quite pleased with the texture and flavor of the tofu in the scramble, but the vegan sausage was dry and quite unappetizing; I can't recommend it. The orange juice is fresh squeezed and was delightful. The service was quite slow considering the small number of tables to be waited, and while the housemade mints that showed up at the end of the meal were pretty, they are not vegan. (I'm allergic to eggs. :( ) North Light is not quite a beacon on Mississippi, but not a bad choice; the attitude is laid back, and the menu is friendly to all diners. I'm quite hopeful that they'll hit their stride soon.
(3)Kaleb F.
Service was awesome. The pork shank and garlic mashed potatoes are fucking delicious. Burger was fine as all hell. The garlic fries and aioli sauce was heaven in my mouth. House made mints were a perfect way to end it. Oh and no wait. Because nobody has found this hidden gem yet.
(5)High S.
Way overpriced. Underwhelming food. Impersonal service. The owner was as rude and dismissive as a librarian at MultCo Central. When you throw food on a customer YOU SHOULD COMP THEM A DRINK. This place won't last with the other, smaller, nicer staffed places cropping up on Miss.
(1)Rod O.
What a fresh new addition to the Mississippi food and bar scene. The North Light walks a tightrope few are able to. They manage to be a fun bar for happy hour/hang out as well as a beautiful spot for a date night. The space is stylishly appointed with a sizable outdoor seating area perfect for late afternoon cocktails. The food here is exquisite- the kale salad amazing, the potato puffs are a thing of beauty, the chicken drumsticks are yummy simplicity at its finest and I won't even begin to sing the praises of the grilled cheese, sigh.... The service is friendly, efficient, attentive and personable. Casey(?) who works the bar late night is one of the friendliest bartenders in Portland, but the rest of the staff are superstars as well, i just can't remember their names! Come for happy hour, stay for dinner....but check it out. This is the place Mississippi St. has been waiting for!
(5)Vanessa L.
Friendly staff, no wait for brunch on a Saturday and $2 blood Mary's?! What more could you ask for!
(5)April A.
My daughter and I enjoyed dinner here during dining month. We shared the vegan special dinner, and added rolls, a parsnips side dish, and a second dessert, which was plenty of food for us and provided some tasty leftovers too. Our waitress helpfully brought samples of wine that we were considering, especially useful to us as we are trying to learn more about wine. She even provided small sparkling waters to cleanse our palate between tastes! We settled on a pinot gris (one of their keg selections) and a hearty Bordeaux, both delicious. North Light is skilled with vegetables and must have a great baker, too, as I loved my little rolls and the small cookies that came with the sorbets. The sorbets were noteworthy, embodying the essence of blood orange and marionberry. And unlike many Pdx restaurants, the noise level was low enough that we could have a conversation over our dinner!
(5)Charlotte F.
The chicken lollipops are bomb! Quality food. I also had the New York strip and what I believe were some kind of creamy turnips. It was delicious. The steak was seasoned nicely and cooked to my liking. I will definitely be a returning customer.
(5)Rebecca S.
After a great late night happy hour here (must order the fried potato puffs on the bar menu), we just came back from brunch. First good sign: torn between too many dishes that all sounded uniquely good. I went with my first inclination towards french toast stuffed with ham, farmer's cheese, and cumin maple syrup. And my husband reaffirmed my decision to marry him by ordering my second choice: the corned beef hash with horseradish crema, eggs and hollandaise. Good food requires good flavor, which both of these dishes had in abundance. But in my view, great food also requires noteworthy textures and interesting combinations, which both of these also boasted. The bread! It was the kind of bread that I eat thinking "I wish they sold this by the loaf to go...". Amazing pillowy texture, not just an afterthought. And the potatoes and vegetables in the hash were soft yet browned just right, the eggs were perfectly cooked to allow the yolks and hollandaise to mix in a sauce of glory, and the flavorful, moist pork was interspersed generously throughout. Too bad we didn't have room for the greek strata, pork carnitas, and all the other dishes we'll have to decide among next time we go. Add to that creative cocktails, a uniquely beautiful space and NO LINE since it just opened. That latter part won't be the case for long.
(5)Kate F.
I've been here twice now & both times my meal has been rolling-eyes yummy. I took my Californian relatives there and everyone was beyond impressed. Our service was delightful (thanks to the chef for sending out such delicious treats) & we felt like royalty. The chicken is so good, you can't believe it could be regular old chicken: impossible! My brother shared bites of his steak salad and we all mmmmmmed like crazy. I also had the Brussels sprouts salad and found it to be light and tasty. We had the lavender pan a cotta for dessert: what a creamy delight! I'm a chocolate girl- so wouldn't have normally ordered it (if not for my guests) -but it was heavenly devoured. Plus, did I mention how fantastic the decor is?? Gorgeous!! Sexy and sophisticated - but bright and low key at the same time. Can't wait to try brunch!!
(5)Stephanie P.
Overall: Great first visit, and I would return. Tops: --Wonderful patio. --Nice cocktail list. --Friendly service. --Great, varied menu with plenty of veggie options (and meat) and labeling for gluten and other dietary concerns. --Both the food and cocktails were creative and thought out. I had a kale salad and some kind of squash dish main. Both were fresh, tasty, and well priced, but the kale salad felt like it could use just one more thing. It was only kale, croutons, and cheese. I felt like it needed maybe one more texture or flavor component. And the squash had too much bell pepper. It needed less of that. One thing I didn't like was how LOUD it was inside. I was in Portland during a hot, summery week, and I didn't crave outdoor seating really. I sat outdoors only because there was very loud, terrible music blasting inside.
(4)Lonnie L.
My wife and I love this place. Great staff and service is incredible. But by far the best attribute to North Light is the food the pastries are fresh made in house, the brunch menu is wonderful. The Benedict's it's better than Hellser's and if your up for it the cocktails are top notch. Where else can you get a great bloody Mary for two bucks on a Saturday morning. Oh and in case this sort of thing matters to you (it does to me) the prices are fantastic.
(5)Kyle A.
It was good. I had duck with s cherry sauce. Was really good. Wife had sweet potato in bread. She like hers. Salad was tasty. Dessert was delicious. Would go there again.
(4)Rick S.
Bacon wrapped meatloaf with an egg in the middle. Yeah, that's a tasty party! The potato puffs are yummy. Good drinks, nice wait staff, and the pricing is fair as well. It's a gem on Mississippi !
(5)Benton B.
This has quickly become one of my favorite brunch spots. Attentive service, relaxing atmosphere and good food. The fry bread taco is a particular favorite of mine, and the tofu scramble is delicious whether or not you eat meat. The staff has always been friendly and has gone out of their way to be accommodating on several occasions. Overall a great brunch spot or place to grab some drinks with friends.
(5)Kevin M.
Stopped in for brunch on a Sunday. The food came out quick, and fresh. The staff was friendly. Will definitely go back.
(4)Rick W.
Some darn decent food at moderate prices. I've visited this new establishment twice and enjoyed both meals. I've had the New York strip, the beef salad and great appetizers, including the potato croquettes and asparagus. They were all well executed.The cocktails terms to be pretty good but I've had a couple of misses - sadly the old fashioned was one of them. The service is still trying to find its stride. The bar was repeatedly backed up on a night we visited but the staff was accommodating and up front about delays. One of the waiters lacked any descriptive words for the wines other than "well-balanced". I'd suggest he get a thesaurus. What really bugs me is the cave like bathroom that is so dark you have to fumble around for the light switch. For goodness sake, out a low wattage lamp in there. North Light has potential to be a strong addition to the neighborhood. We'll definitely be back to watch them improve and partake of the delicious food.
(4)Shonna B.
So me and hubster came on opening night. The place looks fan-freaking-tastic! I was In pressed. There a huge white full of candles, there fresh flower bought in by the bar, a little half wall with plants as you walk in. Out waiter was amazing, down to earth & helpful, very attentive. Hubster had a pork shank with mashed potatoes which was delicious! I had a steak salad which I was not a big fan of... the steak and egg were cooked perfectly. Our appetizer was lime a deconstructed tamale with calamari with was a little overpriced and not tasty to me, but hubster liked it and it looked good. Now later the owner came and asked what we thought she was genuinely interested and took the time to listen. I just loved that! I couldn't give full stars cuz my food was not right, I didn't like the appetizer and I was a bit annoyed that there was no diet soda and my soda cost $4.50. We will go back again because the service and place was awesome, so I'm hoping my food will match!
(3)R L.
Very impressed by this little restaurant. Very good food and check was surprisingly low! Had Valentines dinner there, and that was awesome. Our waitress was also very kind. So definitely 5 stars!
(5)Renee O.
Went for dinner on a Saturday and they had only been open for a week at this point. We had a very enjoyable time and you can just tell they use fresh ingredients and care about the food they are preparing. The burger was good, and the spaghetti squash with asparagus was pretty good. Kale salad was lovely. The only negative was that the drinks are very small for the price. I know I can't always get big drinks for small prices, but I would not have spent $18 extra for two very small drinks. Overall, solid place and definitely worth exploring!
(4)Jean-Philippe J.
Great food. My wife and I got the special drink with Pomegranate, Mezcal and bubbly, the seared tuna, the pork shank and the spaghetti squash. Delicious! Chocolate crepe with apricot for dessert finished this awesome discovery.
(4)Gwen V.
This place is a gem! Delicious food and never a wait. Service is awesome and prices are great!
(5)Nate U.
Yorkshire Pudding could have gone in at a lower temp, but the New York Strip and the Mustard Greens that came with this entree were great! My wife had the Pork Shank which was massive - she loved it!
(4)Kristina H.
This place should be packed. The food is absolutely off the chain. I have no connection to the owners or chef - I'm just really excited when I find food that is super tasty, original and worth spending money on. I HIGHLY recommend. And the service and atmosphere are on point. To me you can't go wrong here.
(5)Skylor P.
I love it! The owners are so kind, the food was AMAZING. I went during burger week and had a brunch burger that I'd gladly eat for every meal. I had a great bloody mary and even ha the pistachio cream tart was the best I'd ever had. The ambiance is fun, very clean and new. I'll be back!
(5)Ash S.
Gem! Likely my best find on Yelp to date. Atmosphere was great and very kid friendly. The food really was awesome. The potato puffs are a must and everything else was very good as well. Nice to see so many Gluten free options as well. Will be back for sure.
(5)R. E. R.
It's easy to mess up a caesar salad, but North Light nails it with kale instead of romaine and a perfectly balanced dressing. They were kind enough to add chicken upon request which was lightly seasoned and incredibly tender. Welcome to the neighborhood. I'll be back.
(5)Vincent W.
A bit expensive considering there are places within walking distance that have similiar food for less. The meatloaf with the medium boiled egg on the inside was amazing, then wrapped in bacon. Are you kidding me? That is awesome. Great date place...Good atmopshere with great wine selection. The outdoor seating is very inviting even when it is a little chilly.
(3)Laura J.
I'm such a fan of this place. It's just around the corner so we had to try it when they opened and we've been coming back since. We're both vegetarians, but never have any trouble finding deliciousness on the menu. Potato puffs are amazing as is the Mac and Cheese and their salads. The service is great..the people are friendly and attentive. Sometimes there's a blip, but they more than make up for it with great food and great mixed cocktails. A must try is the shaved brussel sprout salad and the new harvest stew is delicious.
(5)Kirsten H.
This place has a nice atmosphere and appears very clean. It has a great NW menu with healthy options. It is a little pricey in comparison to the small portions. The service was consistent and friendly so I will most likely be back.
(3)Emily C.
We really enjoyed this place this afternoon. I had the gluten free mac and cheese (as someone who doesn't avoid gluten and just felt like something cheesy- you'd never know it was gf) and the rosemary fries. She had the croque monsieur with some fresh squeezed grapefruit juice and vodka. Everything was fresh, fast, and I didn't have a single complaint. Atmosphere was fantastic and the servers were very attentive. We drove past it initially because no one was inside (usually the first sign of a bad restaurant), but I am really glad we came back. It is exactly what we were looking for.
(5)A L.
In a word? Terrible. I was looking forward to visiting this place based on the reviews. We must have gone on an "off" night. Soggy Mac and cheese - mushy pasta swimming in some weird cheese sauce - blech. Don't bother with the "Cobb" salad which was really icky. Good service however. Probably because there was no one in the joint. Cheap eats= cheap quality. Now Gruner? That was amazing. Hold please.
(1)Michelle B.
a generic, newer bar one could find anywhere in suburban America. very loud (barking dogs kind of acoustics). poorly constructed cocktails with ambitious descriptions. (super sweet happy hour berry cocktail and an alcohol heavy house cocktail). tasty burger and fries. super fresh, barely dressed salad. unreliable hostess. never seated us at a table even though she took our name. ended up eating at the bar.
(3)Carrina M.
The first thing you need to know about North Light is that this place understands hospitality. This quality is lacking (as something to rely on, at least) in so many places in Portland. Sometimes, you just don't care - but sometimes, you do - and it's exciting to be able to plunk down at a place that gets it without having to go to one of the old stalwarts downtown, because who wants that? They have a few rituals to demonstrate this commitment to hospitality that are clearly consistent across the whole team and must be a training element. It works. You can go here with your significant other for a romantic dinner, because there's a whole wall of candles going up to the ceiling. (The top ones are electric.) You can go with a larger group because, well, booths and long tables. I believe I've seen the occasional high chair. And, it's an awesome place to take parents or visitors as well because the menu is genuinely Portland (get the burger but also a fava bean scramble or whatever's on the seasonal menu that day), but with the addition of hospitality and consistency and not having to worry about anything being weird or off (or if it is, the assurance that it will be handled gracefully). My two-person household has already brought along parents from both sides (on different occasions, thank you), to rave reviews and an enjoyable experience for all. Complimentary lemon cream dessert drinks, just cuz? That is one way to the in-laws' hearts. (In addition to the housemade chocolate mints, btw - those seem to be a given for dinner seatings.) Now then. The second thing that you need to know about North Light is that the bar manager, Chris, is a secret wizard. Go on, check my story. Sidle up and make some inquiries. There's some J.K. Rowling s*** going on. A specific example to support my theory is that one of the North Light cocktails has some kind of violet liqueur in it. I liked it, asked about it, and subsequently learned about the history of violet liqueurs in the US, the three main players and their respective rises and falls, and the origins of some violet-spotlighting cocktails I might consider ordering in the future. (And just to be clear, I learned all this because I asked and was clearly interested, not because I was railroaded into any kind of unwanted conversation - not something you need to worry about here.) It's also a somewhat educated theory in that we originally got to North Light by following Chris from a previous location (Cathedral Park Kitchen, back in its Golden Age), where I swear he actually did have dusty old wizard books. You know, like cocktail potioning/reference books. Moving on to the menu, briefly: They have the best $20 steak in town. My husband would be here backing me up right now if he had a Yelp account. I don't do tofu normally, but their tofu with the spinach, sweet potato, and soy-mirin sauce is seriously satisfying - especially when it's only $6 during happy hour (yes, I've done this more than once). I would say that a tofu dish is an exception to the overall feel of their menu, which seems to be more like classy but accessible comfort food - but I guess that part of great hospitality is making sure that the tofu fanatic has something to eat, too.
(5)Eam M.
Ok.......! I am really impressed with North Light. The food, the service and the place is awesome. I have been looking for comfort food in Portland for quite sometime now. I believe that my search is now successful! Everything I have tried was delicious. The prices are great. I went there two nights in a row(opening night April 18 and 19). I never go out to dinner at the same place two nights in a row. Hats off to Christopher, Hope and the entire staff at North Light. Well done!!!!
(5)Ken H.
We chose North Light because it was convenient to meet for dinner before our Italian Language class, and we are definitely happy with the decision. Our time before class was limited, so I ordered a bowl of the chicken soup - spicy and great tasting, and the North Light Beef Burger. My better half ordered the Roasted Chicken Breast. Our attentive server suggested she consider another dinner choice because the chicken takes 30 minutes to prepare and we may be late for class - that was certainly appreciated. She chose the Pan Roasted Rainbow Trout, which was perfectly prepared. Clean, friendly and great food - we look forward to going back soon.
(5)John C.
Three of us had a fixed price Birthday/ New Year's Eve dinner. It was great. We started with a tiny portion (amuse bouche) of golden beet tartare. At first I read "beef", then realized that the entire meal was well-suited to the subtle crunchy, chopped white beets with a touch of caramelized brussels sprouts and a bit of vinegar. The crayfish bisque was light, creamy and flavorful, with a little "kick" and recognizable bits of crustacean. The sea scallops sat in a very shallow pool of lemon beurre blanc. They were tender and moist, seared to a crisp on top and bottom. (These may be the best scallops I've ever had) The NY strip was tasty. It was served with wild mushrooms and a truffle oil demi-glace that complemented, rather than overwhelming, the grilled prawns. The Panne cotta dessert sat on a surprisingly crisp shortbread (perhaps ginger?) cookie. It was covered with a swirl of torched meringue. The coffee was good. Each dish was very tasty. The subtle combinations resulted in a light and flavorful interplay that became greater than the sum of its parts. As we had previously experienced, the servers were attentive, gracious and professional, perhaps sensing our desire to eat with family rather make new friends. A new Susan Sage painting now hangs on the west wall. It's a welcome, warm addition to the space, and I hope to see other strong works that enhance its personal scale. We''ll be back.
(5)Chelsea B.
Spent a lovely sunny afternoon on their patio with some friends and my puppy. Great food, attentive service, and creative drinks! The bartender (Chris, I believe?) really took care of us, letting us try samples and then making us 4 different drinks with the same liquor for us to pass around! Loved that. I feel it's (unfortunately) rare in Portland to that really personal attention and service. Will be back!
(5)B S.
Would give this place more..but they are falling into the same path as so many other restraunts..closing early is never a good quality in the service industry. Was told the first time i went there they would always serve food until close..unfortunetly they dont keep there word..was turned away service thirty mins before "close"..thanks for waisting my time.
(2)Lindsay D.
I picked North Light randomly last weekend for my husband's birthday. It was seriously delicious and we will definitely return. All four of us ate something different were incredibly pleased. My husband said his meatloaf was great, but I was so engulfed in my tuna nicoise that I didn't even get a chance to sample a bite. Our friends said the pork shank fell right off the bone. At first, we couldn't figure out why the place was so empty on a Saturday night, but I see that it's a brand new place. The service was incredibly attentive (maybe a little toooooo attentive) but once word gets around that North Light is awesome, I'm sure they'll have more to do than constantly pour our water.
(5)Kenzie M.
This is my first restaurant review; the dish I had at North Light Restaurant was so delicious I felt I had to review this place. The "Roasted Chicken Breast" was very juicy and cooked to perfection, the skin was crispy and flavorfully seasoned. My nice server allowed me to swap the potatoes to garlic mashed potatoes; that and the roasted vegetables were also very delicious!! At first I was apprehensive eating here because it only had 28 Yelp reviews, but I was drawn to a few items off the menu. After finding out that the restaurant has only been opened for four months, I thought I should give it a try. I am so pleased I did!!! If I'm still in Portland tomorrow around dinner time I will definitely return to get the same dish or try something else on the menu. The staff was friendly and professional. Two thumbs up!!!
(5)Taylor W.
I was an intern at a company nearby this restaurant and found it online and decided to try it out. The atmosphere was great - there was indoor and outdoor seating to choose from. Service was quick and the food did not disappoint. The menu was simple to read and didn't overwhelm me. My compliments to the chef! It looked like a painting and tasted like a little piece of heaven.
(4)Shannon S.
I have been to North Light twice now and cannot say enough good things about this N. Mississippi gem. The food is thoughtfully prepared and yummy as hell! I've had the the braised pork shank and the burger. Holy crap they were good! Plus, the restaurant vibe is laid back and inviting with not a hint of pretension. The staff are all super friendly and go out of their way to make sure that customers have what they need. It's so refreshing to be in a restaurant where the staff all seem to be genuinely nice people! The drinks are quite simply divine! Their awesome outdoor seating area is the perfect place to enjoy a tasty libation while soaking up the sun and taking in the Mississippi milieu. Just get yourself on down there. You will not be disappointed!
(5)Breylan D.
Loved the atmosphere, food was super tasty, as were the drinks. Our server was really sweet and took the time to make recommendations, which was pretty cool. Only downside was that there's no WiFi and not great cell service - not the best if you're expecting a call or email.
(4)E R.
Service was exceptional, food was excellent. My dad had the pork, which was recommended and he said it was wonderful, my mom the chorizo and scrimp (also excellent), and I had the kale caesar and chicken soup (the caesar was outstanding, the soup was okay). Portions were substantial--not too much, not too little. I cannot rate their service highly enough--definitely recommend and would go back again!
(5)Matt M.
Loved the restaurant although parking was tough! Luckily both the drinks and food made us quickly forget the parking issue. We tried the potato puffs (a must!), the chicken lollipops (another must try!) and the French fries. We had the Mac and cheese which was amazing! The owner visited with us and she was friendly and a wonderful hostess! We will go again, definitely!
(5)Jimmy B.
Ordered the pork belly eggs Benedict for brunch and it was wonderful. Plus, they were very accommodating to our party's food allergies. No wait for a table, delicious food, and complimentary homemade mints. Glad we stopped in for a quick bite!
(4)Alice C.
Friendly service, generous happy hour portions of delicious PNW food. Loved the kale Caesar salad. Also dog friendly! The homemade chocolate mints finished off a fabulous meal. We'll definitely be back. :)
(4)Holly L.
I agree with Blythe T's review, except both the desserts i sampled were delicious. And, our waiter may not have been effusive, but he was perfectly nice, and the service was good. It was just disappointing to go out for a special evening and have the food be mediocre. Perhaps North Light should have stayed with their regular menu.
(1)Nick C.
Went for Brunch, food, service all outstanding. We had the eggs Benedict, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, chicken fried steak. All very tasty. The pastries are to die for- we had the special Babka and it rocked! Bloody Mary- perfect! We will be going back soon. Love this place. Best breakfast in Portland in along time. If you are near N. Mississippi you MUST try this place. You will not be disappointed .
(5)Jeff B.
Great server, lovely ambiance just across from Mississippi commons. Excellent dinner and cocktails at a reasonable price. Some of the finest outdoor seating on Mississippi.
(5)Roxann M.
Fantastic service and even better food, especially at this price point. I highly recommend the meatloaf.
(5)LJ B.
We've been here 3-4 times and every time the service is excellent and the food is really good. They have the best tofu dishes in Portland and I have eaten tofu all over this town. They use Ota (local) and season the tofu scramble and the tofu entree perfectly -- just the right amount of spicy with fresh jalapenos -- all the veggies have been fresh here. The happy hour portions are also huge, I always leave here just a little over my limit, but when food is good, that happens. Beer selection is great and did I mention the service? We are not cool, we often get the "you are not cool" service in Portland (uncool Portlanders know what I am talking about here), but every time we come in here we get greeted and waited on like they actually are happy to see us. I hope that never changes. Because it is awesome. I feel happy when I am eating here and I have a sense that that is something North Light actually wants -- for people to eat good food and feel happy while they do so.
(5)JoMarie F.
I loved the smoked chicken salad and the service was excellent. My daughter loved the homemade rolls and Mac & cheese.
(4)Power B.
The service was amazing! The food was okay, I wasn't blown away by it but then again I stuck to the happy hour menu. They had plenty of GF and affordable foods to enjoy. I would definitely go back!
(4)