My overall experience at the Palm Court was barely OK. The drinks were stiff so that is my only thumbs up. Mac and cheese was on par with microwavable TV-dinner standards. The tacos fell apart so obviously were rushed past the preheat step. We expressed our dissatisfaction to our waiter and still did not receive any type of minor verbal compensation. I will never eat there again. On the flip slide, the Benson Hotel experience was incredible, just don't eat in their restaurant regardless the location's convenience.
(1)
Kim C.
I love this place. The bar is exceptional though small. The bartender on duty both times I was there was OUTSTANDING. He ran a tight ship (I sat next to the servers' station once, so I really got a sense of the interplay between him and the servers). The drinks are pretty darned good and are made heavy, which in this case means that if you order a cocktail, he will mix what is virtually two drinks worth, then pour some into the 3-4 ounce cocktail class and the rest into a small vessel which is then brought out, on ice, next to your glass. So basically, you get two drinks worth for the price of one. If that wasn't good enough, I had occasion to try some of their food items on another trip. Tasty, tasty, tasty. The cheese plate was solid, served with Humboldt Fog, a young manchego style and chunk of Blue, plus some crackers, sliced baguette and a little dish of apricot jam. It all worked together well. Also, we tried a mixed green salad which went over well and a crispy Duck Confit with potatoes and pickled onions. The duck was outstanding as well. I'd go back just for that. The service was friendly and casual yet attentive and I left feeling taken care of, without blowing a wad of cash (it's not cheap, but not *crazy* pricey either). I will definitely come back again.
(5)
Cara M.
We had breakfast here since we are staying at the Benson. We got there at 11:45, but they were nice enough to still let us order breakfast even though they stop serving it at 11:30. I got the blueberry pancakes and they were very tasty. There was a lot of fresh blueberries which I loved. My husband got a sausage, bacon and cheddar omelette with hash browns. It was good. The prices are a bit expensive, but the was what we expected as it was located at the Benson. I'm craving the blueberry pancakes now!!
(4)
Sherry S.
So sweet! Came here for a birthday drink and they brought these really good chocolate frosted brownies with a B on them!! I was so buzzed that I thought it was B for birthday but it really was for Benson. The waiter was sweet. I told him what I thought the B stood for and he just said well it's for Birthday at the Benson. :) Birthday Brownies at the Benson! Oh and they were fresh and chocolatey!
(5)
Kristine M.
I have always been a fan of hotel bars - yes, they're a tad overpriced, but I feel like I'm supposed to relax and sip my drink, rather than guzzle it and get out to make way for a new customer. The people-watching is excellent because the crowd is always different. The Palm Court is a favorite place to step in for a drink. The rest of the world seems to melt away as you take in the splendor and old world charm of the carved wood, imported marble, and lovely chandeliers, as well as the black-tie service, and a well-made cocktail. I am a fan of the Baby Dill, though I prefer mine with vodka, since I don't like gin. (Yes, I'm going from 29 complex flavors to just 2-3, but I'm like that.) It comes with a small carafe to partially refill your glass, so it's like getting 1.6 drinks for the price of one. If you come at the right hour, you can get live music, which has the good sake to not substitute volume for quality, like so much other live music. You can hear it without being unable to hear your companions or server.
(5)
Ben T.
Prices are very reasonable for a 4-star property, friendly & courteous staff. Good for bfast, brunch or lunch. Lounge should open at least till 12am instead of closing at 11pm, much too early.
(3)
Chelsy C.
Wow. Where to start? Palm Court Lounge is the lobby bar/restaurant of the grand dame hotel Benson. Everything is well preserved early 19th century. The ceilings are 20' corniced; the great pillars are covered with exotic hardwoods (tip of the hat to the lumber baron who built the Benson), the elegant imported marble floors and furnishings, the delicate chandeliers imported from Austria. The tables and chairs are as comfortable as they are historic, everything is exquisite! We had an excellent waiter, Richard who had been here the majority of his working career. When the rush slowed down, he filled us in on some of the historic details of the hotel, (He even cajoled me into correctly pronouncing the French word 'charcuterie'). We had a light appetite, so stuck to snacks- the cheese plate and the charcuterie plate. The cocktails were truly inspired! I had the 'Black Widow', a magnificent scratch made drink made with tequila, black berries and pomegranate. It will take your breath away it is so flavorful. My better half even tried to grab it from me! The night I was there it had to have been the safest place in all of Portland- Thanksgiving evening surrounded by 20+ uniformed police officers enjoying their holiday meal. Definitely coming back next time I'm in Portland.
(5)
Janessa P.
The Palm Court located in the Benson Hotel is something quite extraordinary. This exquisite little bar offers the most delightful martinis. When you feel like putting the outside world on hold, when you feel like stepping back in time, when you feel like nothing but a vodka martini or a $24 glass of wine will do you, this is just the place. (I'm not kidding about the price of the wine. Whooza!) Luckily, a Ketel One Martini with a lemon twist will only set you back 8 bucks. Not too shabby for some old-world charm and escapism. My favorite thing here is hobnobbing with out-of-town business folks waiting for their dinner reservations at El Gaucho. These people are in a completely different orbit than I am, and I Love it. I feel sort of like C.C. Bloom's character in Beaches in that hotel restaurant scene whenever I come here--out of place but enjoying every second of it.
(4)
Tony M.
Sad and disappointing. That is the only way that I can describe our experience last night at the Palm Court at the Benson Hotel. I truly hope that this was simply a coincidental case of everyone having an "off night" all at the same time because this diamond rated landmark hotel really let us down. The service was horrible and the food quality slightly below mediocre. We moved away from Portland for about 9 years and one of the experiences that we missed was our annual pre-Christmas evening with our closest friends having wonderful food and drinks at the Benson. We moved back to Portland two years ago and resurrected that tradition last year. What happened? This diamond hotel didn't even warrant a cubic zirconia. So sad.
(1)
Janet W.
Very pleasant to relax after an evening of shopping. Flamenco guitar, personable and knowledgable host.
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : No Good for Groups : Yes Ambience : Classy Music : Live Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Sun Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : Yes
Robert C.
My overall experience at the Palm Court was barely OK. The drinks were stiff so that is my only thumbs up. Mac and cheese was on par with microwavable TV-dinner standards. The tacos fell apart so obviously were rushed past the preheat step. We expressed our dissatisfaction to our waiter and still did not receive any type of minor verbal compensation. I will never eat there again. On the flip slide, the Benson Hotel experience was incredible, just don't eat in their restaurant regardless the location's convenience.
(1)Kim C.
I love this place. The bar is exceptional though small. The bartender on duty both times I was there was OUTSTANDING. He ran a tight ship (I sat next to the servers' station once, so I really got a sense of the interplay between him and the servers). The drinks are pretty darned good and are made heavy, which in this case means that if you order a cocktail, he will mix what is virtually two drinks worth, then pour some into the 3-4 ounce cocktail class and the rest into a small vessel which is then brought out, on ice, next to your glass. So basically, you get two drinks worth for the price of one. If that wasn't good enough, I had occasion to try some of their food items on another trip. Tasty, tasty, tasty. The cheese plate was solid, served with Humboldt Fog, a young manchego style and chunk of Blue, plus some crackers, sliced baguette and a little dish of apricot jam. It all worked together well. Also, we tried a mixed green salad which went over well and a crispy Duck Confit with potatoes and pickled onions. The duck was outstanding as well. I'd go back just for that. The service was friendly and casual yet attentive and I left feeling taken care of, without blowing a wad of cash (it's not cheap, but not *crazy* pricey either). I will definitely come back again.
(5)Cara M.
We had breakfast here since we are staying at the Benson. We got there at 11:45, but they were nice enough to still let us order breakfast even though they stop serving it at 11:30. I got the blueberry pancakes and they were very tasty. There was a lot of fresh blueberries which I loved. My husband got a sausage, bacon and cheddar omelette with hash browns. It was good. The prices are a bit expensive, but the was what we expected as it was located at the Benson. I'm craving the blueberry pancakes now!!
(4)Sherry S.
So sweet! Came here for a birthday drink and they brought these really good chocolate frosted brownies with a B on them!! I was so buzzed that I thought it was B for birthday but it really was for Benson. The waiter was sweet. I told him what I thought the B stood for and he just said well it's for Birthday at the Benson. :) Birthday Brownies at the Benson! Oh and they were fresh and chocolatey!
(5)Kristine M.
I have always been a fan of hotel bars - yes, they're a tad overpriced, but I feel like I'm supposed to relax and sip my drink, rather than guzzle it and get out to make way for a new customer. The people-watching is excellent because the crowd is always different. The Palm Court is a favorite place to step in for a drink. The rest of the world seems to melt away as you take in the splendor and old world charm of the carved wood, imported marble, and lovely chandeliers, as well as the black-tie service, and a well-made cocktail. I am a fan of the Baby Dill, though I prefer mine with vodka, since I don't like gin. (Yes, I'm going from 29 complex flavors to just 2-3, but I'm like that.) It comes with a small carafe to partially refill your glass, so it's like getting 1.6 drinks for the price of one. If you come at the right hour, you can get live music, which has the good sake to not substitute volume for quality, like so much other live music. You can hear it without being unable to hear your companions or server.
(5)Ben T.
Prices are very reasonable for a 4-star property, friendly & courteous staff. Good for bfast, brunch or lunch. Lounge should open at least till 12am instead of closing at 11pm, much too early.
(3)Chelsy C.
Wow. Where to start? Palm Court Lounge is the lobby bar/restaurant of the grand dame hotel Benson. Everything is well preserved early 19th century. The ceilings are 20' corniced; the great pillars are covered with exotic hardwoods (tip of the hat to the lumber baron who built the Benson), the elegant imported marble floors and furnishings, the delicate chandeliers imported from Austria. The tables and chairs are as comfortable as they are historic, everything is exquisite! We had an excellent waiter, Richard who had been here the majority of his working career. When the rush slowed down, he filled us in on some of the historic details of the hotel, (He even cajoled me into correctly pronouncing the French word 'charcuterie'). We had a light appetite, so stuck to snacks- the cheese plate and the charcuterie plate. The cocktails were truly inspired! I had the 'Black Widow', a magnificent scratch made drink made with tequila, black berries and pomegranate. It will take your breath away it is so flavorful. My better half even tried to grab it from me! The night I was there it had to have been the safest place in all of Portland- Thanksgiving evening surrounded by 20+ uniformed police officers enjoying their holiday meal. Definitely coming back next time I'm in Portland.
(5)Janessa P.
The Palm Court located in the Benson Hotel is something quite extraordinary. This exquisite little bar offers the most delightful martinis. When you feel like putting the outside world on hold, when you feel like stepping back in time, when you feel like nothing but a vodka martini or a $24 glass of wine will do you, this is just the place. (I'm not kidding about the price of the wine. Whooza!) Luckily, a Ketel One Martini with a lemon twist will only set you back 8 bucks. Not too shabby for some old-world charm and escapism. My favorite thing here is hobnobbing with out-of-town business folks waiting for their dinner reservations at El Gaucho. These people are in a completely different orbit than I am, and I Love it. I feel sort of like C.C. Bloom's character in Beaches in that hotel restaurant scene whenever I come here--out of place but enjoying every second of it.
(4)Tony M.
Sad and disappointing. That is the only way that I can describe our experience last night at the Palm Court at the Benson Hotel. I truly hope that this was simply a coincidental case of everyone having an "off night" all at the same time because this diamond rated landmark hotel really let us down. The service was horrible and the food quality slightly below mediocre. We moved away from Portland for about 9 years and one of the experiences that we missed was our annual pre-Christmas evening with our closest friends having wonderful food and drinks at the Benson. We moved back to Portland two years ago and resurrected that tradition last year. What happened? This diamond hotel didn't even warrant a cubic zirconia. So sad.
(1)Janet W.
Very pleasant to relax after an evening of shopping. Flamenco guitar, personable and knowledgable host.
(4)