Category: Reviews

Accidental Vegetables and Edible Obsessions have both published reviews of El Rayo.
According to Accidental Vegetables,

There’s been a lot of buzz around about our new restaurant, El Rayo. Rave reviews, excitement! Thrills!

Well, I can’t say I concur, unfortunately. Don’t get me wrong– it was fine. I liked the space, it’s nice that they have margaritas, and I ate some little fried potato things that were fairly tasty. But honestly, I thought it was a bit overpriced, and you get a lot better of a meal at Loco Pollo on Washington Ave.

And two visits Edible Obsessions had this to say,

Two visits in five days and I’m just not convinced. The portions seemed more generous on this visit than the last, but it just wasn’t any better. I tried in vain to find what a lot of people seemed to be enjoying but it just didn’t happen. Maybe I’ll go back again in a few months to see if the quality and consistency has finally caught up to the prices because it’s not there for me yet.

Diet for a Small City has reviewed GRO Cafe.

I like GRO Cafe. It’s a place where vegetarians are the rule rather than the exception. I don’t have to ask anything special to be made for me; I don’t have to ask if the soup contains chicken stock. GRO made me feel like my visit had been anticipated. I will be eating at GRO again—very soon.

The Portland Phoenix has published a review of El Rayo.

The tacos come on a properly lumpy warm tortilla — good but not quite as good as Loco Pollo’s. The fish seemed fresh, and was enhanced by its modest seasoning, diced avocado, and crisp cabbage. The taco might have been a bit tangier, either through more vinegar in the slaw or the addition of a white sauce. A pork taco came with lots of crisp iceberg, which worked nicely with the fattiness of the meat.

Portland Bar Guide has reviewed J’s Oyster Bar.

The food at J’s is pretty good, too. I got a chef’s salad ($8.50) the other day and couldn’t possibly ask for more food on that plate. Due to the the clam flats that are currently closed, I couldn’t try their famous bucket of clams ($11.50)- but I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t tried them before.

Type A Diversions has reviewed Grace.

Bottom line: We’ll likely return to Grace with friends for the hip atmosphere, bar snacks and drinks. I would give them time to fine-tune their menu before trying dinner.

Soooo..You Really Like Cats has reviewed El Rayo.

Their bright colors and fun, upbeat atmosphere pairs well with the light and savory food they serve. I can’t wait to head over to El Rayo when it’s below zero, snowy, and miserable outside because the restaurant is guaranteed to immediately warm my soul.

Just a couple days after it opened, the reviews for Grace are starting to roll in.  Both The Blueberry Files,

I am excited to welcome a great new restaurant in a beautiful space to Portland, especially because of it’s close proximity to my house! Between the two bars, there is plenty of bar space, ensuring that even as Grace grows in popularity, there will be a spot for my elbows and me to stop by and have a drink.

and About Town from the Portland Phoenix have published today.

Starters were really strong – even the lettuce in the salad seemed special, and the scallops tartare and fried clams (from the bar menu) were like none we had ever tried. The mains were also really great – the duck with quinoa, fingerling potatoes, and hibiscus-ginger jelly was among the best duck I’ve ever eaten. (And the only one I can think of that I’d class better had crispier skin and different sides.)

Type A Diversions has reviewed an opening night dinner at The Corner Room.

Bottom line: In a city with many Italian food options, The Corner Room finds its niche as a moderately priced restaurant with creative cuisine.

Mitten Machen has reviewed Mesa Verde and rated it 3 (out of 4) for the “wide selection of vegan items”.

My food was decent, no worse than Margarita’s, and the service was great, but the dark, depressing atmosphere will probably keep me from visiting again. If I lived in Portland I’d be all over Mesa Verde for take-out.

Portland Bar Guide has published a review of Mathew’s.

What happens at Mathew’s stays at Mathew’s. And if you want to slum it for a night or longer – perhaps 30 years – you go on ahead.