Portland
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Aalto Bristo & Lounge
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Seriously, the worst service ever.. I really wanted to give this place a half-star rating, but I guess they don't allow that. The drinks were fine, the atmosphere was nice in a chilled/loungy sort of way even if it is a little run down. But the service. Holy cow, it was bad! No one came to our table for a while after we sat down so we assumed we must need to order drinks at the bar. So I stand at the bar for at least 15 minutes and couldn't even make eye contact with either of the women behind the bar. The bar was 1/4 full at best, and I was literally inches from the bartender. I tried speaking to her several times. Was she deaf? Stoned? Only serving regulars? Dislikes anyone over the age of 30? I know I'm clean cut, over 40, and mild mannered, but honestly, all she was doing was rolling credit card receipts and drying glasses. When I finally got her attention with the help of the bar back she decided to take my order but acted like I'd interrupted the world peace talks. We'd just returned from Seattle with MUCH busier bars and got far better service. I hate the Portland to Seattle comparisons, but I might have expected the slower, rude service in the busier Seattle lounges. Someone should fire her.…
First impression-Insulted by bartender for his mistake.. Not the best first impression. They misplaced my husbands credit card but treated him like he was crazy when he insisted they had held it for his tab to remain open.By the time we got home, they called and said they did have it after all.We had to drive all the way back over there to get it. It was a drag, but at least the bartender was apologetic.…
I always like a good Bristo. I hate places that can't read their own writing. Maybe I am out o place and don't know the current terminolgy. Besides that, it has always been hit-or-miss from day one for me. The best thing about the place for me was when awesome people I knew worked there. Other than that it is uncomfortable and I don't care for it.…
Great Food. Good music, good drinks, good food, and good service!!! Love the lime drop. Very casual atmosphere.
Dirty and Gross. I'd heard quite a few raves about the Aalto -- what a total disappointment! The place was filthy -- stained chairs, dirty tables and floors. Reminded me of Port Authority Terminal. We sat at a table for 20 minutes without so much as a glance from the staff. Wouldn't know whether or not the cocktails make up for the lack of service (since no one asked us if we wanted one), but nothing on the menu looked interesting, special, or unique enough to warrant sticking around. Add to that a bunch of unwashed, PBR swigging hipsters with ironic facial hair, trucker caps, and equally irritating attitudes -- it was like a bad version of the Hipster Olympics -- one where everyone takes themselves seriously. I'm not sure what the appeal for the Aalto is... perhaps it's something only the tragically hip understand -- and that's fine with me.…
