Clarklewis Restaurant

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sameolsameol

Joined 6 years ago

industrial south east haven for inspired veggies etc., primped up classic desserts and casually chic everything else.. lets stop talking about what once was. clarklewis seems to be more about the food and less about the drama and hot air of years past- and has finally settled splendidly. the only thing i miss about the former regime's menu was the chef's special, which was not only a welcoming initiation to the food, but a steal of a deal. go with friends, order lots of small plates, share a pasta and a fish dish for sure and stay for dessert. i have been known to have throw down fights with friends over the radishes, which I believe are the best summer starter one could ever have. sure, your paying for the plating and the amazing lump of butter and pinch of salt, but nothing else is as fresh and crisp - especially with a glass of rose. don't whine about the price just eat it already. you really cannot go wrong with the fish here- the halibut is often simply placed on a mound of light greens to the most extraordinary effect. i won't bore anyone with a menu play by play- because it is my feeling that clarklewis is about inspired food and inspired choices, order what sounds good and it will be good. very very good.

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mrlukecamellia

Joined 6 years ago

I will be back!. This has got to be the best food in town and watching the kitchen

feverishly creating it- is a great show. It was a little hot while we were there, but they had the garage doors open and a nice breeze made it bearable. I will be back!

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betyerboots

Joined 6 years ago

Crazy good!. I have been to clarklewis a few times over the past 3 months and I have to say - it is CRAZY GOOD! This past month has been the best clarklewis has ever been. The food speaks for itself so there is no need for me to write a lengthy review. Service is wonderful. The staff really know what they are serving. Just get your self over there! They really know how to make food.

Doesn't Recommend

fosterb

Joined 6 years ago

It wasn't that good.... really.. Wow. I was ready to be impressed. I had been to clarklewis before and was taking my friends from out of town for a portland treat. Was i ever let down. The salads were too salty, with either too much dressing or just bittter to start. Next, the pasta - it was really pork strogonof - out of a can - that's about the flavor it had. I also had the misfortune of ordering the sea bass and my friends the steak. The sea bass was overseasoned and overcooked. We almost ordered the chef's menu - and I'm almost glad we didn't. The service was excellent - unfortunately, that was the only thing that was. Food comparable to McMinniman's - and even then...

What happened to clarklewis!!!!???

It used to be so good. Won't be going again sadly.

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mdh1973

Joined 6 years ago

Fabulous food...even when you can't see it. After reading some of the latter reviews of ClarkLewis here, I was a little worried that we might fall victim to bad service when we dined there recently. However, we had fabulous service. Our server told us about the tasters menu, which--for $56 per person--is actually a great deal. Since each person at the table, gets a different tasters dinner, the four people in my group were able to sample 16 different dishes. Our server brought out the food at perfectly timed intervals and was able to explain each dish.

I only have 2 criticisms...first off, the wine list was a bit expensive. For example, you can purchase a glass of Sokol Blosser's Meditrina for $12--which I could not bring myself to do since I paid only $10 for the bottle I had at home.

My second criticism deals with the facility. ClarkLewis is truly a cool urban restaurant and is fabulous on warm evenings when they can open the side doors/windows. However, they could use more lighting when the sun sets. Towards the end of the evening, we could barely see what was on our plates!

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kennethharold33

Joined 6 years ago

Best Dinner in Years!. I was lucky to visit clarklewis this past Wednesday. We had taken my visiting niece to OMSI and after spending hours there were just famished and decided to pop in at clarklewis for dinner. They were very busy and we were so worried we would not get seated quickly. The host was gracious and very accomodating she got us seated and wait was not long. This is where the fun began. Cocktails and wine for the grown ups and a "summer fruit cooler" for the niece. She was in heaven and so were we. Our sever a tall slender fellow was wonderful. He recommened a chef's course and made other suggestions. All of which were just right and pleased our palates to no end. Then on to desserts - which ended up being among the tastiest treats in town.

We cannot wait to go back. Although next time I will make reservations to be sure I get a table by the window. This is the perfect summer spot! Highly recommended.

Doesn't Recommend

jaja999

Joined 6 years ago

Crappy food. Clark lewis is nasty. The food is salty, the atmosphere is noisy, and the chairs are uncomfortable. Plus the prices sre soooo overpriced. There are so many other places to eat in Portland so don't waste your time or your money.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review. Innovative creations and industrial cool make this Bruce Carey-owned restaurant one of the most inspired spots in town.

Doesn't Recommend

odisc

Joined 6 years ago

worst restaurant service I have ever seen....... I had dinner here last night with my college sorority sisters. We get together monthly and try out different restaurants. From the moment we arrived - it was clear that this was a disaster. The Maitre'd was arrogant, unprofessional, and unbelievably rude. One of our party was just recovering from surgery, and could only eat specific things - so when she asked what was in the dish, he replied with an incredibly sarcastic answer. At one point they came and removed our plates, even though 3 of us were still eating. When we tried to stop them - they just kept heading for the kitchen. The young man mixing the salads saw what happened, and went to summon the Maitre'd - who arrived at our table with the words (and I quote) "What's YOUR problem?" It went downhill from there - ending with the padding of the bill. The menu listed only one Chardonney by the glass (lousy wine - $11 per glass), and the bill reflected several glasses at $14 each) Terrible, terrible, service - and it couldn't be overcome by the mediocre food. Portland has WAY too many great restaurants to bother here.

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kylesmiles45

Joined 6 years ago

Loved it From Start to Finish!. I just celebrated my birthday here with friends and family. I loved the understated coolness of the place and the fact that no one was going to dare sing happy birthday to me. Birthdays can sometimes be a drag but Everything was just right and super memorable!

We had a wonderful time sharing our meal - we ordered family style. I would not have changed a thing and I look forward to coming back very soon!