Pause Kitchen & Bar

11/30/09

Solid neighborhood joint - a fave!

by Jaihuda Jones at Citysearch

I LOVE Pause! At first I was skeptical when they opened and they don't serve breakfast, but I was won over by the friendly, casual atmosphere, great food, and spectacular drink menu. Blissful outside dining in the summer, cozy and warm atmosphere in the winter. I'm confused by the reviews about bad service - I have been here dozens of times in the past couple years since they opened and I've never had a bad experience. And make no mistake - they pour a STIFF drink here. Don't plan on biking or even walking after two!

• Pros: STRONG drinks, great food, awesome patio, friendly servers
• Cons: they don't serve breakfast

08/03/09

Echo other reviewers: okay food + beyond bad service

by eastsidegirl at Citysearch

I've been to Pause quite a few times since they opened and agree with others here: it's not what it used to be. The last time (and it def. will be the LAST time) we went the service we had was so bad we actually asked out server if they would like us to leave and go elsewhere. I can get faux-hipster attitude and lots of places in Portland - and put up with it because the food makes it worthwhile. Pause is not one of those places.

• Pros: Decent beer/wine menu
• Cons: Service, mediocre food

07/08/09

I can't get you out of my head!

by trueblueyou at Citysearch

I came here to write a simple review. I think about the chicken leg Runners at least twice a day. It's driving me crazy, they are so delicious. With one of your fab salads, a perfect meal. I have gone with large groups and have sampled a lot, but haven't even been able to bring myself to order anything else. What's up! It is impossible to be this hung up on a food item. My friends are tired of hearing about it.

I am sorry that others here have had bad experiences. I honestly have had a great time every time I've gone. Last time I went to Pause my friend and I thought the drinks were really strong. I remember commenting on it. Maybe as a service worker, I know how to make other service workers happy, thus the good service I have always received. Not sure. I too have issue with places that won't split bills, but haven't ever had them refuse my groups...maybe the below review had some effect on them.

Either way, Pause is busy enough (too busy sometimes), so anyone who doesn't want to go just makes it easier for me to get what I want. You've got a fan in me, glad to have a good neighborhood option!

• Pros: Runners! Cuban Sandwich! Salads! Burgers! Pickles!
• Cons: Busy during meals, black bean burger