50 Plates
(503) 228-5050
333 NW 13th Ave
Portland,
OR
97210
45.5251
-122.6839
Neighborhoods: Neighbors West - Northwest, Pearl
What People Are Saying About 50 Plates
The Editor
Ashley Gartland
Citysearch
In Short
Inside this restaurant's sophisticated, mid-century modern dining room and corner bar, posh Pearl district residents toss back expertly prepared cocktails before tucking into a deep menu of dishes riffing on regional American classics. From the artichoke capital of the world - Castroville, California - there's crisp fried artichoke rolls, from the East Coast a Carolina Pulled Pork sandwich on a sweet potato bun, and from New England a Rich Boy lobster roll on a fresh brioche base. Desserts too favor a nostalgic Americana theme, like a S'more Fondue or Devil's Food Chocolate Cake served with delightful brown sugar ice cream.
User Reviews
smcc
June 28, 2009
We went out to dinner to celebrate our son's return from college on the east coast...it was the first time we dined as a family since Christmas break. What started out as a great evening soon soured. Mainly it was the accumulation of small things that added up to one big disappointment. The appetizers arrived before the drinks. After the appetizers, the plates and silverware were removed but no replacements were brought so when the bread basket arrived there was no way to eat it. The second round of drinks never arrived...when the waiter finally figured it out, AFTER our meal, we to him to forget it. The waiter never check back after the our dinner was served...I ate my entire dinner without a knife. My son had his heart set on dessert but waiter was no where to be seen. Then we waited forever for the check to arrive. The restaurant was hot and the acoustics poor. Also, had unisex restrooms...a big turn off for me. I'm a woman...I want a woman's room. I can think of many fine Portland restaurants I wish we would have gone instead. The evening ended on a down note (and it cost $150.00)...we won't be going back.
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pdxjamietootall
March 14, 2009
A friend and I were taking in the Pearl district on Friday night and stopped by 50 plates for a drink and a snack. I gotta tell these bartenders know there stuff. Very few places in Portland know how to make a sazerac, and these guys nailed it. They also had a special rye manhattan on the menu which was outstanding. We had a few snacks, the tuna poke and mushrooms, both were great. Fun time, I'll be back.
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TiMorrison
March 14, 2009
We dined for the first time on a Friday night. We had no reservation and were going to sit in the small bar when the hostess approached us and offered us a table in the restaurant that had just been made available through a cancellation. Great start. Best part. I ordered a Mai Tai. If 50 Plates represents 50 states, the Mai Tai must hve represented Indiana (no offense to Hossiers). It was terrible and tasted like a mix between Amaretto and maraschino cherries. No warm-breeze memories of Hawaii whatsoever. Next came a well arranged tray of sourdough dinner rolls...that had been microvwaved to warm them. Tearing into the one we tried was a competiton. Who could tear off a piece and not slam their elbow into the tables next to us. Warm bread is an excellent start to a meal. Microwaved bread is an insult to bakers everywhere. All things considered, dinner was mediocre at best. The Manhattan clam chowder with clams, mussels and fish (more of a fish stew) was very good. The ahi tuna wrap was dry vs. crisp and too big. It fell apart as we ate it. The crab jalapeno poppers had no pop. They could have been crab celery poppers. The dirty rice beigneits were nothing like beignets, they were Arancini, italian rice b@lls. Crips but gloopy inside. I didnt finish my cocktail (perhaps a first for me) nor any of the small plates, soup or sandwich. I can not recommend 50 Plates to anyone and wouldn't return, especially given all the great restaurants there are to try in Portland.
read full reviewThe Details on 50 Plates
When To Go:
Pop by after 10pm for their "Nosh at Night" menu for standouts like Patrick's Fries, served with housemade ketchup, and crispy fried chicken served atop a waffle with a coffee maple drizzle.
What To Drink:
Keep it classic with American-style cocktails. Try the muddled mint julep or the Manhattan served on "Manhatten Monday," served with complimentary warm-baked pretzels and sweet hot mustard.
The Extras:
Head to the bar on "Manhattan Mondays" when the bartenders make manhattans and cosmopolitans and serve warm-baked pretzels and New York style hot dogs.
What To Drink:
Anything from the talented house mixologists Lance J. Mayhew and Suzanne Allard is a safe bet, including a Mint Julep or Dark & Stormy.
When to Go:
Pop by after ten for their Nosh at Night menu for standouts like Patrick's Fries served with housemade ketchup and crispy fried chicken served atop a waffle with a coffee maple drizzle.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Travelers Check
Bar & Pub Special Features:
Restaurant Special Features:
Breakfast, Late Night Dining, Theater District Dining, Hidden Find, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining, Business Breakfast, Happy Hour, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene
Cuisine:
Notable Chef:
Executive Chef Randal St. Clair
Smoking Permitted:
No
