Lair Hill Market Cafe

Outdated Reviews, Great Place!. So I happen to be eating at this place right now and had my laptop. I decided to go onto Citysearch to see what kind of reviews they've gotten, and let me tell you, the bad reviews are a bunch of Bu****it! The wait staff is VERY friendly, aware and are not slacking off. My waitress has been by to see me 4 times to get me refills, talk to me about beer choices and offer me dessert. (And they have the most DELICIOUS homemade chocolate chip cookies in the city. No joke. Ambrosia!)

It occurs to me that a lot of the bad reviews are several years old, but i just couldn't stand by and see this place get a bad name.

Yes, there is a cat that likes to sleep on a bar stool, and I was a little wary of this at first, but I asked my waitress about it, and apparent;y it's the owner's cat. It does not go on tables, behind the counter, or in the kitchen. There is an office that looks like it's in the kitchen but that is where the cat stays. I mean, if the cat were a problem, you'd think the place wouldn't have health scores in the high nineties, if not 100. Plus, everyone that comes in LOVES the cat. I've overheard two people so far say that that's part of the reason they love the place.

Anyway, I find the food here to be good, too. They have healthy options, (I'm gluten free and they accomadate that perfectly) and some comfort food. I see no reason to say the mean things I've read about this place.

What the waitstaff lack in experience they make up for in friendlyness and a willingness to listen.

Anyone who wants to have a relaxed lunch should come join me. And their new weekend brunch is delicious!…

Super Cute. I like this place, and I am picky. Very laid back, and they have a really good smoked salmon pasta. The bartender also did a really nice job handling my mom, who is a notorious pain in the rear to service staff. Thanks!…

Casual and Delicious. At times when I find myself stuck in SW traffic, needing a break, I take a detour and head toward the Lair Hill Cafe. They added a pretty decent Happy Hour recently that offers up some pretty tasty and very affordable bites. I find the Pulled Pork Sliders with Fresh Cole Slaw to be the perfect amount of food, and especially for 4 bucks!!! Who can beat that!?

I have only ventured in a hand full of times in the daytime and I must say that it seems like a totally different establishment from day to night. In the day I found the place to be a little messy and the staff to be a bit apathetic. I don't like to see un-bussed tables while the staff is leaning. "If youve got time to lean, youve got time to clean."



On the other hand... in the evening, the whole show is on the shoulders of the man in front. Andre is a great bartender! He can make you a delicious drink using booze that you thought you hated and immediately change your opinion. It's like magic! Also, I must disagree with a prior review and say that I find Andre to be charming and not rude or unhappy. Ive had some great HH's laughing at the bar with him and my fellow patrons. A Good bartender knows when you need another drink, makes them deliciously, and can also tell a really great story!

The Lair Hill Cafe has also just opened on the WEEKENDS!!!! They have a whole new menu for brunches and it is GREAT!!!!

I recommend this place!…

A place where everybody knows your name. Richard and Cheryl have put together one of the great unheralded cafe treasures in Portland. They have created a unique space in the Lair Hill neighborhood where friends and family can enjoy a wonderful lunch, breakfast or dinner in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Wes, Annie, Angela, Andre and the rest make every customer feel right at home, whether you are a first timer or a regular. The food is always fresh, well prepared and tasty. And Wes (and only Wes) knows how to pull a killer triple espresso. I hope they continue their great enterprise for the next 10 years.…