Crush

02/27/2008 Posted by chicinthecity

After reading the other reviews, I was going here expecting huge crowds. Well, some friends and I went this past weekend, and I was pleasently suprised. There was hardly any one there. We went at about 11:30 until closing on Saturday night. The look of the club reminded me of a piece of modern art. It was very chic yet not overwhelming visually. I liked that Crush has three sections to it. First, there is a traditional bar section. Then, there is a more loungey part with big oversized couches and chairs. The dance area would have been too small if there were a lot more people, but it was just the perfect size when I went. There also was a "Vice room", which is just another bar area but for those who smoke. My friends and I had some of the nachos (for two) which was plently for the six of us. The drinks were a little exspensive, yet delicious. I particularly enjoyed the Pear O' (Underwear). I would definitely recommend this club for those looking for a bit of the sweet life. Tres Chic!

Pros: Delicious Food, Yummy Drinks, Great Atmosphere

Cons: Service was a little slow

02/10/2008 Posted by rozelle

crush has one of THE BEST happy hour menus in portland. cheap cocktails and food that taste fantastic. the wait staff are personable and respectful. one of the top ten bars in portland, definitely on the comfortable, laid-back, hip side of the spectum without being pretentious. highly recommend tuesday nights; happy hour lasts until 11pm.

Pros: low prices, great happy hour drinks and food

Cons: none

12/01/2007 Posted by kinnetic

Crush is one of my favorites! I just moved in to the building that's behind Crush, and had never been there before. I started going just to get drinks with my friends (only on less busy nights... sometimes they have giant shows where they can't let anymore people in) but as I stayed longer I realized they have an excellent menu as well! I love the Mac & Cheese, one of my favs in Portland. The fruit, bread and cheese plate appetizer is good for a few people and a nice conversational piece. I heard the mixed drinks are made well, I wouldn't mind a larger beer selection. Other than that, I've always felt very welcome there, the service is usually spot on and a nice "Portland" vibe. The music can get a bit loud depending on where you are... its best to sit out of the room with the DJ in it if possible. Good times are to be had at Crush, I'm very lucky to live around the corner from it!

11/18/2007 Posted by veronicaone

waited for 1/2 hour to get the waiters attention, on a SAT night, were totally ignored, had to walk up to him and ask him if there is table service only to be told no, you have to go to the bar. The bartender was pretty bad and the drinks were tiny. For $8.00 plus tip you should get the regular size martini glass, not the miniature version. You have to get your own food at the bar, no on tells you it's there, so too bad if it sat there and it got cold! This place has gone Down Hill! Whoever the owner is they obviously don't care anymore....

Pros: has a dance floor/can smoke

Cons: small expensive drinks, lackluster crowd

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

07/05/2007 Posted by andreatheteachercat

I love this place to take my girlfriends in order to get the party started. The drinks are out of this world (such fabulous martinis!), and the food provides a good base for late night crawling. I've always had great service, I enjoy the music and the fact that smokers have their own spot to do their thing. The crowd is friendly too, not over the top hip or below the table gross. Love It!

Pros: Martinis, atmosphere, service

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

06/27/2007 Posted by mamazboy

There are so many great breakfast/brunch places in Portland that it's hard to pick a favorite (Helser's Tin Shed, Jam, Genie's, Bread and Ink, Cafe du Berry, Junior's all come quickly to mind). Topping my list at the moment is Crush. I've never been there at night when the hipsters allegedly arrive, but have had the Sunday brunch (9 to 3). The menu is reasonably varied, with classy breakfast choices on one side and some more lunch-brunch type selections like mac & cheese on the flip. I especially like the chilaquiles and the scrambles, some with meat and others vegetarian. Very flavorful with ingredients like Antique Cheddar (not sure what that means). They even get the little touches right -- e.g., using sliced fennel on the sliced apple that garnishes most of the dishes. There's also something I haven't seen elsewhere in P-Town: free cornbread and toast, both self-serve. The Stumptown coffee (not free) is also self-serve. There's amazing art throughout the place (apparently by the owner), and a cool DJ named Mike who mines a lot of '60s and '70s easy listening, disco, and Top 40. Why there are lines out the door on Sunday a.m. for most brunch places and this one is still easy to get into even at 11 o'clock is a mystery. Prices are pretty damn cheap too, with most meals in the $7 to $8 range. And oh yes, if you're one of those "breakfast dessert" types they always have a special french toast with stuff like chocolate drizzle. I'm not quite decadent enough for that, nor have I tried their bloody marys and other a.m. drinks, though friends who have say they're excellent. Between the friendly staff, the smooth sounds, and the yummy affordable food, the whole vibe is just warm and wonderful. I was reluctant to write this, as I (selfishly) hope the place doesn't get overrun. But I had to give credit where it's due. Yay Crush!

Pros: Excellent food and atmosphere

Cons: Service can be a little slow but hey, it's brunch!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

04/29/2007 Posted by monkeysi

Awesome drink menu, a little pricey but the quality of the drinks makes up for it. The bartenders and wait staff are very friendly but the place can be really busy so a little patience goes a long way. The food is really good, especially the baked macaroni and cheese and the chicken sandwich among several others. The DJ's are very talented but quite often the place is pretty crowded and getting people to dance is a little difficult. Very eclectic mix of people but everyone seems to be having a great time. It is my favorite bar in Portland now and since 2/3 of the club is non smoking (smoking section is completely separate) it is even more enjoyable for us non smokers.

Pros: Drinks, Food, Atmosphere, Staff

Cons: None!

04/09/2007 Posted by kairene

Food is good, not a lot of options. Music not so great, nobody was dancing - Can't DJ's see that and think well maybe we need to change things up? Cool appearance wise, but music was so not my scene so won't be coming back - Check this one off my list

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Music

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

04/07/2007 Posted by anodyne

Several people have commented that service is slow but I haven't found that to be the case myself. I love the food choices available at Crush. There are plenty of great options for carnivores and vegetarians alike (I recommend the mushroom skewers). Prices are especially reasonable during happy hour. Drinks are tasty and potent, some a bit pricey for Portland. It's a little loud for socializing at times if you are seated in the back room, but overall I'd recommend it highly.

Pros: Food, seperate smoking area

Cons: Drink prices, noise level

03/09/2007 Posted by lextel

All day happy hour on Tuesday is great! The flat nachos are a great deal and the drinks are usually great. This spot is good for a large group and also excellent if you don't feel like smelling like smoke for the rest of the night. The service on the other hand is unreliable. Though the food/drinks are worth the wait, this wouldn't be somewhere I would head if I was starving. Other than that, good atmosphere and non-smoking makes it a regular spot for me.

Pros: Good variety of food

Cons: Service not consistent