Wilfs Restaurant and Bar
Portland, OR 97209
Phone: (503) 223-0070
Fax: (503) 223-1386
02/19/2008 Posted by cafeguy
My first impressions of Wilf's were gained from making my reservation. I made the reservation specifically inquiring and revolving around the musical entertainment. The person on the phone told me that I would love the music and that I would have no problem enjoying in the dining room as it fills the entire venue. He promptly put me down for dinner at 6p.m. Though upon being seated me and my date became aware that the music didn't even start until 8p.m. having known I was up for the music, I do not know why the person on the phone suggested a reservation at 6p.m. I had assumed at this point that their reservations were full and that is why we were given the 6 o'clock time, but as the evening went on, the place did not even fill half up. The food at Wilf's is good and by far "fancy." Though being upscale, the food I found to be rather limiting. The menu is a mere page long, and barely anything is a straight forward dish. For example, if you want a steak, the one recipe they have for it is Steak Diane which is nice sometimes but in the end its only medallions and sauce. Everything right down to the mashed potatoes is not left alone, and thus one is left with little normalcy to hold on to. I am all for daring culinary crafts, but you can go too far in some regard. Wilf's does. The most basic steak one could get was the porterhouse which is the most expensive item on the menu at $100 (when I went). We did end up getting the porterhouse steak, and for that dish, I can say, it was rather good. What Wilf's truly sells is the environment they offer. A nice piano bar with rotating entertainment of a jazz variety. At least I can only assume as I can only now imagine how nice it would have been to have enjoyed the music. Wilf's would be a great place to enjoy some jazz. The drinks were also made very well and their wine selection was rather wide. Prices are bit steep for the food selection and particularity. I suggesting going for a nice drink in the evening.
Pros: Environment,
Cons: Prices, selection and too much food craftyness
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