Pacific Grill & Chowder House

09/08/09

Great View, but that's about it

by kim6954

We chose this place mostly because we had a coupon. It was bad from the start, the waitress who seated us was very rude, but I was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt, maybe she was having a bad day. The waiter who actually waited on us was better, but the two waiters did have a little tiff right in front of us, but it made a good game for us, guessing why they might be so mad at each other. I had an ok dinner; ordered off the Sunset menu – fish & chips – with only two small pieces of fish; My guest ordered the sampler plate which was just raw seafood on ice – the menu didn’t say anything about that! It was assumed the fish would be cooked and warm and they didn’t even include the salmon, which was on the menu under this item. So he sent it back and reordered a chicken Caesar salad, which arrived at the table without the croutons, the menu indicated there would be croutons. Then in the middle of the meal he got a terrible stomach pain. Then I couldn’t even use my coupon because I ordered off the “sunset” menu. Needless to say we will not be going back, but on the plus side there is a wonderful view of the Columbia River – if you can stomach the bad food and service.

• Pros: Great View, Free Parking
• Cons: Rude Staff, Misleading Menu

11/30/08

Disappointing

by msflwrr

We were not impressed. The service was inept and the server was inexperienced and had no table side training. the food was good, but lukewarm, as was the coffee drink from the bar. Overall a disappointing meal, especially for the prices charged. Our waitress needed lessons on which vegetable was which. Asked what the veg. was and was told it was asparagus. Turns out it was broccolini, which I am allergic to. Had to return the entire plate and wait for a second one, causing my partner to eat without me, so her food would not get cold. (it was already lukewarm upon serving) We also felt as if we were being rushed out, with the waitress taking extra glasses in the middle of our meal, and snatching up the check the very moment I had it on the table. Probably would not reccomend this for a "date" or a special occasion kind of place.

• Pros: Nice atmosphere, though a little noisy
• Cons: Wait staff needs some real training. Food should be hot.

09/13/08

Vancouver Fight Club

by Brygan

People get too drunk and fights break out. Fights can be unprovoked. We quit going because it didn't feel safe anymore. We will never go back there.

• Pros: Can be fun. Good music.
• Cons: Too many fights.

08/20/08

Crowded, kind of slimy

by contrarianchick

Band amplifiers are usually too loud; dance floor is often really crowded; air conditioning sometimes on the fritz. Drinks are good, staff is friendly (hugs to Shelby, Cal, Ronnie). Known as a pickup bar; sexual activities take place in the parking lot and sometimes in restrooms or on dance floor. Crowd is varied demographic: ages 20s to 60s+. Live music on weekends until 1:30. The bands take breaks that are too long, and the layout is impractical. Pool tables in back; cramped seating and wee tables. Parking is plentiful. Cover is $5. I've been going to the Quay Bar for years because the clubs in Portland were too smoky; but in 1/08 there will be no smoking in Portland dance venues, so the Quay will be off the list. Oh, and there are always more females than males.

12/14/06

Very nice Sunday Brunch!

by lizbrown

We like to go to the Pacific Grill and Chowder House for Brunch on Sundays

once in a while.

It is not as big and crowded as some of the other restaurants in the area's sunday brunches.

The food is always really good and fresh and they keep the buffet line very clean and well maintained.

There is a nice variety.

Try the freshly made teenie donuts! They are wonderful!

The service is always gracious.

Skip the expensive bloody mary's and go for the memosa.

Liz

• Pros: Very nice and clean. Nice wait staff.
• Cons: Weird chairs to chose for sindow seating.

08/25/06

Best Value for your $$ Sunday Brunch

by jetsetgirl

We went for Sunday Brunch, just looking for something different than our regular spots. We hadn't been there in a while, but it has always been good when we decided on the Red Lions restaurant it was for the view, but we were surprised by the delicious spread that they put out and the quality of the food. Variety was great, as one in our group is a vegetarian and had plenty to choose from. The homemade bread pudding was a nice surprise as was the ice cream.

We will make this our new spot for breakfast. Next we plan to check out their lounge, it looks like a ship and they said they are just getting ready to update stuff, so stop by and give it a try, it's a great deal and under $20.

• Pros: Great food, great view and a great value for your money
• Cons: we didn't have a reservation, so we had to wait about 15 minutes to get a table

03/03/06

Great View & Great Food

by celt3

We fluked onto this spot just before Christmas 2005 & discovered a hidden treasure.

Great views & food along with good service has turned it into a favorite.

The lunch and dinner menus are excellent.

Do not forget to try the crab cakes as they are fantastic!!

Seating is quick without advance reservations on most days.

You might want to make reservations for dinner on the weekends however.

• Pros: Food , View, Service