Carlyle

09/02/2008 Posted by desireedralle

We came down to Portland for the weekend and decided we wanted some French food. This place blew me away, everything was wonderful. We started off with the foie gras & lobster risotto, both were outstanding and melted in my mouth. The blood-orange cocktail was amazing and I'm not even a big cocktail person, more of a beer girl, was by far the best cocktail I've had. We both had the kobe flat iron steak and it was to die for. We also had the chocolate and cherries dessert. Everything was absolutely perfect. If you are in Portland and like good food, you have to try this place!

Pros: Signiture Drinks, Romantic, Amazing Food

Cons: Can be pricey

08/27/2008 Posted by shotnthedark

Why didn't anyone tell me this place was here? Hidden away in the Northwest Insustrial cooridor of the Pearl District, I practically had to get lost to find it. But now that I found it, I'm affraid to tell anyone else it's there because I want it to be all mine. Rarely do you get the combination of seasonal and fresh foods executed with and artists eye, and outsanding service, and wonderful drinks. What I found interesting was that the table sitting beside me (I was dining alone in their bar) couldn't stop talking about all they flavors they were experiencing, and they spent the first 5 minutes of the meal tasting eachothers dishes and ooing and ahhing. I admit, I was a little jeleous and nearly grabbed my own fork and participated in their enjoyment. But once I got my seared scallops I understood what the hubbub was all about. What a find...I cannot wait to go back!

06/21/2008 Posted by changas9

My friends and I had a lovely opportunity to dine in the kitchen surrounded by open space and a clean kitchen next to us. We were offered tours and the staff was amazing. This is the place if you like serenity, cleaniness, and an upscale ambiance without the pretense.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

04/17/2008 Posted by winedinetoast

The food was delicious! The server was a bit snooty. He corrected my date's pronunciation of a menu item. Wow, thanks! We were celebrating an anniversary and wanted to try somewhere nice. We didn't realize we were paying extra for attitude. I was very upset.

Pros: food

Cons: service

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

04/02/2008 Posted by omnivore2006

Although out of the way, a very romantic place for dinner, or a great place for a group of friends in one of the private dining areas. I have been here many times, and the food is always excellent. Northwest flair on a variety of dishes. The steak is always a great bet, and scallops, when on the menu, are a can't miss. The wine list is fairly extensive, and very good. Neal, the bartender, is the best in town. Tell him what your favorite spirit is, and have him make something on the spot for you - you will not be dissapointed.

Pros: Great Bartender, Romantic Atmoshpere, excellent food, easy parking

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

11/04/2007 Posted by bigspif

I read the reviews and just had to check it out. WOW. Great low keyed ambience, nicely and tastefull decorated. But the BIG DEAL is Neil the bartender. he's taken bartending to a level I have yet to see anywhere on earth. Trust him to make you any of his specialties. He is a true master, an artist with a story and details about every one of the exotic liquors he touches. I was truely impressed with his skills and knowledge and his totally friendly personna. If you wanna impress your guest and yourself, its a MUST GO ! I didn't have food but did watch what others were being served and although portions were petite, the way they were presented was nothing short of world class. Thanks Neil for a most enjoyable evening. Richard

Pros: VERY UNIQUE signature drinks made. Let Neil, the bartender make suggestions !

Cons: none really. First Class ALL THE WAY

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful

10/26/2007 Posted by declan41

Hey. Just wanted to drop a line and let you know how much I enjoyed your place this week. I only experienced the bar but if that's any indication, I'll be trying your dining room on my next visit. I'm from the bay area and stopped in on a recommendation from another bar. Wow. I had the greatest time talking with your bartender (Neal?) or I guess rather your new bar manager. I've run a few restaurants myself (and not into the ground). You're very lucky to have someone like him. He let me try out some unique cocktails and was just all around easy to talk to. I had forgotten I had come in alone. Food was perfect, staff was great and your place is fantastic. Just wanted to say thanks and I'll be seeing you again in December. Cheers

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

10/23/2007 Posted by pdxslinger

Enjoying food, history, and entertainment, I can recomend nothing higher than Carlyle. I've been frequenting Carlyle regularly since its opening, and recognize that resteraunts evolve. These evolutions at Carlyle are extrodinary. The consistancy of the food is amazing, and the bartender has created a coctail list that is not only creative, but balanced. The Brooklyn coctail is TERRIFIC.

Pros: Beautiful food and coctails...

Cons: Wine list needs work.

10/22/2007 Posted by docbombs

I gave the Carlyle 5 stars but I wonder if it will hold up after the high turn over of employees that made this place what it is. The most recent being their award winning X/Bartender Darrick. No one makes a better Martini and you would be hard pressed to find one more creative with seasonal drinks. I'm afraid his absence will change the atmosphere at one of the up and comers in the Portland restaurant scene.

Pros: Had a good Bartender

Cons: Had a good Bartender

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful

10/21/2007 Posted by monkeypdx

Derek - I see you managed to win 3 "BEST OF's" this year! I must say, it doesn't come as a shock! You are honestly the BEST bartender in Portland, with the BEST Martini's and the BEST Signature Drinks! Keep up the good work and I'm still tryin to find out where you're working now!

Cons: Derek doesn't work there anymore! :-(

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful