Original Halibuts

02/15/07

Good Fish, small portions.

by himhandy

Well, I do think the fish is about the best I ever had, But my last visit was less than perfect. I have been here a few times and the owner is friendly but loud. This visit I got 2 pc fish to go. $9, the gal working the register asked if I would like some chowder. sure I said. What i didn't realize was its $6 for a cup of chowder? That is crazy! Not even the Heathman would charge you $6 for a cup of soup. I get the order home and minimal fires and two small pcs of fish. When I was in before i got lots o fries and bigger pcs of fish. Maybe its was smaller because it was a to go order, but I don't think I will go back. Not a good deal for $15 if I am still hunger after I eat.

• Pros: good fish
• Cons: to expensive

09/29/09

Perfect fish, perfect fries, and I love the cocktail sauce

by Melody97210

Went on a Tuesday with a co-worker for lunch, it was the only place I could find chowder not on a Friday....neighborhood was quaint, I loved the relaxed but nicely decorated vibe, medium sized place was cozy. Service was quick, friendly, and the recommendations were spot-on. My friend had the chowder (excellent and scalding hot) and I had halibut and fries. Came with fresh lemon, great tartar (dill, not sweet) and a side of cocktail sauce that was so perfectly spicy with horseradish (and I wonder if there was a pinch of wasabi?) that it made me add a shrimp cocktail to my order. Oh, the fries were really crispy, and thick-cut at the same time. Super good. I don't know why everyone complaining about prices, I went on CitySearch and looked at several places seafood prices, and all were comparable. Seafood is expensive. If you want beef or chicken, go elsewhere. I was 100% satisfied with my order, the atmosphere, and yes, the "overbearing, cynical, brash owner" was there and served us, which was a nice touch, by a nice gentleman. Some of those 2 year old reviews need to be taken with a grain of salt. Seasoned, prefer

• Pros: Cocktail sauce, tarter sauce, fish perfect, fresh and hot!
• Cons: Seafood is expensive EVERYWHERE in town, not just here

08/11/09

Great Prawns & Chips.

by DancingButterfly

The place has great prawns and great long island iced tea. Great blues music. Although the interiors can use some remodeling or buffing up. It is somewhat dark and it does not look that clean. Maybe change the paint and the flooring.

12/19/08

Best local fish & chips

by WisconsinBoy

I have been searching for decent (not even great, mind you) fish and chips in Portland for over a decade and, with the exception of some English pubs, have been sorely disappointed. My wife and I stumbled in to Halibuts for lunch during a recent winter storm (we needed to get out of the house, even if just for lunch) and enjoyed one of the best meals of fish and chips I have had in a long while. Yes, it is a little more expensive than McM's or a pub, but the quality of the fish along with the light, crispiness of the batter make for much better fare. We had a great conversation with the owner and quickly sensed his passion for what he does and the pride he takes in doing it well. We will defintely be back.

• Pros: Quality of Food and Service
• Cons: none.

08/28/08

music beer and fish

by jonnybebad

I like going here just for the bar atmosphere music and food... The posters and knick knacks around the bar are interesting, easy to get a seat and maybe you wait a bit but if you really are in a hurry go to McDonalds instead just relax and enjoy the atmosphere. Terry Robb on Thursdays is well worth a trip to Halibuts

• Pros: food music ambience
• Cons: no coasters

03/07/08

Great crispy fish!

by kajsaM

While I agree that the food is overpriced, you cannot beat the crispy hot yumminess of these halibut morsels and their potato counterparts. YUM!

• Pros: Great food
• Cons: HORRIBLE crab cakes

03/05/08

yummy fish

by Shitbomb

this place has dang good fish and attractive employees. not attractive enough to make me want to spend so much money but it's good. food is way overpriced but the yuppies won't mind. i heard the owner is a jer k but the food is good so i don't care. probably some of the best fried fish in the city, worth checking out.

02/20/08

A complete rip-off

by tomj767

I went on a lazy, sunny afternoon to Halibut's with a friend. We were there for lunch and found the prices outrageous. $9 for a half order of fish and chips, which consisted of two of the tiniest pieces of fried fish we've ever seen and perhaps a handful and a half of fries. A full order would have been $16. For lunch? Are you kidding me? Those are insane prices. And the food wasn't even very good. My catfish was mediocre at best and my friend's halibut was like something from Denny's. The fries were completely average, just fries. The owner/chef was there and he is totally obnoxious and annoying, he kept interrupting our order and trying to upsell us. Give me a break. Don't waste your time and money on this place. I've since been told Corbett's Fish house is much better and can't wait to try it. And as my friend pointed out, you can get really good fish and chips at Burgerville for $5.50. Thumbs down to Halibut's.

• Pros: none
• Cons: mediocre food, annoying owner, prices are too high

10/10/07

GREAT FISH & MUSIC

by llahllah

Really good fish EVERYTIME and fine music MOST of the time!!! A great place, but hard to find parking.

09/28/07

Awesome Halibut Fish and Chps

by kellieie

I give this a 5 star review for it's food only. Yes, it is slightly higher priced than competition but the fish and chips are more than worth it as well as the chowder-their fries are even worth mentioning. I have only been eating here over the last 4 mos. or so and the service has always been adeqate, one gal imparticular (who's name I can't remember-maybe Rachel) quite possibly the friendliest wait person ever. However, I would not recommend eating there if the owner is on site. He is charasmatic and jovial upon first impression but doesn't quit, which ends up turning into loud, overbearing, and annoying. Fish and Chps awesome, service satisfactory, atmoshpeher questionable especially when the owner is present. I am trying to find a place with equally great fish and chips minus the obnoxious owner.

• Pros: Fish and Chips
• Cons: Loud obnoxious owner

09/22/07

Terrible service & overpriced!

by shannon_kay

We dined @ Halibuts Friday, 9/21/07. It took over 10 minutes for a wait person to come to our outside table. I actually had to go inside to ask if we were going to be served. They were not busy.

We paid $34.00 for two four piece halibut fish & chips plates, a side of slaw, and two canned sodas. No wonder they were @ $800.00 in sales that day. (The Owner & waitress were outside discussing this openly amongst the patrons which I found as a huge turn off.)

And, previously I had used my debit card there. I was overcharged by Halibuts. I called to speak to the Owner who actually cursed at the Bank and offered no apology or reimbursement.

Lastnight was our last visit to Halibuts.

We should have went to Thai Noon.

• Pros: Cole Slaw
• Cons: Price & Service.