Thirst Wine Bar & Bistro

08/06/2007 Posted by carocaro

I have been hearing great things about Thirst and finally got the change to try it. Thirst does not disappoint! The food is excellent - I wasn't expecting it to be great since most food at wine bars isn't - but it is fantastic. I had tuna and my friend had lamb that were great portions. Those with a shared appetizer of antipasto filled us up nicely. They have the most creative wine flights - really fun - one is dog related with all three wines having cute labels with dogs on them and hte wines were good too. We had a lot of fun watching people walk along the sidewalk, some interesting people watching for sure. Definitely an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon or evening!! One waitress was taking care of multiple tables outside - but she did a great job and seemed to be paying the right amount of attention to all of her customers. I plan to go again on a Thursday evening to check out the complimentary wine tastings which I have heard are great!

Pros: Food, Wine, People watching

Cons: Nothing!!

07/25/2007 Posted by aswatzell

I live just down the street from Thirst and have really enjoyed their great wine and amazing food (the crab dip is fantastic). Unfortunately the last time I was there it ended very badly. After my brother and I finished dinner and paid, we stayed to finish our drinks. The waitress (who had been really, really nice) came out to ask us if everything had been okay. We assured her that it was great. Then she said she couldn't help but notice that we hadn't tipped at all. I was mortified and apologized for the mistake as I had felt sure I had left an appropriate tip (my brother had busted out his tip calculator and I even threw in $.50 to make it even). I asked her to run my card so I could leave a tip and she said not to worry about it. Then I realized that I had in fact tipped since I happened to know exactly how much cash I had and how much I had left. I explained that to her and she said it must have been her mistake. Either way, it was really, really embarrassing since there were still customers there and it wasn't like she was quiet about telling us we didn't tip. It definitely ruined my night since I left feeling guilty because she didn't think I tipped her, annoyed because I knew I had, and just generally embarrassed. Probably won't be back for a while, and from now on I will always pay restaurant bills with a credit card.

Pros: Great wine, good happy hour

Cons: Bad experience with staff

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

06/10/2007 Posted by rebawinegirl

First, you can't beat the view - gorgeous! Second - they have the best Pacific NW Wines - Patty Green, Bergstrom, Beaux Freres - to name a few and lots from Washington! Third, I've gone here 3 or 4 times and have never been disappointed. These people make you feel at home. Friendly staff who knows their stuff. They have a flight of wines and I mentioned a few varietals that I don't care for and the bartender said he would put something else on - really accommodating. Food is delicious, they rotate their cheeses often so I can always try something new and different. I'm glad they support both local wines and foods since there are so many great things in Oregon! It's not cheap here - they cater to people who love and appreciate good food and wine - so if you are one of those cheapo / happy hour types probably not your place. They have a good happy hour - but it's not one of those $1 shot, food, beer places. But it is all well worth it for the location, wine and food. You've got to try this place!

Pros: Everything!!

Cons: Nothing!!

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

02/08/2007 Posted by secretchef

I live in NYC, but am always in Portland on business. I happened to stuble across one of Thirst's winemaker dinners. It was out of this world. I have been having trouble finding a place that I like to eat at in Portland, alast I think I have found it. The everyday menu is pretty good but nothing in comparison to the winemakers dinners. I think the chef can really work some magic and the price is beyond nice! A true diamond in the rough.

Pros: Wine dinners

Cons: location is hard to find

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

12/23/2006 Posted by hambone_turkeylips

My wife and I just moved to Portland. We went to Thirst to learn about Oregon wines. The wines are wonderful and the staff is so friendly and makes you feel at ease asking questions about wine. Not pretentious at all. The chef made us a special meal, since we'd asked about fresh fish and he had just gotten in some tuna that afternoon. It wasn't even on the menu yet, and he made us a delectable meal. We feel like we've found a new home away from home - so wonderful to come to a new city and find such a great place already. Thanks Thirst! We'll be back

Pros: Friendly staff, wine, tuna!

Cons: nothing

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful

12/21/2006 Posted by pdxgirl7

I took a group of friends here for a pre-Christmas happy hour after seeing all of the positive recommendations here on citysearch. We went on a Thursday when they were offering a free fiight. Each person in the party had a glass or two of wine on top of that, and a few of us had food as well. The food was really good, and everyone had a great time. The waitstaff was friendly and it was a good evening. That is, until we were leaving, and the bartender made a comment to our party that next time he should bring back some friends that will spend some money. I was wholly offended by this. We were the only people in the place, and we left at about 8:30. We brought in business on an otherwise dead evening. And while we did not spend a ton of money, we did spend about $200 between our table and the drinks purchased at the bar. Up until that incident, I would have recommended this place to everyone I know. Now I will tell everyone I know to take their business elsewhere.

Pros: Good food, good wine list, great location

Cons: Rude staff

12/20/2006 Posted by gastro_gnome

I had gone to Thirst back in the beginning of the summer and thought the idea was great, but the food suffered. Early last month I had stopped by again and was intrigued by the new menu. It looked interesting and tasted amazing. I have gone back often and tried just about everything offered, all amazing. Both the food and the wine are simple enough, but high quality and interesting. I got a chance to meet with the owner and the new chef and I think once this place evolves into its own, it will be one of portland's top places to wine and dine.

Pros: Food, Wine

Cons: Parking

11/17/2006 Posted by cellabel

Thirst is what this area needed! They have a great wine selection and plenty of seating. The staff seems to know what they are talking about, I dont know much about cheese but they were great at pairing my wine and cheese.

Pros: Great waterfront view, lots of seating

Cons: parking

11/03/2006 Posted by Celstrial

Tried Thirst for a nice quiet Thurs evening. The 10 at 10 flight was quite a deal with very nice wines. It was pretty quiet for a Thurs evening, which was fine because there were plenty of seats right by the water. A nice romantic place to have a glass of wine.

09/07/2006 Posted by jimmep

We sat outside on Labor Day enjoying the waterfront and great wine. The lobster bake and live music were fantastic as was the staff and conversation with other patrons. Our five flight of wine was the perfect tasting combination. Thirst Wine Bar and Bistro is our new favorite around town for relaxation and fun while sipping superb wine.