Bara Sushi House

07/11/09

Incredible Sushi: Great Service

by ssandalovesfood

After eating at the sushi bar for nine months by myself as my wife was pregnant,I couldn't wait to take my wife here once we had the baby.So we rolled In with the five day old looking to do It up,anything we wanted was our motto.We started with the Poki salad and then move to the Live sea scallop sashimi ,both were amazingly fresh and the presentation was gorgeous.They cooked and salted the scallop liver that I took out with one bite.The Hamachi sasihmi next which is my wifes personal favorite,was like butter.We then got a few orders of Nigiri,the octopus was tender and delicious,probably the best Ive ever had.The tuna was equally as good.What I really enjoyed was a chance to try some of the high end sakes.Were use to mostly ordering the house carafe and the occasional btl of Pearl,but this time we tasted through some of the high end sakes that were available in small ,large or bottle.Let me tell you you get what you pay for,they were amazing.we then roll through about a half dozen rolls,Our usual eel and Hamachi and green onion and a spider roll,again perectly done and delicious.we then get the sweet shrimp Nigiri,which for some reason have never had.I guess the thought of raw shrimpwas just never that appealing,but tonight we were going out on a limb,Sweet,delicate and tender,and the crispy fried shrimp head on the side was gobbled ,eyes and all.Then we get to the specialty rolls The Clinton corner roll and the sashimi roll,assorted fish surrounded by fresh cucumber.Amazing!We finished with some complimentary Lichi sherbert and green tea ice cream,as they congratulated us on our new arrival,which by the way didn,t make a peep the whole time we were there,Awesome.All this for about 150.00 bucks including about 50 bucks worth of sake.Like I said we were doing It up.Theres lots of great affordable stuff for your everyday sushi experience.Im sorry I didn,t get the servers name but shs always there and always super friendly and knows her stuff.This Is our new sushi house,and cant wait to go back.

• Pros: Super Fresh,Super Service

03/10/09

Great Experience! And I found a Coupon!!!

by LinusO

I was invited to eat here by a friend and we had the absolute best experience eating here. They have one of those special rooms that you actually sit on the floor at a low table. Not one of those fake underground tables. The food was immaculate and I got to try ALL the things that I was frightened to try at other sushi places. I even found a coupon at a site called Grubdango that saved me an extra 10% off of our meal!! What can I say, Great food and a Great price, that is a win-win in my book!

01/11/09

Lovely little sushi house

by monicam2003

I went to Bara a few weeks ago with my step-sister from a recommendation that I received. I was very satisfied with my whole experience. The ambiance is simple, unique, and inviting. I love restaurants and boutiques located in houses especially in the SE neighborhood, Bara is no exception! The waitress was attentive and not over-bearing-if she didn't know the answer to something she found the answer quickly. Even though she forgot my miso soup-she found her mistake and was apologetic (I also believe this was her first dinner service there?) We ordered the special which was ginger chicken and it was done really well-crispy, light, and flavorful! Our rolls were fresh and delicious! I will be back to Bara for sure!

• Pros: Happy hour specials, many rolls to choose from, great location
• Cons: Parking can be tricky

09/30/08

Delicious and unique rolls

by BEWAREallmysonsmovers

Bara has some really unique rolls. Rather than heading the way of the mayo sauces and avacado, Bara presents new flavors that are light and delightful, featuring more natural flavors like chilis and fruit to compliment nice pieces of fish.

On the downside, their non-sushi/sashimi dinner items are pretty standard, and expect to get your rolls slowly.

All in all though, well worth trying and enjoying!

• Pros: Light and delicious rolls, excellent cuts of fish
• Cons: Pretty slow service

04/09/08

A first class dining experience

by eatsoutalotpdx

We walked in to Bara without any expectations. It was a late evening meal (around 9:00 PM). We were seated at a table not far from the front door. Normally this wouldn't bother me but it happened to be very cold out that night so whenever anyone walked in, we sure felt it.

The hostess/waitress brought our menus and took our drink orders. She was a very pleasant person with a soothing voice and a welcoming smile. Our order was prepared promptly and delivered to our table. The presentation was amazing. The dragon roll truly looked like a dragon! The fish was the ultimate in freshness. While the sushi chef was preparing the sushi for everyone, he was very conversational and friendly, smiling a lot as well. Our waitress was spot on with tending to our drinks and making sure we had refills.

All in all, this place is amazing. The fish melts in your mouth, service is impeccable and the whole restaurant is a lesson in relaxation and tranquility. It was a tad on the spendy side but well worth it for the quality and ambience. I will definitely be going there again!

• Pros: fresh fish, friendly waitstaff, great culinary presentation
• Cons: It's cold by the door!

04/07/08

Long wait for a disappointing finish.

by SnowHawkMike

The atmosphere was very nice at first however as more people filed in it gradually became much much louder and you begin to realize you're dining in a house rather then a restaurant. It got to the point where I could barely hear myself speak let alone the person I went with. The staff seemed inexperienced at handling such a large crowd and after waiting 45 minutes to get a 10 piece Sashimi order I asked for it to go. I then had to wait another 15 minutes for it to be "boxed" and by the time it arrived at the table it was far from fresh, although the taste of it about ten minutes later when I enjoyed it at home left much to be desired. The Salmon and Tuna tasted "fishy" and far from fresh. The added insult to injury was that when my bill was brought to my table the waitress informed me she had gone ahead and added an 8% gratuity, finishing by saying "if that's ok". I kindly payed and left, however I will not be returning.

03/12/08

The building owner told me to leave!

by chefsaifir

I read the reviews and was excited to try bara.. it was a windy day so me and my girlfriend decided to duck into the alcove just left of the front door when all of the sudden this disgruntled construction worker says "get out of here this is my property" So we left and went to yoko were the people are nice.

02/20/08

amazing food. fabulous service and ipod tatami room = my new favorite!

by LaLoca08

As a true sushi connoiseur, Bara is now on my Portland favorite list (along with Hiroshi, Syun and Masu).

Service is fabulous at Bara! The food was spectacular in quality, presentation and portion. Best of all, you there is an ipod adapter in the tatami room, where good times are encouraged. Thumbs up!

• Pros: food, great service, sake menu, tatami room

11/17/07

Well above average, inventive and fresh!

by twoodburn

Have been here twice, once in the Tatami room, the other time at a small table. Both times I really enjoyed my meal here. Friendly greeting at the door, very attentive service, they neither rush you out or make you impatiently wait for food, at least on my visits. One thing I like very much about this place is when you make a fairly large order, you don't sit and wait forever for one BIG plate to come out, they bring your order in stages, which I have found to be the exception to the rule in Portland.

Many inventive rolls and nice preparation. it is getting to the point in this town with so many sushi bars with apparently one major fish supplier to most places, that there is an utter sameness to the quality and preparation of sushi. In fact, the quality at many places I used to go has gone markedly down the last couple of years. While Hiroshi and Murata still carry the torch as places far above the standard, Bara has found a niche for putting out quality fare at a pretty reasonable price... a good mid-range price option.

I was impressed both times and will return soon.

• Pros: comfortable, inventive rolls, nothing gimmicky or cute, very authentic prep, pro waitresses
• Cons: it will probably get VERY popular

11/03/07

Boutique sushi prices on Clinton Street?

by tastesquishy

The reason I can't recommened Bara is based on value. The sushi was definitely tasty and the service was great. The atmosphere is very nice.

But for all that, Bara unfortunatley decides to charge "boutique" prices. Get over yourself.

We ordered an appetizer, the Poki, and the server brings out this large serving bowl. We were very excited. After she set down the bowl, I looked inside, all the way to the bottom to find a tiny and just ridiculously small portion. Thanks, we just got jacked.

head town to Noho's down the street and you'll find delicious Poki priced much more appropriately