You need to eat here!. So I've been to H5O twice now and it's become my new favorite. The food is outstanding and the prices are a great value. We had the same server during both visits. She was genuinely friendly and enthusiastic about the food. She remembered us from our first visit, and proved it by telling us what we ordered. The food was so great, I was inspired to try and replicate it two days later! I failed by the way. I will most likely be there enjoying happy hour before Blazer home games, so stop by and say hi!  View Less … View More

Decent food, horrible wait staff. I met up with some friends to enjoy the happy hour one evening at H5O. The food was decent... the crab fritters were a success and we ended up ordering a second round of those, the fish with chili lime air was interesting although it could've used a little more mahi mahi, but we were floored by the behavior of the wait staff. There were barely 5 tables with people there, yet getting ahold of our waitress for drinks wasn't easy. When she did show up, she only asked 4 of the 6 of us if we wanted another drink and blatently ignored the other 2. At the same time, she started clearing the cheese plate from one of my friends who had to grab ahold of the plate to indicate she wasn't done with it. Oh, and don't ask about the food... questions about the items were met with disdain and short answers. All that is just unacceptable and guarentees we'll never go back.  View Less … View More

Wonderful Staff, Wonderful Dining/Bar Director, Delicious Food and Libations, Perfect Setting. I was considering 5 different venues around town for an ambient and comfortable setting for our wedding reception. After plenty of running around, working up spreadsheets, and much deliberation I was nearing a conclusion when a small ad for the newly remodeled Hotel 50 popped up online.

I whisked my fiance and daughter out the door and we visited the place. Michael Hayhurst, the gracious dining and bar manager, immediately welcomed us and shared with us a host of creative ideas for our prospective wedding reception at H50. Michael met with us several times more, introducing us to chef, Nick Yanes (who was likewise very helpful - and is so talented), and sharing with us, excellent food and beverage samples, and more good ideas each time. Once we took my 84-year-old mom along. She liked Michael and H50 better than any host and venue we had previously showed her and she immediately told us so. We signed on with Michael for an 11/29/08 wedding reception.

H50 has continuous windows along its north and east walls, providing an excellent view of the city and waterfront. This was a real treat for those visiting from out of town - giving them a beautiful introduction to Portland. The restaurant has a modern design but has not gone so far as to be bleak (like so many efforts at modern interiors). It incorporates great colors, comfortable furnishings, and a wonderful gas fireplace that makes the place very cozy. The carp paintings are amazing! (Hotel rooms are likewise sleek and modern yet very cozy with lovely linens/luscious thick comforters).

The reception went beautifully. Michael and his entire staff were extremely attentive. The event could not have been handled my skillfully, more graciously, or more deliciously. As for the food, my sister who is a finicky foodie from DC, said that she had never had better.

I am not one to really gush about things when they are not the greatest. Our experience at H50 was the greatest!  View Less … View More

Competent cooking; pretentious service. Went with a large group from Meet In Portland. Dining room was empty, yet the staff could not find a way to give those who wanted the tasting menu that while others ordered off the menu. This felt like a cop out to me. What was the crew in the kitchen doing? I think they could have easilly accomodated this unless they were more worried about prepping breakfast.

Wine options were good, surprisingly so. Food execution for me and several others was not commensurate with to prices. Some meals were served at the wrong temperature, or with components at the wrong temperature. Not acceptable for $30 entrees. Food was mildly creative, but no where near as interesting as it sounded on the menu on the taste front.

The restaurant asked for a whopping 21% service charge for our group, which was fine except for the fact the waitress asked everyone paying cash if they wanted change. Tacky. The correct response is "I will be right back with your change."

Doubt this restaurant will be around long in its current format. Expensive but average will not cut it in a down economy - and there are many better restaurants in town for the price.

Go to Park Kitchen instead. Much more down to earth service, and far more consistent food.  View Less … View More