Dots Cafe

01/18/09

Good food, reasonably priced, great ambiance

by Annma12

I am just visiting my boyfriend in Portland, so I had no idea what to choose when he asked me what I wanted to do for dinner. He took me to Dots and we had a great time. There is a great atmosphere; good art, a layed back feel, a pool table.

This is definitely a hipster hangout, and it was dimly lit and rather romatic as well. We shared the chips and salsa, which was fresh, authentic and spicy. He got the Farmer's Chicken Sandwhich, and I got a salad with grilled cheese. The dressings were awesome!

The bartender/server made my drink wonderfully, with just the right proportions.

And I agree with Annonymous - if you can't afford to tip, then you CAN'T afford to go out - Simple as that. Go to your own bank and withdraw cash (to avoid fees) to go to Dots, and you will be happy as a clam when you leave!

• Pros: Ambiance, good food, inexpensive drinks.
• Cons: Being a weekday, the server was a bit overloaded because she had to tend bar as well.

01/18/09

Still as good as ever! The best grilled cheese in PDX and they make a mean lime rickey too!

by lesfran

I have been eating and drinking at Dot's since 1992. When I lived out of Portland for 12 years every trip I made back would mean at least one night at Dot's. The deluxe grilled cheese is my pick and don't forget the french fries YUM! You can eat healthy here and they have great vegetarian options. Bring cash or your checkbook they do not accept credit cards. Everyone knows about the crazy wonderful velvet decor, my favorite is the picture of spock!

• Pros: Food, ambience, neighborhood (Clinton), drinks, portions, price, & service.
• Cons: parking

11/20/08

too cheap to tip?

by anonny61927

wow. I can't believe someone would go on one of these things to justify not tipping their waitress because he had to use the atm. That's the biggest bunch of b.s. i've ever heard. They just work there, it's not their fault that they don't take cards and if you know that, why not just bring cash? oh yeah, because you're so spineless you need an excuse not to tip. wow. i bet you get a lot of dates with that kind of class!

anyway, though, I do love dots. It will be interesting to see what's going to happen after the smoking ban. I think it will be a lot more pleasant to be in. I smoke and still get grossed out. I love the vegan platter and gentle ben.

• Pros: open late, vegetarian/vegan options, can entertain large parties
• Cons: can be a little big chaotic sometimes

09/05/08

Great service, good food, quirky atmosphere

by cjbuchholz

I'm surprised about the poor service reviews I've read on this site. I'm usually the first to complain about poor service, but can't find anything wrong with this place. We go a couple times a month when we want a kicked back atmosphere, great drinks and good food. Yes, "good" food, not great. You're paying "good" food prices and you get a consistent product which, in my opinion, is a definite step above the standard pub fare and is anything but, standard. Once again, service has always been top notch. I haven't pulled a late night session at Dot's in many years (we tend to go late afternoon or early evening), so maybe this is when the service declines, if at all?

• Pros: Great value, great drinks, good food, excellent service
• Cons: None, really . .. It's not their fault they don't have an outdoor patio!!!

08/05/08

Worth It! - Bring Cash and Deal With Not Using your Debit Card for Once

by multnomahvillage

This bar is cash only. This is an inconvience, but any repeat customer should be able to come prepared. Cheap, good, greasy bar food. Fabulous selection of cheese fries, chili fries, tofu fries, you name it. The drinks are cheap, the staff is attentive. The lights are dimmed, and this is a great place to hang out with friends and get a couple of quick drinks if you are passing by. I will gladly bring cash, and enjoy the velvet wallpaper and the portrait of KFC founder Sanders. PLEASE tip the staff, it is not their fault that this place is cash only.

• Pros: Good Food, Good and Cheap Drinks, Attentive Servers
• Cons: Cash Only

07/14/08

Why for no tip?! This is why.

by xthewillowtreex

I love the food here, the hummus plate is my favorite. However, with the lack of taking cards, I'm constantly at worry to go there. The ATM charges me a fee and so basically I figure this. If I'm eating at Dots, the ATM fee is your tip. So that's why I'm "too cheap to tip you guys". getting a credit machine can't be that much of a cost to you, you've got the business. MOVE ON!

• Pros: Great Food
• Cons: Doesn't take Credit

02/29/08

Why is Dots so stubborn?

by havinfuninptown

Do they seriously think that wonky ATM in the back is going to cut it forever? C'mon Dots, step into the 21st century and take debit/credit cards.

It is maddening and I avoid this place because of it. That ATM is sick.

01/29/08

Yummy to the tummy!

by PinkHairedGirl

Dots has some of the best food in Portland, and I LOVE the environment! It is such a super fun experiance to eat there! And the Farmer's Chicken sandwich is to die for!!!

• Pros: Super fun enviornment!!
• Cons: Being 19 years old, the no minor's after 10 is a problem for me... but only for 2 more years :)

07/17/07

Don't order TO-GO!

by youreallyfreakmeout

I am only rating Dot's TO-GO service in this review. I am a pretty usual customer of Dot's since a group of us hang out on Clinton Street. Usually, I am more than satisfied with the food. But, I ordered a Jack and Chili quesadilla and some cheezy fries TO-GO around 7pm on a Thursday. The food was ready promptly (about 20 minutes, just as the cashier said). I took it across the street to the bar and when I opened the quesadilla, I was pretty disappointed. The quesadilla was just a tortilla folded in half and stuffed into the TO-GO container, not cut into pieces, and had a glob of guacamole on top with chips scattered all over the container. I didn't get any plastic utensils or napkins to eat with so I had to go back across the street to get some. I finally got to sit down and eat my food after cutting it into smaller pieces so I could eat it. The chicken was shredded, which is nice for a quesadillas, but it tasted like cheap, canned chicken. I am not a fan of super spicy food, so I made sure that the chili's were not too spicy. Unfortunately, I don't think there were any chili's in my food! All I could taste was canned chicken and some cheese. I am sadly disappointed. I really enjoy Dot's and the food usually, but last week's visit was not good.

• Pros: Atmosphere, yummy Veggy food
• Cons: TO-GO food, poor service

02/19/07

Killer Cheese Fries at my Clinton Street Favorite!!!

by pookymounchy

This small dark eatery has been a local favorite of mine for several years now. It all started years ago. I was brought here to eat, right before my 1st GWAR concert. That's when I was introduced ti thier famous "Cheese Fries". I've been hooked ever since. The fries are oven baked with melted cheese, and really good. They also have a good turkey bacon sandwhich. It's a little greasy, while falling apart on contact. Dot's is a fun place to eat. The dark atmosphere is calming, with a good cup of joe. The evenings get busy, especially weedend nights. You don't have to wait long for your food, just to be seated. The customer service needs a little improving, and more in the evenings. This little place fills up quick, so be prepaired. But, if you like good cheese fries, then come on down to Dot's. I recommened it.

• Pros: Lots of taste!
• Cons: Lots of grease!