Dan & Louis Oyster Bar

11/02/09

Not a good experience

by WBB

went to this place last night (sunday)- the decor is nice, an establishment that has been around since my childhood, but it seems to have gone downhill. The person waiting on us was not that friendly and short when asked questions. It seems she was in a hurry to get out of there, because she was taking care of her duties around us while we were sitting there and was dealing with us as quickly as possible. When we left, we walked right by her and she didn't even look at us. The man filling the water and taking the dishes was attentitive and nice. Also the fish that we had (both halibut and cod-broiled) was overcooked and rubbery. I can get better quality food at Newport Bay or McGrath's.

• Pros: prices were okay, nostalgic place
• Cons: felt rushed, food overcooked

02/14/09

Oyster and chioppino heaven!

by conservativemike

I travel 27 states with my job, and enjoy exploring new cities and local restaurants. This was my first time to Portland where I came across Dan and Louis. It's a great little piece of Portland! I went there once for lunch and twice for dinner. I was introduced to Neoni, the 4th generation owner. When I asked what a Kumamoto oyster tasted like, Neoni shucked one on the spot for me to try. The Oregon and Washington oysters were some of the best this oyster lover has ever had - especially the small Kumamotos!

The chioppino is the house specialty for good reason - flavorful broth with plenty of fresh seafood. In a league with Scoma's in San Francisco. Holly the bartender is a character - free spirited and opinionated. When she recommended the scallop special, I had no choice. The chef's creation of grilled scallops, beets, brussel sprouts, and a light horseradish cream sauce made for a taste combination and contrast that really worked!

Outstanding oysters. Great seafood. 4th generation owner. Old-fashioned friendly service. And a hole in the floor (ask to see it when you go there). Dan and Louis Oyster Bar is one of my all-time favorites. I can't get back to Portland soon enough.

• Pros: Outstanding oysters (special prices 4-6), chioppino, special dishes, and service
• Cons: Wish I ate more oysters

10/10/08

Great atmosphere and courteous staff

by wombatboy

I was told I had to come in and have some oysters by my coworkers. I came in on 10/4/2008 and the restaurant was full to bursting. I was told there was a half hour wait, and IT WAS WORTH IT!!!!!

The Oysters were fresh, the portions were great and the staff was awesome. Keep up the great job and I will be back

• Pros: food Oysters, staff
• Cons: parking

08/06/08

'There are other restaurants in Portland"

by pdxsweets

After hearing about this restaurant, I was really excited to try it out. It had gotten great reviews from many friends and co-workers. As a group of four, we found out that the wait would be about a half an hour, which we said was fine. As we sat on the little couch there, we saw 2 small groups get seated right as they walked in the doors. Then another couple asked to sit in the bar and the same person that told us the wait time said they could sit anywhere in the bar that was open. First, we were not given this option nor was our name even taken to be put on the list. When a member of our party went to inquire about the wait list and the bar seating, he was told, "If you don't want to wait, there are other restaurants in Portland." He is correct, we left immediately and I will never go there again nor recommend the place. It's unfortunate for them that I work in hospitality and will not be able to recommend them any longer.

• Pros: Location
• Cons: Horrible service

06/26/08

Awesome Eats

by phyrman

First glance from the outside looking in made me a little hesitant. Once prodded inside by friends, I was amazed. The setting is awesome, family friendly, and unique. I had some of the best chowder I have ever had. I was very impressed with the atmosphere and the service. Highly recommend giving this a try. Don't let the "bar" name scare you away if you have kids. Very family friendly and clean.

02/11/08

Seafood, fabulous

by Noble12345678

We came to Portland from the Monterey bay / San Francisco so we have really been spoiled with great seafood so we were thrilled to stumble upon Dan & Louis's Oyster Bar. First let me complement the service, very friendly and eager to please the customer. The atmosphere is fabulous, very Nautical.

As for the food, very, very good!!!!!! we have been in twice and we will be frequent flyers. We have sampled several items on the menue and have been very pleased consistantly. The prices are very reasonable and the quality truely exceeds the price. Tonight one of the owners came out to visit with us and he really treated us well. We were asking about some of there Japaneese oysters and suddenly some samples appeared and they were terrific!.

No doubt as to why they have been in business for 100 years, they really have their act together. I have read some of the other reviews and though I really cannot despute them I have to remember that everyone can have an off night. If you happen to have an off experience let them know, they seem very anxious to make your evening a fun one and to make things right.

Two thumbs up, I am very picky and I have eaten in some of the worlds most highly regarded seafood restaraunts and I recommend Dan & Louis Oyster Bar HIGHLY!!!!

• Pros: Great food, Cold Beer, geat Ambience and very relaxing friendly environment
• Cons: NONE

01/19/08

There is a reason they've been around 100 years

by eatfoodinportland

I love this place. The nostalgia on the walls is reason alone for going but the food and service make it worth the trip. The specials are absolutely amazing and I love the stews. I just read the other reviews and am wondering what is wrong with those people!?!?!?! I have been eating there for years and never once had an experience even close to what I read. There is a reason the place has been around for 100 years... they have great food and service.... PERIOD!

• Pros: nostalgia, food and service
• Cons: parking

12/27/07

Overpriced, tastes like drive thru

by ssmith2526

Alas, I'm afraid I have to join the club of those who had a bad dining experience. I saw the mixed reviews, lots of bad ones but was hopeful because there were some good reviews, so I decided to go. My goodness, I am so disappointed. Their crab bisque was runny/watery. Their crab dip was also runny. Most of their menu items are deep fried (as a previous poster mentioned) and the table felt sticky, like it was dirty. In fact the whole place seemed low rent but with high prices for their food dishes. The average item costs fifteen dollars so I would not describe this place as cheap eats (as it is described by the owners). And 15 bucks isn't a lot for good seafood but when it's horrible I find paying that much offensive. The only positive thing about the restaurant is the oysters on the half shell - they are terrific. Anything else is fast food quality but not at the fast food prices. I'm embarrassed that I chose this place for my family. I wish I would have heeded the advice of most of the posters and gone somewhere else. Next time (if they ever let me organize another outing) I will choose more wisely. I know it's family-owned and I would love for that reason to see it succeed but because the quality is so poor it feels like they are stealing from their customers and for that reason I do hope this place goes out of business. Too bad they don't read these reviews and CHANGE their ways.

• Pros: Oysters on the half shell were good
• Cons: Everything else was AWFUL!!

11/29/07

lowest rated seafood restaurant for good reason

by eatbetterout

Barely want to waste my breath. The last three positive reviews must be planted by the restaurant. Read them. Sound like ads. We were sat fairly quick. Downhill from there. We ordered two appetizers, oysters and fried clams. The clams were obviously pre-frozen(compare to skippers). The oysters never came. oops. Waited on the entrees for a long time. Finally arrived. Seemed to have left the crab out of the crab cakes. My wifes oysters were way too breaded and overcooked. even the starches sucked. potatoes and rice that were on par with Denny's. Final insult. The bill. Could have gone to Red Lobster. Ten times better food and service. Maybe when this place goes out of business(soon my guess), Some one could open a Red Lobster. That would be nice.

• Pros: drawing a blank///
• Cons: everything

11/25/07

Average food at high prices

by j_portlanddiner

We thought we were going to a relaxed, quality seafood restaurant that was listed by most sites as not too expensive. The atmosphere is pretty authentic, but the rest of the experience wasn't great. And the four of us walked out with a $140 bill! So, it's not cheap. Most of the entrees are deep fried, the crab cakes were plopped down uneventfully--and didn't taste like they contained too much crab. The waitress was polite, but clearly didn't know much about the food she was serving. For the price, you are much better off going to Jakes. It costs just as much, but everyone I know comes out smiling.

• Pros: Funky atmosphere
• Cons: Too expensive; Food just not good.