Paley's Place
(503) 243-2403
1204 NW 21st Ave
Portland,
OR
97209
45.5314
-122.6944
Neighborhoods: Northwest District, Neighbors West - Northwest
Reviews & Ratings for Paley's Place
88 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 88 reviews
Experience that left a lingering bad taste
by furchild
November 15, 2006
When friends who were highly selective about restaurants raved on about Paley's, I thought it would be a great place to bring a friend and her French business partner who were visiting Portland. We arrived promptly for our 8:00 reservation, but it took 30 minutes for our order to be taken. Our entrees finally made it to our table at 10:00!! In the interim, despite the small size of the dining room, our waiter managed to completely ignore us (I suppose one of us could have crossed the room and tripped him, but that seemed rather too declasse'). One of the owners was also in the dining room, but her attention was completely focused on one table. Admittedly, that table looked to be spending a great deal of money, but you'd think a cursury check-in with the other diners might have been possible over the course of TWO HOURS. I can understand if there was a problem delaying the kitchen that night, but what was not acceptable is that no one came by to explain it, or to offer even so much as a breadstick as we waited (and by 10 we were quite hungry). Seriously, when you prompt a Frenchman to complain about bad service, you have a problem. I will say that when the food did finally arrive, it was delicious and we would happily have ordered dessert had the evening not already been so late for my business travelers.
When the same guests returned last year, it was with some trepidation that I took them to Meriwether's. There, however, we all had a delightful experience: the food was wonderful and the service could not have been friendlier or more prompt.
Perhaps service has improved at Paley's since then, but, especially given the prices, I would not be inclined to risk a special evening there.
- Pros: Food, Ambiance
- Cons: Poor Service, Price, Parking
Disappointing evening at Paley's
by MMK17
June 08, 2009
I took out of town guests to Paley's based on previous good experiences there. However, this visit was a disappointment, and I was embarassed to have recommended this restaurant to my guests. Each issue on its own would not have been a big deal, but together they made for a disappointing evening. We had a reservation, yet we waited 40 minutes for our table. The bar was full, so we spent the time constantly shuffling out of someone's way. And the drinks we ordered to while away the time didn't come until after we were seated. When our table was ready, we were seated between a table with a crying baby and a table with a large group of 15. The room was so loud that most of our dinner conversation was, "Huh? What did you say?" Both our server and a busperson knocked over a drink on the table, once spilling a drink on my guest. Our server took our orders only to return 15 minutes later to tell us they were out of those dishes. We ended up ordering dishes we didn't really want. There was nothing wrong with the food, but it wasn't exceptional either.
Maybe they were having a bad night, but with a bill of $450 for 4 people, I won't take the risk again. We went to Le Pigeon the next night for a wonderful meal at half the price.
- Cons: Terrible service
The Dining Standard in Portland and the NW!
by gbiggins
February 17, 2009
Everything was remarkable. Kimberly Paley greeted us at the door and it was like meeting a long time family friend. The atmosphere was picturesque, the service was warm and attentive. The food is definitely the best in Portland thus far. The only thing remotely wrong with the whole picture is that when you go to places like that "oyster" place on Alberta Street , you expect the same standards and welcoming attitude. Paley's is definitely untouchable in all areas of fine dining experiences.
- Pros: Vitaly Paley and Kimberly Paley
- Cons: Nearly every place after your visit will be a let down
Terrible service.
by kumm
February 14, 2009
For the hype and the prices, this place disappointed. The waitress was so unbelievably rude and snobby. Our food was tasty, but nothing outstanding and my fish was oversalted.
- Pros: cute place.
- Cons: AWFUL waitstaff.
Unfriendly, Unprofessional and Arrogant
by vercasson
February 12, 2009
My first visit to Paley's was nothing special. The food was good, although very small portions and our server was pretty unfriendly. The menu also states "all substitutions will be kindly denied". Pretty arrogant and unaccommodating.
Unfortunately, I decided to give them another try.
We spent the majority of our visit listening to the wait staff consistently complain about their customers in the
dining room. One situation in particular regarding a drink being sent back, kept the staff bickering and complaining about the customer all night. All over a little drink. I felt like saying: "Hey just make the guy another drink and move on".
- Pros: Creative Menu
- Cons: Unfriendly, Unprofessional and Arrogant
Perfect Evening
by pdxrick
January 30, 2009
Thanks
Great Food, Great Service, Great night, Warm Hospitality, Great Decor
Escargot & Crab Salad were excellent.
Glad we came.
Company Catering!
Terrible service - So many wonderful restaurants in Portland - you can do better than Paley's Place
by bachman
January 20, 2009
I went there last night with a group of 9 people. Our server was curt and unfriendly. Portions were small and I didn't care for the fact that I had to shell my own prawns. They just don't look that great heads and all on a plate not to mention there were THREE of them. Once shelled there was barely a bite. I won't be back.
- Pros: Nice hostess
- Cons: Poor service/bad presentation
Amazing restaurant--believe the hype!
by PDXurbangirl
January 14, 2009
I'm shocked to see so many recent negative reviews--I love this place. I have lived in New York for years prior to living in Portland, and I've had plenty of so-called "foodie" experiences. When booking my reservation, I let them know ahead of time that my sister is vegan, and was there something special that they could do for her so that she didn't feel left out during this amazing meal with the typical salad/pasta fare usually available at non-vegan restaurants. Paley's went above and beyond, tempting even us non-vegans with amazing tastes of food! The service was fantastic, and the food was other-worldly. I can't wait to go back.
- Pros: Amazing food, accomodating staff, great atmosphere
- Cons: People who don't know the difference between half and full orders.
Paley's Place by Tracy S. at InsiderPages
Contributor
January 06, 2009
is my favorite place to go when I feel like just having an relaxing romantic dinner with my husband. We are always excited to hear about what is on the menu. We have tried something different every time we have been there and the food is exquisite. The atmosphere is like something from a movie.
Chic and romantic by samantha g. at InsiderPages
Contributor
December 31, 2008
Paley's Place is so chic and romantic, definitely a special place to have a memorable meal. The staff was friendly and warm, the menu is wonderful with the highest quality local ingredients.
Subdued elegance.... by Cindy S. at InsiderPages
Contributor
October 22, 2008
this is a very romantic restaurant and if you are looking for a special evening out this is the place. The atmosphere is sleek and subdued. The food is sublime. The menu changes so you never know what you are going to get. They use local NW ingredients of the highest quality and you can tell. This is the best gourmet burger in town.
