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
How do you say, CRAPPY!
by nice2bhomeagain
August 08, 2007
As my title suggests this place has crappy food, crappy atmosphere, crappy service, crappy parking, and crappy prices! Paley's was rated as one of the best 10 in Portland. Hmmm... Against the advice of 3 couples I know to have experienced Paley's I decided to experience it myself, with my wife (because of the rating I had read). I'm not sure where the rating came from. It must have been the varments, as varments seem to be comfortable in any environment just as long as there is a similance of food. And for the varments there is no charge, just as my $90+ disaster should have been. The meat entrees were way way way overcooked, like a rock, and I like rare to medium rare meats. How could a "chef" go wrong? The balance of the meal was blan, no taste. Their banner should read "...and we use NO SPICES". Dry 'Cream of Wheat' may be a good comparison to the flavor profile we experienced. So we thought, " while we're here (and already in agony) maybe desert will bring some life back to our tastebuds. Desert was better than the pior, yet less than what my wife can do in her little country kitchen (with SPICES). If you don't mind the feeling of being another popped corn in a box of 'Cracker Jacks' then the atmosphere will likely be just fine. My experience, hardly enough room to back out your chair to get seated at your table, and definately not romantic. You might as well be seated right along with everyone else in the house at one table. Service is not a concept here. Make a reservation, be there on time and get seated (wait, wait, wait), have your order taken (wait, wait, wait), get a cup of coffee and water (wait, wait, wait, finally after 3 attempts to get a staff member to recognize your existance), refill on coffee while waiting for sawdust tasting appetizer (wait, wait, wait, finally after 2 attempts to get a staff member to recognize your existance), , refill on coffee while waiting for entree (wait, wait, wait), finally entree, 2-1/2 hours later. $ & Parking, WRONG
- Pros: If you like to waste time and money, this is it!
- Cons: Nothing good can come from this experience.
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.
