Papa Haydn

(503) 228-7317

701 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR 97210 45.5278 -122.6986

Neighborhoods: Neighbors West - Northwest, Northwest District

PAPAHAYDN.COM

Reviews & Ratings for Papa Haydn

4 Star Rating: Recommended

87 reviews

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4 Star Rating: Recommended

by greek541

February 20, 2007

Went in for an after dinner drink and something for the sweet-tooth and boy was I impressed. Our waiter Jacob, was one of the most professional waiters I've ever been served by. He was very educated on the menu, suggesting we try the banana cream pie. He also was able to recommend a very nice scotch to wash down our tasty treat. We enjoyed a piece of their homemade new york style cheesecake as well. Everything was delicious. We will be going back soon for sure.

A great experience for me and the "mama" at Papa Haydn.

  • Pros: the service (jacob)
  • Cons: a little pricy

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2 Star Rating: Below Average

by gretchenschwinn

May 15, 2009

This place use to be one of my favorites. However, it has drastically gone downhill. The selection of entrees was pitiful. My mother choose an $18 pasta dish that was terrible. It was dry with no flavor. We mentioned it to the server and she said "oh, well I hope your desert is better." That's not really the service I'd expect from Papa Haydn or any place that cost that much. I won't be going back anytime soon.

  • Cons: noisey, crowded

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by brushfire0

May 11, 2009

I've only ever eaten desert at Papa Haydens, but I've been doing it pretty steadily for several years now, and the only real complaint I have is that it is ALWAYS crowded.

A sign of a good restaurant and the crowds have certainly never stopped me.

I'm on a mission to try every desert I can, and have only ever been disappointed once when I ordered the Sorbet Bomb. It's not on the menu anymore, so maybe others were disappointed as well.

I recommend the Autumn Meringue, and the Passion. I'm also a big fan of the cobbler and the panna cotta.

  • Pros: Amazing Deserts
  • Cons: Always Crowded

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by chrysos

October 16, 2008

Papa Haydn's has been one of my favorite restaurants in Portland for many years but I have to say I was there last week and things have changed ...

When do you ever hear that a restaurant that has been around for over 20 years, has not been content to rest on it's laurels but has actually shaken things up and improved on a good thing?

Some of the mainstay desserts recipes have been revamped. The venerable Marjolane, my favorite dessert in the world has a crispier merinigue and a more intense flavor in the filling. The Boccone Dolce alas has not been changed, it remains the sweet wonderful bite of crunchy meringue and airy cream and fruit that it always has been.

The entree's at Papa Haydn's have always been secondary to me, it was the desserts that I kept coming back for, but no more. Last week I had one of the better meals that I have ever had in Portland. A lovely grilled Sea Bass with a Celery root puree, topped with crispy leeks.

Its great to see such a Portland tradition only getting better with age

  • Pros: Great food, not just for dessert anymore
  • Cons: None

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by Shyralyn

August 07, 2008

The food was divine. The atmosphere was romantic. Having our dessert and coffee over a candle lit table made for the perfect evening.

  • Pros: food and romance
  • Cons: expensive

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by lemond

July 11, 2008

We always stop in the Northwest part of Portland for lunch as we head to Seattle from parts South, and we have always admired this place but were afraid to go in with our brood (two 8's and one 10).

However this time we chanced it, and even though their request were almost unreasonable (all the cheese on the side, the salmon without pepper, etc) the staff was friendly and quick and brought the food and wine promptly and professionally.

We went there for lunch, and would likely NOT recommend this at night with kids, but for lunch on a beautiful hot summer day in July in Portland the lunch and dessert were perfect.

As opposed to a recent review the AC was nice and cool without freezing us, and the salads which we also ordered were just right. The salmon was cooked to a perfect flaky point and my son ate it so quickly we had to order more.

Would definitely go back as long as the kids have not burned any bridges.

  • Pros: great lunch spot for people watching and enjoying dessert
  • Cons: slightly pricey for a quick lunch with kids

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4 Star Rating: Recommended

by aymazing

June 30, 2008

I visited Papa Haydn's westside location with 3 friends, 2 of whom were from out of town. We chose Papa Haydn as an upscale restaurant with superior desserts, and that exactly what we got. Three of us ordered Caesar salads (2 salmon, 1 chicken), and all were enjoyed. The only downside was the overcooked salmon, but the flavor was still delicious. The salads were served whole-leaf, which I don't prefer as it makes it harder to eat. The fourth friend ordered the halibut and seemed to enjoy it. 2 friends shared the dessert sampler, which came with ample portions of 5 desserts that looked perfect for 2-3 people. We also ordered a Boccone Dolce and Baked Alaska, each of which was perfect. We started with cocktails (Raspberry Lemondrops and Barbarita), and all were delicious and perfect for the sweltering evening. The service was excellent, with our server being friendly and engaging. My only complaint is the heat in the building. The outside temp during our visit was in the mid-90s, and the restaurant must have been in the 80s. Although not completely unbearable, the heat did put a damper on an otherwise excellent meal.

  • Pros: Great drinks, very good food, fantastic desserts, very good service
  • Cons: Temperature in building

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by DINEBYSHOOTING

May 18, 2008

Okay, I love burgers! Just when I had thought I tried every burger joint in town, claiming to be the best, my partner suggested Papa Haydn's to me. I am not a huge fan of N.W. 23rd dining but I agreed to give it a shot. When arriving, I remembering passing this place before and just thinking " Oh, another schmoozy place I most likely will avoid." At the entrance is an elaborate dessert display that made my sweet tooth begin to ache! A hostess promptly greeted us and we were seated right away. We were provided with menus and told about the evening specials but I already knew what I came for! We were given fresh bread with some butter to hold us over, while the smells coming from the kitchen were wonderful. My stomach was growling with anticipation! Our food arrived and my burger came open faced with all the trimmings on the side. There was also the special house mayo! When I took my first bite I knew that this was it, the burger I had been searching for. It was perfectly cooked, with a very clean finish to the palate. I had added the house mayo and a little mustard but could have eaten this baby dry! It was hands down the best burger I have had in Portland! I also had fries that came with my meal and they were perfect as well. They were thin cut with a crispy outside and tender inside. Our service was friendly. We finished our delicious meal by ordering from the dessert case. We had the chocolate coconut cream pie. Let's just say that I left more than satisfied! My burger was under $11 dollars and I finished with an awesome slice of pie built for two! I would suggest splitting a dessert. Over all the atmosphere was comfy and not the snobby den I thought it would be. So if you are in N.W. give it a shot! No other $10 burger can compete!

  • Pros: Right on the bus line
  • Cons: Being on N.W. 23rd/ no parking

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by computerweasel

April 24, 2008

The dessert is un-matched. Selection for dessert is un-canny. Service is great!

The main entrees on the other hand is so upscale, that it's not even really tasty or filling. It's kind of wierd. I mean, if you want to impress and spend a ton of money on someone who your proposing to, I guess it could work, but even then, I can think of better places for entrees.

Screw the main dishes though. People don't even come here for that. It's dessert or nothing!!! Hang out on the town, catch a movie and come to Papa Haydn for dessert and coffee or wine.

  • Pros: Best Desserts in the Portland Metro area
  • Cons: Entrees are so extravagent, they aren't that great. Don't recommend for a meal, just dessert. Always crowded and lines out the door

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4 Star Rating: Recommended

by janetshmanet884

April 13, 2008

My partner and I have been here many times to enjoy their delicious desserts and people watch at the outside tables. Always busy and always worth it! Great service and great dessert selections. Haven't tried their dinner menus, but the dessert is always worth a visit!

  • Pros: wonderful cakes and custards
  • Cons: long waits

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5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

by albright07

March 18, 2008

i had an excellent raspberry, chocolate dessert, and my friend had creme bruelle. we had a great time people watching in the large windows on 23rd. And, the dessert was fabulous. Our service was also very good. The server was friendly and attentive. She did not make us feel rushed.

  • Pros: dessert
  • Cons: parking

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Papa Haydn

701 NW 23rd Ave
Portland, OR 97210

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