Bernie's Southern Bistro

06/17/2008 Posted by eewilson80

We spent a lovely afternoon in the amazing patio/garden of Bernies enjoying their happy hour this past weekend. We got a variety of items including the mac and cheese, sweet potato fries, hush puppies and fried okra. Lots of great flavors from spice to sweet to creamy goodness. We had a large party and everyone seemed very satisfied with the food. Our one complaint. Weak drinks! Or at least the mojitos were. Next time we are sticking to the margaritas.

Pros: cheap happy hour prices, amazing patio, fried food done well!

Cons: weak mojitos

04/18/2008 Posted by pixie29

Portland Monthly raved about this place, as well as a lot of people I know. We were VERY disappointed, once again, how can you mess up fried chicken? It was overpriced for what you got, and didn't have a whole lot of flavor. The fried green tomatoes were awesome, but that's it. This place was packed too, so what's up w/Portlanders? Can't we find some good southern/soul food?

04/09/2008 Posted by trapizumac7

I must have gone on the wrong night, since all the other reviews rave/jump up and down about the amazing food and service. Overall, I will NOT recommend this food establishment. The service was horrible and the food was extremely disappointing. Do not get the fried green tomatoes, okra or the hush puppies. Go somewhere else. The orange jalapeño marmalade was an awkward mix of textures and did not satisfy my palate nor did it compliment the grainy and dry hush puppies. I rather eat wet corn bread mixture instead. The okra was too peppery and the crust was too thick. Who is the chef? Did s/he ever had fried okra? Hush puppies? Fried green tomatoes??! Seriously folks. Go to the South and try some real food. However, the cod cakes were decent. I won't pay 9 dollars for 4 quarter sized cakes that were not laced in gold. That is the only thing that would have made them delicious.

Pros: The decor is nice

Cons: The food, price, and service.

12/28/2007 Posted by ichooseportland

Took the parents here on the way to the airport. Had a fabulous time!!! As soon as we walked in we were greeted and brought to a table. Went for cocktails and the $3 bar menu. Got what we came for and more. First of all, our drinks were amazing. Strong, creative, and smooth. Deep fried pickles and sweet potato fries, fun, fun, fun. The food was fine, especially for $3 plates. Not a fan of the fried chicken that was on my Poor Fat Boy Salad, but the Jack Daniels molasses vinaigrette was phenomenal. We actually had two people waiting on us and they were both very kind and attentive. We'll be back and with friends in tow. Try the TennesseeTruffle, amazing!!

Pros: cocktails, wait staff, bartenders, fried pickles

Cons: only 1- the cut of fried chicken on salad, and that was it!

11/03/2007 Posted by kristalox

This was our first time at Bernie's and we will definitely be back. We made reservations and were seated immediately. The ambience is warm and blends well with the Alberta surroundings. I've read reviews about the service; the hostess was fine and our server was pretty good. The food is worth going, even if the service is lacklaster. not that we had that experience. For starters, we ordered the fried green tomatoes and they were good and the spinach cakes were fantastic! Their signature dish - Fried Chicken- was pretty good and the meatloaf was amazing! The Autumn Salad was also very, very good. Dessert - Bananas Foster Bread Pudding with caramel sauce - was just out of this world and had everyone's eyes rolling in the back of their heads. We had a great experience at Bernie's and we'd be happy to go again.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

10/29/2007 Posted by mc250

I've been to Bernie's two times now with very similar results. The waitstaff was very friendly and nice, waters were promptly refilled, etc. The atmosphere is comfortable and attractive. My only problem was with the food, it wasn't bad by any means but it wasn't anything special either. I know there are a ton of great reviews about this place so maybe the two times I've gone they've been having an off night. We tried the spinach cakes, I ate half of one but didn't really want to eat the rest. My wilted greens salad with beets was alright, though again not outstanding. I tried my friend's chicken and dumplings, rather bland and the dumplings didn't seem to have even a hint of the sweet potato that was supposed to be in them. Another friend's salad had a good flavor to the dressing. I might give them another try if I am in the area and the other great restaurants nearby have no open tables, might not.

Pros: Staff, atmosphere

Cons: Food only so so

10/14/2007 Posted by dlish

For years, I heard how great Bernie's food is and the restaurant exceeded my expectations. First, it's fun to drive along Alberta and see the many wonderful choices that have emerged over the past few years. We didn't have reservations at Bernies (it was Saturday night about 7 when we arrived) but we sat at the bar and the bartender made great recommendations. The fall menu had been developed that week. My husband had one of the three regular courses that remain on the menu year round -- the fried chicken and sweet tea -- and I tried the salmon with pecan rice and brussel sprouts (outstanding!) with a glass of the LeNoble Chardonnay. For dessert we split a nicely size chocolate banana bundt cake. The bill was $48 plus tip. Great evening!

Pros: Great menu with lots of diversity

Cons: it's not in our neighborhood -- I'd go more if it were closer!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

09/04/2007 Posted by bpenguin6

This is my favorite place in town. It's craveable on every level. I love how personable the staff is...they always recognize us when we come in. The consistent service and awesome food is much appreciated. They let me know as soon as I arrive if Pecan Pie is available.

Pros: Sweet Tea, Pecan Pie!, Great service and fried pickles

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

05/27/2007 Posted by funguy19

Patio is great, wonderful atmosphere, unique menu, great drink menu, spotty service but a fine place to relax and get away.

Pros: Drinks, originality, atmosphere

Cons: service, small patio

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

04/04/2007 Posted by duckie1976

friendly staff, good mac, great salmon special with peanuts, ok pork shank. a bit spendy for what it is.

Pros: friendly place

Cons: stuffed bell peppers not good