Bernie's Southern Bistro

11/03/07

Great place!

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.

04/11/09

Amazing Happy Hour

by sarah503

We just got back from eating at Bernies and it was amazing. The food was the best southern food Ive had. The service was incredible and friendly, Its been a long time since Ive gone to a place in portland where the waitress didn't have a chip on her shoulder, she was all smiles with even our constant ordering of the 3$ (Happy Hour prices are dope) appetizers. Had amazing cocktails and a great atmosphere.

• Pros: Food, Service
• Cons: none

03/18/09

Casual Atmosphere, High Class Cookin'

by oregonerin

The patio at Bernies is the most comfortable and private in Portland. We take people to Bernies all year round, but we really love the summer time seating on the patio!

I've taken family, friends and business associates to dinner at Bernies and everyone is always impressed. The meatloaf is worth blowing your diet for!

• Pros: Food is always Good
• Cons: None

03/16/09

Sunday @ Bernie's

by BrianG

I enjoyed a Sunday evening dinner at Bernie's Southern Bistro at 2904 NE Alberta Street, not far from the Last Thursday section. I arrived early, so walked up and down Alberta, and was intrigued with the shops and galleries. We were sat at a window table decorated nicely with colorful throw pillows, and both started with the Southern Belle (because I like Gin). I had to comment on the 2 dudes sitting at the window with the "pink" drinks when we were served. We ordered from the $3. Bar menu. The Hush Puppies w/orange jalapeno marmalade and the Sweet Potato Fires w/ a smokin' tomato dipping sauce were amazing. We enjoyed quite a few southern vegetables dishes... which worked out great, as I later discovered that my guest was indeed a vegetarian. I understand they have a nice patio that is open in the warmer season. Great stop!

• Pros: Selection

03/03/09

Make Sure and Pay With Cash

by Supro

Bernie's offers great food, not doubt. But the last time I went and entertained clients, they took seven months (that's right - 7 months) to charge my credit card. I contacted Visa to confirm it was not a mistake, and it wasn't. Then I contacted Bernie's and asked for the manager to call. I was assured she would call the next day, and that this problem had happened, in fact, to numerous people. I just wanted an explanation. That's it! Well, the manager never called. One would expect a higher level of professionalism and follow through. If I ever go back, I'll be sure and pay solely with cash!

• Pros: Great food
• Cons: Questionable management

02/07/09

Not Bad

by zozer

The food was very good but not great. To be honest in a city like Portland with lots of great restaurants it was not worth the price. I tried the bread pudding after reading all the reviews but found it to be too stuffing after the dinner. The bus boy worked harder than all 3 waitresses put together. Give that guy a raise!!!

• Pros: Tasty entrees
• Cons: Loud, Service, Pricey

12/27/08

Don't miss the Banana Bread Pudding

by vholzmann

My first meal at Bernies. Just had two nights of prime rib over the holidays, so I was ready for something besides beef, and the Blackened catfish didn't dissapoint. Slightly crunchy, but served "wet" with plenty of sauce and sides, including fried green tomatoes and okra. Seasonings were great.....though they warn it is spicy it was fine for the more sensitive members at our table. Truly delicious, nice catfish. Thenk goodness we had a little room for dessert, so we ordered a "Bananas Foster Bread Pudding" to pass around the table, and my goodness, I wanted to keep it all for myself. That was about the best bread pudding I have every had....the chef didn't go overboard with bananas and it was buttery, rich and devine...but still maintained the comfort food quotient expected. Not to be missed. I cannot wait to try the other dishes and desserts at this place (I have heard the buttermilk fried chicken is great) so we will be back soon. I only give five stars when it is deserved; service, food, ambience and value were all tops tonight.

11/02/08

We have eaten here from the opening!! We always are sooo happy

by foodie394

Great food and staff!! We always enjoy a great drink aand the best southern food around!! Thanks to Kelly and her staff. We have enjoyed watching her grow!!

• Pros: Great staff and food
• Cons: Small and can get loud

09/16/08

XOXO!!...we love this place!!!

by AlexMielnik

Sonya (my wife) and I have been coming to Bernies for the last 5 going on 6 years. We consider this to be our all time favorite restaurant in Portland. We love the fact that the menu changes every three months...it's exciting to see what will be up next. Angela, Ryan, and Kelly (Restaurant owner) are the nicest people you will ever meet! This place can get very busy...as a "regular" we're use to that fact and we're okay sharing with other Portlanders :) Food is always great...drinks are even better. We are Bernie's fans thru and thru!!

• Pros: Always great food and great service!!!
• Cons: Can get busy...but there's a reason for that. Plan ahead if you're a party of more than 2.

06/17/08

Go for Happy Hour!!!

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

04/18/08

Overpriced

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?