Beast

I went to Beast for brunch and it was a tremendously wonderful experience. I am really surprised at the negative comments here - I think that perhaps people are unclear on the concept, even though Naomi has made it perfectly plain both on the website and menus. It's prix fixe, there's no substitutions. There are example menus online, and you can see from those and the name of the restaurant that this isn't going to be a great place for vegetarians. And why should it be? Not every restaurant in Portland has to cater to the veggie crowd. Pros: Food, Service, Ambience, Not for vegetarians Cons: Not for vegetarians more

In response to the idiot who wrote the review before me, do you research before going to a place called ""Beast"". The website even says substitutions politely declined. The one ad I saw for this place was of a slaughtered pig flung over a chef's shoulder. If this place were called Greens then maybe you can expect a Veggie or Vegan menu. This place is a great place for the omnivore with great taste! Beast reminds me of places I've eaten in Napa and San Francisco because of the use of seasonal ingredients. If you look up at the cookbooks on display there are many books from the famous Chez Panisse in Berkeley. The open kitchen restaurant with two long tables reminded me of being in a house being entertained by the cook. I was surprised to see people around me bringing in their own wine based on the published menu online, since the wine selection was somewhat small. I'm not a fan of lamb, but the way it was prepared was absolutely delicious! I definitely enjoyed my dining experience and look forward to the menus to come!!! Pros: Fresh Ingredients, Server Knowledge, Great Pairings Cons: Ambience, Sometimes noisy diners more

No substitutions are available, leaving those of us who eat a plant-based diet out in the cold. It is unfortunate that her culinary skill and creativity relies so heavily on flesh and other animal products. more

I have only been a couple of times once for dinner and once for brunch. Returning for brunch reminded me how simple and pretty the space is, the daytime lights the whole place up, and the bustle from the open kitchen ads the perfect amount of life to the place. You have to be open to whatever they put in front of you, and frankly - i like that, each time i have been introduced to flavors and combinations that i might not have responded to if i had to make selections on my own. Brunch was pricey, but worth it. A coursed meal - each little plate builds on the next. On my recent trip the food was a little heavy for morning- with savory roasted vegetables and steak and eggs, followed by a classed up variation on biscuits and gravy. both dishes were balanced by the light crepe and citrus enhanced salad. Still - a little more breakfasty lightness in their brunch could not hurt. The first time I went to dinner it seemed the chef was newly in love with duck, every dish using it in a new and exciting way. Despite the great food, great atmosphere and all that it brings to a dining experience one cannot ignore the unbearable chairs. Why oh why are they still there? I understand they are a new place with cash reserves low- but, when your loyal patronage, new- commers, press and everyone else implores you to do something about the seating- it seems almost willful to keep those killers there. I hope to hear through the grapevine that they have been burned, only then will I return. I want to concentrate on the food and not on my thighs going numb with pain. Pros: amazing food, great service, beautiful dining room. Cons: the f*@!ing chairs! more

I've been there twice now. The first time it was fabulous, and I left satisfied. The second time, it was just okay. The menu changes often, so maybe I just picked a wrong day. The portion is fairly small, so don't expect to get stuffed. It's about the quality, not quantity here. Pros: Tasty food Cons: Attitude more

I don't think I'd go back. I went for a brunch and I was expecting a steller meal. The price for the course is $28: 3 dishes and a dessert. Each dish was good, but the portion is tiny. After everything, I was still not totally full. They don't allow substitutions. I eat anything, so the selection is fine by me. But I didn't like the whole attitude of ""We're letting you eat here, you should be happy with what we give you."" I earned every penny I've got, I don't think I'll be spending my money for a place with such a bad attitude. This place is more hyped up than it's worth. Pros: Tasty food Cons: Price, attitude, portion more

A big group of us (8) tried Beast and were very happy that we did! I had heard various negative things about the chef/owner, Naomi, but I found her very pleasant (she answered the phone when I made our reservation and also visited our table after our meal). That should teach me to listen to local Portland gossip! Most of us at the table got the full Prix Fixe menu (4 courses) and were also served a very good amouse bouche, a Gruyere gougere. Everything was excellent (especially the short ribs and the pudding cake!), and our server was very attentive. The atmosphere is very soft, warm and romantic, which I would recommend for a romatic evening except for that fact that there are only two tables and it's all communal seating. (We had a table to ourselves, but I think you probably have to have 8 in your party to get a whole table to yourself.) We were there for almost three hours, and the leisurely-pace was fine with us, but the chairs are a bit uncomfortable (we were forewarned, however, about it on the Beast website). The menu changes often, so we are planning on going back again to taste their new offerings! Pros: Delicious and Interesting Food, Cozy Ambiance, Great Service Cons: Short Wine List, Uncomfortable Chairs more