Bernie's Southern Bistro

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2904 NE Alberta St (at Northeast 29th Avenue)
Portland, OR 97211

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(503) 282-9864
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Bernie's Southern Bistro - Portland, OR
Bernie's Southern Bistro - Portland, OR
Reviews
( 26 )
( 20 )
( 8 )
( 1 )
( 4 )

Best

My husband and I go here frequently. We eat (and drink) really well for about $60 total, especially during happy hour. The food is fabulous. If you are sensitive to spicy food, th...

Worst

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 V...

My husband and I go here frequently. We 3/9/2012

My husband and I go here frequently. We eat (and drink) really well for about $60 total, especially during happy hour. The food is fabulous. If you are sensitive to spicy food, then ask for some of the spicier sauces on the side (they are good, you need them!). All the sides are great and their happy hour has great deals. In the summer, the back is opened up and it's beautiful. What I enjoy the most is the staff. They are so kind to us, which is the main reason we return again and again. Many customers do so as well. This restaurant has developed a following of sorts. I love it and been there several times. Fantastic food, fantastic people and great atmosphere. B&C more
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Warm, comfortable southern love. Simply 1/6/2012

Warm, comfortable southern love. Simply put this is a great place for a nice meal, solid staff and i would return again. more
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Good Stuff 2/9/2010

Everytime I go into Bernie's you are made to feel at home, alone or with guests. The food is great, the prices awesome, esp for Alberta, and the drinks are just right; buzzed but not plowed. Pros: melt in your mouth meatloaf Cons: closed on Monday more
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Really nice atmosphere, mediocre food 1/19/2010

Tried Bernie's tonight based on neighborhood locale and good reviews. The cocktails were tasty and potent as others have mentioned. Sadly I found the food to be mostly flavorless and plain. The portions, however, were quite large. The fried pickles were tasty. I had the pork entree and it was not very good. The gravy was overly starchy and the pork had a strange taste to it. My son had the blackened catfish which he said was OK. The side dishes were also plentiful but just OK. I just wasn't ""wowed"" by any of it. But, you get a lot for the money which is a plus and the atmosphere is really lovely in addition to sitting by the window and people watching. The wait-staff, in particular the busboy, were pretty good and friendly. Pros: Beautiful dining room and bar, good service Cons: bland food more
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Amazing Happy Hour 4/11/2009

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 more
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Casual Atmosphere, High Class Cookin' 3/18/2009

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! Pros: Food is always Good more
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Sunday @ Bernie's 3/16/2009

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 more
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Make Sure and Pay With Cash 3/3/2009

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 more
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Not Bad 2/7/2009

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 more
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Happy Hour deals 1/22/2009

I like to go here for happy hour. They have good deals on food, a lot of fried foods but throw in a salad and you're good. The food specials usually require that you buy a drink or two but they offer creative cocktails as well as the classics. Dinner can be pricey. more
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Don't miss the Banana Bread Pudding 12/27/2008

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. more
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We have eaten here from the opening!! We always are sooo happy 11/2/2008

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 more
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XOXO!!...we love this place!!! 9/16/2008

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. more
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Go for Happy Hour!!! 6/17/2008

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 more
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Overpriced 4/18/2008

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? more
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Disappointed with Appetizers and Service 4/9/2008

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 jalape?o 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. Pros: The decor is nice Cons: The food, price, and service. more
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Great atmosphere, great cocktails and nice happy hour $3 menu 12/27/2007

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! more
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Great place! 11/3/2007

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. more
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Nice atmosphere, helpful staff, food ok 10/29/2007

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 more
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Outstanding food, great atmosphere 10/14/2007

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! more
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Menu for Bernie's Southern Bistro


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Best Cajun and Creole Restaurant In Portland Oregon! Come In And Enjoy The Taste of The South

Owner Message

  • Bernie's Southern Bistro has a menu that revolves and changes along with the sun and the seasons. Depending on what part of the year it is, one can find Cajun and Creole food that runs the gamut. Old stand by's such as Blackened Meat & Fish with Red Beans & Rice. Do not forget to leave out tasty (and affordable) bar snacks and appetizers. The ambiance is warm and friendly, just like the South. Our food will leave you full and satisfied, guaranteed! Bring a loved one, a friend, or the whole family to Bernie's Southern Bistro today!

Editorial

  • In Short
    From romantic couples to boisterous birthday celebrations, Bernie's candlelit dining room and lush garden patio draw a lively, multigenerational crowd. A provocative painting...

  • 4/26/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Tue-Sat 4pm-12am
  • Payments: Discover, American Express, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods, Concordia
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