Saucebox Cafe & Bar

You might say the tone was set when I called to make a reservation. The person who answered the phone replied to my request with ""What time are you 'hoping' for"". Puh-leeze. There was at least one empty table in the dining room the entire time we were there. We were seated early and after being asked for the third time before out appetizer even arrived if we knew what we wanted for dinner, I finally explained to the server that we had been seated early and that we are planning on taking our time. She did take that into account. The pupu platter arrived and while the food LOOKED amazing, it was only ""good"". The flavors and textures in the mouth did not match how great it looked. My partner ordered a bottle of wine and his pronunciation of the vineyard name was promptly corrected. Not politely, but like a teacher would. Dinner arrived and it was the same as the apps. Looked great, tasted okay. I have to say the experience was a visual delight! However, much like PDX itself, Saucebox is a little to big for it's own britches. With so many wonderful places hosting amazing food, I would not return for the food or the 'tude!! Pros: Visually stunning food and decor! Cons: The food doesn't taste as good as it looks. more

What a treat, I was entertaining out of town business guest last night, and took a chance on the sauce Box (never been in before). I was very impressed with the overall atmosphere of your place. The food was outstanding and the drinks were out of this world. All original taste and this made the night very entertaining. The employees knew their business. I?m sure to make this a regular spot in the future. Pros: Great sevice...Great expierence more

I was at Saucebox last night at it was amazing. The atmosphere the buzz everything was phenomenal. When we first walked into the bar area it was just packed, wall - to - wall people, but the vibe was great. Everyone was just happy out to have a good time and the staff just kept the energy up. We in the bar for a solid two, three hours just eating appetizers and drinking, nothing failed to impress. Standouts of the evening where the kick boxer cocktail, the cucumber caproska, and the pineapple drink. (Come in a whole Pineapple!!!!!) Also you MUST have the tapioca dumplings, your mouth will thank you for it. The most interesting thing that my guests and I noticed about Saucebox was the service. For as busy and packed as the bar was, nothing was ""forgotten"" - even down to the ashtrays. On top of that, even though every single person was busy, every employee seemed to just be thrilled to be there and it showed, it made our group want to stay, so we did. I encourage everyone to check out Saucebox if you can, it was by far one of the best experiences I and my friends have had going out. When Citysearch said great for group dining they were not lying - there was 25 people in my group! Not a single person was unhappy! (We did have reservations) Saucebox just made new fans, and other restaurants in Portland need to take note of what is being done there. Outstanding! Pros: Flat out amazing bar! - Great energy and vibe Cons: Cocktails can take a few minutes when bar is packed - order before you finish your drink more

OK, so I NEVER write these types of reviews, but after reading the poor review of the Saucebox, I felt the need to defend my new favorite Portland hangout. more

How did I miss this place? I have lived in portland all my life, and since cooking scares me, I eat out almost all the time, so how is it that I just found the best place in town when it has been here for quite some time? Why is it the best? lets start with the service, even when the place is packed, you are treated like a friend, not a nuisance, a place is found for you and no matter how busy, the servers are there for you with what you want even before you can think what you want. I feel bad for other restaurants I find my self in, because I now judge there service by the service at sausebox, and the other restaurants are always found lacking. more