Second Story Bistro

Claim
marker

208 NW Couch St
Portland, OR 97209

marker
(503) 827-5113
Incorrect info? Correct your listing
Photos
Second Story Bistro - Portland, OR
Second Story Bistro - Portland, OR
Reviews
( 17 )
( 12 )
( 1 )
( 5 )
( 0 )

Best

The decor is rustic and somehow still chic. The bar is small and inviting. The Chefs Benedict is sauted proscuitto, fresh tomatos with oyster mushrooms swimming in a spicy holland...

Worst

I have been going here for about a year almost every weekend for brunch. The food is excellent, but the service is not. It has deteriorated in the last six months. Even when it's ...

The Olive Branch is great! 8/9/2005

The decor is rustic and somehow still chic. The bar is small and inviting. The Chefs Benedict is sauted proscuitto, fresh tomatos with oyster mushrooms swimming in a spicy hollandaise sauce. I touched up the hollandaise with a little Tobasco to give it a kick and it turned out to be just the right level of perfect. Pros: hidden, quiet , delicious bendict more
Reply | Report abuse |

Nice place but Service could be better 2/19/2005

This is a great place to go especially for breakfast or brunch. Live music fills the place loud laughing and talking and very good food. The server was very short with us not very helpful in answering our questions and not very attentive. Pros: inexpensive, good food, relaxing Cons: service not good more
Reply | Report abuse |

Beautiful, delicious, welcoming 10/2/2004

I had here one of the most amazing birthday brunches I've ever had. The gorgeous details of the natural decor enhanced my enjoyment of a remarkable meal. I have long loved eggs benedict, and Second Story Bistro redefined the dish for me with the addition of another old friend - poached salmon; this restaurant brought new delight to an old love. I recommend it. more
Reply | Report abuse |

Inattentive Staff Ruin Brunch 8/26/2004

We were impressed with the light, fresh, delicious quality of the entrees. My friend's broccoli, however, did not come with hollandaise sauce, as described. I attempted to get the attention of our server, but every time she caught my eye she turned away. Eventually, she flat-out ignored us, failed to check on us or refresh our beverages, and only reappeared when we got up to leave, at which time my friend politely inquired about the lack of hollandaise sauce and service. While we enjoyed Second Story Bistro's delightful atmosphere and superlative food, I cannot recommend this restaurant because I feel that the staff doesn't really give a hoot about their guests. Pros: Great food more
Reply | Report abuse |

Service with Attitude 8/16/2004

We were seated at a tiny two-top when there were SEVERAL larger tables available. I said I couldn't sit there b/c the air vent was blowing cold air directly on my face, but the host ignored us. We seated ourselves at another table. It was also FREEZING. I put on my jacket (on a hot summer day) to keep from shivering. Even then I was still very cold. When I asked the host if he could possibly turn down the AC, he curtly answered "no" and sauntered away. To be completely dismissed without explanation is unacceptable. I asked for hot sauce, which never came. I had to get it myself from the server's station. Since our server never came around to see how our meal was, I had to get up (again) and ask another server for our check. Incompetent, inattentive, careless, and rude staff!! Pros: good food Cons: , freezing inside more
Reply | Report abuse |

So good, I wanted to cry. 3/20/2004

Simply put, this is one of the best restaurants in Portland. I would hazard that it is also THE BEST when it comes to casual French fare. The last time we were there, a duck breast and beef filet yielded to fork -- no knife needed. Meats were perfectly done and like butter. Salads were beautiful. Oysters were simple and perfect. No pretensions here, just wonderful food. If you think their brunch is good, you must come for dinner. If I could eat here every day, I would. Amazing duck confit too! Oh--and the prices?? Can't be beat! Pros: dreamy duck confit, oysters, Food all around GREAT Cons: , I can't go every day, can't think of one more
Reply | Report abuse |

Top Notch Brunch, dinner and happy hour 1/14/2004

I've had the occasion to visit Second Story Bistro several times and have been wowed each visit with excellent food, service and atmosphere. The care they take with food is evident in little details like fresh edible flowers from their window-boxes and delicately arranged herbs. The recent addition of live music some nights is a nice touch. Pros: full bar, great cooking, atmosphere more
Reply | Report abuse |

Gorgeous Food/Amazing Staff 12/4/2003

I hadn't been to the space since it was La Patisserie and my GOODNESS what a surprise! The interior hadn't changed much; still had that definite, Oregon, kitschy decor, but it is less cluttered, and rather soothing (in a rainforest kind of way.) The true standout was the food. AMAZING! Gorgeous lunch plates, overflowing with yummy flavors, beautifully crafted and presented. If the dinner menu is too pricey for you--go for lunch, where the portions are still large, but at half the price. Highly recommend the stunning Filet Mignon, and when ordering salads, try the Champagne vinnagrette: light and unusual. Stunning dining experience all around. Pros: Fabulous Food, Unusual Interior, Amazing Lunch Prices Cons: Virtigo Staircase more
Reply | Report abuse |

First class 11/16/2003

Breakfast, lunch and dinner when I want great food at reasonable prices without a crowd, I head to Second Story. The dinner menu includes creatively updated classic bistro dishes that are executed flawlessly. The ingredients are largely local and the freshness shows. Salads are well conceived, particularly the chevre and oregon mixed greens salads. The wine list is well-selected and the markup is moderate. There are several excellent selections well below $30. There is a full bar and well made drinks are served with minimal drama. If you go for breakfast, don't miss the freshly squeezed OJ and grapefruit juice. Typically it seems that when a restaurant includes "bistro" in its name, it is either overpriced, serves uninspired rote reproductions of familiar dishes, or both. Not so, Second Story. Pros: Excellent food, reasonable prices, consistent Cons: None more
Reply | Report abuse |

different - in a good way 10/24/2003

My husband and I went there for the first time on a Friday night. I love the decor, and it was very quiet and uncrowded. The dinner menu was a bit pricey for me, but the "Light Fare" menu was great. I had the London Broil, and was really suprised at the amount of meat I got for only $11. Very good. There was only one waitress working, but she did a very good job taking care of everyone. Pros: yummy food Cons: creepy neighborhood more
Reply | Report abuse |

Awesome 10/5/2003

I was concerned at first because it was Fri night and nobody was there. Menu was fairly expansive. Best of all, the food was excellent. I had the Boullabaise my date had the pork. Both were excellent and we are extremely picky. Prices were moderate though. For some reason I thought this place was cheap. Average entree was about $17. Oh and the waitstaff were great. Very pleasant, friendly and helpful and on the ball. more
Reply | Report abuse |

Rude!! 8/19/2003

I went to 2nd Story to have a look at the menu to see if this was the kind of place to take my boyfriend for dinner, and I stood by the host stand for 10 minutes with 2 or 3 staff ignoring me. Someone finally said 'Yes?!', so I stated my purpose for being there. No one approached me. I just got a dirty look. Some kid went in the back and I heard him talking to someone else, and shortly a young girl came out and asked me what I wanted. I repeated myself to her, and she handed a menu to me without a word. I immediately put it down and walked out. As I left, I hear someone say 'What the * was his problem?' more
Reply | Report abuse |

Delightful! 8/17/2003

The escargot appetizer was delightful with its buttery crust topping and succulent, garlic infused morsels. My wife was surprised to be presented with savory, saffron tinged seafood bisques with a generous serving of crab, scallops, salmon and others. I enjoyed the perfectly seasoned steak, lamb and pork Mixed Grill, a godsend for people that have a difficult time deciding with a menu that has so many appealing dishes such as theirs. For desert, we ordered the very moist and tasty banana bread alamode. Our only negative feeling of the whole evening was that my Crème Brule was uninspired and near tasteless. The service was professional and unobtrusive. Most people feel that all meals must be a fast food experience. At Second Story Bistro, the timing is perfect to eat and enjoy your company and the casual atmosphere. It was a bargain even with the 20+% tip I added. Pros: Savory, Authentic, Inexpensive Cons: Crème Brule more
Reply | Report abuse |

Great for Bachelorette Starter 7/29/2003

I really wanted my bachelorette party to be classy and fun at the same time. We started here and I loved the atmosphere, the food, and the laid back attitude of the waitresses. No rushing, no snide teenagers waiting on me. I loved it. Angelina Pros: Not Crowded, Laid Back, Atmosphere/Romantic Cons: Can be spendy, Parking more
Reply | Report abuse |

Another GDE (great dining experience) 4/21/2003

I have eaten here with my family a dozen or so times over the last year and never tire of the food. Its clear the chefs pay close attention to seasonal (and local) ingredients. The rack of lamb is superb, never overdone, always succulent. My wife enjoys the crab cakes (piquant!) and chevre salad with the champagne dressing. The last time we were in, the server was attentive and helpful in suggesting wines to accompany our meal. Weve been in for breakfast several times to enjoy the fine omelettes and eggs benedict. The service is friendly and quick, and they always welcome children. Pros: food, affordable wines, breakfast all day Cons: parking more
Reply | Report abuse |

Portland's Finest!! 4/6/2003

I have had EXCEPTIONAL food and service EVERY time I have visited the Second Story Bistro. I am able to indulge in my favorite foods that can be difficult to find elsewhere, such as steak tartar. The preparation and presentation can't be beat! The menu is creative and diverse enough to satisfy everyone. The ambiance of the building is excellent for either a romantic night for two or a funfilled evening visiting with a group. I find the Second Story Bistro able to compete with my favorite restaurants in San Francisio, Maui and Paris! Pros: quality of food, ambiance, service more
Reply | Report abuse |

They don't want business 3/31/2003

I called in to have a menu faxed, and the person on the phone did not really want to send the menu. THey also stated they would fax the menu after lunch, which never happened. The service is unexceptable. La Patisserie was a better fit for that location. I am sorry to see it go. the owners really shoiuld think about what kind of service they are providing and either fix it or try a different type of service rather than restaraunt. more
Reply | Report abuse |

Awesome food, bad service 3/28/2003

I have been going here for about a year almost every weekend for brunch. The food is excellent, but the service is not. It has deteriorated in the last six months. Even when it's not crowded it can take two people more than one hour to eat and pay. The Bistro is just plain understaffed at all times. They have at the most three waittresses, but usually only one or two. They aren't rude, just somewhat incompetent and overworked. If you are up for the wait then by all means, eat here. If you want similar food but fast service go to Emanon Cafe on Lovejoy. Pros: Great Food, Great Prices Cons: Slow Service more
Reply | Report abuse |

second story bistro review 3/16/2003

Food was cold, order was wrong...twice. Wait staff was rude. We were (politely) asked to leave to accomadate a large group. We would have been gone already if our order was correct in the first place. more
Reply | Report abuse |

My new favorite restaurant 3/6/2003

I've had dinner here twice and had great meals both times. The salads had a nice combination of flavors and textures and were dressed just right. The crabcakes are good. Good variety in the menu. They have mixed grills that offer small portions of two or three different seafood or meat entrees. Also good was dessert sampler where you can pick 3 desserts and get a small serving of each to try. Good coffee as well. Pros: variety, not noisy or crowded, good affordable wine Cons: parking, short wine list more
Reply | Report abuse |
< Previous 1 2 Next >
Menu for Second Story Bistro


Summer SALE!!!:
15% OFF all yearly plans
Use year15 at checkout. Expires 1/1/2021
Additional information
  • Payments: Visa, Master Card, American Express
  • Neighborhoods: Old Town - Chinatown, Neighbors West - Northwest
badge