The Maiden

This restaurant came highly recommended, but it was by far one of the worst restaurants I have ever been to. My wife loves Spanish food, so we tried to make a reservation for our anniversary, but they said they would not make an exception even for this special event. The staff member assured me though if we came, we would not have to wait any longer than 10-15 minutes for a table. So we get to the restaurant, and it was indeed crowded. Finally after 30 minutes of waiting, the staff says there is seating available at the bar (not a table)! 10 minutes later they came and took our drink order, which took them an additional 10 minutes to get 2 glasses of wine. We told the staff we were in a hurry so she explained that certain menu items take longer than others to prepare, so we ordered a few items that she said would not take long to prepare. Well after 40 minutes of waiting for fish tacos and a salad we finally walked out of the restaurant! At no point did the staff ever tell us how our food was coming along, or apologize for the long wait! I also noticed several empty tables that they were not seating people at! I strongly DO NOT recommend this restaurant! Pros: nothing Cons: terrible service more

This place is so PDX. Relaxed tavern atmosphere, high end Spanish inspired food. What more could you ask for? The prices are more than reasonable and I appreciate that there always seems to be a great Spanish Rioja or Alberino available by the glass. Pros: Great tapas in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere Cons: can't think of any more

Me and my husband have always enjoyed the tapas and their great wine. Their price is also reasonable. Jared, the owner, is also very nice. The place is cozy. They have an awesome chef definitely! The only thing that I would ask is that they need to spiff up their air conditioning. It was warm in the restaurant during the 90-100 degree days. Also, they need to be a little better with their clothing. The wait staff are dressed like they work in the bike bar, rather than in a Spanish-mode restaurant. Jared, you guys can be close to perfection! more

It's disappointing to see a negative review posted below mine, as it might deter some folks from experiencing this fabulous restaurant. Although I respect this person's preference and opinion, I urge readers NOT to go by this review and to try the Maiden for themselves. For anyone who has been here, it is EXTREMELY rare to walk away with anything but an exceptionally positive experience. Here's my opinion: This place is my FAVORITE restaurant! It's a great place for any kind of get together whether it be a dinner on a romantic date, delicious cocktails with friends, or just picking on various tapas. Different nights of the week may be better for one type of meeting than another, but the Maiden offers a variety of different ""theme"" nights, and I enjoy them all... On Mondays you can dance along to great live swing music... It's always the same group (I think it's called the Pete Krebs band??) but they never get old... Talented musicians provide a fun atmosphere whether you are dancing, or just looking on. Tuesday is Happy hour ALL NIGHT long! (otherwise Monday - Saturday from 4-6pm) Enough said. Wednesday is trivia night, which starts at (I believe?) 7pm. I personally am not a fan of trivia, so I stay away from Wednesday nights, but if it's your sorta thing, I think you are offered Happy Hour for the duration of your game. Thursday always has a different type of live music... I prefer the Jazz artists, but there have been some other genres which were enjoyable as well. I would recommend calling or checking the website first, so you can be sure you like the music! Weekends seem to be getting more and more busy as more people find out about this place, and I'm pretty sure that there's live music every now and again on either Friday, Saturday, or both (there was a great DJ playing a few weeks ago) They do take reservations, so you might want to call beforehand. The Maiden is closed on Sundays! I actually lived in Spain for a very long time and was impressed with its authentic Spanish feel. REAL Sangria, great tapas, and a Paella to die for! The menu is diverse, and it is a relief to dine at a restaurant where I can come in regularly, and never get tired of the same old options. I have never tried anything on the menu that I didn't like. The food is EXCELLENT, and I would recommend going the extra mile for dessert. Very rich, but verrrry yummy. All prices are pretty reasonable, especially the deals on Happy Hour and Late Night menus. It's a small staff, but always exceptional service, (not to mention, very cute!) which truly tops off an already-enjoyable dining experience. I have met the owners, a young couple who are very personable, and am satisfied knowing that my business supports very amiable and down to earth people. See why I LOVE this place? It's awesome! Pros: Deeeelicious Spanish cuisine, GREAT menu, Laid-back feel Cons: Yet to experience one... more

Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed by my entire dining experience here. My bf and I ordered 5 different tapas at happy hour and only liked one of them which was bread with olives. The calamari was soggy and the rest were all too salty and this is coming from someone who eats Asian food regularly which is loaded with sodium! The staff was pleasant and nice but seemed to be understaffed as it was 10-15 before our waitress could come around and even take a drink order. The sangria although only $5 left something to be desired. I'm sorry to say I wouldn't come back or recommend it. Cons: terrible food more

Really fine food at reasonable prices. The staff was great except we're wondering about those uniforms that the guys wear. Is that supposed to be a nautical hoody or something? Anyway, the food is the point, and it's right up there with the best in town, with moderate prices. Worth a visit. Pros: Great food and service Cons: Decor a bit hokey more

Wow! \r \r Atmosphere= *****First of all, nice atmosphere, great location. The decor is inviting & fun. Add to that the sea/pirate theme without the cool clamminess of being on a ship. Seriously- ever go to a restaurant and feel stiff and formal and uncomfortable in your chair, like the first thing you want to do when you get home is kick off your shoes, loosen your pants and kick back & relax? \r \r Well, at The Maiden, you don't feel that uncomfortable stiffness; you pretty much feel right at home. One great thing about this restaurant, though, is that although it can be a casual atmoshphere (you could probably get away with dressing in gypsy and pirate costumes), the caliber of food and wine is sophisticated enough to welcome your uptight yankee parents!\r \r Food=*****After living in Spain literally inside of an authentic and traditional Spanish/Catalan restaurant, I think it's fair to say I've had me some real Spanish food. Add to that the dining around the city at a wide array of restaurants that varied in food variety and price/atmospere. The majority of Spanish food I've had was interesting, tasty, and at times a little scary with a rabbit's head served with the paella, for example. To me, there's something gritty about most spanish food dishes. I think maybe the FDA has different standards about the preparations and storage of meats. In principle, I feel that Spanish food is good. \r \r At The Maiden, the recipe concepts are are truly authentic to Spanish food & culture, with added herbs and spices managed by a chef with a more worldly palette. I have to say that The Maiden restaurant comes closest to authentic Spanish food I've had since I've been back in the states (1995) by taking the most wonderful aspects of Spanish foods and hightening the experience by awakening your senses with their own culinary expertise. So simple, yet sooooo goood!\r \r Presentation and service=***** respectively.\r \r more

This place is fantastic! Totally comfortable and laid-back atmosphere, good food and drink, and feels like home. I spent over three hours there just ordering amazing cocktails, eating fabulous food (the goat cheese polenta with mushrooms was so so tasty), and playing cards. The owners are friendly and low-key, they make the place even more appealing with the crazy fishtank and nautical decor. Their happy hour is extremely good for those on a budget who still love good food and drink, and the music selection is phenomenal but not so loud that you can't have a conversation with the person sitting across from you. Go here! more

All I can really say is WOW! this place has all the things I love about Portland with none of the things I hate!! A laid-back and helpful staff that are not afraid to step from behind the bar to make your night, unlike so many other bars and restaurants in Portland that i've been to. I felt very welcome and very at home walking in the door. there is something about The Maiden that makes you feel like you're a regular even if it's your first time. I'm a picky person when it comes to my food, drinks, and service. The Maiden's staff made me a believer. They were wonderful; they accomodated me and my girlfriend and left us alone when we wanted to be left alone, but were there when we needed them. more

Now that she is 'The Maiden', she's spot-on.\r \r The menu is great; happy hour tapas provide a full meal per plate. Love the Kobe burger (manchego cheese? Yes, please!), red beans and rice, seafood paella and the fries are the best around. The simplest thing- the citrus salad with cherries and chevre- is lovely enough for me to eat daily.\r \r If you want a well-mixed drink, come here. The bartenders are well versed and friendly. Sonia's the best of all. She is one of the best bartenders I've ever had the pleasure to meet, and pretty funny too. \r \r BTW- they have a trivia night on Wednesday- it's FAB!!!!!!!\r \r Love the updated decor and the fish tank. Outdoor seating is nice- Maiden's new owners are into good spaces and good food, or so it seems. The inclination to want to provide great food and drinks in a social atmosphere, down to hiring friendly staff who know when to engage patrons and when to leave them alone.\r \r more