Really charming place and love the very local food connections and seasonal menu. Memorable, wonderful meal! Staff were passionate and knowledgeable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tom Canales
The most creative, delicious food in town!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rabbit, Salad
Michelle T.
This was such a special dinner. Excellent in every way . Unique or classic, each dish was so exceptional! Fine fusion ? Upscale casual ? I don't know what to call this "vibe" but I really could fall in love with this venue ! Our server was completely competent yet completely casual, great ! Our first round of mixed drinks was an eye opener ! This nosh is complex ! We were blown away by our firsts ... "bread & fat "was so much more than implied ... and steak tar-tar ...a classic seldom seen today ... they really nailed it ! I will return for drinks and starters without a doubt , as soon as possible! For our entree we all chose quail and were really happy with its lovely presentation ,a wholesome feast. Farm to table at its best . A perfect place to savor the best of what Oregon has on offer .
Emily
Snuck in early with no reservation, which typically is not a good bet. It was early and raining hard on a Friday, and we were in the area and got lucky. Menu is focused, but everything we had was great. One server was running the entire restaurant with no runner or hostess, just the bartender, which is WILD. You can tell he is an industry pro, but I don’t think most people could manage that. He was definitely efficient, and didn’t have time to linger, but friendly enough, got all the food out properly, and overall good service. Cute space. I’ve been thinking about the whitefish and veggies since Friday… a sentence I have NEVER thought before ?. Definitely the best food in the area, and will be back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
alex murillo
The food is great ,Costumer service is bad , try to talk to me like I am
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
lisvu
There are no words to describe how lovely and special it was to spend our birthdays dining at Thistle. The meal was beautifully prepared — we had delicious rabbit rillette, impeccably cooked quail, and a rich flavorful rockfish — and the food was genuinely the best we enjoyed during our time in Willamette Valley (and perhaps, anywhere), accompanied by tasty cocktails and a well-selected wine list. On top of the incomparable food, Patrick’s warmth, kindness, recommendations, and humor made the meal even more perfect. Unlike restaurants with endless choices, Thistle offers a short chalkboard menu, for the best — every item has been carefully perfected and you can’t choose wrong. If you’re lucky enough to find a spot in their dining room during your stay in Willamette Valley, we can’t recommend it highly enough.
Ethan B.
Thistle offers a strange combination of fine, yet unpretentious and affordable, dining. The dining room is a bit small and noisy, but the host is extremely knowledgeable and the service is quick and definitely goes above and beyond. When I visited, the table next to me ordered something that didn't quite come out how they were expecting. The server graciously (and proactively!) offered to prepare something off-menu, more to the diner's taste. While the dining room itself is a bit subpar, the only thing actually keeping Thistle from a full 5-stars in my opinion is the menu execution. For such a well-crafted menu, I was a bit disappointed to find the tartare only mediocre and the rillettes underseasoned. I'd highly recommend the bread and fat, or any of the salads, but the biggest surprise was the smoked fish. Really, the fish ended up being more of a salad that just so happened to have smoked fish as a major component. In particular, the olives were an unexpected yet oh-so-perfect inclusion, contrasting the sharp umami of the fish and fresh salad greens beautifully.
Jennifer A.
This is a little gem of a restaurant in McMinnville. Definitely a must try! My table had the rabbit liver parfait, smoked fish chowder, "bread and fat" and a rabbit main dish. The smoked fish chowder was to die for, and should not be missed. The rabbit Parfait and rabbit main dish were both competent preparations, but held no surprises. I was expecting something a little more interesting. We also had two different gin cocktails that were on the cocktail menu, and both were well worth trying. Since the menu changes regularly, I would definitely go back to see what they had to offer. No question that you will have a very enjoyable meal. Reservations are recommended as they fill up fast!
Oh I could go on and on about this place and service!!! Patrick was amazing and got us in last minute!! We loved the fresh, daily local menu! The chef's were preparing meals that were beyond five stars in the most rustic and intimate atmosphere! Must try when in McMinnville!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Winter Squash, Oysters on the Half Shell, Gnocchi Walnut Nettle Pestor Lemon, Pork Rilletes, Oysters on the Half Shell
Amy V.
Amazing dinner at this quiet, gem of a restaurant in town. Small menu, but, done to perfection. Good music and ambiance. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
This is the best restaurant in Willamette Wine country. They have a limited menu that they execute to perfection. Relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The owner, Patrick, is easy going and welcoming. One of our favorite places to dine!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kacie Rettig
This is one of the best meals I’ve ever had period. The vibe and friendliness of the restaurant makes you feel right at home, and the fresh, local ingredients and preparedness are top notch. Super unique dishes I haven’t tasted elsewhere, particularly the gnocchi.
Tiffany Barry
Good luck making a reservation. When you call, you get an answering machine. They ask you to leave your number and make your reservation request. I called twice, leaving all the details of my requested reservation date, along with my number. I called three weeks in advance, and again, two weeks in advance. No one ever called back. Just get an online reservation system already. I am traveling from the east coast to Oregon wine country. Since I don't live locally, I rely on reservations to try restaurants that are highly touted.
TK G.
A real pleasant surprise! What looks a bit down trodden from the outside is a sweet treasure of interesting finds that work together. The food is outstanding. Locally sourced and fresh. The rabbit terrine or pate as a starter was as smooth as butter. The tomato green bean with bleu cheese salad delicious. The three entrees, rockfish, rabbit and gnocchi perfection. Of course the menu changes weekly. Service was prompt, fun, kind and knowledgeable. Overall this was a wonderful hit.
Laura Palmer
Vacationing from NorCal, Thistle is a must-visit! Incredible food, service, and a charming wine list. Ambiance can’t be beat, we’d be regulars here if we lived locally! If you’re looking for a chill, relaxing vibe with exceptional food, drinks and staff - you need to dine here. Heavenly pillows of gnocchi, layered rabbit gravy, and the lightest, freshest cherry clafoutis! ::chef’s-kiss::
Really charming place and love the very local food connections and seasonal menu. Memorable, wonderful meal! Staff were passionate and knowledgeable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The most creative, delicious food in town!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rabbit, Salad
This was such a special dinner. Excellent in every way . Unique or classic, each dish was so exceptional! Fine fusion ? Upscale casual ? I don't know what to call this "vibe" but I really could fall in love with this venue ! Our server was completely competent yet completely casual, great ! Our first round of mixed drinks was an eye opener ! This nosh is complex ! We were blown away by our firsts ... "bread & fat "was so much more than implied ... and steak tar-tar ...a classic seldom seen today ... they really nailed it ! I will return for drinks and starters without a doubt , as soon as possible! For our entree we all chose quail and were really happy with its lovely presentation ,a wholesome feast. Farm to table at its best . A perfect place to savor the best of what Oregon has on offer .
Snuck in early with no reservation, which typically is not a good bet. It was early and raining hard on a Friday, and we were in the area and got lucky. Menu is focused, but everything we had was great. One server was running the entire restaurant with no runner or hostess, just the bartender, which is WILD. You can tell he is an industry pro, but I don’t think most people could manage that. He was definitely efficient, and didn’t have time to linger, but friendly enough, got all the food out properly, and overall good service. Cute space. I’ve been thinking about the whitefish and veggies since Friday… a sentence I have NEVER thought before ?. Definitely the best food in the area, and will be back
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is great ,Costumer service is bad , try to talk to me like I am
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
There are no words to describe how lovely and special it was to spend our birthdays dining at Thistle. The meal was beautifully prepared — we had delicious rabbit rillette, impeccably cooked quail, and a rich flavorful rockfish — and the food was genuinely the best we enjoyed during our time in Willamette Valley (and perhaps, anywhere), accompanied by tasty cocktails and a well-selected wine list. On top of the incomparable food, Patrick’s warmth, kindness, recommendations, and humor made the meal even more perfect. Unlike restaurants with endless choices, Thistle offers a short chalkboard menu, for the best — every item has been carefully perfected and you can’t choose wrong. If you’re lucky enough to find a spot in their dining room during your stay in Willamette Valley, we can’t recommend it highly enough.
Thistle offers a strange combination of fine, yet unpretentious and affordable, dining. The dining room is a bit small and noisy, but the host is extremely knowledgeable and the service is quick and definitely goes above and beyond. When I visited, the table next to me ordered something that didn't quite come out how they were expecting. The server graciously (and proactively!) offered to prepare something off-menu, more to the diner's taste. While the dining room itself is a bit subpar, the only thing actually keeping Thistle from a full 5-stars in my opinion is the menu execution. For such a well-crafted menu, I was a bit disappointed to find the tartare only mediocre and the rillettes underseasoned. I'd highly recommend the bread and fat, or any of the salads, but the biggest surprise was the smoked fish. Really, the fish ended up being more of a salad that just so happened to have smoked fish as a major component. In particular, the olives were an unexpected yet oh-so-perfect inclusion, contrasting the sharp umami of the fish and fresh salad greens beautifully.
This is a little gem of a restaurant in McMinnville. Definitely a must try! My table had the rabbit liver parfait, smoked fish chowder, "bread and fat" and a rabbit main dish. The smoked fish chowder was to die for, and should not be missed. The rabbit Parfait and rabbit main dish were both competent preparations, but held no surprises. I was expecting something a little more interesting. We also had two different gin cocktails that were on the cocktail menu, and both were well worth trying. Since the menu changes regularly, I would definitely go back to see what they had to offer. No question that you will have a very enjoyable meal. Reservations are recommended as they fill up fast!
Oh I could go on and on about this place and service!!! Patrick was amazing and got us in last minute!! We loved the fresh, daily local menu! The chef's were preparing meals that were beyond five stars in the most rustic and intimate atmosphere! Must try when in McMinnville!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Winter Squash, Oysters on the Half Shell, Gnocchi Walnut Nettle Pestor Lemon, Pork Rilletes, Oysters on the Half Shell
Amazing dinner at this quiet, gem of a restaurant in town. Small menu, but, done to perfection. Good music and ambiance. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Restaurantji Recommends
This is the best restaurant in Willamette Wine country. They have a limited menu that they execute to perfection. Relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The owner, Patrick, is easy going and welcoming. One of our favorite places to dine!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is one of the best meals I’ve ever had period. The vibe and friendliness of the restaurant makes you feel right at home, and the fresh, local ingredients and preparedness are top notch. Super unique dishes I haven’t tasted elsewhere, particularly the gnocchi.
Good luck making a reservation. When you call, you get an answering machine. They ask you to leave your number and make your reservation request. I called twice, leaving all the details of my requested reservation date, along with my number. I called three weeks in advance, and again, two weeks in advance. No one ever called back. Just get an online reservation system already. I am traveling from the east coast to Oregon wine country. Since I don't live locally, I rely on reservations to try restaurants that are highly touted.
A real pleasant surprise! What looks a bit down trodden from the outside is a sweet treasure of interesting finds that work together. The food is outstanding. Locally sourced and fresh. The rabbit terrine or pate as a starter was as smooth as butter. The tomato green bean with bleu cheese salad delicious. The three entrees, rockfish, rabbit and gnocchi perfection. Of course the menu changes weekly. Service was prompt, fun, kind and knowledgeable. Overall this was a wonderful hit.
Vacationing from NorCal, Thistle is a must-visit! Incredible food, service, and a charming wine list. Ambiance can’t be beat, we’d be regulars here if we lived locally! If you’re looking for a chill, relaxing vibe with exceptional food, drinks and staff - you need to dine here. Heavenly pillows of gnocchi, layered rabbit gravy, and the lightest, freshest cherry clafoutis! ::chef’s-kiss::
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5