Went for a late brunch and honestly everything slapped — the steak & eggs had this buttery richness without feeling heavy. Shared a couple of small plates and each one had some fun twist. Busy room, kinda loud, but the energy feels good rather than chaotic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jen Rountree
Stopped by here after the gingerbread house unveiling at the Be son and was staaaarving.
Immediately the vibe is stunning - tall ceilings, intimate lighting, old school meets modern. The menu had great options and a lot looked good. Service was also so friendly despite only having one server out there for both the bar and dining area.
Unfortunately it took a long time to get our meal, although based on other reviews it could be because this place was more packed than usual. When we did finally get our food, our appetizers came at the same time as the meal. Everything was fine, nothing spectacular.
I would come back if I was in the area and for the drinks and the chips & dip.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Omar Zuniga
Bistro Alder continues to impress with its elevated comfort dishes and genuinely warm hospitality. The butter lettuce salad is crisp, refreshing, and perfectly dressed. The Rigatoni Bolognese delivers rich, slow-simmered flavor, and the truffle mac and cheese is decadent in all the best ways.
Their mezcal hot toddy is a standout—smoky, soothing, and absolutely perfect for cold Portland nights. Service from Amanda and Devi is consistently attentive, friendly, and thoughtful, making every visit feel special.
And do not skip dessert. The Warmed Parmesan Pound Cake with vanilla bean ice cream, toasted almonds, and macerated berries is unbelievably good—sweet, salty, warm, creamy, everything you want to end a meal.
Bistro Alder remains a must-try for anyone looking for incredible food, gorgeous cocktails, and service that elevates the entire experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Casey Baker
Bistro Alder is an absolute standout in downtown Portland. Chef Ben Waterman is delivering exceptional dishes across the board—the French onion soup is hands-down the best in town, the crispy-skin salmon is perfection, and the coq au vin is truly next level. The happy hour lineup is equally impressive, featuring mouthwatering Wagyu meatballs and a decadent truffle mac and cheese.
The beverage program, led by Spencer, is just as noteworthy. His cocktails are consistently fantastic (don’t miss the hot toddy), and the selection of Oregon wines is curated with real expertise. Amanda and Devi round out the experience with warm, attentive service that makes every visit memorable.
Bistro Alder is a must-try—a beautifully executed menu, great drinks, and something for everyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Esses sishv Sbsggj
Bistro Alder Review
Bistro Alder offers a refined yet approachable dining experience with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The menu showcases creative American cuisine with elegant plating and balanced flavors. The ambiance is warm and intimate, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Service is professional and attentive, enhancing the overall experience. Standout dishes often include fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and house-made desserts. A great spot for food lovers seeking quality and comfort in a relaxed setting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jay Miller
If you’re looking for a bar/bistro as ADHD over quality as you—this is the place. Meticulous bar arrangement with pro staff. I ordered the Dijon Meatballs which had a great taste and ample portion even for non-Swedes. Do not miss out on the Crispy Skin Salmon entree. Perfectly cooked to poached consistency with a tasty grilled top over excellent lentils and a perfect parsnip puree…Bro, this was better than your girls banana bread. Chef designed but the line cooks knows his stuff and delivered a perfect meal tonight. Art on display. CJ delivered. Excellent waiters.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Todd Penner
Never got to eat. Even though they are open, they arent servi g food? Moved on and found a restaurant that *gasp* serves food when they are open.
Service: 1
Susan Nunnery
What a perfect happy hour! Great food, reasonable prices, beautiful environment, and a fabulous Spencer (our server).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mike
We walked out. We went for Sunday brunch but they no longer had a branch menu. The restaurant was empty and the staff seemed stoned.
RASHIDA LEWIS
It was a long wait for just a burger. I asked for a well done burger and it was only cooked medium. I had to throw it away.
Charming bistro with nice menu of French focused dishes. I ordered the coq au.vin, perfect for the first day of autumn..my friend ordered salmon and said it was very good. We both ordered wine from their carefully curated french leaning selections. Our server was very polite and attentive..we sat in the lounge area next to an open window enjoying the Indian summer weather. Try it. A perfect spot for a cozy autumn evening. They also occasionally have live music. Full bar.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jessica Dunning
Wandered in for a late breakfast. Nice atmosphere, food was very good and well prepared but the review is noteworthy because of the service. Daphne was lovely. In a time when folks hold onto their dollars a little tighter, experience matters. She was kind, attentive and genuine in a way that reflects not only her many (likely) years of experience but pride in her work.
April Stiles
My husband and I had a lovely breakfast here. I got the poached eggs hash and it was delicious! Service was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nick Lansing
We arrived for a late breakfast shortly before the kitchen closed. Our server Daphne was welcoming. We never felt rushed or like we were putting anyone out. Food was good. Atmosphere was comfortable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loren
We were really happy with our dinners at Bistro Alder. The steak frites with chimichurri and house-made fries were delicious. The crispy salmon and parsnip purrey were 5-star! I loved the parmesan crisp adding a tasty crunch to the brussel sprouts. Also a delicious charcuterie board, amazing dinner all around!
Went for a late brunch and honestly everything slapped — the steak & eggs had this buttery richness without feeling heavy. Shared a couple of small plates and each one had some fun twist. Busy room, kinda loud, but the energy feels good rather than chaotic.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Stopped by here after the gingerbread house unveiling at the Be son and was staaaarving.
Immediately the vibe is stunning - tall ceilings, intimate lighting, old school meets modern. The menu had great options and a lot looked good. Service was also so friendly despite only having one server out there for both the bar and dining area.
Unfortunately it took a long time to get our meal, although based on other reviews it could be because this place was more packed than usual. When we did finally get our food, our appetizers came at the same time as the meal. Everything was fine, nothing spectacular.
I would come back if I was in the area and for the drinks and the chips & dip.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Bistro Alder continues to impress with its elevated comfort dishes and genuinely warm hospitality. The butter lettuce salad is crisp, refreshing, and perfectly dressed. The Rigatoni Bolognese delivers rich, slow-simmered flavor, and the truffle mac and cheese is decadent in all the best ways.
Their mezcal hot toddy is a standout—smoky, soothing, and absolutely perfect for cold Portland nights. Service from Amanda and Devi is consistently attentive, friendly, and thoughtful, making every visit feel special.
And do not skip dessert. The Warmed Parmesan Pound Cake with vanilla bean ice cream, toasted almonds, and macerated berries is unbelievably good—sweet, salty, warm, creamy, everything you want to end a meal.
Bistro Alder remains a must-try for anyone looking for incredible food, gorgeous cocktails, and service that elevates the entire experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bistro Alder is an absolute standout in downtown Portland. Chef Ben Waterman is delivering exceptional dishes across the board—the French onion soup is hands-down the best in town, the crispy-skin salmon is perfection, and the coq au vin is truly next level. The happy hour lineup is equally impressive, featuring mouthwatering Wagyu meatballs and a decadent truffle mac and cheese.
The beverage program, led by Spencer, is just as noteworthy. His cocktails are consistently fantastic (don’t miss the hot toddy), and the selection of Oregon wines is curated with real expertise. Amanda and Devi round out the experience with warm, attentive service that makes every visit memorable.
Bistro Alder is a must-try—a beautifully executed menu, great drinks, and something for everyone.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bistro Alder Review
Bistro Alder offers a refined yet approachable dining experience with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The menu showcases creative American cuisine with elegant plating and balanced flavors. The ambiance is warm and intimate, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Service is professional and attentive, enhancing the overall experience. Standout dishes often include fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and house-made desserts. A great spot for food lovers seeking quality and comfort in a relaxed setting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If you’re looking for a bar/bistro as ADHD over quality as you—this is the place. Meticulous bar arrangement with pro staff. I ordered the Dijon Meatballs which had a great taste and ample portion even for non-Swedes. Do not miss out on the Crispy Skin Salmon entree. Perfectly cooked to poached consistency with a tasty grilled top over excellent lentils and a perfect parsnip puree…Bro, this was better than your girls banana bread. Chef designed but the line cooks knows his stuff and delivered a perfect meal tonight. Art on display. CJ delivered. Excellent waiters.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Never got to eat. Even though they are open, they arent servi g food? Moved on and found a restaurant that *gasp* serves food when they are open.
Service: 1
What a perfect happy hour! Great food, reasonable prices, beautiful environment, and a fabulous Spencer (our server).
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We walked out. We went for Sunday brunch but they no longer had a branch menu. The restaurant was empty and the staff seemed stoned.
It was a long wait for just a burger. I asked for a well done burger and it was only cooked medium. I had to throw it away.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
Charming bistro with nice menu of French focused dishes. I ordered the coq au.vin, perfect for the first day of autumn..my friend ordered salmon and said it was very good. We both ordered wine from their carefully curated french leaning selections. Our server was very polite and attentive..we sat in the lounge area next to an open window enjoying the Indian summer weather.
Try it. A perfect spot for a cozy autumn evening. They also occasionally have live music. Full bar.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wandered in for a late breakfast. Nice atmosphere, food was very good and well prepared but the review is noteworthy because of the service. Daphne was lovely. In a time when folks hold onto their dollars a little tighter, experience matters. She was kind, attentive and genuine in a way that reflects not only her many (likely) years of experience but pride in her work.
My husband and I had a lovely breakfast here. I got the poached eggs hash and it was delicious! Service was great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We arrived for a late breakfast shortly before the kitchen closed. Our server Daphne was welcoming. We never felt rushed or like we were putting anyone out. Food was good. Atmosphere was comfortable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were really happy with our dinners at Bistro Alder. The steak frites with chimichurri and house-made fries were delicious. The crispy salmon and parsnip purrey were 5-star! I loved the parmesan crisp adding a tasty crunch to the brussel sprouts. Also a delicious charcuterie board, amazing dinner all around!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Loading...