Restaurant Reservations - Free • Instant • Confirmed
Learn More
Restaurant Reviews
Find Restaurants in Your Area
Select a Location
Reserve now:

Sonny's Reviews List

Sonny's

Sonny’s is the brain child of local 188's Chef Jay Villani. Serving the best locally sourced produce, meats and seafood w/ new world flavors from Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico and the Southwest. Sonny's overlooks one of Portland’s most attractive small city parks and offers outdoor seating for the warmer months. The full bar features a notable wine list, 12 beer taps as well as house infused vodkas and tequilas.
See more Sonny's details
51 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
(51 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 51 reviews
5 stars
(12)
4 stars
(29)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4 / 5
(Outstanding) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(25)
  • vibrant bar scene(20)
  • hot spot(13)
  • good for groups(11)
  • neighborhood gem(10)
  • special occasion(8)
Sonny's Reviews List
Review 1 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

A major disappointment

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/07/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We are unlikely to return to Sonny's. The menu was very limited, and frankly not well suited to people concerned with caloric intake. While we had a nice table by a window overlooking the park, and our waitress was adequate, I frankly found the slovenly appearance of some of the other wait staff distasteful. Raggedy T-shirts exposing major tattos seem very out of place for a restaurant with prices this high. Management best start paying attention to (1) the menu and the variety of offerings, and (2) the wait staff. If you expect to charge premium prices then the entire experience needs to be "premium"."
Dined on 5/07/2013
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 2 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This was our second visit

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This was our second visit to Sonny's. The menu is varied enough to accommodate food preferences, the atmosphere is lively and fun, the staff is welcoming and courteous and our experience has been excellent both times."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 3 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

I love sonnys, but they seemed

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I love sonnys, but they seemed to be a bit off that night. We arrived at 6, had to be at a show at the Merrill by 8. The staff seemed a bit uncertain as to what was on the menu and what wasn't (I think the waiter said the menu was changing). We didn't get our entrees until almost 7:30, so we had to rush through them. They were very good, but who wants to rush? Also, no time for dessert. Still, a tasty experience."
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2011
Special Features: hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 4 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We love Sonny's! It's one

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We love Sonny's! It's one of our favorite places in Portland. Beautiful restaurant with a great bar scene."
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 5 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food and drinks were amazing.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food and drinks were amazing. We were in town for a short visit and I will be sure to come back soon to eat here again!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 6 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fantastic food and mixed drinks!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Fantastic food and mixed drinks!"
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 7 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Tasty neighborhood gem

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We eat at Sonny's fairly often and are reliably pleased with the service, the imaginative, tasty food, the well-priced wine selections, and the value. We generally sit in the back room, which is quieter than the area by the bar - although that can be fun, too. In the summer, we also like to sit outside with a view of the park."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 8 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Group of 3 met for dinner

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Group of 3 met for dinner and drinks after work. Split lobster ravioli, which was great and then had a meal each. Varied and tasty drink menu, with a great selection of wine. I have eaten there previously in the summer outside, which I also enjoyed."
Dined on 03/26/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, special occasion
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 9 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great service, unique menu,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great service, unique menu, fantastic drink list"
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2011
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 10 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent, can't wait to return.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Excellent, can't wait to return."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 11 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

The food was fine. I was

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was fine. I was looking for a little more in the salad department. The menu is confusing. The acoustics are also noisy due to the tiled floor. It seemed that it might be more geared to a bar crowd."
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2013
Special Features: late-night find
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 12 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food was great, beautiful

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was great, beautiful space, excellent service. Held a big group well, we're gracious in accomodating our reservation if 7. The wait staff and many patrons appear to be hipsters. Not us but we enjoyed elbow rubbing:-), very relaxed feel plenty if true flannel shirt mainers too."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 13 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

loved it everything was great

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"loved it everything was great we used to go here a lot back when it was Parkers will be back soon"
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 14 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Sonny's is convenient and

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Sonny's is convenient and popular, but I liked it better before it had veered so heavily into southwestern cuisine."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Review 15 for Sonny's
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Sonny's is fantastic...

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Sonny's is one of our favorite "go to" spots for dinner. We can walk there, have a great meal, great service, feel relaxed and part of the Portland city scene thanks to the large windows onto the park, Exchange & Middle Streets, and walk home when we are ready! The food is always interesting and creative and the portions are grande'! Highly recommended are the mussels in coconut milk and lime kefir broth, (Get PLENTY OF BREAD to soak up all the deliciousness), and all pork dishes are full of flavor. The salad selection is small, but the choices offer variety. Their bar is fantastic and very popular for happy hour and after hours. They have a phenomenal selection of drinks using their selection of infused spirits, plus delicious wines/beer."
Dined on 02/04/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
Ratings-Only Reviews for Sonny's
Based on the average of (36) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
2 out of 3 recommend this product
Food 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Service 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Ambiance 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic