"Its hard to beat St Jack's take on French cuisine in Portland. Foodie food, great wine list, exceptional service. And, yes, frogs legs are on the menu."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We celebrated our anniversary here, and was an awesome experience. The staff made us feel like they truly cared, and helped us to enjoy a great meal & wine. We will definately go back!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"It seemed to take forever to receive our entrees after we finished our appetizers and salads. But the food was delicious, especially the tomato bisque and the bibb lettuce salad. The veal stew was in a fantastic sauce, but there was very little veal and what was present was especially fatty."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Food and service were great. It was warm outside, and all the sidewalk tables were occupied. We were seated in the main dining area, and it was hot. The ceiling air conditioner was unplugged and the waiter said it hasn't worked "in a while". There were no fans and no breeze through the doorways. The wait staff were visibly sweating (as in they had sweat running down their faces) and it was only 5:30 PM. Not cool watching sweat drip from servers head onto a plate at the table across from us. After seeing that we kept a close watch on our waiter and food as it was delivered to us. Please get the AC unit fixed in the main dining area before summer gets here."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Great food, fantastic cheese selection and desert might have been the best part.
The waiter was good without being pretentious and knew the wine list well. Lots of good wine options. Not your typical bland Portland wine list filled with Willamette Valley Pinots (which can be fantastic but variety is nice to see)."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Another wonderful evening at St. Jack. The service and the food was outstanding. Portland has so many great restaurants, we tend to not repeat visits. But, St. Jack was so good last time and this time, we will definitely be back again and soon."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We enjoyed the restaurant not only for the wonderful and interesting food selection, but also being able to have conversations with ease. Service was attentive, but not too fussy."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The food was really good and it was a fun outing to explore the nice French menu. They seemed a little short on help, especially knowledgable help and this made the dining experience slightly less smooth. Overall a good experience though."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Service was great. Cocktails were good. Pommes frites were crispy and so very good. Kids ordered mac and cheese and I thought it was one of the better kids' mac and cheese that I've had. We had the beet salad, the fish dish and the veggie dish. They were okay. I found the food too salty."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My husband and I, with another couple, thoroughly enjoyed our recent dinner at St Jack. As usual, the food was delicious and nicely presented. Peter and I had the breast of veal stew and agreed we had made a great choice. Our friends were equally pleased with their entrees. The excellent service enhanced a delightful dining experience."
Dined on 04/12/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This is one of my favorite restaurants in Portland, which is saying a lot! I love the food, the atmosphere and design of the space, and the people who work here. I always have an incredible time with friends who are usually new to the place. This last Saturday was no exception."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Dinner 5:30pm. Charming waitress. Pork rinds Mrs. wanted...Crazy good didn't understand how I liked them. Asparagus salad: awesome (Had asparagus salad 3 hours prior at Evoe outstanding) ordering a lettuce salad here if the warm asparagus is available would be a FAIL. Veal in cognac/creme sauce Redonkoulous! If someone had to eat me I would want to be served in this sauce. Dessert: Mrs. wins beignets with side of chocolate creme brulee trumps rhubarb (not tart) parfait...I was told by our attentive waitress in advanced that I was being temped by a false rhubarb god (very much a lesser god) and that all zest the dish created was visual and the magic ended at the lips. Noise was much better in the back than the front. Mostly French wine list."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We have been neighborhood fans of St. Jack since it opened. We're regulars although this was the first time we actually sat at a table. We usually sit at the bar. The goat cheese, butter lettuce, rillette are stand-out appetizers. I had the Tomato soup en croute - new on the menu - excellent. The whole table had the entree special giant portioned pork schnitzel. After appetizers impossible to finish. Not as thinly flat as a veal schnitzel in Vienna (we were there in October) but definitely a worthy contender. The new items on the menu are great to see. The service is excellent, attentive, friendly. This place doesn't need more excellent reviews. I should pan it so I can continue to get in."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We've been meaning to visit St Jack for some time and now wonder why we waited so long! The food and service were both excellent and the setting had a wonderful neighborhood charm and ease. We also had a devoted foodie friend with us for the dinner date, who makes it his mission to dine at highly regarded restaurants around the world, and he too was quite impressed. We're invited two other friends and going back this weekend! Yum!"
Dined on 04/08/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Love St. Jack. Everything about it. Warm Madeleines are the reason I keep coming back, but every time I am reminded again how good everything else is!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Very good food. reminds me of a small village rustic French bistro. can get very noisy in the back room. Wait staff friendly and helpful with selections. Unusual but excellent cocktails! you must try one."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Wonderful meal and outstanding, friendly service. The sommelier was a gem! His suggested wine: a find. We loved our visit to St. Jack and immediately contacted some foodie friends to join us when we return."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This is my second time at St. Jack. I was so impressed the first time, I selected it for a special occasion to celebrate a friend's birthday. I was not disappointed. It was really a great experience."
Dined on 03/19/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The restaurant is qute small therefore not too noisy. The food was outstanding and we were very impressed that the trout which 2 of us ate, did not contain a single bone. The menu is small but quite adventurous, not for timid diners or those with too mny food restrictions. All round an extremely enjoyable experience. It was a birthday and they served dessert on a .lovely plate with happy Birthday written on in chocolate. They did not sing so my friend was not embarrassed."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Great service with the attention to detail in reguards to the total experience. Waiter (Sean) knows his stuff and the wine to pair. I can't wait to go back."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We had a good dinner on a Friday evening - service was attentive, even with a full restaurant. We tried the frog legs, which was wonderful, and had steak frites and mussels. The mussels could have done with more bread, and while delicious, was very rich and filling. The steak was a little too salty but the side bearnaise sauce was amazing! Dessert was delicious - pear tart and home-made canele ice cream, both were a great end to the meal. Nice atmosphere, felt nice and French, and if you can't get to a cafe in France anytime soon, this will be a great substitute."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The dinner and the service were great. Our table was ready for us and they were able to accommodate a last minute additional guest. I will definitely return again."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Disappointing. We have a group of four that research Portland restaurants, then once a month gather for a full dining experience, i.e., drinks, all courses, wine. As a part of our adventure we critique the food, drinks and service and note whether we would come again and/or refer people to the restaurant.
From having eaten in France, when I think of French food, I think of "fresh" and "layers of flavor". With the exception of the broth on the mussels, the flavors were very one-dimensional, presentation was poor, the waiter made no attempt to make his voice heard over the very noisy restaurant despite the multiple times we had to ask for things to be repeated (and just gave up). The one highlight was a talented,convivial bartender."
Dined on 03/06/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
Share:
-1point
0of1voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"From the moment we walked in we felt welcomed. Our server was well informed. When we found out our first dish wasn't available, the special clams and bacon appetizer, they put together an equally delicious combo: mussels and bacon. it was delicious. our butter lettuce salad was perfectly dressed and the entrees were perfectly prepared: steak for one, and trout for the other. Excellent. The desserts were beautifully executed and of course: Delicious. I have to say, it's been a while since I have been out to eat and every dish exceeds expectations. Drinks: one had sparkling wine and the other had a martini. Perfect too!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We came back after having a good experience previously, but we won't be back again. We were looking forward to roasted marrow bones, which were not on the menu this time. We had escargot with mushrooms instead, but you could only taste the mushrooms, which overpowered the dish. The steak onglet was not good, meat tasted old. The fries served with were way too salty, and I love salt. The rib eye was excellent, but still the fries were way to salty, hardly edible and way overpriced for just steak and fries. The drinks were excellent. We might be brave and try it again for happy hour."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Enjoyed my first visit to St. Jack. We decided to have several items to share and get to try several things. The ambiance was great. We sat in a room that had about 3-4 tables all by the windows. Nice moderate noise level. The service staff were friendly and knowledgable. We ordered the Cervelle De Canut which was creamy and very good. Butter Lettuce, and Salade Lyonnaise salads were fresh and ample. Pomme Frites & dip addictive. Couquilles St. Jack and Escargot. The scallops in the St. Jack were large and done perfectly. My only disapointment was the the sauce was a little skimpy. The escargot done with mushrooms was perfect. I'll definitely recommend and come back!"
Dined on 02/26/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We loved our meal at St. Jack's and would highly recommend it to any of our friends! Wonderful, warm and cozy atmosphere, friendly and hospitable staff! Food was beautifully done and delicious! Due to limited seating reservations are a must."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"What a delight, to find a great little French bistro on the east side! Dining with a friend, we split the Coquille St. Jacques (won't make that mistake again, next time we'll each get our own!). I had the trout with lentils, and loved it. A tangy and savory presentation that avoided the typical perils of over-saucing trout. My dinner partner had the hanger steak and would not share, so it MUST have been good. Dessert was the madeleines, which were small, plentiful for two people, and perfectly prepared. Proust would be so pleased. We had those with champagne cocktails, also very good, but the slab of lemon peel was not elegant, always looking for a thin helical thread of lemon zest that makes a champagne cocktail perfect. We'll be back."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"My husband's meal was great - hangar steak and fries. Mine, the special, mackerel and artichokes, roasted peppers - everything tasted the same and was VERY salty. The bread (which we had to ask for) was quite rubbery. Salad was very good. Ice cream was delicious."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"The service was excellent. Spouse had the hangar steak which was fabulous. I wish I'd opted for something other than the mackerel--too salty, couldn't even finish one of them."
Dined on 02/15/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"St Jack is an excellent French bistro in SE Portland near the Ladd's Addition. On street parking was readily available, on a Sunday evening. The ambience was cozy and the crowd bordering animated. We were seated in the bar while not great; it was quieter than their main dining room which was noisier. Service was prompt and efficient; not cloying, over attentive nor aloof or distant. The males were outfitted in "Sometimes a Great Notion" logger flannels and dungarees which was decidedly un-French. They were trying too hard to be noticed (?). Food preparation and presentation of our menu selections were excellent. The soup and salad out-performed the entrees, interestingly. We stayed for dessert and enjoyed a great time."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We were very happy to have chosen St. Jacks. The service was very good and the food was excellent. We had many perfect courses. The frog legs were also outstanding both in presentation and quality. We had dinner on a Sunday and the resturant was very busy. We have no complaints except the typical neighborhood parking situation. Spectacular Job ST. Jacks."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Fabulous meal with great cocktails and wine. It can get noisy if there are several larger groups so conversation with more than 2-4 is tough, but otherwise, it's a wonderful experience!"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Very good food and service, a B plus. I wasn't knock your socks off thrilled with the food although way above average. My daughter had lived in Lyon and enjoyed the memories, although she was never a huge fan of blood sausage:) The Salade Lyonaise was remarkable as were the scallops. The service was sterling, friendly attentive service."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"This time around I enjoyed my meal immensely. My cocktail wasyummy (the Pearl)and very cold as I requested. We split the delicious green salad it; love it. My mussels were very good. The scallops with gruyere is a mistake. The heavy cheese with the scallops doesn't work. And of course, the fabulous bread! I would like to see more vegetables on the menu, as sides or with the entrees. The soups with the crusts are kind of over the top; yet may be enjoyed by others."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"We don't eat out much, doing quite well in our own kitchen. We demand a lot and rarely go back to restaurants even when they're good: so many, so little time or money. St. Jacks' menu seemed pretentious but intriguing. By and large, it didn't disappoint.
We'd like to compliment them on being judicious with salt, a growing problem. Salt, or lack of it, is easily remedied with a table shaker - too much can't be removed. And the portions were reasonable.
Our only complaint was aggressive use of fennel seed in the bouillabaisse which would have been better served by a lighter hand or even better, exclusive use of a fresh bulb.
Service was attentive but not overbearing. I'm going back for the oxtail bourguignon which I've done at"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Always a pleasure. Always a winner when we bring visitors. If you are staying downtown, grab a cab and get here! You don't know what you're missing. Reservations a must."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"It's a cozy place with traditional bistro food done with Portland flair. I had the chicken special while the others had smaller meals like onion tart, scallops, and the trout entree. All are executed well and the wine list has a broad enough variety to appeal to more serious wine people. It seems to do a good job accomodating large groups at farm style tables at the same time, you can sit at the bar alone or with a friend and have a lovely dinner. I like it much more than Little Bird that attempts to have the same kind of bistro but misses on the quality with essential things like frites and decent bread. St. Jack's has the awesome Little T baguettes with sweet butter (sprinkled with lovely salt flakes). It's those little details that addup"
Dined on 02/04/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"What a treat to have a meal at St Jack! The service is always friendly, knowledgeable, and unimposing. The food has never disappointed. Its intimate ambience has contributed to many a wonderful evening."
Dined on 01/28/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"Great food, good service. The front dining room was much louder than the rear--it's worth requesting a quieter table if anyone in your party is hard of hearing. Large wine list. A little pricier than other restaurants in the neighborhood but absolutely worth it."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.
"On my second visit, I was again struck by the indifferent verging on disdainful staff. And they couldn't seem to get us out the door fast enough. Not a leisurely meal, or even a relaxing meal. The space is just dreadful; three rooms cobbled together with no flow, no table privacy, and so dark you can't read the menu. My oxtail dish was fatty, as is to be expected I suppose from oxtail, but I couldn't see well enough to avoid big mouthfuls of fat. Really, really icky. I much prefer Cocotte on Killingsworth for a more inventive menu, more pleasant wait staff, and a more leisurely French meal."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2011
Share:
0points
0of0voted this as helpful.
Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.