Reviews

Based on 20 reviews

portlandiafoodie

Bad food, and overpriced

I don't know how this restaurant is still in business. The food there is just absolutely horrible. It is over priced. Grant it, I know it is seafood, but the price you pay for the portions you get is just abserd. This restaurant came highly recommended, but I don't know what my friend saw in this place. The service staff was about the only promising thing about this restaurant. We went in on Thursday night, and were seated promptly, and then it went down hill. We ordered from colorful menu, which at first glance looks like a kids menu. My wife had the shrimp louis, which was served on soggy iceberg lettuce, and had defrosted flavorless shrimp on it. I had the pan fried oysters. They were overly breaded, and overly cooked. This dish came with mashed potatoes that at best can be compared to potato flakes. OH WAIT, potato flakes have more flavor than this slop. Someone needs to teach that kitchen how to use salt and pepper at the very least. The best part of the meal was the sour dough roll. I will not ever go back into this restaurant, nor will I recommend it. Me, my business, and my recommondations will be going to another seafood restaurant.

posted at 11/09/07

snackytreats

horrible mixed with terrible

Never again. So sad to see a good place go bad. food was horrible. Flavorless and overcooked. Small portions with high prices. Did not really want more though. Service was beyond a joke. Waitress seemed confused at all times. Don't think she knew the difference between red and white wine. Used to think the place had a nautical museum feel. Now more of a mausoleum. Try McCormick an Schmicks right around the corner. Efficient wait staff, good food..

posted at 11/11/07

pdxeats01

Excellent Oystres and Crab Bisque

Went to Dan and Louis this last wednesday for dinner. We decided to sit in the lounge for some drinks and food, my wife and I shared the crab bisque which turned out to be a rich and decadant delight and for our entree we shared an order of the pan fried Yaquina Bay oysters, fresh hot and lightly breded, they were delicious. Our bartender/server was both friendly and knowledgable. All in all we had a wonderful experience.

posted at 11/17/07

homebrewer

Great Family Tradition; and AWESOME food

My family and I have been coming to the oyster bar for many years. It has been several years since I was last in, but the food is still as good as it ever was, infact some things are better, the chowder is so much better then it ever used to be, it is perfectly seasoned. I was tried the crab bisque which came highly recommended by our waitress. The way that she described it, I could taste it before it even came out. It certainly held up to what she described. I had the admiral's platter which was enough for two people. This was the first time for our new son-in-law, he is very much into naval ships, and model ship building...He just loved the decor and atmosphere. Everyone's food was really good.

Over all we had a wonderful expirence, keep up the good work, and we will be back. Way to keep a family tradition alive

posted at 11/23/07

j_portlanddiner

Average food at high prices

We thought we were going to a relaxed, quality seafood restaurant that was listed by most sites as not too expensive. The atmosphere is pretty authentic, but the rest of the experience wasn't great. And the four of us walked out with a $140 bill! So, it's not cheap. Most of the entrees are deep fried, the crab cakes were plopped down uneventfully--and didn't taste like they contained too much crab. The waitress was polite, but clearly didn't know much about the food she was serving. For the price, you are much better off going to Jakes. It costs just as much, but everyone I know comes out smiling.

posted at 11/25/07

eatbetterout

lowest rated seafood restaurant for good reason

Barely want to waste my breath. The last three positive reviews must be planted by the restaurant. Read them. Sound like ads. We were sat fairly quick. Downhill from there. We ordered two appetizers, oysters and fried clams. The clams were obviously pre-frozen(compare to skippers). The oysters never came. oops. Waited on the entrees for a long time. Finally arrived. Seemed to have left the crab out of the crab cakes. My wifes oysters were way too breaded and overcooked. even the starches sucked. potatoes and rice that were on par with Denny's. Final insult. The bill. Could have gone to Red Lobster. Ten times better food and service. Maybe when this place goes out of business(soon my guess), Some one could open a Red Lobster. That would be nice.

posted at 11/28/07

ssmith2526

Overpriced, tastes like drive thru

Alas, I'm afraid I have to join the club of those who had a bad dining experience. I saw the mixed reviews, lots of bad ones but was hopeful because there were some good reviews, so I decided to go. My goodness, I am so disappointed. Their crab bisque was runny/watery. Their crab dip was also runny. Most of their menu items are deep fried (as a previous poster mentioned) and the table felt sticky, like it was dirty. In fact the whole place seemed low rent but with high prices for their food dishes. The average item costs fifteen dollars so I would not describe this place as cheap eats (as it is described by the owners). And 15 bucks isn't a lot for good seafood but when it's horrible I find paying that much offensive. The only positive thing about the restaurant is the oysters on the half shell - they are terrific. Anything else is fast food quality but not at the fast food prices. I'm embarrassed that I chose this place for my family. I wish I would have heeded the advice of most of the posters and gone somewhere else. Next time (if they ever let me organize another outing) I will choose more wisely. I know it's family-owned and I would love for that reason to see it succeed but because the quality is so poor it feels like they are stealing from their customers and for that reason I do hope this place goes out of business. Too bad they don't read these reviews and CHANGE their ways.

posted at 12/27/07

eatfoodinportland

There is a reason they've been around 100 years

I love this place. The nostalgia on the walls is reason alone for going but the food and service make it worth the trip. The specials are absolutely amazing and I love the stews. I just read the other reviews and am wondering what is wrong with those people!?!?!?! I have been eating there for years and never once had an experience even close to what I read. There is a reason the place has been around for 100 years... they have great food and service.... PERIOD!

posted at 01/19/08

Noble12345678

Seafood, fabulous

We came to Portland from the Monterey bay / San Francisco so we have really been spoiled with great seafood so we were thrilled to stumble upon Dan & Louis's Oyster Bar. First let me complement the service, very friendly and eager to please the customer. The atmosphere is fabulous, very Nautical.

As for the food, very, very good!!!!!! we have been in twice and we will be frequent flyers. We have sampled several items on the menue and have been very pleased consistantly. The prices are very reasonable and the quality truely exceeds the price. Tonight one of the owners came out to visit with us and he really treated us well. We were asking about some of there Japaneese oysters and suddenly some samples appeared and they were terrific!.

No doubt as to why they have been in business for 100 years, they really have their act together. I have read some of the other reviews and though I really cannot despute them I have to remember that everyone can have an off night. If you happen to have an off experience let them know, they seem very anxious to make your evening a fun one and to make things right.

Two thumbs up, I am very picky and I have eaten in some of the worlds most highly regarded seafood restaraunts and I recommend Dan & Louis Oyster Bar HIGHLY!!!!

posted at 02/11/08

phyrman

Awesome Eats

First glance from the outside looking in made me a little hesitant. Once prodded inside by friends, I was amazed. The setting is awesome, family friendly, and unique. I had some of the best chowder I have ever had. I was very impressed with the atmosphere and the service. Highly recommend giving this a try. Don't let the "bar" name scare you away if you have kids. Very family friendly and clean.

posted at 06/26/08

pdxsweets

'There are other restaurants in Portland"

After hearing about this restaurant, I was really excited to try it out. It had gotten great reviews from many friends and co-workers. As a group of four, we found out that the wait would be about a half an hour, which we said was fine. As we sat on the little couch there, we saw 2 small groups get seated right as they walked in the doors. Then another couple asked to sit in the bar and the same person that told us the wait time said they could sit anywhere in the bar that was open. First, we were not given this option nor was our name even taken to be put on the list. When a member of our party went to inquire about the wait list and the bar seating, he was told, "If you don't want to wait, there are other restaurants in Portland." He is correct, we left immediately and I will never go there again nor recommend the place. It's unfortunate for them that I work in hospitality and will not be able to recommend them any longer.

posted at 08/06/08

wombatboy

Great atmosphere and courteous staff

I was told I had to come in and have some oysters by my coworkers. I came in on 10/4/2008 and the restaurant was full to bursting. I was told there was a half hour wait, and IT WAS WORTH IT!!!!!
The Oysters were fresh, the portions were great and the staff was awesome. Keep up the great job and I will be back

posted at 10/10/08

conservativemike

Oyster and chioppino heaven!

I travel 27 states with my job, and enjoy exploring new cities and local restaurants. This was my first time to Portland where I came across Dan and Louis. It's a great little piece of Portland! I went there once for lunch and twice for dinner. I was introduced to Neoni, the 4th generation owner. When I asked what a Kumamoto oyster tasted like, Neoni shucked one on the spot for me to try. The Oregon and Washington oysters were some of the best this oyster lover has ever had - especially the small Kumamotos!

The chioppino is the house specialty for good reason - flavorful broth with plenty of fresh seafood. In a league with Scoma's in San Francisco. Holly the bartender is a character - free spirited and opinionated. When she recommended the scallop special, I had no choice. The chef's creation of grilled scallops, beets, brussel sprouts, and a light horseradish cream sauce made for a taste combination and contrast that really worked!

Outstanding oysters. Great seafood. 4th generation owner. Old-fashioned friendly service. And a hole in the floor (ask to see it when you go there). Dan and Louis Oyster Bar is one of my all-time favorites. I can't get back to Portland soon enough.

posted at 02/14/09

WBB

Not a good experience

went to this place last night (sunday)- the decor is nice, an establishment that has been around since my childhood, but it seems to have gone downhill. The person waiting on us was not that friendly and short when asked questions. It seems she was in a hurry to get out of there, because she was taking care of her duties around us while we were sitting there and was dealing with us as quickly as possible. When we left, we walked right by her and she didn't even look at us. The man filling the water and taking the dishes was attentitive and nice. Also the fish that we had (both halibut and cod-broiled) was overcooked and rubbery. I can get better quality food at Newport Bay or McGrath's.

posted at 11/02/09

Niquesmom

Happy Hour Oysters

I love going here for fresh oysters during Happy Hour. Its a very nice establishment, classy even, with fantastic service, fresh oysters and cold beer. Its a great stop on the way home from work

posted at 03/19/10

ptldjax

Disappointed

We ate here for my birthday. The server was great and the food was good. The value, however, not so much. When we ordered the Mixed Seafood Platter for $23.50, we expected to have enough food for both of us to share (based on the menu description). When it arrived we both were dumbfounded...a small dish with one piece of cod, three oysters, two shrimp and some calamari...Had already asked the server if it would feed both of us...she said "oh yeah...I'll even bring you some bread." But she never did! After a bill of $52 (only one glass of wine), I still had to go to Wendy's

posted at 03/18/11

Shellyshelly

Love this place!!!

Our family has been coming here for years and it only seems to get better and better. I like to try the specials and last week it was blackened salmon. OMG... it was absolutely delicious. I think it had brown sugar or something because it was just the right amount of sweet and salty. SO GOOD!!! It came with mashed potatoes and fresh green beans. It was the perfect amount of food. My husband had the Chicken Caesar and loved their dressing. I had a bite and agreed that they really make an amazing dressing... it's so hard to find a good caesar dressing these days that isn't mass produced. Service was prompt and our server was friendly and told us about the history of the restaurant, well the portholes in particular. It was a really fun experience!!!

posted at 03/29/11

Lauraloo

Best oysters in Portland!

I love this restaurant! I have been here several times and each time the food is great and I leave happy and satisfied. It is a great place to get seafood in a casual atmosphere that is family friendly but has top notch food. The same family has owned it for over 100 years and the walls are covered in Portland history. It is a great place for lunch or dinner and they have a good bar. All the oysters are delicious. The oysters rockefeller is a must have! Also their chowders are amazing.

posted at 04/05/11

pednah

I Don't Think So!

I had read about this restaurant for years and finally decided to go. First off - the
service is probably the worst I've ever experienced! The waitress forgot our drinks
three times, didn't bring water and we had to ask three people to send her over so
we could order.We saw the hostess serve the people next to us. We had to move
our table because the parents at the next table couldn't (or wouldn't) control their
screaming children. The oysters on the half shell were fab. The oysters Rockefeller
were so-so, I've never had them with bacon or Sambuca, they were good though.
We decided to try the stew because it's "famous".
OMG! It was horrible! Imagine a bowl of hot milk and butter with minced seafood
thrown in to it. Absolutely NO flavor, no salt, no pepper, no potato, no veg, no
thickening no spice, just milk, butter and seafood - yecch. The prices are high for
the quality of food. I think next time I want oysters I'm going to Jakes!

posted at 04/17/11

Kolo M

The Oysters were great, but that's about it.

I joined my family to try out Dan & Louis Oyster Bar. First, it's a really cool place with tons of historical photos and articles on the walls. The inside looks like the inside of an old wooden ship. That was cool.

We ordered a dozen oysters and they were great. That's pretty much where the good food stopped. The fried food was tasteless and a bit under done. The clam chowder was nothing special at all. I had the "Captains platter" a mix of fried seafood and it just wasn't that good... at all. Charging $20-ish a plate is ridiculous.

The staff was nice enough, but couldn't tell me the difference between the oysters they offered, nor was there a list at the tables to browse and decide for ourselves.

My recommendation, especially for visitors, is to go and have a glass of wine, eat some oysters and check out the history on the walls and then go elsewhere for dinner. There is much, much better seafood in Portland.

posted at 04/24/11

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