Portello Lounge — Restaurant in Bend

This was the worst experience I have ever had in Bend, Oregon. Myself (an Indian woman - American born), my boyfriend, and a friend came to have lunch. We were graciously met and seated outside. We requested to be moved inside, and again, graciously accommodated. I specifically made a request to have a panini, made without bread. (Apparently this was rude - along with complementing an amazing skirt and necklace that the wait staff was was wearing - note* this is considered threatening for one woman to say to another woman).

I am writing this review because the staff called the police after we paid - with cash - with over a 30 percent cash tip. They called the police because we were “threatening, intoxicated and rude.” We never spoke more than 5 minutes with the wait staff, moved our own drinks from outside to inside, and never made one single complaint to the wait staff. We consumed 1/2 a glass of rose wine, and 2 light beers over the span of an hour and 3 people. Only crime or injustice - being brown - I say this because I was specifically called out to the police. I have never left a negative review about any place, but I will honestly state that I will never recommend this place or it’s staff. As a lawyer, I will say that the police in Bend, Oregon are amazing - the kindest individuals ever.

Also note - you cannot smoke a cigarette near this vicinity - especially if you are someone of color. They will lie to police to have you removed from their property and not inform you in any way that they would like you to not smoke on their outside sidewalk property.

Food is mediocre, and asking for a panini without bread (meat and cheese) is an offense. But heck give it a shot - recognize, if you are of color, you won’t be welcome. And I came with...

Been here numerous times over the years but the last 2 times had the same server Alexis whom I haven’t had before (apparently a manger). I do work in the service industry and understand being busy so figured she was busy first time during happy hour and didn’t pay any mind to having super attentive service. Second time sat outside with a friend and our boyfriends who brought food from across the street, told us it was against the law to eat food on patio from another place so they went to parking lot to finish up. We ordered a bottle of wine and didn’t have much interaction through the dinner (waited 30 min for Cesar salad)….. still not a big deal… bill comes and she charges a 20% gratuity.. mind you we were 4 people.. I ask about the charge and she says bringing food from across street is considered rude and she’s a manager so can decide who she adds gratuity to? Have never experienced service like this and when mentioning this told us “good” and to not return. Super discouraging because I live across the street and have a friends who works at the restaurant next door and have always enjoyed coming here. Wish there would have been more dialogue and understanding but the server threatened to call the police for us questioning the gratuity she added on. Will not be returning even though have...

OMG PORTELLAS needs to get some different management or different food servers. The last two times we’ve been here, the service was mediocre at best, food was decent, but took 45 minutes to get a salad the first time and the second time we came. It took almost an hour to get a charcuterie board that shouldn’t have taken more than a few minutes. Once we got the food, we were never checked on again, and not asked if we wanted anything else or how the food was or anything. The restaurant wasn’t even busy and the server/manager only had a couple of tables. We ordered two drinks with just well vodka, not even premium vodka and it was $34 for two drinks. I know prices have gone up everywhere in the world but seriously?? I was in the food service industry for 25 years, so believe me, I know how it should play out. We are a group that gets together occasionally, and we are very friendly and extremely good tippers. Just looking for a great time together with great food and good food service Does anyone there know how to “read the room”? UGGGGGGG Such a disappointment because the location and the atmosphere is very charming, but everything else needs a major...