Bistro 23 — Restaurant in Portland

Bistro 23 is indeed one of the nicer cafes in this area, and we do enjoy their food, but it is starting to feel a bit pretentious.

Pros: -The food is usually delicious and interesting. -The food is typically locally sourced and organic or ethical meat when possible -The menu rotates seasonally -It has a full bar and a 21+ only area with a cozy fireplace and booths, as well as a more kid friendly side of the other half of the restaurant -It looks very nice and welcoming, with a more trendy look inside than the industrial/airport around it should warrant. -They do have an outside area, although it's right under the airport path so the passing planes are VERY loud out there

Cons: -It is expensive. I paid $15 for a small plate of pasta with no sides. Alcoholic drinks were $10 each which is crazy considering you can get a well drink for $2.50 at local bars in the area. -No kids menu although they do serve enough sides I can usually find things for the kids to eat. This feels more catered to business travelers, which is fine, just be aware. -No real salad dressing options. They have 3 vinaigrettes they make in house, and don't offer anything else. No blue cheese, no ranch, etc. Not great for those who like side salads. -Their $10+ sandwiches just come with a bag of stale chips as a side, no French fries or salad.

All in all, if you want a more upper class feel to your airport layover lunch, this is probably a good choice. If you want tasty drinks and food and don't mind paying more, check it out. If you have kids or want reasonable drinks with friends during happy hour, there are other restaurants and bars down airport way...

We love this place. The only bummer is that they're closed on Sunday — but after all, who can work 24/7?!

Update My friend and I were seated on the patio late last summer. Access from the sidewalk was restricted and table tops were full. We had to scramble indoors due to a bee allergy and discovered less than 10 minutes later that my wallet and iPhone were left hanging on the back of the chair.

All other guests remained the same and our table had been bussed, so we assumed the phone had been turned in.

It had not.

Our wait staff had already left for the night, but all other staff did everything they could to help find the phone, including calling it numerous times — but though fully charged, it went directly to voicemail.

The next day I thought to sign into my iCloud account and try Find My Phone. The last signal was from an apartment complex on Burnside less than two miles away and about 10 minutes after we reported it missing.

My 5-star rating remains the same. The food and wine were excellent and the staff who saw me through the ordeal were extraordinarily kind, caring, compassionate and concerned.

So I still highly recommend Bistro 23. Just watch your...

2023 Update....WOW....CONGRATULATIONS on 1000 Reviews. This place deserves it. .it has been 4 years since I last updated this review. My wife and I are regulars. This is one of our top 5 go to places. The people...the food....sitting outside it all is just incrtedible.Make sure you finish your meal with the Chocolate chip cookie or the Tiramisu. . 2019 Update....Wow I can't believe it has been almost 2 years since I wrote my first review about Bistro 23. This is one of the Best Treasures the east side has. Drinks are amazing...Everything I order...from the stuffed dates...the "Pig in the woods " Pizza......a side Caesar Salad.......or if I am in the mood...The Pork Chop is KILLER...make sure and ask for a little extra side of the topping glaze. My wife was hooked on the Bahn Me...but now she has switched to what the call a "Heizenberg". Food is way over the top. We now are here multiple times per month....just awesome, this is in our top 5 favorites now in Portland. This place BLOWS away places downtown where you would pay double or triple for less. It seems that EVERY item they create is built with a...