Bonne Chance — Restaurant in Portland

This is by far one of my new favorite spots in Portland. I happened upon it a few weeks ago and became a regular instantly.

Mark the bartender/owner was extremely welcoming and made a really good drink. He is super knowledgeable about all things alcohol and the Midwest. Knows how to tell a great story!

Rex the Mac and Cheese wizard aka Chef knows how to put a delicious plate of food together and make accommodations if needed. Try his cookies. You won’t be disappointed. 😘

Now the thing that pushes Bonne Chance above and beyond any other spot is that it somehow has created a community within a community. The moment you walk in you are welcomed not just by Mark, but also by the regulars or even others who just stopped in for a drink/bite to eat. It’s rare these days to find a place where you don’t see a single person on their phone. But, somehow this place is magic and it brings people together in conversation whether it be life long friends, lovers, family or strangers. Bonne Chance is a community and...

I really wanted to love this place. I really really did. Sadly, from the moment James seated us it became evident that was not going to be the case. I can't report on the quality of the food because the quality of the service prevented us from staying for more than a cursory cocktail and a hasty exit. Was James having an off night? Possibly. Did we rub him the wrong way? Maybe so. Is there any excuse for the open hostility and complete lack of hospitality James displayed? Nope. Not one. I was honestly embarrassed for him. Behavior so utterly lacking in maturity can be tough to witness. Good luck, Bonne Chance. I wish you no ill will and I hope you succeed. You'll just do it without this patron. Portland offers too many...

The name might sound a little fancy, but don’t let that fool you. This is a neighborhood bar with all the charm of your favorite dive, but with 1,000x more class. They have a wine selection that will make you blush, and their cocktails are superb without being pretentious.

Bonne Chance is the type of place you say you’re stopping in for one final final, but you end up staying till close because you’ve made friends for a lifetime… or at least tonight.

Whether you’re the type to sit at the bar top and chat, or you’re wanting to cozy up in the corner with a date - you’ll find the seating is ample, and welcoming.

If you haven’t stopped in...