TarBoush Lebanese Bistro & Bar — Restaurant in Portland

Low score for customer service. The food we had was really delicious. Too bad I am never coming back here again.

I enjoy smoking a hookah pipe, and my best friend spotted pipes at this place while driving by, so we decided to give it a try. When I discovered the place closes at 9 I was already making a face. Even in Portland a restaurant on Hawthorne closing at 9 is a bit too ridiculous. But since we went on a Sunday and couldn't stay out late, we took a chance.

I'll say upfront: all the problems we encountered that night seemed to be because the owner was out of town. Apparently, when the owner leaves, the staff is short-handed. Why the owner doesn't make provision for this by hiring more people is a question for the ages. Whatever the reason (or excuse), the result was that everything took a really, really, really long time.

After a guy seated us outside he claimed that he was not waiting tables that night, he was only hosting, and our server would be out soon. 20 minutes pass, no sign of this person. finally called the restaurant and asked for them to send someone and who shows up? Same guy who seated us. Claiming he didn't know he'd have to do this tonight.

We ordered food and hookah. He warned us that the hookah might take a while because they were short staffed because the owner was out of town.

Now, the place was pretty full but not overflowing full and it was Sunday night when one would expect it to be pretty busy. Why would you EVER put your staff in that position?

Our food finally comes. We eat it. We wait. No hookah. No hookah. Finally we're ready to go and walk the 5 blocks to Pied Cow because obviously it's not happening. When we finally see our waiter again at 8:35 he informs us that they are now not too busy and can make us a hookah.

"You close at 9, right?"

"Yes."

"Looks pointedly at watch*

"So... you guys don't want the hookah, then?"

"No."

However, I do not hold it against the waiter or the kitchen staff at all. They were scrambling, I could tell. I blame the owner, who clearly doesn't know how to manage a restaurant well. Closing at 9. Going on vacation and not covering your absence. Charging too much for the food. Yes, it was good. not worth the price we paid, though.

My suggestion: stay away. Even if they're not having a bad night there's no reason to give this business your money. If the owner can't run it well they don't deserve to...

I am a regular customer at Tarboush. I eat there because they have good food. Today I had probably one of the worst experiences I had in a restaurant.

I have seen so many employees there. But a few months ago, they hired a new employee that I noticed he NEVER smiles and his attitude comes across very stiff. Fist time I saw him there he seemed like he was going through a bad day. I must say that I tipped him anyways at least 18%.

After seeing him there a few times, I realized that his regular mood just seems that way. Unfriendly and stiff. This time something weird happen. There was just 3 of us eating, and he decided to add 20% tip to the check. Never seen that at tarboush before.

One of my friends asked why he did that, and he replied "its cutomary to add tip" and he made it seem as if it is required and he called it "standard service fee". I know for a fact that I could have refused to pay that tip if I wanted but I usually dont like conflict.

I usually tip 20% but I never seen a restaurant that adds a 20% standard service fee for a party of 3 people.

one of two things is happening, either the guy is not getting enough tip because of his attitude and poor customer service and he is having to add it to make a living, or tarboush restaurant has a new policy of charging a 20% standard service fee which you should know before dining there. I would like to see what the owners...

I went to this place with the my ex because I wanted to be around someone familiar like a stage 5 clinger ex. I knew there wouldn't be another date and she has offered to take me to dinner. So, as a burned ex bf, I said why not? The ice was melting so was my hatred.

The atmosphere of Tarboosh is absolutely relaxing. Right when you come in the feeling of being in a oak house somewhere in the middle east cowarranted with the authentic music took me out of my own personal issues on a journey of aromas and pleasurable wall art from a different universe.

I ordered the hummus at first as is customary and have to say as a food connoisseur, they had the best bread and hummus I've ever had in Portland. The next thing I ordered was the lamb dish and she ordered the chicken. The rice was amazing as well and the aroma of all the food filled our hearts with love.

I also experienced my first imported beer at this location from Tarboush. I was blown away. They have many wine options as well. Also get their rose soda if you get an opportunity.

After our delicious meals I was able to have the strength to walk away from my ex and go home and sleep independently and happily. Thank you Tarboush for the excellent vibrations and the stellar food.

I will visit again. I tip my Tarboush (it means hat in Arabic) to...