Vertical Diner and The Gold Room — Restaurant in Portland

If you don't want to read the entire story, this review is one star because of the poor service we received. I reached out to Vertical Diner via the email on their website, and have not heard a response for weeks. Unfortunately, we won't be returning.

After reading reviews, and hearing the excitement from colleagues and friends about Vertical Diner, my partner and I were finally able to find a night to come out and try the food.

When we arrived, we were immediately greeted and informed that there would be a wait. When we inquired as to "How long?" we were met with "I don't know." We both took seats near the entrance, and pondered over the menu. I'm a big advocate of "If the restaurant is busy, the food must be great." The restaurant wasn't booming, it just looked like all of the booths were taken. We waited, were seated, and waited for our waiter to come.

Our wait staff was Harvey, who was initially very pleasant. Harvey took our order, and then asked "Would you like the appetizer to come out as an appetizer or with the rest of the food?" We clarified that we would like the food to come out as an appetizer as soon as possible. Harvey left, and we waited for about a half hour before we received our one appetizer. However, the time wait was not the frustrating part of the experience. The frustrating part was seeing the food placed on the counter after the first 20 minutes, and then watching Harvey walk by our appetizer several times for the next 10 minutes before getting it to our table.

When our appetizer (Buffalo Tigers) arrived, they were cold due to the wait. We were both hungry, and I didn't want to complain. It was a Friday night, we already felt the wait was long, and we just wanted to eat something. Regardless of the time issue, the Buffalo Tigers weren't satiating. They were very sweet, and almost tasted like something that should belong in an Asian dish. This isn't a huge deal, and my partner and I understand that we might not like every dish.

As soon as we finished the Buffalo Tigers, our main dishes came very quickly. This felt like an odd contrast to the wait time for the initial appetizer. I had the Philly Cheesesteak, and my partner ordered the special (Banana Bread Waffle). When my partner asked for syrup, Harvey stated, "Well, we normally don't serve this dish with syrup because it's so sweet." This was a very odd response, and what I believe to be a relatively easy request to fulfill. After my partner reiterated wanting syrup, Harvey brought it, and then stated again that syrup is not recommended.

We were left to eat, and I would say that both dishes were good. The problem was that once Harvey delivered the syrup, they just left. There was no "Do either of you need anything else?" and I estimate that Harvey took another 20 minutes before returning to the table to ask how everything was. Harvey left again, and it felt like a long time again before they returned to the table. I quickly asked for the check to be brought, and this time, Harvey brought it to us in a very reasonable amount of time.

Harvey was very nice, but needs some serious coaching on how to be timely and spend a minute building rapport with the table. I genuinely feel our experience could have been very positive if it were not for the slow service and odd comments we received.

Our experience wasn't what we anticipated or expected. Overall, we agreed that it was fairly disappointing. There wasn't one major event, but a lot of small events that added up to a negative experience. I was also significantly let down that I did not receive an email response. I don't believe that I have ever had such poor customer service, especially with a new, local restaurant. After speaking with other friends who had separate experiences, we all agree that the service as a whole is just very odd at...

I love vertical diner but for a specific kind of experience. When I've had a long day and I want to park it somewhere for a while and have a hot comfort meal, I go to vertical diner.

It's a cute space with a comfy retro feel but doesn't feel outdated.

Staff are always friendly and conversational. Relaxed and easy going. Not the strongest sense of urgency but I tend to go at the end of the day when I want to take my time so I'm never bothered. I was recently given a free cookie (which was delicious) because I had waited a while for my food.

I had one of the specials last time I was there (fried polenta with fried tomatoes, Italian 'sausage' and salad.) Best meal I've had here, easy. Great combination of textures, balanced flavors. Would've liked more tomatoes but that's a personal taste. Gave the chef my feedback which he seemed to appreciate.

As far as food goes, it can be hit or miss for my preferences but always tasty. Meals tend to be heavy on the carbs and lighter on the veggies. It's a diner, so expect diner food made vegan. I've had the savory pancakes which were great but I'd appreciate more fresh vegetables, which I could say about most of the meals I've had here. Breakfast burrito was good, not something I'd get every time but when I'm in the mood for it. Nachos we're good. Mac and cheese was also tasty.

Desserts too can be hit or miss. The tiramisu was great. I wouldn't recommend the German chocolate cake as it was a bit dry and dense.

Overall I enjoy my meals here. Its only been open a couple of months so I'm sure there are some things to work out. I'll keep coming back to see how it grows.

If you're expecting a quick, fine dining restaurant I may consider other options. But if you want a warm and inviting atmosphere, tasty and comforting food served by some really friendly folks then stop by...

One of the most groovy things about the Vertical Diner is their epic portion sizes, man. If you're all about stretching those hard-earned dollars and getting the most bang for your buck, this joint won't disappoint, I tell ya. Their dishes are bursting with flavors that'll make your taste buds boogie, and they serve 'em up in hefty portions that'll leave you feeling totally satisfied, dude. So, make sure you come with a serious appetite or be ready to score some righteous leftovers because this place is a real treat.

As a peace-loving vegan, I can't help but dig the wide array of menu options available at the Vertical Diner. They've got it all, man. From classic American comfort food to creative vegan twists on old-school dishes, they've got something to make every free-spirited soul happy. Whether you're in the mood for a heartwarming vegan burger that'll make you wanna give Mother Earth a high-five, a plate of nachos that'll have you saying "namaste" to your taste buds, or a stack of pancakes that'll make your chakras align, the Vertical Diner has got your back, man. The chefs here are like culinary wizards, conjuring up mouthwatering vegan alternatives that even non-vegans can groove on.

But, you know, there's something that really vibes me out whenever I swing by the Vertical Diner. Despite their mind-blowing food, the cool-as-can-be staff, and the positive vibes all around, this place often seems like a ghost town. As someone who's all about supporting and spreading the love for vegan joints, this bums me out, man. I seriously hope that the Vertical Diner gets the recognition it truly deserves and keeps on being a staple in the far-out SW Portland dining scene. Let's rally together, spread the word, and keep this hip vegan oasis alive and...