Oswego Grill at Columbia Shores — Restaurant in Vancouver

To sum it up quickly: Great views, good service, underwhelming food.

We came here for dinner but after ordering a few apps and drinks, decided to skip the main course and go elsewhere to finish off the night. On a positive side, the servers were friendly and the place well-staffed. The food, though well-plated, was mediocre quality and lacking in local touch.

To start with the drinks, not a single local (Vancouver) beer on tap. Maybe they’ll resolve this later down the road, but the taplist read like a who’s who of the 2006 Portland beer scene. Out of date and out of touch. If you’re going to have a dozen taps, please try to dedicate at least one to the city you’re located in (try: Loowit, Brothers Cascadia, Heathen, Trap Door…the list goes on)

When the food arrived, we started with apps and were glad we didn’t take it any further. The calamari was lightly battered and not too chewy (promising!) yet somehow tasted like chopped up fish sticks, aka no real flavor. The Brussel sprouts were cooked well, but dry and also lacking in flavor, thankfully the sauce added some excitement. Poke “Nachos” were next, although they would be more aptly titled “Six Poke Wontons”. Even that title would be generous since there was a grand total of one and half small cubes of poke on each wonton chip. We had one sushi roll, but I would not call it sushi. Your guess is as good as mine what to call it, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

They remodeled the inside, but somehow it still looks dated. I understand going for a classic look, but the booths they picked are also like the beer list—a flashback from 2006. We sat on the patio which was definitely an upgrade from the Beaches era (better seats, tables, and umbrellas), so go that route if you want a vibe and a view.

Ultimately, it’s sad to see such a significant investment go into remaking an old spot and not feel like it delivered much in return. It’s still new and we may be back to try the late night menu, which we have enjoyed before at the OG location in Oswego. If we do, I’ll adjust this review accordingly. Until then, I cannot recommend this spot for anyone who expects quality when they spend their...

My son and I went to dinner on the second day of the Columbia Shores location being open. Super happy to have a location so much closer to home! They had a ton of staff on site, not short staffed at all, and plenty of seating available when we got there for an early dinner around 4:30-5ish. What a BEAUTIFUL place- and they were well prepared and HAPPY to welcome people! Lots of smiles and friendly faces!

The drink menu was extensive and had many delicious sounding options to choose from, the food was phenomenal and not too pricey either! I can't wait to try more dishes on their menu, and I don't usually feel that way about places, so it speaks volumes to me!

My ONLY complaint was that it was a bit too warm in the restaurant. The A/C seemed to just not be able to keep up with the fact that it was 85 outside. Not sure if there was an issue with the AC, as I didn't ask, just mentally noted not to come back if it's super hot out. Could just be a temporary issue though!!

Also, our server, Conner was GREAT!! Very personable, friendly, AND he made me and my son laugh! :) We will be asking for his section in the future for sure! :)

Overall- such a fantastic experience w/ my 12 yr old son!! Highly, highly recommend! 👌

Also, another fun mention- FREE Banana Split on your Bday!!!...

We visited the new Oswego Grill for their happy hour. The restaurant and staff are still new. As expected, they're still finding their rhythm. The food choices for happy hour we tried were the steak bites, sliders, vegetable & pancetta Alfredo pasta and the lettuce wraps.

The steak bites were tender and tasty. The buns on the sliders were quality which went a long way in making them enjoyable. The pasta was average but my wife really liked the lettuce wraps. The lettuce was super fresh and the chicken was nicely marinated.

The bar program is very pedestrian with only eight beers on tap, a smattering of wine and very basic cocktails. Martini & Rossi is their only sweet vermouth and I don't think they have any amaro's or other savvy liqueurs. I ordered an espresso martini off the menu. It was less than great. The salted caramel martini that my better half chose was better. Our bill came to $70 before tip.

For happy hour we'll choose places that have better choices for drinks but Oswego Grill will be a possible lunch option. Of course parking was challenging since they share the lot with McMenamins. Check out my profile for more great eateries and craft cocktail bars....