3 Doors Down Cafe & Lounge Reviews

Good burgers and fries! Like the bottomless fries they offer. Good prices also! Got in and out fast and service was good!

A night out was overdue and we decided to try this Italian restaurant on the Portland east side. 3 Doors Down is in the Hawthorne district with many places to choose from. We had a little table in the corner at the window. It was fun to be able to both see the restaurant and to see the many Portlanders walking about. Good ambiance, very good food. We started with an order of olives to go with the wonderful bread. We then had salads, very light crisp dressings. My wife had the salmon and i had the pork chop. Living in Portland we get to have salmon a lot and this was excellent. My pork chop was very good too. We splurged and have coffee with a wonderfully flavored apple cake; it was light but real tasty. We'll go again.

Portland is full of fine restaurants, so it takes a great deal of work to be recognized as a standout. 3 Doors Down is a popular neighborhood restaurant specializing in Northwest cuisine with emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. On our recent visit, the food was above average -- it would be considered gourmet dining in Wichita or Springfield, Massachusetts (and yes, we have been there) -- but in Portland, it's just above average. I had a locally sourced pork chop on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, while my wife opted to expand a scallop appetizer into a dinner portion. Our friends had rockfish with roasted cauliflower and beans in a light tomato sauce and short ribs and roasted vegetables. All were good, but by common agreement, my wife made the best choice. What was (and is) off-putting is the noise. 3 Doors Down is LOUD, so much so that the server had to present the specials twice, once to each couple, each time leaning over and raising her voice. We could not hear the person across from us at the table throughout the meal. They really need to put some sound dampening material across the ceiling. The desserts were very good, the service was great, and the prices were reasonable. We may return -- we've been before -- but never, I think, in the middle of a weekend night.

The neighborhood and parking situation may scare you off - get over it. This is a terrific gem, with excellent friendly service, food that makes you wish you could eat everything on the menu, and a price-sensitive wine list. We tried a selection of appetizers and main courses accompanied by a delicious wine made from a grape wed never heard of before but now actively seek. And dessert! Oh my! Our server was knowledgeable about dish preparations and the wines, and his recommendations helped us make good portion decisions. Dishes are generous. Pay for the bread service - so worth it! Make a reservation - this place is popular for a reason.

We just had another phenomenal evening at Three Doors Down. It was very crowded, but we still enjoyed absolutely delicious cocktails by the best bartender in Portland, delicious food, and the best, most attentive service. The wait staff really cater to their customers. Three cheers for Three Doors Down

3 Doors Down was a great find on a recent trip to Portland. The Hawthorne area is quirky and eclectic in it's own right and the restaurant kept the pace. I enjoyed the best steamer clams I have ever had along with a terrific appetizer of Diver Scallops with peaches in a cream sauce. All of our party raved about their meal and when the bill came we were really quite schocked to see how little we spent. I love this place and will definitely return. Super good, excellent value.

Back in Portland on temporary assignment, needed a nice dinner after a long Saturday of work. Remembered this restaurant off Hawthorne, excellent food with a friendly staff. Stopped by and inquired about happy hour, which I remembered as during the week only. That was true (although the hours are now an expanded 5 to 9:30, Tues - Thurs). However, they quickly commented that they had some large, good value appetizers and also offered me a half-serving of a pasta dish at a reasonable price. I asked if they would do this with a different pasta dish (an old favorite) and they agreed. asked about the bar (have sat there many times) but they offered an outside table (good choice). The "half dish" was a generous serving and up to the quality I remember. Staff was friendly and attentive, just as they've always been. I'll be back regularly during my remaining time here this year.

Find the right door and enter please! This is a cute place with great drinks and food. Nice wine list too. Friendly staff and clean restrooms. They start you off with yummy bread that you want to order more of but save rooms for lots of other good food. And save room for dessert too!

This is amazing little Italian restaurant! This is not the quite cozy atmosphere but a lively active place. Service was great. A couple of must tries are Mushroom Crouton which was amazing some in my family aren't keen on mushrooms but loved this dish and to top it off finish with the Banana Cream Pie. You won't be disappointed.

Took advantage of Portland Dining Month to visit 3 Doors Down again. It, once again met our every expectation. Food was excellent, including a few wine specials. Server was attentive and funny, despite having a heavy load. We'll be back.

Best meal we've had in a very long time. We just popped in without a reservation on a Friday night and although the place was hopping they had a great little table in the corner for us. The ambiance and decor is beautiful, reclaimed stained glass wood windows and huge old wooden door, natural twig art and perfect low lighting and colors make it feel very warm, inviting and refined in a simple way. Service was top notch. Simple french bread with butter and olive oil always amazes at how heavenly it can be. Baked Roman gnocchi with chanterelles and ricotta drizzled with truffle honey appetizer was even better than it sounds, one bite had me melting into my seat. The bibb salad with bacon, chives and creamy garlic dressing was so delicious it disappeared quickly. By this time I was full. When my roasted free range chicken breast with savory bread pudding, roasted carrots and parsnips with pan au jus and truffle butter arrived, I was afraid I'd ruin the whole thing by asking for a box. My reward for persevering was a dinner so good I cried a tiny tear. Every single thing was amazing. Hubby had the special-steak on roasted fingerling potatoes with simmered greens, all amazing as well and there wasn't a bit left over on his plate. He couldn't resist a take out order of the banana custard caramel pie. Later at home, after one bite, he hid in another room so he wouldn't have to share. He commented to me this morning his plan to make a pie run next time he's in the area. Will be back for sure! PS The Bagdad Theater is across the street and Powells bookstore is nearby so you have the PERFECT date night wrapped up in walking distance and one parking job.

Service is friendly but lousy. My order was not put in and my friends had nearly finished their meal by the time I was served. There was no attempt to "make things right." Instead, my friends had to wait while I finished my dinner. My friends had the seafood pastas, and I will say that they were generous with the seafood. The dining room was quite noisy and it was difficult to converse at the table. I concur with sixgun91 that the bread is very good.

Upon entering this restaurant we were immediately immersed in the sounds of a live jazz band complete with trumpet. The place was hoping but fortunately we were promptly greeted, seated, and waited upon. The menu is a bit limited. The food was good to very good. The radicchio salad was very flavorful, although I thought a bit large. There was an unpleasantly long wait between the end of the meal and the arrival of desert ( 20 minutes). The final bill for the evening meal was surprisingly affordable.

This trendy restaurant in trendy SE Portland is a real find for us. We were looking for a new experience and our SW Portland friends suggested it. Daily special was a delight and the staff (all of them) were upbeat, helpful and totally indulged us. Our stay was a very nice evening. Only thing that needs attention is overall restaurant noise level and fairly uncomfortable chairs at our table in the center of the restaurant. Overall a good evening out for e four of us.

The original owner / chef has reopened with an awesome menu. Ingredients are well sourced and all is homemade. The menu isn't huge but there are many great choices, and everything is done beautifully. This is not often a quiet place. Very popular, many remember the food, and bar, of this established restaurant pre temporary owners / covid. So pleased that the original owner has returned. Pay attention to specials.

My wife and 12 yr old daughter went to 3 Doors Down Cafe for their happy hour. It was only available in the bar/lounge area but they put us at a table right next to the bar and we were able to order off the happy hour menu. Right from the start with accommodating us like that and all the way through the meal the service was excellent. Then there was the food...we tried the fried oysters, aranciini, mac & cheese (which my daughter loved), and the penne with vodka sauce and sausage. The pasta was very good with a whole sausage, not just a few pieces. The rest of the regular menu looked very tempting but the happy hour menu is quite generous. This is not trendy, hipster Portland, just great Italian food in a great atmosphere.

Good food and service, pleasant atmosphere. My only quibble is that the menu is quite limited, especially for non-meat eaters.

A perfect Portland neighborhood place that is simply a great dining experience. Uncomplicated pasta dishes with an extensive wine list served in a pleasant relaxing space by attentive, if a bit exuberant, servers. Others have mentioned it gets loud (it certainly fills up most nights), but we had no problem conversing during dinner. Corkage is $20, but their wine markup isn't as heinous as some places, so you can actually order off their wine list and not break the bank.

Bustling in a good way with consistent food and service, 3 Doors Down is a spot for a great evening. The daily specials are creative and unique, the standbys (like the rigatoni with Italian Sausage and a vibrant vodka sauce) are always good, and the room always has a positive vibe. This is a place I never tire of...

executed perfectly with the best local ingredients. Steaks, salads, chicken, desserts like you wish your mother had made. Good value for the money

We came here after a nearby movie. Could only be seated at the bar but that was better than regular seating as the engaging bartender was better than the food. I had the pork and it was without much flavor and was tough to cut and chew.

Tucked away on a side street is this wonderful restaurant! Our daughter found it on yelp and wanted to go there for her birthday. We enjoyed a great dinner (salads ordered separately were fabulous) and truly delectable desserts! We will be back!

I was too busy to plan my dinner spots ahead this trip to Portland. Rather than wait for a walk-in somewhere, I wanted to book an Open Table at a restaurant that neighborhood residents frequent. When we walked into the restaurant, I laughed because the profile of most customers was 55 years old and white (and white haired!). I was worried I made the wrong choice. Our meal was solidly excellent. The bib lettuce salad left us giddy (bib lettuce!), the steak was excellently prepared, and the chocolate bourbon cake was sooo strong and sooo good. I'm often chasing hot, new spots in Portland, brag-worthy to my friends back in LA and Seattle. But that risk yields a 50/50 hit and miss. Our dinner at 3 Doors Down was a refreshing change where I didn't indulge my critical foodie lens on every dish or felt compelled to take FOMO food photos (like it was still 2013). Instead, I enjoyed a great meal and talked to my boyfriend about things other than the food itself which made it a more enjoyable evening than a loud, hipster restaurant. I would definitely come back here again.

I was surprised that I'd never been here before considering how close it is to where I work. My friend and I ordered steamer clams, Brussel sprouts, and a duck confit. All were good, but nothing that stood out as extraordinary. The service was excellent. Overall recommended for the atmosphere and drinks above the meal itself. I'll be back to try a few of the happy hour menu items, which looked good and reasonably priced.

A varied menu in this Italian themed restaurant in Southeast Portland provides anyone with multiple choices of well prepared food and generous portions. I had the special of the night and my wife had the beet risotto. After salad the plates arrived and were nicely prepared and very good. The restaurant is well appointed and on a Tuesday night was quite busy, a sign that means we were not the only ones that appreciate a good place to eat great food.

Yes - the food is very good & the service excellent - even the Happy Hour prices were fine. But the acoustics in the bar section are terrible! If you go there just to eat - fine. But to converse with friends - forget it!!

Good food. My wife and I both ordered from the pasta menu and were very pleased. Our friends took advantage of a special (1 choice each from a selection of two pastas, plus a bottle of wine for a very good price) and quite enjoyed their meal. The menu also includes appetizers and "mains" -- more conventional main dishes. We enjoyed the ambience and the service was very good. Really, we enjoyed our dinner out and had no complaints of any kind. My wife and I had cocktails, an appetizer, our pastas, and dessert each, and the total before tip came to about $115.

Very good Italian food focused spot in the Hawthorne neighborhood. Bread from Pearl Bakery is awesome. The three of us had two different pastas and a chicken special. All were excellent. They have a $20 wine corkage fee, which is pretty good and we had no complaints raised over bringing our own bottle.

I've been going to 3 Doors Down for years. A lot of friends who are also foodies go here. If you see sausage on the menu, including Boudin blanc sausage, its all made in house along with their chicken liver pate. I never ever was a big fan of banana cream pie until I had theirs and now I order one everytime I go. They have a delicious duck confit with lentils dish. Staff has been there for ages. Bartenders know what they are doing and wine list offers solid selections from all over the world covering the bases for any person who enjoys wine. They also offer one of the best happy hours in town too.

Impressed with the appetizers but the Caesar salad and entrees were just ok. Better than average but not next level (Ava Gene's, A Cena, Nicoletta's Table, Burrasca's etc.) Italian cuisine.

I went here for dinner tonight with my wife for a romantic dinner. We were there for two hours! Our meal took forever. Here's how it went down. A great atmosphere. A terrific waiter. Delicious bread. And amazing potato dumplings for an appetizer. Then it went bad. I ordered a pork and beef pasta dish. 15 minutes later. The waiter hands me the menu and says the chef is out of sausage I pick the pork tenderloin 5 minutes later ans says they're outran pork altogether so I get the chicken. An hour later it arrives and it was not very good. My wife's pasts dish also had a weird flavor and the noodles had a nasty texture and looked like maggots. Overall not for me. Some might like it.

It was a Sunday evening in January, 2017. We entered as the place opened at 4:00 p.m. and left several hours later. During the time we were there, the restaurant filled to capacity (reservations became necessary) but was never noisy. We were four friends from Salem wrung out from a post inaugural season of women's marches, four citizens tired of resisting, and four Oregonians ready for the warmth and the light. Three Doors Down was exactly what we needed. We chose a table halfway between the bar and the dining room-- that way we could order from both the happy hour menu as well as the dinner menu. We tried everything and never had to wait long. Drinks first. Happy red was cheap and delish, martinis were straight up and confident, and the spicy margarita with arbol chilies was well balanced: not too sweet with a lingering tang. From her welcoming plate of duck confit crostini to her discrete attentiveness throughout our visit, Jennifer was the most polished server you can imagine. Our dinner choices were all rated five stars. Fresh pasta, hot bean dip, cold salads, and all entrees perfectly prepared. Flourless chocolate cake and the malted creme were the ideal finish. Truthfully, Sunday night dinner at 3 Doors Down made us want to move to Portland. It's one of those perfect neighborhood places that you just wish was close to home so you could become a regular.

Rather hidden away in an energetic, friendly neighborhood in Portland, this restaurant has it all---superb, creative food; great service; nice neighborhood atmosphere. The chef's special this night was pasta made from flour made from gourmet mushrooms. It was served with just right asparagus and delicious home made Italian sausage. Excellent and extensive wine list. Good regional microbrews. Their banana cream pie is justifiably famous. I'll bet it's the best you have ever had.

Our party of 4 tried 3 different entrees, none of which were good. Pasta sauces were odd tasting. Everything else (appetizers, dessert) was average. Loud to boot. Yuck.

We were spending a couple of days in Portland, and tried this restaurant on the strength of a Yelp review. We ordered off of the Happy Hour menu, choosing the tortiglione and the lasagna based on our waiter's recommendations. The food was outstanding, and a great value. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu, and friendly as well. The whole dining experience was top-notch. This place is a great choice.

First off the service was awesome, they make you feel at home and it's a place where you won't feel rushed. The food is amazing ! the chef know what he/she is doing for sure. I could taste the love in every dish i had. Nice wine chices and the server helped alot with pairing. You must have is the BANANA CREAM PIE yes i am yelling ! LOL that's how good this is. The best in the city hands down. The wait for a table can be long at peek times, but it's worth it ! I will be back.

Of course, being Portland, Oregon, one of the food Mecca's on Planet Earth, the restaurant 3 Doors Down is OUTSTANDING. We have not been there since they expanded the size of the restaurant. WOW! Charming and great food. This was for our friends Birthday celebration.

I proposed to my fiancee here three years ago, so it will always have a special place in my heart. The atmosphere is intimate ad romantic. The service is exceptional. You cannot afford to miss the chocolate bourbon cake.

Excellent Italian food; very good warm bread with white bean dip; good wine list; I had the mushroom rissoto; many good pasta dishes; they do have gluten free also; Friday night was noisy as it is a local favorite

While visiting our daughter in Portland, OR recently, we took out dinner from 3 Doors Down. We had dined there before during a previous visit and loved its food and charming dining room. As we were looking for a fine meal at home in the company of a newborn baby, we wondered if it would be the same. We were not disappointed! Although all entree items were not available for take-out, we enjoyed delicious fresh salads and a few excellent pasta meals. My husband ordered mushroom risotto, and I had rigatoni bolognese. Both were outstanding and accompanied by fabulous crunchy bread. The best part of dinner, though, was a special appetizer, a small red pepper stuffed with the most delicious fine tuna salad. We all loved them! Our meal could not have been better if we were sitting there in the restaurant. Highly recommended!

Visited this restaurant with a friend who had visited before. We had the penne pasta with vodka sauce, which was very tasty. Apparently the restaurant has grown over the years from just a few tables to a full size restaurant. We were seated near the window. The restaurant is located in the 'weirder part of Portland', seen some interesting people walk by, as well as interesting art. Unique, and funny. Very creative neighborhood if you ask me. They carefully use every square inch of the floor space, smart, but it feels a bit tight as well. We had a banana desert, which was awesome, if you like banana, cream and sweet stuff like me. Nice atmosphere and a kind host!

Small and quaint- in the middle of an unrecognizable neighborhood but food was very good. Tasted fresh and had highlighted dishes that with locally sourced ingredients. Our table was a little cramped as we were in a window alcove yet that would be my only complaint. Food and dessert were awesome!! I'd go back!

We had a large group of 8 and they were able to accomodate us at the last minute. Service and food was outstanding! They served us delicious warm bread with a hummus like spread made out of white beans which I could have eaten for dinner - it was so yummy. We had varied courses including salads as an appetizer. I did not like the endive salad but everyone enjoyed the other salads which included a ceasar salad. Each of us had something different - braised short ribs for the meat eater, seared fish, clams and mussels over linguine (a little light on clams but plenty of mussels), etc. The cannoli's for dessert were scrumptious and delightful - you could tell they were filled when ordered so the shell was very crisp.

Impeccable service, friendly and professional as well as some wonderful food. There were four of us, each with a different entre and everything was delicious. The location is also great, since we had early reservations, we were able to visit Buffalo Exchange before dinner and Powells after. I hope people realize the restaurant is back open.

We were introduced by my in-laws, who where introduced by friends of theirs. Last night we introduced it to some of our friends! Word travels fast when food, service and atmosphere are so rare. It doesn't look on the outside like it does on the inside...don't be fooled!

We've eaten in this restaurant several times. The food is great. The staff is friendly. The only aspect of our dining experience that was negative is the fact the acoustics in the main dining area are so terrible you can hardly hear yourself talk because all you hear is the din of other diners around you who are yelling probably because they can't hear either. We will be reticent to dine there again no matter how good the food is as our meal last night was ruined by the screeching woman at the table next to us. We were only two and wanted a nice intimate meal so were curious why they have a 2-top sandwiched between two 4-tops in the middle of the room. The menu is a bit pricy but would be well worth it if it weren't for the noise.

We discovered this restaurant several years ago on a trip to Portland and have tried to eat here each time we make a return visit to this greta city, most recently, this past May. Located in a trendy, bustling neighborhood, parking can be a problem. but we've always found neighborhood parking within a few blocks. I can say that we've never had a disappointing meal, including the pork chop which I had this past time. The service is excellent and the setting comfortable. The food is upscale, as are the prices, but the atmosphere is not overly formal. The menu is a bit limited, but what they do have is very good.

We have always enjoyed our dinner here. It is a great spot.

We have been eating at this restaurant for a very long time, during which it expanded in size while continuing to present a well-planned menu, servers who have had long tenure, quite delicious food, an owner and manager who make you feel at home. It is a place where we celebrate family events and go without much planning. It is our favorite Portland restaurant from among a considerable number of fine eating establishments. I mention these not as an ad but to note that we think of these elements when we walk in the front door. It is part of our experience and was so the other night. Here they really know your name, which is not for PR purposes. And our meals the other night was spot on with their terrific chicken liver pate, pasta with a marvelous lamb ragout, and pasta with shell fish, not to exclude their ever-present banana cream pie. The recommended Italian wine was nicely matched to our meal, and our cocktails were well made. Portions were artfully presented and were generous in size.

On a side street near Hawthorne, restaurant has a classy non-snooty atmosphere with bar as you enter and dinner seating in adjoining room. Not noisy. Food was superb, our party had pasta with sausage and vodka sauce (spicy), Alaskan salmon (delicious), pork chop (generous portion). All outstanding. Wonderful bread with white bean spread to start and excellent desserts to end. Cocktails and beers (on tap) excellent. Prices reasonable for this quality (ranged from $19 for pasta to $28 for salmon, most expensive choice on menu). Service perfect.

We stumbled on the restaurant because of its location, but we'll definitely go back for the excellent food. Our experience was during a dining promotion so the value was great. Portobello mushroom crepes, lamb ragout and pasta all were fantastic and the bread is to die for. Definitely a place to visit.

Cozy place with excellent food, wine and service. Make sure you allow extra time to park as most of the street parking is full.

The short story: Highly recommended. 3 Doors Down is a "classic" neighborhood restaurant with inventive, delicious food at a resonable price that is so rare (and wonderful) to find. The details: My wife and I are "foodies" that love the spectrum of delicious food from little barbecue shacks in the Virginia countryside to top-rated restuarants in the United States and Europe. We're looking for "pleasure worth the price" and find that search tougher than it should be these days. Lots of over-priced, pretentious, uninspiring food at all levels. 3 Doors Down turned out to be the kind of restuarant we love. Style, "personality", and food that were inviting and delivered a lot of interest and pleasure for an incredibly reasonable price. We phoned at 5:15 p.m. to get on the waiting list for 8:00 p.m. on a Friday night. (They don't take advance reservations.) Got there at 7:55 and were seated in 10 minutes. The process was pleasant and convenient. The setting is modest, but pleasant. Lighting is low, which sets a nice atmosphere, but be sure you bring your reading glasses, if you need them for the menu. There's a pleasant "buzz", but the noise level is low enough that conversations is easy. Most tables appear to have resaonable locations, but there are several by the door that would be cold on a cold evening. Avoid those. One improvement would be to replace the wooden-seated chairs with cushioned chairs. This is a place that you'll want to linger and a comfortable seat makes all the difference after awhile. There's a small bar at one end of the dining area that looked inviting. Pugliese bread and a pureed bean spread is set on the table to start. The bread is very good. Crusty, with a nice texture to the core. Bean spread is fair. A bit over-herbed. We started with grilled pancetta wrapped radicchio with a gorgonzola cream sauce with chopped walnuts. ($7.00) Two medium sized wedges of radicchio, generous for 2 people. This dish was superb! The bitter radicchio was splendidly offset by the just-right crisped pancetta and the sauce. Our starter wines were a couple glasses of an Alsatian Pinot Blanc ($7.00 /glass) Good quality and well matched to the appetizer and salad. Next a frisée salad with roasted golden beets. (Around $6.00) Another excellent dish. Medium-sized, ample for 2 people. The vinaigrette dressing had an unusual combination of herbs that was quite notable, but pulled up perfectly short of "too much." I had clams & mussels pan sauteed with white wine, chili flake, basil & garlic & fettucine (about $16.00). This is a simple dish that depends on high-quality shellfish and the cook's sense of taste to hit the right balance. It was perfect. The fettucine was exactly right, the shellfish was very fresh and cooked perfectly, as well. Large portion, but I slurped every bit down with the crusty bread. My wife had vodka sauce of plum tomatoes & cream simmered with chili flakes, vodka & sweet italian sausage tossed with penne & hard cheese (about $15.00). The sauce on this dish was very good. The penne were a somewhat overcooked, the one "weak note" in the evening's fine meal. It was a huge portion, enough for my wife's meal the next night. For our dinner, we had a bottle of riserva Rioja ($32.00) -- sorry, I didn't jot down the name. After some discussion with the waiter, we arrived at this choice as a good match for the two dishes, and it was an excellent choice (and value)! A medium-bodied red with that wonderful aged cherry/plum quality that a good Rioja can deliver. For desert we split a banana cream pie - bananas layered in pastry cream in a graham cracker, brown sugar & banana crust topped with whipped cream, shaved chocolate & drizzled with caramel sauce (about $6.00). Although we were stuffed, our waiter made a persuasive case for this dessert, and he was right. What I enjoyed was that it was intensely banana and not oversweetened, as so many desserts are. I had a cup of "Mighty Leaf" mint melange tea that went perfectly with it. (A good cognac would have been better, but I was driving.) Total tab (before tip): $107.00 Service was attentive and personable. Our waiter had excellent knowledge of the wines and used simple descriptive language to help make choices. Can't wait to go back and see what other interesting food and wines they serve!

As the name suggests, it's 3 doors down from funky Hawthorne St. at 37th. Warmly welcomed us as we wandered in sans reservations with a special vino for our Anniversary celebration. Portland food month ( it's ALWAYS foodie time in PDX innit?) brought a special 3 course for $29 surprise; we ordered 6 different plates and shared: ALL excellent with particular praise for the pasta; one vegetarian & a lamb which was incredible paired with an excellent old syrah from the region. yes we know it's pinot noir country,added 20 bucks for popping the cork = overall good value and our highest recommendations.

I don't usually review restaurants but after having dinner at 3 Doors Down I felt compelled. I come from a family of chefs and grew up in NYC. I have my standards for what's good.... The service was excellent (Mara), the menu had something for everyone and the food was delicious (I had the Rigatoni in Vodka Cream Sauce with Italian sausage..... A bit spicy but very good). Great selection of wines! The atmosphere was romantic. We went for a birthday celebration and everyone raved. The place was packed! I highly recommend this restaurant.

This neighborhood gem in fashionably weird Portland is on my repeat list for its energy and superb dining . The service was tops with a charming waiter and owner who are completely engaging - can I sneak them into my luggage and take them home . My challenge was dairy free and gluten free - no problem and creative choices were doable . The restaurant is in Hawthorn district which has quirky energy and funky shops - but the parking can be a problem. I love this city, its vibe and its foody presence .

I was only in town for a night and glad that I had dinner at this place. The ambience/decor is fittingly chic for the Hawthorne neighborhood, and the restaurant was abuzz with activity and conversation. The staff was friendly and warm. My waitress, Stephanie, was fantastic. I ordered a pasta dish with some sort of extra large noodles (I forget now what it was called) that was delicious, along with a nice glass of white whine (also forgot exactly what I had). Sorry - it was a few weeks ago now. I just wanted to make sure to recommend this place.

Always a favorite, often Girls night out. Good selection, gets busy but that's because it's good. Love the pasta dishes.

I went there tonight expecting great things based on the previous comments. Very noisy, extremely limited craft beer selection; food was bland. Service was good so left a good tip but the prices just weren't worth what was received. It was very crowded and people seemed happy so maybe I'm the one that's off base. But after traveling the country I guess I just expected more flavorful food. Salad was good. I'll give them that.

Lovely personal service and fantastic food. We had the scallops, white bean spread, and halibut. All very good. Highly recommend.

I had forgotten about 3 Doors Down, it had been at least 10-15 years since I had been there. I got reservations at 7 on Valentine's Day. It was so good! The atmosphere is fun and festive but not too loud. Our server was an old friend of mine and a great food and wine advisor. The food was delicious. Bourbon chocolate cake for dessert was rich and dense and lovely! And they took our Valentine's photo! I definitely won't be waiting another 10 years to go back!

My wife and I ate at this homey restaurant last night..... On Sunday the special is spagetti and meatballs. We had rigattoni with homemade sauage and farfalle with peas in a mushroom sauce. This is 3 doors off S.E. hawthorne. A cozy friendly place , . Very welcomming . Great food and a terriffic wine list.

Always a wait but you can have a drink in their nice bar. For dinner, the vodka penne pasta is their show-stopper.

It was a Tuesday evening and the restaurant wasn't full. Our table for six, reserved for 6:30, was in a noisy corner near the kitchen. The air conditioning was so cold that we had to ask them to turn it down. The service was painfully slow. It took about an hour and 45 minutes to get food to the table and even then not everyone was served at approximately the same time. That being said and endured, the food was delicious. There are other very good Italian restaurants in Portland so we will not be back soon. Sorry, but the wait for dinner was not acceptable.

amazing food. absolutely stunning. A very beautiful setting as well, staff is very professional. All in all a credit to the Portland restaurant scene. Gets full and is noisy when it is, they need a bit of acoustic work. Otherwise perfect.

We've been dining here since shortly after it opened, for something like 25 years, and have never been disappointed. It's been our special occasion place to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, promotions, job changes and retirements. It's also been our happy hour place and it's great to be able to mix our meal from the happy hour and full menu. The wine selection has always been a nice mix of price points and tasting delights. And then there are the desserts! You'll have to visit to see for yourself. Over all these years of Portland's new food trends and new restaurants that come and go, 3 Doors Down remains. It's certainly the strongest testament from all of us who enjoy the food, drink, service and especially the hospitality we can count on whenever we stop in.

Many mouth watering Italian inspired dishes with the best of the Pacific Northwest ingredients (salmon, rock fish, mushrooms, pears, berries, etc.). This is not a very affordable dining option, but it is very much worth its value in terms of the flavors and quality you get to experience. Ideal for that special dinner we all have to celebrate once or a few times a year. Desserts are outstanding and the wine list is excellent. Service is very professional. The only down side is having to wait to be seated so packed it tends to be.

This is a great place. Our friends in Portland knew about it or we probably would not have gone. Portland has so many good places. There is a "Happy Hour" menu every night except weekends from 4pm to 9pm.. The plates are smaller and less expensive, but very adequate. Service from the kitchen is fast, so you can start with one dish and if that's not enough, you can order another without a long wait. The fried oysters were done just right. The scallops were large and succulent. The eggplant Parmesan was more layered like a lasagne, but the eggplant flavor came through. The fettuccine with truffle oil was delightful. There's a full bar and a good selection of local wines.

I've eaten here over the past several years and the food and service have been consistently good. We absolutely love the complementary locally sourced/baked bread and white bean spread. Add a big bowl of soup and we probably could have made a meal out of it. The scallops starter was okay (one bite was a little gritty) and the roasted beets, although very flavorful, surprised me because it was served chilled, not warm or at room temperature. I highly recommend the seafood pasta in the spicy fra diavolo sauce. The sauce is so delicious one wants to sop up every last bit with the bread. I've also ordered the pasta with vodka cream sauce and Italian sausage in the past and recommend that dish as well. The thick cut pork chop was cooked perfectly, a difficult feat to accomplish. We also enjoyed the creole bread pudding and the tiramisu desserts. The tiramisu is incredibly light and delicate.

Had dinner with two other couples last week, and the meal was really great. Service was top notch, pastas and fish were fresh and flavorful, and it was fairly reasonable.

My wife and I had the happy hour menu with small plates. We both had bockwurst which I believe was home mad. No matter though it was very good and served with a cabbage that was somewhat mild sauerkraut. Something that we are seeing more and more of, they charged $3 for four slices of bread. Because it was happy hour the wine was $5 a glass and it was a very good Italian table wine, well worth it. Also note that the happy hour tables are high bar tables near the bar. The bar stools and not as comfortable as the dining room chairs. Service was very good but we did have to remind the gentleman about serving our wine.

Good food but crappy service unfortunately...

I don't remember our server's name but he was delightful - helpful and good humored without looking like he was just working for a bigger tip. FYI - you can order a half portion of pasta at dinner! I so wanted the soup special (a meatball-broth concoction which was delicious!) but was afraid of having too much food when our server let us know we could get a half portion of the pasta special - Woo Hoo! The food was delicious and we had reservations so had no problem getting seated quickly (plus it was early on a Friday). Recommend!

My family and I have been eating here for 20 years and I can honestly say we've never had anything but great food and service and an overall good experience. it's not fancy, not hip, not pretentious and not trying to reinvent the idea of Italian food. Fresh ingredients, every dish made to order, careful presentation and more nuance to the prep than the way a dish reads on the menu might imply. Particularly great are the Fra Diavola seafood mix on linguine, and the penne with vodka sauce and sausage. Pork dishes are always good. And the Caesar salad is the best in Portland and by itself worth the trip - whole leafs of very cold crisp romaine, homemade fresh croutons, they don't spare the garlic, a big wedge of lemon, and ask for the anchovies of course. An excellent and unusually well priced wine list, mostly Italian of course, but diverse and interesting. Longtime bartender Matt is a total pro. His on tap, slightly oak-barreled Manhattan is fantastic. No one ever left here hungry as the portions are generous. But if you like decadent old school desserts, save room for the Tiramisu or the sublime banana cream pie. 3 Doors Down is a family affair as your waitress is likely to be the owner's sister. Much of the staff like Matt has been in place for 15+ years, truly incredible for any restaurant but especially in the volatile Portland restaurant culture. If you appreciate great homemade Northern-influenced Italian food, with excellent friendly service, in a terrific neighborhood, don't miss 3 Doors Down.

is always hit and miss. So tip accordingly!! Having made a reservation we had some expectations of service. It took 20 minutes to get drinks. We were served meals significantly later than customers who came in in 15 minutes after us. The food is wonderful at 3 Doors Down. The service depends on the server and if the owner is there. So enjoy! and tip accordingly...

3 Doors is a real Portland neighborhood find. Food is good, wine list creative and prices were fair. Service took a few minutes to kick in but was fine after that. Only suggestion for improvement is the noise level- its really loud.

The food was good but when you factor in the price I do not think the value was there. We were there on a Friday night and the place was packed. We ended up sitting in the bar to eat. this is definitely the place to be seen but I would look for other options next time I go to Hawthorne district.

Three Doors Down is about 10 minutes from Downtown Portland if you take the Hawthorne Bridge across the river and go to 37th street. The restaurant is three doors off Hawthorne on 37th street. It is worth the trip. All the food is locally sourced and you could tell. Everything tasted fresh. I mean really fresh. The kind of fresh you would taste if you had a great chef preparing food in your kitchen just for you. In a way that is exactly what is happening because all food is made to order. I ordered a steak, which melted in my mouth. The service was prompt and attentive and friendly. They were able to accomodate us even though we did not have a reservation, but we suggest you get one of those, because the restaurant fills up very quickly. The price was moderate.

We are a vocal quartet who had just finished a performance and arrived without a reservation, but the owner, Jeff, was reluctant to turn us away so arranged for a table. What a treat!!! Everything was made fresh from scratch - the sauces, the seasonings, even the sausage. Everything was absolutely delicious and we pretty much licked our plates clean!!! They are emerging from the COVID closure ahead of the curve and doing what they do best - making amazing food and beverage pairings. We had a very special time - Jeff and the waitstaff were kind and accommodating and so eager to share their excellent food with us. An excellent experience and we are eager to return again!

We've been regular customers of 3 Doors Down since it opened and have had many dinners and celebrated many family milestones at their tables. The food is fantastic, the service is warm and welcoming and the atmosphere is just what the Hawthorne district is all about. Even though we've recently moved out of the neighborhood, we still drive across town. It's that good!

While on a cross country trip, a friend who lives in Portland brought us to 3 Doors Down. They started by giving us some wonderful bread...so good I asked for another helping...twice! I ordered the pork tenderloin as my entree and I can say it was the best pork I've ever had! Despite being full half way through my meal (probably from all the bread I ate), I managed to fit in every bite because it was so delicious!! Dinner at 3 Doors Down would be enough reason to head back to Portand!

Five of us dined here just before Christmas. The place was attractive and full, the staff gracious and helpful, service attentive, noise level acceptable. Appetizers: Two had a delicious endive/celery root salad; mushrooms on toast and fried oysters (yuck) were just okay. The entrée winners were the enormous, delicious pork chop and the fish of the day, swordfish, both served with lots of vegetables. The spinach risotto was soupy, pasta (can't remember which, but vegetarian) was good. Wine was well priced. We were lured to the chocolate cake, which was a bit too dense.

The service was excellent. Restaurant is tastely decorated but could use some noise baffles. We had two delicious appetizers (pate and oysters) and a yummy salad (mixed greens) and shared it. It was more than enough food for two people to eat. I would definitely go here again.

Always have a great friendly meal here. The Chef Dave is so creative! Last time I was there I sat next to Jennifer Aniston.

Excellent Italian experience! From the cocktails, pasta to dessert we had a fun and relaxed dinner. Our table found the waiter knowledgeable about the menu and he was attentive but not intrusive. This restaurant was recommended to us by a Portland native and we appreciated the tip!

Great food, not overpriced, friendly service. Around the corner from a large Pwells bookstore. Trendy, fun neighborhood to walk in. 20 minutes from downtown. If going near peak dinner hours you must have a reservation.

Came here on a Wednesday evening at 5:00 right as they opened. All the relatively comfortable chairs are part of the sit down restaurant, leaving the stools for the bar. Fair enough. They have an O.K. Happy Hour drink list, and a great Happy Hour food list -- some of which are cheap entrees. Bartender was very kind to us, and kept his eye on whether we needed anything. Atmosphere is O.K., not stellar. I haven't been here in years, and for some reason (in spite of the fact that I only have had good times here) I always forget about it! But, I'll be back!

A great surprise and was recommended to us from a local on a bus in Portland. A ladies getaway and three of us were told to give this place a try. We aren’t sorry we did. There was a large group coming in so we sat in the bar area and it was just fine. The pasta was fresh, the sea scallops on the appetizer menu were fantastic. It’s the best Ceasar salad I’ve had and a must to get those extra white anchovies. But the best part of the evening was having a visit from the owner, Kathy. What a wonderful welcoming owner of this treasure of a restaurant. It’s off the beaten path as we were staying in downtown Portland but we highly recommend.

consistent delicious but there is something lacking

Hands down one of the best in the city of eating. They have it all .... great food, attentive service, creative cocktails, lengthy well priced wine list. Just do it.

The salmon appetizer was good, but not unusual, the Endive Salad, excellent. Two of us ordered the pastas: Plum Tomato with Vodka Sauce, and Cavatelli Bolognese- both good. The other the Oregon Sea Bass- which was bland and disappointing. Stick with Pasta for the sure thing. It is a very loud restaurant, which became obvious when we stepped outside.

My husband and I consider 3 Doors Down one of our "go to" restaurants in Portland It can get a bit noisy on a busy night, and they do not take reservations. You can call ahead and get put on the list. Since we have about a 25 min drive, that works out great for us most of the time The interior is modern but cozy with warm colors and soft lighting. The service is excellent and the food is unpretentious and remarkably consistent. Before dinner you are served warm white-bean spread and rustic bread which is warm-yummy-goodness. The beef carpaccio salad is wonderful as well. We usually order the specials, but the menu staples that we have tried have all been very good. Try the banana cream pie for desert, you will not be disappointed. We highly recommend 3 Doors Down.

Not many vegi options but the food is good.

This place has a little bit for everyone, however, their pasta dishes are the deal. Great place to take a date. I don't have dates because I am fat. But take someone special there nonetheless.

Delights await you at this unassuming SE Portland neighborhood restaurant! Scallops with Grilled Peaches, gnocchi with mint & peas, each last bite will find you grabbing another amazing piece of Pearl Bakery bread to sop up every last drop! and the Pinot on Tap is beyond fabulous! We'll be back every time we visit Portland.

Small cozy restaurant with excellent eats...I should know bein Italiano! Mangia!!! Mangia!!

This with was like all of our previous visits... Completely successful. The food is always delicious, and the service always attentive friendly and prompt. The atmosphere is calm, sophisticated and yet casual. Highly recommended for a special date night. Try the Cavatelli for something deliciously different.

This is one of those places in Portland that you would only tell good friends about. The Portland dining month food was excellent and the service was exceptional. Urban Portland neighborhood where the parking is challenging but it's worth the walk. Busy, lively and fun.

I don't believe the person from CA. I think they are either lying or don't know good food. we've eaten in this restaurant more times than I can say. The last time was two weeks ago and we had another fabulous meal. Everything is good. We aren't huge fans of the desserts, but the apps, salads, main dishes, all excellent. We spend a lot of time in Europe and this food compares to excellent meals we've had there.

Really enjoyed the quality of food and service, with no pretense. The best of Portland's mix of excellence and authenticity.

Everything was fresh. The presentation nice. I had their halibu entree. My more than adequate sized portion was savory and moist. My dinner companions each ordered different entrees and were happy with their various pasta choices.

this place is a gem tucked away in the hawthorne area. great service, delicious, down home Italian. PENNE WITH VODKA!!

We attempted to reserve a table through Open Table; it failed, but we (2) got in anyway (we arrived at 6:00pm, ahead of the normal evening crowd). Website notes "happy hour all day" but we got the regular menus. We got "champagne" for our celebration (anniversary) which was nice, but $12/glass. I got the chicken special, and was very pleased at how gently but thoroughly cooked my half bird was; tender & juicy throughout. The accompaniments were also nicely done, and all went well together. Filling, but not too much for a meal. I added creme caramel dessert. Like flan, but different, not in a bad way. My wife got the pork chop dish-good, but she's had better. Her pinot noir was good. The cannoli for dessert, though, was mostly cheesy and not sweet. Striking contrast to my creme caramel. Service was fairly attentive, but it got busy while we were there, and the noise level increased. The next door table was so close I was bumped a bit on the hip when someone settled in. Tab for 3 glasses, two entrees, two desserts - $100 even. Atmosphere was fine for our private celebration when we arrived, but when the place got full, the noise became distracting.

I was quite impressed with the appetizer menu. Instead of the main menu in most restaurants I'll go for the appetizers so I get to taste more items. I know menus change often so I'll just say that everything I tried the evening I was there was way above what I've had at most good restaurants. I just checked their current menu and already some of the things I had aren't on it anymore. However, the lettuce wedge with blue cheese dressing is still there and I'd definitely get it again! And yes, the prices are very reasonable for the quality and imagination that went into the creations. It's a neighborhood kind of place...not fancy but dressy casual. It wasn't particularly noisy. They were busy but we were always taken care of attentively. Overall we were most pleased with the experience we had at 3 Doors Down!

We had a wonderful meal here recently, with good friends. The menu was diverse and interesting. Everyone enjoyed their meals and the warm and friendly ambience of the restaurant. Service was very good also. We thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant and would definitely go back.

Good food best shared with friends.

Four of us went for dinner. The place was nice, upscale decor. Tables were separated for covid. The staff was very friendly, very efficient and very attentive to anything we needed. I thought the menu was very limited, not that much choice. The food we got was a little above average, but still not that great to justify the high prices. Probably would not go back again. Too expensive for what we got, both quality and quantity.

Went for the first time during Portland Dining Month and had the dining month menu. The food was excellent and our server, Mary, was right on too. Highly recommend. 😋

Portland has so many restaurants its hard for all the good ones who've been around for a long time to get the recognition they deserve. The restaurant is off SW Hawthorne and it offers everything a diner can expect.....top service, great atmosphere, fabulous drinks/wine, and great food. They make their own sausages and chicken liver pate in house. Their butter leaf lettuce salad is delish. Each dish has been enjoyed as much as the next. Save room for their Banana Cream Pie - I have never been a fan of that type of pie until I had theirs.

Putting its best foot forward. The Service, at 3 Doors Down, began at the front door. It's friendly inviting staff was quick to seat us and start appetizers and cocktails. Our waiter / server, that I called Toni and my wife says his name is not Toni, He did a fabulous job making the service at 3 doors down very good and very memorable ' 5 stars' Toni. Based on the reviews I read I expected the food to be good and It was. I enjoyed the SPICE BRINED CARLTON FARMS FONTINA STUFFED PORK CHOP, SAUTEED COLLARDS, PROSCIUTTO, MASHED POTATOES. My wife enjoyed ROASTED MARY’S FREE RANGE CHICKEN BREAST, TOMATO SAUCE, RED PEPPERS, PROSCIUTTO, CREAMY GRITS. The cocktails were good and priced well to enjoy. I do recommend 3 doors down cafe.

We shared an appetizer, a salad, two pasta dishes and three desserts among three people. Everything was excellent, but the standouts were the pasta dishes. Both were excellent - al dente pasta, flavorful sauces, delicious flavor combinations. The menu had so many great options it was hard to choose, but we were more than happy with our choices once made. Service was good throughout the meal, and the kitchen was great about splitting the salad for easier sharing. Overall, an excellent meal in a pleasant setting.

I have been going to this Hawthorne neighborhood gem for many years. I am never disappointed. I highly recommend this place

We dropped in on a Friday evening and they were busy but we found seats at the bar. From the start service was very warm and friendly. Hummus and bread was complimentary and wow the hummus was awesome! We had raw oysters; beet and Brussels sprout salad; pork chop (cooked perfectly) and prawns a risotto. All delicious. We were so full we did not order desserts. They sounded great and we will be back to try them on a next visit. Overall an outstanding experience.

Tried this based on TA and airbnb host. Both were right Modern decor in popular Hawthorne area sidestreet. Attentive but not overbearing service. Menu had many standard and creative items, but Wife n I shared 5 happy hour plates. We were stuffed + took some home. Didnt expect these to be so big! Standouts were eggplant parmesan and pasta sausage w vodka sauce! Nice bar selection, a little surprised only had one Pinot Noir by the glass. Could tell lots of patrons were regulars. I highly recommend the place.

Overall we enjoyed our dinner at 3 Doors Down. It was really good food, quite authentic, the hostess was lovely, and it was quite a nice setting. My only critique was that our server was perhaps a bit over attentive and was hovered around at our table a bit more than we would have liked. To be fair, the restaurant wasn't super busy when we got there so maybe he was bored. But it just gave a slight uneasy feeling. Would attend again.