Cafe Nell Reviews

Great ambience in cozy, quiet neighborhood! Beautiful restaurant & love the slide open windows letting the outdoors indoors. Great wine list & Steak Frites was amazing! Tender steak with handcut fries & tasty sauce! Server was polite & attentive & enjoyed meeting the owner! Great place & cannot wait to go back! Anxious to try the weekend brunch & famous Bloody Mary's!

In a restaurant town where painfully trendy (and ultimately disappointing) restaurants touting the latest chef from wherever come and go it's good to know that Cafe Nell is always there. It's always my go to whenever brunch is in the cards. As well as for lunch, dinner or just to pop in for a drink at the friendly bar. First - they take reservations! Fantastic considering that so many restaurants do not and force their sheep out on to the sidewalk to wait for a plate of eggs. Second - friendly, warm, competent, experienced and professional staff. They never disappoint. Overall - Nell fires on all pistons and is extremely well managed and operated. Third - good menu with something for everyone and always delicious and well prepared. Fourth - the cozy and quintessential Portland vibe and ambiance. Tends to be more local - a good thing! Lastly - the best Bloody Mary in town.

It was our first time dining at Café Nells, as we were tired of the typical restaurants in downtown Portland. After arriving, we waited a full 30 minutes until we were actually waited on. Our waiter was extremely quiet and it was hard to understand him. After asking for bread, we waited another 15 minutes until it arrived. The waiter must have told the manager, and she came over to apologize about the poor service. I was with my two young children, and she was wearing a transparent, low-cut shirt with a neon pink bra. They were asking me what a bra was for the rest of the night. We ordered the salmon, and when it arrived it was about the size of a fist. The manager was summoned back over and we were told that it was 6 ounces. That is what someone would eat if they were on a diet. Awful service, inappropriate manager, and the staff was trying to get us to lose weight. We will not be coming back.

Okay....so some people find Nell to be a tad pretentious...that's the good news. I don't want to be surrounded by hoards of nacho snarfing suburbanites with unruly pasty faced children whining for chicken strips. This restaurant has a great atmosphere,simple and clean. In the dismal, wet winter hours, the fireplace is warm and inviting. In the Summer, there is outside seating under beautiful shady trees. The food here is fresh and tasty, with a slight Parisian flair. Chicken Paillard is a favorite of mine for a light lunch. It's topped with crisp frisée and a lovely mustard vinaigrette sauce. If you are a Bloody Mary fan, don't miss Nell's version. It's perfectly seasoned with a veritable cornucopia of garnishes..( pickles, green beans, celery, olives and a large, lovely prawn!) The servers are friendly and helpful...as long as you can talk food and appreciate their efforts. So...bottom line...if you think 2 for 25 at Applebee's is your style, or you think marriage should only be between a man and a woman, or that gluttony is a sin...this probably ain't your place...

Came here with my family after a long day of traveling. Our server and services was great! The good was perfectly cooked and tasted great. Portions were also perfect size. The atmosphere was great and I would love to come back for drinks with friends.

So quaint So kind We dine here for pleasure and comfort One night we sat out under the stars so charming We love this spot

I really liked the atmosphere in this restaurant. I felt like I was in Europe. Nice light and decor. I had a very good Huevos Rancheros. My husband had their classic omelet. I intend to come back to try lunch and/or dinner sometime. The service was good, too.

Pros: delicious food! Brioche French Toast with marionberry compote was light and airy, the best I've ever had. My friend had the mushroom omelette, which was flavorful, fresh, and tasted terrific. The waiter was friendly, helpful, and attentive. Cons: long wait for food. Even though there were many empty tables for a late Saturday brunch, we had to wait almost a full 30 minutes for our food. The volume of the music was a bit too high. The portions were a bit small: the French Toast consisted of two slices. Overall, the food is of such high quality that it overrides any other issues. I would definitely recommend it.

I agree with recent reviewers on the points above. Two of us dined there last night; my dinner companion had and enjoyed the steak frites (you have to order the 8 oz steak; the 4 oz portion is too small for dinner, as noted by other reviewers). I had the rockfish; the rich sauce tended to overwhelm the fish. The portion was small and would have been aided by a meaningful side of anything; the portion on its own is not adequate for a meal and is overpriced at $20. We sat outside, as we have done in the past -- generally enjoyable, except a guy parked in front of the restaurant and just sat in his car while the car alarm sounded -- twice. Not the restaurant's fault, but very disruptive to all the diners.

My friend and I stumbled on this place by accident one afternoon when we were looking for a place to have a leisurely, delicious lunch. And we were SO happy we did! It's a very cozy space with flowers, a fireplace and strings of white lights. The wine list was great (highly recommend the NZ Savignon Blanc!), the service was quick and attentive, and the food was delicious. I'll definitely be back!

We went to Cafe Nell last night with friends to celebrate our anniversaries and it was absolutely delightful. Even though there was some confusion regarding our reservation, the hostess seated us in a nice spot. Our server was professional, funny and the food was good, hot and served in a timely manner. I would definitely recommend this place for an intimate dinner either as a couple or with friends.

MENU- Boring FOOD- Okay SERVICE- Terrible VALUE- Not good This place used to be very good, but something has happened to the concept, the menu, and the management. Sorry, but there are too many other places much better that will get my business.

My friend and I came here for dinner and had a very nice server. I ordered the grilled green bean salad with bacon and hard boiled egg. The green beans were not grilled, they weren't even cooked, they were completely raw. I thought maybe they decided to blanch them and asked my friend to try and she agreed, totally raw. We shared the bread plate with fruits, nuts, olive oil and butter. It was thin slices of baguette that were as hard as crackers, maybe toasted? The hazelnuts were crunchy and sweet but had a rancid aftertaste. No olive oil and butter were included, we had to ask for it and the strawberries did not taste fresh. The berry cobbler was not too sweet and very hot and fresh and absolutely delicious. I don't normally give unkind reviews, but I left hungry and came home and made spaghetti. And I'm out $70.

This is a nice "neighborhood" restaurant a couple blocks from the busy 23rd street corridor. We had a number of apps/small plates and dessert and they really hit the spot.

On a rainy mid-morning we arrived for brunch. It is important, I think, to make a reservation since this is a small case. It has a good feeling and the brunch menu is full of egg type meals. Sadly, for those of us that are not the egg type, there is less of a choice. Never-the-less, the wait staff will try to please. Service was fine and the food was good.

This has a New York City feel in many ways. Brunch was terrific -- excellent vegan mash with great wheat toast, great tea. My friend had an omelette that was really good. On another occasion, I had dinner and had the best spaghetti bolognese ever (outside Italy). They have a wonderful outside seating area, on the street -- very urban but with lovely trees. The servers are nice but sometimes a little distracted.

My friend and I ordered Dungeness crab salad. There was a pile of lettuce leaves with maybe a tablespoon of crab and an undercooked egg on top. This was unacceptable for the price among other things. The other friend had an apple turnover that had some apple sauce.

I love this place. It's a go-to spot for weekend brunch. I've spent mornings drinking mimosas and reading after breakfast. It seems fancy and is more on the pricey side, but the food is great and the atmosphere calm. Love bringing my dog and sitting outside.

Tired of just going to the same places up and down NW 23rd St in Portland's Northwest area? We ventured out a couple of blocks to the corner of NW 20/Kearney and came across a little place called Cafe Nell - more like a European bistro, with outdoor seating on the narrow sidewalk. We've hit the bar for the Happy Hour twice for two days now and have been amply rewarded: A slew of Champagne Cocktails at $5 each; classic Vodka and Gin Martini's at $5.50 (and stiff, believe me), and a snack menu that included delicious treats like steamed Manila Clams in white wine sauce with fries ($8), Shrimp Tacos with a Louisiana touch (two for $7) and Meatloaf Sliders (two for $7). The food is really good here, as we also saw from other tables where people were sharing the Happy Hour plates and re-ordering. The service is friendly and almost a bit too European - you need to grab their attention by waving a bit unless you sit at the bar counter. The bar is cozy with large windows and a couch/salon section at the end - when we finished our meal, we ordered two glasses of Cabernet and literally fell onto the couches for a siesta. It was a Friday afternoon, around 4 pm, and nobody bothered us. Lovely end to a lovely meal!

our foursome, including a wine expert, had a lovely dinner at Cafe Nell. the four entrees, and two starters, were excellent, good size portions; no complaints here. service was also very good. our one dissatisfaction came when the requested wine was not available. we were offered a second choice by name (without knowing the price); this wine was really just ordinary. we finished the wine (it wasn't *awful*). we told the server our opinion when ordering a second bottle; he found a better wine for our second bottle - at a lower price. it was not on the menu; had we know, it would likely have been the choice for the first bottle. overall, it left us with a slightly off feeling, that reduced our overall satisfaction with the dinner. by the way, one of us prefers beer; the choices in this department are very limited - if that is your bent, Portland has many other options for you.

My friends and I took advantage of the $25 Portland Monthly promotion and decided to try Cafe Nell, as the special menu looked very appealing (Oregon strawberry shortcake, anyone?). I read some very negative reviews about this place prior to going, especially about the service. Well, we had a great waiter by the name of Joel. He was very attentive, yet didn't hover, and had an excellent sense of humor. I am a great fan of Coq Au Vin and they did a very good job. Loved the creamy mashed potatoes and the salad. My only quibble is the shortcake, which wasn't all that. But all in all this is a very good place, with excellent and friendly service. Perhaps the owner read the negative reviews and made the appropriate adjustments?

Though service was super friendly it was a little on the slow side especially given that the place wasn’t all that busy. But, food was excellent. The vegetable and sausage hash as well as the mushroom risotto were both excellent along with a delicious brownie for desert. I’d come back again for sure!

We have been here 6 times this past year for brunch and taken 4 different guest with us because I’ve been so impressed. So when I was going to be down town Portland for our anniversary we decide to go here for our special dinner and invited another couple to join us. I have NO COMPLAINTS about the taste and quality of the food, but the noice level, ( we could hardly hear our own conversation) and the expense, (2 glasses of wine, nothing special, one rib eye stake and side salad cost $97.00 before tip). One other, incidental because it was our anniversary, there was no complimentary desert, ( we had gone to the Portland City Grill the night before and they found out it was our anniversary celebration weekend and we were each given a chocolate lava cake with a raspberry on top and a candle) it is those kind of touches that makes on feel valued and keep people coming back, ( I did not need any dessert and if I wanted one I could have paid for it). It’s kind of like relationship business, not like your just there to pay the bill for one night dinner, but to create a return guest. I will keep retune there for brunch, once and a while but never for dinner again. We go out with friends several times a month to different restaurants, $200.00 a couple is a bit to rich for my blood. Several of out friends that we have taken here own their own business and you know what, they have money to spend, because they spend it wisely. Maybe I’m too old school?

The pear and grilled cheese sandwich was delicious! The Monte Cristo was good but the bread could have been more crunchy it wasn’t fried. It seem more like French Texas size toast. The brownie caramel dessert was the BEST thing I’ve tasted in a long time. I also ordered the pumpkin pancakes with spicy apple compote that tasted like a warm soft apple pie bread pudding! Wow!!! Very delicious but service is kind of slow. If you have time to sit and enjoy it’s a great place!!

Several lunches ere. Always good, especially if you can grab an outdoor table on a nice day. AND, parking on lot next door. I think that this is new, as I don't recall it on previous visits.

Nice menu and ambiance. The food was so hot we couldn't eat it....made us think there was a microwave in play.

I have been to Nell's three times now, each time wanting to like it more than I did. The space is lovely and somewhat reminiscent of a European bar and restaurant. High ceiling and tall windows make for an airy feel. But the food I have tried there has been only mediocre. And it's the service that means I probably will not go back. Each time I've felt like I was crashing a private and rather catty party. The bar seems always to be occupied by friends of the barman - and possibly the owner? Who seems to occupy a nearly permanent spot there, checking out everyone who walks in the door but not being particularly friendly to people they don't know. Each time I've been they've been having such a great time that it was actually affecting their ability to see that other customers needed anything. It's a shame. I like sweet little neighborhood spots like this but I really wanted to like this place more.

Best thing about this place...the food! The clam and fry plate is to die for! My wife had a pasta dish that was equally superb. I usually leave a restraunt disappointed in the food. I was impressed! Downside...service was poor. We were greeted as we arrived but it was hardly a greeting. Basically a hand wave to go sit where ever. He didnt get up from his chair or even look at us. Waitress took awhile to get to us...and never smiled. They could definitely work to improve the service staff. Saying that... Eating out for me is about the food!! Ive been places where the service was great but the food horrible. What brings me back somewhere? The food! I cant wait to go again.

My family and I enjoyed a wonderful meal at Cafe Nell during a one day stop over in Portland. My son, mother and I were visiting my brother and family in Portland and wanted a delicious meal. They had been to Cafe Nell once and remembered that it was a great meal. We arrived on a rainy week night and were worried when they appeared to be very crowded. The host let us know that there were not available tables, but as soon as one was available they would let us know. It was interesting because they acted as though they had never had anyone wait for a table. We went to the back of the bar and waited in an area with a couch and comfy old leather chairs. Nathan, the bartender took our drink order, brought us menus and kept us a abreast of the table situation. He took our order before our table was ready, so that we could sit down and eat right away. I shared the salmon over quinoa and a panzenella salad. They were both great. The salmon was cooked to a medium rare, which I love. My niece ordered the marconi and cheese - it was a bit spicy for her (she's 9), but the rest of us loved it. My son ordered the burger - it was served with an egg and bacon - which he said it didn't need, but he really enjoyed it. Overall, it was a great experience. The food was very good, but Nathan's attentive service made the evening fantastic.

Charming location. Poor service. Poorly prepared food. I ordered my steak medium rare and it came out medium well. How difficult is it to cook adequate steak frites? For this place, it is apparently beyond their level of competence. The restaurant was less than half full, yet it took them 10 minutes to get a couple of simple drinks made and to the table. The bartender was more interested in fooling around with his buddies than doing his job. This restaurant has been around for a while now and it is a wonder how it survives. It can only be because of the location.

Over the years, I've seen many people try and make a go of this spot at 20th and Kearney, I live near by, and has been there now about 6 times, 5 for food, and 1 time just for coffee, the service has always been good, the food has many local ties and a lot of flavor. They are just as happy to see ya for coffee as they are for lunch or dinner and cocktails, good food and drinks and service.

I understand that some places do specialty dinners (and pricing) for new years. I also understand that some people go out on NYE that normally don't. With that said, my experience at Cafe Nell was not good. They rearranged, so the tables were close together. Our server did the least amount he could do...which was mostly seeing if we were done yet. We were rushed out in just over an hour that included a cocktail and our own wine. The food was delicious...though not very hot when we got it...surprising since we were just about the first table served our entrees. We told the server about it, but declined to send the food back as it would likely have been arduous. We had a great experience a few months earlier..great server...great food and a fun time...which is why we picked it. It will be some time before we head back to Nell, and we will definitely not go back for a special dinner like that. Very disappointed in what would have been a go to spot until this.

One of Portland's charms is that it has wonderful restaurants hidden away in nearly every neighborhood. We stopped at Cafe Nell for lunch simply because it was close, and we were starving. The fact that it had off-street parking in a notoriously parking unfriendly neighborhood was a plus. It is a small, crowded but charming place. Service was excellent and our lunch was fabulous. My wild mushroom and chevre omelette was perfectly prepared and delicious. Along with homefries and a biscuit it made a filling lunch. My partner's stuffed avocado was a bit heavy on the onion but was still very good. The side order of grits she ordered was creamy, lemony and delicious enough to be a main dish. A couple sitting next to us each ordered Cafe Nell's signature Bloody Mary's, which are picturesque, enormous and by their account, yummy. Although Cafe Nell was rather noisy, our lunch was so good that we look forward to returning for dinner on our next trip to Portland.

This is going on my favorite list for brunch, ( will try it out with my husband for dinner someday). My girlfriend and I go out to brunch often to keep in touch, since she picked this place to celebrate my birthday, I knew nothing about it, but she didn’t let me down, she knows the kind of places I like and this pick was right on. I liked the decor, so when I walked in I was already happy. I had the BEST mushroom omelet I have ever had in my life, ( I wish I could go back tomorrow and have the same thing again I liked it that much). Even the fruit was good, sometimes you order fruit instead of potatoes and it is hard and not ripe, but this was just righ. I was wished a happy birthday when I said who I was looking for, ( my friend had given her heads up) nice and friendly and our server was complementary, our order came fast, so tomorrow when my husband and I go out to eat with our friends , I will let them know I already have a place in mind for our next get together and I can’t wait! Oh by the way they have free parking, now that’s a big plus for NW Portland.

This was a very inviting cafe. There is sidewalk seating, but we chose to eat indoors but next to one of the large open windows. They were offering brunch and lunch when we arrived. Everything sounded good, but I couldn't pass up the creme anglaise french toast. My husband ordered the burger. It was big and messy, but delicious.

Cafe Nell kindly gave us inside seating as the day was quite hot and we had just walked from the train station. Service was lovely and the food was of good quality. My burger salad was exactly what I needed at that point! Nice selection, generous portions, fresh food!

This cafe` is nestled in a trendy neighborhood in NW Portland just off of NW 21st. It is quaint and a bit eclectic. The wine list was impressive. The menu included oysters on the half shell and a nice mixture of other appetizers and entrees. The mussels and frites that I had were excellent. The service was spot on. Our party enjoyed every aspect of our dining experience at Cafe` Nell.

Just a random drop-in as it was close to my Portland accommodation. Without doubt, the pork shank was the best dinner of my 8 weeks travel in North America. Also a great atmosphere and great waiter. Not a lot more to be said really!

Our monthly supper club went to Cafe Nell on a chilly night. The fireplace was lit and it was quite nice. A bar full of people and the cozy dining room were welcoming to us, friendly patrons too. Tuesday nights are half off bottles of wine, although none could agree as to which wine to imbibe, so we didn't benefit from this at all. The menu was good, and chicken was the order of the day for most. I had the pork chop. Every meal was nicely prepared and presented. Tasted good too. The service was great as well. Desert was in our plan too and the warm cranberry apple cobbler with vanilla ice cream hit the spot. A definite return was agreed upon for this neat neighborhood place.

I met with a friend for dinner at Cafe Nell and very much enjoyed the experience. The food and wait staff were both really great and the restaurant has a great, relaxing and environment. I'm planning my next visit soon.

Went here for dinner with friends and teenager kids as we are all out of town. Great ambiance, feels I got the true local Portland experience. Good selection of food so everyone with food restrictions could order. Everything was great. I must say if you can handle the carb intake go for the Mac and Cheese. Service was fast but not like you were pushed through. Walked right in at my reservation time and we sat down. Definitely would go back

Bye bye to the old neighborhood favorite. Clabe is no Mary! Ive been to Nell 30-40 times at least! We have come here about monthly getting consistently good food and excellent service by Mary. I guess she is only working weekends now... our misfortune! Took some friends out and had the WORST service! I sent my food back and didn't get asked why or brought anything else. (Cold 2-3 ounces of steak covered in over cooked dry fries!) Fortunately my friends liked their dishes well enough but they agreed that the service sucked. We walked down to a place on nw 23rd to get desserts and continue drinking. Nell lost out on a heafty check plus tip and I'm sure they didn't fill out six top at 8:30. Boo. You guys are lame. I remember an awesome kitchen and Mary (the best service in PDX)... moving on now. This was the last straw!

I had my 3 favorites here unexpectedly. Frisee salad with the most delish lardons, steak tartar, and creme brule -- all for $37 with a drink. We will definitely be back.

Ate here 3 times in last month. Service was wonderful. Courteous,friendly,warm. Food was great . Good variety. Some thing for everyone.

Our brunch experience was much better. Staff is always nice but that cannot make up for the price we paid for mushy risotto, a beet salad that is mostly arugula, cold French fries, etc. The ambience is nice and thankfully, we were outdoors. We heard the table behind us complaining about the same things we did. Two of us spent $200+ and wish the food would have been so much better. Now, we know to go only for brunch.

A few friends and I visited Cafe Nell for brunch. The restaurant was not overly packed, but the service was still noticeably slow. We were given menus by the host when seated, but a server did not greet us for another 5-10 minutes though she kept walking by and eventually greeted us. The service continued to be slow, and she would only check in on us every 15 minutes even given how small the restaurant is. We had to ask another server for our bill because we couldn't locate ours. The food was average to good, but not worth the prices. We asked for a side of avocado, and it came with two very thin small slices which was an extra $2! Needless to say, the overall experience was disappointing.

we have been looking for a nice place to go for lunch that has good food, quiet tables, and good service. the menu had good variety to choose from. i had fantastic risotto while my husband had a chicken sandwich (maybe not the best choice). i have fibromyalgia so a quiet location, good service, and great food makes the day a special one for me. we will go back.

Cafe from Smell. if you want week-old disgusting leftovers, by all means order off their Happy Hour menu. And we had at least three different servers, one of whom we were later told was sick. this was the guy that blew the dust and dirt off our water glasses with his breath. I literally felt sick to my stomach after eating here. Won't get fooled again.

We happened upon Cafe Nell while exploring the area near our hotel (Inn at Northrup Station), and had a great dinner. The signature Nell burger is awesome, every bit as good as the menu makes it sound, and our daughter had some amazing mac and cheese. Service was prompt and cheerful, and the whole restaurant was clearly well-thought out and expertly run. Prices are reasonable, considering the amount of local sourcing and organic ingredients in use. Definitely worth a visit if you are looking for good food near 23rd Avenue in NW Portland, and want something a little off the beaten track.

Bar was packed, dining room was empty. Server was excellent, but was mostly working in the bar. Food less than average, steak overdone. Very limited menu. Poor wine list.

Known for their brunch we delved into their dinner menu. We arrived just after happy hour and had a delicious quiet fireside dinner. Summer has cozy outside tables for warm nights. Perfect for date night!

We wondered into Cafe Nell after walking around NW and decided to give it a try. The place was fairly busy and the wait staff was doing a good job keeping up. There was a Bloody Mary bar that was nothing special. Seating was cramped at the bar. The food was simply horrible.

Had a fun evening at Cafe Nell . Had great drinks at the bar and enjoyed chatting with Zack the bartender. Dinner was good and again service was great . If you are close to this beautiful neighborhood, give Cafe Nell a visit.

I have been to Cafe Nell for brunch about 4 times now over the past couple of years, and it doesn't disappoint. I was especially pleased with the menu as we took our out of town family and friends for Easter Brunch. We had to wait a bit for our reserved table but no matter. The bar was crowded as usual, but we had a perfect table for our party of 8 in the dining room. I was very glad I took the waitresses recommendation and got the Shrimp and Grits, along with my bro-lini (a pint class filled to the rim with peach puree and bubbly!). Other favorites at our table included: the eggs benedict--original and veggie--the huevos rancheros, and the wild mushroom omelet. Excellent coffee as well, not to mention their over-the-top version of a bloody mary! Highly recommended for quality and service.

Went here while walking back from a long walk, it was busy and we took a chance trying to get a table. We were not certain we could due to the dine out portland month. The room has a real warm cozy feeling. The food and drink selection are amazing and really well prepared and presented. The service during our dinner was a little off because of a large birthday party and dine out event. We will go again when it's a little less busy. Really good, highly recommend this place.

We had dinner with friends recently at Cafe Nell, under the tent-like space outside. Our drinks were good, as were our meals (risotto and salmon). Service was very friendly but a bit slow, but since we weren't in a rush it wasn't a real problem.

I have accompanied friend to happy haou several times and have not enjoyed any of the items I selected. The good news, they have great desserts.

We went there for brunch. The impression I had was that this was a politically correct place with all the ecological trimmings. The price certainly was high. We had salads and they were average. My chicken based salad was better than the one my daughter and wife had. The atmosphere was good but the server was snooty. For us, we would not return to this place. Others might like it better than we did.

Wandered down here from the Inn at Northrup Station. Sat at the bar. Great mixed drinks. Delicious dinner- fresh, local. Oregon wines. Dessert to die for. Great vibe.

Three of us enjoyed an early dinner comprising roast chicken, crab cakes and a pasta dish. All dishes were flavoursome with good quality ingredients and were not fussily presented. Rose wine and a margarita complemented the meal. Overall, a reasonable proposition without being exceptional.

We had dinner on Sunday evening in their COVID-19 style patio. They have a good setup for keeping patrons and staff safe. We were seated promptly and placed our orders. They have a good selection of wines by the glass as well as an extensive list by the bottle. The Cesar salad was okay, but no croutons! My wife had the Pork Shank which was very good, but I was very disappointed with the salmon dish. A very small and tough piece of salmon was presented and for $38.00 it did not even come close to being reasonable. I did comment to the strand they did comp our dessert (berry cobbler), but REALLY? Pacing of the service was good and our server , Mary was very good. We love supporting our local businesses, but doubt that we will return.

As I arrived at Cafe Nell on a gorgeous summer day I was happy to spot an outdoor table under the shade of the tree-lined sidewalk. The interior space was great-looking with a stylish bar and bartender positioned close to the entrance. I was excited to try this place. Our server was professional, although a bit too relaxed, as he recommended to my friend to add salmon to her beet salad. Our puny salads arrived, hers with a lovely piece of salmon, but not much else. It had a very small mound of arugula and a few specks of goat cheese and chopped hazelnuts. Mine had an even smaller amount of greens plus about five slices of beets. When the bill came we were surprised to see a $19.00 charge for the salmon salad which was a $9.00 up charge! A basket of bread would have made the prices slightly more tolerable, but this was really bare bones. With all of the great restaurants in the Rose City I will not consider returning to this one.

Hardly anyone gets it right in Portland when it comes to decor. There are a few overly beautiful places around town, a handful of restaurants who really get it right (I think Lincoln, and Higgins, off the top of my head -- there are a few more), but those places are on the expensive side and a little bit more upscale. Cafe Nell is somewhere you would go once a week (or more), as opposed to once in a while. At Cafe Nell, the ambience is just right, and it matches the great wine selection and tasty, unpretentious food. It's a nice, bright, European style restaurant, simple and clean, with lots of long windows to let in the natural light. You can sit outside on a nice day and watch the world go by. It's not fussy or uncomfortable, and the servers know their stuff, but still manage to be kind to customers. Cafe Nell is a truly refreshing little joint. Great happy hour. Bottles of wine are half price on (I think) Tuesdays. Can't beat that! A friend and I stopped in on Wednesday for a glass of wine and a nibble, and I was compelled to write a review because I really just love Cafe Nell that much.

We visit Portland once a year, and for the last three years we go to Cafe Nell at least twice each visit. It has indoor/outdoor seating, great food (Chicken Paillard for lunch), great Happy Hour drinks and small plates, and wonderful service. Sit at the bar - the bartenders are all very friendly!

Cafe Nell is one of our favorites; great food, 1930's Paris bistrot interior, delicious drinks, and great service. Nothing better.

This cozy Bar-Cafe in the Alphabet District serves up a great brunch. The excellent Bloody Mary, or Mary Nell, comes with enough garnishes to almost qualify for breakfast itself. It has a really diverse menu. My vegetable and sausage hash with poached egg was outstanding. My wife's mushroom omelette with goat's cheese was equally impressive. Need to come back to sample lunch and dinner!

We had been here for breakfast several times, but this was our first dinner visit (we had planned on Caffe Mingo, but while they said I'd have no problem getting seated without a reservation they then turned us away.) I found the meal okay, but not out of this world. My fish, which was really not cooked in any special way, was supposed to come with succotash but then I was told they didn't have that and would put it on tomatoes instead. I'm not a tomato eater, so they offered a rather pedestrian salad. It wasn't bad, but oh how I wanted that succotash! Prior to our main dishes we had a small cheese plate. Again, it was fine. Just not that extra special thing I might have wanted. Dessert was delicious for all ... perhaps the highlight for me. Note on service: our waiter was new and I thought he did fine for someone just learning the ropes. In the past we've noted the servers were just a wee bit snobby ... perhaps we just don't fit their clientele ... I wonder!

Cozy tables high and low, firelight,candles, dark woods and great food.....an environment that epitomizes the Portland restaurant scene.terrific happy hour that presents a chance to try some of the best offerings for a fraction of the regular prices.

Had dinner outside here. Plus was the outdoor heaters and spacing for Covid. Minus was the food and service. They messed up our margaritas and we had to send them back. The steak frites ($32) consisted of five small bites of meat and a huge pile of French fries. And very slow service. Don’t go here.

We were last at Cafe Nell a few years ago, and had a very nice brunch, so we wanted to go back. This time, it was very disappointing: even though we had a reservation, we waited for an hour to be seated. Staff was friendly, but they were clearly overwhelmed. We figured out that management had overbooked the restaurant for mother's day (two staff told us the kitchen is small). Bloody Marys were very good, but the wine selections by the glass were pretty dismal. When the food finally came, it was lukewarm to cold. We sent the coldest dish back (Eggs Benedict) and it took forever to return. The salmon hash barely had any salmon. Even with the temperature failure, the food was only just okay. Management did take a bit off of our bill to recognize the above issues, but they really should have been more generous to help compensate for a poor meal. We live nearby, and want Cafe Nell to thrive, but we won't be coming back until we're convinced things have changed.

I need to admit, this review feels a little incomplete. We went for dinner and late night drinks at Cafe Nell - as opposed to their signature brunch experience. As such, my review may be bit like reviewing an experience at Disney World through visiting the parking lot. It gets me in the general vicinity - but fails to capture the true essence. Okay, with that . . . Cafe Nell is a fun place. Honestly. The whimsical interior and spacious outdoor seating make it a great place for meeting, relaxing and cavorting. The food - well, the french fries we're off the charts. Some of the best. We ordered multiple baskets. The french onion soup . . . awesome. The salads, well done. The charcuterie - not so good. All and all - the food is perfect bistro fare. The service was attentive, kind and convivial. As we were dining on a Monday night after 8 pm, it wasn't exactly packed. So our server had more space in their workflow to spend time on our table. It was great. All and all, Cafe Nell - for drinks and late night food - is a great bistro environment. Cool atmosphere, friendly service, and nice selection of informal, unpretentious french food selections.

We visited Cafe Nell during Portland Dinners Month (March) and their 3 coarse selection was extremely yummy. The bar is old and interesting, I am sure it is a great spot for happy hour.

This restaurant is a block from my house. I have been twice for happy hour and once for dinner. The happy hour is vey nice- outdoor/indoor service, a busy bar, a separate dining room. The happy hour menu is interesting- highlights include mussels and good french fries as well as a choice of champagne cocktails. One night it was too cold for dining outside so we dined inside. I had linguini with chorizo and kale.This is one of my favorite dishes and I eat it often. This dish was not memorable. It was not impressive either by taste or looks- a minimum number of clams- 6 maybe, The chorizo was ground which made it hard to differentiate from the kale. The whole dish had no taste- no garlic, no wine, no spicy sausage (isn't chorizo spicy?) nothing to tell what I was eating. Really boring. Both the owner (manager?) and the waiter came over to ask how my meal was. I said ok with no smile and I guess they heard it was good or great because they didn't ask anything further. I guess their inquiry was perfunctory, they didn't really want to know how I liked it. My husband had a happy hour dish- grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. The sandwich was thick bread, thin yellow cheese. The soup was in the tiniest bowl imaginable. the kind of ramekin they would serve catsup or mayo in as a side dish to a burger. Three or four spoonfuls. This restaurant is very close to my house. It is very good for a huge tall burger or the mussels and fries but not a good choice for dinner. The food is not cooked with care or love.

I have been here on a few visits to Portland but have not reviewed. However I should have reviewed it in the past. My latest trip to Portland to visit friends brought me back to Nells and once again I was very satisfied with everything. Good food and great Brunch type drinks (Bloody Marys, Man-mosas). Yes the place is small and seating tight but it is well worth a visit.

I had an absolutely fantastic lunch here while on vacation. I was walking from the metro train to my hotel to check in. When I saw Cafe Nell from afar, I knew that I had to eat lunch there. My waitress was super sweet and didn't even glance twice at my rolling suitcase and travel bags. I sat in the bar area at my own little window table that was curtained off from the main part of the restaurant. It was so nice! It felt like I had the whole restaurant to myself. The food was amazing in a local, Portland foods sort of way. I even indulged in a local cocktail and an apple crisp dessert to keep the magic going a little longer. I would absolutely come back here again. The tables next to the windows are the best. Thanks to Cafe Nell for a magical lunch to go with an absolutely perfect afternoon in Portland!

There was little on the menu that wasn't heavy meat. I requested a pasta dish of appetizer size for $10. Waiter said they were only serving it in the dinner size at $17 and although the pasta squares were larger it was the same price of $17. I ordered it. I didn't care for it and ate only 1/3. When the bill appeared the dish was $25 not $17. When I complained, the waiter said that he had been told the dish I was served was the same price as the dish listed on the menu, i.e. $17. He went to ask management who said that no the price was $25. No adjustment was offered. Unusually I was still hungry so ordered dessert--it wasn't great.

Came in on Sat. To a friends party reservation of 10 people, we didn’t realize we were 11-12. When we asked if our friends were there, we were told there was no room for us. We walked in to say hi…through an almost empty restaurant and squeezed in with a couple chairs. We were followed in by a man in a vest that appeared to be the manager. When we were told we could not have additional chairs at the table, though there was room, we said, ok, can we sit at the table next to our friends table…no he said it’s too many people for the server, she’s crying…We asked if we could sit at a table across, the way…no he said, it’s wet. I am an HR Director in hospitality and understand that the industry is suffering right now, but this was about the attitude. When asked if he could offer any solutions…he said, you should have said 2 more people were coming. (I personally had no idea it had been underbooked. I showed up to be left to repeatedly ask if there was a solution for us…? We won’t order food…? We wont order anything? …No solution. Left alone, This was the weekend of the Alice in Wonderland Adventure in that area…if you’ve been here, it literally looks like a themed Alice Cafe/Bar. At this point it isn’t that busy yet…we later found out it was slammed for this even last year…and this year they were actually staffed fine. We decided to see if we could sit at the bar….? No one came…we sat down at the bar, no one came over, until I asked for the manager. Then here came Nikki. She was friendly, kind, engaging. She made all of it better. Food was good, drinks were great from Nikki. Without her this would have been ZERO stars. I’ve never had an experience that was so adversarial. If the short bald guy in a vest is your MOD, I’d check that attitude straight out the door. No solutions, no kindness…no skill. No return business will come from that table of 12, with drinks and happy to spend twice as much money, but was basically told they didn’t want it. We weren’t in a hurry, we were open to waiting and sitting separately, but other than Nikki and the culinary staff producing food efficiently…what a nasty little place. Not good enough to be treated poorly and ignore it.

They have tasty Bloody Mary's at brunch along with an extensive adult beverage list, including Milk Punch which I haven't had since being in New Orleans (N.O.'s version is better). I ordered the egg white omelette with herbs which was flavorless (hence the 3 stars), my fiancé had the French toast with some sort of berry compote and that was very good. It's worth checking out, but not e best brunch I have had in Portland. Service was fine, atmosphere was nice.

Whether for Brunch or Dinner, Cafe Nell doesn't disappoint! The menu is small, yet diverse, the bar cranks out creative drinks and the service shines. We just visited again on Saturday for Brunch. Mexican hot chocolate with tequila, Shrimp and Grits, Monty Cristo sandwich and Huevos Rancheros. Even got the cinnamon roll - everything was great. We'd highly recommend Cafe Nell, intimate and warn dining room, parking in the back and fantastic menu choices!! Enjoy!

Cute, local bistro in a quiet neighborhood. We stumbled in after checkin into our hotel just around the corner. The servers were very kind. The menu looked delicious. We asked a couple questions about the Rose wine featured and ordered two glasses. It sounded lovely! But, then, we waited. And waited. And waited. And then our food came, and we watched it get cold while we waited and waited and waited for our wine. finally, our wine arrived. We had traveled from PHILADEPHIA a whole day of travel so we were very hungry. The chicken paillard was a tough piece of rubber but the french dip was an improvement. This is a cute restaurant, waiters were very kind and nice, I think they are trying hard. There must have been something behind the scenes not working and we’d even be willing to try it again. Could have just been an off day, but, next time, just bring us our wine. It’ll make it better.

Had an ok meal at Cafe Nell on a Friday night. While I was not impressed with the charcuterie (and do NOT recommend), others in our Group did like their Burgers. The Nell burger was a bit greasy but adequate. The service was ok, they were a bit busy so that accounts for some of the wait to get the check.

So, I cannot even tell you if the food was good or not, I don't remember. All I remember is that we were served a bottle of wine that was BAD and the waiter put it in a decanter to make us happy. What would have made us happy was a new bottle of wine. Then we sat and sat waiting for our appetizers (there were 5 of us), some came, then 15 minutes later the rest came. Our entrees arrived 20 minutes after we had finished our appetizers. During all of this, NO ONE, not even the waiter at the section next to us (who observed our distress), came over to apologize or ask if there was something they could do for us. This was an EXPENSIVE meal, and I would expect good service. Maybe an off night, maybe an off waiter, but with all the great restaurants in the area, I recommend trying someplace else.

A beautiful sunny but nippy fall day on the street deck outside Nells. I was set on ordering the Avocado stuffed with bay shrimp on the menu—but waitress mentioned special of shrimp and cheesy grits topped with two eggs sunny side- chilli flakes- and wow😮- I was hooked! Chef even offered advice on how to reheat what I couldn’t finish! (Next day gone!)

The food is great, whether you are inside or out, the atmosphere invites you to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. Enjoy

Based on trip advisor reviews and an appealing menu, we decided to try Cafe Nell. Had a reservation for 4 people for 6:45 p.m. Arrived and were sat outside to enjoy the nice weather at the tables set up in the street area, although the set up is nice and it is covered. Carpeting was very worn, but otherwise the area fine, and clean. The Waiter came over promptly, handed menus, and water was supplied. A few minutes later the waiter came back and took our drink orders and we asked questions about some menu items. He returned a few minutes later with answers to our questions, and we ordered dinner. Our drinks arrived shortly thereafter. And those drinks the last item we received for the evening!!! The rest of this review will describe the worst and most deceptive restaurant service we have ever experienced. We were patient and enjoying our drinks, but about 25 minutes after ordering, we asked when the food would be out, and were told a couple of minutes. We noticed a steady parade of food and drink to the other outdoor area on the side of the restaurant, but nothing out to anyone sitting in our area. 10 minutes later, still no food, and we flagged down the waiter and asked again, and he said 10 more minutes. We'd now been there an hour and no appetizers, no entrees, no food. After 10 minutes the waiter returned, apologized, and said there was a large party in the other outdoor area, and that he tried to get our order in before theirs, but the kitchen was doing all theirs first! Why weren't we told that an hour ago?? Ridiculous. It was now 8 p.m. and still no food. The waiter then said we wouldn't be charged for our drinks. With that, we knew the food was still a long way off, so we stood up and left. To his credit, the waiter generally seemed as annoyed about the situation as we were, and he was very gracious in understanding that we were leaving. Nonetheless, one star, and a strong recommendation that unless you are with a large party that commands the kitchen's attention, avoid Cafe Nell. Lastly, if the management replies to this review with excuses, or an offer to make it up to us, know that we are not from Portland and don't know when we are coming back, so any excuses or offers are empty promises. What should have been done was when Cafe Nell realized they couldn't handle the large party along with other diners, is that we should be have told that our food would be at least an hour. But instead Cafe Nell was not honest with its customers.

Found by accident, glad I did. Lunch was outside on beautiful day. Nell (the owner) was attending to everyone. Salad was excellent and almost too large to finish. Staff were always coming out to check on quality and re-fills. Very personal service.

As soon as I saw Nell, I was determined to like it. Located in a leafy, mostly residential area of Portland’s Northwest side, it looked like just the kind of little bistro you wish you had in your neighborhood. Serving French accented Pacific Northwest fare, it offers good cocktails, a reliable daily brunch, lunch, dinner and happy hour. Open weekends from 9:00, weekdays from 11. Steak frites and moules are listed alongside huevos rancheros and crème anglaise French toast (a brioche from a top Portland bakery). A true vegan hash, fresh oysters and an artisanal cheese plate—and voilà, the bases are covered. The only catch…it took me four visits in all four seasons to truly feel happy and able to say it is in fact the place I thought it was. I’ve now eaten in the bar, by the fireplace and out on the sidewalk, alone, with friends and making friends with the table next to me. My first lunch, however, was a laughable disaster for how many service details went totally off the rails. Undaunted, I found the manager (guessing the owner), who gave me her full-attention, listened carefully, commiserating with the experience and thanked me for the comments. It was clearly an off day, but the food was good, and the non-defensive reaction told me the place was well-worth the investment of another visit as unusual at that seems. And it has been. Solidly on my list.

Started our meal with mac and cheese (awesome and huge!), and though we didn't have much room left for dinner, we made sure to finish all of our entrees too. Great and comfortable sidewalk seating! Wish we could have gone here again.

Great place for brunch. Surprisingly there wasn't a wait on a Sunday morning but it filled up very quickly. Had the wild mushroom omlette- tasty and with the house drip nothing else to wish for. We also had the burger, which looked fantastic too. Since I'm vegetarian I can't tell you how it tastesd though.my friends loved it however.

Some friends and I ate here during the holiday season. Although we loved the ambiance, the service and the taste of the food we felt the portions were too small for the price. 3 scallops does not make a scallop meal. To make it even worse one of the group had checked the menu on-line and not one thing on that menu was on the one in the restaurant AND the prices were several dollars more in reality than the ones on the web page. If they can get the prices and portions adjusted then I would be anxious to go back.

The food is very very good. We had steak, chicken and risotto - all tasty & well-presented. Instead of salads, we ordered sides of vegetables which were excellent. And they have a parking lot! What's not to love?

Cafe Nell is a great new find for Breakfast. Although the place is packed and there was a bit of a wait for a table, this independent restaurant has a policy similar to Cracker Barrel where the idea is to herd them in and herd them out just as quickly to move in the next herd. I like that policy because it is efficient and even if you have to wait, it does not take as long as other places. I liked the food and how the wait staff helped each other out so the customer has more than one server to help with refills on the coffee etc. They also deliver the check promptly and take the payment unlike the place I ate in yesterday where I had to wait a half hour to get the check. The food was good. I had Eggs Benedict, Potatoes, and a side of bacon. Very satisfying!

My husband and I walked over for drinks and appetizers one night. It was cold and raining, but Cafe Nell felt warm and inviting. We had Vesper martinis and share delicious happy hour fare (shredded pork tacos and amazing Mac n' Cheese). Excellent service too. This looks like a place to have a romantic, special meal, which we'll be doing in future!

The renovation done since the start of Covid is extremely tasteful and welcoming for those of us who still want to have a meal outside. The restaurant is extremely comfortable and a great spot for brunch

Had brunch here. Huge drinks -- the manmosa and pear Bellini were tasty! Had the chicken dish. Daughter had the hash. Both were outstanding! Outdoor seating.

Brunch was OK. Not a great way to start a review, but it does sum up the brunch. We had a very nice, quaint table in the corner at the beautiful street window. They have the French feel down pat - cozy with tight table spacing. Pretty good street parking on an Easter weekend, but I am sure it is a little more difficult during a regular weekend. The drinks have cute names like the Mary Nell and Man Mosa, but nothing really spectacular about the preparation. Could use a little more tomato in the Bloody Mary for my tastes. The baked apple with creme fresh was very nice. Perfectly baked maintaining the texture of the apple. The traditional eggs Benedict was perfectly seasoned per my husband and you can tell the eggs were local and fresh - deep amber yellow yolks and wonderfully poached. The blue, bacon, tomato omelet was fluffy - a little light on the blue cheese, and the bacon was hard as rocks - had to be careful with the caps on my teeth! Overall, the food was fine - very traditional fare lacking some ingenuity. Feels like the menu is in a rut and aged. The prices are a tad bit high for the quality and quantity of food - there are better deals for better brunch fare. The service was fine - a little sluggish, but tolerable. Food: 32/40 - just lacks creativity Service: 16/20 Atmosphere/vibe/decor: 19/20 Value: 14/20 Total: 81/100

smack in the middle of a neighborhood---good folks and good grub

Great area... Went in for a fathers day brunch. Service and atmosphere was excellent. Food was very good. Everyone was more than satisfied. Shall return next time I am in Portland.....

Poor Service, the food is mediocre, and the vibe is negative. Why anyone goes there is beyond me. I won't be there again that's for sure!

The outdoor space is lovely and comfortable. Our server was great. The food isn't worth the price and my entree portion was skimpy. 5 of us had brunch. Two of us had the Parisian scramble. We agreed that the scrambled eggs were just that - 2 underseasoned eggs. Creme fraiche and herbs? Not that I could taste. Hash browns were good,not great. 3 slices of thinly sliced toasted baguette. That's it. $17. The other 3 people said their entrees were good, not great. 2 entrees + 2 cocktails + tip = $74. Really? At $37 per person the food should be outstanding and this was simply 4 on a 10 scale. Any diner will give you a better meal than this. I feel kind of ripped off. Will not return.

We had come to Nells for our last night Portland visit. Very small spot with lovely windows. Daffodils on the sidewalk. We intended to sit for dinner & drinks but our table was so small, it was sized for drinks. We opted out of dinner, knowing it would not fit. We were most uncomfortable in this teeny table with small wooden chairs. Some might find this charming, we did not. Great service. There was a nice choice of wines & drinks yet only 4 beer options. We ordered a beet salad with arugula, 4 thin slices of beet & toasted hazelnuts. Next came our charcuterie plate & a 2 scallop appetizer. The charcuterie consisted of 5-6 mini toasts, dollop of mustard, 2 pickled peppers, 1 single slice of dried meat & 4 pats of something. This plus 1 beer & glass of wine cost $62 plus tip. We left hungry. We ate in so many wonderful places. I would save this restaurant for an evening of drinks. Disappointing for us.

Ate here with friends the other day for Sunday brunch, and it was excellent. I had the classic eggs benedict and it was perfectly prepared. Everybody else in my party were equally satisfied. Highly recommend this restaurant. However, if you like a quiet restaurant, this is not the place for you. Also, the waiter was excellent.

We had a good dinner here on a Friday night. We decided to sit inside and had appy and main course. The service was ok and the food good. It was a well timed meal that we did not seem to wait to long for anything and we would return. Prices are good, quality is good.

A friend and I had a late brunch at Café Nell yesterday. We loved their huevos rancheros while enjoying the nice sunny day on their sidewalk seating area. The service was perfect ... our waitperson very friendly and helpful. The alcohol prices were reasonable, too. The parking is the best in town! There were no negatives re: our experience. We're going back with more friends next Saturday.

Locals know that parking in this area can be a problem, so Cafe Nell gets an edge and is always busy. Nice lunch menu and some of the brunch items are carried over including a nice vegan hash.

Although the food was good at Cafe Nell's, neither of us left satisfied with our experience. It could have been due to the very long wait we endured before we were even approached by the waiter (at least 10 minutes, if not 15), it could have been the loud party of four nearby, or the fact that we were seated at an awkward table, next to each other instead of facing each other, with a patch on the pleather bench. The waiter was young, inexperienced and just not that good. The wait for the food was pretty long. The bar couldn't make my first-choice cocktail (which was on the menu). My husband had the grill wedge salad, and crab cakes. I had the beet salad and the pork tenderloin. Everything was good...just not very memorable. Anyway, these all factor in to a not-top-notch review.

Visited because it was close to ComedySportz Arena. However, having now visited, I would keep looking. You are close enough to the Alphabet food corridor with lots of better options. Food was over priced, service was slow and waiter a bit uninformed.

This was our first time here, and we will be back! We enjoyed a Coq au Vin and Steak frites that were right out of Paris. The service was top notch, the wine list was fairly priced and varied and the salad was refreshing and interestingly prepared.

Makes you feel like you’re in a city abroad. It’s perfect. Incredibly cozy fire, perfect for holiday-time cocktails.

I randomly found this place when we were walking around the alphabet district. We were a bit late for brunch so I ordered risotto off the menu and my son ordered a fancy cheeseburger. The risotto I had was great. Happy hour started as we were finishing our lunch and I could tell that the place was a favorite for locals. The bloody mary was great - i had 2. The price wasn't a 'value' but coming from San Francisco, I found it reasonable considering the type of place it was. Not having to pay sales tax for dining is great so it evens out for me. If you don't mind paying higher than the average Portland lunch, this would be a great place for dining.

I had heard wonderful things about this place for a long time. When I finally decided to go, I had high expectations. While the food was good and the service was... fine, nothing exceeded my expectations. It was a bit pricey, too. Overall I considered it a "meh." Nothing memorable or unique here. With all of the options in Portland I'm apt to go somewhere else rather than go there again.

We go here pretty often and have a nice salad, oven roasted chicken with mashed potatoes, spinach au jus. It’s the best roast chicken I’ve had in Portland, or anywhere really, and I seek it out whenever I go. I don’t want them to ever drop it or change it. We dined outside with our dog and the staff really doted on him. Even made him a “puppaccino!”

One of my favorite Portland restaurants. The space is lovely, the event space is fabulous, service and food options are great. Fabulous cocktails. SUPER cute bar. Love this place.

A fantastic omlett - for $14? A not so great Moscow Mule - for $10? And a rather dull Virgin Mary for $5. Good food, but they have some fooled that it's woth $45+ for breakfast. ....not......

We visited Café Nell twice to take advantage of their happy hour. Interesting drinks and appetizer-type dishes at very attractive prices. A relaxed atmosphere and great people-watching at a window table or outside table. The food was very tasty and nicely presented. We will doubtless return again.

Saturday night at 8 and not overcrowded. Attentive but unobtrusive service, great ambience with real fire and a nice gentle buzz. Good selection of wines by the glass. Reasonable price. We both had steak frites, cooked and presented very well. Simple food at its best. Tables and chairs cleared outside and stacked by our window whilst we were eating the only negative point.

For the past two years, we have finished off our annual Portland weekend visit with Sunday Brunch at Café Nell. We had such a great waiter, with snappy patter and a quick wit. He really added to the ambiance. Our food was fabulous. I had the salmon/avocado benedict and it was plate licking good. Our traveling companions are hard core vegetarian, and found plenty to eat, as well. The tables are shoe horned into the building, and the room was toasty warm, on a cool winter morning. The food came out quickly and didn't disappoint. (I did want to comment on the earlier review with photos of bird poop on the menu and a hornet on the food. A reminder--you are eating outside. Can't speak to the rest of it)

Let's get one thing straight...we love everything about Cafe Nell...and you...who may have recently emigrated to Portland...or are visiting from somewhere...will love Nell's too...if they do what they do well...well! Nell's has become one of our favorites for dinner and happy hour. Great menu, wonderful location, top notch wait staff, fun bar, and no two hour wait or the required six top to make a reservation just to eat with your friends. This particular cold dark and rainy the only predictable was that beautiful fireplace just off center in the dining room where we like it. The bread, fruit and nut board with crostini rather than fresh bread...no butter or olive oil...and a scattering of everything was sad. The whipped goat cheese served with celery carrots and one red radish too made me wonder where I was and what was seasonal about our fare. The entrees this night were OK but the fact that we were glancing at our neighbors plates as they were served was telling...maybe we should have ordered...something else...Then dessert...a trio of brûlées...triplets... identical...with no way to distinguish the pumpkin chocolate or espresso... I think... This review is more for Nell's because we don't want this place to disappear. The passerby or wayward traveler...you may never notice Nell's...but we have...and we want Nell's to remain the institution it had become.

This is a fun and inviting little place. The bloody marries are awesome! The service was great and the pork was the best I have ever had, did I mention the bacon wrapper prunes..... I am not a prune fan but I wanted more! They were awesome. I highly recommend this place.

I hadn't been here for years, and upon walking in the door wished it was in our neighborhood back home: cozy atmosphere, quiet tables, a fun and spirited bar (maybe 8 stools? 6?) and great food. We also stumbled into half-price night for wine, and we certainly took advantage of that! Roasted beet salad was great, and not too sweet (as we often find it)... the steak in the traditional steak frites was perfectly prepared, and tasty. The fries, unfortunately were not the traditional French style frites, but then again, I couldn't find those in Paris in August either, so I won't complain. Our server was awesome, and we enjoyed ourselves. Highly recommended.

The food here was decent. Wonderful grilled asparagus salad with poached egg on top. My pork tenderloin was great, but my husband's was overdone. They never asked how we liked our meat and he obviously got the well done ends. And the second glass of wine he asked for before our meal didn't show up until we had finished eating. The place wasn't all that busy and there were at least three waiters. FYI, Tuesdays are half priced wine (bottles only) and there is a parking lot behind the restaurant.

You'll think you're at a chic NY spot in this delightful cafe. The menu tends towards lighter fare (GREAT IDEA!). The wine list included a delicious Malbec. and the wait staff were enthusiastic and prompt. Lovely and charming atmosphere and fine food among the trees of NW Portland. I'll be back many times.

Café Nell is one of my favorite locally owned restaurants in Portland! Their staff is always warm and welcoming and they have delicious food! They are hands-down one of the best places for brunch in Portland! The best part is that you don't have to wait two hours for a table on the weekend. You've got to try the Mary Nell (vodka, house roasted pepper-tomato mix, skewers of shrimp, chorizo, cheddar and pickled vegetables)! In addition to brunch, they also offer fantastic lunch and dinner. This restaurant is great for all seasons. They have tables outside in the summer and a warm cozy fireplace for the fall and winter. Go try it! You will love it!

Cafe Nell has been a nice neighborhood place for many years but after being somewhat disappointed in the food the first few visits, we had stopped going. Well, I’m glad we gave it another chance. I’m not sure if the chef is the same but the food has vastly improved. The burger is delicious at lunch or dinner. At dinner the other night, we had the charcuterie plate and although the portions are on the small side, the flavor was good. It had pate and smoked salmon which I thought was a little strange for a charcuterie plate but it was tasty. We also had the bread/nuts and fruit platter also for appetizer and it was ok, not exceptional. The entrees were all very good. My husband loved the mushroom bourguignon. My steak frites was good and the beef was tender but I wish it had more charred edges. 2 people at our table had the burger which they really enjoyed (came with arugula salad that night although at lunch, they had a side green salad). The brioche bun is delicious. One person had the turkey burger and really liked it. The last person who is vegetarian enjoyed the risotto. The cookie/brownie dessert was amazing as was the deep fried apple hand pie. Even though it’s only two block from 21st ave that has all the bars, it’s very quiet and cozy with a roaring fire place. Some of the seating is banquets which reminds me of a French bistro. The ambiance is nice and importantly, it has a parking lot! I would definitely recommend it.

Attractive casual ambiance, good service, good food. Appears popular with upwardly mobile young professionals. Friendly neighborhood place with some class. Would eat there again. Not exactly inexpensive.

The food was okay, but the atmosphere was a bit too hip for me. It was crowded and overpriced. I felt like I was in a movie.

While the staff and cocktails are just fine, the menu at Cafe Nell is truly uninspired and spendy. We dropped $14 for a medium sized plate of Caesar Salad that had no punch or flair, just a plate of romaine, a little shaved cheese and some dressing. No anchovies, no croutons. Oh well! The crab cakes were greasy and boring and tasted like something a housewife would fry up in the 50s. The mussels and frites were fine but again, nothing amazing and $25 for a medium sized bowl with maybe a dozen mussels is kind of silly. In these Covid times, the restaurant is popular due to its extensive outdoor seating area. Once the pandemic is over let's hope they improve their food and it's worth going indoors for.

We had brunch at Cafe Nell on January 10th. The menu was interesting with both savory and sweet appetizers and entrees. My partner had the biscuits and gravy with a couple of eggs. I had an omelette with blue cheese, tomatoes and bacon. The food was very good but not great. There were two more in our family and with no appetizers or alcohol the bill without tax (no tax in Portland) before the tip was $68. That just seemed a little pricey for me given the other great brunch places in the City. Call me cheap... but I will add that they did have some interesting items on the menu.

This is a 5 star restaurant. We loved it. The food is excellent. The wait staff is very good and the prices are reasonable. I had the special: Pork Three Ways and it was superb. Without any hesitation, I recommend this dish. My 3 friends & family loved their selections, as well. Sorry but I forget what they ordered. Parking is easy – a private lot.

Had brunch there last weekend and it leave a lot to be desired especially when you considered the brunch price points. There was nothing that was deemed special or even good plus having to deal with spotty service. It has got to get a whole lot better before we will return.

A favorite restaurant that disappointed. Did not answer phone . Had to make reservations via open table. Got stuck in an otherwise empty back room . Had I known we would not be seated in the regular attractive dining space I would have gone elsewhere. A restaurant of this quality (and price) should have have personal contact when making reservations. The experience begins … at the beginning.😕

Four of us went to dinner here last night and all had a good meal. Two had fish tacos off the bar menu, and commented how good they were. My wife had salmon which was good, not great. I had the ciappino which was fabulous. They staff was attentive and friendly. The bar scene was hopping! A really nice neighborhood restaurant with good food.

Have never ordered something I didn't like. I love the food at Café Nell and try to visit when I am in town.

After visiting the Japanese Gardens, we made our way downtown and found Cafe Nell. The food was wonderful, the atmosphere was so cozy and relaxing, and our server Dave was wonderful. There were many diners outside, but as it was very warm out, we chose to eat inside. Such a nice place! My son had a yummy burger, while I had an avocado stuffed with shrimp. Surprisingly, the avocado was slightly toasted, which made it kind of sublime. For dessert we had a lemon souffle, and goat's milk panna cotta, both incredible! Espresso for me, and cold brew coffee for my son. Yum. The beer list is short, but the liquor stock is very good. We will definitely be back!

The happy hour circuit in Portland, OR is one of a kind. And in the trendy but oh so comfortable Alphabet District in the 23rd Street area, Cafe Nell is tucked away in a beautiful treed section. Small, close yet friendly, the menu is ample, tasty and no corners are cut by the kitchen. A very tiny Parisian bar accents the entrance with tall tables and a nice overstuffed chair area adjacent. Tall windows swing open to bring the street-scape inside. $2 Drop Top beer, $5 wines and some tasty champagne cocktails create a broad drink menu. Raw oysters @ $1 per, a great black bean soup, a spaghetti bolognese that my wife just loved, and okay chicken tacos fit the bill for $39 w/o tip. Enough of a meal to constitute "supper." Happy Hour Guidebook gives it a 9 with a star. I can go with this primarily because they offer HH from 4 pm to close on Saturday...most don't but I imagine it is very crowded which could be a problem.

We visited for dinner and made reservations--turned out to be a good idea, as the place got busy. The outdoor tables are not an option when the weather is damp. It's possible to get a great meal here, and the wine list is pretty good.

Had the Halibut sausage which I had never heard of. It was tasty. Good location in the Pearl District. I believe that the menu changes frequently subject to market offerings.

Came for brunch and was very disappointed. The hostess was not friendly and restaurant was very loud. The service was incredibly slow...I had to get up and go find our server at one point. The brunch menu items were rather ordinary and showed no creativity. I ordered an omelette, which was well prepared but barely warm. The potatoes were over cooked and not hot. I asked for a biscuit and the server brought toast instead. When I told her, she took my plate and didn't come back with my food for another 5 minutes. Finally I got my biscuit which was small and average at best. Canned biscuits taste better. No one ever checked on us after our food was served. I wanted another drink but didn't get a chance to ask. Portland is a foodie town and diners are becoming more and more discriminating. If your service is even slightly off, your restaurant won't make it here. Overall a very disappointing experience. Please hire more staff and train them to treat customers better or Cafe Nell is done.

The stuffed avocado was a pleasant starter. I enjoyed the shrimp cheese grits. The seats in the bar area have nice cosy tables but the main room has a tile fireplace!

Great location. We ate at table under the trees shading the sidewalk. Good bar tender. Good food. Execllent server. I will be back.

We went here for a Sunday Brunch and we were not disappointed. The staff was so friendly and welcoming. We started with mimosa's which were great. I had mine with a mix of orange and grapefruit juice and it was excellent. We were a group of six and found our server to be excellent. The food was very good. Everyone was very happy with what they ordered. I had the egg white omelet and found it to be just right. The herbs that were on top made the dish very flavorful. The location was excellent, right on the corner of a tree lined street. There were tables available to sit outside if you wanted to. I would definitely recommend this place and would return the next time I am in the Portland area.

We really enjoyed the whole experience at Cafe Nell. We had cocktails (the Kentucky Nail was a hit) as well as the cheese platter. She had the pork and I had the salmon both prepared perfectly. Our best meal for our week in Portland.

Quiet calm we could talk discreetly without having to shout so well done the owners on their choices of soft furnishings and we noticed the sound reduction tiles fitted to the ceilings clearly lots of care and attention. Why oh why are US restaurants so noisy? Well this one isn’t.

Recently had dinner there with my wife and her parents. We ended up inside in a funky spot near the bathrooms, where no thought was given to the atmosphere they were creating. In fairness, the outdoor space looked nice, but if you're going to seat people inside, they should try much harder to make it a palatable location. Across the board, the food was between average and poor other than my linguine with clams & chorizo, which was good. Service was slap-dash at best. No effort to deliver food to the right person, just dropped it on the table. Boderline rude comments asking us to pass dirty plates, keep our dirty silverware, etc. I certainly wouldn't make any effort to return, especially with so many other good options in NW Portland.

We sat outside amidst a passing parade of various dog breeds out for there evening stroll. The food was amazing, we shared the beet salad and chauctrere board, followed by the steak frites. A lovely meal on a beautiful evening in a great city

As a Portland resident constantly distracted by the fanfare of the newest restaurant-du-jour, sometimes the classics get lost in that wake. If you pine for a small, cozy and intimate European neighborhood restaurants, Cafe Nell is just the place to get a fix. I think it's the most beautiful bar in town and the dining room is just the right size to feel like you're with folks, but can have an intimate conversation with your dining companion. I was there recently for lunch and the turkey burger salad was delicious. It's the perfect place for a business lunch and I'm headed there two days next week. Super convenient parking in back. Shout out to charming owner Vanessa, and our server, Christopher.

We have been to Café Nell an number of times. Repeat business means happy customers. We have tried many of their menu items and find that their food is always consistent. Someone is paying attention.

The good: the ambience and food (once we received it) were quite good. We had the king salmon and the roasted chicken - each was prepared nicely with good accompaniments. The chocolate mousse for dessert was also quite good. The bad: We arrived at about 7 pm on a Wednesday night and were seated immediately. It took our server (who appeared to be the only server on duty that evening) at least 15 minutes to come to the table to take our order. We waited about an hour for our food to be delivered to the table. The server explained after about 45 minutes of our wait that the kitchen was backed up (no kidding!). We ordered dessert after dinner (at this point, the restaurant was mostly empty) and I specifically asked for my espresso to be delivered to the table after we'd finished dessert. We waited at least 10 minutes after we'd finished dessert for the espresso to be delivered. The ugly: When the server processed my credit card to settle the bill, he took the liberty of adding a 22% tip. I edited the tip to the amount that I chose, but thought that was exceedingly presumptuous in light of the challenges with service this evening. It should be noted that we saw no disclaimers on the menu about gratuities of any amount being added to the checks automatically.

Have been to Cafe Nell a few times in last 2 months and it's been great each time. With low ceilings, big split pane windows, and a red tiled fireplace it's a favorite place of mine to sip wine and eat full or mini-meals. Atmosphere is mellow, although not always quiet. When it's full of happy eaters it's very lively. Chefs and bartenders do great job on all of their standard delicious offerings, and specials appear regularly.

Everything about this place was great! It’s in the Pearl, but off the beaten path, it’s cozy and fun. We had a fantastic meal… from the appetizers to the desert. Great wine list too. Our waiter, Ritchie, was the bomb! We are going back soon.

We really enjoyed our dinner. Seated at the street side outdoor seating. Cool night so heaters were turned on. Had steak frites. Was very good. Wines-by-glass selection hit the spot. Clearly understaffed but waiter busted his tail. Got the sense that more attention was paid to people seated in the Oasis — based on one total staff outside and four or five tending to the oasis. We enjoyed a serene evening with decent food and wine at a reasonable price.

Cute neighborhood cafe with good menu and delicious food is overshadowed by poor service. We waited over 30 minutes for a cocktail, and were not able to order our dinner until we asked to order @40 minutes after being seated. This theme of poor service continued for our entire meal. Although the waitstaff was very friendly, they seem to be poorly trained and managed. It's unfortunate because the food was delicious, but we will not return.

Walking around Pearl District in Portland on a beautiful Sunday morning. Asked some locals where we could get a good bloody mary and sit and visit. They suggested Cafe Nell. We were not disappointed. Small and comfortable place.

Cafe Nell serves the best restaurant food I have enjoyed in a long time and we eat out two to three times a week in the South Bay area of California. We had varied dishes, fish, steak and pasta. All the dishes were incredibly delicious and well seasoned. A member of the party is a Cordon Blue Chef and he was impressed. The ambiance is rustic casual and the service is excellent. Highly recommend when in Portland.

Great for mid day eating. I had a delicious turkey burger. Everything was very good. I will return when I return to Portland

On a vacation trip with friends. It took 15 min to greet the table. 😐We received our first round of drinks 50min after ordering. Bloody Mary’s were worth it, if it weren’t for the flustered waiter. Our Sunday Funday brunch quickly turned into a 2 1/2 hour stay fighting off bees and correcting him on what we ordered/want to drink. They have beautiful bistro lights that create the perfect setting for a bird to sh*t on my menu. Quickly noticed the tables around us became frustrated and actually left without paying. We assumed it was packed inside due to the extended wait and lack of service, but after walking inside multiple times to check on our order we were surprised to learn the place was empty. We assumed the poor service was due to the bar tender, until our server came to the table with more water(finally) and poured it into our tequila shots that we FINALLY received. The manager never gave us their time, however a wonderful guest named Claudia visited the table after noticing our struggles. 😦Food was good. If you don’t mind wasting 5 hours of your day for an omelet and 2 drinks, this is the place for you.😒

Delicious, and the fireplace makes it a cozy local retreat. Five of us seniors had a delicious lunch. We agreed this place needs more exposure. Killer wine list. Delicious food

Missing that French bistro feel? Here's your next stop. Such a fan! Covid set up done right. GF options. Great sparkling wine selection. What are you waiting for. Book your table!

This is a wonderful place to visit for exceptional cocktails, wines, and a variety of foods including charcuterie, creative soups and salads, and nicely prepared entree's. A limited selection that focuses on quality rather than quantity. Great service; I'd suggest a reservation.

This restaurant was recommended by some locals. It's a small place on a corner in NorthWest PDX neighborhood. The place is small and very bistro-like with tables out on the sidewalk. The servers were fun, friendly and attentive without being over bearing. They made great recommendations from the small menu. I do have to say, the cocktail list was pretty inventive as are many of the newer places in the city. All the food was prepared simply but had such fresh extraordinary taste. Perfectly seasoned and cooked, each dish was stellar. One of us had the trout over al dente green beans that was amazing. The steak frites was tender, no gristle or extra fat, flavorful and the twice cooked french fries...I craved them the next day. While we didn't try brunch, apparently they are famous for that. I highly recommend this place...it's a standout and unpretentious.

Nell's Café. Great corner location with a neighborhood bistro flair. The cocktails are pretty darn good. Been there for brunch before, it was pretty darn good. So... what went wrong last night? Super slow service. The food wasn't great. Steak frites was mostly frites. A small piece of halibut arrived on a bed of succotash that my mother might have made. It was good succotash, just like mom's, but not anything special. Waiter completely forgot to bring coffee that we'd ordered to go with dessert. Flagged down the hostess, she kindly brought us some. The online menu says, "classic" "French" food... not accurate... succotash is not French. Shrimp and grits, vegan hash, chicken and biscuits, cobb salad, a Sazerac to drink... so NOT French. Sigh. Take a look at yourself, Nell. You are not French, you are American. And, despite the long aprons that look like they came straight from a French bistro, your young waiters need better training so romantic couples don't have to wait so long for that second coupe de champagne.

We finally returned to Cafe Nell after a year and a half being away from Portland due to COVID. being vaccinated, we thought we'd go back to this gem in our neighborhood. Figuring the crowd would be big competing for the outdoor sidewalk seats chose to come later for lunch. We were pleased to see the extensive and well thought out new patio. Unfortunately the two meals we chose were not up to par. My Cobb salad arrived with walnuts (the menu stated pecans). I'm allergic to walnuts. No mention of the substitution until the waiter had a conference with the chef. I was offered a cocktail as a comp, but just having had surgery, I declined. The chicken in the salad was also on the dry side. The blue cheese dressing was tasteful, but spicy. If you spice up a traditional dressing give a heads up beforehand! My friend ordered the crab salad. The crab was totally dry and stingy. There was no flavor. The worst I've ever tasted. $19 dollars for a few spoonfuls of dry crab on a bed of lettuce (and a few more vegetables) just didn't cut it. It will be quite a while before we return. It's too bad, with the new seating, close to home, and a nice attentive waiter, there are other places to visit.

Great bar menu and wine list reasonably priced. Great starters with puff and pie crusts. Tasty and delicious entree are seafood, meat and vegan orientated and all delicious. Prices good and in the evening there is a parking lot behind the restaurant.

A True Neighbor Gem. Cafe Nell has got it right and captured the essence of PDX. Spectacular ambiance, Fantastic Service. Thank you Mary for taking care of us with your hospitality. Cafe Nell will be my ‘go to spot’ for showing off PDX to my visiting/ out of town family and friends. Also one of the best burgers in PDX

Wandered in here with my aunty on a Sunday morning. No reservations. Came in and politely asked the hostess for a table for two, and she seemed totally flustered. May have caught her at a bad time, but the restaurant wasn't even busy at this point (was around 10am - most of the brunch crowd doesn't show up until between 11-12). We were seated at an awkward table literally right next to the front door and waiting area. Food was pretty good; I had the monte cristo and aunty had the sausage hash. Not huge portions, but enough to be satisfied. Service was almost non-existent throughout the meal - had to flag down a server twice just to get water. An average meal with better options (both service and value-wise) in the area.