Besaw's

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2301 NW Savier St (at Northwest 23rd Avenue)
Portland, OR 97210

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(503) 228-2619
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Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Besaw's - Portland, OR
Reviews
( 17 )
( 20 )
( 7 )
( 4 )
( 13 )

Best

Consistently excellent food. Great service as well. Best breakfast in the city, and a very solid dinner as well. Most of the servers are excellent.

Worst

I went here with a group of friends this past Sunday morning for brunch, and I have to be honest with you, I was a little underwhelmed. I had their Wild Salmon Scramble, which ...

Really kind staff! Great food, too! 3/29/2008

I called them about 30 mintues before I showed up and they had a cute little table all set up for me and my 8 friends! Its a tiny restaurant so I thought I would have to wait. We chatted with the hostess for a minute and she was great with my friend's baby. Our server (Richard?) was professional and fast. Food was awesome! (I really liked my salmon scramble)\r Can't understand what these negative reviews are all about--we had a fantastic time and will tell all of our friends! more
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Great Bar! 2/5/2008

My wife and I visit Portland from Seattle often. Last week we were in town and decided to eat at Besaw?s for dinner. This was our first time and it was pretty good.\r The server was great, very funny, and full of energy. \r The drinks were the best cocktails we have ever had!!! They were perfect.\r The food was good, it didn?t meet up to the service and drinks, but was good.\r We stayed for a bit, and just hung out. Had some cake and coffee and enjoyed our time with each other.\r All and all, very nice. We think we have found our new drinking spot in Portland.\r \r Pros: Cocktails more
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Busy, but sooo good! 11/11/2007

I went in for breakfast this Sunday and was blown away by the amazing service. The wait was on the long side (about 30 minutes), but it is a small restaurant and they seemed to be very busy. They brought out some waffles for those of us waiting and the free coffee outside made the wait tolerable. When it was our turn to be seated the hostess and the waitress were both very friendly, our food was delivered quickly and piping hot (I ordered the salmon omlet and my friend got the eggs benedict), and the atmosphere was great. Long wait, but I'll be going back soon! Pros: Great food, friendly staff Cons: Be prepared to wait a bit more
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Be prepared to wait 10/28/2007

We have been to Besaw's numerous times for breakfast on a Saturday or Sunday and typically, we have had great service. We are always prepared to wait but today I felt our wait was unnecessarily long (1 hour) and our complaint was not handled well by the hostess. We just missed a large turnover of tables and were the next table of 4 to be seated. However, rather than seating us they chose to seat a group of 5 that had just arrived (we at this point had been there 45 minutes). The group of 5 had made a reservation for 6 but their other person did not show up. Rather than putting them in line with the rest of those who could not make a reservation (parties less than 6) they honored their reservation. This probably seems a bit petty but for such a small place it doesn't seem fair for different rules to apply to different groups people. Then, a group of 4 arrived and were seated because they were part of a group of 8 (and could make a reservation) even though their entire party was not there. I spoke to the hostess after seeing the group of 4 get seated and rather than letting me explain why I was upset she rudely cut me off saying we would get the next table. \r \r Once we were seated and food and service was great and we were out in about 30 minutes. But given my experience I will likely try some place new next time. Pros: Once you are seated, the food and service are good Cons: Too long of wait more
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Great friendly spot 9/21/2007

I moved to Portland just a couple weeks ago, and was hanging out at a local bar by my apartment a few days ago. Not being very familiar with the neighborhood yet, I asked my bartender to recommend somewhere for dinner, simple but... indicative?... of the city and area. She suggested Besaw's. When I arrived, I realized they were about ten minutes from closing. Nonetheless, they seemed incredibly pleasant and happy to serve. The cook even came out and chatted with me about the specials for the night, of which I had the ribeye roulad (not sure of the spelling), which was delicious, apparently local organic beef rolled with spinach, goat cheese and grilled onions. The bartender (I sat at the bar) was very friendly and suggested a great cocktail of whiskey, soda, dried cherries and more. Really dug this place, staff is friendly and entertaining, apparently all-local ingredients (or at least mostly) and the bar is beautiful and classic. Recommended. Pros: Great staff, food and prices Cons: None that I saw more
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HORRIBLE service and bad food 9/12/2007

We wanted to try Besaws for dinner because we like the owner, but the service was horrendous and the food was lousy. The server never checked on us, never filled our water glass, was always in a rush (even though the restaurant was empty), and was basically snooty the whole time. The meatloaf wrapped in bacon (which he recommended) was so bad I couldn't even eat it, and the ""bacon"" was pure fat. It was basically strips of lard. My date's salmon was fishy, and both our vegetables were undercooked. If this was an episode of ""Top Chef"", the waiter and cook would have been sent home immediately!! Just an overall HORRIBLE dining experience. Of course, the waiter didn't ask how the meal was when he took my plate away as he obviously didn't want to hear my feedback. I didn't give it to him because he obviously didn't care, so I'm giving it here to save people the trouble of going here. Pros: outdoor seating Cons: service, food, what else is there? more
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Don't Eat Here! 8/12/2007

This was a very bad experience. We had a very rude and unproffessional waitress. We had to return their Bloody Mary's we ordered for brunch because they were not made correctly. (Folks, I'm not picky and would drink mostly anything, but could not do this bizarre brew they had served.) The waitress said that they would not take the drinks back because that would be a waste. We were floored and asked to talk to the manager; the manager came 20 minutes later and insulted us further by coming up to us and immediatley said ""what were you guys expecting"", we simply said a Bloody Mary. The check came another 20 minutes later and the drinks were on the tab! We paid in full just to get out of that place. The manager came to follow us out and gave us an unusual smirk and said that they had put too much lime juice in it--but yet we still got charged for them. This was the short version because believe me they were very offensive and it left a sour taste in my mouth. In fact, I had the Farmer's Hash and that was oily and undercooked. If you want bad food and even worse service - than Besaw's is your place. It really is too bad because it's in a very charming area of Portland. Pros: Location Cons: Very bad food and the worst customer service, rude and unprofessional. more
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dont go for brunch. slow and cold food 8/11/2007

service was slow and the wait was over an hour. Food was cold, and it took only 5 minutes to get our food. How does food get cold when it took only 5 minutes to get to the table/ Waitress was rude and very cold. There are a lot better places in Portland to get brunch then this place. Pros: none Cons: cold food and rude waitresses more
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Not worth the wait 7/14/2007

The food here is good, however the wait is so not worth it. There is no where in the world where you should have to wait an hour to be seating for brunch... It's sad cause like i said the food is good. more
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Hostess not the Mostess! 5/28/2007

Went with my friend this morning. Hadn't been in a long time as we had been weary since new ownership took place. The hostess was so rude. Granted she was busy but rude and scary. We asked if we could sit at the bar and she said she would have to check with all of the people ahead of us first. As we proceeded to wait the next 1/2 hour, and all the bar stools were empty, she told people inquiring about the wait ""it's going to be a long time"". Not very professional to discourage clients. In addition, she would come outside screaming the next party and the repeat the name over and over and then cross their name out in a huff. Meanwhile tables inside sat empty and uncleared. When we were finally up and were seated, guests came in and sat at the bar without even waiting. Another group also passed by and were being seated outside and I heard the woman say ""there's an empty 4 top right there, why do we have to sit outside under the heaters."" Our waitress was great and the bloody marys were awesome but the prices have gone up, the wait is too long and the new owner is losing money and customers. I'll be returning to the Daily Cafe, Blue Hour, and Everett St. Bistro before I ever return to Besaws. Guess I was weary for a reason. Pros: Bloody Marys Cons: Scary Hostess more
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My favorite breakfast spot 2/21/2007

Sure, you're probably going to have to wait. Know that. Relax. Enjoy their complimentary coffee outside, and the nice hostess will usually bring those who are willing to brave the elements some warm waffles to nibble on. I have a weekend breakfast at Besaws 3 or 4 times a month and have yet to be let down. The service is warm and friendly, the environment charmingly cramped yet comfortable, and the specials are to die for. Creative scrambles, perfect omlettes, a selection of benedicts, apple fritter french toast, pumpkin muffins with cream cheese frosting - I'm drooling as I type. I confess - I've only had their breakfast......but it is oh so heavenly and I've yet to find anything consistently better. Pros: Delicious brunchy treats, friendly service Cons: small place = lengthy weekend waits more
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Disappointing Breakfast 2/14/2007

This use to be one of my favorite breakfast spots because the flavors were very inovative and their potatoes and egg dishes were delicious, unfortunately the last couple of times I have been in has not been very inspiring. I thought it may have been just a one time problem so we went back again a couple of months later. But the food still lacked any flavor. Sorry, we will probably not be back since it is a little spendy for only so, so food. Pros: location Cons: flavor of food more
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A brunch worthy of weekly visits! 2/12/2007

It take a lot to get on our 'weekly' list, but Besaw's is right at the top.\r The food is creative and tasty - splendid mixtures of Brie, Smoked Salmon and Rosemary often work their way in to the dishes. The service is exceptional and always friendly - our 2 year old daughter has always been welcome.\r \r The restaurant's layout is cozy, not crowded. Be sure to get there early as the reviews are well known and the list can get a list can get a little long. Mercifully, those cold wet mornings are kept at bay with free coffee.\r \r We recently tried a dinner meal... stick to what Besaw's is known for - their fantastic breakfast and brunches! Pros: Breakfast, Brunch, Interesting mixes of tastes in dishes, Bloody Marry's, Friendly, Fast Cons: Line can get a little long, Dinners just not up to par. more
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Delicious 9/4/2006

Fantastic food, and very sweet service. I go there regularly and enjoy it everytime! I appreciate having it in the neighborhood.\r Pros: food, atmosphere more
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In a hurry? You're in the right spot. 8/8/2006

We were at Besaw's around 10:30am for a late breakfast, and the food was awesome. I had the tofu scramble (yum!) and my husband ordered one of the steak dishes. He found the size of the steak to be quite generous. Our waitress didn't check on us - we asked a busser for more coffee. She did, however, drop off the check when we were about halfway through our meals. And as soon as I set my fork down, she pounced to take my plate away. Since about half the tables in the place were available, I'd hoped for a nice and leisurely breakfast. The food was tasty and priced well, but I won't come back when I'm wanting some leisure time! Pros: price and value, free-range meat Cons: rushed service more
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Hip, down to earth, and worth it 3/6/2006

Though Trendy-third is not usually my scene, one place I WILL be returning to is Besaw's. My wife and I came upon it one Sunday afternoon while shopping, and despite standing in a line out the door for half an hour (time well spent, I might add), once inside we were greeted by a cheery hostess and a crew of servers who, despite the packed crowds, managed to maneuver and dart among the throngs and still remain chipper and conversational. Our personal server (Teresa?) was prompt and friendly, and strongly recommended that day's omelette, and I completely agreed after tasting it. My wife had crab cake Benedicts, which were obviously made in-house and delicious. Along with wonderful Bloody Mary's and the overall pleasant ambience that surprised us in such a packed house, I assure we will be back for lunch and dinner. Pros: great service, great food, great ambience Cons: popular on weekends more
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Sad to see a good thing go 2/25/2006

Besaw's used to be one of my favorite places for a good brunch, lunch or dinner. I think the restaraunt was sold recently and it shows. Today's Besaw's is run by a bunch of young clique-type hipsters that mainly cater to their friends who are always there hanging out. If you're not in their inner circle, don't expect prompt service or warm food from the often hung-over club kids running the joint. If you do go, don't sit close to the kitchen unless you want to hear the cooks combine new and exiting strings of swear-words. Cons: Service, attitude, Cold food more
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I don't get it either!!! 2/22/2006

The service was friendly, very friendly. However, the food was bland and boring. We waited about 1/2 hour on a Saturday morning. The coffee outside was nice. The food got to our table in less than 5 minutes, so I was absolutely shocked that the potatoes and toast were cold! How does that happen?? The bread they use is horrible--right off the shelf from Thriftway, it appears. The eggs were very average. I hear they are best known for their Bloody Mary's. Maybe I would have liked it more if I had been drunk.... I really don't get it. The next morning I was at Mother's. Now that's a breakfast place! Or just a couple blocks away is the Stepping Stone, great food with a fun attitude, and quite powerful bloody marys! Pros: Service Cons: Bland, boring, cold food; crowded; not worth it! more
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I don't get it 2/15/2006

Despite having often heard Besaw's describes as a favorite Portland institution, I recently experienced a breakfast so unappealing that it prompted me to write this review. The atmosphere, rumored to be charming, is in fact nothing special. More importantly the food ranged from mediocre to poor. Portland is home to at least a dozen better places to eat brunch. Seriously, don't waste your time at Besaw's. Pros: nice London waiter Cons: THE FOOD!, long waits more
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found yourself a new regular... 2/12/2006

After just moving to Portland, I've been a little overwhelmed getting my footing. Following a recommendation I found myself at Besaw's in NW to recoup with a weekend breakfast. Not only did I have an amazing meal, I was completely stunned at not only the volume of customers, but the attenitive service that was given. The hostess was great and my server gave me all sorts of bonus tips on the city as well, but I must say I was floored by one of the best bussers of all time. Just wanted to share my appreciation for making me feel at home. I'll be back. Pros: yummy, yummy food, fun, helpful staff, good people watching Cons: crowded on weekends more
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Menu for Besaw's


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Open seven days a week for Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner. Best of Citysearch Brunch Winner!

Owner Message

  • Mr. Besaw introduced simple and delicious home cooking once he was the sole proprietor. Prohibition was repealed in 1916 and Besaw's was granted the first liquor license in the state of Oregon. The cafe quickly became the most popular meeting place in the neighborhood, with a reputation for a pleasant drink, a scrumptious meal and lively conversation.

    Today, this remains Besaw's recipe for success. You can still sit at the same elbow-rippled mahogany bar that?s quenched the thirst of so many since the turn of the century. Guests still come across the same kind, attentive service found 100 years ago. When you want a dining experience that pleases your stomach and warms your heart, come to Besaw's.

Editorial

  • In Short
    A neighborhood haunt since 1903, this corner cafe straddles the cusps of the brazenly chic 23rd region with the youngster-toting hippie cool of Wallace Heights. The 1950s-style...

  • 8/18/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon 7am-3pm Tue-Fri 7am-10pm Sat 8am-10pm Sun 8am-3pm
  • Payments: Visa, Master Card, American Express
  • Neighborhoods: Northwest District, Neighbors West - Northwest
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