Higgins Restaurant and Bar

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1239 SW Broadway (at Southwest Jefferson Street)
Portland, OR 97205

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(503) 222-9070
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Higgins Restaurant and Bar - Portland, OR
Higgins Restaurant and Bar - Portland, OR
Higgins Restaurant and Bar - Portland, OR
Reviews
( 42 )
( 31 )
( 8 )
( 10 )
( 4 )

Best

I gather that this restaurant has a well-established reputation, but we weren't aware of it. We've walked past the place many times on our way to nearby concerts and always said,...

Worst

I've been to Higgins twice, both times on special occasions,and both times have been very disappointed. The food has been good, but we have been ignored by the waitstaff both time...

not worth it! 7/11/2007

It was my boyfriend's birthday and we chose to eat at Higgins. We were sat at the tiniest table possible! Also we noticed that there were two areas to be seated, one had a casual bistro feel and the other was meant for regulars and/or other weathy people because it was clearly more fancy. Besudes feeling like second class citizens and sitting at a really small table, out appetizer was dissappointing. For the entrees I had duck and he had steak which were good. The service was great too but after spending over $100 dollars on dinner for two, we felt ripped off. For dessert we walked a block down the street and enjoyed the Heathman lounge. We soon realized that Heathman was worth every penny and would be our choice for the next special event. more

Everything on the menu is great. I'll have the hamburger ... 7/6/2007

Everything on the menu is great. I'll have the hamburger -- again. more

Everything on the menu is great. I'll have the hamburger ... 7/6/2007

OregonianSteve Provided by Partner
Everything on the menu is great. I'll have the hamburger -- again. more

Shows seasonal, local cuisine at its best 6/20/2007

My husband and I went here for my birthday dinner last weekend--and wow, what a gift! One of the best meals of my life. Everything was note-perfect, from the relaxing and elegant atmosphere, to the attentive service, to the indescribably delicious meal. The spinach salad with French lentils and blue cheese toasts was a standout--I didn't know salads could be so good!--as was my husband's deceptively simple seafood stew with halibut, clams and salmon sausage, all perfectly cooked. For me, I appreciated that each course offered ample vegetarian options, clearly executed with attention and care equal to that given the meat dishes. The desserts were tantalizing, especially the cheese and fruit plate with its meticulously balanced flavors and textures. When we asked our server for help narrowing down our wine choices, she steered us towards one that complemented our meal perfectly. Well worth the price tag--in MANY cities, you'd be paying far more for food of this caliber--and we'll definitely be back. more

Not worth it 5/2/2007

The food here is a letdown. The soups are generally great, but the salads are average, and one entree was so bad (some sort of curried vegetable concoction) that I stopped eating after a bite. That's another thing: They don't care if you enjoy your meal or not. Pros: soup great, and nice atmosphere in bar Cons: expensive, not great food more

Love this place - unpretentious and reliable 3/23/2007

Though I've only eaten lunch in the dining room, I've been to the bar at least a dozen times and always receive good, prompt service. The bistro (bar) menu changes frequently, and has never disappointed. The smoked seafood platter and cheese platter are reliably satisfying, but the chili hazelnuts are addictive. I tend to go for the beer selection, as it is phenomenal for a bar downtown. Extensive Belgian selection and a notable German selection. They also tend to have some good exports on draught, such as Chimay, a Paulaner, a few local craft brews (Ninkasi has been a recent favorite). Pros: Extensive beer selection, location, great service Cons: possible long waits more

ew. what a let down! 3/18/2007

This restaurant doesn't try very hard. I believe they are relying on a very old reputation. Pros: wine list Cons: bad service, bad food more

I don't get the hype. 3/5/2007

We ate at Higgins last night and when we left we were both wondering.....what's the big deal? The space itself needs a facelift....it seems a bit dated. The service was not fantastic, as we expected. In fact, our waiter seemed pretty bored. For an appetizer we ate the house charcuterie platter, and I had high hopes. However, the entire plate was boring and flavorless. Nothing was outstanding. For entrees, we each ate one of the specials. My date ate beef daube, which was overcooked and dry, and it tasted like it was in bottled barbecue sauce. I ate a sturgeon dish, that was rubbery, and topped with blanched leeks that completely overpowered the dish. Neither of us ate half of our dishes. When the waiter asked how everything was, neither of us said anything. He said ""OKay great! Well, I'll bring the check!"" Clearly, he did not want to have a discussion. We left hungry! more

Go at your pocketbook's risk 1/7/2007

My husband and I took a weekend retreat to Portland. We read the reviews on various restaurants, made a list of which we'd visit and Higgins was on the list. We took a risk, after reading some of the reviews and that's what I would also say to you, ""It's a risk"". I don't think the expense ($98.00, including tip) was worth the experience. Pros: Dessert; specifically brownie a la mode with carmelized hazelnuts Cons: High price, but for what?? We weren't sure more

The best in PDX 1/4/2007

I've been to many so-called 5 star restaurants throughout the world, yet, I still enjoy food and service from Higgins. Yes, there are few menu items, which are not perfect for everyone's taste buds. If you are not custom to creative cooking, you should stick to restaurants in Hotels such as Heathman or Jakes. Higgins is not a typical one taste fit all ? American restaurant, the chef utilizes and incorporate different type of local fresh ingredients to create very unique yet satisfying (for those who can appreciate) dishes. My favorites are their duck dish, salmon dish, and fall only ?mushroom dinner special?. Regarding price, I think Higgins pricing is very reasonable. Pros: excellent foods and ambience Cons: no parking more

Unpretentious atmosphere, excellent service, good technique and execution, beers on tap! 11/30/2006

As a fellow fine dining line-cook in Portland, I decided to have dinner with 10 friends at Higgins on my birthday. Considering it is always challenging to fire a big top during service, the Higgins crew came through with flawless service and well-executed food. We were all impressed. more

Tasty variety of flavors! 11/21/2006

After hearing so much about Higgins, I finally went and had lunch there. The environment is very rustic and cute. The food had it's own unique flavor and was very tasty. Would definitely like to try Higgins for dinner. Pros: Unique flavors, ambiance more

Foie gras mousse before you die 11/20/2006

OK - Higgins is a favorite of mine in Eugene. Amazing food but I am writing this review for one reason only - to let everyone know about one item that they have to add to their list of things to do before you die THE FOIE GRAS MOUSSE in the bar. Just do it... more

Best tasting meal 11/11/2006

Taste is a key reason to buy a top quality meal. I had a memorable , great tasting meal at this restaurant. The seared Moroccan spiced halibut/cous cous was unbelievable. This meal put all the hype of Vegas to shame. Pros: Meal preparation (spicing) Cons: Location is marginal more

sat in the bar, subpar food 11/2/2006

From the outside, Higgins looked adorable. Once inside, walk-in wait was >2 hours, so we sat in the bar area. Full menu was available, yet there was still much to be desired from the menu. No many dishes available, and the ones we tried were so-so. Goat cheese appetizer with great cheese. Vegan soup was bland. Romaine salad was full of full arms of romaine salad, over citrus-y dressing and untasty croutans. Steak sandwich was also not exciting. Pros: nice ambience Cons: overpriced subpar bar menu more

mediocre food and bad service 10/30/2006

great appetizers and lovely dessert, but our entrees were mediocre at best. I had a vegetarian lasagna which was dry and overcooked. My Dad had a risotto that was so overwhelmed by other ingredients that coming across a grain of arborio was a special occasion. more

NOT THE BEST 10/21/2006

My husband and I went there for dinner with high expectations and was very disappointed. The service was good, but the food was lacking, my husbands steak for $30.00 was not that great, ate it because he was hungry. The dinner I ordered, a cobination of mussles,clams and salmon, was sent back total lack of taste. I think for the price we paid for the dinner it should have been better. I will not return to Higgins. Pros: ambience Cons: food lacking in flavor more

Very Good 8/30/2006

We started with the baked oysters; they were well done with a creamy sauce and a mixture of finely chopped peppers. We followed with the heirloom tomato and fresh mozzarella salad. It was a great combination of flavors. For entrees we had the crusted halibut which was flavorful and fresh and the flat iron steak that was a daily special. The steak was tasty and moist and served atop a polenta cake. For desert we had the Chocolate Pote of cream. It was rich and creamy with a nice blend of milk and bittersweet chocolate. It was a very good dinner, but not as good as our visit last year. It could be that after waiting a year to get the flourless chocolate tort that was not on the menu this year my wifes heart was broken. Pros: Fresh NW food Cons: Losing it's personal touch more

Food a Crapshoot, Prices too high! 6/7/2006

Friendly, Knowledgable Server. Prompt seating but 10 minutes to get a cocktail although we were early and place was empty. Charcuterie Plate was wonderful. Healthy chunks of great artisan bread accompanied. My wife's Risotto w/asparagus was delicious, creamy, lemony and a good choice. However, my Bucatini w/Fennel Sausage was smothered with way too much (about a cup) of bitter, bitter, bitter sauteed greens and almost no fennel sausage in sight. It all came swimming in olive oil. Do not order this, you'll be disappointed. Especially at $19.50. Pros: Some menu items Cons: Prices, Value, Some menu items more

Swank yet casual 6/2/2006

Recently, I was looking for a spot to take a friend out to a special dinner and was surprised that so many notable Portland restaurants are closed on Sunday nights! Higgins was an exception, and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and atmosphere. The menu was filled with regional and seasonal items as well as some fresh takes on old favorites. The spinach salad with spicy walnuts was superb, as was the warm asparagus salad. I wasn't as impressed by the roast pork which was just so-so, but my companions loved their salmon entrees. The wine list is exceptional, and reflects their commitment to supporting local and regional suppliers. Pros: Fresh, local flavors, Great wine list, Modern, airy decor Cons: A little pricey, Street parking more
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Menu for Higgins Restaurant and Bar


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Upscale downtown bistro delivers elegantly simple Northwestern fare.

Editorial
  • In Short
    Business diners, visiting dignitaries and gourmands enjoy this restaurant's innovative cuisine and relaxed atmosphere.The cozy decor of small tables, wood floors, an open kitchen...

  • 3/23/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-12am Sat 4pm-2:30am Sun 4pm-12am
  • Payments: Visa, Discover, American Express, Master Card, Diner's Club
  • Neighborhoods: Downtown, Neighbors West - Northwest
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