Portland Dining Month here we come and starting off strong! PARKING: Once again hitting the streets of Portland and praying for spots. We found one pretty quickly on a Sunday afternoon. Be aware that the restaurant is in a hotel. AMBIANCE: Once again, this restaurant is attached to the Dossier Hotel so the entrance is through the hotel door just past the check in desk. It's got modern decor with a touch of wood throughout making for a warm and upscale vibe. There are plenty of seats and tables throughout with booth seating as well. Windows look out into the downtown Portland area. Love the tiling on the floor and the deep, warm green tones throughout. SERVICE: We made a reservation, but upon walking into the restaurant there was a sign that said to seat yourself. A single bar tender was there to basically run the entire place: Taking orders, seating people, making drinks, bussing, etc. She handled everything really well despite there being several small parties and we felt the meal was well paced. She also made time to check on us still which was nice. FOOD: We did the Portland Dining Month menu and added a couple extra things from the snacks section since we were there during happy hour as well. - Chips and French Onion Dip: Like a classic sour cream and onion dip but with real French onion and the flavour. Chips were not too salty as well which was nice. - Roasted Cauliflower: The char on cauliflower is such a great flavour and these were charred so well. Definitely recommend for a starter and it's a decent portion too. - Caesar Salad: What is this dressing and why was it so good? Loved it. - Butter Lettuce Salad: Twas alright. - Steak and Fries: Steak was well cooked, great flavour with the chimichurri. Fries were crisp and perfect. - Coq Au Vin: So good! The chicken was so tender and fell off the bone. The potato puree was smooth and silky. Mushrooms and other veggies cooked so well. - Chocolate Lava Cake: Can't go wrong with chocolate. Rich in all the right ways. Caramel was so good. And it was fairly light and not too dense! - Parmesan Pound Cake: Didn't think I'd like this but the Parmesan was subtle and added a saltiness to the cake that was delicious. Paired with the vanilla bean ice cream...heavenly. OVERALL: Solid food for a solid price. Would definitely come back. read more

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The food was good, but my steak was only about half the size of what they show in the photos (maybe 3oz at most). Fun ambience, but I don't know if I would go back given the poor bang for your buck. read more

We celebrated Valentine's Day at Bistro Alder and it was truly exceptional. For one of the busiest nights of the year, the service never skipped a beat. The staff was polished, attentive, and incredibly gracious throughout the entire evening. Courses were timed beautifully, water glasses never sat empty, and every interaction felt genuine and thoughtful. We ordered from the à la carte menu and were blown away. The arugula salad with pistachios, goat cheese, and pickled strawberry was layered and vibrant, with the perfect balance of peppery greens, creamy tang, crunch, and bright acidity. It was one of those dishes where every bite just works. The tenderloin was cooked perfectly with a beautiful sear and melt-in-your-mouth texture. And the sweet potato gratin? Absolute standout. Rich, indulgent, perfectly seasoned, and the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight. I could have happily ordered a second round. The atmosphere felt energetic but still intimate, which is hard to pull off on Valentine's Day. Bistro Alder delivered on every level. Already counting down to our next visit. read more

Walked by here and decided to have dinner. Great atmosphere when you walk into the restaurant. I arrived for happy hour and enjoyed the chips and dip, then ordered a "house" Cabernet which I thought was on happy hour. Found out at the end that house wine just means red or white, cab is not included in the happy hour. I ordered the steak frites which was good and cooked to my temperature. The bartender was good and took care of me. Probably wouldn't go out of my way to eat here again but overall it was good. read more

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Breakfast DOES NOT END at 11a. They turn people away as early as 10:45, including hotel guests. We were told when arriving at 10:35 that the kitchen would close soon. They want customers finished eating by 11. read more

Stopped by here after the gingerbread house unveiling at the Be son and was staaaarving. Immediately the vibe is stunning - tall ceilings, intimate lighting, old school meets modern. The menu had great options and a lot looked good. Service was also so friendly despite only having one server out there for both the bar and dining area. Unfortunately it took a long time to get our meal, although based on other reviews it could be because this place was more packed than usual. When we did finally get our food, our appetizers came at the same time as the meal. Everything was fine, nothing spectacular. I would come back if I was in the area and for the drinks and the chips & dip. read more

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I recently took my mother here for a birthday dinner celebration. I had won an Instagram contest in December for a free meal for two here in 2025. The food was excellent. We ordered the carrot ginger soup and it was simply delicious. We also had the brussel sprouts and the Caesar salads with salmon. The salmon too was cooked to perfection and I'm still dreaming about it. We finished our meal off with lemon sorbet and blueberries which was an excellent way to finish a solid meal. The food is fantastic. The restaurant has a cozy and beautiful French vibe and it's only a 5 minute walk to the Smart Park lot and is also connected to the Dossier hotel. We were able to walk over to the Woodlark and the Ritz Carlton from the location even though my mother has some mobility issues. We saw tour groups arriving at the hotel from the window of the restaurant and it was a fun atmosphere to relax and people watch. I will definitely come back. Our waitress was pleasant, but she seemed tired and overwhelmed. We came here on a Sunday late afternoon/early evening and she was the main person working the bar and the restaurant even though there were at least 5 parties there. I saw another bartender briefly, but for the most part our waitress was the main server and she didn't seem very happy to be surrounded by lots of work with little help or support. I felt like the restaurant needed at least one more server to keep service for everyone more efficient and enjoyable. Overall, I'm very excited that I came here and it's been one of my favorite dining highlights this year. read more

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Came here for a night cap during or stay here. I ordered Old World Fashion and a Spring Spritz and they were both Amazon!! Pat was our bartender and he was amazing and clearly knows how to make a drink! I highly recommend coming here for a drink! We didn't order food but the person next to us did and it did look good. Pat gave great service even when dealing with a difficult guest who was there when we were. That guy was so rude! Pat you're doing great keep it up! read more

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Met friends here for HH prior to going to the movies around the corner. since the Bistro is located in the Dossier Hotel, it's often overlooked as a dining destination. The night we were there, it was quite empty. Inside is lovely, with a black and white tiled floor, lots of beautiful wood, and several chandeliers giving it that French flair. There are lots of various seating arrangements and a bar with stools, great place to sit and watch the bartenders create their masterpieces. We chose a table by the window with a view to the sidewalk. Service was great, drink order taken immediately, which we all appreciated. They are known for their craft cocktails so I highly suggest starting with one. Since we were there for happy hour, we ordered the baked Brie Roth candied jalapeños and sliced baguette. So good! As were the wago meatballs in a lemony cream sauce, I sopped up every drop! We loved them so much, we placed a 2nd order. To round out our spread, we also had bright, citrus marinated olives. it's a great place to come for HH before going to the Regal Fox Tower Theatre. I'd love to come back for brunch; the extensive menu has some great choices. read more

I came here for a yelp event and the place was fantastic. Loved the atmosphere, the chef was amazing. His culinary creativity was astounding. I'm definitely coming back here during normal business hours. Great place for an after work get together. Bar has good drinks. read more

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Amazing French onion soup! The cheese pull was insane. It was hearty & rich and the lunch portion was just right. It was perfect on this cold & rainy day read more

Bistro Alder - Lunch special French onion soup & salad - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Nice upscale atmosphere. Service was fine. It seems Portland has a vibe that is different than I am used to, so I'm just trying to accept the cultural norm. Got a dish that had an option of adding hash. The main portion of the meal was good and served nice and hot. The hash itself was in big chunks, grizzly and tough, and did not have much flavor. Based on my experience, I would try someplace else before returning here. It probably didn't help that the morning before I had an amazing similar style breakfast at HopCity Tavern & Market that cost less. read more

The first thing you'll (probably) notice is the high ceiling. Adler's inside design is pared-back, but has a sophisticated feel with grey walls, some metal accents and light woods on Alder St. in Downtown Portland, OR. Despite located on the ground floor of the Dossier Hotel- where we've stayed on previous trips, you can still come to Adler to enjoy happy hour, light bites, some dinner items, dessert and of course, cocktails. Bartender Matt was smooth with his shaking skills and concoctions on a Saturday night to pre-celebrate our daughter's graduation the following day. We brought a 'cheese plate' to our room which barely looked the part. Some of the cheeses were reasonably sized- but others were like the size of my thumbnail ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. It lacked. Would the cheese plate be different and better to look at if we stayed here to enjoy it instead of taking it to our room in a small to-go box? Regardless, Adler is a cozy spot to linger. read more

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Awesome place with great service and delicious food! Had the two egg breakfast and it was exactly what I needed. The bacon was crispy and thick, the eggs were perfect and the potatoes with the caramelized onions were out of this world! The place is located inside the Dossier Hotel with a super cool old school vibe that is perfectly reflected inside the restaurant. All in all, a 5 star restaurant all the way! read more

Bistro Alder - 2 Egg Breakfast w/Sunny Side Up eggs - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Pros: Decor is adorable Happy hour options Dessert was good and portion sizes good Convenient when staying at the Dossier Cons: Coq au vin was very average. Did not inquire about the hotel dining credit so I forgot and paid the full amount. Had I known I was going to spend $60 on a drink, entree, and dessert, this place would not have been my first choice when visiting Portland. I walked two blocks elsewhere to pick up breakfast and specialty coffee read more

Bistro Alder continues to impress with its elevated comfort dishes and genuinely warm hospitality. The butter lettuce salad is crisp, refreshing, and perfectly dressed. The Rigatoni Bolognese delivers rich, slow-simmered flavor, and the truffle mac and cheese is decadent in all the best ways. Their mezcal hot toddy is a standout--smoky, soothing, and absolutely perfect for cold Portland nights. Service from Amanda and Devi is consistently attentive, friendly, and thoughtful, making every visit feel special. And do not skip dessert. The Warmed Parmesan Pound Cake with vanilla bean ice cream, toasted almonds, and macerated berries is unbelievably good--sweet, salty, warm, creamy, everything you want to end a meal. Bistro Alder remains a must-try for anyone looking for incredible food, gorgeous cocktails, and service that elevates the entire experience read more

Laid back bar restaurant attached to a downtown hotel. Staff were friendly and the decor inside the bar is pretty cool - you feel like you are walking into the past. The food was average at best and I recommend you stick with the basics. You are probably better off to go here for a drink. read more

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It was my first visit to Portland. I was statist s nearby hotel and needed good food. I found this place on yelp and I'm glad I did. The ambiance was relaxing, the food was above par. Nice and quaint read more

I've been here twice with my husband and really want to love it but despite being super cute, there's no warm vibe there. It's always empty and the staff at the bar has been cold and inviting each time. Perhaps bc it's a hotel bar and they don't depend on repeat customers? I finally took it off all of my Yelp lists bc I don't think we'll go back. read more

Classy vibes with good food. I was staying at the Dossier Hotel and went down for breakfast. We seated ourselves and were helped nearly immediately. Our server was friendly and attentive. I ordered the Lemon Crepes which she said were a favorite. They were delightful. The crepes were light and the lemon filling was slightly sweet, the yogurt and tangerine slices on top took the edge off both the tartness and sweetness of the lemon. It was a surprisingly refreshing meal. The dining area is just cool. It's clean, with a nice bar, plenty of seats, and windows all around. In general, for what it is, I feel like they do a good job. They were quick, the food was good, the decor was well thought out. In general it was a really good experience! read more

Bistro Alder - Lemon Crepes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

BISTRO ALDER - holy rolly polly - best gnocchi, best bolognese I have EVER had. The flavor! I ate as much as I physically could and then some. Blistered green beans were in an amazing sauce I don't even know what to compare it to. This chef is 1000000/10 Atmosphere is great, date, business or solo dining great vibe. read more

Bistro Alder - Fried potato gnocchi - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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We were looking forward to trying out the brunch food, but based on the server's terrible attitude, we decided it was not worth it. When we walked into the restaurant, there was only one other party standing at the bar and a lone patron sitting at a table. When the bartender came to take our drink order, she was visibly annoyed with us and made it known that she did not want us there. We asked for a drink menu, and she responded with a rude, "It's right there." She rolled her eyes multiple times in front of us and spoke to us as if we were an inconvenience. We decided to go across the street to Bullard where the service was amazing and they didn't make me feel like my business was a burden. Visit: 03/30/2023 read more

A great spot for drinks and small bites! My family and I came in on Christmas Day and really enjoyed our experience. Service: our server was very polite and welcoming. The service was pretty quick for a small staff working the holiday, and the food came out on a rolling basis. Ambiance: the dim lighting, bar, and seating set the perfect ambiance for nice appetizers and drinks. Food: the food was excellent. The steak, chicken skewers, chorizo & shrimp arroz, brussel sprouts, deviled eggs, and chocolate torte were all winners!! We ordered almost all the small plates and enjoyed every single one. Drinks: I ordered the alder cocktail and really enjoyed it. It was refreshing and perfectly sweet. My mom ordered the lavender espresso martini and really liked it as well. It was a little too bitter for me, but otherwise we loved everything we tried! Overall, I highly recommend Bar Alder for a date night/girls night to grab some drinks and tasty bites. Will definitely be back! read more

Bistro Alder - Bar - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Mother's Day was horrible. we had reservations and got there and there was one waitress (that poor waitress !) trying to serve all these unhappy tables and we couldn't stay to eat because she said she wasn't sure when we would get food given it was just her. how unfair to put that waitress in that position and then we had nowhere to go for Mother's Day cause everywhere is booked. so disappointing ! horrible Mother's Day thanks to the bistro. we had to eat at home. read more

Food: The steak had amazing flavor but it was cold. The cauliflower with blue cheese was horrible but it was also freezing cold. Ambiance: Super cute & cozy space! Service: I asked for a plate and utensils & it took forever to arrive. I was given the plate with no utensils. When I asked again it was 15 minutes to get utensils. I still tipped 20% because I figured it was just a bad day. Hopefully you have a different experience! read more

Cocktail program at this place is off the hook. The flavours created with the tinctures and house syrups add depth and uniqueness like no where else around. Mad props to our amazing bartender Steve for walking us through the creative process for cocktail development. read more

Bistro Alder - a glass of lemonade with a sprig of mint - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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This place is a great find! Amazing staff, delicious food and always great energy. The burgers are my fave and get them every time. read more

Bistro Alder - Classic Burger with truffle fries. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

The space itself is kind of meh, TBH. The tile is nice. The ceiling is nice. The place on the whole has a flat feeling. I will say, though, the French fries (les frites) are some of the best I've ever had. Not spindly and not off-putting planks. Just the right size with great crunch and plenty of potato "meat" to savor. Seasoned perfectly with a side of garlic parsley mayo. I'll dream about these fries. read more

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Understaffed, with disinterested and hard to find servers. The Alder Bistro is also my nominee for the most dried out, tasteless hamburger in Portland. The fries were just as bad. read more

First time visiting and what a delightful atmosphere. We came for an early dinner around 4:30pm and tried several dishes, the deviled eggs and sliders were a few favorites. The charcuterie board was just okay, not worth the price imo. Service was okay, attentive at first but dwindled and were left with empty drinks and seeking our server for a good 25 minutes. I'd definitely come back as there are several other tapas options I'd love to try. read more

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Super dead at 4:45pm on a Saturday night, but the bartender was super cool and helpful. I like the Christmas decorations and low lighting, it was very cozy. Happy hour is 4-6pm and the deals are pretty good. I got the potato gnocchi and it was quite salty but good overall. 7/10 read more

We went here as we were staying at the Dossier adjoining hotel. The seating was plentiful with great decor. Service was spot on, we didn't get any food but might try dinner later. read more

Bistro Alder - Water Avenue coffee, not bad. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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Food was amazing, drinks were amazing service was amazing, ambiance was relaxing! Definitely would Come back!!10/10 read more

Bistro Alder - Steak and Tequila mule - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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We stayed at the Alder and they provided us dining comps and I must say it was fantastic. The staff was kind, personable, and the place was beautiful. It was a fantastic start to each day, heading down to get breakfast and having such a great place right there. Generally I would get an assortment of different small items, my wife often opted for the Avocado toast and dishes like that. We ate dinner there one night as well, I remember the drinks being very well mixed and spot on, and the Steak Frites I got was quite tasty. I would gladly come back, and it was the perfect spot to stay to end a honeymoon. Thanks to the staff for the great time. read more

Great bar and service, Joshua really stood out and was absolutely outstanding. Definitely made our trip.

Shout out to our waiter, James. He was amazing. I had asked to be surprised for a cocktail and he nailed it. It was delicious! The food was also just as wonderful. Not super busy which was really surprising but it was a Sunday evening. I would definitely go back the next time I'm in the area. read more

Awesome ambiance, great food! Olive was a phenomenal waitress! So accommodating and sweet! I couldn't have liked it more!

Nice wait staff and great atmosphere! It gives an elevated feel without feeling like I needed to wear formal attire.

Service was friendly and fast, Eggs Benedict and breakfast sandwich were delicious. I recommend this place.

Great experience, the food was great. And service was as great considering what a fast paced environment they're working in!