Bistro Alder

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.

If you’re looking for a bar/bistro as ADHD over quality as you—this is the place. Meticulous bar arrangement with pro staff. I ordered the Dijon Meatballs which had a great taste and ample portion even for non-Swedes. Do not miss out on the Crispy Skin Salmon entree. Perfectly cooked to poached consistency with a tasty grilled top over excellent lentils and a perfect parsnip puree…Bro, this was better than your girls banana bread. Chef designed but the line cooks knows his stuff and delivered a perfect meal tonight. Art on display. CJ delivered. Excellent waiters.

This place is in downtown. The atmosphere is classy and a nice place to take your lover on a date here. Had some oysters, steak bites, and sparkling champagne here with some friends. It was all good and the service was great n friendly. The only complaint depends on what time it is if its a busy day it can be hard to find parking but there is parking garages around if you cant find any. Would come back again.

Bistro Alder is an absolute standout in downtown Portland. Chef Ben Waterman is delivering exceptional dishes across the board—the French onion soup is hands-down the best in town, the crispy-skin salmon is perfection, and the coq au vin is truly next level. The happy hour lineup is equally impressive, featuring mouthwatering Wagyu meatballs and a decadent truffle mac and cheese. The beverage program, led by Spencer, is just as noteworthy. His cocktails are consistently fantastic (don’t miss the hot toddy), and the selection of Oregon wines is curated with real expertise. Amanda and Devi round out the experience with warm, attentive service that makes every visit memorable. Bistro Alder is a must-try—a beautifully executed menu, great drinks, and something for everyone.

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

Bistro Alder Review Bistro Alder offers a refined yet approachable dining experience with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The menu showcases creative American cuisine with elegant plating and balanced flavors. The ambiance is warm and intimate, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Service is professional and attentive, enhancing the overall experience. Standout dishes often include fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and house-made desserts. A great spot for food lovers seeking quality and comfort in a relaxed setting.

Charming bistro with nice menu of French focused dishes. I ordered the coq au.vin, perfect for the first day of autumn..my friend ordered salmon and said it was very good. We both ordered wine from their carefully curated french leaning selections. Our server was very polite and attentive..we sat in the lounge area next to an open window enjoying the Indian summer weather. Try it. A perfect spot for a cozy autumn evening. They also occasionally have live music. Full bar.

We stopped quick for some oysters and a couple cocktails. SO good. Bartender was very nice. Cocktails on point.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

Had an excellent meal at Bar Alder inside Dossier Hotel. Very pleased with both food and service. The menu is limited but what we had was the Steak Frites ,salad and fresh oysters. The food was prepared exceptionally well and the quality was as well. The service was attentive, pleasant and informative with regards to origin of the oysters out of Washington. I would recommend Bar Alder.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

We had a coupon to go to this restaurant from the hotel. I'm so glad we did! Our server, I think her name was Rebecca, was so sweet! We shared the biscuits and gravy and they were top notch! I also had the hummus toast which was different for breakfast but I really liked it! The coffee in Portland is always so good. Thanks again!

Bar Alder was close to our venue for the evening and our server was lovely. No reservations were required and we seated ourselves in a pleasant bar/bistro setting. Unfortunately, the food was bland and cold. The Lemon Shrimp Pasta was ok, but no amount of salt added seemed to help increase the flavors in the dish. The Truffle Fries were tasty, and cold. The chicken sandwich was tasty, and cold. I did not try the Crispy Duck Confit-- looked like a drumstick-- nor the Jalapeno Poppers, which looked tasty wrapped in bacon. Those 4 things, and 2 signature drinks cost $108.00 including tip. Unlikely to return.

I got an omelette with two toppings: cheese and peppers! It was really good and the server was really nice. The bistro was located in the hotel and if you were staying at the hotel, they give you a $15 voucher which almost covers the whole breakfast!

All the food and drinks were a 11/10. Fresh, quality ingredients. The best cider I've ever had made with house made pear cider. Best mimosas we've every had. Excellent, friendly service.

Great food, I loved the small plates so I could try many different dishes without getting full.

This restaurant is located in the Dossier hotel. Brunch was great. There are sweet and hearty options. The service with CJ was excellent. We would definitely recommend. Couldveil Pinot Gris wine is the bomb.

I just finished a week-long staycation at Dossier Hotel which owns Bar Alder, so I had breakfast, happy hour and dinner there several times. The food, the drinks, the service, the ambiance, the music, the vibe - all were excellent! The breakfast burrito, the deviled eggs, the truffle Parmesan fries, the crispy chicken confit, the Alder burger - yum! I discovered a new twist on an old drink with Steve the bartender; Jeremy, another bartender, was so personable and helpful; Becca and James were great as well. Come in and sit at the bar or sit at one of the cozy, intimate tables and enjoy yourself! The location at the corner of Park and Alder is perfect; you can walk anywhere downtown you want to go!

My husband and I had a wonderful time while we dined over dinner at Bistro Alder. The atmosphere was delightful from the background music playing when we arrived to the lighting, so relaxing. As we ate, a very talented guitarist played and he rocked that guitar! The food was delicious! My husband had the hamburger which he thoroughly enjoyed. I had the trout, so scrumptious! I ate every bite and the rice that came with it. I also had the French onion soup and we shared the creme brûlée. I ordered Pinot gris and he ordered the hand crafted ginger beer which was super! Oh and Courtney our waitress was such a sweetheart. She was very attentive and helpful. We'll be back.

Had a wonderful dinner here. A chic, cozy restaurant located in the dossier hotel. The pork loin chop and crème brûlée I had was delicious. The service is very friendly, quick, and attentive.

I ordered the Breakfast sandwich and It was delicious. Usually when you order breakfast sandwiches, they are pretty heavy and leave very full. The sandwich was so light and did not leave me stuffed. It was the perfect amount of food and the taste was fantastic. The onions, the bacon and the egg just had a great taste. Thank you

5 stars for ambience but the service was very slow the last time we were there. Servers said it was the kitchen but something was wrong. We want to give them 5 stars as it's one of our favorite places for a lovely brunch or delicious dinner.

Excuse me while I tell you about a piece of Paris in downtown Portland. The hotel is lovely, the restaurant is beautiful, the food divine. Butter lettuce salad was absolutely perfect. Service was great as well. There was nothing that they could have done any better, simply phenomenal.

Outstanding service, excellent food & drinks, and wonderful ambiance. We will definitely be visiting again!

Little ambiance. High prices for an average menu. Overall just Meh. There are better restaurants in the area.

Excellent service! We were well taken care of. The food was delicious and I will go again.

Very yummy brunch this is the benedict and I also got the french toast and tried the omelet. All were very delicious

We really enjoyed our experience at Bistro Alder. We thought we were back in Paris. Very pleasant atmosphere, quiet with background music. Our waitress was extremely friendly and made excellent recommendations for our eating experience. We hope to go back soon!

Oh my gosh was everything here wonderful! Olive was so attentive, and Crystal shadowing her was sweet as can be! I had a super lovely trout that I neglected to photograph before I chowed it down, but the warm goat cheese salad was delicious, as was the Bee's Knees that Liam whipped up. Mila at the front desk and another server, James, we're also delightful, though of course I had less face time with them. The manager on duty checked in, and it's clear to me that she knows how to run a team. Everyone was super respe to each other, so the atmosphere was extremely comfortable.

The space itself is really nice. The food however, is sadly underwhelming. Bacon was served way overdone, petrified almost. I don't mind a bit if crunch but this was too much. I hope they step it up. I'd like to see them succeed.

This was a fantastic dining experience. The wine list and crème brûlée were fantastic, and the pork chop was one of the best I've ever had. James was incredibly personable & friendly, knowledgeable about the menu and wine pairings, and took great care of our table. I will certainly be back soon!

This newly opened hotel restaurant as a cheesy atmosphere. Low lighting, too dim to read the menu. Friendly but inexperienced wait staff; limited menu. Pate was tasty but came cold, fresh from the cooler, and with very little accompanying "toasts." Fries arrived cold , mussels were tasty (but small portion) and did not come accompanied with toast/bread to sop up the sauce; omelette was fine, and fish of the day (cod) was terrific but the accompanying vegetable was non-descript. Dessert list was unimpressive so we passed. Espresso came cold and the cup was far too large. We do not plan to return.

Headed downtown for Movie at Regal Fox Tower and needed a place to eat and found this place right down the street. Pleasantly surprised to find a jazz guitarist and good food! Waiter knew how every dish was prepared and was very attentive with quick service. We were having such a nice meal I did not want to go to the movie! A real gem.

Really love this place! I get that Portland has a million places to pick from, thus leaving this place on a large list of places you can go but it's a nice clean vibe. I'd agree with some of the other reviews that that staff needs to be trained a little bit more but honestly, we've all worked somewhere new and had to learn the ropes. Love the bartender from buffalo, the other guy working the others days seemed like he hated his job (probs mid 40's and he wore a shirt WAY to short for his stature and was more focused on going out with his coworker for her birthday) but hey, again not all of us can LOVE EVERY day we're at work so I get it. Long story short, give this place a chance and be patient, it's very Portland and very friendly, which isn't always a vibe for everyone but I grew up here and it's truly what makes Portland what it is and I'd come back here any time we visit Portland.

I really wanted to love this place. I feel like Portland lost a couple of really great bistros during the pandemic so I was really excited to try it. I am so disappointed. The staff really needs more training in my opinion. Our waiter could not answer my questions about the wine list and said he would ask around but he never did because 10 minutes later and after googling the wines in the list, I told him which one I wanted. When presenting me the wine he took the liberty to smell the cork tableside which was kind of gross. He proceeded to incorrectly explain wine tasting to me (I'm a trained culinary professional) and wine afficionado so he really just made it awkward. When we ordered he felt it necessary to explain egg cookery to us "you get your croque madam with a runny egg on it and you'll pop it and it will bleed all over your sandwich making a sauce" just wow! I ordered beouf bourginion and was warned that it was the chefs nontraditional take on the dish. I still had the expectation that it would be braised and it really wasn't braised at all. My son didn't get the drink he ordered until after he finished his entree and the extra side of pomme frites we ordered never arrived either. I can say that all of us enjoyed our food. The quality of the ingredients were good and the flavors were good even if the dishes didn't exactly meet our expectation. We all tried really hard to look past the wait staff inexperience and enjoy our meal. The worst part of the whole evening happened just after we left the restaurant though. See I have a food allergy to shellfish, it's not a life threatening allergy and it's rarely a problem. Less than an hour after we left I broke out in hives. Exactly the reaction I've had to ingesting shellfish. 20 hours of constant antihistamines later and I'm finally better. As a side note I would like to add that I do not believe it is the responsibility of the restaurant staff to know what I'm allergic to but it is their responsibly to share common allergens such as shellfish and to be diligent to avoid cross contamination. So...either the staff failed to disclose usual allergens in their recipes or significant cross-contamination occurred. I think it's safe to say we won't be returning to this restaurant.

Bistro Alder is a boutique restaurant next to a boutique hotel. The decor is quaint and pleasant, the service was outstanding (especially for her first night) and the food was very good and well presented. We enjoyed the Onion soup (heavy on the cheese coating) and the Roasted Chicken, which was massive. It was a very flavorful selection of tender and moist white meat, easily 7-8" by 3" in size. The pate' was delicious as well. Recommend you try this new French bistro and find out for yourself!