Emerald Line

Great place for an intimate dinner for two, four, or more. I had a mule and substituted in some local gin for the vodka… wow! This one was so good! I must confess to having a second. I asked for extra marinara sauce on the lasagna and they did not disappoint! This was exactly what I was looking for. We had dinner with friends and had no trouble hearing each other. Everyone enjoyed their drinks, appetizers, and entrees.

We have long been waiting to come to Emerald Line as we live in the area and finally made it in for a nice dinner. The inside is quaint and comfortable with some almost antique charm and nice seating. Felt overall cozy although I will say it was odd to not have a hostess stand as you sort of just walk directly into the space without knowing where to go. Service was solid and the staff was very nice. Everything was timely and people felt relaxed. Food wise we were generally pleased with our order with a few things that I thought could be improved, hence the 4 stars. The drinks themselves had potential but the nui nui which both my partner and I got was just too spicy that it didn’t really appeal to either of us. Was hoping for more of a fruity flavor. The bread was delicious as were the wrapped peaches, though I wish there were more of them for an app. The entrees we enjoyed, and were tasty, but the lasagna felt like a bit more sauce and cheese than actual pasta at times. The flavor was solid but it didn’t have as much actual substance as I was hoping. Generally as nice evening and a great place to bring parents for a cozy meal. Just wouldn’t rush back personally as we weren’t blown away.

A friend has relatives that used to live in this neighborhood. Though the relatives have moved, and my friend lives outside the city, he still visits Emerald Line regularly. I'm thrilled that he invited me along for a recent visit. The brick walls, big windows, attentive service, and comfort food experience all combine to make Emerald Line the kind of place every neighborhood should be lucky enough to have. Most of the folks at our table had some variety of pasta, though the outlier who tried the North African Plate with lamb meatballs couldn't be faulted for their choice. Cocktails were delightful, and we had no problem finding a bottle of wine that made everyone happy. A bonus was the existence of a parking lot, as well as free on-street parking in this neighborhood. I'm looking forward to a return visit.

Got take out. Ravioli were layered upon themselves in a cup. They all stuck together. Ruined the experience. Whatever is giving the black licorice flavor; clashes and is gross. Bread for dip absolutely destroyed; how am I even suppose to use those little pieces to get dip. Most of it over toasted and burned tasting. This was incredibly disappointing.

Very cute spot, very good food! This slightly hidden gem is very cozy and warm, with multiple seating options. I have been here 3 times now and the food is always perfect. The only thing I dislike is having to order at the counter, which a lot of places are moving toward. It really makes me feel restricted on what I can order and how long I can stay, even though I know there is actually no limit. I just feel like I am getting more for bang for my buck when I have table service. And I'm also more likely to stay and have another drink. I'll go cry about it somewhere else though :)

Funky but classy bistro in NW Portland. We were greeted by the owner when we were seated, who was genuinely interested in us, as we were from out of town. The spinach dip with lightly toasted sourdough slices was delish. Not heavy or overstated, and with just enough toasting of the sourdough. A very generous “cup” of carrot ginger soup followed, every dish emphasizing a savory flavor profile rather than being overspiced. The North African plate with lamb meatballs is apparently a signature dish, and with good reason. The meatballs are lean and flavorful, with not-too-hot Harisa sauce and perfectly roasted vegetables. Service by EJ was friendly (he wanted know our names!) and delivery of dishes was perfectly timed. This place is a find; we will be back -

Excellent food, I can tell they make the food from scratch with high quality ingredients because it tastes so rich and hearty. Every ingredients flow so well together and each bite is an explosion of flavor. On top of that, the service is outstanding and the waiters are very friendly and attentive. Definitely will come back for more!

A fantastic, hidden gem! My friend had the blackened pulled pork sandwich which was "okay", a little salty. The salad were a good size, but could've used more dressing. It was pretty plain. But the tuna melt was delicious! The best I've ever had! And the atmosphere and service were amazing. Great little place, and they do dinner as well. Try it out, there's even parking out back! 💜

The food is delicious. The service is top notch. The people who work and manage Emerald Line are consistently pleasant, fun to talk to and just all round lovely humans. I love the ambiance of dark wood, antiques and trailing plants. Whether you are enjoying a cup of Smiths tea, eating yummy enchiladas, or just having a cocktail you can't go wrong at Emerald Line. My favorite restaurant in all of Portland and I've been to most all of them.

Love Emerald Line!! The service is great, the food is amazing, but the show stopper is the drinks + atmosphere. One of my favorite places to eat in Portland. Highly recommend!

Service was great, beautiful relaxed ambiance and delicious food! Will definitely be back when I'm in the area

A rare 5-Star. Getting there I thought I was lost as they're in a "remote" part of Northwest, but this is a positive if you're tired of the congested Pearl District and tight parking. I was immediately taken back by the beautiful interior, such attention to detail. Enjoyed a Daiquiri special and the pink Margarita concoction looked very inviting. We all agreed the spaghetti mixed with a type of ragu was excellent! The generous cup of Gazpacho hit the spot on a warm afternoon. Others enjoyed their Lasagne and Lamb Meatball entrees. I'm not easily wowed by Mexican food at non-Mexican places, but the Maya Enchiladas at lunch were so very satisfying. Small detail makes a difference: they use cabbage rather than cheap iceberg lettuce. And the hibiscus-lime was perfect for Summer. Plenty of parking , but it's a tad confusing in which spots you're allowed to park. The owner and all staff were very pleasant. A gem of place, creativity abound.

What a fantastic experience at The Emerald Line! I note 'experience' because everything was great; Our two servers, the room and of course our meals; apps and main courses were all delicious! Again, End to End it was a great night! Highly recommend!

I ordered emerald line off of DoorDash, was happy to see they had it offered but there was no option to put in any special instructions (ex. Sauce or dressing on the side) for any order which required a phone call to make any potential modifications if permitted. The food itself was okay but the portion size was very small and the chicken was like one chicken tenderloin... for a 22 dollar meal I would have expected at least a full breast of chicken. Thankfully I got two entrees but both were very small for the price. Roasted veggies were tasty and the roasted carrots were divine. Chicken was subpar and disappointing.

You should probably stop what you are doing and go to Emerald Line right now.....still here? Ok, well, it's basically perfect and just what you want in every way. The generous and welcoming hostess/owner and all the staff make you feel like family - the kind of family you can just be yourself with. And then there's the food, like if your grandparent was a celebrity chef - not fussy, but fancy, creative but comfort food, so good you might want to write your 3rd or 4th yelp review ever. The dressing on the wedge salad is habit forming and I've only just started the habit today - and I'm not stopping! The braised beef on polenta could make you cry - happily. But really, the pasta with crimini, sausage, and the most delicate cream sauce ever invented is the dish I may have to eat again tomorrow....for breakfast....every day. Yes we brought kids and yes, they were accommodated without even a breath of hesitation - direct kid quote "the gnocchi is great and I encourage all kids to try it." Is this a family restaurant, not exactly, did they treat our family as if we were theirs, absolutely. Ok, now you really should go, maybe today, your taste buds and dining companions will thank you. EL

#1 = Hands down, the best bread pudding to ever hit my mouth! Very impressed by Emerald Line's standards! I initially ordered a Spezzatino via, Doordash; I received the lasagna at no charge with a very sweet note. Not only was the Lasagna delicious. The upgrade at no cost was a very kind gesture. I'm coming to dine in next time 100% Your hospitality did not go unnoticed:) Thank you for taking pride in your craft of food, establishment, employees, and customer service.

We have been going to Emerald Line and is our neighborhood favorite. The ambiance, food, drinks and friendly service are spot on.Great for lunch and dinner.

Great restaurant with consistent food and lovely atmosphere. Been several times and usually rotate between the lasagna or N African plate. Bread is really good and they have a nice selection of reasonably priced bottles.

Just met 7 friends for lunch here and we were all blissfully happy with choices and food. I got an Emerald Line bowl and asked for extra black beans and not much rice, and it came as requested. Nice spice level with chimichurri sauce. Nice ambiance and pleasant service. Such a pleasure to go to a local restaurant and not a chain. Odd location under a freeway, but totally quiet inside . Highly recommend!

Great food, drinks, service and ambience! Went to sample some of the fresh tomato offerings and was delighted to find such a great new spot to dine!

I've eaten dinner here three times and the food has been consistently excellent. I enjoy how the industrial space is warmed by wood furniture and lots of plants. The indoor area feels open and breathable but outdoor seating was available as well. Listening to Quantic, Wax Taylor, and Massive Attack while I eat is an appreciated touch and the music is kept on the quiet side which I love. My favorite meal so far is the braised chicken and vegetables. It's a simple dish done very well and I come away feeling satisfied while knowing this was as healthy as if I had cooked at home. The servers are friendly and available but also low key, allowing me to relax and enjoy the meal. Emerald Line is on par with my favorite PDX dinner spots for quality of food, and outperforms many of them with its understated and chill atmosphere.

Tonight we had an Indian Summer date night at Emerald Line at the edge of Northwest Portland's industrial area... and the food was as good as friends told us it would be. The service was a bit light because they were short staffed. Bu I don't care. It's so rare to get a meal where every course is just as good tasting as you hoped it would be. And my wife's "summer salad" with peaches, tomatoes and burrata cheese was off the charts! What a nice place.

Awesome front staff/bartender and great drinks! Enjoyed the vibe. But owner is downright RUDE and needs to work on her social skills. My toddler took a step behind the bar while I turned my back for a split second, and the owner stopped her and reprimanded her--which is appropriate because it takes a village sometimes--but then proceeded to tell my spouse and me multiple times how her restaurant isn't a "playground" for children and implied that she doesn't want them around. If the owner wants her restaurant to be adults-only, then she should post a sign that states as much, especially since it's located across from a preschool and adjacent to a playground. I had specifically asked ahead of time if children were permitted to eat there and was told yes. This was an unfortunate experience. We otherwise really liked this venue and had planned 3 separate events with friends there amounting to $1500+ in business and had discussed going there for a regular happy hour, but I will think twice before giving the owner further business.

Great food wonderful staff and ambiance. Don't miss this special restaurant!! Best homemade sourdough bread and excellent cocktails.

My sister and I loved it here :) the owner Jacqueline and server EJ were both so friendly and lovely as many others had mentioned! Truly beautiful space with delicious food - we got red wine, a hothouse flower cocktail, sausage lasagna, sourdough bread, and caesar salad for dinner and everything was fab! Thank you!!

Food is ok, not crazy about their spices and the chicken was so dried out and not very fresh. More variety in appetizers and lite bites would be nice and also in the regular menu.

Beautiful building, excellent food, fantastic drinks, this place checks all the boxes. We will definitely be back. Super chill and just good.

Great salad and by the glass wine selection! Winter salad, wines, and meatballs excellent.

As a recent transplant, I am still discovering places t eat and drink in PDX. I have run past this establishment in the early morning hours and made a note to visit but it was the heirloom tomato write-up in the Willamette Week that finally got me here. It's a cozy, contemporary place tucked away under (sort of) the 405. Bartender EJ was incredibly friendly and the service was excellent. The WW piece was spot on: the white bean crostini was very good and the heirloom tomato tart was spectacular!

First time in Portland and we ate here. The bartender EJ is absolutely amazing. A true professional!!! Watching him make drinks was so fascinating. A true artist. He's sexy as well. Perfect combination. The ambiance can't be beat. Rustic and inviting decor surrounds you. Healthy green plants throughout the space brings the outside in with ease. All of that, in conjunction with a home cooked vibe from the menu!!! Cannot wait to come back!! EPIC

The building of this restaurant and patio is beautiful. There is parking as well! The staff is friendly and does a great job. Dog friendly restaurant as well. I really hope this restaurant can hire a qualified chef and turn things around. The food is awful. I hardly use the word "awful" for restaurant food, but this time it really was. My chicken was awful - super dry and wasn't fresh. Tasted old and like they've warmed it up more than once. My tasteless soup and flavorless lamb meatballs came cold. They actually took my soup back to reheat because they knew it was cold. I was afraid to eat the lamb meatball at this point because I didn't want to get food poisoning. I ended up reheating it at home to try it and it has no flavor and threw it out. We came on a Saturday and the entire evening there was only 3 other tables.

Lovely atmosphere. A nice homey feel and great for plant lovers. Food was fine (I wouldn't recommend coming here only for the food) but come for the wonderful ambiance!

The atmosphere, cocktails, salads, and service were A+. So why only 4 stars? As an appetizer, we ordered the $17 cheese & olive plate expecting, well, cheese. Instead, we were served a generous portion of Spanish olives and tasty bread wedges, but a truly minuscule portion of two cheeses, each cut into two very tiny triangles. For that price, we suggest more cheese.

WOW - found this gem close to home - so happy. Ambiance warm and cozy. Clean! Server great!! Started with Spinach Artichoke and Sampler plate. Artichoke dip flavorful and not too cheesy. Hummus very good with generous amount of olive oil. Dolmas were exceptional, packed with flavor - not just lemon rice. Cauliflower was perfectly roasted and just the right amount of tahini. The 'star of the show' was the lamb meatballs - yum- flavors great- moist and 4 good sized balls ! Had the potato wedges with a dipping sauce. Potatoes were perfect!! Well browned and soft on the inside. We had the North Africa Plate with rice and chicken. Nice touch with the harissa. Good amount of shredded chicken- not dry. Finished with the carrot cake and cream cheese frosting. Not a frosting gal - usually scrape it off - BUT I TASTED IT - and it was SO CREAMY- not too sweet- smooth as glass and light- so I ate it. Cake was moist and dense like a carrot cake should be. Flavors were a melody in my mouth. We WILL GO BACK. Good job!!

Awful food Not even authentic Mediterranean Tahin on the top of rice !!! Chicken was boiled with no seasoning

had a wonderful dining experience at Emerald Line. The food was delicious, the service was impeccable, and the ambiance was just perfect. I highly recommend trying their signature dish!

Totally underrated PDX spot! Cozy and intimate space while also being modern and trendy. All of the food was delicious and unique. The cocktail menu was adventurous and very unique. We will absolutely be coming back again!

What a nice surprise! Wonderful neighborhood feel in a warm historic building. Beautiful bar too. Great cocktails. The housemade bread was beyond amazing. Food--well it was amazing too and served by the friendliest waiter, Emory. As nearby neighbors, we'll be back for sure. Try the lamb meatballs

My husband and I just landed in Portland Oregon for the very first time, and made a "bee" line to Emerald Line! We were welcomed so graciously, all of the staff was so kind and knowledgeable. The food was cozy and delicious, exactly what we wanted! Bathrooms were clean and well kept! The ambiance was so unique and it felt like we had been here a million times before. Highly recommend this place! Also - they had great music! The owner also came over and chatted with us for a while. She is lovely. We will be back!

Food and service were a delight. We were lucky enough to be served by and interact with the manager; amazing and lovely lady. The Space is gorgeous (a big step of from the previous restaurant that resided here), and everything we ate was tantalizing. Highly recommend!!! :-)

My parents and I found this hidden gem last night - wanting an early bite the night before my dad's surgery. More cozy inside than the modern exterior would have suggested, the dining room had an industrial, yet cozy vibe - lots of plants, exposed brick, etc. We had very nice service and our waitress suggested some mocktails that were delicious! The food was VERY good. All very fresh, and well seasoned. We have been to several restaurants in the area and all agreed we would love to come back to Emerald Line! Thank you!!

Stopped by while visiting Portland. Atmosphere is really cute! Food was decent. I really enjoyed my drinks the most.

I dropped in before opening hours as I notice the bar from the window. A very clean and organized set up. The owner Jack greet me and invited me to stick around. I had to finish my dog walking gig then returned to their dog friendly establishment. I'm sure glad I did. Jack brought out their menus and made me feel very welcome. I sorted through FB the menu and Picked a dry cocktail with gin, and a tasty Italian sausage lasagna. Very filling and satisfied my normally voracious appetite for Italian cuisine. This place has all the intangibles but mostly for me a really nice vibe along the Emerald Line tracks to Seattle & back. A great place to take a date and relax. Take your time and savor it!

We have been to this restaurant twice now and will continue to come back often. We love everything about this place. A friend introduced us to it and last evening we brought other friends along for a dinner outing. They agreed it was wonderful. Everything we have had on the menu has been outstanding, from the cocktails to the food to the desserts. The wait staff and owner have all been incredibly friendly and helpful with food selections. The ambience is delightful. We highly recommend this quaint restaurant for a special evening out.

The restaurant menu is consistently weak. Numerous group visits and takeout orders for work have allowed me to try almost everything on the menu. Taste and quality is inconsistent. Regularly a choice of last resort. A saving grace is that the bar is consistently good.

I LOVE this place! The atmosphere is so welcoming and the staff has ensured its a safe place to hangout. Part neighborhood bar part upscale cafe - it captures the best of both worlds. The food is delicious and simple highlighting mediterranean favorites and homestyle comfort food. The wine and drink menu has many local options include an amazing, dry local hard cider. I could sit in the comfy chairs out on the back patio for hours watching the sunset over the west hills. Glorious!

I came to this restaurant when my car broke down nearby and I had time to kill before the tow truck showed up. Everything was so delicious and was the perfect comfort food for a bad day. Highly recommend

This is a great place if you'd like to go have a drink. The cocktails are fantastic. Staff is friendly and the service is good. The food is good too but I'd say it's not exactly the focus.

Emerald Line does precisely what it's supposed to do. A community gathering place with fresh salads and several cafe choices for lunch or a light dinner. And even better, it's the space. The furniture is warm, the brick is nice. I've been here on a sunny day withe large windows open on one side. Most recently I was there on a cloudy day where their cheese sandwich and tomato soup combo was the perfect antidote. I should mention that after school, the parents stop by with their kids and have a snack and community time. If it's nice out, they may be at the tables outside. The side details are important for some of us, and since this place has only gotten one review (what?! so confused) I will try to add a few basics. The staff answered my food allergy questions well. There is paid parking outside. There is a really nice handicapped access ramp into the building on the parking lot side. The two bathrooms have a sign saying anyone can use either one. One of the two has a diaper table. They seem big enough for someone using a walker or cane. Did not see roll bars for a wheelchair user, but there is more space than usual to maneuver.

This place is wonderful. Interior was warm and welcoming. Great food and our server, Brandon, was awesome!!!

If I could give more stars I would. The food, the service, the atmosphere; was amazing and that is an understatement. I ordered the chicken and veggies! Couldn't get enough! Ordered the cherry bread pudding! Only mistake was sharing with my husband! And the pool party drink! Tasty! Definitely coming Back and recommending to everyone.

Love this place. Great food, amazing drinks, and really affordable. Plenty of parking and staff is great. Meet my parents here when we hand the kids off, go out of our way for a date night here and have just come for drinks.

I never posts reviews, but Emerald Line absolutely deserves a 5-star rating. First off, the feeling of walking into this place is like coming home - so cozy, filled with beautiful furniture, healthy plants, and amazing music. After sitting down, we were served by the owner, who was absolutely amazing - so friendly, happy, and clearly passionate. It was so refreshing to see someone put their heart into their business. The cocktails were absolutely delicious, and the spinach artichoke dip was to die for. We will absolutely be coming back and supporting Emerald Line!

Went here for the first time about a month ago with some friends, and WOW. Incredible food. I had the North African plate and it was 10/10. Our waitress convinced us to try the carrot cake (she even made it herself) and it was the perfect thing to end our meal with! Highly recommend.

We are so glad this place exists -- it's our new local hangout! Just two blocks from our apartment, we are steps away from Emerald Line; the perfect place for a quiet, relaxing happy hour, dinner or nightcap. The ambiance is very soothing; a dark, candle-lit place with nice curtains and couches, instrumental music playing, and very pleasant service. The perfect noise level, not too quiet where it's awkward to talk, but not too loud even though there were 5+ other parties around us (with social distancing measures in place). I liked how they had the open-air garage-type doors on one side of the restaurant. I likely would have chosen that spot if it was a bit warmer and the tables weren't already occupied. A tiny happy hour menu does exist (until 7 PM!), but it is not obvious by glancing at the menu. If I recall correctly, HH consisted of two beers (~$5) and house red/white wine. I'd recommend asking if the deals extend beyond those options.

Very nice atmosphere with antique art and indoor plants all around. It says breakfast and brunch on yelp which is misleading as they only serve lunch and dinner. But the lunch was delicious. I recommend adding avocado to the grilled cheese and dipping it in the soup. Very flavorful bowl as well.

I'm addicted to the tuna melt. It's so freaking good. Everything else I've tried has also been great. Haven't been for dinner but will soon. The ambiance of the restaurant is amazing!

Since I moved to the Pearl district last year, Emerald Line has been a favorite spot of mine. Yesterday I scootered over for a chill Friday evening dinner to unwind. It is so easy to relax once one walks inside- cozy candlelight, stunning and thriving philodendrons, and a variety of table styles and heights to choose from. I ordered the butternut squash ravioli and it was delicious- and the perfect portion for a person eating on their own/no one to share with. I also ordered the flourless chocolate torte with raspberry ... when the kind server brought it out, he shared it was their last one left of the day. I saw why!! Incredible flavor; I wanted to lick the plate at the end. Finally, I tried their "Ghost Town" cocktail and WOW! The flavor of the fresh lemon and the bubbling cava complemented the gin impeccably. I'm always happy after a trip to Emerald Line. Cheers!