Gem Creole Saloon
| Address: | 236 NE 3rd St, McMinnville, OR 97128, USA |
| Phone: | +1 503-883-9194 |
| Site: | mcminnvillegem.com |
| Rating: | 4.2 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–2:30PM 11:30AM–10PM 11:30AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 13
KI
kim lund
Id been here about two years before and LOVED it. I’ve recommended it to several family members and friends. Sadly, but a lot has changed and not for the better. Every glass on our table was cloudy and spotty. I think they weren’t actually dirty, but they didn’t look clean. Perhaps a problem with the dishwasher? Their biscuits used to be light and fluffy - so good! The one I had last weekend were very dry and heavy. It was really not edible. Oyster shooters don’t come in a glass with house-made bloody mary mix anymore, rather they are served on a spoon with different sauce. The fried chicken comes in two sizes - half a chicken or a whole chicken. I was surprised to receive a boneless chicken breast and a drumstick/thigh piece. No wing. Last time I checked, a chicken had two wings - and bones in the breast. The skin was rubbery and not crispy. The batter was great, but underneath it was pretty gross. When I mentioned the chicken issue to the manager, he told me that they use the wings in their deep fried wing appetizers. What? I bought a half of a chicken and you are using part of it for other customers? That seems weird to me. The wings happen to be my favorite piece, so I was disappointed not to get it. The manager brought the chef out to speak with me, and the chef gave me a different story. He said he couldn’t fry the wings with the rest of the chicken or they would be burnt. That is ridiculous - even KFC can fry wings. The chef was super defensive, and talking to him was pretty uncomfortable. The way I see it, there are two possible solutions - 1. Figure out the logistics of cooking them together or 2. Dont say its a half or whole chicken on the menu. Tell customers what they are really going to get - a boneless chicken breast and a drumstick/thigh piece. Overall this was a lame experience. The chicken and the biscuits were just not as good as I remembered. The interaction with the chef was confrontational and awkward. They did comp our meal, which was a nice gesture - but I don’t think we will be back.
JO
jon doe
My first trip to the gem was great (June of 2016). The bourbon street burger was amazing, sans the bbq sauce because burgers are not supposed to have bbq sauce. When I returned (July 2016), they served it on a simple white bun even though the menu says it is supposed to come on a brioche bun. We asked them about it and the waitress just ignored us. They also burnt the burger to a crisp even though it was ordered medium. I was embarrassed after a friend said they tried the burger and had the same experience. Ill never recommend this joke of an establishment to anybody every again. FOLLOW UP (February 2017): HELLO?! Anyone read these reviews? There are still several things on the menu that say they come with a brioche bun. This place hasnt given me a brioche bun on anything in well over a year. Quit lying gem... You put sorry little slider buns on your entrees. Its pathetic and sad. You saving a dollar?! Did the chef make the decision? Tartarfishes... If they listened they could seriously hit 5 stars...
NA
Nancy Martinez
My Husband and I are from Keizer and this was our first time here, it was an amazing experience! I ordered the Steak and the pan fried oysters which were both were perfectly seasoned and cooked. My husband ordered the Gumbo with crawfish and he enjoyed it so much he almost ordered another one to go. The place was packed, not a single table open on a Monday night! That means the place is doing something right! Amber and Jason rocked the whole restaurant and the bar together. They were running their tails off, Ive never seen anything like it ! The service was great, we loved the music, and my husband is still dreaming about the Gumbo. We will be back next week!
HA
Hank Johnson
A mix of Excellence and Okay. The gumbo was stellar, but the catfish and the fried chicken and waffle needed work. The waffle was tasty, but very dense and the fried chicken also was good, but seemed reheated. The catfish used a northwest pub-style fish and chips breading as opposed to a traditional southern cornbread batter. The batter did not compliment the accompanying sauce. The pieces also were small. The value for the gumbo and fried chicken seemed about right, but the catfish meal was very overpriced at $16.
SA
Sara Santa
Everything was absolutely delicious! Jambalaya is giant, big enough for 2 and very authentic tasting, if a bit too salty (especially as leftovers). Hushpuppies and oyster shooters with Titos = yum! Seriously impressive steak and shrimp plate. Expertly crafted high-end cocktails at decent prices. This was definitely one of the best meals we have had in a while and we would definitely return next time we are down this way.
TO
Tom Welsh
Stopped in there while strolling the avenue on a recent overnight trip from Portland, looking for a lunch place. Love the decor, purple and gold, and the music (blues on Sirius, but still..). I had the voodoo fries, quite good, while my friend had cole slaw and braised greens, both also very good. Place was slow, so service was excellent. Would definitely like to go back for dinner and further menu explorations!
MA
Matt Cesario
Really amazing place. All the food here was incredible. If there was one thing that could be improved it was the marginally slow service. But factoring in the fact that our visit coincided with the eclipse, it was understandable they had more people than anticipated. Definitely check this place out if you are in the area and want a great cajun experience.
RA
Rachael Clark
First, let me start off with saying that Im no fried chicken connoisseur, HOWEVER this was some damn good chicken! The serving was so large and it tasted so good that I made a waffle to have with my leftover chicken for breakfast! They were busy, yet efficient on a Friday night. Our drinks came fast and our food was hot. Definitely coming back
PA
Patrick Western
Servers were inattentive and didnt know the wine list or menu very well. We kept getting food we didnt order. Half of our party liked what was served and the others did not. Okra could use some salt. Hush puppies were dry as a bone. Probably usually 4 out of 5 on a good service night. Bourbon selection was pretty excellent and appropriate.
GE
George Orr
were visiting from San Francisco and had been disappointed with the food in McMinnville until we ate at the Gem. Food was delicious, service was good but not overwhelming. Loved the sound track as it actually fit the southern blues style. Would definitely eat here again. Dan, the GM added to the experience of fun and food advice.
KI
Kirk Barklow
We got there about 20 minutes before closing, not knowing the closing time, and were received with smiles and open arms. The food was absolutely amazing! Corn bread, red beans and rice, shrimp gumbo and crawfish etufe. Mmmmm! And a truly tasty, traditional whisky sour.
MR
MrandMrs Kirkpatrick
A little too dark for me, but great food, service, place to be. Will keep coming back as much as possible. Had to give a 5 because a 4 just wasnt enough. Need hotter food for those who like it hot and some utensils for the crawdaddies.
RI
Riley Rice
Jambalaya was the best I have had - even better than in New Orleans (I had it with crawfish). Beans and Rice okay. Gumbo is also a five-star. Ambience and service are tops! I look forward to coming back for the Étouffée.
