Cafe Nell
| Address: | 1987 NW Kearney St, Portland, OR 97209, USA |
| Phone: | +1 503-295-6487 |
| Site: | cafenell.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 9AM–10PM 9AM–8PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 21
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Jenn Nail
We went there for brunch. The food was just okay for the price. I had eggs benedict and there was a notable strange taste but I couldnt put my finger it. Anyways, the service really pissed my boyfriend off (they werent very attentive and we had the the worst table in the house). But, I am optomistic that it was just an off day for them. So, Im going to try them again for dinner. I think what really compells me to go back is the tranquil interior. And, I love the local of the building which is tucked away in a quiet NW neighborhood. TL;DR had a bad experience but it has so much potential that Im hoping it was just an off day and am willing to try again!
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A Private User
Cafe Nell used to have interesting small plates for Happy Hour, along with a $5 cocktail. No longer. Only the beer is discounted. I ordered bruschetta, thinking I would get one ham & gruyere and one muxhroom toast for $5, but it turned out that "two" meant two of each type you specified for a sum of $10. The bread was too large and not toasted. The well martini was $8. Not terrible, but certainly nothing special. The other small plates were mac & cheese, salad, black bean soup, etc.
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A Private User
I used to love this place--both the food and ambience--but the last three (!!!) visits have been extremely disappointing. Warm, wilted romaine lettuce in the caesar salad; angel hair pasta with a mere whisper of sauce; expensive wine served in a little carafe with a kitchen glass, not a wine glass; hamburgers ordered rare served well-done; and for all three visits waiters with unpleasant attitudes. Ive had my last meat there.
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Aaron Babst
The atmosphere is very cozy and warm especially from the fireplaces. The seating is intimate and comfy. There a couches in the corners and beautiful lighting. The special cocktail list is short but they are all pretty amazing and the wine list is fairly extensive. The service wasnt too great as the waitress forgot an order twice in a row. Great place for kicking it with friends.
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Danny Pate
I went there on a Sunday to have brunch with a friend. All in all I say it was an alright experience. The food was mediocre and nothing really popped in flavor that made it re memorable. Also, the service that day was not on their A game (had to ask for creamer 3 times before waiter brought it). I might go back another day maybe for lunch/dinner and give it another shot!
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A Private User
Nice food and cute atmosphere... but the service is awful! Be prepared to wait twenty minutes for a drink from a waiter with attitude. I used to really like this place, but it has really gone down hill in the last 6 months. The happy hour drink specials arent specials at all, theyre full priced drinks. And the happy hour food was expensive and really bad.
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A Private User
Havent been there recently but I used to love this place and visit a few times a week. I see some negative posts below so I am intrigued and need to make a trip soon. I like the cocktails and oysters. Love the Saturday all day happy hour (if they still do it). Overall, never been unhappy. Went there to start my friends 30th bday celebration and mine too.
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Jay
I love Cafe Nells and miss living within walking distance the staff is always super nice food has yet to disappoint and has saved my life a few times from the night before ;-) Man-mosa and your choice on the Benedict and another Man-mosa. Also the biscuits and gravy are no joke just recently had them and NOW i have to have both the Bene and the gravy.
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Dacoda Nelson
Neat little indoor space - unique in being one of few bar/restaurants in the area with on-site parking which is a HUGE plus. Well priced happy hour menu and friendly, knowledgable staff. Theres a neat little lounge area on the far side of the bar from the main door as well with a sofa and a few lounge-type chairs for comfy informal gatherings.
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K H
They have lots of creative takes on classic breakfast fare, like a vegan hash, or slight changes to staples, like pancakes with a hint of lemon, that make the food great. The staff are very nice and put in a lot of effort to accommodate my daughter. I will be going back to try some of the other options.
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A Private User
Went for brunch. The man-mosa with the berries was DELIC! And gave a nice mid-morning buzz too :-) The food was ok. They try to do some very interesting takes on breakfast dishes, but it all three of us thought our dishes were just ok. The ambiance is cute. A fireplace in the dining area.
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Kyle Boike
Its been sometime since Ive been to Nell and most days I catch myself dreaming about the amazing turkey burgers and house salad. Next time I am back in Portland I know what one of my first stops will be. This place is a great establishment, in a quaint nice section of Portland.
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Emi Day
Cafe Nell is a great neighborhood spot for a classic brunch in the summer or a cozy cocktail in the evening. Great sidewalk seating like youd see in Europe. Lovely warm lighting, velvety textiles, big picture windows, and high tops that really make it feel like a true bistro.
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Cody Toombs
The food is bland and boring, totally lacking in flavor. The menu features fairly elaborate descriptions and attempts to build itself up with pricy ingredients, but the execution is incredibly disappointing. Considering the elevated prices, I would never suggest eating here.
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michael brooks
one of my neighborhood favorites. simple, classy and mind blowing perfect flavor explosions in your mouth. it makes me salivate just thinking about it. they always use seasonal goods and while its a little pricy youll leave happy. perfect to stop by before any event in nw.
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Jim Kidwell
Went here for a work holiday lunch and the food was excellent. The staff was accommodating and friendly. There were some food delivery speed issues, so the staff gave us a full round of champagne as a thanks for our patience. This is good customer service.
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elizabeth jones
A victim of its own fame one has to queue up to get in but once you are in it is well worth the wait. The food is unimportant it is the history of the place that makes it special. Amazing collection of Tiffany lamps placed high up, well out of reach.
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William Ginsler
I had a fantastic Fathers Day brunch here - the food was excellent, and the service was very attentive. It was a bit expensive but pretty standard pricing for this part of town. The Bloody Mary had lots of snacks attached and a nice spicy mix.
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Alex Laughnan
Ive been twice. The first time wasnt the greatest. Glasses were broken and service was slow. The second time (six months later) it was a whole new place. Had a great experience and the food was awesome. I wholly recommend checking this place out.
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Matthew Noyes
I feel Cafe Nell could be a lot better, its just alright compared with the competition in the neighborhood. Service is a bit snooty, maybe Im not cool enough to be there! The space is very nice though, I like all of the mirrors and fireplaces.
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James McAvoy
Every time I eat here I end up asking myself why it took me so long to come back. I will be back very soon. The food is beyond and the staff is amazing. Also notable is Vanessa the owner. She is sweeter than pie. Cant wait to come back!
