Clarklewis - Portland

Nathan, our server, was attentive, passionate about the food and adapted to our vibe. So so grateful to know of this restaurant as it's remained a favorite since moving here in 2019.

We have eaten here before and enjoyed it. The food was very good as usual. The service was good. The ambiance was only fair as we were seated at a table that had no overhead lighting and we couldn 't really see the food we were eating. We had to use our phone flashlight to check out the dish. The other tables seemed better so we should have requested a table change...that 's on us. The biggest issue that I had with the restaurant was with the bill...there was a 16% Service Charge that was on top of a request for an 18% gratuity. I inquired if the Service Charge was in fact a gratuity but was given a vague response that 5% was for the front of the house and 10% was for the something else....it sounded like it wasn 't really a gratuity but maybe kind of. I added another 10% but will not return or recommend this establishment to others. I certainly understand that some places are adding 5% for staff benefits but this was unreasonable in my opinion.

Unfortunately we expected more from a long standing restaurant that is supposed to upper end. Absolutely uncomfortable seats too narrow A combined of 30 mins of not being attended to on a Friday night unacceptable sorry

Enjoyed my maize margarita and after dinner bartender Bourbon creation very much. The halibut was tender and tasty although lukewarm. Wasn’t all that impressed with the super petite oysters. Wait staff was attentive, but not intrusive and elevated the experience. Payment of the tab with addition of tip and service fee made for a confusing into the evening. Would prefer it to be all inclusive.

Usually a more mellow date night spot, Clark Lewis transformed into an energetic experience for Drag Brunch with some lovely performers, MCs and DJ. I’m usually not a coffee drinker after dinner, but the espresso machine was working hard for the morning crew at this brunch and the coffee was exceptional. I would go again for such an experience, but hopefully they play with the layout to expand the offering.