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Welcome to McMenamins Hal's Café

Located in the heart of Portland, McMenamins Hal's Café is a vibrant dining spot known for its remarkable food and accommodating service. Guests rave about the creativity of the dishes, particularly the standout roasted fingerling potatoes and flavorful jalapeño cheese grits. The café's welcoming atmosphere, complemented by lovely outdoor bistro seating, enhances the overall experience. Whether enjoying tasty burgers or housemade hot sauce, diners consistently express satisfaction. The attentive staff ensures that every visit feels special, making McMenamins Hal's Café a must-try for anyone seeking delicious food and a friendly ambiance in downtown Portland.

McMenamins Hal's Café: Reviews & Ratings

Sara Gonzales-Erhan
Sara Gonzales-Erhan

Amazing food!! We flew into town on Christmas night and they were very nice about accommodating us, late at night, without a reservation. They were also great about communicating what would work for the food allergies in our party. We loved it so much that we had to make sure we went back again before the end of our short trip to Portland. Get the roasted fingerling potatoes -- the chef has some incredible creativity with those potatoes omgosh...

Maeve J
Maeve J

Food was fantastic, not too heavy, super flavorful. The housemade hot sauce was amazing as was the coffee. Service was great and the outdoor bistro seating is lovely.

Salim J.
Salim J.

My visit to Mcmenamins Hal's was a delightful surprise during my Oregon trip. We were headed to Powell's bookstore but arrived before it opened, so I checked my map and found Hal's just up the street. What a lucky find! The food was absolutely phenomenal! The Jalapeno cheese grits were a standout and a must-try. We felt truly spoiled by the delicious dishes served. My only gripe was the 4 upcharge for chicken instead of pork in my burrito. Nevertheless, the staff were friendly, and the overall dining experience was amazing. I will definitely be returning. Thank you once again from Ohio!"

Alesya Kos
Alesya Kos

Came in for a late night dinner, and it did not disappoint. Service was nice and prompt. My burger was bursting with flavor and my friend really liked her ravioli. It's in a nice corner of downtown too. Like any other McMenamins restaurant, it's always a good experience.

Trudy Soucoup
Trudy Soucoup

Included Dinner & Breakfast in our room package at the Crystal Hotel. Both were amazing. Wait staff are the right amount of friendly and attentive.

Kira Kearsley
Kira Kearsley

Really cool, cozy spot downtown. The food was really good, fast and nice. Will be coming back again!

McKenna Martin
McKenna Martin

I’m not one to go to the same place for food multiple times on a vacation but we went for breakfast almost everyday! Everything we ate was a 10/10 and every single one of the service staff was so incredibly funny and nice! The drinks? Delicious. The food? Incredibly tasty. If you’re staying at the hotel make sure to get a drink at the bar before heading to the soaking pool!

Toni N
Toni N

We had a relaxing and wonderful lunch here. We sat inside and enjoyed the interesting art and beautiful stained glass. The chandeliers really need dusting but other than that everything was perfect. We shared two small plates that were perfectly cooked and delicious. Wait staff was attentive. Service is a little slow but we weren't in a hurry.

Location

Welcome to McMenamins Hal's Café, a gem located in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon. Nestled at 303 SW 12th Ave, this café epitomizes the spirit of McMenamins with its distinct charm and vibrant atmosphere. The inviting space features outdoor bistro seating, perfect for enjoying the bustling surroundings while indulging in a delightful meal.

First and foremost, the menu here is an expression of creativity and flavor. From the moment you take your first bite, you can taste the passion and dedication of the kitchen. One standout dish is the roasted fingerling potatoes, praised by guests for their innovative preparation that elevates a simple ingredient into something extraordinary. Sara Gonzales-Erhan, a satisfied customer, was left in awe, declaring the culinary creativity behind these potatoes to be nothing short of amazing.

The cafe doesn’t just stop there; it also offers an array of options that promise satisfaction for every palate. Diners have raved about the jalapeno cheese grits, which is a must-try for anyone seeking a burst of flavor with a touch of spice. Salim J. shared his delight at discovering this hidden treasure, calling the food “absolutely phenomenal.” Moreover, Maeve J. attests that every bite is "not too heavy, super flavorful," making the dining experience feel rewarding and fulfilling without overwhelming the senses.

Service is equally commendable at Hal's Café. The staff are known for their friendliness and attentiveness, ensuring guests feel welcomed and cared for. Trudy Soucoup noted the perfect balance of friendliness from the wait staff while enjoying both dinner and breakfast as part of a room package at the Crystal Hotel—an experience that exemplified quality and warmth.

Whether stopping by for a late-night burger that “burst with flavor,” as Alesya Kos describes, or savoring a carefully curated dish with a housemade hot sauce that Maeve J. couldn’t stop raving about, each visit promises a memorable experience. McMenamins Hal's Café, with its delicious offerings and inviting environment, is a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors alike. Don't forget to bring a friend and share in the joy of fantastic food amidst the vibrant Portland culture.