It's hard to watch something you love die. I feel like this old portland staple has been circling the drain for some time now. Tonight I pounded the final nail in the coffin of an old friend. The food was terrible. There was so much salt in the Korean BBQ soy curl sandwich, that every molecule of water in my body revolted. I'm not kidding, inedible. The staff was trying, but why no table service when you still have 4 people on, standing around? I'm looking forward to burying the memories made in this place and welcoming whatever the next incarnation is...
Eric Clemons
For the last ten or so years easily the worst bartenders in town. Just rude as all hell. Cooks are always nice though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
stacy marx
Food is great! Been coming here since the 90s. Little has changed, but that's a good thing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nicole D.
Walking into Dots Cafe feels like tumbling down a dark cave a beloved haven with the requisite retro décor. It's where people gather in oversized booths, knocking back strong, no-frills drinks, cheap beer, -debating tunes. Once your eyes adjust to the gloom, delve into the diverse menu and you might just find a pleasant surprise. It's all about good grub in hefty portions at wallet-friendly prices. DJs spin the decks most nights, keeping the vibe alive. I have been hearing about this place since summer 2000 and - I gotta say, it lived up to the legendary status.
Bryce Shotwell
A SE Portland institution.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sandwich
Janeece Beltran
Came in Friday and y’all got to start coming to Dots. Tucked away on Clinton off Division this is one of the best places in the city to hang at. Always a great vibe and the 2 bartenders are total cuties that are there to make sure everyone is having a good time. Great food and a very helpful server that took care of our table. Then they got some fun pinballs. Plenty of seating for big groups. 2nd time there and look forward to many more
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aaron Slosek
I have been coming here for years;always a good time. Always inexpensive but high quality,one of my favorite places. Taplist+liquor selection is amazing,happy hour is great,food is always perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Melissa Dasaro
Food was good overall just a bit greasy and left consequences for some the next day. The drinks were loved by all. The staff was what you expected from a bar. Friendly and ready to make you a drink! The atmosphere was great and what you are looking for in a late night bar!We went after Rocky Horror as a group and got served quickly and is now a go to spot for late night when we are in that area. Shareable food and GF options!Dietary restrictions: Has gluten free options! Was great for a late night spot with dietary restrictions.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nachos, Cheese Fries
Crystal T.
Amazing local dive that has been around for ages and is a vestige of the old school Portland I remember when I moved here in 2000. They have lots of vegan options which is great, all gender single stall restrooms, also a plus, and big roomy booths plus wifi. Great happy hour too and cool vibe. So glad I live within walking distance to be able to go often.
Steve M
What happened to Dots? Walked in to get a beer before a movie and this place was going off. Thought a bunch of old boomers hung out here for dinner, I was way off. Coming back on the movie night best place to sink away in the
Awesome dinner here. Amazing Fried Chicken sandwich at a great price. Didn’t really like my drink but that’s more my fault for not reading the menu right and picked the cute name. Partner loved his. New to the neighborhood and we will be
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
sierra rockett
The cook gave my legally blind sister a RAW chicken sandwich that was only seared on the outside. Unfortunately I didn't catch it till she offered me some. When we showed the cook he quickly wrapped it up and threw it away before showing anyone else. Do not eat the food here and this place will be receiving the medical bills.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Jerry R.
Best lil hole in the wall in Portland. Food has gotten better post pandemic without prices raising like crazy. Love to see that Dots is still here for everyone. No more servers, but food came out on time and hot. Chill vibes and a great bartender
Jane B.
I was a bit heartbroken that a local, always appreciated establishment would turn into a gross joke but that's exactly how I felt walking out... When a place mentions it allows minors in before 8 pm and you arrive at 4:30, you'd HOPE you'd be allowed to order fries, right? Instead I was laughed at and belittled by a bearded man, double my age stating that there was NO chance he'd serve a mix of people between the ages of 22 and 20. News flash, not everyone wants to drink and some people simply want to be treated as humans and not kicked out (despite the fact that we're all legally allowed in there, and no one is trying to drink at 4:30...). It's so disappointing and disheartening to see another place where everyone who is under the age of 26 and attempting to integrate into their community spaces is assumed a villain. I do not recommend. Burnt out millennial nightmare.
Heidi J
A small soggy blt was $12. ☹️ not worth that price. Maybe worth $3. I know many more places like this with better food at less than half the price (for something like that). No side. Hawthorne hideaway has 5$ burgers, fish sandwich, chicken sandwich. Mulligans has sandwiches with sides for $10, yes I track these things. Probably won’t get food here unless it’s $5 and worth that.
It's hard to watch something you love die. I feel like this old portland staple has been circling the drain for some time now. Tonight I pounded the final nail in the coffin of an old friend. The food was terrible. There was so much salt in the Korean BBQ soy curl sandwich, that every molecule of water in my body revolted. I'm not kidding, inedible. The staff was trying, but why no table service when you still have 4 people on, standing around? I'm looking forward to burying the memories made in this place and welcoming whatever the next incarnation is...
For the last ten or so years easily the worst bartenders in town. Just rude as all hell. Cooks are always nice though.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 1
Food is great! Been coming here since the 90s. Little has changed, but that's a good thing
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Walking into Dots Cafe feels like tumbling down a dark cave a beloved haven with the requisite retro décor. It's where people gather in oversized booths, knocking back strong, no-frills drinks, cheap beer, -debating tunes. Once your eyes adjust to the gloom, delve into the diverse menu and you might just find a pleasant surprise. It's all about good grub in hefty portions at wallet-friendly prices. DJs spin the decks most nights, keeping the vibe alive. I have been hearing about this place since summer 2000 and - I gotta say, it lived up to the legendary status.
A SE Portland institution.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sandwich
Came in Friday and y’all got to start coming to Dots. Tucked away on Clinton off Division this is one of the best places in the city to hang at. Always a great vibe and the 2 bartenders are total cuties that are there to make sure everyone is having a good time. Great food and a very helpful server that took care of our table. Then they got some fun pinballs. Plenty of seating for big groups. 2nd time there and look forward to many more
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I have been coming here for years;always a good time. Always inexpensive but high quality,one of my favorite places. Taplist+liquor selection is amazing,happy hour is great,food is always perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was good overall just a bit greasy and left consequences for some the next day. The drinks were loved by all. The staff was what you expected from a bar. Friendly and ready to make you a drink! The atmosphere was great and what you are looking for in a late night bar!We went after Rocky Horror as a group and got served quickly and is now a go to spot for late night when we are in that area. Shareable food and GF options!Dietary restrictions: Has gluten free options! Was great for a late night spot with dietary restrictions.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nachos, Cheese Fries
Amazing local dive that has been around for ages and is a vestige of the old school Portland I remember when I moved here in 2000. They have lots of vegan options which is great, all gender single stall restrooms, also a plus, and big roomy booths plus wifi. Great happy hour too and cool vibe. So glad I live within walking distance to be able to go often.
What happened to Dots? Walked in to get a beer before a movie and this place was going off. Thought a bunch of old boomers hung out here for dinner, I was way off. Coming back on the movie night best place to sink away in the
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Awesome dinner here. Amazing Fried Chicken sandwich at a great price. Didn’t really like my drink but that’s more my fault for not reading the menu right and picked the cute name. Partner loved his. New to the neighborhood and we will be
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The cook gave my legally blind sister a RAW chicken sandwich that was only seared on the outside. Unfortunately I didn't catch it till she offered me some. When we showed the cook he quickly wrapped it up and threw it away before showing anyone else. Do not eat the food here and this place will be receiving the medical bills.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Best lil hole in the wall in Portland. Food has gotten better post pandemic without prices raising like crazy. Love to see that Dots is still here for everyone. No more servers, but food came out on time and hot. Chill vibes and a great bartender
I was a bit heartbroken that a local, always appreciated establishment would turn into a gross joke but that's exactly how I felt walking out... When a place mentions it allows minors in before 8 pm and you arrive at 4:30, you'd HOPE you'd be allowed to order fries, right? Instead I was laughed at and belittled by a bearded man, double my age stating that there was NO chance he'd serve a mix of people between the ages of 22 and 20. News flash, not everyone wants to drink and some people simply want to be treated as humans and not kicked out (despite the fact that we're all legally allowed in there, and no one is trying to drink at 4:30...). It's so disappointing and disheartening to see another place where everyone who is under the age of 26 and attempting to integrate into their community spaces is assumed a villain. I do not recommend. Burnt out millennial nightmare.
A small soggy blt was $12. ☹️ not worth that price. Maybe worth $3. I know many more places like this with better food at less than half the price (for something like that). No side. Hawthorne hideaway has 5$ burgers, fish sandwich, chicken sandwich. Mulligans has sandwiches with sides for $10, yes I track these things. Probably won’t get food here unless it’s $5 and worth that.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5