Beast
Row 1
The Best Special Occasion Restaurant in Every State
Much of the charm at Beast, apart from that provided by the wide-ranging modern American menu (need we add that it's local and sustainable in nature?), comes from family-style dinners served in an intimate atmosphere not much bigger than four or five of Portland’s famed food carts. Chef/owner Naomi Pomeroy accepts just enough reservations for two six-course dinner seatings (6:00 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.) Wednesday through Saturday, as well as two four-course brunch services and one dinner service every Sunday. Patrons dine at a pair of communal tables (the restaurant seats just 24), where they are served the prix fixe menu of the day (“substitutions politely declined”). The particulars change weekly (the menu for the upcoming week is posted each Tuesday), but, just as an illustration of the range and imagination here, the house charcuterie plate might include steak tartare with quail egg, foie gras bon bon with peanut shortbread, Calabrian chile pork sausage, and pork and duck pâté with green garlic.
Those lucky enough to snag a seat at the tables are sure to be treated like family (the best spot in the house, at the corner of the prep table in the center of the kitchen, only seats two). Those unable to get in can at least now go across the street to dull the pain at Expatriate, the cocktail lounge Pomeroy opened in 2013, where they can choose from a small menu divided into Biggie Smalls (think shrimp toast and James' Beard's onion and butter sandwich), Salad Days (samosa chaat and a "very spicy cucumber salad"), and Hungrier (tempura cod sandwich, Burmese coconut noodles, and Korean fried game hen).
— Arthur Bovino, 101 Best Restaurants, April 1, 2015
Foursquare Tips
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Definitely go with the wine pairings. -
It's a splurge, but each prix-fixe seating is like a dinner party gone carnivorously crazy. Get the charcuterie plates, and braised duck or beef cheeks if they're available. [Eater 38 Member] -
Amazing. Recommending the wine pairing, and going with at least 2 other friends to make the communal table less awkward. -
Strike up a conversation with a stranger and make a new foodie friend - you're about to experience communal dining. -
Best meal experience in Portland -
Artistry in technique and flavours, quality in produce, it is always a pleasure to return to Beast and admire the chefs at work in their small, welcoming environment. -
Great experience! Communal dining (I came for brunch), excellent wine pairings. I made the mistake of coming with picky eatersbetter to be open to new tastes of coming here. -
Nothing to do but sit down and let them bring you amazing things. What a wonderful experience. -
Get the wine pairing. -
Just do it. -
Food was well prepared and for the most part, very good. The risk of a set menu however is that they serve something not your style. In this case it was squab, which was a bit gamey for my tastes -
Really great communal tables with intimate laid back service and fantastic food. -
Excellent brunch menu -
Def come for the 4 course fixed menu brunch -- very worth the $45, awesome communal seating setup -
Fantastic menu and wine pairings. Tip included. Seemed a little expensive, but about on par with a 1 Michelin star in NYC. Communal tables great idea but lots of dates that didn't want to talk. -
Absolutely a must. #FoieBonBon...amazing. -
One of the best meals I have had, period. The foie bon Bon is a bite to remember. -
Very cool experience. Would highly recommend! -
Chris Israel, chef of Grner, eats here on his nights off. He loves the Charcuterie plate. -
Were also big fans of their constantly changing list of wine in particular the sparklings and rose!