What a treat to be able to experience a James Beard Award recipient!! You'd never know what Scotch Lodge was from the outside, but once you enter and walk down the stairs you're in for a treat. We were warmly greeted and sat at our table - definitely recommend reservations. The bottles behind the bar and along the wall were beautifully displayed and made for such a cool ambiance. We had a nice spot in the back corner and could check out the whole place.
Aaron was our server and she was great, had good recommendations and made sure we were taken care of.
Not sure which was better, the way the dishes tasted or the way they looked... either way they were incredible. We tried the beets, the heirloom tomatoes, the whipped ricotta, the tartare and of course the panna cotta. Everything was so elegant and had such unique flavors and textures. I could have that meal multiple times and never get sick of it. Not surprised at all that they are a James Beard Award winner - highly recommend!!
We had such a great experience at Scotch Lodge and left genuinely impressed. The food was absolutely amazing—every dish felt thoughtful, balanced, and full of flavor. You can tell there’s a strong level of care and execution coming from the kitchen, and it really shows in each bite.
There was a small issue with our reservation when we arrived, but the host handled it in a way that completely turned the situation around. They went above and beyond to accommodate us, and that level of effort did not go unnoticed. It set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Service overall was outstanding. The team was attentive, professional, and created a welcoming atmosphere throughout our visit. The bartender came across a bit reserved at first, but was incredibly knowledgeable and clearly skilled. Once we got into conversation, it was easy to appreciate the depth of understanding behind the bar.
Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but the overall experience far outweighed any small details.
I only wish we had discovered this place sooner. We will absolutely be coming back and look forward to exploring more of what they have to offer.
Absolute hands-down favorite bar in Portland! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scotch Lodge is a must-visit every single time we are in Portland! The food, the cocktails, and the hospitality are consistently incredible.
You cannot miss the oysters here—the sauces they pair with them are an absolute work of art. For the first time, we tried the beef tartare, and they hand-chop the meat right on the spot. The funky richness of the cheese on top was perfectly balanced, and wrapping it in gem lettuce made it such a unique and delicious treat.
As for the drinks, every single cocktail we ordered was outstanding. I'm not a big fan of overly sweet drinks, so the 'Mojo Jojo Casa House' at the end was absolutely perfect for my palate. I also loved the 'Brand New Key,' which was packed with fresh tarragon flavor. My husband prefers smoky whiskeys and mezcals, so he ordered along those lines—not exactly my personal style, but he loved them!
The ambiance and overall vibe here are unmatched. Just a heads-up: this place gets packed quickly, so making a reservation is a complete must. Highly, highly recommend!
Me and my partner had a reservation at the kitchen counter for our anniversary, it was absolutely wonderful! They greeted us with a round of complimentary cocktails and the staff were all professional and friendly. We got the Whipped Ricotta and Bread, Brussel Sprouts and the Soft Shell crab sandwich. All were 10/10, so delicious.
Through an unmarked door and down some stairs you'll find a sweet little scotch spot... but that's not all.
They may have scotch in their name but don't sleep on a bite to eat here. The food is beautiful, artful and delicious. The menu is family style and meant to be shared with plenty of gluten free options.
We sat at the food bar and my brother's had a scotch flight and some cocktails. I had the two n/a beverages and the panna cotta, which changes seasonally. The GF panna cotta was beautifully presented with white chocolate, rhubarb and seasonal edible flower petals. The dessert was light and not overly sweet, delicate but filled with flavor.
The wink and a nod was the exact N/A mocktail i was looking for with hints of juniper and lime. The second mocktail, lofty ambitions, was definitely a more complex and robust flavor profile. It's definitely not for everyone. It had hints of cinnamon and tasted like a Michael's craft store but I personally enjoyed the flavors with each sip.
One of my brother's ordered the tour of Scotland and was presented with three different 1oz scotch flavor profiles. The moment I heard tour of Scotland I screamed "oooh, like the olive garden!!" Gimme a name of a tour of anything on a menu and im sold ;) Needless to say, my brother loved the tour. My other brother ordered the outlander and loved it as well.
The ambiance was dimly lit and chill. Quite unpretentious despite the art of beverages and desserts in front of us. A great place to sip and vibe. From the hostess who sat us to the server who helped us to the chefs we were fortunate enough to watch work... everyone was knowledgeable, helpful and really seemed to enjoy working there. I can not recommend sitting at the food bar enough. It gives you the opportunity to watch artists at work. Every dish that came out of that kitchen looked more beautiful and delicious than the next. I can't wait to go back and try all the GF options!
