Le Bistro Montage

People mention this place and I groan. I understand that they get busy, but they're paid to serve-and when the ***!! of a waiter CHASED US OUT TO THE PARKING LOT because we didn't tip him (the service was inexcusable-and I never am nitpicky with service when eating out), that was the last straw. It is nice to have somewhere to go at 3am, though, and it's nice for loud people.

Pros: Loud, Random seating

Cons: Service, Food not that great

Posted 12/11/02

Who knew this quircky cajun bistro could be just as much fun during the daylight hours. Although the menus a bit parred down so are the prices. The atmosphere isn't quite as hustle bustle as during the wee morning hours, which is perfect for lunch. The staff seems a little less surly, if still sleepy eyed, and the service was friendly and quick.

Pros: Cheap, quick lunch

Posted 12/10/02

It is a truely unique place. It's probably the best restaurant on the eastside. The atmosphere is superb, all dark red lighting and combined seating. I usually go alte at night, it's always bustling and has a young cosmopolitain mix of people. Emo-kids, Punks, yuppies hippies frat boys. A little bit of everything and not so bad food.

Posted 12/09/02

Montage for atmosphere, food & just good old plain people watching rocks. But beware of the waiter that you don't tip because he was busy collecting his other tips from vacated tables and re-setting them for his next unwitting prey. And whatever you do, please do not mention your dissatisfaction to the busboy because they are, most assuredly in cahoots.
Our waiter followed us outside and decided that the best way to rectify his terrible customer service was to berate us and accuse us of not being "hip" enough to understand a fine eatery such as The Almighty Montage!!
Of course I complained....to 4 different "managers" (one told me that I must have never lived in New York) but finally got my unlimited dinner certificate.
Can't wait to go back and sit in my favorite waiter's section!!

Pros: Inexpensive, Unique, Great Selection

Cons: Service, Service, Service

Posted 12/08/02

If you have to ask a question, be assured that the answer will always be "NO!" That said, this is the restraunt that I never miss everytime I am in Portland. Yes, they are edgy. Afterall, they do have a reputation to uphold. The food is great (cheap!), the drinks are strong. Your table companions are always an unknown. Yes, I have tried things besides Mac N Cheese, but keep coming back. They serve it many many different ways, so there is something for every taste. Vegetarians, beware. I found the bread pudding to be pretty much like tasteless cardboard with a sauce added. I haven't tried any other desserts. Oh, yeah, always take some food "ToGo", as they do the most interesting alumnium foil figures. I've gotten a crab, a duck, a turtle, a snail. I once saw a 3-foot high angel leaving in front of me! Very fun.

Pros: Edgy, almostGoth, Inexpensive, Fun

Posted 11/20/02

The crocodile is amazing. I always feel adventurous when I try out a new restaurant. Crocodile may be the most delicious meat I have ever had. In a fett alfredo dish the meat just disolved in my mouth. I could have asked for at least some kind of beer selection other than Rainier. Atmosphere is amazing, may have to wait for a bit unless you're early. and don't go in with any expectations. great for groups.

Posted 11/14/02

Yum, is all I have to say! The Tomato Basil pasta dish was AWSOME, and the rasp. cheesecake was so GOOD, I think I'll have to make special trips over, then under the bridge just for it. Our Waitress and Hostess were nice, not overly friendly. Loved when they yell "oysters!". Just wish the music were'nt so loud. Also, location is a bit scary and intimidating, but I think that's how they keep the prices low...

Pros: Vegggie dishes, Inexpensive, Totally hip

Cons: Location, Loud music

Posted 11/08/02

If you like tasty food this is the place to go even if you are sober. I've been eating there for years. I discovered early one morning after a night of drinking that Montage has healing powers in their food. If you eat there after a heavy drinking night you will not end up with a hangover!!!

Cons: No credit cards taken, Waiting in line, Hours of operation

Posted 11/08/02

Fun and upbeat -- this place can get a bit rowdy, so it's good for groups but not for intimate dinners. The macaroni/pasta dishes are excellent.

Pros: Fun, upbeat

Cons: Cash only

Posted 10/06/02

Obviuosly great mac and shooters, but try the hop-john salad. I don't mind the waiters, I always seem to get the nice one! Do not go with more than 4 people.

Posted 09/03/02

I paid over $12 for "blackened" salmon that was so dry I had to drink 4 glasses of water just to get it down. The "blackened" part of the salmon was simply a burnt, crispy, coating. This place is nice for meeting friends for a drink, but the dinner was definitely over priced and was BLAH! Also, we waited forever to be seated.

Posted 09/01/02

snooty servers and the hosts were bad. waited forever for sub standard food

Posted 08/21/02

Best late night dining experience anywhere in Portland! You can get great, flavorful dishes like Spam Spicy Mac, Gumbo, and Jambalaya that can come with interesting meats such as allegator or crawfish. The atmosphere is ever-changing and always lively, but not a romantic quite place. Totally fun and very inexpensive!

Pros: Inexpensive, Fun Atmosphere, Late Night Dining

Cons: Loud, Crowded, Long Lines

Posted 08/12/02

It is always a pleasure when traveling to Portland to have dinner at the Montage. Oyster shooters and other seafood delicious delights add to the Cajun style atmosphere. This place is a real delight. It is not as stuffy as other psuedo cajun style seafood houses. I recommend this place over any other in Portland.

Pros: Great Parking, Romantique, Entertaining

Posted 08/11/02

Driving past the Montage, I have to admit I was a little bit sceptical...considering the location. However, once inside, I was impressed. It has a relaxed yet classy atmosphere with excellent basics on the menu. For a fun option, try a version of the macaroni and cheese!

Posted 08/01/02

If you're looking for some sort of strange dining experience with overcrowded "group tables", this is where you should go. But if you're looking for that intimate dining experience with your sweetheart, find another place.

The Montage is a different place that we won't be going back to. In our opinion, the food is nothing more than you could come up with from your ordinary kitchen staples, with half the taste.

If you're looking for good cajun food, this is not the place. If you're looking for a good meal with a nice atmosphere, this is still not the place! Portland is alive with good restaurants, take the time to find a good one!!!

Pros: None

Cons: Crowds, Price, Service

Posted 07/30/02

I've been going to the MONTAGE for nearly 8 years and I still love it. There's even one cook who still hoots and hollers when I walk in. The quality has never wavered. I can't pass up the Pesto Mac and Mud Pie...YUM

Pros: inexpensive, eclectic, large groups!

Cons: crowded, parking

Posted 07/24/02

Tucked away under the East side of the Morrison Bridge, this is a good place to go late at night -especially for a large group. Cash, checks, or ATM cards only. It's dark, unique, and fun if you like crowds. They seat you next to others on their long tableclothed dinner tables with candles with moderately loud music thoughout the place. If you want to hear your waiter yell, order their raw oyster shooter. They also serve other exotic foods like duck, alligator, and turtle (or is it rabbit?). If you want a beer, you only have two choices, Mikey's or some mainstream beer. They do have a full bar, served until 1:30 am. Open until 3 am. It can be packed late on a Sunday night. If you don't like crowds, show up before 10 pm on the weekend for your best shot. Happy dining!

Pros: open late, good parking, different

Cons: group seating, loud atmosphere, waiters yell at times

Posted 07/21/02

I can't really imagine setting out to Le Bistro before 10pm. Just doen't seem like the kind of place you take your girlfriend to dinner.
Most the place after a night of drinks and you need some food at midnight or later.
Good food, nothing spectacular. We'll the way they wrap up leftovers is great, unfortunately what they wrap up isn't. Just good.
I will admit the picnic style tables add to the atmosphere that I like, but the screaming and rude wait staff I'm not so fond of.
Hit and miss, but worth a trip if it is 1am and you're hungry.
Not exactly true cajun/creole food, but alright.

Posted 07/11/02

Yum Yum Yum ;)
I went here on my first date with my boyfriend and it was so fun and weird and romantic and the food was fun to eat and try to figure out what it was in the dim light *grins*. Please treat yoursefl to some fun eating and a "Side-Car" too. That's their yummy drink that makes your head swirl and your mouth smile!

Pros: awesome decor, fun fun fun, cozy

Cons: family style seating, scary-ish locale

Posted 06/18/02

If you don't want someone to serve you crocodile nuggets and wine in short glasses at tables with family style seating while you suffer from a barrage of insults or ambivalence from your waiter . . . don't even bother to show up. Myself? I recommend it. Set your expectations accordingly and order a cheap Ranier.

Posted 06/10/02

I liked this place, though I wasn't too impressed with the food. But I think that's missing the point--it's a cool place to go for a cheap night out with friends.

Posted 05/21/02

ontage does the basics well. The mac & cheese is still as good as ever, as are the mussel shooters. The hoppin john salad is another winner. The more creative entrees can be hit-or-miss. The atmosphere here is great funparticularly for a group of peoplewith its long, communal tables and upbeat energy. The wait can be long, though, particularly on weekends. The elaborate foil displays that contain leftovers are cute, but the novelty wears off.

Pros: atmosphere, comfort food

Cons: beer selection, can get crowded

Posted 05/15/02