Bistro Alder

We had high hopes for this place, but it fell short. The service was good, but the food is overpriced and mediocre. The deviled eggs were overpowered by vinegar, the fries average at best, though the sauce was good, the pasta au pistou was more than al dente and clumped together to form a sad ball. The mussels were ok, but my God, why have mussels anywhere else but La Moule, most of them were minuscule and had too much muscadet, oof sad. My husband didn't complain about his exorbitant Croque Madame, my daughter enjoyed her salad and the cocktail was good. Overall, a non merci.

RUN! Do not walk to Bistro Alder! I try and find a great French bistro in every city I travel to and Bistro Alder is one of the best. We had the steak frites and it was fantastic and cooked perfectly! Do yourself a favour and start with the French Onion Soup, one of the best starters at this restaurant ON THE PLANET! What are you waiting for? Get yourself to this great Portland restaurant before you cannot get a reservation. Oh, and ask if James is available as your waiter - he is the best!

Very nice food and location. Service is nice but get ready to wait forever (we had to wait half an hour for drinks). They must be understaffed. Has great potential.