July 9, 2009
We did not really plan to visit Higgins, but cquiroga’s description was simply too salivating. The place is an absolutely upscale restaurant where I did not feel all that comfortable. They certainly never even gave a hint at refusing us a table, but I could feel that they would have prefered if we had dressed up as most of the other patrons did. The food was rumored to be extraordinary and I sure enjoyed my risotto, but Catherine’s steak came out disappointing at 35$ and not tender at all, a pretty disappointing piece of meat which featured on the menu of the day. The cold leek and potato soup was alright, but simplistic. Do not get me wrong, it was a good meal, but for that type of restaurant, I expected much more, I expected to discuss beer pairings as their menus would suggest might be a focus of the house. Also, HOTD Greg was not available on our visit, leaving a rather disappointing draght list consisting of classics from terminal gravity, full sail, new belgium. I usually say I’m glad I tried it, but won’t be back, but this time, I’m not even so glad I tried it. I could always have paid up for a nice bottle, but with the numerous options in Portland, the fact I did not feel too comfortable, not so spectacular food and the hefty price, I regretted on insisting. I guess I might have enjoyed more if I’d stuck to the pub side.

March 30, 2009
This is the best Gastropub in PDX. There’s the fancier dining side, but the British style pub part is what’s great. Incredible food and you pay for what you get. During the week they have a great lunch special deal though. Beer selection is great, some common brews, some hard to get and always a cask available. Plus some exclusive Hair of the Dog brews -- if you are willing to drop a twenty for a 12oz, HoTD Cherry Adam from the Wood is available.

November 17, 2008
Wow, what a sweet place. Kinda swank. Right downtown. Waiters in white aprons right down to their shoelaces. Candles, white linen, your credit card--you know, the usual decorations. Food looks amazing. Great bar in the back, has a separate entrance or you can walk through. Great selection, great relationship with HotD (always seem to have Blue Dot and Greg). Very cool staff. Have to try this place with decent clothes, freshly bathed, sometime.

September 23, 2008
The food I had was good but not great. It was definitely interesting stuff and a little overpriced. They have a good beer list but sadly it is 90% imports. I was looking for some solid northwest brews. The only ones that were reasonably priced to me were the 3 Hair of the Dog bottles they had. Service can be a little slow but that was fine with me as I was enjoying the whole experience.

September 9, 2008
Went to the pub after reading the rating from NoiZe. Got some food over here, which was splendid indeed! Some hair of the dog available on tap. Nice place.

August 14, 2008
Forget the restaurant, go to the pub behind the restaurant. Very, very nice food. Good selection of beers. Nice and helpfull staff.

May 19, 2008
After nearly 15 years, I’m really surprised Higgins was still not in the places database until this entry, May of 2008. It is one of the most sophisticated beercentric places I have ever been to anywhere in the world. Opened in 1994, it has also played a very important role in the development of the beer scene in Portland. Higgins should be credited with two things above all else: 1) bringing Belgian beers to the Portland bar scene, thus creating inspiration for seeking international beers, and 2) pairing beers with food long before people did such things. They still do both those things today, the latter at a level of greatness reached by very few. You want your own amazing beer dinner? Go create it nightly at Higgins. It is fairly expensive and you often need reservations. Wanna save buck? Sit in the bar and order their burger. I don’t think they will let you order it in the restaurant, so if you want it, sit in the bar.