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Cafe Wonder
Rating Details »
Categories: Lounges, American (New) [Edit]
Neighborhood: Northeast Portland128 NE Russell St
Portland, OR 97212
(503) 284-8686
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good for:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Live
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
15 reviews for Cafe Wonder
While waiting for a table at the nearby Russell St. Bar-B-Que, a buddy and I decided to grab a quick drink at Cafe Wonder (aka "Under Wonder Bar"?), and as others have noted this place is remarkably average.
It was a bright, sunny Thursday evening, and stepping into the Wonder Cafe was a bit like entering a cave. Not sure if it was really that dark (I soon adjusted to it), but with few windows (it IS in a basement under the Wonder Ballroom after all) and somewhat dark walls it sure seemed that way.
As nichole noted, there are lots of mirrors on the walls and pillars - including directly to the left of the entrance door. With my eyes adjusting to the light I almost walked into the mirror then thought, "who's that charmingly handsome looking cad who won't get out of my way?" I was visually tripped out for a minute or two.
We grabbed a spot at the bar and I perused their drink menu thirsty for my 1st beer of the night...wait a minute...Bridgeport IPA, Widmer Hefe...2 more less than stellar beers...$4 each (some macro brew horse pi$$ for a buck less)? Uhhm, this is a pretty poor beer selection indeed.
I decided I'd rather spend 50% more and get a nice cocktail instead of trying to decide which was the least boring looking beer. I ordered up a B.L.T. (Bulleit bourbon, lemon wedge, tonic) - very nice, strong pour, slightly sweet and very refreshing. Right around this time of year I usually switch up my scotch/bourbon/whiskey drinks for gin, rum, tequila, or vodka (usually in that order of preference) - but a drink like a BLT could help me keep enjoying bourbon well into the summer months.
Since we had other plans for food, I only briefly glanced at their very small food menu - nothing much stood out to me, and if we HAD been eating there I'm sure I would have gone with a Wonderburger.
I don't see Cafe Wonder as much of a destination - it's comfortable enough and pretty inoffensive, but the outdoor area is a rather pedestrian little strip of concrete alongside the building and indoors was pleasant but nothing you wouldn't find at a dozen or more bars much closer in. They pour a good cocktail, but we're not talking blow your mind complex drinks - and while mine tended towards the strong side, it wasn't one of those crazy $3.25 doubles you can score ad countless dive bars in town.
If I was seeing a show at the Wonder Ballroom I wouldn't hesitate to grab a cocktail and maybe a snack in the Cafe, but with a smallish food menu and a poor beer selection, there's just not enough here to keep me coming back.
If you're as vain as I am, this place can be very dangerous. Most of the walls and pillars are covered with mirrors. Instead of looking at my boyfriend while he talked about his band and... wow I look good. My hair looks fabulous tonight.
But on the other hand, this bar is a wonderful conversation starter. They obviously are on top of the decor, its all very new stuff decoupaged on to the walls (obama stickers and such), and they rotate the posters to reflect upcoming shows. Which is smart, since you can buy a ticket for the nights show, or upcoming shows right then and there and add it on to your bar tab. There are pages from poems (I recognized my favorite EE Cummings poem), old and new band pictures, backstage tour stickers from previous shows, and all sorts of random shit to get you talking, its really interesting.
The decor is just great. I had never been to the Wonder Ballroom and it made me want to come back to shows here way more frequently.
They had specials last night, a 5 dollar Jameson and ginger (grated right in to your drink) and Thermal Tamales, chicken or veggies for 5 bucks with rice and beans. Awesome!
Our bartender was attentive and friendly, and actually deserved my good tip. Tap selection is ehhhhhhhh boring but I guess it gets the job done. I hate bridgeport IPA GOD its everywhere, I swear. I would stick to cocktails here, they make them really well. The cocktail waitress also was on it, and asked us more than once if we were doin good. Sometimes you forget how nice it is to be payed attention to when youre not at a super nice bar. This place isn't a cheap dive bar, but its also not overly expensive, especially for being attached the the venue where sometimes they get greedy with prices.
Went here before a show the other day. Wasn't planning on it, but hadn't eaten and really didn't feel like searching for something open. This was the easiest option.
Had the Wonderburger which was $8.00. This is how it is described on the menu: Choice of flame-grilled all beef or traditional Garden Burger ($7) patty with your choice of cheddar or Swiss cheese. Served with lettuce, tomato, red onion and garlic aioli. Add smoked bacon $1
I ordered at the bar and the bartender asked if I wanted fries. I figured since fries were on the menu for $3 that my bill would be $11. Turns out fries were included with the burger, but it doesn't say that anywhere on the menu. I think I actually had the choice of a salad too, but wasn't given that option. Not a big deal.
Good amount of food for $8 though. The burger was nice and juicy, albeit a bit on the small side. The portion of fries were huge and very tasty.
It is nice to see a place where the most expensive thing on the menu is $9. I'm sure I'll be back the next time I catch a show at the Wonder.
Sometimes I wonder about this cafe.
Cafe Wonder at its heart, embodies mediocrity. I have been on a night where I was more impressed, so sometimes I think Cafe Wonder successfully dabbles in a 'really damn good' experience for customers - especially if you order their calamari - but overall, the experience is lacking.
On-tap options are limited to PBR (which is not my scene), an IPA, and a porter....unless I missed something...and really that isn't enough of a selection to make me happy. If its busy, the service will be appallingly slow (but friendly), and even if its not busy, the service will just be of average slowness (but still friendly).
They play a good selection of tune, sometimes too loud, and overall I like the feel of the place - low lights, interesting decor, and lots of booths. But really i could take it or leave it given the many other great places Portland has to offer.
I wish I had worn my black dress with 4-inch red pumps. Then I would have looked as sexy as I felt when I was at Cafe Wonder.
If I say anything about this place, it's: ATMOSPHERE, ATMOSPHERE, ATMOSPHERE. And call it what you want...sexy, sensual, dim, demure...this place has the ambiance covered.
White lights are replaced with low, easy-on-the-eyes golden lamps and modern sconces, while a black bar, tabletops, and floor make everything seem sparkly, but in a subdued way. A subdued and SEXY way.
Oh, and the mirrors. There are lots of them. And those are kinda hot, too.
But, I guess I should get down to the nitty gritties, right? I mean, I AM reviewing a bar, I suppose.
Personally, I didn't have much problem with the service. But then again, I sat at the bar. The bartenders were cool, and gave me their drink recommendations, so I wouldn't have to ardently read each description.
Drink No. 1 (bartender's choice): Sara Smile.
Hoo-haw! As Brandon put it, it's like a Sour Patch Kid in liquid form. I believe this on-the-rocks cocktail had lots of fresh lemon and lime, with soda and probably some sort of citrusy vodka. Wow. It packed a super-sour punch. I had to drink it slow.
Drink No. 2 (Gabe's choice): Go Go Gogol.
Try saying THAT five times fast.
That's what I thought.
Well, after completely puckering my mouth with the Sara Smile, I wanted something a little sweeter. This baby hit the spot. Poured tall in a [sexy] martini glass, it's got blueberry vodka, and...what was it? Orange? And Sprite. And oh Lord it was yummy (and sexy).
Guest Drink (the one Scott had): Bocci Ball.
All night I'd been eyeing the drink. I mean, it's named after the classic Italian sport. How could I not at least try it? Well, one of my friends got it, so I snagged a sip. And what an interesting combination! If I remember correctly, it was amaretto, orange liqueur, and soda. Surprisingly good.
Overall, a nice, intimate bar. Next time I go, I'll be prepared to bring sexy back.
Saturday night I stopped in here to pick up tickets to an event at the Wonder Ballroom next week. My original thought walking in was "funky cool". The basement setting was kinda dark with the black tables and subdued lighting...but I liked it.
I was actually in the mood for a bite to eat and noticing that I was there for Happy Hour, decided to take the time to grab a bite and a drink. The menu is on the smallish side but from what I remember, all of the items have a reduced price for HH (every day from 5-7pm). I opted for the steak and fries. I also grabbed the drink special for the day - Makers Mark and ginger.
I snagged a table in the corner near the front windows and except for the teenage girls that chose to sit on the sidewalk above right at that window, it was an intimate little spot that I could get lost in my book while waiting for the steak.
The drink was absolutely yummy. Strong with big hunks of ginger floating in it. I asked for a glass of water as well and the server brought me a glass and a recycled wine bottle filled with chilled water. For someone who tends to drink a lot of water, this was extra nice!
The steak was decent... not the best I've ever had but, you know. The fries were scrumptious and the entire meal was brought out piping hot and with the perfect condiments.
I thought my server was attentive without being obtrusive, the meal was decent, and the drink above average. Oh yeah, and they were playing some freakin' great music as well. For a grand total of $14.50, I will try this place again for sure.
This is a 3-star joint I will certainly return to. It has a cool layout, comfortable seating, decent food and clean restrooms. That all being true, I can't really praise it all that much.
The service was somewhere between "I'm tolerating you Mr. Customer" and "Huh, what, yeah, yeah, oh...uhmmm...now what?". Those were more or less the vibes I got while there. My first notion is to ask myself "damn Gabe, what the hell did you say to them...are you too drunk right now...did you take too long to order...what did you do dude?" In this case though, I think it's just sorta part of the fact that they are a place to eat/drink under a concert venue on a concert night. They probably don't expect much repeat business.
Food? Well, the Mac N Cheese was decent, and definitely spicy as advertised, but it was spicy like raging...super spicy with no blending of said spice into the cheese. It just rested on top, assaulting your senses. Now, I dug it, basically, but I probably won't have it again on the next visit.
Beer? They got a few things on tap, yer bound to like one of 'em. The drinks weren't especially strong but I wouldn't categorize them as weak either. It's not Chinese Restaurant Lounge strong, but they don't meter each shot to the line on the shot glass either...maybe a little above that.
Oh yeah, back to the service. The table cleaning got kinda overzealous at times. My advice, if you are going to use the restroom, have whoever you are with keep a CLOSE eye on your drink...what they interpret as empty is radically different than what I do. To their credit, they did bring a fresh drink back when they realized a mistake had been made...although, for all I know I got charged for it.
I can't remember, I was kinda drunk. I guess they did what they seem to seek to do...be an adequate eatery for preshow pre-func'n.
This is not a bad little restaurant underneath the Wonder Ballroom. Actually, we were supposed to meet some Yelpers at Toro Bravo next door, but because it was a 1 1\2 hour wait, we went next door to Cafe Wonder.
This restaurant/bar was actually quite a pleasant surprise. The interior is nice and it does not feel like a dive bar by any means. The food menu is somewhat limited, but the spicy macaroni and cheese was very good. I also had a sidecar which was very good.
Discouraged by the ridiculous wait at Toro Bravo, my friends and I decided to have dinner at Cafe Wonder next door, where there happened to be a table available when we walked in. The restaurant is located in a basement, and has a pretty cool and chill atmosphere, with dark lighting and vaguely industrial feel to it.
They have a good selection of interesting cocktails (I had the Sara Smile: mandarin Absolut vodka with lime juice in a tall glass... quite good), and also have a full bar and not a bad wine selection at very reasonable prices. We got two bottles to share between the seven of us: a Portuguese and a Cotes du Rhone, both of which were pretty good and cost around $25 (which seems ridiculously cheap to me).
The food could be called new American, and wasn't pretty good though not very impressive. We ordered the fried calamari (yummy) and the cheese fries (I did not try these) as appetizers, after which I got the seared ahi tuna for my entre. I must say I was a little disappointed: the tuna was overcooked (even though I specifically asked to have it rare), and the risotto that it came with did not impress me much. Nothing terrible, but it could have been a little better. Not a bad place nonetheless, and we were treated very nicely. 3-1/2 stars.
We had dinner here before The Gutter Twins show. The food was tasty (between us we had mac&cheese, a big salad and a steak) and it was served promptly. We both had a beer -- and unless I'm mistaken, I think the other reviewer is wrong. Isn't Bridgeport Brewing in PDX?
The waitress was ok, she accidentally brought the wrong check, and once that happened she sort of forgot about us. We skipped desert and headed up to see the show.
If I could give the place 3.5 stars i would. I liked the vibe and think it's a decent place to get a bite.
I give poor review because I snagged a bite and a brew here prior to the Sia show and it took all of my free time (45 min) to get a check for my appetizer. I only got fries and there were only 4 brews on tap, none of which Portland, or Oregon for that matter, would be proud to announce serving at a venue that charges the prices they charge for a basket of fries.
..............................
Then there's me asking for my check every time the bartender walked by with a nod of assurance...............
No check, I'll guess and say here's 10 bucks Wonder Cafe.
Cafe Wonder, located in the basement of the Wonder Ballroom, is a great little spot for drinks before or after a show upstairs. The modern decor is pleasant and clean, and the bar is often full. Booths are good for groups, and friends often pull tables together.
Dishes like meatloaf and polenta are yummy, but drinks are really the atmosphere. It's a classy little bar with gorgeous art from the Mark Wooley gallery next door. Pretty painting adorn even the bathroom walls. It's a little out of the way, but also a great neighborhood spot for friends or a date.
I've yet to take in a show at the Wonder Ballroom (though I guess I've been scheduled to attend one on my housemate's forthcoming birthday). But the other night, we were hungry and thirsty, and thought hey, let's check it out and see if we can get concert tickets added to our bill.
Lamentably, we could not do the latter, because we were carrying plastic and tickets at the Wonder Ballroom are cash-only. Everything else about this place was awesome, however.
Shortly after discovering that the Echo's macaroni and cheese (considered by many, including myself, to by the finest in the city) is no longer on the menu, I was heartened to find that the Wonder Cafe serves my favorite entree. And I think we may have a new winner, folks. Creamy but not oppressively so, cheesey but not too heavy. I had the spicy variation (for 50 cents extra -- regular mac is $9) and it was amazing: a subtle, layered, yet powerful spiciness that should impress 6-on-a-scale-of-5 spicy Thai food eaters and wusses (read: me) alike. The cocktails were also fantastic -- we got there just in time for $2 well drinks (happy hour ends at 6:30). Great for a date or a pre-show nibble.
My experience here was without expectation and was perfect. My destination was the ball room, but we arrived too early and were directed downstairs as a good place to wait for a while. I loved the atmoshpere as soon as I walked in...candlelight reflecting on the windows, comfy bar stools, lots of fun stuff to look at on the walls. But the best part was the amazing cocktail (called Sarah Smile) served as I like it....in a pint glass. While on #3, we devoured a plate of some of the best french fries I've ever had in my life. Really.
Cafe Wonder is underneath the Wonder ballroom, and is actually remarkably quiet considering the fact. I have to admit, I've never eaten there (though I heard it's good), as I've mainly used it as the perfect respite when you don't like the band or the crowd, or you just need to collect yourself. I should also mention the staff, which are very friendly.
