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Another good lunch spot... This is a cool little coffee shop / restaurant they have GREAT sandwiches!... coffee, tea, beer, wine, and free wifi...
The atmosphere is cool with good music...
The waiter and waitress staff is very friendly...
It seems to be a partnership... One owner that appears to really enjoy cooking and has good attention to detail and seems very committed to providing a good customer experience...
The other owner seems not as committed to good customer service and is more in it for the image which unfortunately I think hurts their business...
On a lovely Friday evening, I was taken to the Press Club for a birthday treat. Being a fool for soul music and a local artist singing, I couldn't have been put into a better place. While i didn't indulge in any of the food offerings, I was pleasantly delighted with the cocktail and wine selection. Opening my night with a seabreeze ( I was feeling preppy, and unashamed of drinking something pink) I knew a good time was in store.
After polishing off the 'breeze I split a bottle of syrah with the beautiful girl sitting next to me. The bottle was decent, nothing out of this world, but still tasty and it got better with every sit. By the end of the night, I could have envisioned buying another bottle or two. It seemed to me that the bottled needed to be opened up and a decanter would have done the trick. Unfortunately the waitstaff seemed a little distracted and rarely checked in on us. Being a winebar, I would assume they could have helped us out, but we never were afforded the opportunity.
The stage was just past the door, so anyone walking past was able to enjoy in the good sounds coming from inside. Countless people slowed their pace as they walked past the door, stealing a few notes or chords before going on their way.
The ambiance, the audience, the evening all melted perfectly together to form a wonderfully romantic evening. I would highly recommend anyone going to catch a performance try and arrive a little early as the "club" has a small footprint and tables go quickly.
Such a sweet little spot to sit in soft light and listen to live music for free. Especially good if you enjoy crepes, because they are delicious here. This is a date spot for sure! the only reason I didn't give it all 5 stars is that I've never had anything but average service at Press Club. Enjoy!
I might not be hip enough for The Press Club, but who cares, I'm going to go there anyways. We had a gift card, so we were even more motivated. The fact that we live 5 blocks away is also a large selling point.
Friday night in SE Portland is a busy area, so I feel lucky that we got a nice little table right when we walked in. I was a little confused at first if it was table service or bar service only, but then a friendly server came over and got us our first round of drinks and our food order stat.
THe first round was wonderful. I had a glass of prosecco and the bf had pilsner (I think). We had one of the crepes, which all had great names that I won't remember, but it was one of the two with smoked salmon and was so flavorful. We ended up getting round two with a crepe with brie substituted for mozzarella. I'm a huge cheese fan, but that melted brie in that crepe was outstanding. So yummy.
The place was slammed, and there was a live dj as well that was spinning some nice beats on his apple. Overall a nice evening, the only interesting points that I was unsure of was the amount of kids in there. I am completely kid friendly but it was LOUD in there with the dj and there were a couple newborns and a number of kids coloring on tables. Not an issue, just an interesting observation.
Consistency is key, and the Press Club knows how to maintain quality! I stopped in yet again with dining compatriart Julie T and was welcomed by the same mellow atmosphere, super-friendly staff, and quick service.
This time I ended up with a tasty sandwich (I cannot remember the namesake...) which was roast beef, horseradish, et al...a glass of wine, and once again, one of the tastiest soups in memory! (Clam Chowder today, dontchaknow!)
Just...mpph! Perfect! Yet another endorsement for the best-kept secret in Hawthorne!
The Press Club...what a welcome surprise! I have heard mixed reviews about this place for some time… Read more »
As I write this I am hoping that they're still open for happy hour, cuz I'm craving their artichoke bisque soup with toasted crusted bread. It's a great place to go with a couple of friends or even alone. Great reading material and quick service. Thumbs up!
Last night was the second art opening that I've been to at The Press Club, this one for Brin Levinson, whose entrancing architectural paintings hang for the month. The first show, I enjoyed the building and the atmosphere, and this time I enjoyed the food and drink.
The crepes were creative, beautiful and tasty, though I liked my boyfriend's more than mine. He got the Ralph Ellison (a very jazzy writer) with spinach, shallots and mozzerella, drizzled in creme. YUM! I got a sweet one--the Chuck Palahniuk, with nutella, bananas and creme. It was good enough, but tasted like many street fair crepes and didn't surprise my tastebuds at all.
The spacious room and very tall doors made me cold, and I kept my coat on until... until... until I discovered Hot Betty! Wow, this hot version of a white Russian was just what I needed--usually need--on a chilly Friday evening. We tried to re-invent the name for something more Russian--hot Veronica? Hot Martina? But then we learned that it was named after an elderly regular who ordered white Russians and recently passed away. So hot Betty it is. I'll be back for this, as well as more savory crepes, and much more reading of the many magazines for sale and browse here, some that I've never seen elsewhere.
I have to be in the right mood for crepes or focaccia bread, so I was a little wary of how much I'd like this place. They also have croissant options, but those make splitting meals half-and-half somewhat challenging between me and my friend, so we didn't order them.
The sandwiches are named after famous poets and writers; I forget which was reminiscent of roast beef, horseradish and caramelized onions, but that's who I ate. My friend ordered a turkey, walnut and pesto sandwich -- I preferred it over mine. They were really good sandwiches made with some high quality provolone. Yum!
Both were on focaccia bread, which I usually hate for being spongy and dry, but this was crisp, thin and just right.
The sandwiches top out at $9.50, a bit on the steep side, but you can rationalize that they use good ingredients. The tea, however, shouldn't be $3.00, even the teeniest cup of DragonFly Chai that I got. I guess it might be priced to accommodate the ideal hang-out atmosphere it provides. Look for many laptops taking advantage of the free wi-fi.
It's a great space with high ceilings and lots of light. Tons of magazines around and though it has the potential to get crowded, they have the tables laid out smartly to spread it out. I'll come back another time for their crepes.
I really wish they had a menu online somewhere. Anyone?
I had such an inconsistence experience at The Press Club, I'm not sure what to make of it. I will definitely be back, though, now that I understand what to order and who to order from.
Service:
After being served glasses of wine by a very sweet smiling female and sitting for a very long time, we finally flagged someone down to ask if we could order food. The brown-haired, Jack-Black looking guy rolled his eyes, made a couple of snide comments, then stomped off to make our food. Apparently we were bothering him. His reaction was way over the top. We figured he was pissed that the other wait-person wasn't doing their job, but he shouldn't have taken it out on us.
Later, the very sweet smiling female delivered more wine. So...polar opposite service, depending on who's working. Next time if Jack Black is there I'll leave and go somewhere else. He was that hostile.
Food:
I got a tiny sandwich on a tiny, old, dripping-with-grease croissant for $8, and my dining companion got a very large sandwich on a lovely baguette cut in half, for $9.50. Her sandwich was three times the size of mine so.....guess what I will be ordering next time?
Our dessert crepe was very yummy - chocolate and PB.
A little expensive for what it is, even during happy hour (which is $1 off the entire menu).
Remember that torrential downpour the other night? That night when it was raining so hard any sensible individual would have tucked down into their nest and perished the thought of venturing out? Like I said..."sensible individual..." Alas, Desmond has a soccer coach who seems impervious to weather & light conditions & Owen had his sax lesson. When Holden & I are left to our own devices, food is usually involved. We headed over to The Press Club & had ourselves a time!
All the crepes are named for writers & while It would be tempting to order based on favorite authors alone, we opted for The Beverly Cleary, a crepe with mozzarella only. I had a lovely glass of Pinot Grigio. It was swell! Terrific portions, artistic presentation.
There is a wall filled with magazines for purchase, but if you are careful, you can scan them without buying...just don't drip cheese or wine on them! I like this. It reminds me somewhat of Cafe de la Presse in San Francisco, but much homier & more comforting. The server was very sweet, the bartenders were engaging.
If you don't have enough sense to come in out of the rain, this is the place to go! Or in any other weather. I highly recommend this spot & plan on working my way through my favorite writers' bespoke crepes!
Maybe it's me and maybe I didnt go here for the concerts and we were just looking for some lunch, but I was disappointed. The food was fresh and ok. It seemed to lack flavor to me but I would say the fact that the ingredients were so fresh help make up for it.
This is more of a hang out, coffee shop, bring your lap top and sit for hours type of place that just happens to serve beers, wine, and sandwiches and crepes. It had a very limited selection, it was either sandwiches or crepes.
I guess if I wasn't a tourist and just wanted to kill a few hours, this would be a good place but it really wasn't what I expected.
The service was good and the food was reasonably priced so I can't complain but it's not exactly a restaurant.
I had a coughing fit at the Press Club.
Not only did I sound like I was about to hack up my lung, I was also interrupting their Sunday screening of "Election." I retreated to the bathroom to attempt a cough drop/damp paper towel intervention and when I came out, my server waved me over to the bar to present me with chamomile tea, lemon, and honey - on the house!
So let's review:
-inviting, stylish space
-crepes, wine, and beer
-free movie screenings
-the friendliest (and most compassionate) staff you will ever encounter!
I would give 10 stars if I could!
Like, perfect.
Really, that's Ms. A's description. We stopped on our bikes, looking for a little dessert before catching a French movie at the Clinton St. And although technically this isn't a dessert spot, one mention of a Nutella banana crepe and she gave me that look that says 'We ain't leavin'."
It was a Sunday night and pretty quiet so we got fantastic -- make that perfect -- service. Neither obsequious nor haughty. Just friendly and just right. It didn't hurt that the folks working there are pretty easy on the eyes.
"Just stepping in the door must make everybody more glamorous," Ms A said. And it did seem that the place imparted a little Left Bank sparkle to customers as well as staff.
We had a nice table for two on the sidewalk and shared the aforementioned crepe, which by the way arrived in mere minutes. Ms. A paired hers with an excellent cognac-based aperitif. I had a Pilsner Urquell, from a bottle.
The pleasant ambiance and free wi-fi made me consider trying to work from here sometime, but the array of fascinating publications on the wall would probably mean I wouldn't get a lick o' work done. Best to keep business and pleasure a little further apart, maybe.
As far as pleasure goes, the Press Club is on a collision course with Perfect.
Harriett/ Sweet Harriett/ Hard hearted harbinger of haggis....
Yeah, I know... quoting "So I Married an Axe Murderer" is a little silly, but I felt a little beatnik-y in this cool little joint on Clinton.
We cruised in for light dinner and drinks on a Saturday evening, after warming up down the road, and we were hoping to continue the conversational momentum. The inside was cozy, dark, and felt very sophisticated. We sat back near the bar with the other patrons who weren't there for the band.
The musical act was a quiet, talented little ensemble (channeling Hem), and they brought a small but rabid band of groupies. We weren't especially noisy, but some of the superfans were shooting us daggers from across the room beacuse we weren't singing along (how DARE we?).
Fortunately, I didn't even care that the little sissy dressed all in black was giving us the hairy eyeball, because I was too busy enjoying the best goddamn crepe I've ever had. Seriously. Banana and Nutella. It was partially-hydrognated bliss.
The atmosphere: 5 stars
The food: 4.5 Stars
The musical act: 4 stars
The musical act's weenie friends: 2 stars
We shall return, but we'll pay heed to the kind of entertainment that's on the docket.
I ended up stopping by the Press Club for lunch one day when I was in the area, and I ended up being really glad I came. The interior is tastefully decorated, open with a big tall ceiling, but very comfortable feeling as well. The server there was helpful and attentive.
I am a sucker for a good toasted foccacia sandwich, and theirs didn't let me down. I believe I ordered something called the Ernest Hemingway, with turkey and pesto and cheese, it was totally delicious. It was a very pleasant place to sit and grade papers for a while, with soothing music and a quiet vibe.
I'd like to go back for wine and crepes some time.
Perhaps I'm still in the infatuation phase with this place, or perhaps they throw opiates into the crepe sauces - either way I am insanely, droolingly head over heels with this little gem.
Today I was feeling particularly homosexual and confided in a friend my need for Sparkling water. She said she knew the owner of this joint and that they also serve Crepes and Mimosas. Dial one of the Golden Girls and call it a day!
We chose the outside tables, as we both brought our tiny furry children with us, sat down, and were happily greeted by our cutesy waitress. All of the menu items were given author names, and whoever came up with that genius idea deserves a slap on the ass. I don't know how they broke authors down into crepe form, but they did it right - I've always thought Beverly Cleary was the cheesiest bitch in town.
Our "indecisive" (fatty) minds could not choose between the list of dreamy dessert items. Chocolate, nutella, peanut butter, and pear crepes - how is a boy to choose! We politely asked our server if we could possibly partake in a "Crepe Sampler", and the cook came out with smiles to assure us that we could. Holy cheeseballs get me some eatin' pants and bib! We gobbled it all down in seconds and I swear that shit was squeezed directly out of Buddha's teet.
The owner came by after a while and we happily thanked him and got some background on the place. They have weekly events, like 9PM movies they show on a wall; author readings; music nites - all with the kitchen and bar fully accessible. Movie nights play movie classics, and they must have http://rottentomatoes.com on LOCK. The hours are great and the place stays open until midnite Friday and Saturday. To top that off, you are given the gifts of free Wi-Fi and a fully stocked (and well rounded) magazine rack. This place keeps your think-tank movin and your tummy groovin. Any questions?
OH and I failed to mention hibiscus flavored tea. Christ on crutches that stuff is divine.
Try it out. If you end up hating it I will track you down and kill you.
Good coffee, great ambiance, nice local musicians.
I went and saw a concert (Loque Le Monde) at the Press Club the other night, and will definitely be back. The fantastic music added to the subtlety lit room. The bartenders were in amazing spirits, despite the place being fairly crowded with concert viewers. Didn't catch the names of the two working, but they're stellar.
A good selection of bottled beer, and wine; both beer and wine are reasonably priced. Didn't sample to food with my sense of taste, but it smelled and looked great!
I'll be back, most definitely.
lunch here was super enjoyable! it was a mellow friday afternoon, the sun peaking through the clouds and through the windows to thoroughly warm us up. two of us had lattes, served right in big ol' white mugs, and one of us decided she'd rather have an iced tea. well, it's not technically "iced tea season" since the sun isn't out full-time yet, and they sun brew their tea! the waiter was totally awesome about it and brought a giant glass of ice and a little tea-press of (then) hot tea. DIY!
two of us had crepes, and one of us had a sandwhich. i wish i could remember what they were called... everything on the menu was named after authors, and i was eating lunch with two ladies in the book business so THAT was unexpectedly appropriate!
my crepe had pesto and brie and...love...in it. the other crepe was of the lox variety, and the sandwich was a roastbeef/horseradish delight.
the gentleman working made sure our waters were full and that we were fat and happy, but he didn't crowd us at all and basically let us sit and gab for hours...he was great!
i can see this being an ideal place for a lunch, party of one as well- there's a whole wall full of current magazines, zines, and literary journals that you can read at no charge while you nosh. it is called the press club, after all...
I love the Press Club now that they've got a little less right-wing about letting you browse their magazines. The live music is great, the wine selection is outstanding, and the staff don't rub your nose in it if you're a wine dunce needing guidance, nor do they automatically recommend the most expensive wine (my personal pet peeve).
Even better was my discovery recently that they serve outstanding crepes - not early enough in the morning for my liking, but still, worth getting up late for!
The Press Club is fantastic. The food is delicious and unique, the space is inviting and interesting, and the staff is more than friendly and accommodating. Add the magazine wall, free live music, free Sunday night movies, local art, and outdoor seating, and you have the total package. I honestly can't think of anything I don't like about the Press Club.
Comments on previous reviews: I'll NEVER EVER get sick of reading David M.'s hilarious and accurate recounting of an experience at the Press Club! No wonder it's the top review. Also, Katherine W.'s husband must have deserved whatever treatment he got, because I've been here more times than I can count and both owners have always been incredibly friendly and easy going. They're the kind of guys you want to hang out with and shoot the breeze, and you'll frequently see customers doing just that. And I love Helen H.'s review, which more authentically portrays the amazing Press Club staff!
We finally got a chance to try the Press Club last night. We chose a charming table right beside the street and enjoyed watching the parade of tall bicycles cruising around as we ate. Our server was friendly, though I think she was a bit swamped and we didn't really see her at all after our food was served.
I had the Henry Miller crepe (prosciutto, mushroom, mozzarella) and my wife went with the Jack Kerouc sandwich (prosciutto, brie, pesto). Her sandwich also came with a few little pickles and pepperoncinis, which she loved. She also really enjoyed her glass of merlot. We shared a Caprese appetizer, which was also quite good.
I'd like to go back and look at some of the art they have hanging inside and perhaps catch a movie. I think my review could easily be pushed to five stars.
The people who have been saying Press Club is the perfectly chill, smart, hip Portland scene are right on the money. For years I've envied the people who used to walk into a coffee shop in New York and hear Dylan. Last night I felt I no longer had any need to be jealous.
We were originally intending to catch Hedda Gabler at the Shoe Box Theater, but managed to misjudge curtain by an hour. So we thought we might see when "The Rules of the Game" was playing at Clinton Street. Turned out we had an hour and a half to wait, so we cast around for a place to go. The coffee shop across the street was closing in 10 minutes. But wait, there's a cute little place....
We walked in the door and found members of Loch Lomond milling around waiting to start a set. My friends recognized them from Pickathon, where they had one of those magical shows where the entire festival hushed to listen. So we'd found our spot for the night! There was plenty of room, and we grabbed a table in front and ordered drinks.
I like my Manhattans with a twist and not all syrupy. They got it right the first time. The staff was helpful, friendly and attentive without being hovery or chatty. The James Baldwin crepe (cinnamon and powdered sugar) was delicious. The selection of magazines is smart and eclectic, and they don't mind if you browse them without buying, as long as you treat them right.
I do find the names of writers on the menu a bit precious--though it does entertain to discuss the symbolism of various foods and whether it fits the persona of the writer. My particular issue was with the Ursula LeGuin--turkey and brie on croissant--that just seems much too bland and lady-like for the tough-minded somewhat cranky woman I know her to be. Maybe I need to steal a menu and do a paper.
Anyway, once the band got going (and they'd brought Jolie Holland along to add to the beauty of the whole thing) the place filled up. People were sitting on the stairs, on the floor. The one thing I'd say is that it was hard for people showing up to get in once the floor-sitting in front of the door happened--staff could have cleared that, there was room to move people to.
Stop by some night, you really won't be sorry. And you might end up with serendipitous magic like we did.
Not a place that I would spend my cash. OK, they have the NYTs...alright. The crepes are squishy, small and overpriced. The coffee so-so.
My friends and I went there one evening to check it out and the staff just wouldn't let you be. The table was wabbly and the drinks kept spilling.
Oh well. I love the NYTs.
I like bread products. I like cheese. I like sugar. I like things flattened into pancakes. I also like to read the latest issue of Out and Bust and Paste and other magazines I would never buy. All these dreams can come true at the Press Club.
We came here because Night Light was too smoky and crowded. This place was nearly empty (LOVE deserted places) and our server was most friendly.
Good selection of wines, I believe they have a happy if you can catch it. A whole dollar off drinks, y'all!
I don't think you can order a bad crepe. Just close your eyes and choose. The banana, nutella, christ on crack dessert crepe made me weep tears of fatty joy.
I will be back for movie night--with a flask of whiskey. I have yet to find a place with dirt-cheap alcohol here. Suggestions? SE location would be ideal, I don't care if there's a possibility of mugging outside. Gives it flavor.
We brought our laptops and did some work/school stuff. And had a really good sugary berry pop. And a charcuterie platter. My god, have I written like 5 reviews about charcuterie platters today? And a delicious crepe.
Then they showed a great old Japanese film. Made me feel super Portlandy and smart. There were plenty of plugs for laptops and they didn't seem to mind campers.
Low and behold, a week later, when I thought I hadn't done much on my paper, I'd actually got a lot done there and it was REALLY fun and glamorous.
Would be 5 stars but the patron next to me had horrid BO. I know that's not your fault, but I have rate the whole experience and olfactory gets one of its own stars. :)
So Clinton Street Theater box office was opening 30 minutes late. What to do? Figured I'd pop in to The Press Club and grab a cup of coffee and use some wi-fi to kill a little time.
Low lighting...just the way me likes the indoors. Little candles everywhere.
Friendly service...I woke up SUPER late today and neglected to eat a damn thing before going to get my tickets. This usually equals me stumbling, mumbling and generally making poor decisions or worse yet..NO decisions. The lady at the counter was super nice and brought me some coffee after I finally spit out my order.
The coffee? It was damn good thank you...I sorta felt like this...
http://www.youtube.com...
The Wi-Fi...no complaints, it worked. It was fast, easy to connect.
Crowd/Ambiance - Perfect. Not only were the patrons polite and chill, so were the staff. And the major bonus...they had the Latin Playboys album playing on low volume. I love sitting in a place whose staff has the good taste to play something this awesome http://www.youtube.com...
Bonus Round - That nice lady working the counter asked me about the waffle bunny that I proudly display as a background on my laptop.
Perfecto ladies and gents. Get on it.
The Press Club is such a fantastic idea.
The atmosphere is great for just sitting, you can be by yourself and not feel weird, the live music is incredible, and you can sit and use your computer to write or other things and not feel out of place.
The food is very tasty -- great crepes. Good prices...and wine and beer, too! Great for when you want to get out of the house but don't want to actually have to "go out". Very friendly staff.
Oh yeah... banana and nutella crepe. Crap! Why oh why do I have to be watching my calories? Why? Well, it will just have to wait until I save up a little reserve, as I just ate a full-on crepe this past weekend. Let me tell you - it was worth every single solitary calorie. If only I had to stand outside, watch all the people walking by, and wait for them to make me an enormous crepe with banana and nutella, then I might have felt like I was back in France again. Walking the streets of France, getting your appetite going, and smelling all the lovely smells when you walk past all the creperies. Get me back to Paris, oh, I love that place. In the mean time, The Press Club will just have to suffice for my crepe cravings. I just need to make sure that I walk there...
Atmosphere was pretty chill, and the waitress was totally friendly and fun. The Americana was fantastic, and the wine list looks to have a nice variety - I'll have to get back there to check it out when I'm not having a wine-confusing crepe. Chocolate screams red, and fruit does not. It's gonna have to be one or the other next time... such is life. And such a terrible life it is... :)
The Press Club is a new found fave. The movie nights on sundays is a current favorite thing on the calendar.
The films are well picked.
The crepes are amazing and well worth the price.
The chill atmosphere is great and I have always felt welcome to just lounge and relax.
The wall of magazines is a great idea and a great way to keep me coming back and to stay awhile.
The decor is great, the feel is great, the staff is great and the food backs it all up!
A friend of mine located The Press Club by seeing a write up in the Portland Monthly. We were looking for a nice outdoor place to have a glass of wine and a few snacks. The Press Club fit all that criteria and much more. I can't tell you much about the inside since there was a table ready outside. I did take a glance inside and it look very spacious despite the small surface area. Their was a monster wall of magazines and featured artwork on the wall.
The waitress was very friendly and informative. We started off with a tasty anti-pasta plate which hit the spot. We then moved along to a smoked salmon crepe with goat cheese & spinach. To finish it off we had to break down and have a dessert crepe as well. Can't remember which one we had other than it had bananas and chocolate - order one they are nice especially the middle. Yes, the entire meal was helped down by a nice bottle of red wine. The wine selection was decent and affordable. The wine is available for retail, just take $8 (cork-age fee) off the menu price. That being said, you can bring your own wine to have at the cost of the cork-age fee.
It was my first time to dine, or hang out in Clinton. I'll be back to the The Press Club and to experience more of Clinton.
If I could I'd actually give it 3.5 stars based on my one visit, but I see enough potential that a 4 is definitely a possibility...
I visited for lunch/worktime on my computer. The place was relatively slow.
Things I liked:
Eclectic magazines that are free to browse (they are also for sale if you want to take one).
Food was tasty and good. I had a crepe and some olives
Table service from a waiter/waitress
Funky location
Good strong wifi
Menu creativity
Laid back vibe
Things I didn't like:
Food was a little overpriced but I know a local place has to do what it has to do to survive...
Table layout could be improved - I'm not sure how, but I think it could use some help. tables were too close in some spots and off on their own in others
Not all that kid friendly - I think a place like this would be a favorite of the stay at home mom set and they could do more to make it more welcoming. There were kids there when I was there, but they need to have a few high chairs around.
I'd go there again. Interested to see what it is like at dinner!
I wandered in to the Press Club with a buddy of mine, both of us restless and needing direction and maybe a little purpose. What makes Press Club worth your time is the prospect of scanning/reading all sorts of underground specialist magazines that are just sitting on a shelf for your amusement. The first magazine I attacked involved some how to build technological thingys. My second involved counter culture art, and then the third and final magazine was filled with housewife style low calorie recipes. The glossy low fat photos made me crave something different, exotic and maybe even foreign. Coincidentally, The Press Club serves a wide selection of crepes. I'm sold. All of the food items have names of authors and cartoonists, etc...it sticks with the overall literary theme, and is kinda fun to see how many names you actually recognize. I settled on a sweet crepe that had some fruit, brie and sugar. Delicious. The presentation was quite amazing, with every part of the experience oozing fanciness. I may not be a crepe expert, but I always thought the filling was supposed to be inside the crepe, like stuffed or maybe even filled. The crepe I ordered had all the filling on the outside, not that I am complaining...just surprised. I mean, it still tasted amazing, and I couldn't stop eating.
The press club is one of these fusion cafe/restaurant places where I am never sure if I should be dining with friends amidst pleasant conversation or studying a textbook with a simple cup of coffee. When my friend and I arrived it felt more like a restaurant with couples dining and having conversations about this and that. By the time we left the vibe had totally shifted to about 10 people all alone working on laptops or studying textbooks. Kinda weird.
The last note is the prices...maybe I just don't understand typical crepe pricing, but for the amount of food for the price I always leave feeling like I paid too much money for the amount of food. Although, I am pretty sure all the offerings were at or under 10.00.
Are you kidding me with how good these crepes are??? Wow! The crepe with pancetta and mushrooms was heaven on earth. I ordered the Ursula sandwich with brie, turkey and roasted red peppers yesterday and it was also crazy good! They have photography/graphic design mags lining the walls for your reading enjoyment.
The wine selection looked extensive for such a lil' place and beer by the bottle is also served! Oh Press Club....I wish I didn't live so far away from your scrumptious lunches.
In my quest to try every single Tomato Mozzerella and Basil Sammich in the world, I got one here and it did not disappoint.
It wasn't as perect as the one at Dolores Park Cafe, but it was damn close!
The place looks big but seating can be limited depending on what time of day you go. I love the magazine selection and that you can read them there without buying them, just be careful not to spill.
Friendly staff, great atmosphere, good food.
Funny, my friend could not remember the name of this place and kept calling it the Media Rack.
Ever since the first time I walked in (yesterday), I've been trying to pinpoint why I'd never been here before. A good chunk of it was judging the book by its cover. It's called The Press Club and describes itself as a wine bar. This made me think it was a dark and possibly smoky joint with loud-ish music, which are attributes that have their place and time, but not really what I was looking for on a leisurely Sunday afternoon, when I'm usually in that neighborhood.
But I read a little more about it here (behold the power of Yelp), and decided I should give it a try, and I'm so very glad I did. This place has a great environment, really nice and mellow people, good music and great food! I may be a bit biased, in the loving-of-the-crepes category, but I went for a sandwich today and it was just as d'lish. Finished a book, enjoyed some fresh air and sunshine streaming in through the big open window/doors.
I've been to The Press Club twice in the last two days now, and am going to see if I can't make it 3 for 3 tomorrow.
I hate to promote the place too much because it is never super busy now. However, the coffee is good and cheap, always have good music playing at an acceptable level. They have tin house, the paris review and the sun magazines - what more could you ask for?
Frequently see laptop working folks and usually older types. Too classy for the hipsters, apparently. They loose one star for not playing more jazz and blues - the vibe is totally new york jazz circa 1979.
we've been walking by this little isthmus of hip ever since we moved to pdx but it took a festive night on the town with our fellow pdx transplants before we finally sampled the goods. it's a very intimate box that spills out onto the sidewalk with some cafe seating. the acoustics are actually quite good--so good that the groupie sing-a-long was subjected to the indignity of actual conversation in a restaurant. fortunately service was lovely & kept us from cringing in shame at our table.
the crepes are quite diverse & quaintly named after literary/cafe icons. had a savory mozarella, shallot & mushroom crepe followed by a plate-licking banana, nutella, grand-marnier flambe (strangely sans combustion). despite the thermal failure, the nutella crepe was clearly the winner. oh, and they know how to make a cosmo--very tangy with a clean citrus finish.
next time will bring finger puppets so we can contribute to the performance as well. heehee!
Any place that names their crepes and sandwiches after writers will definitely get my notice. If those crepes and sandwiches happen to be very tasty, it will earn a special place in my heart.
Such is the case with the Press Club. I've been here for happy hour on a few occasions and have never been disappointed. My favorite: the Bukowski sandwich, featuring a fried egg, prosciutto and gruyere and arrives on a deliciously flaky croissant.
There has never been a wait when I have visited, even with large groups of six or more. If you're in the mood to lounge around on a Saturday (or not), drinking coffee and reading, the Press Club has a most impressive array of magazines to read. I just hesitate to say anything about it, for fear the masses will swarm...
eh. Just ok. Sort of expensive for the portions, just sort of unmemorable eats and drinks. They have fun movie nights and other events like that, which is a plus since they are all ages, according to our waitress. I probably won't be back unless it is for something like that, certainly not just to eat. I added a star for their magazine library selection.
Neighborhood: Clinton
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Southeast Portland
Category: French
Neighborhood: Clinton
Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Alberta Arts District
Category: French
Neighborhood: Northeast Portland
Category: French
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