Clarke's Restaurant Bar

Clarke's Restaurant Bar reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

1. MR

   MarjorieR

   Portland5 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on March 20, 2018

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   This was a business meeting, and served its purpose well. The food was outstanding, fresh and classic Portland cuisine.
   

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2. HF

   HollisFamily

   Portland6 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on March 11, 2018

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   Let me start by saying this is our favorite restaurant and we’ve been here many times. Unfortunately tonight we had bad service. My guess is that there was no manager at Clarke’s during tonight’s dinner service (7-8pm). Our server (a short-haired gentleman) was surprisingly uninterested in helping us. Once the food arrived we not only didn’t see him but had to ask a busser for assistance. We were never asked if we wanted a second drink or if we needed anything. When we asked our waiter what flavors of sorbet he had just served us he responded, “I have no idea.” 😤 The food was top shelf, as usual. We had the special dry-aged rib eye and the risotto (their speciality). I will happily return but I encourage Clarke’s to manage their waitstaff if they’d like to keep their regulars happy.
   

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3. OT

   OpenTable Diner VIP

   Portland6 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on March 4, 2018

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   Very disappointing. My favorite entree was scallops and that was taken off the menu. Unfortunate
   

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4. LM

   LoveMyFood

   Portland2 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on March 3, 2018

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   This was our first experience at Clarke's. We liked the layout/decor of the restaurant and the food was delicious. However, when paying $30+ for a plate of food, plus $50+ for a decent bottle of wine, we expected more ambience and a more upscale experience. We had to ask when our wine would be delivered, ask for more water when our glasses were empty, and it took quite a bit of time for our order to be taken or to feel like we were even noticed once we were seated. I don't know if this is typical of Clarke's, but as a 'fine dining' experience I'd rate it as average. If you want creative and fresh food cooked perfectly, Clarke's will likely meet your expectations.
   

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5. E

   Eastcoast

   Portland24 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on February 25, 2018

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   We have been coming to Clarke’s for 20+ Years. We have always enjoyed excellent service and delicious food. This dinner was quite the opposite. Waiter seemed rushed yet the restaurant was only half full. We placed our order, meals came out with exception of one. Guests were waiting to enjoy their food and for the last plate to come out. Waiter came out and whispered to one guest that he had forgotten to place their order. To avoid any further delays a simple side salad was ordered. Hamburger was so salty it was inedible. When guest pointed this out - waiter said “should I get you another one.” This should have been an immediate offer and not something to put the guest on the spot. Quite uncomfortable. Not offer for a glass of wine or complimentary dessert for the errors and oversights. We have a business dinner scheduled for Wednesday night. Not sure it’s a solid idea.
   

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6. k

   ksign

   Portland7 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 25, 2018

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We came here on a gift from our boss and we are so thankful! The menu was smaller but packed with incredible options. Everything tasted wonderful and came out quickly. It was a very sweet and cozy space and we can't wait to go back!
   

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7. NR

   NicoleR

   Portland11 reviews

   2.0

   Dined on February 24, 2018

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   CLARKE'S RESTAURANT IS CLOSED PERMANATELY - THE SPACE IS VACATED AND NO CLARKE'S Clarke's restaurant is a small, intimate restaurant. I thought $24.00 for Spaghetti was expensive. light and I mean light veal and beef - I would say sprinkled in. An angel hair pasta was used which stuck together so the pasta was very clumpy. The sauce, boring. the spaghetti was nothing special or extraordinary. I also had a green salad and typical baby green lettuce. The dressing was very tart. The olive bread was delicious. Normally I am not a bread before dinner person but it was yummy. Would have been even better if served warm! The Chef's croquette was interesting. Warm on the outside and cold cheese inside. For one person the dinner was $37.00 for Spaghetti, mixed green baby leaf salad and a Pellegrino. EEEKKSS! The highlight of the dining experience was the host, server, bartender all in one! He was lovely. Christopher you are an amazing server and delightful. Had it not been for you I would not have stayed, probably would have sent the Spaghetti back. YOU made the evening. I won't be back but I will remember you and the attentive service you provided.
   

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8. TH

   ToddH

   Greater Boston16 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on February 22, 2018

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great service and food. The private room was fantastic for a business meal.
   

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9. ON

   OmNomMom

   Portland75 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on February 20, 2018

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 3

   This was our third visit to Clarke's and third time with server, Cedar. He's a lovely person, talkative, helpful and very warm. 5 people for dinner. Two enjoyed the prix fixe dinner which included soup or salad, a main, and dessert. The other three had entrees and split some appetizers and salad. Of particular note, the complimentary arancini with a mixture of kale, cheese and rice as well as the appetizer arancini with a light tomato sauce, rice and cheese. Mains included gnocchi, pasta bolognese, paella with lobster and sturgeon with a light coconut curry, bok choy steamed in sake, and coconut rice. All diners agreed that the food was superb. I had the fish and the skin was crispy and the flesh moist and delectable. All portions were quite large and my daughter brought home leftover gnocchi for lunch the next day. Clarke's may be pricier than other restaurants but we feel the food is very high quality and the service very attentive. We will continue to patronize them.
   

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10. C

    Chetti VIP

    Portland2 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on February 15, 2018

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3

    Unfortunately, this was a terrible experience. The wait for water was 10 minutes upon being seated. Cocktail was 10 minutes and the wrong. Appetizers, the pork was served cold and we confirmed it should have been warm. My wife’s dinner was fine but my dinner is hard to explain. Set menu I chose the Ribeye, however they served me a prime rib and the told me it was essentially the same thing. ???? Chef was having a bad night and was not interested in discussing and no adjustment was made to the check. I will not be going back.
    

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