When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Jake's Famous Crawfish
Why Jake's Famous Crawfish is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Jake's Famous Crawfish is a celebrated seafood restaurant located in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon, with a rich history dating back to 1892 when it was founded by Jacob "Jake" Lewis Freiman. The restaurant occupies the Whitney and Gray Building, a historic structure completed in 1910, blending timeless charm with classic Pacific Northwest culinary traditions. It is renowned for serving fresh fish and seafood flown in daily, highlighting local Northwest products prepared with traditional presentations that have delighted patrons for over 130 years. The atmosphere is inviting and perfect for get-togethers, featuring spacious seating including private dining rooms for intimate dinners, corporate meetings, and celebrations. Its reputation as one of the nation’s top seafood restaurants reflects in its hearty menu that caters to diverse diets such as gluten-free and vegetarian options, along with a full bar and a warm, attentive service. Daily happy hours and options for dine-in, takeout, and delivery enhance its convenience and appeal, making Jake’s a consistent favorite place for friends and families to enjoy quality seafood and memorable occasions in Portland.
Here's what people think of Jake's Famous Crawfish
As of recent, Jake's Famous Crawfish holds a 4.5-star rating based on 4123 reviews.
User reviews of Jake's Famous Crawfish consistently praise the restaurant's commitment to high-quality seafood, fresh ingredients, and classic preparation that honor the Pacific Northwest’s culinary heritage. Positive feedback highlights the excellent variety and quality of crab, shrimp, and other seafood dishes, as well as attentive and friendly service staff. Patrons appreciate the elegant yet comfortable ambiance of the historic establishment, the availability of gluten-free and vegetarian options, and the well-curated happy hour specials. On the other hand, some negative reviews point to occasional discrepancies in wait times or service speed during peak hours, with a few customers noting that pricing is on the higher side, reflecting the restaurant’s upscale nature and prime downtown location. However, such critiques are relatively rare compared to the volume of glowing reviews that emphasize memorable dining experiences and quality food. Overall, Jake's Famous Crawfish maintains a strong reputation as a dependable and cherished seafood destination in Portland renowned for its heritage, cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Abdul Chamseddine
Jake’s Famous Crawfish delivered an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. The service was top-notch—our waiter was knowledgeable, attentive, and gave excellent recommendations. We started with the popcorn crawfish appetizer, which was perfectly crispy and packed with flavor. Unfortunately, we had to skip the clam chowder since it contains bacon, but there were still plenty of great options to choose from. For the main course, I went with the shrimp and cheese-crusted halibut served over creamy mashed potatoes with a rich, flavorful sauce. It was a standout dish and came highly recommended by our waiter—he was absolutely right, it was outstanding. We ended the meal with the apple pie and ice cream, and it truly blew us away. Warm, perfectly spiced, and paired with just the right amount of ice cream—it was the perfect finish. If you’re in town, you definitely need to give them a try.
Grace Teo
We got introduced by our hotel receptionist to go to this restaurant. The food was amazing. Don't even let me start on my desserts. Is so goodddessss~!!! My server was Alli (the cocktail waitress). She is so sweet ♡ and lovely to us. Her service was wonderful, she's a very passionate on her job and treat everyone like her own guests. Whoever go there and serve by her, you're in luck~ thankyou again, Alli ♡
Ricky Rodriguez
Absolutely excellent from top to bottom. As first time visitors (on Valentine’s Day 2025), wasn’t quite sure what to expect as this establishment has such a long and storied history. Figured they’d been around so long that they couldn’t possibly treat each customer as if it was known that it was their first time… nevertheless, that’s how we were treated. With such attention, respect and patience. Seems as though their baseline for how they treat each and every customer is top notch and we experienced it as such. What a great valentines dinner and overall experience. Couldn’t have gone any better. Only downside is that we didn’t get our waiters name, he was welcoming, entertaining and patient! Thank you for making our dinner very special; we can’t wait to return!!
David Cross
Although I’ve lived in Portland for 23 years and passed this place hundreds of times, I’d not been here before. We were not disappointed! The reputation speaks for itself. Everything from our appetizers through to the main courses were perfect. A lovely, intimate setting, and we’ll definitely come back here again!
David Forman
Fantastic! Great atmosphere and food. My wife and I came here to celebrate our 26th anniversary. It was out first time here and Rob was our server. He really made it great. Very personable, genuine, and attentive. Our food was excellent and perfectly prepared and the wine, a Pinot Grigio, was wonderful. We loved it so much, we went back the next day for lunch and again, it was great. We sat in the bar that time and enjoyed the atmosphere, service and food there as well. Whenever we're back in Portland, I'm sure we'll be back.
How to reach Jake's Famous Crawfish
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Why Jake's Famous Crawfish may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Jake’s Famous Crawfish with your friends? Because it offers the perfect blend of historic charm, delectable seafood, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes any group gathering feel special. Located in the heart of downtown Portland, this iconic establishment has been serving fresh Northwest seafood for over 130 years, creating a tradition that spans generations. Whether you’re catching up with old friends, meeting new ones, or celebrating a special occasion, Jake’s provides an experience that is both memorable and uniquely Portland. The restaurant’s lively ambiance paired with classic seafood dishes flown in daily ensures that every plate is a fresh and flavorful journey. Beyond the taste, the friendly service and thoughtfully designed spaces encourage lingering conversations and shared moments. The daily happy hour with an appealing bar menu is especially popular for groups looking to unwind together with great drinks and bites at an accessible price. All these elements combine to make Jake’s Famous Crawfish an unbeatable spot to rally your friends for a meal, celebration, or casual hangout where good food and great company go hand-in-hand.
What kinds of activities can you enjoy at Jake’s Famous Crawfish? First and foremost, the focal activity is sharing an exceptional seafood dining experience. Their menu features a broad variety of fresh fish and shellfish flown in daily from the Pacific Northwest, offering classic dishes like crawfish étouffée, Dungeness crab dip, and garlic-steamed mussels. This makes Jake’s ideal for groups who appreciate rich, flavorful meals that stimulate conversation and delight the senses. Beyond the main dining room, the restaurant boasts a lively bar area with outdoor sidewalk seating, where friends can gather for happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM daily. This happy hour features special prices on favorites like oyster shooters, popcorn crawfish, and fish tacos, along with wines by the glass and craft cocktails, setting the stage for relaxed socializing. For groups who want a more private experience, Jake’s offers private dining options ideal for birthdays, corporate meetups, or family reunions. The space is well-suited for both intimate gatherings and larger parties, creating a flexible environment for multiple types of group activities centered around food and fellowship.
Why is Jake’s Famous Crawfish perfect for group meetups? Its long-standing reputation as a Portland institution means it reliably delivers great food and service, ensuring your group’s needs are well-met. The restaurant’s interior combines a traditional, timeless design with modern touches, creating a comfortable but polished atmosphere where everyone can feel at ease. The communal nature of seafood dining—sharing platters, passing around bowls of étouffée or steaming pots of mussels—naturally fosters interaction and good times. Location-wise, being situated downtown makes Jake’s easily accessible for local groups or visitors, with ample nearby parking and public transit options. Moreover, the restaurant’s commitment to fresh, local ingredients elevates the dining experience, appealing to those who want quality with sustainability. Whether it’s a casual catch-up, a celebratory feast, or a professional gathering looking for a standout venue, Jake’s is well-versed in accommodating groups of various sizes with attentive service, delicious meals, and a vibrant yet comfortable setting that encourages connection.
What makes the menu at Jake’s Famous Crawfish a standout for group dining? The menu is thoughtfully designed to offer both variety and dishes meant for sharing, which is essential for group meals. Items range from classic Pacific Northwest seafood, such as fresh oysters and Dungeness crab, to heartier fare like the Cajun chicken sandwich and cheeseburgers for those wanting something familiar. The happy hour offerings are particularly appealing with their mix of seafood-centric small plates and bar favorites including popcorn crawfish and crispy fried calamari. The presence of dishes like Jake’s étouffée, a rich brown sauce stew with crawfish, chicken, and shrimp, showcases the chef’s skill in combining flavors to create memorable plates perfect for communal eating. The wine selection by the glass complements the food beautifully, providing easy pairings that enhance the dining experience for groups. The menu also caters to various tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring everyone in the group finds something satisfying. This well-rounded culinary approach ensures your meetup is not just about gathering, but about enjoying excellent food that sparks joy and conversation.
How can Jake’s Famous Crawfish accommodate special occasions and private events? The restaurant understands that group meetups often come with a desire for privacy or a bit of exclusivity. To that end, Jake’s offers private dining spaces that can be reserved for birthdays, anniversaries, business lunches, or any other gathering where a more intimate atmosphere is preferred. These spaces are designed to provide a sense of personal connection while still offering the full range of Jake’s signature menu and attentive service. Their event catering options also extend the opportunity to enjoy Jake’s quality beyond the restaurant walls, perfect for off-site celebrations or larger group events. The staff is experienced in managing group logistics, menu customization, and special requests, making the planning process smooth and stress-free. The long history of the restaurant gives it a certain gravitas and tradition which can make any occasion feel elevated. Whether you want a lively party vibe or a quieter, refined gathering, Jake’s delivers on versatility while maintaining a distinct Portland seafood charm.
What logistical conveniences support group meetups at Jake’s Famous Crawfish? Located at 401 SW 12th Ave in downtown Portland, Jake’s spot is easily reachable for a broad audience, whether by car, bike, or public transit. The downtown location puts it within walking distance of other entertainment venues, making it a natural choice for pre- or post-event dining with friends. The restaurant is open daily with hours that accommodate lunchtime meetups through evening dinners, including extended hours on weekends. For groups looking to extend their gathering beyond the dining room, happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM presents an affordable window for enjoying cocktails and bar snacks. Additionally, Jake’s offers the convenience of online reservations via their website or phone, simplifying the planning process for groups. For those preferring flexibility, pick-up and delivery options through services like Grubhub and DoorDash are available, accommodating casual group meals at home or work. This mix of accessibility, flexible timing, and service options makes Jake’s a hassle-free choice for organizing group gatherings.
How does the ambiance at Jake’s Famous Crawfish enhance a group experience? The atmosphere is a key ingredient to why groups return to Jake’s year after year. The decor combines historic charm with a cozy, inviting vibe that makes you feel part of a long-standing Portland tradition. With its warm lighting, wood accents, and nautical touches, the space feels both classic and comfortable, encouraging guests to relax and enjoy extended meals. The presence of a bustling bar area and outdoor sidewalk seating also adds layers of social energy, letting groups choose a setting that fits their mood—whether a lively, casual chat or an intimate sit-down dinner. The friendly and knowledgeable staff contribute to the ambiance by offering attentive but unobtrusive service, making sure every group member feels welcomed and catered to. This balance of comfort, heritage, and lively social spaces turns a meal at Jake’s into more than just dining—it’s a shared occasion filled with atmosphere and conviviality.
What do reviews say about group experiences at Jake’s Famous Crawfish? With a 4.5-star rating derived from over 4,100 reviews, the consensus highlights Jake’s as a standout for group gatherings. Many reviewers praise the exceptional freshness of the seafood, the consistent quality of dishes, and the generous portions that suit sharing. The happy hour is frequently mentioned as a fantastic way for groups to enjoy affordable drinks and appetizers in a social setting. Positive feedback often points to the accommodating nature of the staff when handling reservations, special requests, and the dynamics of larger parties. Patrons also appreciate the blend of historic ambiance with a lively atmosphere that creates the perfect backdrop for celebrations or casual meetups. While a few reviews mention occasional wait times during peak hours, this is generally outweighed by the overall satisfaction and memorable experiences groups have had at the restaurant. The reputation and broad appreciation among regulars and visitors alike confirm Jake’s as a reliable and beloved venue for friends and families to convene.
In summary, Jake’s Famous Crawfish combines historic significance, fresh and flavorful seafood, a welcoming atmosphere, and practical amenities that together create an ideal setting for any group meetup. Whether you want a relaxed happy hour, a celebratory dinner, or a private event space, Jake’s caters to diverse needs with unmatched local charm. The blend of quality food, attentive service, and a storied environment makes it more than a restaurant—it’s a place for building memories with friends and family.