Corvallis, Oregon Restaurant Reviews


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Corvallis Top Recommendations from our reviews:

Fine Dining: Le Bistro
Seafood: Aqua
Hip Atmosphere, Food and Bar: Cloud 9-Downward Dog, Block 15
Pizza: Cirellos
Mexican: La Roca (La Rockita), Tacos Uruapan
Special: Gathering Together Farm
Vegetarian: Nearly Normal's
Lunch: Vietnamese Baghuette
Beer and casual food: Murphy's, Old World Deli
Asian: Southeast
Indian: Nirvana
Coffee and light fare: The Beanery
Healthy Take Out: First Alternative Co-Op Kitchen
Best Burger: Squirrels, Block 15
South Corvallis: Fireworks
Italian: Terzo
Greasy Spoon: Darrell's

See below for full reviews on these establishments.

Recent Comings and Goings: (see below for more info)

- Marzinis has closed.
- Terzo West Coast Italian (underneath Aqua) has opened. Terzo is owned by the Aqua/Le Bistro folks.
- Fox and Firkin is closed, but sources say the Terzo/Le Bistro/Aqua folks are going to be opening a brewery/sports bar there sometime in spring 2010.
- Strega closed 2/14/09. The building has been purchased, and there appears to be no plans to open a restaurant in that location.
- Michaels Landing remains closed

Please email us your reviews (see below)

This guide is a review of restaurants in Corvallis, Oregon (and nearby locations like Philomath). In the guide, food quality, and customer experience are noted. Our (chowgeeks.com) comments are in bold. Establishments that have wireless Internet access, live music, and other unique features will have an appropriate notation. If a restaurant has a web site (that we know of), a link will be provided. Chain restaurants are *NOT* covered here. There are many other places where you can get information about their "food".

The rating system is:

A - Highly Recommended
B - Recommended
C - Suggested
D - Not Suggested
F - Avoid

Please, if you have a review you would like to submit or add to, please send an email to: chowgeek@chowgeeks.com. Anonymous reviews are not accepted. Your verifiable real name must be included with your review. This site is a public service, if you have a comment, send an email to the above email address. We will *not* take reviews from restaurants themselves. To be posted on this site, you *must* be an actual impartial customer.

All telephone numbers are in area code 541. If you are interested in advertising on this site, please email us. This list is in alphabetical order.

Click here for a quick quide on restaurant etiquette.


American Dream Pizza

Decent pizza. Reasonably priced, and has some good deals on different days of the week. American Dream is my second-favorite pizza joint in Corvallis. Recommended. Rating: B.

1/21/09 BR: I've only been to the downtown location, but enjoy it on occasion. I don't care much for their pizza; the crust is too thick and has a slight fermented tang to it (they make it early in the day and it sits at room temp), and reheated slices are never as good as fresh, although some people swear by it. The slice and salad lunch special is a great value, however. The salad greens are nothing special, but they have a great selection of toppings. I'd recommend the salad with black beans and jerk chicken with Italian and a liberal dousing of parmesan and red pepper flakes. A bonus: they have a good draft beer selection and happy hour drink specials. Recommended at lunch. Highly recommended during happy hour ;)

And: Great place for a slice and a salad. Single slices on weekdays around lunch time can be a bit limited in the selection (actually, the selection is wide, but who really wants a broccoli, green olive pizza?) The Crowbar is very good. Recommended (The Crowbar is Highly Recommended).

  • Tel: 757-1713
  • Addr: 214 SW 2nd St
  • Web: http://www.adpizza.com/

    Aomatsu

    Middle of the road Japanese food. Aomatsu has all the traditional stuff, like sushi, sashimi, nigiri, etc. Service can sometimes be slow. Somewhat recommended. Rating: B.

    And, another point of view: I give it a little better grade.  I judge the sushi and sashimi to be relatively safe (I eat it).  Pretty average, but if you crave Japanese and you're in Corvallis, your choices are limited.  Recommended.

    Aomatsu: Good sushi and tempera. I know several people who love the Aomatsu bowl but it isn^Òt for everyone. I^Òve eaten sushi in a lot of places around the world and while it is not the best, it is definitely good (and I love sushi). The donburi, katsu and other dishes are not to my taste (though I haven^Òt liked them anywhere else either). Recommended (if you like Sushi).

    6/17/07: One of my favorite sushi joints. If you go at the begining of the week you are more likely to get more fresh sushi and faster service. Recommended

  • Tel: 752-1410
  • Addr: 122 NW 3rd St

    Aqua Seafood Restaurant and Bar

    Aqua has opened in the old Waterfront Restaurant location. Aqua is operated by the same folks that run Le Bistro. The menu is Hawaiian Regional Cuisine, and the chef is from Hawaii. Kinn (formerly of Cloud 9 and others) is running the bar.

    On a recent visit, the food was quite tasty, with excellent presentation. One favorite of mine is the ravioli appetizer. The chicken also seems popular. The Mahi Mahi entree was cooked to perfection, and I even liked the Salmon (I don't normally like any kind of Salmon) Service is fast and attentive. The Key Lime Pie got my attention, since it wasn't too sweet like many interpretations. The Ganache was simply amazing. The only minor glitch in our great experience was that my son had to ask for a replacement fork when his original one was cleared away with the appetizer dishes. No big deal. We briefly met Chef Adam, who is a good fellow and great chef.

    There are two or three tables that have a very nice view of the waterfront. When making reservations, I'd recommend asking for one of those tables. Aqua is a bit pricey, but you very much get what you pay for. Iain and company's Le Bistro and Aqua are running neck and neck for best food in Corvallis. Try both, and tell us what you think! Highly recommended. Rating: A.

    3/7/09 RK: My wife and I arrived 5 minutes early for a 7PM Saturday night reservation. The restaurant was full and lively. We we seated immediately. Service was prompt, professional, and friendly. We ordered bar drinks, which arrived quickly. The drinks were strong but well made and in good portions. We ordered seafood pasta and crab cakes. Dinner was served within 20 minutes. The presentation was exquisite with all the entrees we saw. The food was hot, fresh, unique, and delicious. We wanted to pace ourselves for a night on the town but the food was so good we practically licked the plates clean! The atmosphere was an eclectic aqua theme that was not as upscale as the food. I would recommend an upgrade (although formal does not really go with Hawaiian seafood). We rate Aqua 'Highly Recommended' for their excellent food, presentation, and service.

  • Tel: 752-0262
  • Addr: 151 NW Monroe Avenue
  • Web: http://www.aquacorvallis.com/Aqua%20Seafood%20Corvallis.html

    8/10/08 WS: [We] had the best food and service. We showed up to Aqua without a reservation and they made room for use even though they were rather busy. We had wine while we waited for our table to be ready. Once we got the menu we were happy to try the Scallops in Truffle Oil (So good) and the Fried Shrimp with Banana and Mango Salsa. My husband had a seafood pasta and loved it. I had the butternut squash and was amazed by it. I loved the way the capers were broiled with the pine nuts because they countered the sweetness of the squash. Will go back again and again.

    6/26/08 PT: Highly recommended! We had the pleasure of dinning at Aqua tonight with our children. This was a pleasant surprise. My boys loved the fish tanks and the coloring pages and crayons kept them busy. However, there was still an intimate atmosphere for my husband and my self to enjoy. The food was amazing. I enjoy cooking, therefore, we are very reluctant to eat out because no other restaurants meets our standards. Aqua has change that. "Melt in your mouth" food is the best way to describe it. A surprise in every bite. Thank you Aqua for the spice you add to Corvallis! Every one must try this delight!

    5/15/08 FR: Fancy Hawaiian food, Yum! The dining room is a bit small and the wine list very limited, but the food is outrageously good. I spent the first 10-15 minutes studying the menu; you know youâ^À^Ùre in heaven when everything on the menu looks good and it takes forever to decide! We had the tuna and the Oregon kobe beef. Who knew a seafood place would have the best steak in town! The beef was perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth, buttery soft, medium rare, slightly crunchy on the outside, oh so good!! The tuna was also spectacular. While I usually donâ^À^Ùt like my fish blackened, it paired nicely with the creamy/buttery burre blanc sauce that accompanied it. Again, Yum! The crab stuffed shrimp appetizer was great too. Hopefully they will expand the wine list. Anyway, we will definitely be going back. Highly Recommended.

    5/14/08 KM: Aqua is highly recommended. The food is great and the atmosphere is wonderful. I'm not a seafood person but the seared mahi mahi is outstanding. It, literally, melted in my mouth. There is a burst of flavor with each bite. The butternut ravioli appetizers are so good they should be dessert. Even the butter for the bread basket has a taste good enough to forgo the bread. The chocolate pyramid cake with white ganache filling is outstanding. This is a place to go with friends so you can share plates. The fish tanks and artwork are a wonderful visual and help if you take children. Yes, children are welcome and even get a menu of their own. This is a place Corvallis can, finally, be proud of. I plan to go back until I've tasted everything on the menu.


    Baguette's Vietnamese Sandwich

    This restaurant, near one of the "Corvallis Towers", has great Vietnamese-style sandwiches. Baguette is operated by the same good folks that run Magenta and Southeast. A perfect place to grab a sandwich for a picnic. Highly Recommended: Rating A.

    8/13/08 MS: Vietnamese sandwiches make for an interesting combo given the French influence in Vietnam. The bread is good. The meats are best if you don^Òt worry about what it is (though I^Òve had many ^Ñfunky^Ò things between Paris and Singapore). They have a nice accompaniment of veggies in them. The appetizers I^Òve had have been so-so (and in one case bad, as in seemed like it was very stale). Still, a decent light lunch. Recommended.

    And 5/28/07: We have been waiting and waiting for Baguette's to open and our long wait was worth it. What fantastic food and the prices are so reasonable. I've had several of the different sandwiches and have not been disappointed yet accept for one time when they were out of white rolls and we had to have whole wheat. I like whole wheat bread but in this venue it totally overwhelms the filling and isn't as good as having it on white.....do the healthy thing with some other type of sandwich. Love the Curried Beef! Good eats at a great price.


    Bamboo Taste of Asia

    3/12/09 OS: This place is packed every day at lunch. It is a Thai/Vietnamese/Chinese mix, primarily take-out with a few tables. You can get 1, 2, or 3 different dishes, served with either noodles or rice. The Spicy Panang Chicken is the BEST. I definitely recommend it.

  • Tel: (541) 230-1436
  • Addr: 700 NE Circle Blvd

    Baja Fresh

    If you want a good burrito (though a less pristine building) go about three blocks down 9th to La Roca. If you like to eat in a restaurant that feel right at home in a strip mall, this is the place. All that said, the food is OK. Not great, not repulsive. Suggested.

    Bento Oriental Express

    9/25/07 KS: Reasonable prices for large portions. This is one of my favorite places to go for Asian food. Though I have not tried a lot of the menu, everything I have tried I love. I go here when I want something to remind me of the food I had in Bangkok. The flavors seem to be authentic though the red curry is not as hot as what I had in Thailand. Highly recommend the food. The dining area is very small (4 tables). It's not a romantic date type of atmosphere but if you want really good food, it's the place to be.

  • Addr: 1425 Monroe Ave #F Corvallis
  • Tel: 757-9690

    Big River/Bar 101

    A recent lunch was pleasant there. Service is ok. The atmosphere is too loud, which seems to be an unfortunate trend. Prices are a bit high. Their beer "pints" in lager glasses are actually 14.5 ounces. They also have a bar (Bow Truss) with occasional music. Big River opened another bar next door in 2007. It is called Restaurant 101. My feeling is that the current bar in Big River will be for the older crowds, and the new 101 bar for young folks. Sure hope they put in more restrooms/toilets!!! A recent (Late Winter 09) stop at 101 was ok. The atmosphere is, in a word, strange. The service was quick, and the sliders were surprisingly good. Given the mixed reveiws, and our not-so-good experiences, we rate Big River and Restaurant/Bar 101 as possibly suggested. Rating: B-.

    6/09 SC: The 101/Big River Review from 2/09 that mentions the "dirty" caeser salad... I'm wondering if she got the WONDERUL Grilled Caesar? It looks dirty because the lettuce has been charred to enhance the romaine's true flavor. The parmesan crisp on top adds a wonderful cheesy crunch to a few of your bites. Rather than the lettuce being drenched in dressing, the drizzle on top and the side is more than adequate. Seeing a bug come outta the lettuce means it's organic, but I agree, not always fun to see.

    3/7/09 RK: My wife and I stopped in at 101 about 10:00 on a Saturday night. The bar was mostly full and lively. We were greeted immediately and seated at a table. We looked over the drink and food menu. The menus looked good but they did not have the desserts available at Big River. Since that is what we really wanted, we got up to go over to Big River. One of the servers (and I assume the manager) rushed over to see what was wrong. I assured them that everything was fine and that we were just going next door for dessert. When we went into the bar at Big River the manager was there, as was a bartender/server, to attend to us. We ordered desserts (which were delicious and decadent as always). Our server was attentive and very knowledgeable about wine. He made some recommendations to go with our dessert which proved excellent. He was so professional, I felt I was a VIP in some exclusive restaurant rather than just a bar customer. Kudos to Big River for service! We rate Big River 'Recommended' for fresh food, a good drink menu, and outstanding service.

    2/4/09 SC: I ordered a Caesar salad and a bowl of soup. When the waitress brought the salad, I saw on the plate a small narrow head of romaine lettuce, looking like it had just been picked out of the garden. The brown, dirty stem had not been cut off, the head had not been opened or washed and needless to say, the lettuce had not been cut up. Leaning against it was a tiny lattice of some kind of cheese, and across the plate, all by itself, was a small puddle of something, possibly dressing, no more than a teaspoon or two. It was bad enough that the lettuce had not been washed and the salad had not been prepared (and it was missing the usual grated parmesan and croutons) , but to top it off, there was an insect crawling across the plate. I pointed out the insect to the waitress, and she offered to bring me another salad. I said no and explained what else was wrong with the salad. Then she brought the soup in an extremely wide, shallow bowl, which was maybe an inch deep. However, the soup in it was maybe 1/2 an inch deep, so there was hardly any soup in the bowl, and of course it was not even warm. This, plus a beer, and my husband's coffee, salad and appetizer, cost $60. The atmosphere is barren and loud. There are TVs playing all around the bar, but none of them is close enough or large enough to actually see, so it just makes the atmosphere noisier. I can't imagine ever going there again.

    3/22/08 GC: It's a busy week for food. I went to Bar 101 with the same friends I went to Block 15 with. We went because a different friend had suggested them for their skillet cookie. No one was in the mood for drinks, so we can't comment on the quality there, but we can comment on the food. We originally had only wanted to order desert, but we got there and saw the menu and just couldn't resist. My friend ordered the lettuce wraps, which we all snacked on and enjoyed immensely. I ordered their Pomme Frites with a mustard dipping sauce that were quite delicious. Letting temptation getting the best of us, the three of us decided to order both the Skillet cookie, and their Banana Split, both were amazing. Big river knows how to make deserts, so I would have hoped their bar deserts would be just as good. If you are in the mood for a light meal I would recommend going to 101 instead of Big River, I liked their food a lot better; their menu was much more creative. It is recommended by the three of us definitely, and we plan on returning now that the weather is starting to turn. Their fries could be a bit better if double fried for that extra crispness, but that's not everyone's favorite so perhaps the option to double fry. Recommended, we have some really nice bars in Corvallis.

    3/13/08 BC: We kind of stumbled on this newer place's Happy Hour as we needed to eat an early pre-movie dinner and intended to go to Big River but it opened at 5 and 101 opened at 4:30. The place is very nicely put together with a nice water feature behind the bar. For Happy Hour (4:30 - 6:30 I believe) beers on tap were $2 and you could get $2 off on cocktails. The food is of the "small plate" variety and it was good and fresh and well-presented. Not cheap bar food -- most items were around $10 I had the Asian chicken wraps which were delish and more than enough for dinner. Since it was early, we were almost the only ones there but I'll bet it gets pretty busy in the later evening. I'd recommend it as a good place for a small group of friends (I think it was all booths and they seat 4) or as a decent date sort of a place. It is kind of a nicer version of Cloud 9 but I cannot tell you if the drinks are as good as I did not have one.

    2/11/08 [Ed Note: the following response is from the owner / GM of Big River. We encourage responses and comments from restaurant onwership and management!!] As local business owners living in Corvallis, we appreciate the opportunity for community members to share their experiences at local restaurants on this site and the many other review forums out there. Not only do these types of sites give people a chance to see different viewpoints to help them make decisions on where they will patronize, it also provides the opportunity for business owners to hear candid feelings about their establishments. While the Internet is one venue for people to express their feelings, in the best interest of both local business owners and their patrons, a good old-fashioned conversation with business management can often go a long way in turning a bad experience into a great one. As responsible business owners who make every attempt to retain customers and make every visit enjoyable, please give us the opportunity to do so by informing us of the issues you experience while at either of our restaurants.

    Brant Pollard
    Owner/General Manager
    Big River Restaurant

  • Tel: 757-0694
  • Addr: 101 NW Jackson Ave
  • Web: http://www.bigriverrest.com/
  • Local Music in the Bar.

    Block 15 Restaurant & Brewery

    Block 15 opened in early 2008. Our initial impressions of the customer service there were not too good, but that has changed. Now their service is good, even though it might take a little while to get your food. Of course, the beer is wonderful. On the food side, it's ok. They are better than McMenamins without a doubt. But, it's nothing special. The atmosphere is annoyingly loud, like many similar establishments. A little sound-deadening material in the ceiling and walls would go a long way. You gotta like the chalk-board table-tops though. If you can deal with the above, I'd give Block 15 in Corvallis a recommended rating. Rating: B.

    8/13/08 MS: Corvallis got a real brew pub. The beer here is good and the selection varies frequently. I like the Printmasters pale. Nice sharp, crisp beer that has a good amount of hops. Very drinkable. As for the food here, it can be hit and miss. I^Òve had a few burgers that were great and some that were so-so. The biggest thing seems to be if they are overcooked. Fries are twice fried, beer batter so they are generally crisper then real fresh hand cut fries (like you get a Squirell^Òs or McMin^Òs). I^Òve had a number of other things here (fish and chips, sausage and mash, Rueben, BLT, ^Å) and most fit the bill of being standard pub fare. Not a bad thing if that^Òs what you are in the mood for. The place is low key and family friendly. Recommended.

    4/15/08 TN: Having been to Block 15 numerous times I would highly recommend this LOCAL BREWERY any day. Lets start with the beer, being a home brewer for 6 years I'm grinning ear to ear having block 15. Corvallis was in need of a brewery other than Oregon trail and i don't even count Mcmenamins, their beer is terrible. Not trying to diss on Oregon trail but their selection is low. The variety and quality of beer at Block 15 is what we needed in C-town, just look at their brewery! Printmasters Pale: great beer brewed to style, good hop aroma and flavor. great citrus hop finish...Highly recommended IPA: Bitter, truly hoppy and intense. Northwest hop lovers will love this beer. Recommended Ridgeback Red: Great red beer with good hop tones and nice malt background. Being at 6.5% percent alcohol (website Block 15.com) ... hardly a mild beer. Highly recommended Stout: I'm pretty sure the brewer is medal winner in this style and everyone I know that's had it has loved it. I haven't tried it yet but i will next time! Belgian: Great malt and yeast flavor and true to style. Recommended GLO: Great session beer, crisp clean and refreshing. On the lower side of alcohol content so i can have a couple and without feeling too tipsy. Recommended These are the beers I have tried so far. The food is good, they have an amazing pulled pork sandwich. If you like smoked meats then this is a must. Great local brewery with a laid back atmosphere. I would highly recommend trying this restaurant and then write your review. Support your local businesses.

    3/27/08 SG: Tried the new restaurant in town for lunch and I would give it a "recommended" rating. I had a small "BBQ styled dressing" salad with chicken and it was good, although maybe an extra piece of garlic bread would have been nice. But, it had good flavor and the greens were fresh and crisp. My lunch associate had the pulled pork sandwich (for the second time in a week there) so it must have been good the first time around too. The fries looked very good, and there were plenty of them. The place was clean, although a little cool inside. I can't wait to try the beers next time.

    3/21/08 GC: Last night (the 20th) I went to Block 15 with some friends, and my wife. It was slow to start, but once our food came to us, it was good. The chalkboard tables help pass the time when you initially wait for service. Once service came, the waitress was really nice, and knowledgeable about other bars in the area. I had the lasagna and enjoyed it immensely. My wife had the fish and chips, also a great meal. The Pub nachos are made with fresh ingredients, and in no way are velvetta-craptastic, my wife, who has hated nachos since a bad experience in New Zealand, enjoyed them as much as the rest of us. My friend said the chicken sandwich was the best he had ever had. Quite the feat, he is picky in his food stuffs. My only complaint is that when wandering out of the bathroom into the game room, you walk directly in front of the dart boards. I almost had a dart thrown at me, but luckily they saw me coming. They should put up a bar to block passage in front of the dart boards. Especially being a bar, and everyone being intoxicated. All and all it was a great experience. Definitely recommended. I forgot to mention that my friend had the beer sampler, and enjoyed it as well. His girlfriend ordered the Block 15 Ice Tea, quite the stiff drink, but definitely worth the money. Our meal came to 48.25 with everything, which is pretty well priced for the area.

    3/13/08 RM: Been to Block 15 three times now. The beer really is wonderful and even better since they make so much of it on location. Be ready to relax and not be in a hurry, slow service. The golden and IPA stand out as great beers. Dig the simple and understated atmosphere. Having a chalk board as a table is a nice creative twist for downtown Corvallis. McMenamins watch out because the staff service is so much better for a new restaurant/pub, they seem to care. But they need to be careful about the cold food that should be hot! Two out three times is the food has been cold. No one should eat a cold burger! Not so cool and the staff seems embarrassed about it. The last time we told them and the owner responded and for that reason I will try it a few more times. Squirrelâ^À^Ùs has the best burgers and better bar service in town for the right price. Block 15 needs to ramp up the service and work out some of the kitchen problems, then I think we will have another great place to hang out, eat and drink great beer. Recommend trying Block 15.

    3/13/08 HD: I have tried this place twice in the last two weeks. I am not favorably impressed. Last week I spent $7.50 for a turkey sandwich that was nothing special; I was expecting better turkey on the sandwich, not the thin sliced deli turkey. If you order the turkey sandwich, ask them to leave the onions off, who really wants a thick slice of onion to overpower a turkey and cheese sandwich? Today I spent $6.50 for chicken tenders. The chicken tenders were fine, the fries were greasy and limp. I know some people like them that way, though. I also had a $3.00 root beer (specially brewed onsite). It was very disappointing; I think A & W and Henry Weinhard's both have better root beer. The wait staff is friendly, however both times I have had to hunt the waitress down to ask for my check after my meal. Finally, their price on growlers seems very high to me at $11 to fill during the week, $13 for IPA, and on weekends the special price is $7 / $8 for IPA. Go to the Ram in Salem; they have $4.50 growlers on weekends, and a punch card that gives you the 7th growler free.

    3/12/08 DB: We went to block 15 after Rhapsody in the vineyard this weekend and even though it was very crowded, the beer was good! We had a double belgium, their IPA, and their golden. All were great. We didn't eat anything but entertained ourselves playing darts and shuffleboard.

    3/7/08 KM: After anticipating the opening of Block 15 for so long, I am saddened to report it is a mediocre place to eat and drink. The atmosphere and decor are great for family dining. The wait staff friendly. The pasta dishes are OK but nothing to go on about. Pesto pasta is merely OK. The marinara sauce more like spaghetti sauce. We looked forward to drinking some great tasting beer and and were greatly disappointed. The red was too mild and the dark, while better, just didn't compare to most. All in all I would rather spend an evening at McMenamins. I would, however, rate this as suggested and intend to go back to try the burgers.

  • Web: http://www.block15.com

    Bomb's Away Cafe

    It's been a year or so since we've been there, but the food was decent. It is a college hangout-type place. They have a bar in back. Rating: C+.

    5/28/09 BB: We had bomb's away catering are [at our] company picnic and I wasn't to thrilled about having them two years in a row, i think the food should have been alot better for the price of the catering.

    11/13/08 RD: One of my favorite places to eat in Corvallis is Bombs Away. It is next to a college campus and usually has a beverage special, so expect a raucous atmosphere. Items from the main menu are unexceptional Tex-Mex, although the tostadas are notable with fresh greens and corn salsa, and the Bomber nachos are popular. Look instead to the dinner specials. From there I have found some of the best prepared lamb and fish dishes in town (try the lamb shanks, if listed), and at a much lower price than places like Big River. The meals can be spicy, but can usually be prepared with a milder sauce (just ask), and on a related note, avoid the Diablo sauce unless you can stand the heat. The meats and vegetables are usually (if not always) organic and fresh. As mentioned before, there's usually a beverage special, so they are sometimes crowded (like Tuesday nights, micro-brews $2), the service is irregular, and they charge for chips and salsa even when you order dinner. In spite of that, it gets my recommendation.

    7/8/08 BC: I felt like I had to give a more positive spin to Bombs Away. We go there fairly regularly, especially on Tuesdays for $2 pint night, but I have to admit that part of the allure is that it is fairly close to home. I like their wet burritos with Christmas sauce, their tofu shitake nachos and the fact that I always see people I know there. My friends enjoy their other cheap drink nights. My only complaint is that I think they serve their beer a bit too warm although they say it is the "optimum temperature". Bombs also features some good bands at night during the school year. Not the best place for music but practically the only place in Corvallis with good rockin' music and some room to dance.

    And: Food is not great but a nice casual atmosphere. Suggested.

    And more: Their tex mex style food comes with good seasoning and generous portions. Daily specials sheet is the place to turn to for some of the most creative food in town. Pork quesadilla is usually one of the dishes we get if we don^Òt get specials. Soups are hearty and a cup with bread or tortilla is enough for a light dinner.

    And: Many good veg. options, and the food is mostly locally grown. Almost always like what I get. Recommended.

    6/17/07: The smoothies are alright. The service is less than desired. If you don't mind waiting around and being asked several times what you ordered, try it. Not Suggested

  • Tel: 757-7221
  • Addr: 2527 NW Monroe Ave
  • Web: http://www.bombsawaycafe.com/

    Bottom's Up Cafe

    Has a new name. No review, please submit!

  • Addt: 2305 NW Monroe, Corvallis

    The Broken Yolk

    Based on the number of negative reviews, we don't really recommend The Broken Yolk. But, it looks like they are improving. They are worth checking out, and we hope the upward trend continues. Rating: C+.

    4/30/09 HD: I went to the Broken Yolk today for lunch; ordered Eggs Benny. You would think that a place that specializes in breakfast would have a clue how to poach an egg......but mine were HARD cooked, and pretty much inedible. I could have bounced it on the floor. I mentioned it to the waitress; she wanted to know if she could take my plate back and `have the cook try again'. Since I was on a limited lunch break and with two other people, I told her that I don't have time......when we got the bill, I was charged full price. I certainly didn't expect them to comp my bill, but a reduction on the price would have been appropriate, in my opinion. Lesson learned.....the other stuff looked good, but if I go back there, I definitely won't be ordering Eggs Benny again. I have to agree with the other reviews about the Eggs Benny.....black forest ham was nothing special; I prefer Canadian bacon, and the muffins should be toasted first.

    8/13/08 MS: I went here with family for breakfast. It may be a while before I go back. Had the Eggs Benedict. Mostly inoffensive, though the sauce was a little funky. The ham was just run of the mill black forest. All in all an unmemorable dish that I won^Òt try again. The homefries were bad. They reminded me more of tater tots the way they had been fried (that said, my 4 year old loved ^Ñem). The only way I^Òd go here again is with family from out of town and my choices are here or one of the chains. Not Suggested.

    7/8/08 BC: I agree that they are improving although the service there is always a bit "odd". One time they could not make change for a $50 bill! We've never experienced having to wait for a table and we have only gone on the weekend. We like the decor and the food is good and they try to use local organic ingredients when possible. We've only been there for breakfast and our one complaint is that they do not have real maple syrup for pancakes. We'd be willing to pay extra for a real syrup option. The potato scramble dishes are good and they give you a lot of food. I'd recommend this as a decent spot for breakfast downtown

    4/1/08 WM: Broken Yolk did not have it together when they first opened. They received lots of (deserved) bad reviews and they have responded. I've been back recently and BY and Sam's are my two faves for breakfast in Corvallis. Broken Yolk definitely has the larger menu and is a little more accommodating, service has improved dramatically and wait time has decreased. Give them another chance, it's worth the trip.

  • Addr: 3rd St. Corvallis

    Chada

    Has closed. An Indian food joint (Nirvana) has opened in it's place. See the review below
  • Tel: 757-8223
  • Addr: 1945 NW 9th Street

    China Blue

    MH 7/15/07: China Blue has been under new management since February 2007. Here it is July, and we just tried it last night. I'm kicking myself for not going sooner. This is now my favorite restaurant in Corvallis. The food we had was excellent, some even exquisite: fresh and healthy. The new menu is huge, with Cantonese, Mandarin, and Szechuan sections, and more. Food is reasonably priced. Since there was so much to decide, the manager sat down with me and we discussed what I should get. I asked that the dishes not have any sugar in them: no problem, their chef changes recipes for individuals' needs. I decided on Singapore Noodles with vermicelli rice noodles, shrimp, chicken, BBQ pork, pea pods, and other fresh vegetables with a light yellow dry curry. We also had Mongolian Beef with green onions, white onions, and lots of green peppers in a spicy sauce; and Mar Far Chicken, with a variety of tasty vegetables with varied textures and flavors. All very, very good. The meats and shrimp are moist, the pea pods a little crisp, as they're supposed to be. As we watched a samurai movie while eating our delicious take-out, we commented many times to each other how great the food was. The Singapore curry rice noodles were to die for, but you won't die from this food, because it's healthy. The new China Blue has super healthy choices, such as steamed dishes, brown rice, and no-salt and no-sugar options for the very health conscious. No trans fats and no MSG. They have a vegan section, too. As I eat the leftovers now after they've been chilling a night in the refrigerator, there is no congealed fat. A much needed service to Corvallis, China Blue now delivers after 5 pm. I took a couple of smaller menus with me, one for calling in orders, and the other to share with a friend. I had a Buy Two Get One Free coupon, so this is a good way to try more options. There is a lot of delicious territory to explore here. By the way, their take out is in the traditional paper boxes, we got no styro or plastic, except for the bag to put it all in.

    China Delight

    Somewhat boring Chinese food. China Delight is attached to motel (but is seperately owned). Why is it so hard to find good Chinese food in Corvallis?

    And: Sold a while back and food is slowly declining (and it was never that great to begin with). Best Chinese food in Corvallis, but that's not saying much. Suggested.

    10/16/08 SE: China Delight is my favorite Chinese restaurant, hands down. They make the best Hot and Sour soup in the state. (And yes, I've eaten lots of Chinese food elsewhere.) When I was in Corvallis more often, I ate there weekly; now I'm lucky to get there once a month, but I'll drive over there just for the soup. They still remember my standard side order was: hot and sour soup, World Peace tea (which they no longer make, unfortunately), steamed rice. Just off the top of my head, they have fantastic kung pao, excellent General Tso's chicken, and marvelous Mongolian beef. And wonderful service! They always greet me by name and ask how friends I eat with are doing. I don't know where the rest of your readers have been eating or if someone was having a bad day when they visited, but good grief, they don't deserve to be panned like that.

    7/23/07 ED: China Delight has the best Chinese food in Corvallis. The service is usually good. The setting outside is absurdly pathetic with the adjacent econolodge blocking what would otherwise be a nice river view. If you like Chinese food, the setting is the worst thing about the place, which you quickly get over. The menu is large, and there are a lot of healthy options like brown rice and the vegetables are always good. The best stuff in my opinion is the Chinese food prepared without breading. Standards like fried rice and appetizers are pretty solid, too.

    7/28/07 NM: Forgot that they sold the place. Went there for takeout because I can't have MSG, and Peter Leung (former owner) didn't add it. If it wasn't a Friday, and I wasn't so tired, I would have taken my order back. Since when is Fried Rice steamed rice colored with soy sauce? The ginger beef had so much soy sauce, I couldn't eat it. The kung pao chicken was the worst I've ever tried. Dumped all of it. Forgive me for not sugar-coating this. My husband & I will never go back there.

  • Tel: 753-3753
  • Addr: 325 NW 2nd St

    The Chippery

    Closed in Dec. 2007. Downward Dog (see Cloud 9) has opened in it's place.

    Cirellos

    Best pizza in Corvallis. Try it! The crust is thin, and crisp and the toppings are tasty. It's the usual Pizza joint atmosphere. Highly Recommended. A+.

    3/10/09 SL: We had a pizza taste test one evening with friends. We ordered three pizzas with the same toppings, one from each of the following restaurants: Cirello's, Woodstock's, and American Dream. Everyone agreed that Cirello's was the best. It scored high on: crust - crispy yet chewy (and I don't normally like crust); sauce - flavorful; and toppings - they don't skimp. It has something special. Overall we think it's the best pizza in town.

    3/8/08 BC: Cirello's makes a great pizza! I get the Mr C where you can pick your own 5 ingredients so my fave is pesto sauce with artichoke hearts, feta, olives and sundried tomatoes. I like Curello's even better than American Dream but that may be because I do the campus Dream at lunch a but when the slices are not so fresh.

    And: I absolutely agree on Cirello's, an easily overlooked storefront at 9th and Circle.  My wife and I usually order the Pizano.  If you had told me before that a broccoli, feta, garlic, and black pepper would become one of my favorite pies, I'd have called you nuts, but so it is.  Cirello's makes what I classify as a thick and sloppy pizza.  Not a deep-dish, but a relatively thick hand-tossed crust.  Still crispy on the outside, though.  Plenty of sauce and cheese.  You'll need extra napkins.  Highly recommended.

    And: I've eaten most of the pizza types here as I used to work there. Good pizza if you eat in. Crust gets very soggy for the takeaway. Suggested.

    And: Recommended: love their 'RJC' with extra garlic.

    5/9/07: One of my favorite pizzas intown, but do not think it works to order it to go. I love Meg's Specail with 3 kinds of cheese and the salad bar with a local cold beer! Suggested for sure.

    6/17/07: Best pizza I have EVER had. Highly Recommended

  • Tel: 754-9199
  • Addr: 919f NW Circle Blvd.
  • Web: No Independent Web Site

    Clodfelters

    Goof burgers and pub food. This is a college joint, so if you like that kind of stuff, this place somewhat is recommended. If not, stay away! Rating: B-.

    Hamburgers are 'OK'. Definitely not the best place for a burger and beer in Corvallis, but does have sports coverage. Suggested.

  • Tel: 758-4432
  • Addr: 1501 NW Monroe, Corvallis

    Cloud 9 / Downward Dog

    Corvallis is fortunate to have another hip dining option. C9 offers an extensive appetizer, small plates, and entree menu. Ko Atteberry, formerly of the Heathman in Portland, is the chef. Of course, they have a large cocktail/bar offering as well. There is both restaurant and bar seating.

    The food at C9 is good, and the service is decent. Cloud 9 (September 2008) has recently installed carpet, which really improves the acoustics of the place, which used to be an issue. Prices are in line with the area. Cloud 9 serves lunch as well. Cloud 9 has opened a bar next door (in the former Chippery location). The bar (named the "Downward Dog") has a warm feeling. We like the atmosphere of the bar. Cloud 9 is also available for private events. Both Cloud 9 and Downward Dog are Recommended. Rating: A-.

    Here are their current hours:

    C9:
    Lunch
    Tuesday - Saturday 11:30AM - 2PM

    Dinner
    Mon - Thurs 5 - 9PM
    Fri - Sat 5 - 10PM

    Downward Dog:
    Mon - Wed 4PM - 1AM
    Thurs - Sat 4PM - 2AM

    2/24/09 HG: Dinner at C9 tonight was a real pleasure. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming and the staff were all very friendly, professional and working like a well trained team should. The drinks and food were delicious and well presented. Theyâ^À^Ùve managed to capture a very enjoyable aura here that is simultaneously fine and casual, with the taste of gourmet and the comfort of a summer afternoon back yard BBQ. In a wordâ^À¦Sweet. Highly recommended.

    7/8/08 BC: We finally made it to Cloud Nine and we are glad we did! Went for a workday lunch so we did not have a chance to try out any of their drinks. We had great personalized service as we were the only customers there the whole time! We tried the grilled fish tacos which were good and the 5-bean burger which was great and came with a nice fresh greens salad (I think you can also choose fries). There were quite a few interesting sounding dishes on the menu and we plan to return when we can try a drink or two.

    12/16/07 CJ: We've been here three or four times and have loved the drinks. The atmosphere is cavernous and cold feeling. The food is...okay to not too good. I had a cabbage salad that had no flavor at all. A black bean burger was just okay. The stuffed peppers were pretty good. Generally, the food isn't improving unfortuntely. I'd recommend paring it down to croud pleasing eats they can do REALLY well and consentrate on great beverages and night fun. It's a perfect venue for partying. Want to Recommend but...[Ed note: some of the menu items mentioned have not been offered for some time, so some of this review may be outdated - Ed]

    And: I liked the service overall, but felt the food was okay not great. I have been to Cloud 9 twice and had hit and miss on the cocktails. I really liked what Cloud did with the Crow Bar drinks, he seems like a fantastic bartender and is super creative with his drinks. So when I spend over $7 for a drink I would like it be wonderful and I have yet to be impressed with Cloud 9's drinks. When the appitizers are small and the drinks are not great, it will be a hard sell to make me go back, but I will try a few more times!

    5/29/07: I really really like the Sazerac they do there. I have had others in Bars/Restaurants in Portland and one particularly sticks out as being horrible in comparison. I had it at the Bluehour in Portland. Also they have added new drinks to the drink menu within the last couple of weeks. One of them that i have tried and like is the Lotus Blossom. It is a great drink with sake in it of all things. Also I really like the Oregon Bay Shrimp Melt and for only $9 it is a steal. The best shrimp i have had in Oregon. There is also outdoor seating now. I agree that it can get loud with a lot of people in there. I agree that some appetizers are small.

    6/17/07: Fun place to hang out. The food is good and there are a variety of choices available. Recommended

  • Cloud 9 is a site supporter
  • Open Tues & Weds 4PM till Midnight.
  • Open Thurs, Fri Sat 4PM till 1AM.
  • Tel: 753-9990
  • Addr: 126 SW 1st St. Corvallis
  • Web: http://www.dinecloud9.com
  • Coffee Culture

    12/30/08 BC: They just started offering beer and wine for sale and will be having live music on some evenings. They also now offer some additional "real food" breakfasts (not just pastries and quiche) and have expanded their lunch offerings. Recommended.

    11/6/08 MS: You need to add coffee culture to your list of restaurants. Their food and atmosphere is fantastic. I love the KC special - grilled cheese panini and tomato bisque soup. I don't even like tomato soup - but I can't seem to get enough of it! I recently tried a Hot Buttered Rum White Mocha as suggested by one of the staff and now I am craving them!


    Creekside Coffee Cafe

    My friend Henry loves the people and the place.

    11/4/08 MS: My mom and I love this place! The atmosphere is warm and welcome. The owner, Nancy is a terrific person. Great coffee, great treats - an all around relaxing place to sit and have a nice time.

    3/8/08 BC: Henry would be disappointed as the two sisters who used to own it sold it. It is not as homey and friendly as it used to be but they do sell my drink (soy Oregon Chai) and since I get that to go, it does not matter much to me!)

  • Tel: 752-8098
  • Addr: 5210 SW Philomath Blvd.

    Darrell's Restaurant

    Darrell's is kind of an old-school greasy spoon. There is also an attached bar, the "Amber Room". If you're into that scene, recommended. Rating: B.

    6/13/09 PL: Hi there, I just wanted to say thank you.  I am visiting Corvallis and I was craving a real down-home, slippery grease breakfast at noon.  I looked online for "Corvallis Greasy Spoon" and your site was one of the top hits on Google.  I went to Darrell's today and it was exactly what I wanted, and exactly as you described.  As a side note, I noticed that they serve Freixenet splits for $3.50 (I didn't get one because it was only noon) but I am pretty sure this is a sweet deal.  They sell those in restaurants in Southern Oregon for 6-7 bucks.  Kind of a classy kick.  Thanks again,

    And: Great place for greasy diner food. If you're craving a standard US diner breakfast this is it. If not, stay away. Suggested (for what it is).

  • Tel: 752.6364
  • Addr: 2200 NW 9th St., Corvallis
  • Web: No Independent Web Site

    El Presidente Restaurant

    Bland "Mexican" food. Service is ok, and prices are ok, but El Presidente is not Recommended. Rating: C-.

    And: It^Òs been many years since I've eaten here (OK, it was the Beaver hut before that and I never went there). That should say enough. Not Recommended.

  • Tel: 752-1360
  • Addr: 1120 NW 2nd St.
  • Web: No Independent Web Site
  • Karaoke on some nights

    El Tapatio

    Not as bland and boring as most. Somewhat recommended.

    And: It has good chips and salsa. After that it is completely unremarkable. Not Recommended. Rating: C-.

    3/8/08 BC: El Tapatio is now another El Sol de Mexico. They have always been owned by the same people. For some reason, the 9th street location has better food imho and the wait staff on Circle is never very friendly. I like El Sol's chicken mole.

    And: El Tapatio is probably the most reliable Mexican restaurants in this town. You can always count on prompt, friendly service and much better than average Mexican food here. As a native Californian who has some knowledge of what good Mexican food is, El Tapatio serves at least that!

    6/17/07: Great mexican food, very very poor service. If you can handle not having great service, go. I feel the food is worth it. Suggested

  • Tel: 758-1735
  • Addr: 1845 NW Circle Blvd
  • Web: No Independent Web Site

    El Sol de Mexico

    Another place dishing out bland food. We were there for a wedding dinner, and it was not a great experience. EL Sol de Mexico is not Recommended: rating C.

    10/5/08 TR: Highly recommended for those with food allergies. My family and I visited El Sol and let them know that I was allergic to soy. They went and got their manager (a good sign) and he ended up waiting on us personally, checking every single ingredient and laying out exactly what I could and couldn't eat (no deep-fried foods, no desserts). It was a busy Friday night and they were so kind and helpful, and the food was great too

    And: Not good. A bit expensive and the food is very run of the mill (or worse). Might be recommended.

    And: This is one of our favorite Mexican restaurants between Corvallis and Albany. Good service, nice, relaxing atmosphere, clean, and the best chili relleno's around.

    And 5/29/07: I really like El Sol. I had no idea others disliked it until i saw the review on your site. I took my friend from Mexico and he told us that this is what food tastes like in Mexico or at least the closest he has had in the States.

  • Tel: 752-9299
  • Addr: 1597 NW 9th St
  • Web: http://www.elsoldemexico.cc/sesites/elsoldemexico/default.asp?pcd=sesites-elsoldemexico

    Enoteca Wine Bar

    3/7/09 RK: My wife and I arrived at Enoteca at 8:30 on a Saturday night following dinner. Enoteca is a wine bar located next to Iovino's on south 1st street. The atmosphere is wonderful. I guess I would call it comfortable modern with glass and contemporary architecture, soft leather chairs, and a beautiful solid agate bar. There was a live band, Gumbo, playing mostly what I would call folk, Creole music. They were amazing and apparently play at Enoteca the first Saturday of every month. Despite the excellent atmosphere and music there were only two other customers in the bar. At first I could not figure out why, until I ordered wine and food. Apparently Enoteca only has the minimum food required by law. They did not have a bar menu displayed and when asked, the server mentioned that there were some cold food items available and chocolate truffles for dessert. Oh well, I thought, I am really here to drink wine. Then I learned that they only had 4 reds available by the glass and two of them were cheap supermarket wines! They did have a Tuscan red 'flight' available for $19, so I tried that. The wines were excellent but not my favorite style. I then inquired about port wine. Not only did they not have any port wine by the glass, they did not even have a bottle in stock. I consider this inexcusable for a wine bar! My wife and I would have gladly stayed all night and spent a lot of money to have dessert, fine wine, and listen to the excellent music. But, alas, we tipped the band and left the empty wine bar in search of... well, wine! We rate Enoteca 'Not Recommended' for lack of selection of wine and food appropriate to any wine bar. We may come back for some great free music and atmosphere though.

    Emmons Meat Market

    Emmons has great BBQ (and other) sandwiches. Their smoked ham and other meat products are good as well. (We buy grind to make sausage from them...the fat content is perfect) Highly recommended. Rating: A.

    12/15/08 TB: Emmons Meat market has some of the best jerky I have ever had. Our family has been buying it from them for nearly two decades and it is incredibly yummy! We send it out for gifts to friends/family who like jerky and seem to always "hint" to us if we are getting them more around Christmas or a birthday. They have samples of all their jerky so try it out and see for yourself. I have asked the owner (original owner passed away) over the years why they haven't started selling this stuff world wide on the internet but they always tell me they are happy with just doing it the way they have been since they started. I think the sons took it over with staff working there that have been there for years and years it seems like. Must be a good sign they treat their folks well and probabally why their jerky is so darn good! We have purchased the smoke salmon (black pepper) too which is very good. They sell all sorts of other meat products that I would assume are top notch as well but highly recommend the jerky. They have it in pork, turkey, beef and buffalo with some rare occassions with other meats too. It is a little expensive but jerky in general is expensive so I don't think they are too out of line for the quality of jerky you get.

    6/17/07: Amazing prices on their meat and good sandwiches. Emmons also has frozen dog bones for great prices and they always have samples of jerky and smoked salmon to try before you buy. Highly Recommended

  • Tel: 753.5005
  • Addr: 29545 Highway 34

    Endzone

    The Endzone closed quite awhile ago. Block 15 has opened in it's place.

    Evergreen

    Only Indian restaurant in Corvallis. I love good Indian food. I dislike mediocre Indian food. I don^Òt eat there. Needless to say, if you are more forgiving than I you might like it. Suggested. Rating: B.

    7/9/08 TB: I just found your web site the other day and I was amazed at how frequently your reviews mirrored my own impressions . I must disagree with your review of Evergreen Indian Restaurant . I find their food is exceptional both in flavor and value . The Tikka Masala is great. We usually order the Tandori mixed grill thali dinner . It feeds my wife and I with plenty left over . Their sauces are superb . I'm not a fan of Buffet so I haven't tried theirs . A gentleman who I believe is one of the owners was helpful in helping us choose various meals .

    And: The Chicken Koorma was very tasty because of the light and not too spicy curry. We also enjoyed the presentation of the Chicken Tikkikabob. The Mango Lassi was SO delicious. We all had it and it was sweet and refreshing. If you don't like spice, be sure to order the Masala Dosa, which is delicious but not too spicy. Highly Recommended


    Fox and Firkin

    Jan 09: They are currently closed and for sale.

  • Tel: (541) 753-8533
  • Addr: 202 S.W. 1st Ave., Corvallis
  • Occasional Live Music
  • Non-Smoking

    The Gables

    Has closed.

    Gathering Together Farm

    This is a great place (it's near Philomath, but close enough to Corvallis to count). It is a combination organic farm and restaurant. They have lunch, as well as brunch every other Sunday. The food is fresh (much of it is from the farm), well prepared, and presented quite nicely. Participate in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) at GTF. Highly Recommended! Rating: A.

  • Tel: 541.929.4270
  • Addr: 25159 Grange Hall Road, Philomath, OR
  • Web: www.gatheringtogetherfarm.com
  • Locally Owned
  • Farm Produce Available

    8/13/08 MS: Been here for the breakfast brunch a couple of times. The food is fresh and very good. You start off with a long bar a varies ^Ñstarters^Ò with a good assortment of both sweet (little pastries, cookie like things, ^Å) and savory (smoked salmon, cheeses, stuffed mushrooms, ^Å) rounded out with fruit. After you have a selection of about six main dishes. Add to that fresh orange juice and a French press of coffee on you table and you have a good spread. I would list this as a treat for just about anyone. Highly Recommended.


    Francesco's

    1/21/09 BR: Really tasty gelato in a rainbow of flavors. Espresso drinks are good. The surprise was the lunch menu: somewhat higher-end flavors (e.g. Tuscan Tuna) with a changing cast of cold salads. The Panini are tasty, although sometimes come out a bit cool in the center. That said, the staff has always been more than happy to rectify the situation. Nice soups as well. The decor is a bit sparse, but evokes the Italian countryside and is quite pleasant. Check out the upstairs, complete with the burbling sounds of a fountain. Highly recommended.


    Grempseys

    Has closed.

  • Tel: 758-0096
  • Addr: 370 SW Western Blvd, Corvallis

    Harrison Street Grill

    It's a (failed) concept of an American-Chinese-Italian cuisine, done in a family style fashion. Not recommended. Rating: C-.

    12/30/08 BC: All I can say is that I cannot believe this place is still open. My mom taught me if you can't say something nice, do not say anything at all so detect silence here.

    12/13/08 WD: A group of us (about 10 people) went to Harrison Street Bar and Grill for a social dinner. Luckily, there were people to talk to as it took my mind off of how long it took to get our food. We were waited on fairly quickly after arriving and ordered. That was, however, the last of any quickness during our stay. It took quite a while (at least 45 minutes) for the first meal to be served and it took another 30 minutes before the last meal was served (which, by the way, was chicken strips - why so long for chicken strips?) The food overall was below average, although my chicken was average tasting. Some of the fries were inedible and some of the plates were cold, as if they came out of the refrigerator before putting hot food on them. The beer was good though (the only reason I would return is for a beer). The atmosphere is definitely on a downward trend (I have visited this establishment off and on over the years - ever since it was Tarasco's Mexican restaurant - and it just keeps getting worse). Overall rating: Not Recommended.

    9/4/08 HD: They have a new owner, and it has gone further downhill. A couple of weeks ago I went to lunch with a couple of people; two of us ordered chicken Caesar salad. We waited for about 15 minutes and the waiter came back to ask what kind of dressing we wanted with those Caesar salads....HUH? How about Caesar dressing? 10 minutes later we were still waiting, no sign of the waiter, nobody else in the restaurant, so we got up and left. Not sure if they ever brought out those salads or not.

    8/13/08 MS: I ate here once for lunch. As the owner is Asian I decided to go with one of the curries. I got the chicken in yellow curry. Not good, though edible. Very bland (despite being billed as spicy). The decor looks like it trending to being a college hangout for the greek/party crowd. If you are looking for pub food or a curry you can do better in Corvallis. Not Suggested.

    SC 8/30/07: Overpriced for very low-quality food, poorly prepared, some under-cooked, some over-cooked. It made us wonder why someone would invest the money, time and energy to open a new restaurant that is so far below the level of most restaurants here. We would rate this lower than most chain restaurants.

    DC 8/31/07: Went here on a Monday night recently and the place was fairly empty. We were in a hurry to get to a movie and the service was very quick and friendly. I had Spicy Pork and it was unbelievable. I wasn't super impressed with the menu, but what I got was so good I will go back and have that again. My husband got Battered Halibut dinner and he said it was ok, but I gave him several bites of mine and he loved it and wants to go back for that too. Recommended for the Spicy Pork (by the way, wasn't too spicy)


    Headwaters Restaurant

    We have eaten there a couple of times last year. The service is great, the food good, and portions are filling. Atmosphere is quiet. Rating: B+.

    HT 3/14/09: This restaurant has an experienced Greek chef who puts out foods with an amazing international flair (check out their website). The offerings change frequently, and there are holiday buffets available as well. We have been back several times, and the service and food are impeccable! Last night, we would have thought we were in the big city, by the professional and attentive waiter we had. The soft background music enhanced our conversation as we lingered in our cozy booth, savoring every bite! Sign up to be on their email list to receive specials and event notifications. Highly recommended!

  • Addr: 9th St., in the Salbasgeon Inn
  • Web: www.salbasgeon.com/content/headwaters

    Hot Diggity Dog

    Is out of business.

    Fireworks Restaurant and Bar

    (Formerly known as Intaba and Wildfire) Fireworks feels good, and they focus on local, organic, sustainable food. The atmosphere is generally good. We'll talk about that first. We were in there on a Friday night with live music. We would have enjoyed the experience better without the music, and Fireworks would have saved some money. Not that the singer was bad, but he was on the cheesy side, and too loud. I really don't like screaming at the other poeple at my table. So, the suggestion would be to turn IT WAY DOWN. Service was attentive, and quick. I had an Oregon Trail beer (local) and my son had a lot of ice with a little soda in it. Come on, it's winter. Soda is cheap, so now it should be a lot of soda with a little ice. Our appetizer was the Dolma, which was fine. The rice in the Dolmas was a bit dry, but the taste was good. For entrees, I had the Lamb "Burger", and my son had the steak shiitake pizza. Both were quite good. The Lamb Burger was served on a tortilla/pita-like thing with greens, sauce, and "pickles". Pizza was cooked right, and all the flavors good. I had the fun flaming (when they make it) spanish coffee, and my son had the very good chocolate mousse thing. Our dinner had a wierd ending, with them bringing out the wireless credit card machine. It was too much self-service, and I suspect it might be that way to save them a couple of cents. My suggestion would be to ditch that, and do it the traditional way. Just too creepy. So, all in all our experience changed my view a bit on Fireworks: to the better. If they can turn down the volume, and get rid of the creepy credit/debit card machine (on a another visit, they did not bring out the machine. They might not always use the "self-service" method), they'd be highly recommended. We had a great time. I'd say give them a try. If you have an open mind, recommended. B. (Spring 2009)

    5/11/09 PS: I first reviewed this restaurant last year. Since that time, I have probably eaten there 3-4 times when visiting my daughter at OSU. It was one of my favorite places in Corvallis. My daughter is no longer at OSU and my wife and I are no longer interested in this place after our experience today. We were traveling through town and drove specifically to this place for lunch. It was mother's day and they were serving brunch and were busy. They got a break for the first error but then it when downhill fast. First we were seated, then we ordered, then we were asked to move to a smaller table. The menu was presented in 3 courses with a choice of entree. The following happened within the hour or so we were there 1) We had to ask, twice for coffee. 2) The complimentary champagne was served in a broken glass. 3) We had to ask twice for our bread course 4) We had to ask twice for our fruit course. 5) My wife's entree was not just cool but fridge cold. 6) My entree was presented as a crab cake platter. My single crab cake was the size of a silver dollar. 7) We asked for the check and the owner no less forgot to bring it. For what we had, even if it were presented well and on time, was not worth the price. I paid 26 bucks for one crab cake, some salad, a cold cinnamon roll, glass of champagne, and fruit. I have no clue how a restaurant can go from being so good to so bad, particularly in service issues. When you are busy, just remember to visit each table, check in and fix things immediately. Don't waste time prepping new glasses or cleaning up the server station. Not going back.

    Here is a response from the owner of Fireworks to the above review: I have contacted this customer and sought to remedy his unhappy experience, offering him our sincere apology and explained that we were very understaffed on Mother's Day - experiencing the highest sales volume we have had in our entire 7 years, despite having cut staffing back to survive the recession. Since receiving his review, I have given the customer a full refund to his credit card, and expected a conversation in response but as of yet have not heard from him. It is unfortunate that we are not able to respond directly to our occasional unhappy customers, and if this gentleman had mentioned his displeasure at the time we certainly would have comp'ed the ticket immediately. It is also important to note that one customer's bad experience is not indicative of the whole: many customers on Sunday told us they loved their meal and are looking forward to their next visit.

    1/21/09 BR: I also really wanted to like this place, but the two times we've been there we left underwhelmed (and lighter in the wallet). My biggest gripe is that the pizza came out undercooked both times I ordered it, which is pretty inexcusable when you have a wood-fired oven. They did re-make them and they came out better, but not with a thin crust rendered bubbly by the high heat. Too many toppings caused it to be a bit greasy and underdone. *sigh* Suggested, if you have quite a bit of spare cash.

  • Tel: 754-6958
  • Bonus Point: *Organic and Sustainable*
  • Web: www.fireworkscuisine.com
  • Addr: South 3rd St, Corvallis

    Iovino's Ristorante Restaurant

    Iovino's moved to the "Corvallis Towers" awhile ago. Several years ago, we received several somewhat nasty emails from the operator of Iovino's. So, we don't have a very high opinion of her and the establishment. But, there have been some management changes and/or additions at Iovino. So, we are hoping that means a change for the good. We've received a comment or two that Iovino's is improving, but it appears it's still very much hit-or-miss. Iovinos has recently (March 09) opened a deli. Not currently recommended. Rating: B-.

    7/5/09 RN: Decided to hit the bar at Iovino's on a Friday night for some cocktails, light dinners and appetizers. Four ladies met and this is what our taste buds told us. The bar is relaxing and pretty, a nice place to get caught up on the week's events. The first round of drinks was a strawberry limoncello martini, which we rated a 6 out of 10. A good rating considering the bartender never heard of the drink and was going on what one of the ladies 'thought' were the key ingredients for this particular drink. In any case, an 'A' for the bartender's effort to please 4 thirsty ladies. The best drink of the night was a lavender lemon drop - wonderful, smooth, and perfect. A good mix of sweet and sour, loved it! If you're on a quest for a good martini, definitely try this one. The worst drink was the whiskey sour made with Jim Beam which tasted like it was from a bad mix. It was hard to finish the drink and that almost never happens with this group. A sweet and sour cocktail was up next, it got a 4/10 on our charts. We asked for it to be more on the tart side and it was way too sweet! One great cocktail out of four at Iovino's was what we came up with, not a great hitting record to brag about. The two bartenders, while nice, seemed too busy for the all the people in the restaurant - it was slow for them to serve us, to get water and then our final check. We wanted dessert but could not get their attention. Darn it. The Tiramisu did sound yummy. While the ambiance of the restaurant is very cool and modern and the food was tasty, the selection of a mere 4 appetizers on the menu was disappointing, as was the lack of specials (unless there were some but were just were not informed of them). Not sure these four woman will return for cocktails soon. Who wants to have appetizers after a long week of work without great cocktails? Not us. We would recommend wine as the better (and safer) bet if you can get some service. We'll just have to try some more places to find the best cocktails and finger foods in town! It is our mission (and our pleasure sans the less than desirable cocktails and service), to serve and above all BE served.

    10/5/08 HM: Good food, but service is hit or miss. I recently went there for my birthday dinner with my husband and we waited a very long time to order, then to get our food and the worst was when we had been there for two hours already and wanted to pay, it took the waiter 20 minutes to come back with our credit card! We thought maybe he had passed out in the back or something.  It was a Sunday night and not busy.  I have been there on another occasion and have had good service, so it must depend on who you get.

    AW 7/22/08: My wife and I went to Iovinos a couple of weeks ago. This is our second visit to their new location. First thing, I get the feeling that I am eating in the lobby of an office building, because I am! That's a little wierd. The decor is beautiful but there appears to be a bunch of missing paintings up high. Overall a really nice looking place. There were breadcrumbs (maybe croutons?) all over the floor near the wall by the stairs but the place was very clean overall. We were seated quickly but then ignored for about 15 minutes. We did not see a single employee except the bartender. I was very close to walking out. There were about 7-8 tables (including outside) on a Friday night! Not busy at all. It's a fairly big restaurant and the upper levels were closed and dark. By the looks of it, I'm not sure they've ever been used. Once we talked to the waitress (who was very, very cool and friendly) things were getting better. The acoustics in that big lobby are boomy and while the piano player was pretty good, the sound was so loud we could not talk until we asked to be moved close to the bar. I say ditch the piano or make sure the pianist knows to tone it way down. Loud, banging ragtime is not called for during a nice Italian dinner. We ordered simple pasta dishes and the artichoke/crostini appetizer. They brought the entrees quickly but forgot the appetizer. The waitress was very apologetic and offered us a free dessert. My wife's entree was cold--which was puzzling because it came so fast and my dish was hot. The food was very good and well presented. The bill was not bad--$28 or so. I go to Iiovinos about once every 18 months. I suppose I'll go back in a year or two and see if it's any better.

    3/12/08 DB: Iovinos afterward [visiting Block 15] however was completely subpar. Their service was immediate and acommodating (we had 6 people instead of our reservations for 4) however I had to call our babysitter after 2 hours because we had not yet recieved our food. We waited 2 hours from the time we ordered until we recieved our food. When the food finally arrived our pork was overdone and definitely not worth the money we paid. They did end up comping all of our appetizers and drinks but it's very fortunate that we were not more demanding or had a show to go to afterward.

  • Tel: 738-9015
  • Addr: 126 SW 1st St
  • Web: No Independent Web Site
  • Reservations are recommended

    Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant

    10/15/08 IA: I was looking at your webpage and noticed you do not mention Ixtapa in Philomath. I love this place and everyone I have taken here loves it too, so far. The service is nice, fast, clean...the mole sauce is one of my favorites...the veggies are all fresh and they use a lot in the veggie options like the fajitas...the fried ice cream is good too=)

  • Tel: 929-5137
  • Addr: 1702 Main St. Philomath 97370

    Kim Hoas Restaurant

    If this place was in Southeast Asia, they;d only make the pho. The pho is great (I like the special beef noodle). The salad rolls are good, as is the BBQ pork noodle (though has a tendency to be a bit cold which makes it great on a hot day, but so-so other than that). I've eaten a number of dishes here and I think they try too hard to cater to different types of people (meaning, don't get teriyaki from a Vietnamese restaurant). Not open on weekends. Highly Recommended (for the suggested dishes).

  • Tel: 754-9751
  • Addr: 1875 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis

    King of Falafel

    Have you ever dreamed of getting a great falafel like the ones in Paris. Me too, and this place is NOT it. The food here is just plain bad (and I like falafels). Not Recommended.

    8/7/07 JB: I just saw the previous review for King of Falafel (we're talking about Crystals on Monroe right) and I have to emphatically disagree. I'm not sure when Paris became the authority or originator of the falafel, and maybe if you're used to pita pit Crystal's is not for you. Anyway, their falafel sandwich is great, and its huge, all you need for a meal.


    La Rockita/La Roca

    La Rokita/La Roca has excellent, authentic Oaxaca style Mexican food. The decor is somewhat lacking, but the food is good (and cheap). Good thing they don't serve beer [the 3rd & Western location now serves beer] otherwise the place would be overrun with college students. Formerly called La Roca, now named La Rockita. Highly Recommended. Rating: A.

    1/21/09 BR: Best Mexican in town, hands down. I concur with the previous reviewer that the 9th street location is slightly better than the Western street location, although it can get pretty busy. Wonderful Al Pastor tacos, the carnitas kills (alas, probably literally, it's a heart attack on a stick - but fantastic), great salsa, and great service (at both locations). I recommend one meat soft taco with a side of beans and a side of tortillas. Roll yr own tacos and enjoy! All for under $5, if you can believe it. Highly recommended.

    12/15/08 TB: I stumbled upon your site looking for coupons to go out tonight and got caught up reading some of the reviews. I would like to "Highly Recommend" LaRoca as a premier Mexican food establishment that rivals any I've been too throughout the country. For the price it is hands down a fabulous place to grab a very flavorable burrito, taco, nacho's or enchilada. We have basically stopped going to the "finer" Mexican restaurants in the area and sticking with LaRoca now. We prefer the location on 9th street the best as the cook their seems to do a slightly better job with the food prepartion than the new location in downtown. We just tried the Philomath location on our way to the coast and that too was nearly "perfect" for the chorizo taco's and super burrito with mole sauce poured over it. I have never eaten a tastier "breakfast burrito" than the chorizo burrito at LaRoco (never had good chorizo until there as well or always to scared to try it). You do need to like spicy foods on some of the meals but we are all trying out different items on the menu (which is hard to to sometimes because each thing seems so dang good hard not to want to order same thing everytime). So far nothing I have eaten there wasn't very, very, very good. The portions are large and you find yourself thinking "why in the world would I pay twice the price at a fancy restaurant for food not nearly as good?" The guys at work all go to LaRoca's at least once a week and many clients who fly in here request us to take them there when on return visits. Great flavorable food, large portions, great prices and very nice people who run these shops. Can get overcrowded during lunch but well worth the wait!

    10/5/08 HM: Delicious burritos! Very friendly and fast. Best salsa in town. Highly recommended.

    3/8/08 BC: They recently opened another restaurant where Grempsey's used to be. I have only eaten at their Philomath dive but I think their food is great and inexpensive, especially the chicken tamales.


    Le Patissier

    Great little French bakery. They have reopened in a new location. See below. Rating: A+.

    7/8/08 BC: They are open and even better than they were in their old location! Located in the Richie's Market area, they did a nice job of taking a crummy shopping center storefront and creating a nice cafe ambiance. Their croissants are wonderful, a bit pricey but this should not be an everyday indulgence anyhow! I am looking forward to trying one of their specialty cakes for an upcoming birthday.

    Update 03/11/08: The offical word is: Their website is updated now: http://www.lepatissier.net/ Our address: 956 NW Circle Blvd. Corvallis, Oregon 97330 Our tentative opening first week in April, 2008, please call 3rd. week in March to confirm exact date

    Update 02/21/08: The unofficial word is that they are going to open shop in the Richey's market area (not by Cirello's) in what was some kind of pharmacy. They have to put in a kitchen, but hope to open in March. Funny they haven't made any changes to their website, though.


    Le Bistro

    The food is excellent, and the service is great. Of course, the specialty is French Cuisine. The French Onion soup is a fantastic choice, as well as the coq au vin. The portions are large. Le Bistro is pricey, but you get what you pay for. Probably the best place in Corvallis to eat. The staff are top-notch people. Menu is French with South African touches. If it's cold out, and you choose the table in the front (Northeast corner) it can be a bit chilly. Any other table is fine. Their sampler plate for the 2009 Corvallis Culinary week was fantastic, as was their cheese plate. Highly Recommended: Rating A+. (Updated: 1/22/09)

    4/24/08 HD: Le Bistro: Have yet to be disappointed! From intimate, special dinners with my wife to larger family occasions, it has always been an exceptional experience to dine at Le Bistro. The staff is absolutely first-rate --- polite, professional --- they know their menu and their wines. We have sampled many dishes from the menu over the past couple of years, and have always been extremely pleased and satisfied with all. Hors^Ò d^Òoeuvres (lobster and seafood crepe our favorite), entrees (filets and veal always perfectly done pleasers, and every sauce has been delicious....coq au vin fantastic) and the crème brulee our favorite way to end the meal. Definitely a special occasion/very fine dining place to experience!

  • Tel: 754-6680
  • Addr: 150 SW Madison
  • Web: www.lebistrocorvallis.com
  • Reservations are recommended

    Local Boyz Hawaiian Cafe

    Great, quick Hawaiian food. Affordable, too. Good for lunch. Probably not "heart smart", but what the heck! Local Boyz Hawaiian is Recommended. Rating: B.

    12/30/08 BC: I'd like to commend them for changing to use all biodegradable to-go containers and utensils. They may not be heart smart but they are environmentally friendly!

    And: In the mood for some meat? This is the place for you. Cheap, quick and guaranteed to make you sleepy after lunch. The 5a and 7a are good bets for first timers.

    6/17/07: Tried it recently and the food was terrible! Low grade meat with minimal choices. This food screams clogged arteries! Not Suggested

  • Tel: 754-5338
  • Addr: 1425 NW Monroe, Corvallis

    Magenta

    Magenta has moved to 1st street (former location of Oregon Museum/Kells/AJs). They reopened on 7/7/7 at 7PM. The new digs are pretty slick! The food is, for lack of a more specific term, a french/vietnamese influenced northwest cuisine. Magenta is recommended. We congratulate Magenta on their 10 year anniversary (June 2008)! We wish them another good 10 years. Rating: B.

    3/7/09 RK: Last year, my wife and I went to Magenta early on a Saturday night and had a bad service experience. We were the only bar customers and had to wait 20 minutes to get served a drink (after watching the bartender wash glasses and drink his own soda). We waited almost 40 minutes before being served two tapas we ordered. My wife and I decided to give Magenta another try Saturday night. We had dinner reservations somewhere else at 7PM and arrived at 6PM at Magenta. The bar area was almost full and we took a table by the door. We were greeted immediately by a friendly server and given drink and tapas menus. We ordered 4 tapas and two drinks. The drinks arrived within 5 minutes and were OK (we both agreed we had tried better versions elsewhere). The first tapas arrived about 10 minutes later (coconut prawns). This was excellent- hot, fresh, great flavor and presentation. Just as we finished the prawns, the Indian chicken arrived. This was also excellent with wonderful curry spices and tender chicken. When this was complete, our crab cakes and shrimp/ goat cheese baguettes arrived together. The crab cake had a wonderful, subtle sauce with a spicy kick. The shrimp/goat cheese baguettes were fresh and delicious. We were finished and had our check by 6:40 PM. The service was perfect, as was the food. We hope this indicates positive changes for Magenta. We give it a rating of 'Suggested' for their excellent tapas menu. We will upgrade Magenta to 'recommended' if their service continues to be good. We will be back.

    11/2/08 HS: A friend and I tried Magenta's downtown location for lunch this week. They did a lot of work inside and it looked very nice. The lunch menu looked excellent and I had a hard time choosing. I decided to branch out from the only item I had ever eaten there, pad thai, and I ordered the squash crepe. Both my friend and I ordered iced tea. They were not busy, we were one of about four tables in the restaurant. The service was pretty bad, my friend never got his iced tea although we now consider him the lucky one. Mine cost $3.50 for plain iced tea and I never got a refill. The food took awhile but it looked great when we got it. However mine looked familier, it looked just like the pad thai that I usually get. It took so long to track down the waitress I ended up eating it anyway. So much for branching out. The waitress offered to bring me the crepe, but by then my lunch hour was long over. I will probably go again, but not anytime soon.

    8/10/08 WS: We went out to Magenta for a nice dinner last night but it never happened. I was so excited to try the restaurant and their pasta with seafood and scallop appetizer. My husband and I arrived and had to seat ourselves, waited 10 minutes for water and 5 minutes later when the waiter arrived we were told they were very busy and the food would take a while. So after we were there for 15 minutes we left because we were scared to stay due to the bad service. The staff just did not seem to care at all. So we went to Aqua.

    3/8/08 BC: The place looks great! I think the food is good if you order the right thing but it is too expensive for what you get, even though the menu is creative; not sure if they are a lot cheaper at lunch like the old Magenta. They have a great cheap bar menu but you must sit at the very small bar or at the nice-looking but uncomfortable modern tables by the fireplace to order from the bar menu. The weirdest part was that we were at a table and it was vibrating the whole time. We hypothesized that this was some new-age technique to add good vibrations to the food. Turns out the vibration is from the downstairs refrigerators!

    2/20/08 GL: My husband and I went to Magenta last night, and I feel compelled to add our two-cents worth. We had only eaten at Magenta when it was located on Monroe, but we both had favorable memories of the food, the cocktails, and the service. I should also note that our previous experience with the menu had been the bar menu only, not the entree menu. When we arrived, we were greeted and seated quickly. We looked over the menu and felt mortified. There was not one entree that either of us found appetizing. I am an adventurous eater, but not when it comes to meat. They had only 7 or 8 entrees, which included rabit ravioli, elk, emu, buffalo, wild boar (!), and duck. They were all expensively priced, on par with Big River or higher, but we didn't order from the entree menu, so for all I know, the Emu medallions are worth every penny. The waiter came over to get our drink order. I ordered a Magenta martini, and my husband ordered a beer. It took almost 20 minutes to receive our drinks. As a former waitress, I compulsively watch the waitstaff at every restaurant I go to. I can't help it. In the case of poor service, I am usually totally understanding because it is almost always due to circumstances beyond the server's control. Unfortunately, this was not the case last night. I am afraid our server was just incompetent. 10 mintues after ordering our drinks, he came over to let us know they'd be right up. The problem is, there is no bartender there~the servers mix their own drinks. I watched him mill about, check on other tables, flirt with the hostess, and stare off into space before he actually made us our drinks. When he came to take our order, I explained that we had only ever seen the bar menu, and asked if we could order off of that. He said it was kind of against the rules since we were seated at a table, but since the bar was full, he'd let us order from the bar menu. I definitely have to give the guy credit for bending the rules for us. The bar menu is (was?) really snazzy~they offer 20 or so plates at $4.00 each with an $8.00 minimum drink purchase per person. They are small-appetizer size, so between the two of us, we ordered the Pad Thai, grilled lemongrass-pork meatballs, the shrimp salad roll, a shrimp and goat cheese baguette, potstickers, and the steamed mussels. The food took quite a while to arrive, at least 30 minutes, and when it did arrive, our server only brought the pad thai, salad roll, and potstickers. All three were good, if not run-of-the-mill. The mussels arrived five minutes later, and then the meatballs arrived shortly thereafter. The meatballs, I kid you not, were 3/4 of an inch in diameter, and came 6 to a plate. It was the epitome of stereotypical pretentious French food: tiny portion on a big plate with lots of garnish. They were delicious, but their tiny size made us both crack up. 15 minutes after that, the shrimp baguette arrived. It was also pretty good, but again, small. We pretty much knew what we were getting into when it came to the modest size of the bar menu plates; after all, they're only $4.00 each. However, the portion sizes of some of the bar menu items is just insulting. Our server did not come to check on us the entire time until the end of our meal, when he asked if we wanted anything else. I fear we may have been written off as poor college kids, which couldn't be farther from the truth, but that doesn't matter. It was just plain uncomfortable to sit waiting for a $4.00 bottle of beer while other tables were being doted upon. We will not go there again, and I would never recommend it to anyone. Magenta seems to want to be a Portland-esque restaurant, but just doesn't cut it. It has all the pretension with none of the special little things that make going out in Portland worth the price. We love Far East, which I have heard is owned by the same person, and has a much more traditional -but-quirky Vietnamese menu with far more reasonable pricing and outstanding service. And as far as Magenta's cocktails go, my martini was decent, but at $8.50, don't even bother. Save your money and go to Cloud9 for a Lotus Blossom or the Crow Bar for any one of their Kamikazes~you'll even have enough to leave the awesome bartenders the big tip they deserve. There! Thanks for keeping your site impartial and up-to-date. It's always reliable, and fun to read.

    1/4/08 BP: [Ed note: this reviewer is only speaking of the bar, not the restaurant] I cannot speak for the food at Magenta for the service at the bar made me worry too much for the quality of the food coming out of the kitchen. The "bartender" was extremely slow, and didn't know her drinks or her booze. We were extremely let down and will probably never return to find out if the food is even worth trying. 100% not suggested!

  • Magenta is a site supporter
  • Tel: 758.3494
  • Addr: 1st in Corvallis
  • Web: http://www.magentarestaurant.com/
  • Reservations are recommended

  • Marzini's

    Has closed. They were/are owned by the same folks the operate Cirello's, so some popular items might be available there.

  • Tel: 754.2411
  • Addr: 922 NW Kings Blvd
  • Web: No Independent Web Site

    New Morning Bakery

    New Morning Bakery has decent food, but the service and scene can be a bit "off". Somewhat recommended. B-.

    3/14/09 JA: I am appalled at the reviews written for New Morning Bakery. I am from the South and I believe that New Morning Bakery is an excellent example of casual Northwest cuisine. Everything there is well-made and uniquely tasty. Their soups are the best, and their clam chowder is the best I've ever had. I rank them highly because their breads and desserts are also the most delicious I've had. If you're unsure, try their wonderful kalamata olive bread or their peanut butter pie. I assure you--you will fall in love! As for the long lines, that's what happens when you're one of the greatest lunch spots in Corvallis!

    2/8/09 KJ: Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign??? I don't feel comfortable here at all. The signs are oppressive. The only reason I ever go is because my Mom has Alzheimer's disease and she can point at the food that strikes her fancy rather than having to remember what it is called. Having said that, if the signs (and the attitude they convey) don't disturb your digestion, the pastries are quite good with one exception: their pie crusts are too greasy, as if they added a bunch of extra fat to overcome bad technique. Of course, some people may like a crust like that.


    New York, New York Pizza

    Has gone out of business. A Hawaiian restaurant has taken it's place.


    Nirvana Indian Restaurant

    They opened in spring of 2008. We had a chance to eat there recently (June 2009), and we were quite impressed with the food. We shared the meat sampler plate, and were quite happy. The "samples" were varied, and the spices interesting, and authentic. The portions were huge (even though we shared, we both took home some). It took them awhile to notice that we were waiting for a table, but once we were seated, service was friendly and fast. Recommended: B+.

    04/09 RR: a new [Ed: new-ish...see above] Indian restaurant has opened in corvallis, on 9th, south of circle. it is called Nirvana, and the food is delicious. the place is not so atmospheric, but it is clean(especially the restrooms). the lunchtime buffet is always fresh, not greasy, and very tasty. and the dinners superb. i took a friend to dinner there who has spent much time in India, and she approved!

  • Addr: 1945 NW 9th St.
  • Tel: 541-738-6104
  • Web: http://nirvanaindianrestaurant.com/

    8/13/08 MS: Eaten here once. Won^Òt be back. The food was bland and oily. I^Òve had great Indian food in Singapore and London. I^Òve had good Indian food in Portland. This isn^Òt even close. Why can you not get good Indian food in Corvallis? Not Suggested.

    HJ 7/24/08: I've eaten the lunch buffet three times now at Nirvana, the new Indian Restaurant in Corvallis next-door to Bi-mart at 1945 NW 9th St, Corvallis, 738-0487. This is the spot previously occupied by Cha-Da Thai restaurant. Nirvana is GREAT! The food is really yummy, the people are nice, the atmosphere is clean and bright and cheerful, and it's always packed when I have gone. They need to start giving people napkins at the tables and not expect them to be picked up in the buffet line, but everything else about the place is great. I found the food to be just as good as Evergreen Indian Cuisine in downtown Corvallis, who set the standard pretty high. Nirvana has all the standard Indian fare-- tandoori chicken, vegetables pakora, creamy spinach with cheese chunks, salad, the yummy mint and plum and creamy cucumber sauces, and much more, plus they have a yummy bread pudding dessert too, so be sure to try that when you go.

    WH 7/12/08: We enjoyed the buffet lunch yesterday (Sunday July 20, 2008) at the new Indian restaurant Nirvana on 9th Street near Circle Blvd.. We were more than happy with the food, the service and the appearance of the restaurant. In fact, we can hardly wait to go back, as a note at the bottom of the menu board states "Buffet menu changes every day." The dining room was clean and airy, with pink tablecloths and a pitcher of ice water and water goblets on the table. The waiter was very pleasant and welcoming. The lunch buffet is served seven days a week from 11 to 3. We were early and got a window table. We wasted no time in visiting the buffet. The selection is not as extensive as the large buffet served at the Evergreen Restaurant downtown, but all the food looked really good. We sampled everything, including the three delicious sauces and the dessert offerings. We loved everything. I have never been to India but the food tasted very authentic to me. It was spicy, but not too much so. Perfect! I closed my eyes and imagined I was in India. Everything was well prepared and delicious. Now, the next day, I can't stop thinking about the place. Prices for lunch and dinner are very reasonable. Highly recommended.


    Mexico Lindo

    Two locations, one in Philomath, one on Philomath Blvd. in Corvallis.  Pretty average food for this kind of place - not very zesty.  However, they have incredibly fast service if you're in a hurry but disdain the taco chains.  Mexican Mexico Lindo is Somewhat recommended.

    1/16/08 BN: I would like to suggest upgrading the rating for Mexico Lindo from "somewhat recommended" to "recommended". Mexico Lindo, and it's sister restaurant Ixtapa in Philomath, are two of my family's favorite restaurants. Their food is fresh and tasty, their service is fast and friendly, and their prices are very reasonable. They do have some "zesty" choices if that's what you're looking for, but also offer milder dishes for those of us that appreciate things not quite so spicy.

  • Tel: 541.752.0201
  • Addr: 5228 SW Philomath Blvd

    Michael's Landing

    A converted train station and [about] the only place in town with a view overlooking the Willamette. They try to be upscale, but the decor is stuck in the 80s. Michael's Landing closed in late 2008, with a note claiming they were going to reopen in April, 2009. As of May, 2009, they have not reopened. We douby they will.
  • Tel: 541.754-6141
  • Addr: 603 NW 2nd St
  • Web: http://www.michaelslanding.com/

    Murphy's Tavern

    Casual American style dining. Good food, good service.

    [Ed Note: Wow, what a review. Even though it's "flowery" it is based on fact. Murphy's is good, but it's not fine dining. It also tends to be a younger crowd] 3/10/09 DD: Murphy's Restaurant and Lounge! If you are similar to me, you are sometimes indecisive about what to eat in Corvallis, being a small city the choices are limited and become repetitive with the franchise cookie-cutter restaurants. You have probably driven the city streets and tried every restaurant and fast food establishment, and still, you crave a satisfying meal in good company. Murphy's is the place you have been seeking. At first sight, Murphy's does not seem like an exciting and tasteful place to be. Trust me, you are wrong, take the opportunity to see what Murphy^Òs has to offer. You will find me there every day they are open. Newcomers are always welcome here. I am guessing you want to hear about the food. I personally have had nearly everything on the menu. I have not come across an appetizer, side, wrap, burger, or entre that I did not love. There are fresh and creative specials each day. The soup is fresh and different each day. The dinner menu is superb. You will find something you like with the selection they offer; they have something for all tastes. Wings, southwest eggrolls, onion rings, fries, crab dip, whipped potatoes, prawns, dessert, burgers how you want it, wraps, prime rib sandwich with au jus, daily soup, dinner salads, Mediterranean inspired pastas, fresh seafood, poultry (I suggest the chicken bombay satay), baby back ribs, rib eye steak, pork chops (the house favorite), prime rib, and much more. Do not Miss the summer barbeques! Enjoy an expanded menu on Thursdays. Enjoy the best Barbeque in town, so good at times there is standing room only; trust me I do not exaggerate. Corn bread, potatoes, vegetables, seafood, chicken, beef, pulled pork, and brisket. If you enjoy wine with your dinner, they offer an excellent selection wines including Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling from La Terre, Eola Hills, and Chateau St. Michelle by the glass or bottle. If you want, you can choose from the 15-20, local and imported beers and micros by the pint or bottle including Budweiser, Coors, Pabst, Widmere, Calapooia, Oakshire, Deschutes, Kona, Cascade Lakes,Fearless, Ninkasi, Guinness, Rogue, Corona, and Heineken. The bar at Murphy^Òs is the place to be. Between the shots, drinks, and laughs, you will keep coming back time and time again. If you are looking for something in particular or a seasonal beer, just ask the bar tenders, they will not do you wrong. The staff at Murphy's is dedicated to excellence in service. They take pride in how friendly, quick, precise, and fair their service is. The bartenders are the best you will ever meet. You can come and play pool (billiards), the lottery, foosball, reserve a party, trivia with prizes on Wednesdays for the sharper minds in the crowd, and enjoy sports on more than 10 televisions. Dull moments do not exist at Murphy's. You will have a great time. They are open Tuesday through Saturday; typical hours are 3:00pm to 11:00pm or Midnight. I highly recommend Murphy's to anyone who asks about the best food and atmosphere in Corvallis.

  • Addr: 2740 SW 3rd St.
  • Tel: 738-7600

    Natalia & Cristoforo's

    A great place for a wide selection of Italian meats and cheese. While it is a deli, it should have mention as they have excellent sandwiches (best in town in my opinion). The Bober in particular is a great sandwich (capicolla, mortedella, two kinds of salami, cheese, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, cucumber, kalamata olives, avocado. One will feed two people). Highly Recommended.

    10/5/08 HM: Yuuuummmyyyyy! Best sandwich I have had in Corvallis by far. Huge portions. Very friendly staff. Highly recommended.


    Nearly Normals Gonzo Cuisine

    A great vegetarian restaurant. Be sure to try the Nearly Nasty burrito! Has nice outdoor seating, and good decor. Service is good. Sometimes crowded at lunch. Nearly Normals is a Corvallis Landmark. Recommended.

    10/1/08 ST: Not suggested for those with food allergies or wanting to keep anything out of their meal besides meat. After being diagnosed with an allergy to soy, trying to find restaurants that can accomodate my special dietary needs has been a challenge and NN's has unfortunately been one of the worst restaurants out there for me. I assumed that since the staff was so good at keeping meat out of a meal that they might be sensitive to other dietary restrictions, but sadly I was wrong. After making it very clear to the cashier that I was allergic to soy, asking him to check with the chef's (which did happen, he yelled back "is there any soy in the fakin' bakin burger?" To which someone barked back "No!") and having him guarantee me that the fakin' bakin burger had no soy, I blindly believed him and ordered. After getting sick that night I called and confirmed that there was soy in the mayonnaise, bread, chips (soy oil) and margarine used. I e-mailed them to ask the manager if she had any soy-free recommendations for me from their menu, to which she replied "We have many options, just make it very clear to the cashier that you are allergic to soy." I pressed further for specific menu items, and never heard back from her. I had already become increasingly annoyed with NN's policy of absolutely no substitutions (wasteful when you don't particularly want half a plate of plain black beans and would actually eat a side salad) and having gone in there a couple of times around 5/5:15 with my hungry, cranky, picky toddler and having them tell me that I couldn't order pasta until 5:30 - really? You can't possibly boil a pot of water 15 minutes early? Personally I am done with Nearly Normal's, which is unfortunate 'cause I really appreciate the overall idea of the restaurant and am grateful for a pure vegetarian place to eat.

    3/8/08 BC: Normal's has so many great choices, it is hard to choose what to order! The food is always so fresh and the outdoor area is great in good weather. If you go for lunch arrive pre-noon as you wait in line to order before you sit down and the line can be long. Be sure to check the specials board as that is where you find the best dishes. I love the Guido's Italian (a "not-meatball" sandwich), the Tofu Potato platter and the mini shepherd's banquest a lot (salad, soup and bread)

  • Tel: 758-6044
  • Bonus Point: *Organic and Sustainable*
  • Addr: 109 NW 15th St
  • Web: http://nearlynormals.com/
  • Vegetarian / Vegan

    New China Buffet

    We were both impressed with that restaurant's food, the cleanliness of the food display areas, and the large selection, especially salad items.

  • On 9th St in Corvallis

    Oasis

    Decent Lebanese food. During the dinner hours service can be very slow, but lunch service at Oasis is generally good. Recommended.

    12/30/08 BC: I love this place. Service can be slow but you are usually waited on by the owner. This is a small business and well worth your support. They have the best Zaatar and I love their cardamom tea.

    8/08 RD: Went to Oasis on a weekday night in early august 2008. There was one other tabl e besides the two of us. Service was slow and unfriendly. Ordered tabouli as a n appetizer and grape leaves (which came with a salad and falafel) for an entree . The tabouli was atrocious, SWIMMING in lemon juice. I wish I was joking when I say that there was 1/4 inch pool of lemon juice on the plate. The hummus my f riend ordered was overpowered by again, lemon! Not to be left incomplete, the s alad dressing was an overpowering acidic lemon flavor, though I think they wante d to call it a vinaigrette. Maybe they got a great deal on lemons that week? W ay over priced for extremely not authentic Lebanese food. I would have serious reservations even thinking about eating there again.

    And: One word, shawerma. Yum! Other than that, the falafel is good as are the stuffed grape leaves. Service can be slow. Get a beer and take your time, not a place to be in a hurry. Recommended.

    And more: Chicken schwarma is wonderful! Have cravings for it sometimes.

  • Tel: 754-1850
  • Addr: 2315 NW Kings Blvd

    Old World Deli

    Wonderful food, and great atmosphere. The sandwiches are made to order, and the brownies are great. Be sure to try the Oregon Trail Brewing Beers. The brewery is on-site. The Old World Deli is Highly Recommended.

    And, another point of view: Good place for a vegi sandwich (the Mighty Meatless), other than that the food is very run of the mill. Also has the downside of only serving Oregon Trail beer on tap (though I appreciate the alliance from a community perspective). Suggested.

    And: My wife and I love to go to Old World Deli. Their sandwiches are a good value for the money. The chili is hearty and the soups are flavorful. We also like the atmosphere and go to many of the events held there. We especially like the Ginseng Porter. I would highly recommend them if you're looking for a reasonably-priced sandwich place.

  • Tel: 752-8549
  • Addr: 341 SW 2nd St # 4
  • Web: http://www.oregontrailbrewery.com/
  • Special events like live music, belly dancing, etc.

    Pavillion Restarant

    We have heard this place is opening (has opened?) in the cannery mall. Please submit a review!

    Potter's Sandwiches to Go

    1/21/09 BR: OK, there's no seating. There's also no better value for a sandwich to take back to work with you (or, if the weather cooperates, to the riverfront). They use quality meats (sliced on the premises), offer numerous vegetable toppings, and the sandwiches are HUGE. I'll often order a club and eat half for lunch and half for dinner. I recommend the club with all the veggies (but kraut) on whole wheat. The pastrami is killer. And the price for a soda can't be beat. Highly recommended.


    Riverview Mongolian Grill

    Your average Mongolian grill (you fill up a bowl of chow, and they cook it). Riverview is somewhat recommended.

    3/8/08 BC: Average Mongolian place but great if you or one of your dining companions is on a diet as the only high calorie thing is some of the sauces and you get to be in control of that!

    And: Good place to go if Local Boys didn't fill you up. Seriously though, I have not been here is years. A fairly standard "Mongolian grill" (all you can eat, assemble it yourself stir fry). Suggested.

  • Tel: 754-8402
  • Addr: 230 NW 1st St, Corvallis

    Sahalie Cellars

    Sahalie closed on October 25th, 2008. Terzo (see listing below) has opened at that locations.


    Sam's Station

    Sam's seems to have gone downhill. We can no longer recommend this establishment, but, it looks like the tide is turning towards the good:

    10/5/2008 HM: good food, but poor service. I have been treated rudely by a woman who wears and apron with the name "Sam" on it (the owner?) more than once.  For example, my mom and I wanted to share an omelet and we were told there was an extra plate fee, so we asked if that meant we got extra potatoes and toast and "Sam" practically bit our heads off. She seems quite rude to the young wait staff as well. It's enough to make me feel uncomfortable and like I am inconveniencing her for eating at her establishment. I mean, if you're that annoyed to run a cafe, maybe a change in career is in order? But, some customer service and kindness could make this a great place to eat because they do have good food and the best bacon/cheddar omelet in town. Suggested, if you can overlook the rude atmosphere and be ready to wait a long time to order, get coffee, get your food, etc.

    2/1/2008 ME: Sam's Station is the only place, other than the occasional Sunnyside Up, where we will eat breakfast in Corvallis. We enjoy simple breakfasts - potatoes and eggs or omelettes, usually with greek fillings, and they always meet our expectations. The prices are average or slightly higher, but the ingredients they use are worth it - good eggs and Yukon Gold potatoes - sliced fresh, not from a frozen Sysco bag like many local restaurants use. I havn't tried anything other than eggs / omelettes, but these are enough to keep me coming back. Plus, it's fun to look through the little window in the back and watch the owner baking everything! It's nice to see an owner actually working hard in his business. Strongly recommend.

    And: Best breakfast in town. Generous Yukon gold potatoes with most dishes, wonderfully browned and seasoned. Breakfast IS served every morning except Monday when they take a break. Lunches, pastries and bread are also very good.

    And: By far, the worse service I've ever had. I continue to go back, due to the lack of breakfast places. My girlfriend and I were in there last weekend for breakfast, it took two reminders to bring us our coffee after 20 minutes. The food is tasty, but we noticed several other tables sharing our experience. This has happened to use 80% of the time we have visited, and after the last, vowed to eat elsewhere. Not recommended.


    Shanghi Wok

    6/17/07: This is definitely the best chinese food in Corvallis. Of course, it does not match the great NYC and SF restaurants but it does give great, flavorful food at very good prices. The owners are friendly although not too talkative. The precocious child who entertains himself and the guests is a fun addition to the experience. The atmosphere there is similar to the old Young's kitchen but again, the food is very good I order the general tso's chicken which has great flavor and isn't as grease-soaked as the other places in town. The other dish that I eat is the hot and spicy chicken which is not to be taken lightly. The dish is simply cubed, fried chicken and chili peppers, hundreds of them. The garlic pork or chicken is really good as well The egg rolls are disappointing and the fried rice tastes poor -like it was just old rice soaked in soy sauce. Some hints: Order the dinner sized (large), Don't get the fried rice, Order of the hand written signs on the wall rather than the standard menu..... You'll find some nice surprises

  • Addr: 1104 NW Van Buren Ave.
  • Tel: (541) 758-7191
  • Web: http://students.bus.oregonstate.edu/SHEW139/website/Home.html

    Sharon's Cafe

    Best "Diner" breakfast in town with generous portions and the kind of old-fashioned coffee that usually comes in places like this. Try the "Mess" combos. San Francisco Joe's is a good with spinach, sausage and a pile of nicely scrambled eggs. Great service, too. Often pretty crowded but turnover is fast and worth the wait. In South Corvallis.

    12/17/07 SC: Just wanted to throw out an update on Sharon's Cafe in South Corvallis--They've expanded into twice the space so waiting isn't a problem any more. The staff seems just as efficient, the food just as diner-food good.


    Shogun Bowl

    1/3/09 SJ: I met my wife for a quick lunch. We were going to try the Soup Shop, but they were closed, so she called me from Shogun Bowl and I met her there. We used to frequent the teriyaki bowl places quite a bit when we lived in Phoenix. It seems like there was one on every corner, but not so much since we moved back to Oregon. Anyhow, it's a little storefront place in a mini strip development on Monroe. Not much you can say about the atmosphere, but the food wasn't bad. My wife had the basic Teriyaki Chicken bowl and enjoyed it. I think maybe she's going to be hooked on them again. I had the spicy BBQ chicken bento. The goyoza were a little crunchy on the edge, but tasted okay. The chicken was pretty good and had some kick to it. Comes with California roll (not much to say there, either - pretty tough to screw one of these up), sticky rice, and miso soup. Not a bad lunch for the price. We'll probably be back sometime. Suggested +.


    Slices Pizza

    All we know is that it's a good place for lunch and dinner. More coming...

  • Addr: Monroe, across from the OSU Campus

    Solstice Cafe

    Unfortunately, Solstice has closed.

    Soup Shop

    Hip, upscale soup shop. The selection of eight soups changes daily. Recommended.

    10/23/08 HD: My wife and I decided to try Soup Shop on Monroe. Soup was OK but arrived too cool, salad was OK with yummy honey mustard dressing. Price $8.75 for small soup and salad was too high in my opinion Once served, the staff turned their backs and ignored you. Cold atmosphere, I don't think we will go again.

    2/9/08 NS: Highly recommended. The soup shop is clean, and fairly priced for the portions. Their price also takes into consideration that the soups are fresh and homemade. I watched a worker go through greens, leaf by leaf, and throw out the bad ones. They cook in an area clearly visible to everyone in the restaurant which shows their pride in their ingredients and methods. Their soup is ALWAYS delicious, too. The owner was there the day I ate lunch there and he was incredibly friendly to all of the customers he spoke with. His employee wasn't as friendly, but that's a common undertone in Corvallis service. All of the artwork on the walls is for sale, painted by the shop owners' wife. One nitpick: it was a sunny day (suprising! i know) and without some sort of window shades, the tables by the window were really uncomfortable. Regardless, this is a great community restaurant that embodies what Corvallis is about. I hope it's around for a long time.

  • Addr: Monroe

    Southeast Restaurant

    South East is located in the old Magenta location on Monroe. Southeast features cheap, spicy Asian food. Reports are very, very good. Give it a try! B+.

    6/12/09 BK: Over the weekend, I had a craving for green papaya salad and heading out to Southeast to find that it has been sold. It has some of the same decor but definitely a different staff and menu. Now called "Thai Chili", it is now a much more literal Thai restaurant with the typical menu items you'd expect. It was far better than Tarn Tip though and the green papaya salad was good if not exceptional (and certainly not as tasty as Southeast's). Thought you'd want the update.

    4/09 CA: Magenta is a beautiful restaurant with good happy hour food, although it has small portions and and a somewhat interesting take on sticky rice. I ordered the shrimp and chicken skewers, both were really flavorful and tasty. My boyfriend ordered the steamed bun that was pretty big and also great. The sticky rice was basically a meatball covered in rice that wasn't so sticky. Drinks were strong and good but nothing in this place was overly amazing. I would recommend only going for the happy hour to just try a bunch of sample plates.

    FM 4/25/08: I recently decided to try out Southeast after reading a previous review posted on the site. The atmosphere and setting was very welcoming although it was a bit too tight for my taste. The waiter had my date and i wait while our table was being cleaned and even then he failed to escort us to our table. Pretty unimpressive. Once there, the waiter took a bit too long to attend us...which i understood with the fact that there was one waiter attending practically the entire place. I did like, though, the fact that he was able to split our plate in two without any questions asked once were able to make our order. Overall, very good food (hot lemongrass curry a must try) and very inexpensive. Overall service was somewhat slow but enough room for improvement. Southeast is very recommended...for food and atmosphere.

    SC 12/17/07: I'll add my "Recommended" for SouthEast in the old Magenta spot. Yummy lemon grass curry dish on the menu, wine at $3.50 a glass is a bargain.

  • Addr: Monroe St.

    Squirrel's

    Squirrel's has been around for quite sometime. We recommend it.

    And: Yes it is a tavern, but that doesn;t mean they don't have good pub food (and if Clodfelter's and McMenamin's makes the list, it should too). Best place in town for a burger and beer. The Chicken Little (Chicken breast with shredded cabbage and hoisin sauce) is tasty as well. Cheap, good bar food. No credit cards. Highly Recommended.

    And: MS 10/17/2007: Squirrel's. Squirrel's burgers are way better than average. They are the best around, and some of the best I've had anywhere. They are a hand made patty, not a pressed food service disk. They come with cheddar, Swiss or provolone. My friend says they have the best Rueben around too, although I haven't tried one cause I can't seem to order anything but the burgers. I agree that the fries would be better twice cooked, but I still like them and get them every time.


    Strega

    Strega closed on 2/14/09.

  • Tel: 541-257-2910
  • Addr: Elements Bldg, 2nd Street, Corvallis

    Sweet Pea's Kids Cafe

    Sweet peas has closed

  • Addr: 131 SW 4th St. Corvallis

    Taco's Uruapan

    Fantastic Mexican food, authentic and affordable. Heck, you can even get Birria (Goat) there. Prices are reasonable. Taco's Uruapan is Recommended. They have some great specials right now (Apr/May 2008), so now is a great time to go in!

    And: One of two Mexican places in Corvallis I really enjoy. Pop in on Friday for the soup special. Very traditional and cheap. Recommended.

  • Tel: 752-5380
  • Addr: 1813 SE 3rd St
  • Web: No Independent Web Site

    Tailgater's Bar

    Horrible and dirty. It would be be best advised to void this Monroe street nightmare.

    Tarn Tip

    Some people love this place. Unfortunately, some of them are my friends so I end up eating here on occasion. Personally, I find most of the food so-so to bad. I forget the names of the dishes I eat there so the list will be by description. The chicken in special house peanut sauce if pretty good. The beef with green beans is OK. The Thai BBQ chicken is very authentic is presentation and reasonably good. The "special" crispy fish can be good depending on the fish (though the sauce they use is excellent. Too bad they don't use it on other dishes). Other than those four (and the menu is very long) the food is generally bad. No credit cards. Suggested

    5/16/08: AB: The food here is quite good. No, it's not 'authentic,' but it is worth trying to find a parking place for. The decor is pleasant and the service good. It can get a bit loud when they're busy, but isn't that the sign of a good restaurant? I have several friends who don't enjoy spicy food, and the menu is diverse enough that they can find something to satisfy them as well. They are also good about making adjustments to dishes as requested (leaving out the peanuts). I've enjoyed experimenting with the different meat variations they offer for some of their dishes.They have some of the best Pad Thai that I've had, in several countries. Other dishes I would recommend: black curry with squid and asparagus, Num Tok- very spicy grilled beef salad, glass noodle soup, mussman curry- chicken and potatoes with coconut milk, the grilled chicken with spicy honey sauce, and the crispy fish with chili sauce. If you are looking for a decent Thai meal, then I would High Recommend the Tarn Tip.


    Terzo West Coast Italian

    This is operated by the same good folks that own Le Bistro and Aqua. Terzo is not quite the quality of the operators' other two restaurants. For example, the Gnocchi is doughy and heavy (it should be light, like a "little pillow"). The Antipasta is mostly nice: the meats are good, as well as the olives, pickled onion, and asparagus. The cheese selection on that plate is strange, though: slices of Manchego cheese and Provolone [Ed: thanks for the correction!] and others. The size of the appetizers is surprisingly big: that is a good thing! It seems that the entree prices are a bit high for what you get, though. Service is good, and the Ahi Carpaccio is very tasty. Terzo might be at it's best just sampling the ample appetizers, and spending the big money across the street (or upstairs) where you get a better main-dish value. Terzo is recommended. Rating: B.

    5/29/09 WC: Excellent food and atmosphere. Price on the high end but they give you plenty & I have not found anything That I did not like.

    5/25/09 KM: We went to Terzo recently and were not disappointed. The happy hour menu is incredible. My date and I had the Calamari Fritti, which is great and the marinara sauce for dipping is incredible. The meatball sliders are tasty and quite filling on their own. For dinner I definitely would recommend the grilled chicken fettucini. Like its upstairs companion, Terzo has an awesome drink menu. The chocolate rum ball is decadent and a dessert on its own. The ambience is relaxing and quiet, allowing diners to sit back, chat, enjoy the food and a night out. I would recommend Terzo time and time again and plan to go back until I've tried the entire menu. Happy hour is brilliant and allows diners to be thrifty and expand their taste. I cannot wait to return. Between Aqua and Terzo, Corvallis finally has a few places worthy of taking visitors out to eat. These restaurants can hold their own. Just writing this makes me hungry to return.

    5/09: LP: Had dinner on Friday 5/8 at Terzo. The restaurant was busy but seating made it feel not so crowded, though it had some 'loud moments'. I loved what they did with the decor, very nice. Food was quite good. We had the seafood and sausage appetizer, which was very tasty and just a little spice to it from the sausage. Also had the crab and portabello mushroom appetizer, which got high marks. Las tly, had the crab and walnut seafood tortellini, which was excellent. Was not given a wine list, so I cannot comment there (though others were getting wine). I looked at the wine list online, it could use a little expansion. Service was knowledgable and friendly, not rushed, but we also had times where we were obviously 'done' and waited longer than expected for someone to clear the table. With a certain lack of quality Italian places in Corvallis, Terzo is a very welcome addition. Would recommend, and will be back in the near future!

    5/6/09 RM: Four cool Corvallis women on a mission to try out the drinks and taste some food at Terzo and this is what we thought. We sat at the bar and enjoyed conversation with the bartenders who were very friendly and professional. Overall atmosphere was good and the bar was a relaxing spot to hang. The best cocktail was the scarlet margarita. We voted, and gave it a 10. It was clean, crisp and yummy. The next drink was a lemon drop. The vote was between a 7 and 8. Recommended, but not a blow out with taste. A small cup of homemade soup and bread was also ordered to give a taste of what the menu has to offer. It was minestrone soup and not anything to write home about, sorry to say. The last thing we tried was a dessert, a classic in Italy called Tiramisu. And it blew us all away! Not too sweet, light and tasty and maybe the best Tiramisu that some of us ever had. Each bite was amazing. A hands down 10, yes! So watch out Corvallis Bars, you're going to be reviewed by some tuff- chicks on a mission to find the best cocktails.....and we'll snack our way around town.


    Thanh Hien Vietnamese Restaurant

    Was mistakenly listed as closed. Our apologies, they are very much open. They are middle-of-the-road Vietnamese. Take your chances.

    BJ 11/14/08: As of Nov 2008. Vietnamese food has been one of my staples since I first found "Vietnam restaurant" in Philadelphia's china town almost fifteen years ago. I have sought out Vietnamese food in every city I've lived in and most that I have visited. I like Vietnamese food a lot. I even like mediocre Vietnamese food. Thanh Hien is some of the worst Vietnamese food I have ever eaten. The food was bland at best and the house made sweet fish sauce was pure sugar water containing no detectable fish or even fish flavoring whatsoever. In fact, there was little spice, garnish, flavor or sauce to any of the food, period. The only exception being the lemongrass chicken which contained lemongrass flavoring and no real lemongrass and no sauce of any kind, just lemongrass flavored paste which tasted more like fruit loops. I have never had colored sugar water served on the side of a bun noodle bowl or fried spring rolls. I was disappointed to have plain plum sauce offered for my summer rolls. The meat was mostly meat byproduct and everything was assembled as though taste were an afterthought. My wife and I got three dishes and two side dishes to share hoping that we would have tasty leftovers for lunch. Everything was served quickly and it was all made fresh but the quality and flavor of the food was less than mediocre. I would only eat there again if I were starving and my only other immediate option for sustenance was McDonalds. The previous reviews raved about this place; I'm not sure what happened but they have clearly gone down hill in a big way. Thanh Hien is fast, sub-par, Vietnamese food and nothing more. The service was good and the waitress was very nice but the kudos stop there.

    DJ 7/21/08: My fiance and I really like the food at Thanh Hien Vietnamese Restaurant. (If they had this restaurant in Portland, then my fiancé and I would have planned to have our rehearsal dinner here). I've never been a really picky eater, but I still never used to like Vietnamese food. But I really like the pho at Thanh Hien. I'm not sure if my taste buds changed, or if the soup is just that good! I almost always get the P6 with rice noodles (bean thread noodles are good too, but I've decided rice noodles go better with the hot soup). My fiance usually gets the B8 with no shrimp and extra chicken. I've tried a couple other Vietnamese restaurants in Beaverton, but Thanh Hien still is my favorite by far. The portions are very generous, so the prices seem fair for the amount of food you get. The service isn't very fast, so I wouldn't recommend dining in for lunch, but you can also order take out-which I've done. I'd recommend this restaurant for anyone who already knows they like Vietnamese food, or anyone who wants to try good Vietnamese food for the first time. Thanh Hien Vietnamese Restaurant: Highly Recommended.

    [Ed Note: this below review seems a bit fishy, but here it is] NH 4/25/08: Just to let you know that we just had dinner at Thanh-Hien Vietnamese Restaurant last night (4/25/08) and the foods and service were excellent. I love the Chicken Pho and other meals are good as well. If you like to eat Vietnamese foods, you should check this place out, it is so good...... The restaurant is locate in the Timberhill Shopping Center near to the Starbucks and WinCo Foods. Highly recommend.

  • (541) 738-6800
  • 2329 NW Kings Blvd

    Tokyo Happy Steakhouse

    Bases on the mixed reviews we have recevied, Tokyo Steakhouse might be suggested.

    2/21/09 MS: As a vegetarian I love it there! We always sit at the grill so we have the entertainment along with the dining. The vegetable delight is soooo good! Fried rice is yummy, noodles are delicious, and the veggies grilled to perfection. But who could go wrong with all that butter? I would Highly recommend this restaurant. Especially for an office party, or for entertaining out of town guests. This is a real treat for me everytime I go. And the Plum wine is my favorite.

    2/9/08 KJ: I've gotten sushi, udon soup and tempura here. I eat here not infrequently, usually at lunch. For my taste, the sushi and udon soup are much better than the stuff down the street. I'd stay away from Tokyo Steakhouse's tempura though, it's not light and crispy. For that, the other guys are tops.

    8/13/08 MS: Went here to try out the new place to get sushi. Have to say, it was not good. I vastly prefer Aomatsu. It may be good for steak, but if you're craving sushi or tempera, good two blocks north. Suggested.

    11/19/2007 SJ: Our friends had tried Tokyo Steakhouse right after it had opened and did not have a good experience. We chalked it up to the restaurant being new and hoped that by this point they would have improved. Our night at Tokyo Steakhouse started off well enough, as our server promptly took our order and brought our soup and sapporo. Unfortunately, it all went downhill from there. The restaurant (for sushi) was not exactly crowded, as we were the only people at the sushi bar and there were four chefs behind the bar working. Yet, forty minutes later we still did not have any sushi from our order while a group seated at a table that came in after us was already midway through their meal. At that point, another man joined us at the sushi table, where he too had his order promptly taken. His experience, however, was quite different from ours. While our waitress had informed us that the bar was currently four plates behind, he was s erved a plate of sashimi within the next ten minutes. Five minutes later, he was served a plate of rolls, while we still waited for anything from our order to appear. After the table that came in after us finished and left, and the man who came in after us was served yet a third dish - we paid for what we had eaten (not much) and left. As we left, we informed the man who was thanking us for coming of our experience. He was indifferent and let us leave without even an apology. Needless to say, we will not be going back to Tokyo Happy Steakhouse again, and cannot suggest this restaurant to our friends.

    JK 07/20/2007: I recently ate lunch at "Tokyo Steakhouse" aka "Tokyo Happy" with a friend. It is clearly still suffering from the kinks that come with being newly opened -- I think there is reason to hope that the service and organization will improve. The following comments apply only to the sushi, and particularly to the Nigiri sushi -- we did not sample any of the other dishes (though the person next to us ordered tempura, which looked quite good at least). The fish in the Nigiri sushi seemed to be of very poor quality. The salmon and tuna both tasted "off" -- somewhat bitter and rather fishy; the other fish were no better. If this wasn't just an bad day, they really need to find another source for their fish. Until the quality of the fish improves, I cannot recommend eating the sushi.

    9/8/07 GC: Tokyo Happy has the worst idea as what a sashimi plate is. Aomatsu has two great options for their sashimi, their smaller plate has a nice selection of some of their best fish, the $32 plate has all of their best, they really try to give quality. Tokyo Happy had two types of Tuna (everyday tuna, and 'super white' which is super white, but tastes very fatty), Squid, Octopus, Salmon and Clam (I think, it was so bad I can't remember), and to top it off, Imitation Crab. Who in their right mind puts imitation crab (not even made of fish) on a sashimi plate. It was the worst Sashimi plate I have ever had, I left feeling ill. My wife's experience for the non sushi left her just as unimpressed, and the sushi side she ordered left her feeling ill as well. I do not recommend Tokyo Happy at all. The sushi restaurant the now closed 'Library' bought out was better then TH, despite its boat sushi style. Why did they close, it makes me sad.

    10/12/07: HG - We'd been talking about visiting the new Tokyo Steakhouse ever since it opened and finally made a trip there for Friday night dinner.  I was pretty disappointed.  The place is bit of a cultural train wreck when it comes to décor.  It's furnished in a mixed bag of Japanese, Chinese, Southeast Asian and Western style and many details are "poorly executed" (another way of saying tacky I'm afraid).  Anyone who really cares about Japanese food and culture knows that presentation is important.  I felt that the atmosphere and serving elements were just too unrefined and confused to be appreciated or even believable as a truly Japanese restaurant. The service was friendly, and marginally acceptable for a fairly busy Friday night, but not at all remarkable.  (This was a social outing for a group of friends, so we weren't in a hurry, which was good, as the whole process took right at 2.5 hours.)  We ordered sushi and entrees from the teppanyaki menu.  The teppanyaki was okay but I've had much better.  (We sat at a regular table instead of one of the grills, so I can't comment on the quality of the teppanyaki "performance".)  The sushi I had was fine, not great, but not bad.  One member of our party commented that the ama ebi was really good. My assumption about this place is that the folks who own and run it feel they can be more successful with a Japanese restaurant rather than one of another style.  In other words, they feel justified charging a higher profit margin for Japanese food than for food of another culture.  I think this is a mistake if they are not going to make the effort to do it properly.  What I saw on my visit will only satisfy those patrons who are unfamiliar with Japanese culture and probably mislead them into believing that what they see is actually authentic when it is not. I'm sure the folks who own this business are nice people and well deserving of success.  I only hope they will take a cue from the Japanese and embark on a process of ongoing improvement of their work.  Without the quality and refinement that is a highly valued characteristic of traditional Japanese culture, their restaurant and its patrons will continue to suffer. In regard to the teppanyaki grill style of cooking...while there is some modern precedent for its association with Japanese food, it isn't truly a Japanese style of cooking in a historical sense.  Of course, this is a confusion that Tokyo Steak shares with many other establishments. -not suggested


    Tommy's 4th Street Bar & Grill

    Tommy's serves a really nice burger and fries. Their salads are pretty good too. Don't know much about the rest of their menu. Nice selection of microbrews on tap.

    And: Nothing fancy but has good size portions, mighty tasty and friendly people. Give them your phone number and they keep track of how much you spend when you reach $50, you get $5 off.


    The Waterfront Grill

    The Waterfront Grill has closed. In it's place, Aqua Restaurant and Bar has opened. See the listing for the new place above.


    Woodsman

    There are good reports on this Philomath (close enough to Corvallis) middle-of-the-road Thai/American reatuarant. Fairly Recommended.

    WM 4/1/08: The Woodsman in Philomath Oregon is no longer Benton County's best kept secret - word is getting out. The new owner Nang, (rhymes with "tang") has kept the old American style food such as prime rib, chicken fried steak, baked potatoes etc. The big surprise is it's also the home of the best Thai food this side of Portland! Nang's Thai menu (pages of it) includes Asparagus w/basil (your choice of meat, shrimp or tofu, our fave is beef) is sweet and perfectly balanced you can't go wrong with this choice, Other items include Mango curry (the medium is fairly spicy depending on your taste, so choose accordingly), Crispy Trout with garlic vegetables, and Ginger or Basil Duck. Nang's Pad Thai is different and superior to any other Pad Thai I've eaten. The interior has been recently remodeled with an emphasis on clean and tidy, and still features the old logger memorabilia. There is a moderate, but acceptable wine selection and bar. (Can't remember about the beer.) Children are welcome on the "family side". Prices are reasonable, servings are rather large (we often split an entree) and don't forget to try the Fried bananas with home made coconut ice cream. Bananas are wrapped in squares of dough, fried crispy, served alongside Nang's own coconut ice cream, then drizzled with honey and topped off with crushed peanuts. Feeds 2- 4! Nang often shyly checks in to see how you liked your order - she's a real sweetheart! Go!

    KJ 2/7/08: The service was fast and friendly. The food was, well, just ok. We are used to fantastic Thai food (Air Thai and Thai Ginger for example). The Woodsman just isn't at the top. I tried several dishes, and the tastes were muddled, and a bit bland. Sure, we'll go back: somewhat recommended. Reasonably priced.

    MS 10/17/07: The Woodsman in Philomath. Their Thai food is fantastic. They have a Thai cook. There is American food too, it's your average bar food but the Thai is the thing. We've had Pad Thai which was excellent and 1 other Thai dish with wide noodles and basil. The Pad was better, but just because the basil was a little too strong and spicy for my tastes. The portions are huge. For $7 or $8 we can get 1 order of the Thai food and the 2 of us can get at least 2, usually 3 meals out of it. They have mixed drinks but don't seem to know a lot about it. The waitress had never heard of Canadian Club. Stick with beer.

  • Addr: Philomath

    Woodstocks Pizza

    A long-time Corvallis institution. Decent pizza. Woodstocks is Recommended.

    And: OK pizza. Favorite for the after softball crowd. Suggested.

    And: What can I say? Great pizza, lots of toppings, nice crust, both white and whole wheat.

  • Tel: 752-5151
  • Addr: 1045 NW Kings Blvd.
  • Web: http://www.woodstocks.com/

    Young's Kitchen

    Korean/Japanese. Hot and spicy pork is good here. As are the sushi rolls. I've also been known to eat the yakisoba and omu rice. Recommended.

    Zia Southwest

    This is a restuarant offering "southwest" cuisine. Rumor has it the owners and/or operators hail from New Mexico. They are located in the former Soltice Cafe space. Several reports of Zia are not so great, but appears to be improving. They recently have started serving dinner...see below. Suggested.

    1/21/09: A quick clarification, Zia doesn't serve "Mexican" food, they serve traditional food from New Mexico. They do have a few similarities, but don't expect the standard bland Mexican food (El Sol, Los Dos, etc.) As a couple of reviewers have noted, they use a light hand on the seasoning, so you'll probably want to add some salt, but that's fine with me. You can always add salt, but you can't take it away if it's overdone, so best to err on the side of caution. On to the food (all-natural, and a lot of it is local, for a big thumbs up): Breakfast burritos: yummy and filling. You may have seen them at the Farmer's Market. I love the homemade tortillas. Nothing quite like `em in town. Calabacitas: Ennh. But then I've never been a squash fan. Carne adovado: wonderfully flavorful and spicy (although they have a mild version, I've never tried it). Try it in a burrito smothered in hot green chile sauce. If you like spicy, it's out of this world. Sopaipilla: a great way to end a meal, with fresh southwest fry-bread and a drizzle of honey. Sometimes the simple things are the best. Signature Cheesecake: an out-of-the-blue delight. A small slice of cheesecake (all you really need) delicately flavored with New Mexican green chile. It's intriguing and (much to my surprise) delicious, with just a hint of heat at the end. Nachos: not your standard Tex-Mex nachos, but house-fried chips topped with your choice of topping and a creamy queso sauce. They look a bit small, but definitely fill you up. Like most places, service can be a bit slow when busy, but always friendly and helpful. I haven't been in for dinner yet, but have always enjoyed my lunches there. Highly Recommended.

    11/21/08: [Ed Note: this is a response from ZIA] We greatly appreciate feedback from our customers, however it is most useful when we can talk with you before you leave the restaurant. This gives us the opportunity to look at what you ordered and determine what caused you to have a bad experience, then we can correct it in the future. Most importantly, we can compensate you for your bad experience. Kathleen Marie ZIA Southwest Cuisine

    11/17/08 KS: We are writing in regard to Zia, which recently began serving dinner. Dinner = Disaster! The food was not up to par and much too $$$. The tortillas and sopapillas were lukewarm at best, and the entrees were too salty and lacking any evidence of advertised green chile. We used to like the food when Zia first opened-it was high quality and New Mexico authentic (we're transplants from the Southwest)-but we will not return at dinnertime or any other time of day.

    10/10/08 HD: I had tried this place when it first opened, and was not impressed. However a couple of my coworkers like it, so I tried it again today. I was disappointed.....we were there by 12:20 and they were out of the enchilada casserole, it was their special for the day, so I guess I can understand that, but if it's the special of the day, wouldn't you make extra? I had a sopapailla (spelling?) with chicken. Extremely bland; no cheese to speak of. I guess if you want cheese, you pay extra to have it smothered with chile sauce and they put cheese on top of that. The beans were the most boring I have ever had; as was the mexican rice. No flavor at all. I have never been to a Mexican restaurant that charges extra for items that I think belong on Mexican food: .50 for tomatoes; .50 for green peppers or onions, etc. I can understand charging extra for sour cream or guacamole, but not for veggies. It was also quite expensive for the portion size. I was quite disappointed and my coworkers are on their own from now on.

    5/2/08 ML: I found the food at Zia's to be tasty and unique, apparently due to a style originating from Northern New Mexico. If you are looking for standard American Mexican or Tex-Mex or the usual perception of Southwest, this may not be your place. I immediately noticed the extra flavor from fresh local ingredients, which I strongly favor over bulk restaurant or supermarket ingredients, preferred by most restaurants around our country. My son and family, who lived in Northern New Mexico for years, found the style to be authentic and Zia's has quickly become their favorite restaurant along with Normals when they visit Corvallis.

    1/19/08 VH: I have eaten at Zia's three times since it opened and have had a good experience each time. I recommend the sopapilla with chicken and hot green chile sauce. The burritos have excellent hand-made tortillas that are fresh and tasty! Their sopapillas are the most authentic that I have had in Oregon, if you get there at 11:30 you can eat a breakfast burrito and have a sopapilla for desert. The service is great and the owners are very friendly. This is southwestern food, which is not drowned by cheese and dripping with oil, so you can actually taste the vegetables and chilies. I highly recommend this place.

    1/4/08 BP: I ate breakfast at Zia's a few weeks ago. The food was very good, and "spicy" means spicy. I like spicy and it was good enough for me. The food was definitely under salted and the portion was very small for what I was looking for. The service though was great and the food too. I'll definitely be back, even if the portions are too small.


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