St. Jack Restaurant and Bar isn’t just a dining destination; it’s an experience, offering a meticulously crafted menu, an exquisite and thoughtfully curated wine selection, and an ambiance that perfectly marries the rustic charm of the South of France with the refined sensibility of the Pacific Northwest. For those seeking an authentic and memorable Portland French restaurant, St. Jack stands out as a quintessential choice.
My journey with St. Jack began serendipitously on a typical grey January day in 2014. My husband and I, both working from home, were exploring Southeast Portland on errands when hunger struck. Tucked away on a corner, in a charming galley-like space, was the original St. Jack. Its inviting appearance drew us in, promising a quick, satisfying lunch.
The small eatery buzzed with lively mid-day conversations, its jovial atmosphere instantly captivating. We settled at a window-side table and indulged in truly delicious tartines. I vividly recall my rib eye tartine; its flavor was so exceptional, so perfectly executed, that the memory lingers to this day. That meal evoked a profound sense of nostalgia, making me yearn for our old Southeast Portland neighborhood and the cherished memories of European travels.
Fast forward almost exactly two years from that initial delightful encounter, and I found myself once again at St. Jack, but this time, it was St. Jack, all grown up. The transformation was remarkable, yet the essence remained.
The once boisterous little Portland French restaurant had blossomed into a sprawling 2,600 square foot culinary haven on Portland’s vibrant NW 23rd Avenue. No longer on the verge of feeling cramped, this new iteration of St. Jack masterfully retains its distinctive rustic French flair within a spacious environment that exudes a serene Pacific Northwest calm. The expansion has allowed for a more expansive and refined dining experience, making it an ideal setting for both intimate dinners with friends and memorable date nights. The decor, while updated, still pays homage to its roots, featuring thoughtful touches that blend classic French bistro elements with modern, local aesthetics. From the warm lighting to the carefully chosen artwork, every detail contributes to an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. This evolution solidifies St. Jack’s reputation as a cornerstone of French dining in Portland, offering a taste of the South of France infused with an undeniable Portland spirit.
This particular visit, which forms the basis of this detailed review, was a special media lunch hosted by Enzymedica, offering a comprehensive look at St. Jack’s expanded offerings and culinary prowess. As with any exceptional dining experience, our journey began not just with the food, but with impeccable service and a selection of expertly crafted beverages.
Drinks: A Curated Selection for Discerning Palates
The beverage program at St. Jack Portland is a testament to sophisticated curation, largely thanks to Wine Director Christopher Sky Westmoreland. He has assembled a wine list that is both refined and accessible, featuring an impressive array of selections that pay homage to France’s rich winemaking heritage while also celebrating the burgeoning talent of the Pacific Northwest. This thoughtful balance ensures there’s a perfect pairing for every dish and every preference.
Among the standout offerings, I noted one of my personal favorite Oregon Pinot Noirs: the 2013 Phelps Creek Vineyards Cuvée Alexandrine, priced at $102, a true expression of the region’s elegance. Also gracing the list is a stunning 2012 WT Vintners Les Collines Vineyard Block 30 Syrah for $110, showcasing the depth and complexity that can be achieved locally. For those exploring on a more modest budget, there are excellent wines available in the $30-40 range, proving that quality need not always come with a premium price tag. Furthermore, St. Jack extends a welcoming policy for guests who wish to bring their own special bottle, with a reasonable corkage fee of $20, allowing for even more personalized dining experiences.
Beyond the extensive wine list, St. Jack also boasts a compelling selection of creative craft cocktails, each priced between $11 and $14. These aren’t just ordinary mixed drinks; they are imaginative concoctions, often incorporating seasonal ingredients and unique flavor profiles that complement the culinary offerings. The skilled bartenders take pride in their artistry, ensuring each cocktail is a balanced and delightful prelude or accompaniment to your meal.
The restaurant’s layout thoughtfully offers two distinct dining environments: the main dining room, perfect for a more formal meal, and a separate, vibrant bar area. I particularly appreciate the generous seating capacity in the bar area, accommodating around 45 guests. This makes it an excellent choice for a spontaneous rendezvous, a quick drink after work, or a relaxed happy hour with friends and colleagues. The flexibility in seating options caters to various occasions, further cementing St. Jack’s appeal as a versatile and inviting Portland French restaurant destination.
Food: A Celebration of French-Inspired Culinary Excellence
Every dish I’ve had the pleasure of tasting at St. Jack has been nothing short of delightful. The culinary heart of the restaurant beats with the passion and expertise of Chef Aaron Barnett, a familiar face from Food Network’s Chopped (a favorite among my own kids!). Chef Barnett is a true master, celebrated for his ability to craft mouthwatering, unfussy dishes where the inherent quality and essence of each ingredient shine brightly. His approach is one of elegant simplicity, allowing the natural flavors to take center stage, a hallmark of authentic French cuisine with a contemporary twist.
During this particular media lunch, we were privileged to witness Chef Barnett in action, as he led a captivating cooking demonstration, revealing the secrets behind St. Jack’s exquisite Mussels Nantua. This hands-on experience underscored his dedication to his craft and his generosity in sharing his culinary knowledge.
As a fascinating aside, mussel farming constitutes a significant portion of France’s aquaculture, with most mussels served in French restaurants sourced locally. While Moules Frites (mussels with fries) are undeniably popular across France, their origins are often attributed to Belgium, where they are also enjoyed in abundance. And for those who truly appreciate this classic dish, Chef Barnett has even opened his own dedicated bar, La Moule, located at 2500 SE Clinton in Southeast Portland. It’s clear that La Moule is entirely devoted to the art of mussels, making it a must-visit for any seafood enthusiast!
The Mussels Nantua, a true star of the menu, is a symphony of flavors crafted with caramelized fennel, sweet tomato, aromatic garlic and shallots, zesty capers, delicate shellfish stock, a hint of cognac, and a luxurious touch of cream. While the menu evolves with seasonality, the current St. Jack dinner menu features Mussels Normandy for $26, offering a similar dedication to fresh, flavorful shellfish. I confess a mild obsession with these mussels; the exquisite tomato cognac cream masterfully enhances the freshness of the mussels, creating a rich broth that is absolutely perfect for soaking up with a generous piece of crusty bread. This dish alone is a compelling reason to visit St. Jack Portland.
Another French bistro staple, the Steak Frites, is presented with remarkable finesse. Guests can choose between an 8oz Onglet for $27 or a more substantial 12oz Rib Eye for $42, both served with a rich shallot and red wine demi-glace, perfectly crisp pommes frites, and a decadent béarnaise sauce. The steak is cooked to perfection, succulent and flavorful, while the fries are a golden, salty delight. This dish exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to elevating classic French comfort food.
My personal selection for the main course was the Whole Roasted Trout, priced at $28. This beautifully prepared dish featured a warm lentil salad, originally with kale (though the current menu now substitutes peppery arugula), and a luscious brown butter vinaigrette. The trout itself was nothing short of perfection: its skin was incredibly crispy and perfectly salted, encapsulating a delicate, flaky fish that was expertly seasoned for maximum flavor. The richness of the delicate fish was beautifully balanced by the hearty and comforting warmth of the lentil salad, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying meal. This dish highlights the restaurant’s ability to combine sophisticated French techniques with high-quality, often locally sourced, ingredients.
A fellow diner at our table opted for the Lyonnaise Onion Tarte, another exquisite offering at $26. This delightful tart featured a perfectly poached egg crowning a bed of melted onions and leeks, enriched with tangy chèvre cheese and sautéed kale. The presentation was as appealing as the flavors, showcasing the restaurant’s dedication to classic French regional specialties.
Dining & Digestion: A Personal Interlude
As mentioned earlier, this particular culinary exploration was part of a media lunch in collaboration with Enzymedica. For those unfamiliar, Enzymedica is a reputable company that specializes in producing 100% vegetarian enzyme products. These formulations are designed to aid in managing common digestive discomforts, supporting those with food intolerances, and contributing to overall wellness, including cardiovascular health, proper immune function, and healthy inflammatory responses.
Having recently navigated my own personal journey of food intolerance discoveries, I approached these enzyme products with genuine curiosity. My professional background as a lifelong journalist instills a natural skepticism, prompting me to question and test everything for myself. Consequently, I committed to trying these products for several months to genuinely assess their efficacy and whether they made a noticeable difference in my digestive well-being.
Over the past few months, I have consistently incorporated two specific Enzymedica products into my routine: Digest Spectrum, which is specifically formulated to assist with various food intolerances such as dairy and eggs (common culprits for me), and their Enzyme Nutrition Multi-Vitamins. As a food blogger, encountering a wide array of ingredients, including dairy, is an inevitable part of the job. I’ve observed that when I take Digest Spectrum immediately before a meal containing dairy, my reactions appear to be significantly lessened, if not entirely mitigated. Furthermore, I am a staunch advocate for probiotics, and I appreciate that the multi-vitamins include these beneficial gut bacteria, adding another layer of digestive support.
While individual results can vary, based on my personal experience, I believe these products are certainly worth considering, especially for anyone grappling with persistent digestive issues. Of course, it is always crucial to consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before introducing any new supplements into your regimen to ensure they are suitable for your specific health needs. Enzymedica products are readily available at health-conscious retailers like Pharmaca, Whole Foods Market, and New Seasons Market, making them accessible for those interested in exploring their potential benefits.
Plan Your Visit to Portland’s French Gem
My adoration for St. Jack is unequivocal; I love, love, loooove this restaurant and eagerly anticipate every opportunity to return. While I regrettably didn’t capture any photographs of their desserts during this particular visit, it is imperative to mention that their chocolate pot de crème is nothing short of heavenly – a rich, intensely flavorful indulgence that provides a perfect conclusion to any meal. Equally impressive are their refreshing sorbets, offering a lighter yet equally satisfying sweet treat.
Making a reservation at St. Jack is conveniently facilitated through OpenTable, catering to parties of all sizes – a definite bonus point for any Portland restaurant that prioritizes ease of access for its diners. This forward-thinking approach ensures that guests can plan their visit without hassle, guaranteeing a spot at one of the city’s most beloved French establishments.
St. Jack Restaurant and Bar: Your Destination for Exceptional French Dining in Portland
1610 NW 23rd Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97210
503.360.1281
http://stjackpdx.com/
HOURS:
Restaurant: Daily, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Bar: Sunday – Thursday, 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Friday – Saturday, 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Happy Hour: 7 days a week, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM; 10:00 PM – close
We invite you to share your experiences! Have you had the pleasure of dining at St. Jack before? If you reside outside of Portland, is there a cherished French restaurant near you that you would highly recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
A special thank you to St. Jack and Enzymedica for the complimentary meal featured in this post. It is important to note that, as stated previously, I have frequented St. Jack on numerous other occasions at my own expense and have consistently been delighted by the experience. All opinions and photographs presented herein are entirely my own and reflect my genuine appreciation for this outstanding establishment.