A Culinary Journey at Lincoln Restaurant (Closed) in Portland, Oregon

Important Update: Please note that Lincoln Restaurant in Portland is now closed. This article serves as a retrospective look at a beloved dining establishment.

For a time, Lincoln Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, stood as a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the allure of seasonal fare. Chef Jenn Louis crafted a menu that celebrated the natural flavors of Oregon’s bounty, offering a refreshing contrast to the often overly-experimental culinary scene. The happy hour menu was an excellent introduction to the restaurant’s ethos: uncomplicated, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared.

In a city known for its quirky food trends, Lincoln offered a welcome respite. It wasn’t about outlandish ingredients or overly artistic presentations; it was about delivering dishes that were simply, undeniably delicious. In a culinary landscape sometimes dominated by the pursuit of the unusual, Lincoln focused on perfecting the classics and highlighting the quality of its ingredients.

Sometimes, all you crave is a perfectly executed, straightforward dish. And at Lincoln, that’s exactly what you could find.

Located at the corner of North Williams and Northeast Failing, Lincoln Restaurant provided a warm and inviting atmosphere where the food spoke for itself.

Baked Eggs ($6): A simple yet satisfying dish featuring creamy baked eggs, complemented by the briny flavor of olives and the savory crunch of herbed breadcrumbs.

Chef Jenn Louis’s approach to cooking was characterized by its simplicity and unwavering commitment to quality. Her dishes allowed the seasonal ingredients to shine, free from unnecessary distractions. Each element on the plate served a purpose, contributing to a harmonious and flavorful experience. It was a style of cooking that inspired respect and, above all, delivered exceptional taste.

Reliving Happy Hour at Lincoln

Lincoln Restaurant operated during evening hours, typically from 5:30 PM until closing, Tuesday through Saturday. The coveted happy hour, a highlight for many, ran from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday through Friday. The prices listed below reflect the happy hour offerings available at the time.

Happy hour beverage specials included $4 draft beers, $5 glasses of house wine, and $6 for the Bartender’s Choice cocktail and well drinks, making it an affordable way to experience the restaurant’s ambiance and culinary offerings.

Like many restaurants that prioritize fresh, local ingredients, Lincoln’s menu evolved with the seasons. While the specific dishes featured in the following images may not have always been available, they provide a glimpse into Chef Louis’s culinary style and the type of dishes that guests could anticipate enjoying.

English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich (for dinner): A creative twist on a classic breakfast item, featuring Fontina in Carroza, a perfectly cooked egg, and savory sopresseta.

Fried Chicken: Crispy and flavorful fried chicken served with a unique Togarashi White BBQ Sauce, a standout dish that left a lasting impression.

The fried chicken was a definite highlight. The perfectly crispy skin and flavorful meat, combined with the tangy and slightly spicy Togarashi White BBQ Sauce, made it an unforgettable dish.

Hummus was a consistent presence on the menu, with the specific variety changing regularly to reflect the season’s best produce. Past iterations included a popular carrot hummus and a vibrant asparagus hummus. At one point, a beet hummus graced the menu, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to creative and seasonal flavor combinations.

Asparagus Hummus: A delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring creamy asparagus hummus, tangy labneh, a perfectly cooked egg, and delicate salmon.

Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. Take the fries and onion rings, for example. Perfectly fried and expertly seasoned, they were crowd-pleasers that appealed to diners of all ages.

Hand-Cut Fries ($6): Crispy hand-cut fries seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and pecorino-romano cheese, offering a savory and aromatic experience.
Cornmeal Onion Rings ($6): Crispy cornmeal onion rings served with a flavorful pimenton aioli, a perfect combination of textures and spices.

Spaccatelli: A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring spaccatelli pasta, smoked tallow, speck, and sherry, creating a complex and satisfying culinary experience.

Calamari: Tender calamari paired with crisp cabbage, aromatic caraway, and creamy skordalia, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

And of course, no meal is complete without dessert! Lincoln offered a selection of decadent treats to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Chocolate Fudge Cake: A rich and decadent chocolate fudge cake, perfect for chocolate lovers.

Brutti ma Buoni ($8): Delicate cookies flavored with orange and grapefruit, served with creme fraiche for a touch of tanginess.
Malabi Israeli Milk Pudding: A creamy and fragrant milk pudding infused with Marionberry, rose petals, orange blossom water, candied ginger, and pistachio, creating a truly unique and memorable dessert experience.

Many found the pasta dishes, a testament to Chef Louis’s expertise (she is also the author of “Pasta By Hand”), and the simple yet satisfying baked eggs to be particular highlights.

Lincoln was a casual and welcoming eatery that could accommodate approximately 75 guests. The seating options were varied, ranging from bar seating and long communal tables to smaller, more intimate tables and booths. The high ceilings and retractable side walls created an open and airy atmosphere, making the space feel both spacious and intimate. It was an ideal spot for after-work happy hour gatherings, casual dinners with friends, or a romantic date night. While Lincoln didn’t have a dedicated kids’ menu, the approachable dishes like fries, chicken, pasta, and desserts made it a family-friendly option.

Remembering the Location

The former address of Lincoln Restaurant was:

3808 N Williams
Portland Oregon 97227
(503) 288-6200

The restaurant’s operating hours were:
Tuesday- Saturday 5:30 PM to close

For more information, you could have visited their website at www.LincolnPDX.com (website no longer active).

A special thank you to Jenn Louis and her team for their hospitality and for providing a memorable dining experience.

While Lincoln Restaurant is no longer with us, its legacy of simple, seasonal, and delicious cuisine continues to inspire. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best food is the food that celebrates the ingredients and the art of uncomplicated cooking.

This article serves as a tribute to a restaurant that was once a beloved part of the Portland food scene. While the doors may be closed, the memories and the culinary inspiration live on.

We hope this article brought back fond memories for those who had the pleasure of dining at Lincoln Restaurant, and provided a glimpse into the Portland culinary scene for those who never had the chance.

This marks the end of our retrospective look at Lincoln Restaurant. We hope you enjoyed this journey down memory lane and that it inspires you to seek out simple, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared food wherever you are.

The Portland food scene continues to evolve, with new restaurants and culinary experiences emerging all the time. We encourage you to explore and discover the many hidden gems that this vibrant city has to offer.

Thank you for joining us on this culinary exploration of Lincoln Restaurant. We hope to see you again soon for more restaurant reviews, food-related stories, and insights into the ever-changing world of cuisine.