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Portland › Portland › Jacqueline
JacquelineB+Worth Trying
2500 SE Clinton St, Portland, OR 97202
· Seafood restaurant, New American restaurant, Oyster bar restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (960 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Destination for creative, seafood-forward cooking and standout $1 oyster happy hour; superb flavors but small portions, high prices, and occasional service/host issues.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Jacqueline delivers exceptional seafood quality with bright, precisely executed flavors that justify its strong local reputation and loyal following. However, quality variation across visits—including small portions and occasional off-nights—prevents grade A territory, while inconsistent pacing and host-driven waits create friction in an otherwise well-executed neighborhood seafood destination. Best experienced during happy hour or with realistic expectations about timing and portion size.
Restaurant Summary
A cozy SE Portland spot where seafood shines, the room feels warm and bustling with an open kitchen and bar energy that regulars love. One diner summed it up: "Flavors were bright and plates were beautifully composed." However, expect lines for happy hour and a firm host policy on seating. The cooking leans contemporary and produce-driven with Southeast Asian notes rather than theatrics: think oysters with precise mignonettes, trout cooked just right, and mussels scented with tom kha. It is ideal for adventurous eaters who appreciate creative pairings more than big portions. Families should know the menu skews seafood-forward and creative. Kids who enjoy simple fare might like focaccia or plain oysters, but there is no dedicated kids menu and portions run small; better for teens who like seafood than picky younger diners.
At a Glance
- Best-in-town value on $1 happy hour oysters
- Creative seafood with bright, precise flavors
- Small portions and premium pricing
- Host policies and waits frustrate some guests
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- Dollar oyster happy hour
- Chef-driven fusion seafood
- Open kitchen intimacy
What People Love
- Joy of $1 oysters with fun sauces
- Buttery cedar-plank trout
- Thoughtful, modern flavor pairings
- Friendly bartenders and a lively bar vibe
Points of Concern
- Portions can feel small for the price; some left hungry after several dishes
- Seating and party-splitting rules at happy hour can feel strict; lines form before opening
- Service pacing can lag on busy nights; occasional delays or cold dishes reported
- Review patterns are consistent with genuine onsite dining; minimal coordination risk observed
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$62-$88 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with focaccia and kombu oil ($9)
- Pair oysters with a crisp white; budget $12-18 per glass
- Choose one composed seafood main ($29-$49) and share two starters
Perfect For
- Early happy hour oyster run
- Seafood-focused date night
- Celebratory tasting or family-style experience
- Out-of-town foodie visit
Location Insights
Area: Lively SE Portland corridor with indie restaurants, bars, and neighborhood foot traffic; casual yet foodie-focused crowd.
Safety: Generally safe, busy in evenings; typical urban street conditions with good lighting and pedestrians.
Nearby: Near SE Division/Clinton dining scene, close to boutiques and bars; residential side streets nearby.
Hosford-AbernethyHosford-Abernethy is a dynamic neighborhood with a strong local identity, featuring a variety of independent restaurants, bars, and shops. The dining scene is diverse, ranging from casual eateries to innovative New American and seafood spots, attracting food enthusiasts and locals alike.
Clinton StreetClinton Street is a well-known micro-neighborhood famous for its lively dining and nightlife scene, with numerous popular restaurants, bars, and cafes that create a bustling yet approachable atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–21:00
Tuesday17:00–21:00
Wednesday17:00–21:00
Thursday17:00–21:00
Friday17:00–21:00
Saturday17:00–21:00
Sunday17:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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