Clyde’s Prime Rib Restaurant & Bar

Disappointing. In one word, that was my most recent experience here.
I’ve been to this old-​school establishment many times over the years with fairly consistent service and a generally good time. I understand the place just sold so I was anxious to see what kind of changes might occur. I was there in December and ordered the Cobb Salad. It was the best Cobb Salad I had ever had! A giant salad completely covered with hunks of bleu cheese, thinly sliced prime rib, and all the other typical items in a Cobb Salad. It was amazing! I will post a photo of that memorable salad.
I went back mid January and again, ordered the Cobb Salad so I had a good comparison under the new ownership. The salad was a bit smaller but pretty much the same. It wasn’t as memorable as the first one but otherwise my experience was okay.
Saturday night was a completely different experience and one that I won’t be repeating any time soon. Again, Cobb Salad. The first thing I noticed was that it was about half the size of the first salad and no prime rib. The price was either the same or just slightly higher so I definitely felt I did not get my money’s worth. When the waitress asked how it was I told her I was disappointed that they had taken the prime rib off. She checked with the cook and apparently new menus had just come out the day before, clearing stating there was no prime rib… but of course I didn’t look at the menu as I knew what I wanted to order. Even the waitress was surprised that the salad had changed… but wait, there’s more!
I pride myself on never having a hangover. The key is drinking lots of water with your alcohol. Three times I asked the waitress for ice water with my cocktail and never saw a single glass. At one point, she actually had an ice water on her tray but when she got to our table, she dropped off everything else and then left with the water. What the???
About 11:30pm we started trying to flag down the waitress to bring our tabs. Really long story short, it took us 80 minutes to get out of there. She lost one of the credit cards and insisted we had not given it to her. I explained in detail every single thing that happened and why I knew she had the card. She finally returned saying she had talked to the manager and they would comp my friend’s tab since they lost her card and that she should contact the bank in the morning to close the card. As we were all standing there awestruck, the bartender walked up and handed her the lost card. I took it from her to be sure it was the correct card and before I could give it to my friend to put in her wallet she snatched it right out of my hand. I said, «Wait. You said you were going to comp her tab.» She then took off at a trot, yelling over her shoulder, «but that was when we didn’t have her card to swipe.»
I think the entire thing was handled really poorly so between the crappy service and the substandard food, I doubt I will be back.

My boyfriend surprised me and took me to Clydes I was a bit skeptical at first. Once inside I immediately loved the décor and feel of the restaurant. The good was delicious and presentation was great ! Highly recommend !

We went to Clyde’s last night (Sunday). I had the Prime Rib and it was amazing! Also loved the crème brule. Couldn’t believe how inexpensive it was — so go on Sunday night! Clyde’s has a quaintly charming atmosphere… a throwback to the past with dark wood and old paintings and a fireplace. Our waitress was very kind and attentive. We will be back!

I love this place it has the feel of an old fashion cocktail lounge to it. Clyde’s has become our girls night out place on the second Thursday when Jim Mesi and Steve Bradley play. ALWAYS a good time and the guys are almost a comic routine. The food is great the people are great, service is good and you never know who you might run into. I have ran into old friends and made new ones here. Try the Cobb salad it had prime rib in it. OH SO GOOD!
To review, good food and good music and a dance floor what more can a girl ask for???

This place is exactly what you should expect after reading the majority of the reviews here: decent food, decent service, decent venue. You’re not going to get the best cut of meat anywhere, and the dining room is definitely a (very neat, IMHO) blast from the past… But what you get is pretty much in line with what you pay for.
We went on a Sunday night and had the 11oz prime rib special. The meat was alright, the potatoes were alright, although the veggie side consisted of two pieces of broccoli, which was a little absurd. They didn’t have the cart out on our visit, which led to believe that we were having the previous nights leftovers, but in any case the meat was sufficiently tasty and cut well.
For dessert, the Hot n Gooey could have been a touch hotter, but was otherwise very gooey and ginormous. After dinner coffee was tasty. And the bill was exactly in line with what we expected. Not the best in the world, but a nice treat nonetheless.

tonight was supposed to be a special occasion for my girlfriend and i — but it ended up being an ASTONISHING disappointment, as well as a waste of money. the few good things are so heavily outweighed by the bad, i am sorry there is no lower rating than a single star.
my prime rib cut was delicious and tender, but not cooked to order (very underdone). the mashed potatoes were rather plain tasting for all their color, but the ‘seasonal vegetables’ turned out to be a single cold broccoli crown that had been cooked at some point far earlier in the day. the au jus was not hot, and the horseradish sauce was mediocre.
my girlfriend had nothing positive to say whatsoever about what she ordered. now, i readily admit that i don’t eat clams, but she assured me that one shouldn’t eat unopened steamers. her serving was almost a third unopened clams, rendering them inedible to her. her rib tidbits were almost entirely raw, and the mushrooms we paid extra for were flavorless and disappointing. she’s not a picky eater, but left extremely dissatisfied.
it takes more than small portions on big plates with high prices to qualify as a fancy eatery, people. she enjoyed her wine very much, but other than that, this evening was a colossal waste of eighty bucks. we will not be going back, and i will be telling everyone in the area to avoid this kitschy relic.
(EDIT: forgot to bitch about the lumpy, uneven booth cushion)

I had been to this place once before for cocktails. This was my first dinning experience. We went later in the evening around 9pm without a reservation so we sat in the bar. Normally I would expect something amiss about the food ordering and eating so late but the entire meal was excellent and came to us in a timely manner. The prime rib was excellent and the vegetables tasted like they were just made. Shortly after our food arrived the live music began. Now in most places where there is live music the first set can be loud and fast but this band defiantly started out with soft dinner music that you didn’t have to shout over. What I really liked about this place was that there was plenty of regulars there and it felt more like a dinner party then a restaurant. It has friendly laid back atmosphere. Go for the food and stay for music and dancing.

I’ve been a Clyde fan for many years and it’s a must-​go when my brother-​in-​law visits from the east coast, He and my husband always order the prime rib and claim it’s never been less than stellar, I love a good rib-​eye, and Clydes once served me the best one I’ve ever had, No joke, it was so tender that I cut it with a butter knife, I tried real hard to mind my manners and eat my dinner at a leisurely pace, but that rib-​eye just wouldn’t let me rest my butter knife and fork.
We’ve always gone to Clydes around 6 pm during weekdays and always get a good seating, (often in front of the fireplace as it’s not so busy stopping by after work).
The salads and other accompaniments are good, but when I’m hankering for a perfectly prepared rib-​eye, there’s no other place to go than than Clydes. I highly recommend it, both for the perfectly cooked prime rib and steaks, but also for the laid back ambience that is so welcoming after stressful 8 hours in the office.

Ribs taste like crap. Not really good to eat here with family. I’m literally typing this while eating it. Taste horrible. DO NOT COME! Bar is great thoe.

Our disappointment started almost the moment we entered this dark, damp dining hall with dated décor. I was concerned about the quality of the food when I saw the parking lot billboard advertisement promoting the Sunday special: $ 15 prime rib. Only 6 cars were in the parking lot. Doors opened at 5:00 pm and we arrived shortly thereafter. Several wait staff were gathered around the entry-​way preparing to start a new shift. Not a single smile was shared. Our waitress exchanged minimal pleasantries; at least she was very familiar with the menu.
The day-​old bread set on our table was spongy, dry, and cold. Generally speaking, my husband & I like medium cooked steaks — lots of pink, succulent, melt-​in-​your-​mouth beef tenderness. This was not to be at Clyde’s where the meat was slightly undercooked and delivered to our table at tepid temperatures. My husband’s mashed potatoes tasted of some boxed instant variety and his single sprig of broccoli was noticeably skimpy. At some point, we decided to take his remaining prime rib home… to cook it. My Caesar salad was not terrible but the added steak was cold.
The best part of our dinner was dessert. Hubby ordered a pumpkin cobbler which he l – o – v – e – d. It was served hotter than either of our steaks and covered in whipped cream deliciousness. Too bad the steaks did not measure up. We will not be returning.

If you want good prime rib and a nice place to listen to music, this is the spot! Every Friday night they have a live jazz band to entertain you. Tonight it took a little bit longer for the food to come out but when it did, bombbbbb diggidy!!! We ordered prime rib soup and clam chowder for starters and then 36oz Clydes famous prime rib for main course. Also every Friday night Reo is there too! Reo owns Reo’s Rib and he is also Snoop Doggs uncle! Everybody should check this place out at least once!

Recently we decided we needed «beef» for dinner. A friend recommended Clyde’s, but after our meal there, we cannot recommend it.
We were greeted warmly and had a wonderful waitress, but that couldn’t make up for a very tasteless Cosmopolitan, bland prime rib, and a steak knife so dull it couldn’t cut the meat.

This is an example of why you don’t let your out of town guests pick where they want to go. They must have been here 20 years ago when this type of establishment was the place to be.
There are SO many awesome restaurants in Portland at this price point– avoid this place. The vibe was the killer for me. Dark, almost completely empty, kind of gross. Get a steak anywhere else.

The power was out in various Portland neighborhoods, and restaurants were closed because of it. After trying three different places, we saw that the Clyde’s parking lot was rather empty.
We entered into the 70’s. It just looks like a place that would smell like stale smoke and regret.
We were the youngest patrons by at least a decade, and we were here for one thing: prime rib.
Took a while for our drink order, and the waiter forgot his «pad thingy,» which shouldn’t be a necessity with two people. We got two pieces of cold sliced sourdough bread with cold pats of butter. Restaurants that serve cold, crappy butter deserve a negative mark just for that.
Calamari was decent and out in a flash. The aioli made it.
We were given a small plate with mashed potatoes before our prime rib. The potatoes tasted like rehydrated potatoes.
Elvis came out with the $ 30,000 cart to make our food. The prime ribs were juicy. As in, bogged down with water. I received one sprig of broccoli with one normal sized floret, and two tiny florets.
My prime rib was okay. Just okay.
We did thoroughly enjoy the fried cheesecake, but I don’t think it’s something that can be screwed up.
Prime Rib + Chocolate Cake could teach them a thing or two. I get that Clydes is a staple for many people. I definitely saw regulars there. But I won’t be going back, because the value and product at PRCC are both better.
Serve warm bread and whipped butter.
Offer an herbed crust on your prime rib for an additional cost.
Lightly pan-​sear the outside of the prime rib.
Offer red skin mashed potatoes.
Offer better veggie options.

A Portland institution. Go for the red velvet booths the dark lit ambiance of a steakhouse and especially for the prime rib! The bar does blues, and jazz and soul music in the evenings. Feels like a place the rat pack would have made a standard. It’s a place you can go to get good service and good food in the traditional way your grandparents would appreciate. But make no mistake, this place is cool!

Who doesn’t like a $ 15 prime rib dinner in a «haunted» faux castle?!
I’d been by here a few times and finally had a reason to come; my family. They don’t judge and wouldn’t be snobs about getting prime rib somewhere that isn’t trendy — and won’t charge $ 68 for beef ala carte.
I could have skipped the $ 4 side salad, had I known how awesome the stuffed baked potato was, that you can substitute your potatoes for only a dollar more. However; the salad was loaded with veggies and croutons, so I wasn’t too sad about my choice.
The décor is old school; all dark, with velvet sofa-​tables and blingy chandeliers. Paintings of kings and coat of arms surround the dining room. Because our super cool server said the place was haunted, I expected the chandeliers to begin swinging or the eyes in the paintings to move back and forth; following my movements. But — they didn’t. Alas, we walked away with very full bellies of delicious food.

Reminds me of a poor man’s Ringside. The dinning side has a lot of old school character. Old circular booths that look like what you’d expect to see in a mob movie. For the most part I think this ambiance works for a classic steak/​prime rib place. If you look close you’ll see the booths are missing buttons and the chandeliers have mismatched light bulbs. It could use an upgrade but it works. For ambiance I’d give them 3 stars.
We ordered the prime rib (6 and 8 oz) and it was wheeled out on a mobile cart and cut in front of us. The meat was perfectly cooked and good. Mashed potatoes had good flavor as did the string beans which were obviously fresh. My only critique about the prime rib and mashed potatoes is that they were only luke warm. We also ordered onion rings as a appetizer. Not the best onion rings I’ve had (batter is heavy and crumbly) but the portion size was generous and they were hot. Bread was actually quite fresh although cold. Quality of food I’d rate as 3 stars.
Prices were reasonable for a steak place… it’s no Sizzler but that’s also the bright side. Onion rings were less than $ 9 and 8 oz. prime rib was less than $ 25. They have a prime rib special on Sunday’s that starts at $ 15…that’s a great deal which I’ll probably be back to try. Portion size was enough that we ended up with one additional meal (one person) for the next evening. Price/​Portion gets 4 stars.
The service was quite good from the greeter to the waitress and meat cutter. Frankly, I thought the service was consistent with what you would find at a more expensive place although they were noticeably casual. I’d rate service as 4 stars.
Overall, this place is better than Saylor’s but not as nice as the upper end steak places hence the «poor man’s Ringside.» Realistically I’d give it 3.5 but I always round up.

This is the place to go for live music… good live music at that!
If you don’t get there early you have a hard time finding a seat.
Supposedly they’re famous for their prime rib which I’ve yet to order but I had something else on the menu and it was okay 3 of 5 stars. Drinks are priced reasonably need about 2 to 3 to get «feel it»!
They have the video lottery machines which is a good perk!
The dance floor is small so it’s hard to actually get out there and dance but you’ll have at least 1 opportunity before the night ends.
There’s literally no drama here everybody is older like 30+ really good vibes!

Ambiance: B+
Friday and Saturday night life is hopping. The overall vibe is very positive.
Service: A–
Owner is nice and can usually be found walking the floor. Servers are normally very friendly and efficient.
Prime Rib: B
Tonight was one of the first times we didn’t see the rolling carving cart, did they get rid of it? A shame if so. My bad as I ordered my 7 oz. ($ 15) medium-​well, but this dish tastes best medium or medium-​rare. Price to portion seems a bit small.
Fries & Onion Rings: C+
meh
Bread: C–
This has never been a strong feature. Room temperature, far from fresh and served with individual wrapped butter pats. Imagine hot/​grilled bread with that au jus, oh the possibilities.
Mac & Cheese: A
Seriously one of the best versions in town, and for only $ 3!
Chicken Strips: B–
Borderline pass
Beef Stroganoff: B+
Real good, go for it.
Ribs and Rib Tidbits: B
Desserts: B
Not high end, but gooey and fun. Get their marquee item and share.

This could be so much more.
But for now it offers old school comfort that makes you wanting more. Really what I want to talk about about (the food is okay) is the ambiance. This place already has the old time feel but it lacks the warmth. Maybe it is the lighting? It is brightly lit so turn them down or get softer bulbs. The dining room has great booths and there is a bar area that makes you feel like you stepped back in time. But it is just missing that something.
The staff is always friendly and attentive.