The Lounge At Gilda’s

I was really looking forward to checking this place out, based on the hoopla courtesy of Unilocal,Urban Spoon, et al…
Our dining experience there, in my humble opinion, can’t be reconciled w/​the lofty cume star average. Look, it was early dinner hours (pay attention here… their posted info says HH is til 6pm, I got there and started our orders right at 5p). The place was low census, low energy, and uninspired in the overall rubric of service. The servers had us change booths several times even though, again, they were by no means crowded— never more than a table or two other that ours, en toto.
When presented with the bill later– which did come after the 6pm, I was told that NONE of our entire, rather lengthy order qualified for HH rates b/​c it was all ordered too late. About 90% of the entire order was completed nearly an hour before the HH cutoff, but it was clear that our waitress was going to stick to her guns. Congrats, honey, for a measly 10 or 15 bucks you cost yourself an easy to please and even easier with the gratuities customer for life. It’s the principal of the thing, you see. Don’t tell people blatant fibs honey, it diminishes the both of us. Plus, if you really do believe your own story, then you are way too sloppy with keeping track of your peeps. It was far from a busy night, so don’t blame it on that, either.
If offering thickly breaded, sweet (say it with me: yuuuuuuuuuuuuckkkk!) calamari, and spaghetti and gigando meatballs is all it takes to be considered Italian (and one of the best in town, according to the Unilocal ratings!), then somebody owes Shari’s an apology, seriously, b/​c the quality of food was indistinguishable from the likes of Shari’s.
On the other hand, my dinner date REALLY liked Gilda’s, and scared down the s’ghetti 3/​much alacrity and great dispatch. She even asked for seconds, and then desserts — – which she loved every bit of, down to the last cannoli… My dinner date is welcome to go back anytime for dessert or drinks or whatever else— I simply won’t be the one joining her, as detailed above. Fair is fair.
Where else does such a stalemate leave us, other than @ 3 stars???

Located in the basement of Gilda’s restaurant on Morrison, the lounge is a great place to grab drinks and food after a Timbers game. I tried the burger, the calamari, and the baked cheese. The burger was definitely the stand out. The cheese they put on it — OMG! I couldn’t stop myself from eating more than I should have of my boyfriend’s burger haha.
It’s definitely a bar vibe, so don’t be turned off that it’s connected to the fancier Gilda’s above. Decent prices. Put this in your book of places to hit up after games at Providence Park.

BOTTOM LINE: great food and good beer selection.
I’m new to the neighborhood and was looking for dinner. Since I was running solo I thought I would drop into the lounge side of Gilda’s. Sat at the bar and had an excellent meal. Friendly atmosphere. There is a lot to explore on the menu. The restaurant side looks perfect for date night. I will be back soon.

First time trying Gilda’s and it was SPECTACULAR! Walked in through front door wearing ripped shorts, and felt a little awkward with how classy everyone was dressed, BUT the awesome Natalie Portman look alike hostess told us about the lounge downstairs! The lounge has a menu and they serve the full restaurant menu as well. The waitress was just as great as the hostess!
Italian restaurant that serves burgers?! I had to order one and it was delicious! Fresh bun, and caramelized onions made this burger! Also had homemade vanilla iced cream topped with the most amazing black cherries you will EVER have, because they import them from Italy… EPIC!
3 of us went, finished all of our food, and lalala loved it! We all know it is hard to satisfy a group at a restaurant, but not at this place!

Who says you have to suffer through terrible bar food just because you want to watch a game while you eat? At Gilda’s you can order off the full dinner menu (Gilda’s Italian Restaurant) even while sitting at the bar watching the game!
The food is awesome, with fresh, organic, quality ingredients. They put a lot of effort into choosing ingredients (such as REAL cocktail cherries, and high quality vermouth)
Service is good, pricing is slightly higher than average but not too crazy.
Cocktails aren’t spectacular, but they have a great beer and wine selection to make up for it.

Absolutely LOVE this bar;great service, delicious libations, and rock star eats/​happy hour. Bacon wrapped dates — YUMMM. Meatballs, steak bites, caprese salad all big winners. Jack-​money people come down here and drink with me!