Blackbird Restaurant
503 Laneda Ave, Manzanita, OR, 97130
Blackbird Restaurant Menu
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Address :
503 Laneda Ave
Manzanita, OR, 97130 - Phone (503) 368-7708
- Website https://blackbirdmanzanita.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :5:00 pm - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Rachael M.
One of the best meals we've had on the coast - or anywhere! Kind of place that makes Manzanita a bright spot on the coast. Whether you are at the counter by yourself or with a table of friends, you can count on a great meal, excellent service, and a great dining experience. Loved the menu offerings, and while a bit on the higher-priced side for typical Manzanita spots, it's a welcome addition to our favorite Oregon coast town. Love it!
(5)DeWayne F.
Over from Bend Oregon with another couple doing some Geocaching on the coast. Stayed in Manzanita at a VBRO Seaward Dream, over the top, highly recommended and within walking distance to this restaurant. Overall, I we would rate this restaurant a full 5 stars, for the food, service and ambiance. We had a few appetizers and the lamb burger, more than excellent. The bacon wrapped apricot, yummy. But best of all was the Pot of Cream. A true 10 star. The folks running the establishment, server and chefs, were all friendly, not snooty, thank god. Nothing worse than a snooty restaurant. Thanks
(5)Jen K.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise [1] I'm haunted by those lyrics and while I have no idea if this song inspired the name of the restaurant, I've been singing this song all week. Blackbird, the restaurant, is a delightful date night destination on the Oregon Coast. The seating is cozy (only an arm's length distance between tables) and we were glad we grabbed reservations although not all the tables were filled. We had a small table for two near the back of the restaurant, but my favorite seats were probably the four bar stools by the kitchen.The interior has a Portland vibe and the menu is quite small. I would advise that you check it out in advance, but it isn't posted on their website. Many items mentioned by other reviewers were not on the menu, so it is definitely seasonal and ever changing. Service was sweet, local and mostly on point. There was just a lag getting our second round of drinks, but that was easily rectified. The food was absolutely delicious. We were hungry, but not starving, the day after Thanksgiving, so we ended up ordering a beet salad to share and it was delicate and delicious. But, that dish was barely enough to share. I was worried the rest of our dishes would be equally petite, but they were just right. And the crusty bread dusted with salt to accompany our meal was a nice touch. The highlight of the night were the steamed mussels and frites. The delicate broth of wine and shallots, with seasoned fries on top, makes this a must order item. Our other entree was the sweet potato spaetzle with mushrooms and greens, topped by a runny egg (one of my favorite things). The cocktails were delicious, although the second Old Fashioned was MUCH stronger than the first. I was very happy with my Blood & Sand cocktail served in a quaint old fashioned glass. [1] Blackbird, written by Paul McCartney, appeared on the White Album. It is said to be inspired by the increasing racial tensions in the U.S. in 1968.
(4)Dana Z.
Blackbird opened in out small town just one short year ago on Valentine 's Day and I was the lucky first reviewer. I thought I would update my review at the one year anniversary. Blackbird has continued to perform for the delight of the locals and visitors. Its concept is simple, farm and sea to table, as much as possible, and done right. The owner/chef Lee Vance, has really worked this principal into a brilliant and vibrant restaurant that we so desperately needed here at the coast. The wine list is deep, the cocktails creative, service impeccable and the food delicious. Lee has made sure to make the menu interesting without it being intimidating. If you are on a budget it is easy to stay light with her fabulous appetizers and if you want to go big, there are plenty of opportunities for that too! My favorite dishes are the truffled Mac and Cheese, flat iron steak, fried cauliflower, lamb burger, bacon wrapped apricots and the radicchio Caesar and the beet salad. Oh and don't forget the salted caramel pot de creme! As for as drinks, their Moscow mule is always perfect and you really must try the habanero margarita, such a flavor impact! My favorite wine is the Pago tempranillo which you can get by the glass. And starting this Sunday, for their one year anniversary, they are starting brunch! Can't wait to try that! Thank you Lee and all the staff at Blackbird for continuing to bring us your talent and
(5)Monica A.
We spent Valentine's weekend in Manzanita and Blackbird was recommended. In a small town, options are often limited and we were excited to try this place as the menu is different than the typical diner/ bar food that's available during off season at the coast. Brussels spouts were amazing with a lot of butter, bacon fat, onions, garlic, and cheese. The fat content must be over the top but with the place dimly lit, you can't really get a good look at the glistening fat. It tasted amazing though! They were out of the cod, and had a different white fish replacement. It was supposed to be blackened. The fish did not taste 'blackened' at a and the seasoning was very, very light handed. The fish were also in small pieces. 3 bits of fish for an entree was not presented well. It was seasoned and cooked...nothing special. It was served with fingerling potatoes with a lot of onions. My boyfriend found it too pungent so I finished the potatoes but avoided the onions. I had ordered the 8 oz top sirloin with kale and potatoes. The server said the chef prepares it medium rare and I said that's how I preferred it. The steak was delicious..however, it was NOT medium rare. It was bloody red and very much on the rare side. The same redness went from the center to the edge of the steak. There was a dark sauce and with the dim lighting, I made it about 2/3 and had to stop. It very tasty but it was just too rare to continue eating. I felt like it was going to start mooing. I really want to give this a 3.5, but I'm rating this place a 4 because it's a nice place and I would go back...however, the next time...I might actually send my food back if it's not prepared the way they described it. Kind of disappointing that both the main dishes were not prepared as described.
(3)Stephanie L.
AMAZING! The best meal we had in the area. A bit of a drive from where we were staying, however it was totally worth it. Great service. Great food. Great space. We absolutely loved everything. The lamb burger was delicious. Mac N Cheese, brussel sprouts, veggies, almonds, etc. We had almost everything on the menu and it was all great... :)
(5)Cara G.
Adorable interior, very pretty bar. Romantic lighting and great music Mac and cheese: super rich! Can definitely share this one Brussels: awesome! Our fave by far Bone marrow: first time we had ordered this so unsure of what to expect but not very strong flavor Cesar salad: light and crisp Fries: super hot and really yummy! Blackened Cod: perfectly cooked - the word "excellent" was used! Will definitely be coming hear again on our summer vacation
(5)C B.
My wife and I decided to share smaller plates instead of getting two larger entrees. I ordered the chicken wings and the green bean salad while my wife opted for the bacon wrapped apricots and the massaged kale salad. All of the flavors were dead-spot-on, with the standouts for me easily being the manner in which cilantro was seamlessly woven into many of the dishes; usually, I don't like dishes that feature cilantro because far too many places overuse it and it can easily drown out other flavors. The cooks and bartender (you should really try the Habenero Margarita!) have a very deft hand when it comes to this herb, so instead of being an afterthought or an unwelcome presence it was very much featured as an integral part of the dishes it was in.
(5)Rachel R.
All in all a positive dining experience. This restaurant was recommended to us by the host we were staying with in Nehalem. She told us it was a tasty farm to table restaurant which sourced it's ingredients from local farms along the Oregon coast. I LOVED my habanero margarita with cilantro. I'm already searching for recipes to make this at home. Perfect amount of spice and heat. The small plates that I shared with my date were tasty. We liked the truffle mac and cheese and bacon wrapped apricots the most. Although the chicken wings were popping with flavor, they were very messy (too much sauce!!) and difficult to eat (drumstick was not separated from the wing). Between 2 of us, we were unable to finish all 4 small plates. Large portions for what I consider a very reasonable price! Bon appetit.
(4)Mike S.
I was recommended to the Blackbird by a friend in Cannon Beach with high expectations, unfortunately my experience was less than stellar. Esthetically the Blackbird is very nice and has an upscale vibe for the Oregon Coast. they have a nice selection of wines and cocktails, however, they offer no non-alcoholic beverages besides $4.00 cans of unchilled orange Sanpellegrino, still served in the can. Our waitress had a very pretentious vibe and I didn't get the impression she enjoyed being there, maybe she was having a bad day. Still, I have had more friendly service at Taco Bell. To further my disappointment, the Rockfish i ordered was completely raw in the middle, I mean completely. When I got our waitress to look at the food it had bled water into everything else on the plate. All that was offered was to "re-fire" the fish, which then came back rubbery and inconsistent. A literal joke at $28.00 a plate. On the upside, the mac and cheese was rich and tasty, totally what you would expect when ordering homemade mac and cheese. We were offered nothing as compensation even though our fish was dangerously raw, not even an apology from our waitress. I paid full price as I wasn't going to beg for a discount or even a free drink, I'm kind of floored I wasn't offered anything to make up for such a shoddy meal. Unacceptable. Especially considering the prices here. Be warned.
(1)Margaret A.
Mediocre food, less than friendly service, prices FAR too high. No thanks. There are other , better options in the area. Koko's in Tillamook is a much better choice for fine food, reasonably priced with excellent service.
(1)Sandra P.
Good food, had the black cod, husband had the wild boar. I also had the poached persimmon salad. Small place with great service and ambiance. Drink could have been a little stiffer for $12. Bar has a cool feel to it, love the materials used and the lighting.
(4)Katie B.
Delicious with a great atmosphere. Perfect for a romantic night out. We had the crab cakes, flank steak and truffle fries. Absolutely delicious. Even our cocktails were perfect. To top it all off, the staff was extremely friendly. Great service. We highly recommend this place. Yum!
(5)Chris L.
Food was great but the service was so rushed. Started off with a great bar tender and excellent drinks but ended with a totally rushed service where we were asked if we were done 4 times and then asked if we wanted coffee before we finished our wine after dinner. All became so annoying we just said forget it and left without ordering dessert for fear of the bums rush. By the way, GF means gluten free but the waitress didn't know even after asking. Guess we are off to have grocery store ice cream for dessert.
(2)ian j.
Lovely, quite noisy. The food program reminded me of Frances in SF, the difference being that in SF it's a disappointment (because you expect it to be flawless, stunning) and in Manzanita it's a really nice surprise. Good drinks, nice decor. We all really liked our food and it felt reasonably healthy which is not usually the goal walking in for me, but is a nice feeling to walk away with. Thanks!
(4)Jensie M.
Best date night and locavore spot in Manzanita and surrounding beach towns. We sat at the bar because we didn't make a reservation (I'd suggest making one if you prefer a table) and we chatted it up with the bartender. She mixed several great drinks, including a habanero margarita and we loved watching various dishes come out of the kitchen bound for others' tables. We had the bacon wrapped apricots (a little heavy on the cheese) and the brussel sprouts, no bacon. It was the first non-fried vegetable we'd come across in this small town and it was worth the wait. We tried to go back the next night with plans to order the mussels and fries and try the truffle mac-n-cheese but our day took us another direction. Very special and thoughtful use of ingredients by the chef and a lovely "nice to know you" attitude by the staff. Great spot and we will go back.
(4)Teasha M.
Met some friends for dinner on a Friday evening. We sat at the bar. The bar tender Hannah was fabulous. She was very friendly, outgoing and helpful. We had several things on the menu which included crab cakes, truffle Mac and cheese, Brussels sprouts, salad, chicken wings, prawns, and more. All of which were fabulous. The flavor of the foods were creative, fresh, and scrumptious. We also had a variety of drinks on the menu. My personal favorite was the Moscow mule. Although we didn't had any personal issues with anything I did notice the table behind us that shared many concerns about the service they received. The wait staff in the dining room seemed as if multiple of them were new, untrained, and not up to par for serving in fine dining. Huge bummer for the other diners. I can imagine funding adequate servers in an upscale restaurant at the beach must be a difficult task. I hope that they able to correct this issue for the continued diners In the future. Last but not least be aware that bringing your palette is must. You won't be disappointed!
(4)Annie C.
Fancy! Good food. Took a star off since it was difficult to get a reservation and once we did get in, we were the only ones in the restaurant eating. Also, they sat us in the most awkward table by the door with other better options available? Hummmm. Great place to go if you feel like date night on the coast :)
(4)Katherine M.
Definitely one of the only great places to eat on the coast. My husband and I have eaten here a few times now. Tip: Reserve in advance, this place is in demand. The drinks are excellently made by compentent bar staff. The food overall is excellent although I was disappointed in the sole I ordered over Valentine's weekend. Everyone's allowed an off day. This place is worth the price. It has an excellent menu!
(5)Lacy L.
Spot-on flavor balance. Perfectly cooked scallops, light gnocchi, and the cauliflower is wonderful. We ate here both nights in town and will absolutely be back!
(5)Rhondalyn J.
I Love this restaurant. Good food, friendly staff. My husband and I came here last year and had their lamb burger so good. So we came back again because we had such a lovely dinner. And yep we had their flat iron steak and was so delicious I ordered mine medium well while my husband ordered his well done and he love his steak. Will be back again. Yum yum :-)
(5)I. D.
We went to the first Sunday Brunch (10am-3pm), and it was amazing! I posted pictures of our breakfasts and the do it yourself Bloody Mary Bar. Entrees include but are not limited to: Steel Cut Oats, fresh baked (that morning) Biscuits & Gravy, big ol' Breakfast Sammy, your choice of Vegetarian or Pork Belly Hash, conventional Eggs Benedict, Crab Cake Benedict, and Green Legs and Ham which is a wonderful arugula salad topped with frog legs and crispy pig ears. They also have a few breakfast drink specials, but I stuck with water so I don't recall all of them. Definitely a Mimosa, Irish Coffee, and a Fernet based drink. While walk-ins are welcome, as the word gets out, you'll want to make reservations.
(5)Stacey L.
Great atmosphere, great service, and almost great food. The smoked duck salad is a pretty winning flavor combination with clearly high quality ingredients. Ling cod was nicely cooked but under salted. For $27 I don't know that I would order it again... the dish was good but not quite there yet. It felt incomplete. The highlight of the meal was hands down the lamb burger. It was super juicy, perfectly cooked and just plain delicious. The over all experience was really great. One star off only because I hold it to a higher standard given it's prices. I'm sure it will only get better in time. I must also note that our server was incredibly warm and attentive. He really helped make our night.
(4)N G.
Awesome!!!!!!
(5)Angela M.
A little too fancy for what we were craving at the coast. If they didn't try so hard I think they would do great but some of the ingredients are just too over the top. And some of the dishes were dissapointing. Nice ambiance though. No menu online so I would first make sure they have something you want to eat before making a reservation as the menu was a little limited.
(3)Anne C.
We tried this place again this weekend and had a much better experience. The food this time trumped the beautiful decor and fun atmosphere. We had the eggs with asparagus, Brussels sprouts with bacon, radicchio Cesar and the fries with paprika aioli. Everything was delicious. Also, the wait time for everything was greatly improved. It took 15 minutes before anyone took our order, but we went at a busy time and after that it was perfect. This is a great addition to the Manzanita culinary community. Can't wait to go again!
(4)Kathleen K.
Initially upon arrival we had high hopes. Warm ambiance and a nice bar to sit while we waited for our table. However, once we were served our drinks, our hopes began to wane. Our cocktails were watered down and tasteless. We were perplexed. But it was when we were seated and given the menu, all went awry. It was confusing at best, disorganized, and somewhat arrogant. They offered 3 entrees, the rest were small plates- with no clear distinction between the two. The food we ordered was good and interesting, but in the end, we left hungry and dissatisfied. Our advice - decide who you want to be. If this is a place that is just small plates, great - be that. If not, then you may want to redo your menu and include more entrees. The staff was great , but the complete experience was underwhelming.
(1)Elizabeth S.
Amazing food. We had the Brussels sprouts, bacon wrapped apricots, spaetzle, oysters, and several drinks. All of it was delicious. Would definitely return!
(5)Lynn D.
Blackbird was recommended by several of our friends. We had a reservation and were seated immediately. We ordered the truffle mac and cheese, Netarts oysters, flat iron steak, and prawns (with gnocchi and scallops). Everything was well-prepared, fresh, and delicious. The service was fast, the staff was friendly, and we loved the ambience. We definitely recommend and would come back again.
(5)Dianne S.
The food was very good, but our reservation was totally messed up! The front of house definitely needs much better attention!
(4)Robert C.
stopped by during a trip to the coast in February. Amazing food and cocktails. I can't wait to come back!!
(5)Heather M.
What a great addition to Manzanita! Well-designed and comfortable atmosphere, excellent service, and a delicious and delightful meal. Our server was friendly, prompt and knowledgeable. Nothing but nice things to say about her, and all the staff here. I had the special, which was house-smoked salmon with greens over spaetzle (I had to ask - it's a german style pasta). Sounds pretty simple, but the presentation was dazzling. Salmon was smoky and flaky, and the pasta perfectly al dente. The yellow flowers of the broccoli rabe made it look like a work of art. I almost hated to ruin the dish by eating it. My husband had the chicken wings, but don't be fooled. These were not your average bony, meat-deficient, how-hot-can-you-take-it wings. These were a juicy, meaty, sweet-chili sauce infused stack of goodness. And the pot de creme...what can I say? Just order it. You'll see what I mean. Congratulations, Blackbird. You win a spot at the top of our list of favorite North Coast restaurants. We'll be back every time we're here.
(5)Rob F.
The food was excellent, but a bit overpriced. It's not exactly a beachy place - and the noise level was high. Felt like I was back in Portland going to the newest trendy eatery. But, again I'll say - the grub was quite tasty.
(3)Peter N.
A Manzanita gem. The food and service is exceptional. The salmon was perfectly prepared, the bone marrow is amazing and the Pot de Creme is as great as everyone says it is. A wide wine selection and wonderful servers. If I had only the slightest quibble it would be that the duck in the smoked duck salad might have been over-smoked. It tasted great but really didn't taste of duck. Nevertheless, a fine salad. This is easily the area's best restaurant.
(4)Missus T.
I don't usually go to restaurants that have just opened, nor to ones with only a few reviews, all of which are fabulous. After Blackbird, I may rethink that position - they really are that good! The space is well designed, with a tiny open kitchen and an equally tiny adorable bar. They're very well staffed, and all the staff were in top form. Tables are nicely spaced. Good beer, and the one cocktail we ordered was delicious. MIL had the vegetarian entree, which was a really lovely bowl of vegetables with an egg on top. FIL had braised lamb and was happy with it, and my husband had a truly great steak. I had the perfectly juicy, beautifully dressed lamb burger with a side of crispy crunchy fries and a paprika aoli. We split the two desserts they had on offer, and were entirely happy.
(5)Amy C.
A wonderful meal. We had the bacon-wrapped apricots, and the praised-by-many lamb burger, and it was quite delicious. The lamb burger was available as a special, and we were told that because they often ran out when it was on the menu, they can note it as a special (and not mention it when it runs out). If they have it, get it, by all means!
(5)David C.
Great meal in this lovely quaint town. It was very busy and we didn't have a reservation but they quickly found us a place at the bar, which was filled with other diners. Food was terrific - all made from fresh local ingredients. Had a few of the appies including delicious chicken wings and stuffed apricots wrapped in bacon. We also shared the hanger steak which was tender and flavorable. Topped it off with a yummy local wine, making for a very memorable evening.
(5)Sam I.
Blackbird gets an easy 5 stars simply because there is no competition that does what they do. Getting a place with good food on the Oregon coast is few and far between, I highly recommend checking them out. Although pricy the food was great for a special occasion and when compared with the generally high price of food on the coast it was a good deal.
(5)Linda S.
My friend and I just had a marvelous birthday dinner at this new and lovely addition to Manzanita's mainstays. We started with the bone marrow and fresh Wallapa oysters on the half shell. So delish, and the fresh oysters had such a delicate fresh sea taste. My friend had the lamb and for me the petit steak. Couldn't have been prepared or presented any better! My friend had the habanero maguerita and enjoyed the heat and fresh citrus all in one sip. We both had a glass of the tempranillo: a beautiful Spanish wine with deep flavors. For dessert we shared the pot au creme with caramel and shaved salt. To die for! I have been coming to the northern Oregon Coast for many years, and although I have sought a restaurant with fine dining and respect for the food it prepares, I have not found anything that comes close...until tonight! The Blackbird seems to care about its food and they use local fresh ngredients prepared to perfection. And the dining experience beyond the food was impeccable. Our server was John, and he checked in with us frequently without being intrusive. We felt that our food was prepared with care, and that we were cared for throughout our experience. I higtly recommend dining here. The menu has something for everyone from vegetarian, light meals, and decadent meals like ours. We will return and encourage you to give them a try.
(5)L M.
This gem would be at the top of the charts in Seattle or Portland. What a fabulous restaurant! We wisely made reservations for a Saturday dinner. We had read about the lamb burger but it wasn't on the menu so we inquired about it. Our waiter said they would make it on request, so one of us ordered that and I ordered the sea scallops. To start, the bread and butter they brought was incredibly good. I could have eaten only that and been extremely happy. Our waiter offered to bring more, but we wanted to save our appetites for the entree so we declined. The lamb burger was excellent, as expected, and the scallops were out-of-this-world fantastic. A very sophisticated preparation with a corn-based sauce that was extraordinary. I savored every last thing on the plate. It was a meal i will remember for a long time. I can't say enough good about our waiter, John--very friendly, knowledgeable, pleasant, and on top of things. A lovely couple seated at the table next to us was also very friendly, which added to the warm environment. Loved the design of the restaurant, too. Everything about our experience was a solid 5 stars, and you don't run across that very often.
(5)Cara M.
Of all the food I'm going to miss the most, blackbird is the best. Their food is astounding, of the gods, the best. Lee is phenomenal and generous. It's reflected in her food and aura. I both hope people discover blackbird and don't, because then she'll have to leave and go run restaurants world wide, but she's crazy good and loves the food she's making. Not one mediocre thing in the house. It's a must see for anyone visiting the Oregon coast. Definitely get the truffle fries, and one of everything.
(5)Mark S.
New place in Manzanita. We visit here almost every year from Texas and tried this place out. As the reviews before stated, we made a reservation but they didnt have it. So, if you make a reservation just go ahead and assume they dont have it. It wasnt a huge problem, we were seated 20 minutes after our original reservation. I had the steamed clams and my wife had the cod. Cant screw up steamed shellfish, mine was perfect. My wife's cod was overcooked. Probably should have said something, but as a rule I dont send food back. Not worth the risk. The price was a little high for the quality of food. Four glasses of wine, appetizer, two meals: $155 with tip. We are hear for another week plus, but wont go back until next year to see if they are in order. Good luck to them, it is a nice place!
(3)Emily M.
The restaurant we've been waiting for in Manzanita! Wish it had been here before we had the kiddo, but we won't lament on that one. Cocktails were great, wine was excellent, food was delightful and filling. Plates were well sized for the price. We had two appetizers and could have done with one. We Had: Fried Cauliflower Ling Cod Ceviche Flat Iron Steak Green Garlic Spaetzle Chocolate Pot 'd Creme Advice - 1. Make reservations. We were turned away the first night (Thursday) and it was full when we went on Friday night (we made reservations). 2. The restaurant is not really kid friendly, which was not a surprise to us, as its a pretty adult place and if it was in Seattle / Portland we never would bring a baby there. But we have a 9 month old and he goes with us when we are on the coast. As is true for most on vacation, so BE WARNED - The don't have high chairs or booster seats. our son sat happily on the floor and played with a spoon and loved the table scraps. Our waitress was delightfully accommodating and we didn't feel judged, we just had to improvise. 3. Dinner is expensive. Which we planned for. The experience and food was worth it. It's a nice treat to have such an upscale experience in Manzanita. So don't be surprised by a $25 plate. Enjoy!
(4)Connie C.
Amazing! Celebrated my birthday here with my sister and Blackbird did not disappoint. The quality was on par with the nicest establishments in Portland. Started with habanero margarita (warning hot!) But the brussel sprouts were amazing as an appetizer! Even if you don't like them..you will! Followed with prawns over gnocchi and spatezel...every bite was rich and delicious! Spent over one hundred for two drinks, one appetizer, two entrees and tip. Quite a splurge but was abundantly well worth it!
(5)Myra F.
What a gem! I thought The Big Wave in Manzanita was wonderfull! Blackbird is too! Wow! 2 great restaurants within walking distance of my house! The fried cauliflower with aoli was a treat. Small portion, but delicious flavors. The sweet potato gnocchi with arugula and mushrooms was devine. I opted out of the egg top. They were out of the favorite lamb burger, but had a delicious flavorful flat iron steak with fries. The macaroni and cheese was delicious, but I do prefer my noodles more al dente. (go to Brand Whiskey for that!) Great atmosphere! Fun place! Feels very upscale for our little town!
(5)Jeanne Z.
Lovely. Dinner with my 89 yr old mom and my husband. Sunny and warm weather then a amazing dinner of halibut, brussel sprouts,and a lovely scallops with greens. Highly recommend Blackbird
(5)Cynthia A.
We were prepared for the price but found the menu offering lacking in good protein choices. I ordered the steak which was poorly cooked and poorly trimmed. Seating is cramped with little table space. My partner had the cod which was well enjoyed. We both found the wine pour to be less than generous. Nice try but I won't be back. The pub at Tolovana has better food and is less pretentious and easy to do at the beach. Wayfarer is same price point but is fulfilling. I so wanted to love this place .
(3)Bryan M.
The truffle Mac n cheese is amazing. Good place for cocktails as well. The place is popular so make reservations or sit at the bar.
(5)Jack C.
Fantastic place to dine. We had the fish special which was amazing. It was a white fish (can't remember the name), really tasty and cooked just right. Also had the NY Strip which was also really nice. As other reviewers noted, the Pot of Creme is a must have.
(5)maura r.
Cauliflower out of this world. Brussel sprouts would make any 8 year old eat their veggies and ask for seconds. The truffle Mac and cheese were little pillows of pasta perfection. The cocktail menu was killer, especially the spicy margarita. The diver scallops were cooked to perfection, the only off note was the accompanying calamari was over cooked. Overall, stellar meal. Wait staff knowledgeable. Attentive. Noise volume a little loud. Highly recommend.
(4)Jason M.
My wife and I throughly enjoyed sharing a few small plates and an entree. The ingredients really shine here. Very well designed space which adds to the experience. Highly recommend!!
(5)David R.
We don't come to Manzanita for a gourmet dining experience: we can get that in Portland, and even there, we try to do so in moderation. However, knowing that we would--on occasion--want to enjoy a great meal at the coast, we wanted to give this new venue a try. So glad we did! We were delighted by the service and the quality of the meal. We tried four items: bacon-wrapped apricots, smoked duck salad, steamed mussels and lamb burgers: all were excellent! Rounded out by a delicious Syrah wine and a yummy chocolate pot de creme, we could not have asked for a better dining experience. Extra points for great service by Natasha, and the appealing decor and ambience! A winner.
(5)Doug T.
Not recommended. MANDATORY 20% tip. Are they kidding me? If the service was worth it, ok. Service sucked and was worth 2% max. Didn't deliver what we ordered without asking again for our ordered items. Waitress didn't ask all of us what we wanted to drink. She made an assumption that we all wanted wine when we didn't. Ugh. Won't return here.
(1)Greg C.
Great food and service. Portland quality restaurant in Manzanita. Excellent oysters and mussels. Great wine list. Make a reservation.
(5)Susan W.
Not good for more than four people, as they do not want to deal with groups. The menu is quite limited, and even at that they ran out of lettuce (yes, lettuce!) and frites. The mussels were excellent, but the duck salad was overly smoked and the spaetzel dish was okay but odd. Really wanted to like this place, and believe it has great possibilities. A few kinks to work out, and they need to give customer service a higher priority.
(2)Jason P.
Blown away!! We were in from Seattle for the weekend and had an unforgettable meal here. We had been trying to figure out where to go for dinner for our final night on the coast. We stopped for coffee across the street that morning and the restaurant caught our eye. We walked over, saw the menu and decor and were sold! The staff is amazing! Incredibly attentive and friendly. John was our server for the evening and was exceptional. We started with the bone marrow which was the highlight of the evening for me! Beautifully roasted and served in bone with fresh baked bread, stone ground mustard and pickled red onions. It's TO DIE FOR! For entrees I had the seared duck breast. Cooked beautifully with a nice sear on the skin. My wife had the steak entree (sorry but I can't remember the cut offered). It was one of the amazing steaks she's ever had! Beautiful sear and a perfect med-rare throughout. The fresh vegetables that accompanied our dinner were also delicious and fitting for the season and main protein. For dessert, you MUST get the salted caramel chocolate pot de creme! Decadent!! The farm-to-table concept is well executed here as the Chef appears to change the menu based on what is available in the area at any given moment. The restaurant decor is really cool. Refinished driftwood bar and tables and really cool Edison lights hanging from the ceiling. Wonderful small, cozy atmosphere. All in all it was a wonderful experience and we will most certainly be back again when we re-visit the Oregon Coast.
(5)Jenelle I.
This is the icing on the cake for Oregon's best beach town. Farm to table food crafted perfectly. Wonderful interior, great bar and wine list. Truffle fries are to die for! Vegan and or gluten free folks will have an incredible dinner as well. Our sever was John, he was warm, professional and attentive. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. This is the first coastal fine dining experience I have felt was worth every penny then some. Thank you Blackbird for a highlight experience on our coastal getaway.
(5)Greg M.
My family and I vacationed in Manzanita for two weeks. We went to Blackbird the first night because of the buzz surrounding the restaurant. We ended up going back twice because we liked it so much. In short, all of the dishes we tried (and we tried about 60% of the menu) were fresh and very flavorful. Some of our favorite dishes: the mac n cheese is the richest, most flavorful I've ever had; the wings are spicy and great, delicious oysters (they change as the sea changes); massaged kale salad is wonderful and full of flavor; anything Lee does with vegetable and pasta dishes is creative and delicious; the steak frites was very good and the smoked paprika aioli is like crack cocaine. It's easy to love the food and drink. The young owner, Lee, is creative and is a doll. She has surrounded herself with a great staff: Hannah (bartender) and Sake (waitress) are awesome. Go support this fun, local restaurant!
(5)Maggie G.
First time at the restaurant and it was delicious. Sat at the chef's bar and can't wait to come back. Wine list wonderful and the service was spot on. A must have is the crispy Brussel sprouts, the bacon wrapped apricots, and the scallops. Watched the chefs make truffle mac and cheese all night and already regret not ordering. Chocolate addicts will love to finish w the pot de creme. Exceeded expectations. Was lovely.
(5)Leslie T.
Very disappointed. They did not honor our Open Table reservation for four people at 7:45 on Saturday night. We arrived on time and checked in. We then waited more than 30 minutes before finally leaving. During that time, they gave a table for four to another party of three people who arrived long after we did. When we asked why, they said it was because their computer assigns reservations to specific tables. We had to wait for a specific table identified for us by their computer!! Ridiculous process. "Our" table was occupied by four women who had finished their dinner, paid their check, and were sitting around sending emails.They were not asked to move along. We continued to wait. There was little concern for us as we stood here and there shifting out of the way of the servers in this small restaurant. I have eaten there in the past - it was unexceptional and noisy. We thought we would give it another try. After this experience, I will not be returning.
(1)Roy N.
Best meal I've ever had on the Oregon coast. Have been eating along the Coast for 20 years, typically between Yachats and Seaside. More often than not disappointed with the meals and the prices. Okay food is easy to find, good food not so much. This restaurant was excellent, both the food and the service. Had a bone marrow appetizer that had a luscious, beefy taste that lingers in my mouth 5 months later. Prices were extremely reasonably, only a few dollars more that the average food you get at other restaurants in the area. Will eat there every time we are in the area.
(5)Heidi M.
Opening weekend in wet and stormy Manzanita for food that rivals Portland or Seattle. Small but hip venue melding the sparkle of pressed tin and Edison lights with reclaimed wood. Food was outstanding. Succulent roast chicken served gluten free on a bed of braised carrots, kale and creamy mashed potatoes. Totally comforting to this paleo gal. The apple and celeriac soup was exceptionally smooth and flavorful. The pot de creme was soft and smooth, full of chocolate love, not heavy and custardy like so many. Bacon-wrapped stuffed apricot appetizers are a must have. Friendly staff. And I want the light fixture in the bathroom... Fresh and local and flavorful...the beach is now complete!
(5)Frank B.
Upscale dining comes to Manzanita with the Blackbird. The food was quite good especially for a coast restaurant. We had a smoked duck salad, mac and cheese, baked eggs, and the Cesar salad. The menu is unusual in that it is not a traditional setup of apps, entrees, etc. everything is on one list on the menu and you need to figure out whether the portions are entree or appetizer sized. We guessed by the prices, which are not cheap here, from 6 dollars for brussel sprouts to 28 for the fish special but you get what you pay for. We also had cocktails and wine, about 10 per cocktail but a good pour. Be advised the habenaro margarita is hot! This is a good place for special occasions or first dates. I had several issues with the place. The cocktails took a long time to arrive which is understandable on a busy Saturday night but then the food came out before we had enough time to enjoy them. I do not think I have ever had food served so promptly and normally would love it but it made the meal feel rushed this time. Also, this place is loud. Some of you may like shouting at your dining companions but I prefer a quieter experience. There is nothing to absorb noise here. It was also the waitress' second night and she was not up to the task of serving with any confidence or much knowledge of the menu. The place is handsomely decorated with old fashioned light bulbs, beautiful glossy wood tables, a lovely bar of salvaged wood and stamped tin, set in the center of the restaurant.
(4)Crystal W.
FINALLY... A farm to table restaurant with sustainable practices and noteworthy food only 15 minutes south of Cannon Beach. My husband and I stay on the coast often and always have a hard time finding places that match our food preferences (local, organic, pasture-raised meats...etc.). Easy to see considering we come from Portland where these options are plentiful. With that being said, we had an absolute fantastic experience at Blackbird. Here's what we had: Appetizer: Bacon-wrapped Apricots (w/almonds & chèvre) Entrees: Lamb Burger Vegetarian Special (on this night it was a unique german pasta sautéed in duck fat (I believe), kale, carrots, onions, asparagus all topped with almonds and a fried egg (soft yolk). Desert: Salted caramel chocolate pot de creme We feel we might be able to duplicate the bacon-wrapped apricots at home - but they were still scrumptious. My husband said the lamb burger was one of the best burgers he's ever tasted. And my vegetarian meal was insanely amazing and tasty. The portion was actually too big to finish.. A nice touch was being able to speak to the chef/owner about her past since we saw she too lived in the same city we did at one point. You can tell from the atmosphere to the kind wait staff to the impeccable, fresh & seasonal menu items, that the chef has a vision to help change the culinary landscape on the coast. SO THANKFUL and about time a restaurant such as Blackbird opened... We're considering eating here two nights in a row. It was that good.
(5)Mike G.
Was in Manzanita, OR, the first time a year ago and thought that this place lacked a really good restaurant. Blackbird fits the bill for what this town needed--a casual but a foodie-type of restaurant with a good wine selection and cocktails. Food was well prepared (yep, that lamb burger is as good as everyone raves about), and delicious. Decent wine selection, with sufficient variety to accommodate their pacific northwest menu. Yes, they are busy--and, again, that is because Manzanita does not have other places like this to eat or get a drink at. I like that Manzanita is not a touristy place like Cannon Beach, but you can see why it's hard to get a table on a whim at Blackbird. Plan ahead, and book your table early--it's worth at least one or two visits. Looking forward to next time!
(4)M G.
Great food and ambiance. Noisy atmosphere, have to practically yell to hear each other. Rough start to dinner. Had reservations for two people at 6:30, was told our table wasn't ready yet but there was another empty table for two so we asked why we couldn't sit there and was told "it is complicated." So, they asked us to wait in the bar for a table even though we arrived at our appointed time and had a reservation. We waited 30-minutes for our table. Upon arriving home, I find a voice mail from the hostess that she left us at 7pm asking us if we were still planning on coming in for dinner (clearly she was confused). While dining, the hostess never came by to apologize for the wait. This restaurant is not new and should have figured out how to handle their reservations and flow of tables by now.
(3)Julie B.
we didn't get a chance to eat here but came in for a drink. fell in love with the aesthetics...and the habernero margarita. looking for an excellent craft cocktail and oysters?
(5)Hilary H.
Absolutely amazing food, and great atmosphere! The drinks are unique and delicious. The staff are all cry friendly and attentive. If you are looking for a high class meal at the beach, that's fresh and flavorful this is the place to go! Cheers!
(5)Aina T.
Have a cocktail! They are REALLY GOOD! Eat the lamb burger! Indulge in the salted caramel chocolate pot de creme. The atmosphere is very inviting, the place has an overall great energy, makes you want to hang out and chill. And the food.. Just "lick your fingers delicious". The ingredients are locally sourced and chosen with love by Lee, a young and talented chef with a fresh view that works wonderfully
(5)James A.
I wish there there was a negative star rating on Yelp for encounters like this. Before walking in the door we got stares from the staff and some patrons. I assumed before we even asked for a table that they were going to be awkward about it. The restaurant was at half capacity and there were a few more tables about to turn over. We were aware that this restaurant takes reservations but when we asked for a table for four, the host made up some questionable excuse that there was only room for us at the bar. We said cool, how long would it be until we could wait for a table to open up. She awkwardly looked around the room then stared down at the seating table and then looked up and gave us a stone cold, "No" It was only 8 and the restaurant closed at 10 but either way she didnt say that it was booked until closing, just a straight up NO. Not fitting into the dress code of the "im dressing up in my best CHICO's / Tommy Bahama's outfit for our beach vacation" vibe could be one thing, not being White could possibly be the other underlying matter. RACISM/DISCRIMINATION IS STILL ALIVE AND WELL. Come by Blackbird and enjoy a nice meal if you fit in. I have had the fortunate opportunity to travel and eat at some of the finest and most exotic restaurants all around the world and I have never experienced service like this.
(1)Ian B.
Hands down the best meal we've had on the Oregon Coast. Rivals Portland's best restaurants.
(5)James A.
(1)Ian B.
(5)Jeanne Z.
(5)Jason M.
(5)Doug T.
(1)Greg C.
(5)David R.
(5)Sam I.
(5)Linda S.
(5)L M.
(5)Anne C.
(4)Maggie G.
(5)Leslie T.
(1)Roy N.
(5)Mark S.
New place in Manzanita. We visit here almost every year from Texas and tried this place out. As the reviews before stated, we made a reservation but they didnt have it. So, if you make a reservation just go ahead and assume they dont have it. It wasnt a huge problem, we were seated 20 minutes after our original reservation. I had the steamed clams and my wife had the cod. Cant screw up steamed shellfish, mine was perfect. My wife's cod was overcooked. Probably should have said something, but as a rule I dont send food back. Not worth the risk. The price was a little high for the quality of food. Four glasses of wine, appetizer, two meals: $155 with tip. We are hear for another week plus, but wont go back until next year to see if they are in order. Good luck to them, it is a nice place!
(3)Emily M.
The restaurant we've been waiting for in Manzanita! Wish it had been here before we had the kiddo, but we won't lament on that one. Cocktails were great, wine was excellent, food was delightful and filling. Plates were well sized for the price. We had two appetizers and could have done with one. We Had: Fried Cauliflower Ling Cod Ceviche Flat Iron Steak Green Garlic Spaetzle Chocolate Pot 'd Creme Advice - 1. Make reservations. We were turned away the first night (Thursday) and it was full when we went on Friday night (we made reservations). 2. The restaurant is not really kid friendly, which was not a surprise to us, as its a pretty adult place and if it was in Seattle / Portland we never would bring a baby there. But we have a 9 month old and he goes with us when we are on the coast. As is true for most on vacation, so BE WARNED - The don't have high chairs or booster seats. our son sat happily on the floor and played with a spoon and loved the table scraps. Our waitress was delightfully accommodating and we didn't feel judged, we just had to improvise. 3. Dinner is expensive. Which we planned for. The experience and food was worth it. It's a nice treat to have such an upscale experience in Manzanita. So don't be surprised by a $25 plate. Enjoy!
(4)Connie C.
Amazing! Celebrated my birthday here with my sister and Blackbird did not disappoint. The quality was on par with the nicest establishments in Portland. Started with habanero margarita (warning hot!) But the brussel sprouts were amazing as an appetizer! Even if you don't like them..you will! Followed with prawns over gnocchi and spatezel...every bite was rich and delicious! Spent over one hundred for two drinks, one appetizer, two entrees and tip. Quite a splurge but was abundantly well worth it!
(5)Myra F.
What a gem! I thought The Big Wave in Manzanita was wonderfull! Blackbird is too! Wow! 2 great restaurants within walking distance of my house! The fried cauliflower with aoli was a treat. Small portion, but delicious flavors. The sweet potato gnocchi with arugula and mushrooms was devine. I opted out of the egg top. They were out of the favorite lamb burger, but had a delicious flavorful flat iron steak with fries. The macaroni and cheese was delicious, but I do prefer my noodles more al dente. (go to Brand Whiskey for that!) Great atmosphere! Fun place! Feels very upscale for our little town!
(5)Mike S.
I was recommended to the Blackbird by a friend in Cannon Beach with high expectations, unfortunately my experience was less than stellar. Esthetically the Blackbird is very nice and has an upscale vibe for the Oregon Coast. they have a nice selection of wines and cocktails, however, they offer no non-alcoholic beverages besides $4.00 cans of unchilled orange Sanpellegrino, still served in the can. Our waitress had a very pretentious vibe and I didn't get the impression she enjoyed being there, maybe she was having a bad day. Still, I have had more friendly service at Taco Bell. To further my disappointment, the Rockfish i ordered was completely raw in the middle, I mean completely. When I got our waitress to look at the food it had bled water into everything else on the plate. All that was offered was to "re-fire" the fish, which then came back rubbery and inconsistent. A literal joke at $28.00 a plate. On the upside, the mac and cheese was rich and tasty, totally what you would expect when ordering homemade mac and cheese. We were offered nothing as compensation even though our fish was dangerously raw, not even an apology from our waitress. I paid full price as I wasn't going to beg for a discount or even a free drink, I'm kind of floored I wasn't offered anything to make up for such a shoddy meal. Unacceptable. Especially considering the prices here. Be warned.
(1)Cara M.
Of all the food I'm going to miss the most, blackbird is the best. Their food is astounding, of the gods, the best. Lee is phenomenal and generous. It's reflected in her food and aura. I both hope people discover blackbird and don't, because then she'll have to leave and go run restaurants world wide, but she's crazy good and loves the food she's making. Not one mediocre thing in the house. It's a must see for anyone visiting the Oregon coast. Definitely get the truffle fries, and one of everything.
(5)Rachael M.
One of the best meals we've had on the coast - or anywhere! Kind of place that makes Manzanita a bright spot on the coast. Whether you are at the counter by yourself or with a table of friends, you can count on a great meal, excellent service, and a great dining experience. Loved the menu offerings, and while a bit on the higher-priced side for typical Manzanita spots, it's a welcome addition to our favorite Oregon coast town. Love it!
(5)Jen K.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise [1] I'm haunted by those lyrics and while I have no idea if this song inspired the name of the restaurant, I've been singing this song all week. Blackbird, the restaurant, is a delightful date night destination on the Oregon Coast. The seating is cozy (only an arm's length distance between tables) and we were glad we grabbed reservations although not all the tables were filled. We had a small table for two near the back of the restaurant, but my favorite seats were probably the four bar stools by the kitchen.The interior has a Portland vibe and the menu is quite small. I would advise that you check it out in advance, but it isn't posted on their website. Many items mentioned by other reviewers were not on the menu, so it is definitely seasonal and ever changing. Service was sweet, local and mostly on point. There was just a lag getting our second round of drinks, but that was easily rectified. The food was absolutely delicious. We were hungry, but not starving, the day after Thanksgiving, so we ended up ordering a beet salad to share and it was delicate and delicious. But, that dish was barely enough to share. I was worried the rest of our dishes would be equally petite, but they were just right. And the crusty bread dusted with salt to accompany our meal was a nice touch. The highlight of the night were the steamed mussels and frites. The delicate broth of wine and shallots, with seasoned fries on top, makes this a must order item. Our other entree was the sweet potato spaetzle with mushrooms and greens, topped by a runny egg (one of my favorite things). The cocktails were delicious, although the second Old Fashioned was MUCH stronger than the first. I was very happy with my Blood & Sand cocktail served in a quaint old fashioned glass. [1] Blackbird, written by Paul McCartney, appeared on the White Album. It is said to be inspired by the increasing racial tensions in the U.S. in 1968.
(4)Katie B.
Delicious with a great atmosphere. Perfect for a romantic night out. We had the crab cakes, flank steak and truffle fries. Absolutely delicious. Even our cocktails were perfect. To top it all off, the staff was extremely friendly. Great service. We highly recommend this place. Yum!
(5)Chris L.
Food was great but the service was so rushed. Started off with a great bar tender and excellent drinks but ended with a totally rushed service where we were asked if we were done 4 times and then asked if we wanted coffee before we finished our wine after dinner. All became so annoying we just said forget it and left without ordering dessert for fear of the bums rush. By the way, GF means gluten free but the waitress didn't know even after asking. Guess we are off to have grocery store ice cream for dessert.
(2)ian j.
Lovely, quite noisy. The food program reminded me of Frances in SF, the difference being that in SF it's a disappointment (because you expect it to be flawless, stunning) and in Manzanita it's a really nice surprise. Good drinks, nice decor. We all really liked our food and it felt reasonably healthy which is not usually the goal walking in for me, but is a nice feeling to walk away with. Thanks!
(4)Dana Z.
Blackbird opened in out small town just one short year ago on Valentine 's Day and I was the lucky first reviewer. I thought I would update my review at the one year anniversary. Blackbird has continued to perform for the delight of the locals and visitors. Its concept is simple, farm and sea to table, as much as possible, and done right. The owner/chef Lee Vance, has really worked this principal into a brilliant and vibrant restaurant that we so desperately needed here at the coast. The wine list is deep, the cocktails creative, service impeccable and the food delicious. Lee has made sure to make the menu interesting without it being intimidating. If you are on a budget it is easy to stay light with her fabulous appetizers and if you want to go big, there are plenty of opportunities for that too! My favorite dishes are the truffled Mac and Cheese, flat iron steak, fried cauliflower, lamb burger, bacon wrapped apricots and the radicchio Caesar and the beet salad. Oh and don't forget the salted caramel pot de creme! As for as drinks, their Moscow mule is always perfect and you really must try the habanero margarita, such a flavor impact! My favorite wine is the Pago tempranillo which you can get by the glass. And starting this Sunday, for their one year anniversary, they are starting brunch! Can't wait to try that! Thank you Lee and all the staff at Blackbird for continuing to bring us your talent and
(5)DeWayne F.
Over from Bend Oregon with another couple doing some Geocaching on the coast. Stayed in Manzanita at a VBRO Seaward Dream, over the top, highly recommended and within walking distance to this restaurant. Overall, I we would rate this restaurant a full 5 stars, for the food, service and ambiance. We had a few appetizers and the lamb burger, more than excellent. The bacon wrapped apricot, yummy. But best of all was the Pot of Cream. A true 10 star. The folks running the establishment, server and chefs, were all friendly, not snooty, thank god. Nothing worse than a snooty restaurant. Thanks
(5)Monica A.
We spent Valentine's weekend in Manzanita and Blackbird was recommended. In a small town, options are often limited and we were excited to try this place as the menu is different than the typical diner/ bar food that's available during off season at the coast. Brussels spouts were amazing with a lot of butter, bacon fat, onions, garlic, and cheese. The fat content must be over the top but with the place dimly lit, you can't really get a good look at the glistening fat. It tasted amazing though! They were out of the cod, and had a different white fish replacement. It was supposed to be blackened. The fish did not taste 'blackened' at a and the seasoning was very, very light handed. The fish were also in small pieces. 3 bits of fish for an entree was not presented well. It was seasoned and cooked...nothing special. It was served with fingerling potatoes with a lot of onions. My boyfriend found it too pungent so I finished the potatoes but avoided the onions. I had ordered the 8 oz top sirloin with kale and potatoes. The server said the chef prepares it medium rare and I said that's how I preferred it. The steak was delicious..however, it was NOT medium rare. It was bloody red and very much on the rare side. The same redness went from the center to the edge of the steak. There was a dark sauce and with the dim lighting, I made it about 2/3 and had to stop. It very tasty but it was just too rare to continue eating. I felt like it was going to start mooing. I really want to give this a 3.5, but I'm rating this place a 4 because it's a nice place and I would go back...however, the next time...I might actually send my food back if it's not prepared the way they described it. Kind of disappointing that both the main dishes were not prepared as described.
(3)Stephanie L.
AMAZING! The best meal we had in the area. A bit of a drive from where we were staying, however it was totally worth it. Great service. Great food. Great space. We absolutely loved everything. The lamb burger was delicious. Mac N Cheese, brussel sprouts, veggies, almonds, etc. We had almost everything on the menu and it was all great... :)
(5)Cara G.
Adorable interior, very pretty bar. Romantic lighting and great music Mac and cheese: super rich! Can definitely share this one Brussels: awesome! Our fave by far Bone marrow: first time we had ordered this so unsure of what to expect but not very strong flavor Cesar salad: light and crisp Fries: super hot and really yummy! Blackened Cod: perfectly cooked - the word "excellent" was used! Will definitely be coming hear again on our summer vacation
(5)C B.
My wife and I decided to share smaller plates instead of getting two larger entrees. I ordered the chicken wings and the green bean salad while my wife opted for the bacon wrapped apricots and the massaged kale salad. All of the flavors were dead-spot-on, with the standouts for me easily being the manner in which cilantro was seamlessly woven into many of the dishes; usually, I don't like dishes that feature cilantro because far too many places overuse it and it can easily drown out other flavors. The cooks and bartender (you should really try the Habenero Margarita!) have a very deft hand when it comes to this herb, so instead of being an afterthought or an unwelcome presence it was very much featured as an integral part of the dishes it was in.
(5)Rachel R.
All in all a positive dining experience. This restaurant was recommended to us by the host we were staying with in Nehalem. She told us it was a tasty farm to table restaurant which sourced it's ingredients from local farms along the Oregon coast. I LOVED my habanero margarita with cilantro. I'm already searching for recipes to make this at home. Perfect amount of spice and heat. The small plates that I shared with my date were tasty. We liked the truffle mac and cheese and bacon wrapped apricots the most. Although the chicken wings were popping with flavor, they were very messy (too much sauce!!) and difficult to eat (drumstick was not separated from the wing). Between 2 of us, we were unable to finish all 4 small plates. Large portions for what I consider a very reasonable price! Bon appetit.
(4)Elizabeth S.
Amazing food. We had the Brussels sprouts, bacon wrapped apricots, spaetzle, oysters, and several drinks. All of it was delicious. Would definitely return!
(5)Lynn D.
Blackbird was recommended by several of our friends. We had a reservation and were seated immediately. We ordered the truffle mac and cheese, Netarts oysters, flat iron steak, and prawns (with gnocchi and scallops). Everything was well-prepared, fresh, and delicious. The service was fast, the staff was friendly, and we loved the ambience. We definitely recommend and would come back again.
(5)Dianne S.
The food was very good, but our reservation was totally messed up! The front of house definitely needs much better attention!
(4)Robert C.
stopped by during a trip to the coast in February. Amazing food and cocktails. I can't wait to come back!!
(5)Heather M.
What a great addition to Manzanita! Well-designed and comfortable atmosphere, excellent service, and a delicious and delightful meal. Our server was friendly, prompt and knowledgeable. Nothing but nice things to say about her, and all the staff here. I had the special, which was house-smoked salmon with greens over spaetzle (I had to ask - it's a german style pasta). Sounds pretty simple, but the presentation was dazzling. Salmon was smoky and flaky, and the pasta perfectly al dente. The yellow flowers of the broccoli rabe made it look like a work of art. I almost hated to ruin the dish by eating it. My husband had the chicken wings, but don't be fooled. These were not your average bony, meat-deficient, how-hot-can-you-take-it wings. These were a juicy, meaty, sweet-chili sauce infused stack of goodness. And the pot de creme...what can I say? Just order it. You'll see what I mean. Congratulations, Blackbird. You win a spot at the top of our list of favorite North Coast restaurants. We'll be back every time we're here.
(5)Rob F.
The food was excellent, but a bit overpriced. It's not exactly a beachy place - and the noise level was high. Felt like I was back in Portland going to the newest trendy eatery. But, again I'll say - the grub was quite tasty.
(3)Crystal W.
FINALLY... A farm to table restaurant with sustainable practices and noteworthy food only 15 minutes south of Cannon Beach. My husband and I stay on the coast often and always have a hard time finding places that match our food preferences (local, organic, pasture-raised meats...etc.). Easy to see considering we come from Portland where these options are plentiful. With that being said, we had an absolute fantastic experience at Blackbird. Here's what we had: Appetizer: Bacon-wrapped Apricots (w/almonds & chèvre) Entrees: Lamb Burger Vegetarian Special (on this night it was a unique german pasta sautéed in duck fat (I believe), kale, carrots, onions, asparagus all topped with almonds and a fried egg (soft yolk). Desert: Salted caramel chocolate pot de creme We feel we might be able to duplicate the bacon-wrapped apricots at home - but they were still scrumptious. My husband said the lamb burger was one of the best burgers he's ever tasted. And my vegetarian meal was insanely amazing and tasty. The portion was actually too big to finish.. A nice touch was being able to speak to the chef/owner about her past since we saw she too lived in the same city we did at one point. You can tell from the atmosphere to the kind wait staff to the impeccable, fresh & seasonal menu items, that the chef has a vision to help change the culinary landscape on the coast. SO THANKFUL and about time a restaurant such as Blackbird opened... We're considering eating here two nights in a row. It was that good.
(5)Mike G.
Was in Manzanita, OR, the first time a year ago and thought that this place lacked a really good restaurant. Blackbird fits the bill for what this town needed--a casual but a foodie-type of restaurant with a good wine selection and cocktails. Food was well prepared (yep, that lamb burger is as good as everyone raves about), and delicious. Decent wine selection, with sufficient variety to accommodate their pacific northwest menu. Yes, they are busy--and, again, that is because Manzanita does not have other places like this to eat or get a drink at. I like that Manzanita is not a touristy place like Cannon Beach, but you can see why it's hard to get a table on a whim at Blackbird. Plan ahead, and book your table early--it's worth at least one or two visits. Looking forward to next time!
(4)M G.
Great food and ambiance. Noisy atmosphere, have to practically yell to hear each other. Rough start to dinner. Had reservations for two people at 6:30, was told our table wasn't ready yet but there was another empty table for two so we asked why we couldn't sit there and was told "it is complicated." So, they asked us to wait in the bar for a table even though we arrived at our appointed time and had a reservation. We waited 30-minutes for our table. Upon arriving home, I find a voice mail from the hostess that she left us at 7pm asking us if we were still planning on coming in for dinner (clearly she was confused). While dining, the hostess never came by to apologize for the wait. This restaurant is not new and should have figured out how to handle their reservations and flow of tables by now.
(3)Julie B.
we didn't get a chance to eat here but came in for a drink. fell in love with the aesthetics...and the habernero margarita. looking for an excellent craft cocktail and oysters?
(5)Jensie M.
Best date night and locavore spot in Manzanita and surrounding beach towns. We sat at the bar because we didn't make a reservation (I'd suggest making one if you prefer a table) and we chatted it up with the bartender. She mixed several great drinks, including a habanero margarita and we loved watching various dishes come out of the kitchen bound for others' tables. We had the bacon wrapped apricots (a little heavy on the cheese) and the brussel sprouts, no bacon. It was the first non-fried vegetable we'd come across in this small town and it was worth the wait. We tried to go back the next night with plans to order the mussels and fries and try the truffle mac-n-cheese but our day took us another direction. Very special and thoughtful use of ingredients by the chef and a lovely "nice to know you" attitude by the staff. Great spot and we will go back.
(4)Teasha M.
Met some friends for dinner on a Friday evening. We sat at the bar. The bar tender Hannah was fabulous. She was very friendly, outgoing and helpful. We had several things on the menu which included crab cakes, truffle Mac and cheese, Brussels sprouts, salad, chicken wings, prawns, and more. All of which were fabulous. The flavor of the foods were creative, fresh, and scrumptious. We also had a variety of drinks on the menu. My personal favorite was the Moscow mule. Although we didn't had any personal issues with anything I did notice the table behind us that shared many concerns about the service they received. The wait staff in the dining room seemed as if multiple of them were new, untrained, and not up to par for serving in fine dining. Huge bummer for the other diners. I can imagine funding adequate servers in an upscale restaurant at the beach must be a difficult task. I hope that they able to correct this issue for the continued diners In the future. Last but not least be aware that bringing your palette is must. You won't be disappointed!
(4)Annie C.
Fancy! Good food. Took a star off since it was difficult to get a reservation and once we did get in, we were the only ones in the restaurant eating. Also, they sat us in the most awkward table by the door with other better options available? Hummmm. Great place to go if you feel like date night on the coast :)
(4)Katherine M.
Definitely one of the only great places to eat on the coast. My husband and I have eaten here a few times now. Tip: Reserve in advance, this place is in demand. The drinks are excellently made by compentent bar staff. The food overall is excellent although I was disappointed in the sole I ordered over Valentine's weekend. Everyone's allowed an off day. This place is worth the price. It has an excellent menu!
(5)Lacy L.
Spot-on flavor balance. Perfectly cooked scallops, light gnocchi, and the cauliflower is wonderful. We ate here both nights in town and will absolutely be back!
(5)Rhondalyn J.
I Love this restaurant. Good food, friendly staff. My husband and I came here last year and had their lamb burger so good. So we came back again because we had such a lovely dinner. And yep we had their flat iron steak and was so delicious I ordered mine medium well while my husband ordered his well done and he love his steak. Will be back again. Yum yum :-)
(5)Margaret A.
Mediocre food, less than friendly service, prices FAR too high. No thanks. There are other , better options in the area. Koko's in Tillamook is a much better choice for fine food, reasonably priced with excellent service.
(1)Sandra P.
Good food, had the black cod, husband had the wild boar. I also had the poached persimmon salad. Small place with great service and ambiance. Drink could have been a little stiffer for $12. Bar has a cool feel to it, love the materials used and the lighting.
(4)I. D.
We went to the first Sunday Brunch (10am-3pm), and it was amazing! I posted pictures of our breakfasts and the do it yourself Bloody Mary Bar. Entrees include but are not limited to: Steel Cut Oats, fresh baked (that morning) Biscuits & Gravy, big ol' Breakfast Sammy, your choice of Vegetarian or Pork Belly Hash, conventional Eggs Benedict, Crab Cake Benedict, and Green Legs and Ham which is a wonderful arugula salad topped with frog legs and crispy pig ears. They also have a few breakfast drink specials, but I stuck with water so I don't recall all of them. Definitely a Mimosa, Irish Coffee, and a Fernet based drink. While walk-ins are welcome, as the word gets out, you'll want to make reservations.
(5)Stacey L.
Great atmosphere, great service, and almost great food. The smoked duck salad is a pretty winning flavor combination with clearly high quality ingredients. Ling cod was nicely cooked but under salted. For $27 I don't know that I would order it again... the dish was good but not quite there yet. It felt incomplete. The highlight of the meal was hands down the lamb burger. It was super juicy, perfectly cooked and just plain delicious. The over all experience was really great. One star off only because I hold it to a higher standard given it's prices. I'm sure it will only get better in time. I must also note that our server was incredibly warm and attentive. He really helped make our night.
(4)N G.
Awesome!!!!!!
(5)Angela M.
A little too fancy for what we were craving at the coast. If they didn't try so hard I think they would do great but some of the ingredients are just too over the top. And some of the dishes were dissapointing. Nice ambiance though. No menu online so I would first make sure they have something you want to eat before making a reservation as the menu was a little limited.
(3)Kathleen K.
(1)Amy C.
(5)Frank B.
(4)Hilary H.
(5)Cynthia A.
(3)Bryan M.
(5)Jack C.
(5)Heidi M.
(5)Peter N.
(4)Susan W.
(2)Jason P.
(5)Greg M.
(5)Mike G.
Was in Manzanita, OR, the first time a year ago and thought that this place lacked a really good restaurant. Blackbird fits the bill for what this town needed--a casual but a foodie-type of restaurant with a good wine selection and cocktails. Food was well prepared (yep, that lamb burger is as good as everyone raves about), and delicious. Decent wine selection, with sufficient variety to accommodate their pacific northwest menu. Yes, they are busy--and, again, that is because Manzanita does not have other places like this to eat or get a drink at. I like that Manzanita is not a touristy place like Cannon Beach, but you can see why it's hard to get a table on a whim at Blackbird. Plan ahead, and book your table early--it's worth at least one or two visits. Looking forward to next time!
(4)Stacey L.
Great atmosphere, great service, and almost great food. The smoked duck salad is a pretty winning flavor combination with clearly high quality ingredients. Ling cod was nicely cooked but under salted. For $27 I don't know that I would order it again... the dish was good but not quite there yet. It felt incomplete. The highlight of the meal was hands down the lamb burger. It was super juicy, perfectly cooked and just plain delicious. The over all experience was really great. One star off only because I hold it to a higher standard given it's prices. I'm sure it will only get better in time. I must also note that our server was incredibly warm and attentive. He really helped make our night.
(4)N G.
Awesome!!!!!!
(5)Angela M.
A little too fancy for what we were craving at the coast. If they didn't try so hard I think they would do great but some of the ingredients are just too over the top. And some of the dishes were dissapointing. Nice ambiance though. No menu online so I would first make sure they have something you want to eat before making a reservation as the menu was a little limited.
(3)Anne C.
We tried this place again this weekend and had a much better experience. The food this time trumped the beautiful decor and fun atmosphere. We had the eggs with asparagus, Brussels sprouts with bacon, radicchio Cesar and the fries with paprika aioli. Everything was delicious. Also, the wait time for everything was greatly improved. It took 15 minutes before anyone took our order, but we went at a busy time and after that it was perfect. This is a great addition to the Manzanita culinary community. Can't wait to go again!
(4)Kathleen K.
Initially upon arrival we had high hopes. Warm ambiance and a nice bar to sit while we waited for our table. However, once we were served our drinks, our hopes began to wane. Our cocktails were watered down and tasteless. We were perplexed. But it was when we were seated and given the menu, all went awry. It was confusing at best, disorganized, and somewhat arrogant. They offered 3 entrees, the rest were small plates- with no clear distinction between the two. The food we ordered was good and interesting, but in the end, we left hungry and dissatisfied. Our advice - decide who you want to be. If this is a place that is just small plates, great - be that. If not, then you may want to redo your menu and include more entrees. The staff was great , but the complete experience was underwhelming.
(1)Rachael M.
One of the best meals we've had on the coast - or anywhere! Kind of place that makes Manzanita a bright spot on the coast. Whether you are at the counter by yourself or with a table of friends, you can count on a great meal, excellent service, and a great dining experience. Loved the menu offerings, and while a bit on the higher-priced side for typical Manzanita spots, it's a welcome addition to our favorite Oregon coast town. Love it!
(5)Dana Z.
Blackbird opened in out small town just one short year ago on Valentine 's Day and I was the lucky first reviewer. I thought I would update my review at the one year anniversary. Blackbird has continued to perform for the delight of the locals and visitors. Its concept is simple, farm and sea to table, as much as possible, and done right. The owner/chef Lee Vance, has really worked this principal into a brilliant and vibrant restaurant that we so desperately needed here at the coast. The wine list is deep, the cocktails creative, service impeccable and the food delicious. Lee has made sure to make the menu interesting without it being intimidating. If you are on a budget it is easy to stay light with her fabulous appetizers and if you want to go big, there are plenty of opportunities for that too! My favorite dishes are the truffled Mac and Cheese, flat iron steak, fried cauliflower, lamb burger, bacon wrapped apricots and the radicchio Caesar and the beet salad. Oh and don't forget the salted caramel pot de creme! As for as drinks, their Moscow mule is always perfect and you really must try the habanero margarita, such a flavor impact! My favorite wine is the Pago tempranillo which you can get by the glass. And starting this Sunday, for their one year anniversary, they are starting brunch! Can't wait to try that! Thank you Lee and all the staff at Blackbird for continuing to bring us your talent and
(5)Mike S.
I was recommended to the Blackbird by a friend in Cannon Beach with high expectations, unfortunately my experience was less than stellar. Esthetically the Blackbird is very nice and has an upscale vibe for the Oregon Coast. they have a nice selection of wines and cocktails, however, they offer no non-alcoholic beverages besides $4.00 cans of unchilled orange Sanpellegrino, still served in the can. Our waitress had a very pretentious vibe and I didn't get the impression she enjoyed being there, maybe she was having a bad day. Still, I have had more friendly service at Taco Bell. To further my disappointment, the Rockfish i ordered was completely raw in the middle, I mean completely. When I got our waitress to look at the food it had bled water into everything else on the plate. All that was offered was to "re-fire" the fish, which then came back rubbery and inconsistent. A literal joke at $28.00 a plate. On the upside, the mac and cheese was rich and tasty, totally what you would expect when ordering homemade mac and cheese. We were offered nothing as compensation even though our fish was dangerously raw, not even an apology from our waitress. I paid full price as I wasn't going to beg for a discount or even a free drink, I'm kind of floored I wasn't offered anything to make up for such a shoddy meal. Unacceptable. Especially considering the prices here. Be warned.
(1)Myra F.
What a gem! I thought The Big Wave in Manzanita was wonderfull! Blackbird is too! Wow! 2 great restaurants within walking distance of my house! The fried cauliflower with aoli was a treat. Small portion, but delicious flavors. The sweet potato gnocchi with arugula and mushrooms was devine. I opted out of the egg top. They were out of the favorite lamb burger, but had a delicious flavorful flat iron steak with fries. The macaroni and cheese was delicious, but I do prefer my noodles more al dente. (go to Brand Whiskey for that!) Great atmosphere! Fun place! Feels very upscale for our little town!
(5)Monica A.
We spent Valentine's weekend in Manzanita and Blackbird was recommended. In a small town, options are often limited and we were excited to try this place as the menu is different than the typical diner/ bar food that's available during off season at the coast. Brussels spouts were amazing with a lot of butter, bacon fat, onions, garlic, and cheese. The fat content must be over the top but with the place dimly lit, you can't really get a good look at the glistening fat. It tasted amazing though! They were out of the cod, and had a different white fish replacement. It was supposed to be blackened. The fish did not taste 'blackened' at a and the seasoning was very, very light handed. The fish were also in small pieces. 3 bits of fish for an entree was not presented well. It was seasoned and cooked...nothing special. It was served with fingerling potatoes with a lot of onions. My boyfriend found it too pungent so I finished the potatoes but avoided the onions. I had ordered the 8 oz top sirloin with kale and potatoes. The server said the chef prepares it medium rare and I said that's how I preferred it. The steak was delicious..however, it was NOT medium rare. It was bloody red and very much on the rare side. The same redness went from the center to the edge of the steak. There was a dark sauce and with the dim lighting, I made it about 2/3 and had to stop. It very tasty but it was just too rare to continue eating. I felt like it was going to start mooing. I really want to give this a 3.5, but I'm rating this place a 4 because it's a nice place and I would go back...however, the next time...I might actually send my food back if it's not prepared the way they described it. Kind of disappointing that both the main dishes were not prepared as described.
(3)Stephanie L.
AMAZING! The best meal we had in the area. A bit of a drive from where we were staying, however it was totally worth it. Great service. Great food. Great space. We absolutely loved everything. The lamb burger was delicious. Mac N Cheese, brussel sprouts, veggies, almonds, etc. We had almost everything on the menu and it was all great... :)
(5)Cara G.
Adorable interior, very pretty bar. Romantic lighting and great music Mac and cheese: super rich! Can definitely share this one Brussels: awesome! Our fave by far Bone marrow: first time we had ordered this so unsure of what to expect but not very strong flavor Cesar salad: light and crisp Fries: super hot and really yummy! Blackened Cod: perfectly cooked - the word "excellent" was used! Will definitely be coming hear again on our summer vacation
(5)C B.
My wife and I decided to share smaller plates instead of getting two larger entrees. I ordered the chicken wings and the green bean salad while my wife opted for the bacon wrapped apricots and the massaged kale salad. All of the flavors were dead-spot-on, with the standouts for me easily being the manner in which cilantro was seamlessly woven into many of the dishes; usually, I don't like dishes that feature cilantro because far too many places overuse it and it can easily drown out other flavors. The cooks and bartender (you should really try the Habenero Margarita!) have a very deft hand when it comes to this herb, so instead of being an afterthought or an unwelcome presence it was very much featured as an integral part of the dishes it was in.
(5)Rachel R.
All in all a positive dining experience. This restaurant was recommended to us by the host we were staying with in Nehalem. She told us it was a tasty farm to table restaurant which sourced it's ingredients from local farms along the Oregon coast. I LOVED my habanero margarita with cilantro. I'm already searching for recipes to make this at home. Perfect amount of spice and heat. The small plates that I shared with my date were tasty. We liked the truffle mac and cheese and bacon wrapped apricots the most. Although the chicken wings were popping with flavor, they were very messy (too much sauce!!) and difficult to eat (drumstick was not separated from the wing). Between 2 of us, we were unable to finish all 4 small plates. Large portions for what I consider a very reasonable price! Bon appetit.
(4)Elizabeth S.
Amazing food. We had the Brussels sprouts, bacon wrapped apricots, spaetzle, oysters, and several drinks. All of it was delicious. Would definitely return!
(5)Lynn D.
Blackbird was recommended by several of our friends. We had a reservation and were seated immediately. We ordered the truffle mac and cheese, Netarts oysters, flat iron steak, and prawns (with gnocchi and scallops). Everything was well-prepared, fresh, and delicious. The service was fast, the staff was friendly, and we loved the ambience. We definitely recommend and would come back again.
(5)Dianne S.
The food was very good, but our reservation was totally messed up! The front of house definitely needs much better attention!
(4)Robert C.
stopped by during a trip to the coast in February. Amazing food and cocktails. I can't wait to come back!!
(5)Heather M.
What a great addition to Manzanita! Well-designed and comfortable atmosphere, excellent service, and a delicious and delightful meal. Our server was friendly, prompt and knowledgeable. Nothing but nice things to say about her, and all the staff here. I had the special, which was house-smoked salmon with greens over spaetzle (I had to ask - it's a german style pasta). Sounds pretty simple, but the presentation was dazzling. Salmon was smoky and flaky, and the pasta perfectly al dente. The yellow flowers of the broccoli rabe made it look like a work of art. I almost hated to ruin the dish by eating it. My husband had the chicken wings, but don't be fooled. These were not your average bony, meat-deficient, how-hot-can-you-take-it wings. These were a juicy, meaty, sweet-chili sauce infused stack of goodness. And the pot de creme...what can I say? Just order it. You'll see what I mean. Congratulations, Blackbird. You win a spot at the top of our list of favorite North Coast restaurants. We'll be back every time we're here.
(5)Rob F.
The food was excellent, but a bit overpriced. It's not exactly a beachy place - and the noise level was high. Felt like I was back in Portland going to the newest trendy eatery. But, again I'll say - the grub was quite tasty.
(3)Crystal W.
FINALLY... A farm to table restaurant with sustainable practices and noteworthy food only 15 minutes south of Cannon Beach. My husband and I stay on the coast often and always have a hard time finding places that match our food preferences (local, organic, pasture-raised meats...etc.). Easy to see considering we come from Portland where these options are plentiful. With that being said, we had an absolute fantastic experience at Blackbird. Here's what we had: Appetizer: Bacon-wrapped Apricots (w/almonds & chèvre) Entrees: Lamb Burger Vegetarian Special (on this night it was a unique german pasta sautéed in duck fat (I believe), kale, carrots, onions, asparagus all topped with almonds and a fried egg (soft yolk). Desert: Salted caramel chocolate pot de creme We feel we might be able to duplicate the bacon-wrapped apricots at home - but they were still scrumptious. My husband said the lamb burger was one of the best burgers he's ever tasted. And my vegetarian meal was insanely amazing and tasty. The portion was actually too big to finish.. A nice touch was being able to speak to the chef/owner about her past since we saw she too lived in the same city we did at one point. You can tell from the atmosphere to the kind wait staff to the impeccable, fresh & seasonal menu items, that the chef has a vision to help change the culinary landscape on the coast. SO THANKFUL and about time a restaurant such as Blackbird opened... We're considering eating here two nights in a row. It was that good.
(5)M G.
Great food and ambiance. Noisy atmosphere, have to practically yell to hear each other. Rough start to dinner. Had reservations for two people at 6:30, was told our table wasn't ready yet but there was another empty table for two so we asked why we couldn't sit there and was told "it is complicated." So, they asked us to wait in the bar for a table even though we arrived at our appointed time and had a reservation. We waited 30-minutes for our table. Upon arriving home, I find a voice mail from the hostess that she left us at 7pm asking us if we were still planning on coming in for dinner (clearly she was confused). While dining, the hostess never came by to apologize for the wait. This restaurant is not new and should have figured out how to handle their reservations and flow of tables by now.
(3)Julie B.
we didn't get a chance to eat here but came in for a drink. fell in love with the aesthetics...and the habernero margarita. looking for an excellent craft cocktail and oysters?
(5)Jensie M.
Best date night and locavore spot in Manzanita and surrounding beach towns. We sat at the bar because we didn't make a reservation (I'd suggest making one if you prefer a table) and we chatted it up with the bartender. She mixed several great drinks, including a habanero margarita and we loved watching various dishes come out of the kitchen bound for others' tables. We had the bacon wrapped apricots (a little heavy on the cheese) and the brussel sprouts, no bacon. It was the first non-fried vegetable we'd come across in this small town and it was worth the wait. We tried to go back the next night with plans to order the mussels and fries and try the truffle mac-n-cheese but our day took us another direction. Very special and thoughtful use of ingredients by the chef and a lovely "nice to know you" attitude by the staff. Great spot and we will go back.
(4)Teasha M.
Met some friends for dinner on a Friday evening. We sat at the bar. The bar tender Hannah was fabulous. She was very friendly, outgoing and helpful. We had several things on the menu which included crab cakes, truffle Mac and cheese, Brussels sprouts, salad, chicken wings, prawns, and more. All of which were fabulous. The flavor of the foods were creative, fresh, and scrumptious. We also had a variety of drinks on the menu. My personal favorite was the Moscow mule. Although we didn't had any personal issues with anything I did notice the table behind us that shared many concerns about the service they received. The wait staff in the dining room seemed as if multiple of them were new, untrained, and not up to par for serving in fine dining. Huge bummer for the other diners. I can imagine funding adequate servers in an upscale restaurant at the beach must be a difficult task. I hope that they able to correct this issue for the continued diners In the future. Last but not least be aware that bringing your palette is must. You won't be disappointed!
(4)Annie C.
Fancy! Good food. Took a star off since it was difficult to get a reservation and once we did get in, we were the only ones in the restaurant eating. Also, they sat us in the most awkward table by the door with other better options available? Hummmm. Great place to go if you feel like date night on the coast :)
(4)Katherine M.
Definitely one of the only great places to eat on the coast. My husband and I have eaten here a few times now. Tip: Reserve in advance, this place is in demand. The drinks are excellently made by compentent bar staff. The food overall is excellent although I was disappointed in the sole I ordered over Valentine's weekend. Everyone's allowed an off day. This place is worth the price. It has an excellent menu!
(5)Lacy L.
Spot-on flavor balance. Perfectly cooked scallops, light gnocchi, and the cauliflower is wonderful. We ate here both nights in town and will absolutely be back!
(5)Rhondalyn J.
I Love this restaurant. Good food, friendly staff. My husband and I came here last year and had their lamb burger so good. So we came back again because we had such a lovely dinner. And yep we had their flat iron steak and was so delicious I ordered mine medium well while my husband ordered his well done and he love his steak. Will be back again. Yum yum :-)
(5)DeWayne F.
Over from Bend Oregon with another couple doing some Geocaching on the coast. Stayed in Manzanita at a VBRO Seaward Dream, over the top, highly recommended and within walking distance to this restaurant. Overall, I we would rate this restaurant a full 5 stars, for the food, service and ambiance. We had a few appetizers and the lamb burger, more than excellent. The bacon wrapped apricot, yummy. But best of all was the Pot of Cream. A true 10 star. The folks running the establishment, server and chefs, were all friendly, not snooty, thank god. Nothing worse than a snooty restaurant. Thanks
(5)Margaret A.
Mediocre food, less than friendly service, prices FAR too high. No thanks. There are other , better options in the area. Koko's in Tillamook is a much better choice for fine food, reasonably priced with excellent service.
(1)Sandra P.
Good food, had the black cod, husband had the wild boar. I also had the poached persimmon salad. Small place with great service and ambiance. Drink could have been a little stiffer for $12. Bar has a cool feel to it, love the materials used and the lighting.
(4)I. D.
We went to the first Sunday Brunch (10am-3pm), and it was amazing! I posted pictures of our breakfasts and the do it yourself Bloody Mary Bar. Entrees include but are not limited to: Steel Cut Oats, fresh baked (that morning) Biscuits & Gravy, big ol' Breakfast Sammy, your choice of Vegetarian or Pork Belly Hash, conventional Eggs Benedict, Crab Cake Benedict, and Green Legs and Ham which is a wonderful arugula salad topped with frog legs and crispy pig ears. They also have a few breakfast drink specials, but I stuck with water so I don't recall all of them. Definitely a Mimosa, Irish Coffee, and a Fernet based drink. While walk-ins are welcome, as the word gets out, you'll want to make reservations.
(5)Aina T.
Have a cocktail! They are REALLY GOOD! Eat the lamb burger! Indulge in the salted caramel chocolate pot de creme. The atmosphere is very inviting, the place has an overall great energy, makes you want to hang out and chill. And the food.. Just "lick your fingers delicious". The ingredients are locally sourced and chosen with love by Lee, a young and talented chef with a fresh view that works wonderfully
(5)James A.
I wish there there was a negative star rating on Yelp for encounters like this. Before walking in the door we got stares from the staff and some patrons. I assumed before we even asked for a table that they were going to be awkward about it. The restaurant was at half capacity and there were a few more tables about to turn over. We were aware that this restaurant takes reservations but when we asked for a table for four, the host made up some questionable excuse that there was only room for us at the bar. We said cool, how long would it be until we could wait for a table to open up. She awkwardly looked around the room then stared down at the seating table and then looked up and gave us a stone cold, "No" It was only 8 and the restaurant closed at 10 but either way she didnt say that it was booked until closing, just a straight up NO. Not fitting into the dress code of the "im dressing up in my best CHICO's / Tommy Bahama's outfit for our beach vacation" vibe could be one thing, not being White could possibly be the other underlying matter. RACISM/DISCRIMINATION IS STILL ALIVE AND WELL. Come by Blackbird and enjoy a nice meal if you fit in. I have had the fortunate opportunity to travel and eat at some of the finest and most exotic restaurants all around the world and I have never experienced service like this.
(1)Ian B.
Hands down the best meal we've had on the Oregon Coast. Rivals Portland's best restaurants.
(5)Jeanne Z.
Lovely. Dinner with my 89 yr old mom and my husband. Sunny and warm weather then a amazing dinner of halibut, brussel sprouts,and a lovely scallops with greens. Highly recommend Blackbird
(5)David R.
We don't come to Manzanita for a gourmet dining experience: we can get that in Portland, and even there, we try to do so in moderation. However, knowing that we would--on occasion--want to enjoy a great meal at the coast, we wanted to give this new venue a try. So glad we did! We were delighted by the service and the quality of the meal. We tried four items: bacon-wrapped apricots, smoked duck salad, steamed mussels and lamb burgers: all were excellent! Rounded out by a delicious Syrah wine and a yummy chocolate pot de creme, we could not have asked for a better dining experience. Extra points for great service by Natasha, and the appealing decor and ambience! A winner.
(5)Susan W.
Not good for more than four people, as they do not want to deal with groups. The menu is quite limited, and even at that they ran out of lettuce (yes, lettuce!) and frites. The mussels were excellent, but the duck salad was overly smoked and the spaetzel dish was okay but odd. Really wanted to like this place, and believe it has great possibilities. A few kinks to work out, and they need to give customer service a higher priority.
(2)Missus T.
I don't usually go to restaurants that have just opened, nor to ones with only a few reviews, all of which are fabulous. After Blackbird, I may rethink that position - they really are that good! The space is well designed, with a tiny open kitchen and an equally tiny adorable bar. They're very well staffed, and all the staff were in top form. Tables are nicely spaced. Good beer, and the one cocktail we ordered was delicious. MIL had the vegetarian entree, which was a really lovely bowl of vegetables with an egg on top. FIL had braised lamb and was happy with it, and my husband had a truly great steak. I had the perfectly juicy, beautifully dressed lamb burger with a side of crispy crunchy fries and a paprika aoli. We split the two desserts they had on offer, and were entirely happy.
(5)Amy C.
A wonderful meal. We had the bacon-wrapped apricots, and the praised-by-many lamb burger, and it was quite delicious. The lamb burger was available as a special, and we were told that because they often ran out when it was on the menu, they can note it as a special (and not mention it when it runs out). If they have it, get it, by all means!
(5)David C.
Great meal in this lovely quaint town. It was very busy and we didn't have a reservation but they quickly found us a place at the bar, which was filled with other diners. Food was terrific - all made from fresh local ingredients. Had a few of the appies including delicious chicken wings and stuffed apricots wrapped in bacon. We also shared the hanger steak which was tender and flavorable. Topped it off with a yummy local wine, making for a very memorable evening.
(5)Sam I.
Blackbird gets an easy 5 stars simply because there is no competition that does what they do. Getting a place with good food on the Oregon coast is few and far between, I highly recommend checking them out. Although pricy the food was great for a special occasion and when compared with the generally high price of food on the coast it was a good deal.
(5)Linda S.
My friend and I just had a marvelous birthday dinner at this new and lovely addition to Manzanita's mainstays. We started with the bone marrow and fresh Wallapa oysters on the half shell. So delish, and the fresh oysters had such a delicate fresh sea taste. My friend had the lamb and for me the petit steak. Couldn't have been prepared or presented any better! My friend had the habanero maguerita and enjoyed the heat and fresh citrus all in one sip. We both had a glass of the tempranillo: a beautiful Spanish wine with deep flavors. For dessert we shared the pot au creme with caramel and shaved salt. To die for! I have been coming to the northern Oregon Coast for many years, and although I have sought a restaurant with fine dining and respect for the food it prepares, I have not found anything that comes close...until tonight! The Blackbird seems to care about its food and they use local fresh ngredients prepared to perfection. And the dining experience beyond the food was impeccable. Our server was John, and he checked in with us frequently without being intrusive. We felt that our food was prepared with care, and that we were cared for throughout our experience. I higtly recommend dining here. The menu has something for everyone from vegetarian, light meals, and decadent meals like ours. We will return and encourage you to give them a try.
(5)Maggie G.
First time at the restaurant and it was delicious. Sat at the chef's bar and can't wait to come back. Wine list wonderful and the service was spot on. A must have is the crispy Brussel sprouts, the bacon wrapped apricots, and the scallops. Watched the chefs make truffle mac and cheese all night and already regret not ordering. Chocolate addicts will love to finish w the pot de creme. Exceeded expectations. Was lovely.
(5)Jason P.
Blown away!! We were in from Seattle for the weekend and had an unforgettable meal here. We had been trying to figure out where to go for dinner for our final night on the coast. We stopped for coffee across the street that morning and the restaurant caught our eye. We walked over, saw the menu and decor and were sold! The staff is amazing! Incredibly attentive and friendly. John was our server for the evening and was exceptional. We started with the bone marrow which was the highlight of the evening for me! Beautifully roasted and served in bone with fresh baked bread, stone ground mustard and pickled red onions. It's TO DIE FOR! For entrees I had the seared duck breast. Cooked beautifully with a nice sear on the skin. My wife had the steak entree (sorry but I can't remember the cut offered). It was one of the amazing steaks she's ever had! Beautiful sear and a perfect med-rare throughout. The fresh vegetables that accompanied our dinner were also delicious and fitting for the season and main protein. For dessert, you MUST get the salted caramel chocolate pot de creme! Decadent!! The farm-to-table concept is well executed here as the Chef appears to change the menu based on what is available in the area at any given moment. The restaurant decor is really cool. Refinished driftwood bar and tables and really cool Edison lights hanging from the ceiling. Wonderful small, cozy atmosphere. All in all it was a wonderful experience and we will most certainly be back again when we re-visit the Oregon Coast.
(5)Greg M.
My family and I vacationed in Manzanita for two weeks. We went to Blackbird the first night because of the buzz surrounding the restaurant. We ended up going back twice because we liked it so much. In short, all of the dishes we tried (and we tried about 60% of the menu) were fresh and very flavorful. Some of our favorite dishes: the mac n cheese is the richest, most flavorful I've ever had; the wings are spicy and great, delicious oysters (they change as the sea changes); massaged kale salad is wonderful and full of flavor; anything Lee does with vegetable and pasta dishes is creative and delicious; the steak frites was very good and the smoked paprika aioli is like crack cocaine. It's easy to love the food and drink. The young owner, Lee, is creative and is a doll. She has surrounded herself with a great staff: Hannah (bartender) and Sake (waitress) are awesome. Go support this fun, local restaurant!
(5)Leslie T.
Very disappointed. They did not honor our Open Table reservation for four people at 7:45 on Saturday night. We arrived on time and checked in. We then waited more than 30 minutes before finally leaving. During that time, they gave a table for four to another party of three people who arrived long after we did. When we asked why, they said it was because their computer assigns reservations to specific tables. We had to wait for a specific table identified for us by their computer!! Ridiculous process. "Our" table was occupied by four women who had finished their dinner, paid their check, and were sitting around sending emails.They were not asked to move along. We continued to wait. There was little concern for us as we stood here and there shifting out of the way of the servers in this small restaurant. I have eaten there in the past - it was unexceptional and noisy. We thought we would give it another try. After this experience, I will not be returning.
(1)Roy N.
Best meal I've ever had on the Oregon coast. Have been eating along the Coast for 20 years, typically between Yachats and Seaside. More often than not disappointed with the meals and the prices. Okay food is easy to find, good food not so much. This restaurant was excellent, both the food and the service. Had a bone marrow appetizer that had a luscious, beefy taste that lingers in my mouth 5 months later. Prices were extremely reasonably, only a few dollars more that the average food you get at other restaurants in the area. Will eat there every time we are in the area.
(5)Jenelle I.
This is the icing on the cake for Oregon's best beach town. Farm to table food crafted perfectly. Wonderful interior, great bar and wine list. Truffle fries are to die for! Vegan and or gluten free folks will have an incredible dinner as well. Our sever was John, he was warm, professional and attentive. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. This is the first coastal fine dining experience I have felt was worth every penny then some. Thank you Blackbird for a highlight experience on our coastal getaway.
(5)Heidi M.
Opening weekend in wet and stormy Manzanita for food that rivals Portland or Seattle. Small but hip venue melding the sparkle of pressed tin and Edison lights with reclaimed wood. Food was outstanding. Succulent roast chicken served gluten free on a bed of braised carrots, kale and creamy mashed potatoes. Totally comforting to this paleo gal. The apple and celeriac soup was exceptionally smooth and flavorful. The pot de creme was soft and smooth, full of chocolate love, not heavy and custardy like so many. Bacon-wrapped stuffed apricot appetizers are a must have. Friendly staff. And I want the light fixture in the bathroom... Fresh and local and flavorful...the beach is now complete!
(5)Peter N.
A Manzanita gem. The food and service is exceptional. The salmon was perfectly prepared, the bone marrow is amazing and the Pot de Creme is as great as everyone says it is. A wide wine selection and wonderful servers. If I had only the slightest quibble it would be that the duck in the smoked duck salad might have been over-smoked. It tasted great but really didn't taste of duck. Nevertheless, a fine salad. This is easily the area's best restaurant.
(4)L M.
This gem would be at the top of the charts in Seattle or Portland. What a fabulous restaurant! We wisely made reservations for a Saturday dinner. We had read about the lamb burger but it wasn't on the menu so we inquired about it. Our waiter said they would make it on request, so one of us ordered that and I ordered the sea scallops. To start, the bread and butter they brought was incredibly good. I could have eaten only that and been extremely happy. Our waiter offered to bring more, but we wanted to save our appetites for the entree so we declined. The lamb burger was excellent, as expected, and the scallops were out-of-this-world fantastic. A very sophisticated preparation with a corn-based sauce that was extraordinary. I savored every last thing on the plate. It was a meal i will remember for a long time. I can't say enough good about our waiter, John--very friendly, knowledgeable, pleasant, and on top of things. A lovely couple seated at the table next to us was also very friendly, which added to the warm environment. Loved the design of the restaurant, too. Everything about our experience was a solid 5 stars, and you don't run across that very often.
(5)Jen K.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise [1] I'm haunted by those lyrics and while I have no idea if this song inspired the name of the restaurant, I've been singing this song all week. Blackbird, the restaurant, is a delightful date night destination on the Oregon Coast. The seating is cozy (only an arm's length distance between tables) and we were glad we grabbed reservations although not all the tables were filled. We had a small table for two near the back of the restaurant, but my favorite seats were probably the four bar stools by the kitchen.The interior has a Portland vibe and the menu is quite small. I would advise that you check it out in advance, but it isn't posted on their website. Many items mentioned by other reviewers were not on the menu, so it is definitely seasonal and ever changing. Service was sweet, local and mostly on point. There was just a lag getting our second round of drinks, but that was easily rectified. The food was absolutely delicious. We were hungry, but not starving, the day after Thanksgiving, so we ended up ordering a beet salad to share and it was delicate and delicious. But, that dish was barely enough to share. I was worried the rest of our dishes would be equally petite, but they were just right. And the crusty bread dusted with salt to accompany our meal was a nice touch. The highlight of the night were the steamed mussels and frites. The delicate broth of wine and shallots, with seasoned fries on top, makes this a must order item. Our other entree was the sweet potato spaetzle with mushrooms and greens, topped by a runny egg (one of my favorite things). The cocktails were delicious, although the second Old Fashioned was MUCH stronger than the first. I was very happy with my Blood & Sand cocktail served in a quaint old fashioned glass. [1] Blackbird, written by Paul McCartney, appeared on the White Album. It is said to be inspired by the increasing racial tensions in the U.S. in 1968.
(4)Katie B.
Delicious with a great atmosphere. Perfect for a romantic night out. We had the crab cakes, flank steak and truffle fries. Absolutely delicious. Even our cocktails were perfect. To top it all off, the staff was extremely friendly. Great service. We highly recommend this place. Yum!
(5)Chris L.
Food was great but the service was so rushed. Started off with a great bar tender and excellent drinks but ended with a totally rushed service where we were asked if we were done 4 times and then asked if we wanted coffee before we finished our wine after dinner. All became so annoying we just said forget it and left without ordering dessert for fear of the bums rush. By the way, GF means gluten free but the waitress didn't know even after asking. Guess we are off to have grocery store ice cream for dessert.
(2)ian j.
Lovely, quite noisy. The food program reminded me of Frances in SF, the difference being that in SF it's a disappointment (because you expect it to be flawless, stunning) and in Manzanita it's a really nice surprise. Good drinks, nice decor. We all really liked our food and it felt reasonably healthy which is not usually the goal walking in for me, but is a nice feeling to walk away with. Thanks!
(4)Connie C.
Amazing! Celebrated my birthday here with my sister and Blackbird did not disappoint. The quality was on par with the nicest establishments in Portland. Started with habanero margarita (warning hot!) But the brussel sprouts were amazing as an appetizer! Even if you don't like them..you will! Followed with prawns over gnocchi and spatezel...every bite was rich and delicious! Spent over one hundred for two drinks, one appetizer, two entrees and tip. Quite a splurge but was abundantly well worth it!
(5)Frank B.
Upscale dining comes to Manzanita with the Blackbird. The food was quite good especially for a coast restaurant. We had a smoked duck salad, mac and cheese, baked eggs, and the Cesar salad. The menu is unusual in that it is not a traditional setup of apps, entrees, etc. everything is on one list on the menu and you need to figure out whether the portions are entree or appetizer sized. We guessed by the prices, which are not cheap here, from 6 dollars for brussel sprouts to 28 for the fish special but you get what you pay for. We also had cocktails and wine, about 10 per cocktail but a good pour. Be advised the habenaro margarita is hot! This is a good place for special occasions or first dates. I had several issues with the place. The cocktails took a long time to arrive which is understandable on a busy Saturday night but then the food came out before we had enough time to enjoy them. I do not think I have ever had food served so promptly and normally would love it but it made the meal feel rushed this time. Also, this place is loud. Some of you may like shouting at your dining companions but I prefer a quieter experience. There is nothing to absorb noise here. It was also the waitress' second night and she was not up to the task of serving with any confidence or much knowledge of the menu. The place is handsomely decorated with old fashioned light bulbs, beautiful glossy wood tables, a lovely bar of salvaged wood and stamped tin, set in the center of the restaurant.
(4)Hilary H.
Absolutely amazing food, and great atmosphere! The drinks are unique and delicious. The staff are all cry friendly and attentive. If you are looking for a high class meal at the beach, that's fresh and flavorful this is the place to go! Cheers!
(5)Cynthia A.
We were prepared for the price but found the menu offering lacking in good protein choices. I ordered the steak which was poorly cooked and poorly trimmed. Seating is cramped with little table space. My partner had the cod which was well enjoyed. We both found the wine pour to be less than generous. Nice try but I won't be back. The pub at Tolovana has better food and is less pretentious and easy to do at the beach. Wayfarer is same price point but is fulfilling. I so wanted to love this place .
(3)Bryan M.
The truffle Mac n cheese is amazing. Good place for cocktails as well. The place is popular so make reservations or sit at the bar.
(5)Jack C.
Fantastic place to dine. We had the fish special which was amazing. It was a white fish (can't remember the name), really tasty and cooked just right. Also had the NY Strip which was also really nice. As other reviewers noted, the Pot of Creme is a must have.
(5)maura r.
Cauliflower out of this world. Brussel sprouts would make any 8 year old eat their veggies and ask for seconds. The truffle Mac and cheese were little pillows of pasta perfection. The cocktail menu was killer, especially the spicy margarita. The diver scallops were cooked to perfection, the only off note was the accompanying calamari was over cooked. Overall, stellar meal. Wait staff knowledgeable. Attentive. Noise volume a little loud. Highly recommend.
(4)Jason M.
My wife and I throughly enjoyed sharing a few small plates and an entree. The ingredients really shine here. Very well designed space which adds to the experience. Highly recommend!!
(5)Doug T.
Not recommended. MANDATORY 20% tip. Are they kidding me? If the service was worth it, ok. Service sucked and was worth 2% max. Didn't deliver what we ordered without asking again for our ordered items. Waitress didn't ask all of us what we wanted to drink. She made an assumption that we all wanted wine when we didn't. Ugh. Won't return here.
(1)Greg C.
Great food and service. Portland quality restaurant in Manzanita. Excellent oysters and mussels. Great wine list. Make a reservation.
(5)Cara M.
Of all the food I'm going to miss the most, blackbird is the best. Their food is astounding, of the gods, the best. Lee is phenomenal and generous. It's reflected in her food and aura. I both hope people discover blackbird and don't, because then she'll have to leave and go run restaurants world wide, but she's crazy good and loves the food she's making. Not one mediocre thing in the house. It's a must see for anyone visiting the Oregon coast. Definitely get the truffle fries, and one of everything.
(5)Mark S.
New place in Manzanita. We visit here almost every year from Texas and tried this place out. As the reviews before stated, we made a reservation but they didnt have it. So, if you make a reservation just go ahead and assume they dont have it. It wasnt a huge problem, we were seated 20 minutes after our original reservation. I had the steamed clams and my wife had the cod. Cant screw up steamed shellfish, mine was perfect. My wife's cod was overcooked. Probably should have said something, but as a rule I dont send food back. Not worth the risk. The price was a little high for the quality of food. Four glasses of wine, appetizer, two meals: $155 with tip. We are hear for another week plus, but wont go back until next year to see if they are in order. Good luck to them, it is a nice place!
(3)Emily M.
The restaurant we've been waiting for in Manzanita! Wish it had been here before we had the kiddo, but we won't lament on that one. Cocktails were great, wine was excellent, food was delightful and filling. Plates were well sized for the price. We had two appetizers and could have done with one. We Had: Fried Cauliflower Ling Cod Ceviche Flat Iron Steak Green Garlic Spaetzle Chocolate Pot 'd Creme Advice - 1. Make reservations. We were turned away the first night (Thursday) and it was full when we went on Friday night (we made reservations). 2. The restaurant is not really kid friendly, which was not a surprise to us, as its a pretty adult place and if it was in Seattle / Portland we never would bring a baby there. But we have a 9 month old and he goes with us when we are on the coast. As is true for most on vacation, so BE WARNED - The don't have high chairs or booster seats. our son sat happily on the floor and played with a spoon and loved the table scraps. Our waitress was delightfully accommodating and we didn't feel judged, we just had to improvise. 3. Dinner is expensive. Which we planned for. The experience and food was worth it. It's a nice treat to have such an upscale experience in Manzanita. So don't be surprised by a $25 plate. Enjoy!
(4)