The Verdict Bar & Grill
110 8th St., Oregon City, OR, 97045
The Verdict Bar & Grill Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Oregon City for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Oregon City for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Oregon City for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
110 8th St.
Oregon City, OR, 97045 - Phone (503) 305-8429
- Website https://www.verdictbarandgrill.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 10
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Julie H.
Calamari appetizer: Tasted okay, but it had bits of PAPER in the coating! Artichoke and feta ravioli: OK brown butter sauce, but the filling was overly-feta'd and under-artichoked. Chicken pesto: The chicken tasted old and warmed over. Pasta was watery. Service: Excellent.
(2)John L.
Ok, I get that some crap cook worked here a year ago, but if you haven't been in recently you are missing the boat and talking ancient history. I have had the best beef and the best fish meal ever out of this joint. No b.s. any day just order the special. The chef, Brian will redefine your gastronomic uni for you, no charge. Do it!!!
(5)Stan G.
We stopped in for quick lunch. Nice bar and great service. I had a salmon poorly that was delicious.
(5)Maria W.
Jennifer was the best server! Great food snd the atmosphere was awesome! I will definitely come back here!!
(5)Angela D.
I cant even give it 2 stars. This was our third time here. The first time was ok, not bad, hmmm, maybe we'll do it again? Yes, that is a question mark. 2nd time we ended up just leaving because we were not seated, let alone looked at to be seated. This place is understaffed and knows nothing about customer service! Waited over 15 min to try and be seated. It also did not help that we were being glared at by some bedazzled conservative hillbilly family, rude. Yesterday out of desperation and hunger we tried it again. Waited a few minutes to be seated then asked about the seating yourself situation. Its so unclear, do you or do you not seat yourself!? If so, post it! The food sucked hard. The eggs benny was a joke, potatoes barley cooked, and the omelet was flavorlis and lacking in so many ways. Get your $HIT together. REALLY! You guys have so much potential and are blowing it hard!
(1)Jacob M.
Food was good, also good cocktails. Kind of a cute place downstairs with brick walls. I definitely would come back.
(4)Laura C.
I'd heard really good things about this place from 2 friends that come here often and was glad to experience for myself that they were not exaggerating about what a cool little spot it is. I don't love that parking in the back is not actually for restaurant patrons, but I do love that street parking is free after 5 pm. I also love that the whole downtown area of Oregon City has been revitalized and is a great place to bounce from one wine bar to the next. Upon entering, you walk down some stairs to a "Cheers" like setting (only a little prettier). We got a booth that must have been near the kitchen because the smells near our table were divine! I am embarrassed to say that I ordered the chicken strips. I have no idea where my creative bone went...and should have ordered something off the regular menu with a "legal" name...but was advised by the server that the chicken basket was the way to go - as far as size and cost went. I was not steered wrong. The food was fresh, piping hot and of good portion. It was $6 well spent. Glasses of wine are $1 off during happy hour, so I got the same $7 white that my friend said she always gets. In truth, it was a little spendy, considering $6 for one glass is more than what the bottle costs at the store, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. That's restaurant markup for ya. I know the same goes for food anywhere, but at least then, you are paying for the cooks time and expertise. Our server was very nice and attentive, which made the whole experience very nice. The people of Oregon City are lucky to have such a little gem in their downtown area.
(4)Josh L.
I love this place. In a city with a lot of restaurants that are mediocre, it is nice to have a standout. The food is always executed to near perfection. The staff is friendly and has remained the same for a very long time now. Low turnover usually means someone knows what they are doing in managing a restaurant. The location is great, right across from the courthouse, so they keep a judicial theme throughout. The building is beautiful, they kept the old charm but added in some modern influence. Also, upstairs is the Caufield House. The Verdict just celebrated their 4th year yesterday and we popped in, they have made some updates to the menu, added new items. Everything was great. I will admit they are training a new server, and she is a little shaky now, but with the help of the knowledgeable staff around her she will be a great addition.
(5)Jessyka O.
Shania saved our date night here tonight. We came in and it was NUTS. Seemed very disorganized, shania was our savior in the chaos. She was laughing, and smiling the entire way. As everyone else looks totally stressed, she seemed to keep her cool. At one point I counted the amount of times she came to check on us vs the amount of times other servers checked on their tables. She blew it out of the water. I love this place, but I expect good service when I pay for a meal. I won't come back unless she's working.
(4)Aeric E.
Standard pub style food. Great French fries. Tasty avocado burger and artichoke dip. Very friendly and helpful service.
(3)Scott V.
I came in to have lunch while waiting to be a witness in courtroom across the street. The ambiance is classy but not stuck up, relaxing but cool. I ordered the chicken nachos, something I had been craving, but also simple. The bartender and the waiter where upbeat and friendly even though they where obviously busy. They were able to keep up with everyone without sacrificing service. The nachos came quickly and were absolutely delicious! Seasoned chicken and the house made cheese sauce were fabulous. They also had tomatoes, green onion. It comes with guacamole, but I'm not a fan, so got a side of sour cream and jalapeño. They actually used fresh jalapeño! For something so simple, nachos seemed to be the easiest to mess up. NOT these! The chips were also hot and crisp, slightly salted, and fresh, not stale tasting. I highly recommend anyone to this place. Their menu is simple, yet has a great variety for virtually any taste! As a former restaurant worker, I tip my hat to The Verdict Bar & Grill! Great job.
(5)David L.
Tastes good, nice staff. Beautiful atmosphere. Great pub style, casual eats. Fish and chips were good and had a great amount if nice fish inside. BLT was also just fine. We'd come back for lunch or try dinner/happy hour in the future
(4)Minnesota S.
Overall good service and decent food. Kind of cool place to go once in awhile because it has a unique and trendy feel to it. The rib eye steak is usually good for a very fair price and I really like the tuna appetizer. The desserts are just so-so in my opinion and some of the staff are far better than others. Overall I like this place and go back every couple of months.
(3)Josh W.
I've never sent food back before, until verdict bar and grill. I ordered the mac and cheese, my girlfriend had one of their specialty burgers. The mac and cheese was elbow macaroni in a runny milky sauce with some cheese not quite melted in. The pub-style burger, while not bad, was over priced for what it was. At $10.99 for a burger, it's not unreasonable to expect fresh patties made in house, not freezer patties. Fresh 80/20 ground beef is not that much more, if at all, than freezer patties. It came with Cajun tater tots (par for the course in the Portland metro). While I can understand frozen tots, that might be their way to stand out, with fresh home made tots. Service was a 3, maybe. We sat in the bar. It was pretty empty, only 2 other patrons, sitting at the bar. The bartender was our server. She took a while to take our order, as she was remaking one of the other patron's bloody mary...3 times. I don't think we'll be returning.
(1)Jens J.
JP and I were down in Oregon City to lend moral support to a friend that was going through a particularly acrimonious divorce. The divorce court proceeding was held at Clackamas County Courthouse, which is across the street from the Verdict Bar & Grill. We came here for lunch on the proceeding's noon break. We must rave about the fish tacos. So good! We would come back for just those. I also liked the clam chowder - which was smooth with bits of celery and carrot. The proceeding went as well as could be expected (look, you're just not going to get out of paying alimony and child support). I thought the presiding judge was extremely fair and also very perceptive about the case's elements. Even though neither of the representing attorneys brought up a particular issue - that I thought was highly salient - the judge did, asking several probing questions that made both sides in the case squirm. In any case, don't forget about the fish tacos at Verdict Bar & Grill!
(4)Patty G.
Pros - Clean, friendly server, split checks, okay music. Cons - the food and prices. I have no idea what is fresh and what is frozen, but it seemed like the burger must have been a pre-frozen patty. So thin, I don't know why they bother asking how you like it done. Tater tots seemed pre-frozen, but unfair to complain about that as you would be hard pressed to find a place around here that makes their own tater tots. Onion rings absolutely seemed like they must have been frozen. It would be one thing if all of this food was priced as happy hour food , but it was all priced at such a level that I was expecting better quality. Such wasted potential Verdict! I'm sure with just a few changes you could be awesome!
(2)Dewy C.
Had a date night with my wife, was looking for a light dinner and cocktail, decided to try The Verdict. Great experience. Great food, great atmosphere, and something that is really hard to find these days,.. great service. I recommend the Verdict for anyone that is looking a nice place to chill for a couple of hours. The Verdict is in!! 5 stars
(5)Dwaine R.
I've been several times. Very novel concept beside the Clackamas Courthouse. Food was very good. . (Cobb Salad and Mushroom Avocado Burger). Service is great and very friendly. They just remodeled the "holding cell" into a very nice meeting room and mixed use venue.
(4)Lora P.
I want to like this place...I like the theme, decor, and atmosphere but out of the four times I've been there it's just gotten worse and worse. My first time was for drinks only. The second time my ahi tuna salad was bland and the calamari was dry. My fiance had to instruct the bartender on how to make a tequila sunrise. The third time they forgot my brother in laws food and the server was rude to him as they apparently didn't trust his Washington DL. The fourth time I went there was with a business group and reservations were made. The server repeatedly told us it was only his third day there. I felt bad for the guy (why would management put a new server with a group of 15 people?). He forgot beverages for multiple people, brought salads dressing but no salads for two people, and the two obviously more experienced servers on duty were rude to us and kept leaving the new guy on his own. Over four visits they have successfully turned off 17 people from ever coming back.
(1)Barry C.
Food was pretty good. Music was great...other than that this place is not worth their prices. Ordered 4 appetizers for two people and was shocked that the calamari was like an order if small onion rings at BK. Their response...our calamari is more expensive. Hmmmmmm. Called last call when we walked in but continued serving "bar patrons" after we were told they were initiating closing. We asked for bread...Still waiting for the bread...Yikes! Ok place to kick it and DRINK, don't plan on eating here...or I guess getting satisfied.
(2)Lauren W.
This place was rather middle of the road. The service was slow and the drinks seemed weak. The food was nothing to write home about, but it was ok. I do really enjoy the location and the old building is pretty neat.
(3)Tommy S.
I'd previously read some nice reviews on this place and decided to take the family here. We were extremely disappointed almost immediately with the rude wait staff. Next comes the food. It took over 45 minutes for our meals to come out, and when they did, they were cold. The whiskey Peppercorn steak i ordered was extremely flavorless, and burned, even though i requested medium rare. My wife's fettuccine alfredo had shrimp in it (which she's allergic to) even though she ordered chicken. On top of that, the noodles weren't cooked well and the sauce was flavorless. My son ordered the chicken parmesan and actually pulled two human hairs out of his mouth from one of the bites. Yes, there was HAIR in his entree. I could go on and on, but i wont. Worst dinning experience ever. Save your hard earned money and DO NOT eat here. We wont be back.
(1)Kent K.
We had a Batchlorette party in a private room in Aug 2014. We had appetizers and drinks and which were very good! Our waitress was Jennifer and she did a very good job in accommodating all of our requests and she was just plain fun and that helped our party be a success! I would do another Party as well as refer others here. Thanks to all who helped with This event:)
(5)Paul P.
We used to enjoy going here. In fact, we booked our rehearsal dinner here three months ago with a paid deposit. Fast forward to today (A little over a month until our wedding). They call us and tell us that our dinner is canceled because the owner is going to be having a dinner there that night now. Oh, let me apologize. It was not actually "canceled". They offered to set some tables up outside for us instead! Next to the street! In August! How could you honestly do that to someone and feel good about yourself? What a bunch of morons.
(1)Lisa S.
Disappointed in their happy hour, but I do love the environment. And very clean bathrooms. Which is always a plus!
(3)Stacy P.
This is a warm neighborhood little bar and grill with a friendly atmosphere. The place is small and so found a couple of seats at the bar. The bartender was very friendly and got us our drinks and food in no time. Not a large selection of happy hour items but the ones they had were tasty. We had the beef skewers and calimari which were great. For a little cozy place that friendly and liked by locals I would highly recommend it.
(4)Mike G.
As places do, this place has changed and not for the better. The food quality and portions are on the poor side again. This place has so much potential but just can't quite get there. The flavors that come out of the kitchen have become very inconsistent, at best. Portions are on the smaller side again. Just not a place we can rely on anymore and would not recommend it. Service has always been good though.
(2)Joan A.
It was a dark and stormy night and I loved the atmosphere. But that's where it stops if you want good food this is not the place. I had Fish and Chips and it was the weirdest and worst I've ever had. The dinky 2 pieces of "Fish" that looked like a deep fried hot dog (honestly) and it was burnt to a crisp enough so that you couldn't cut it with a knife. As for the chips...about 10 on the plate and that was it! Why didn't I send it back you ask, well the power went out right after getting our dinner so it wasn't even an option. If I was into mixed drinks that would have helped but I like a good IPA and that was mediocre at best. So doubt we'll be back unless we want atmosphere only...
(2)Graham S.
The verdict on The Verdict? Incredibly and arduously average. "Dark wood ambience doth not a good meal make." My burger was thin and from frozen. My wife's Club sandwich was flavorless and dry. The order of onion rings side had maybe 10 thin, prefabbed onion rings, served with a watery "Ranch" dressing. Seriously..if the wait staff and fry cook were served this meal, they'd have bitched, too. What does it take to make a meal that warrants the prices? I speak with my wallet... Sayonara, Verdict.
(1)Erin M.
"The service was good and the atmosphere was nice, but the food left a lot to be desired. It all SOUNDED good.. But really didn't live up to the descriptions. We probably won't be back.
(2)Jen K.
This past year two 'neighborhood' places opened within a month or so of each other. One is in West Linn (B.J. Willy's) and the other is in Oregon City (The Verdict). I visited both the first month they were in business and have gone back to each after they had some time to find their feet. Realistically both are three star places, but I probably have some hometown bias towards B.J. Willy's. These two cities have a long rivalry, so perhaps I'm still smarting from the "Welcome to West Linn, suburb of Oregon City" banner that the OC fans hung on the bridge during one of the football games [1] many years ago. There are also a few facts that support my favoritism. Happy Hour is not that happy here. There are no drink specials. Some of their food items are discounted, but are still not fantastic deals. I tried their bacon wrapped prawns since they were mentioned by several prior reviewers. They were very good, but $4 for six bites (three prawns) doesn't make you race back for more. The menu is small compared to their competition and on my first visit we had lots of service issues. Not only were we charged incorrectly (this happened again on my most recent visit), but they also misinformed me about what came with the meal (sides). Errors become less amusing the longer a place is in business. Where B.J. Willy's really stands out is the presence of the owners who are always mixing and mingling with their customers. It turns it into a place where you want to hang out. I haven't been to the Verdict as often, but I don't get the same vibe (or perhaps it is the WL on my forehead?). The layout is a bit problematic. There are a couple of tables out front which are nice when the weather is sunny. The rest of the bar/restaurant is down a flight of stairs and has bit of a cellar feel. Although I think the prison bars and handcuffs along one wall are a fun touch. So while I appreciate something new and different than most of the options in downtown Oregon City, for me it isn't worth the drive over the Abernethy Bridge. [1] The longest continuously played prep football rivalry west of the Mississippi.
(3)Barb R.
Had lunch here recently and was disappointed. I had the Rueben but the corned beef was tough in spots so I had to hold onto it so it didn't all come out of the sandwich. Fries were very good.
(2)Mike B.
Been there a few times lately. The food is excellent - had the salmon last time - and the portions are just right. My margarita was perfect and they even doubled up the shot and used a tall glass. The bar tender and servers are awesome. Actually, the servers are the best. Very attentive. We like the vibe best. Kind of a cabin look and feel on the inside. Not too big so there is an intimate feel to the place. HIghly recommend it.
(5)Chad H.
Great downtown O.C hangout food is excellent. When you go, make sure you try the fish tacos, they never disappoint. Fridays are prime rib night, another item that leaves you satisfied.
(5)Robin G.
We went here because it was listed under "sports bar" out of town and wanted to watch the Oregon Volleyball team play for the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP! They wouldn't turn up sound it because conflicted with the elevator music. If you want an stuffy fern bar this is your place. We went a block away, to the Pioneer Pub, loud and welcoming!!! GO DUCKS!
(1)Margaret J.
Third time there, still awesome! Had the filet mignon last night and it was delicious! The place was packed and we still had amazing service. Everything we've tried there has been excellent. It's our "go to" place in O.C. for sure! Good menu selections, reasonable prices, and a really good happy hour as well.
(5)Anthony G.
Went here with some friends, the place inside is nice, it could have used a bit more light (went at night) inside as it was almost hard to see. Maybe its to hide how shameful their food is. We ordered the verdict burger, fish & chips and the raspberry cake. The cake was dry and had little flavor. Sadly thus was the case with all the food. The burger was over cooked, it tasted like it was not seasoned and the fish was overcooked as well and dripping in grease. And of course the icing on the cake was that we waited almost an hour for our gross food. I will not be heading back to this place.
(1)Cory R.
We were trying to go to Cypress tonight for dinner for the first time but found that it was closed due to a lease problem. We went across the street to The Verdict. The service was ok. The waitress was prompt most of the time but failed to notice the empty wine glass a couple of times. We started with the hummus platter. I would just say it was ok. I had the clam chowder and it was actually pretty good. For dinner I ordered the ribeye. I would have to say that it was the most bland steak I have ever eaten. It was cooked rare at my request but obviously the grill was not hot enough as the steak was an off-gray color and I mean NO FLAVOR. My wife had the Ahi Tuna again just ok. Oh, and to top it off, there were fruit flies in and out of our wine glasses. It was sad that the best part of the meal was the garlic mashed potatoes. We will not be returning here....sad experience.
(2)Brett M.
I have only been here once for lunch months ago, but my experience was overall very pleasant. They have a few outdoor tables, which we enjoyed sitting at on a sunny day and even though they line a street, there was very little traffic noise. I had the Fish Tacos, which were great! Even though I can't remember specially what my date had, she had said she enjoyed it. I wouldn't say the atmosphere is overly formal but it has a nice modern ambiance, using the existing old architecture of one of the oldest buildings in Oregon City. From what I saw, there isn't a whole lot of room inside or out, so if you have a large group, there may not be enough seating, but if your party is 4 people or less, you should be fine. The service was adequate and friendly, but not exceptional and the prices were fair.
(3)Ang H.
Ok. Bear in mind that I am giving this 4 stars for OC. Because OC is very limited when it comes to good dinner options. Probably more like 3.5 if in Ptown. Very good service- polite and attentive. Hubbie loves the fish tacos and one year old seconds that opinion. My gripe is with my dinner. Lukewarm fettuccini and slightly undercooked chicken-not enough to be dangerous or anything. Just not cooked enough. I think I like this place. We will be back to try again.
(4)Lana L.
I have eaten there on several occasions including a group birthday, girls lunch, dinner with my husband and Happy Hour. I have had great food and excellent service every time. The prices are moderate and portions are good. It is a small space so not ideal for children, but great for date night.
(4)Tracy B.
Wait, there's someplace decent to go in the OGOC for a drink? I know, I was just as shocked as you are. The only reason I can get away with such sarcasm is because I'm a native OC'er. It's like talking shit about your family - you can do it but outsiders will be met by a solid ass-kicking. It's as swank as swank can get for OC, and it's done fairly well. There are mini-tv's, a wood-burning fireplace, old law books, and my favorite when drinking: low lighting. The dinner menu is fairly standard with burgers, salads, pasta, and steaks. I've had their BLT with avocado for lunch and the peppercorn steak for dinner, both were delish. The service was unimpressive and slow the times I've been. Alright, let's cut the crap and get to the question running through your mind - is the place laden with cops and courthouse peeps? Well, the bar is directly across the street from the courthouse so...maybe. The crowd seems to mostly be employees of the courthouse and other local businesses. Then again, what do I know? I was just a passerby. Point being - the bartender can be heavy handed (a plus in my book, when NOT driving) so mind yourselves, sweet peas.
(2)David H.
I have never had a bad experience at The Verdict. There are many places in town to get a burger, but for some reason they just don't get any better than the ones you'll get here. The Verdict Burger and Chicken Ranch Sandwich are my two main dishes--served with Cajun tots, naturally--though the other entrees I have tried were also delicious. The Verdict isn't a "fancy" place, but it's not trying to be. It's a relatively comfortable environment with good ambiance for when you're dining out with a group. The servers are all friendly, and watch your drink levels carefully. I never have to wait for a refill because they're usually always right on top of it! Whenever I'm down on Main Street and debating where to eat, 9 times out of 10 I end up here, and that's totally fine by me. :)
(4)Paul M.
Excellent happy hour. We were here on a Sunday so it was kind of slow, but very relaxing and the atmosphere was great. Food was fantastic! We will be back.
(5)R A.
This is a great spot for OC. The staff are upbeat, friendly and helpful. I like the fish tacos and the spinach & crab dip is always good. The bartender was happy to mix a special martini for me - and it was great! Love the outdoor seating in the warmer weather. Only downer is all the tv screens. Way too many. Maybe if they showed music videos it would feel better. The decor is cool but the tv's totally spoil the atmosphere.
(4)Robin P.
I have been there a few times after woek for happy hour. The bartender has always pleasant and welcoming. The happy hour appetizers are good. I personally loved the crab cakes. The sauce with then was very complimentary. It is a good relaxing place to unwind after work with a glass of good wine. Definitly not one of the OC dive bars.
(3)Rhona S.
Great atmosphere and great food. Always a good experience.
(4)Kate D.
A great place to eat with a great atmosphere. I would give it 5 stars, but I have ordered food here that has been way over cooked (specifically chicken strips and quesadilla). Service can be quite slow at times.
(4)Rob R.
After looking through all the other reviews on here, I feel like the Verdict is getting a bad rap! There aren't a ton of good places in Oregon City to hunt out a good meal, however the verdict has never let us down. We have been frequenting since the place opened and have found it to be an enjoyable place to eat. The menu is constantly evolving and we have had a lot of good specials and the re-occurring meals. We have had lunches, dinners and happy hour there. Each time we have found the staff to be pleasant, the food to be good and even the management has been a pleasure. Several times being there we have recieved complimentary appetizers and on our anniversary they even comped us a wonderful glass of wine and desert! I recommend this place to those I know and I will continue to do so!
(4)Walter H.
Went here a few days ago. The food was good, and good atmosphere. Only bad thing was the drinks. I had two, and neither were all that great. One was okay, the other was pretty undrinkable, though I tried to make a valiant effort...
(3)Mama C.
Went to The Verdict last night for my birthday (12/6/12). It was the first time there for my boyfriend and I. Loved the atmosphere; very comfortable and a great concept playing off of the courthouse theme. I ordered the Chicken Marsala with garlic mashed potatos and a salad. Our salads arrived on very trendy, SMALL, rectangular plates piled with baby mixe greens. It tasted good but was VERY difficult to eat because the plate was so small and the salad was piled on. It wasn't a huge salad because the size of the plate kept it small which was fine. The baby greens with stems needed to be cut in order to be able to eat it gracefully but there was no room so we were left trying to eat without getting dressing all over our faces while keeping the greens from falling off the plate at the same time. It was comical actually. Regarding the Chicken Marsala; the chicken must have sat in a warming dish for hours before I ever got it because it was rubbery and hard in some spots. I contemplated sending it back but I was worried that if it could come out this over cooked they could send out something equally as under cooked and I didn't want to chance it. Besides this huge turn off, the sauce was absolutely NOT Marsala sauce. I would guess that it was Heinz Beef Gravy from a jar mixed with some type of wine. Honestly, if it wasn't beef gravy from a jar I would really like to see the "chef" create it from scratch! We would go back to try the burger because some reviewers really like that and the place has a great atmosphere. It is an absolute shame that the food did not match last night.
(2)Steve R.
Neat place. Great ambiance. Happy hours are packed. Very lively. I haven't tried it for dinner but have had beers and pupus several times and was really pleased with quality, prices, and selection.
(4)Bob M.
The beer is cold. Waitresses are cute. The fish and chips were gross. The fish was frozen in the middle. Fry it a little longer.
(3)Holy-foo' X.
The verdict on this one, inevitably, is "No Lo Contendre".....
(3)Becky H.
We were coming home late from the Street of Dreams and stopped here for a late dinner. The servers were pleasant, engaging, knowledgeable, and the food (especially the fish tacos!) tasted absolutely wonderful. It felt like a real find. Made us wish we lived closer, we'd make it a regular hangout!
(4)Lois M.
Great lunch while we were bicycling in Clackamas County. Friendly staff and the sandwiches were perfect.
(5)Leilani C.
Was looking for somewhere to eat the other night, and when my favorite restaurant was closed, we decided to try something different. We just so happened to arrive during Happy Hour. I was pleasantly surprised to find I could bring my 6 year old in and sit at the booths in the bar for Happy Hour. We ordered chips and salsa as an appetizer, which they actually refilled. I ordered the fish tacos which were pretty much delicious. A friend ordered an angus burger which she said was "good", and, being a 6 year old, my son naturally wanted macaroni and cheese. I was feeling confident in our choice, until they brought out a bowl of Kraft mac and cheese. Yikes. Not your best menu decision, Verdict. Also mildly disappointed with the kids menu which consisted of cheeseburgers, mac & cheese, chicken nuggets and the like; maybe I was just expecting too much. So - if you're looking for a wholesome meal for your wee ones - go elsewhere. If you're looking for a neat hangout (however with over boisterous music) with pretty good food, and actually excellent service, The Verdict is a good choice...and watching the Blazers kill the Spurs while you eat is a pretty good addition to that choice.
(4)Tom R.
I went here without checking Yelp first. This is a risky proposition, but when it works out there is a great sense of discovery. We had steamed clams and a grilled chicken breast with au gratin potatoes and veggies. These were all very good with generous portions. The draft beer selection was limited, but I had a Jubelale and a Full Sail Amber. These were both filled to the rim with no head whatsoever. I am not sure how I feel about that. There is no doubt that you get a full pint, but compromises the visual and oral satisfaction. That's right I said it ... oral satisfaction. Any way, the wait staff and the owner(s) (I think) were pleasant and prompt. The place has a great feel to it. Somebody compared it to Cheers. We said the same, mostly because the entrance is a half stair case and the main floor is below street level with daylight windows. There is a central bar with tables and booths around the edges. The décor is sparse (read clean and tasteful) and upscale. There are a few flat screens to keep an eye on the games, but they are not overwhelming and this is not a sports bar. We'll be back. It was a very good experience. They could improve their grade by offering more draft beer choices. And (to be picky) the booth seating is a little rickety. My seat was always rattling because the guy behind me was fidgety. I'll give it a B+.
(4)Paula W.
I had fairly low expectations coming in because it was so new when we visited. Fortunately, they surprised me. I went here with four others and four of the five of us ordered the steak and prawn special they offered that night - $14 people! We all ordered a little different sides and again I was not disappointed. Baked potato, red potatoes, rice pilaf, extra veggies, french fries. It's always good to have options. Our server was great! Fabulous service and Jenny-on-the-spot with drinks and menus. She even made sure we knew that the Happy Hour menu was only good for another 5 minutes if we wanted to start off with some appetizers. Speaking of HH, this was the only reason for deducting one star. Be aware of the prices and descriptions of the menu items on both the regular menu and the HH menu. We decided to try the bacon wrapped prawns (out of this world wonderful!!!). The regular menu price was $8 for six prawns. We noticed the price on the HH menu was just $5 so placed that order. What we got was 3 prawns. Looking at the menu we noticed that sure enough, the description on the HH menu said 3 prawns for $5. Since there were five diners, we had the choice of ordering another three prawns for $5 or six prawns for $8. We opted for another order off the HH menu so paid a total of $10 for six prawns or $2 more than if we had ordered off the regular menu. The food was spot on delicious. The steak was unbelievably good...juicy, tender and very flavorful. Everyone had nothing but great things to say about their meals. For the value, this was a great spot and I can't wait to come back to try some other items off the menu as well as listen to live music offered a couple of nights a week. It's a little hard to find, a bit hidden from the main drag through old town Oregon City, but worth the effort.
(4)K M.
Solid, but the service is 'hit and miss', not unusual for a new establishment. Food is good (other than no wasabi for the Sashimi, a little odd) and the drinks are ample. I especially appreciate they have 'Crater Lake' vodka, supporting the local boys! The interior is 'first rate' and the decor is very cool, ask about the old bottle collection above the bar. Downtown OC is coming around and 'The Verdict' only enhances it! Over tiem they will earn a couple of more stars!
(3)Tom A.
The OC puts another pin on the dining map with the Verdict. With only a month of regular business under its belt it seems like the place has hit stride and seems to have plenty of lunchtime business without giving off a harried vibe. Other reviewers have complimented the interior but we didn't make it past the tidy front patio on a pleasant July day. At the recommendation of some Yelpers and our waitress, I had fish tacos. They were very nicely done and the fish tasted fresh grilled, not frozen and fried. My cohort had a grilled chicken sandwich that looked awesome and smelled terrific. The menu itself is pregnant with lousy legalese puns but that is a strike that can be forgiven if the goods are delivered. The patio has a view of the classic Clackamas County courthouse and for entertainment there was a steady stream of attorneys, jurors, witnesses and news crews. Both the NBC and the CBS affiliates' reporters were among our fellow diners as the place got a fortunate first-month boost from the faith-healing manslaughter trial across the street. Along the lines of more traditional entertainment, the Verdict has started featuring live music some nights. Deep pockets, solid offerings and good luck are all required to make a go of it in a new restaurant these days and it looks like the Verdict might pass that first 'trial' and continue to 'appeal'. I know, I know. So sue me.
(4)Kari O.
Oregon City is not that far away. I've lived in NYC, Atlanta, San Fran and visited all 50 states. Trust me, driving 20 minutes for a great meal is nothing! The Verdict is a beautiful building outside, step inside and you immediately feel wrapped up in warmth. Speaking of wrapped, you must try the bacon wrapped shrimp. Patio seating plenty and very comfortable. Lots of space to add an extra person or two to your table. Low traffic on the street. The music is piped outside and adds to the experience. Did I mention the bacon wrapped shrimp yet? Inside is inviting and sociable. You can find a cozy nook or feel like it's a bar where everybody knows your name (well in Oregon City they probably do). The menu is a great assortment of prices and tastes. Oh and just in case you want to know a delicious appetizer, the bacon wrapped shrimp is worth every penny. But that's the last reason you should stop by, this place has way to much going on for it to be missed.
(5)T W.
If your just looking for happy hour or cocktails....this is the place to go in OC! However... Looking for a romantic valentines dinner...DO NOT GO HERE! We had a reservation for 6:15 and finally got our food at about 8pm! That is after bugging them and getting up for not only my own water... But I served everyone else water upstairs too! (and no, I did not even get a tip!) the waiter did not write down any orders so everything was wrong and screwed up! We said he needed to fix our check as we were not going to pay full price for this cold messed up food. (keep in mind it was not exactly the waiters fault! He said the owner was too cheap to have more people working that night! I felt bad for the guy!) At first he said what he could do is give us a $20 gift card to come again another time. I laughed and said we would not want that! He finally credited our bill appropriately. And we left in just enough time to get dinner through a drive-thru joint before pickin up our kiddos. If you have about three hours to kill and like cold food not as you ordered it... This is the place for you! Maybe if you have a few cocktails first you will not care about that!
(2)Beverly M.
The Verdict just opened up recently in downtown Oregon City. I stopped in before the Grand Opening and had a glass of wine during the noon hour. It was a very comfortable place for a drink, the wine was good and the staff friendly. So I brought my husband with me during the Grand Opening for dinner. Eventhough it was very busy and a beautiful hot evening with lots of diners on the sidewalk and patio, we sat inside. The food was exceptional! The prices were even better. A couple of weeks later we returned for dinner again. We weren't disappointed. They did mess one thing up on my order but my waitress was very quick to fix it. The steak was done to perfection. I'm sure we will return again and again.
(4)Derek H.
Went there recently for an after dinner drink. The bartending staff were really friendly and the atmosphere was excellent with great music. We did not have food so I can't comment on that, but it's nice to have an upscale place in the heart of O.C.!
(5)Amy D.
Great little place I found when downtown Oregon City. Bonus that it had a half price Yelp deal! Great happy hour food and yummy wine on special. Will return next time I'm in the area.
(4)Marion O.
This is a solid dinner spot in Oregon City. There unfortunately, aren't a lot of option in Oregon City. But for a nice relaxing night out without going into the PDX this is a frequent stop for us. The food is all around good (not spectacular but good) but the menu is a little small and limited. I always get a salad or the fish tacos and am quite happy! What we like best is the atmosphere here. It's nicely lit with lots of dark wood accents. They did a great job of making it feel very jury or lawyer like. The service can be hit and miss depending on what time you go. All around, it's likely a sign of new life in downtown OC and I hope more like it come to the area!
(3)Cari S.
Have been several times and we just keep liking it more and more. Great staff, great look with the step down into dark wood and brick bar, $3 all drinks Thursday and tasty food. The fries are killer! Small menu, but everything we have had has been very tasty and well prepared. Becoming our favorite local place.
(4)Dennis C.
Nice place. We had a group of four that come in 5 minutes before closing. The bartender kept the place open for us for two hours. There was not much menu available because the kitchen staff was off for the night but the bartender was able to put together a few basic appetizers. The food and drinks were good, the atmosphere was great and the service was fantastic. I have heard they have good steaks. I will need to try that next time when we return during normal hours.
(4)Greg B.
This is a perfect night out for those of us that live in the Burbs and don't have enough time or patience to go to downtown Portand. Good drinks and food, we liked the setting and even had some live music.
(5)Ivan V.
Amazing fish tacos!
(5)Chris C.
Appetizers were good, but for a bar, the tap menu was dreadfully small and lacked much of a local selection.
(3)Lyndsey J.
Cute little place in Oregon City. The food was pretty good, not a huge selection but what we had was tasty. Fun outdoor seating and the inside is fun and comfortable too. Drink selection was ok. I would go back again.
(3)Linda W.
Another welcome addition to Oregon City. The bar tenders are friendly, wait staff has been great to us. The food has been consistently good. We like it and will keep going back for more!
(4)J A.
I was soooo disappointed on my last visit to the verdict. It was my birthday and a group of us were laughing and telling jokes, when we went to order the waitress said it sounded like we had already had a few and would only serve us on drink. I have never been cutoff before I have started drinking. Then my drink tasted like the dish water. What a mess, we left and gave our business to the joint across the street.
(1)Sam O.
Went there this evening, and the place was pretty cozy. The food was pretty good, but nothing outstanding. I should give it a 3-star, but the service was really good, and the overall atmosphere was enough to bump it to a 4-star.
(4)Anton P.
This is a great place. My wife and I came here after they just opened after hearing how amazing the food was--well, they didn't let us down. Keep it up!
(5)Heather T.
The food here is delicious. I got the mushroom Swiss burger. It was so flavorful! And the fries were amazing! And Jennifer is wonderful. We really enjoyed joking around with her! We will be going back again!
(5)Trent K.
My wife spent her Saturday a week ago helping her friend look at wedding dresses all over the Portland area. After a very long day they dropped into The Verdict. The waitresses were antagonistic and rude with zero provocation. The staff was way too busy talking (right behind my wife's table) among themselves to be bothered bringing food out before it was cold.
(1)Daniel B.
I really enjoy The Verdict, they have very good food and drinks. Their rotating taps are good quality and micro brews, which is what they should be. The staff is very friendly, and I have enjoyed every visit. Great location in Oregon City especially if you have a court appointment. Would absolutely recommend to anyone in the area.
(5)Kyle A.
Food is average. Fries are bomb. This place doesn't have anything with that "wow" factor that makes me want to go back. Nice little little town bar near the county courthouse.
(3)Curt B.
We called for a reservation for eight, on a Saturday evening,with only about 30 minutes advance notice. It was an emergency because my GF had just discovered that the first place we had selected to meet at was a shithole. I was pretty shocked that they could fit us in. I was also really surprised by the qualify of service we received from the two waitresses that helped us. This is a causal place but I got the distinct impression that the manager puts an emphasis on good service. I realize this is contrary to some of the reviews below so maybe we just got lucky. That said, I can only rate my experience and although I'm normally very picky about service (there's a fine line between attentive and cloying) I honestly can't think of a single thing the servers could have done to improve our experience. I ordered a steak and it was better than I expected. Overall I'd rate the food at 3.5 stars and the service at 5.
(4)Missy R.
Worst service I have ever had. My boyfriend and I went here for anniversary. when we came in the bartender told us we could sit anywhere we wanted to sit so we did. there was two other waitresses who continued to ignore us and take other people's orders who came in after us after waiting 25 minutes nobody even took our drink order. we didn't even get a menu not even acknowledgement. we decided to leave and when we were leaving without being served one of the servers thanked us and told us to have a good night. thank you for the memorable anniversary.
(1)Brian C.
Service is extremely slow!!! Food was OK, far from great. The best part was they accept the passport card buy one get one free.
(2)Mylee K.
Warm, cozy, den-like ambience. My husband was very pleased with his filet mignon. Friendly, but spacey service. Seems like a local hangout that is also targeted toward the courthouse next door (hence "The Verdict" downstairs, "The Holding Cell" above) and is cheerful. We enjoyed watching part of the Ohio/Oregon football game with the Ducks fans. The restaurant piped it outside for walkers-by. It was a big deal. Fun to get to share it while visiting. When in Rome, be a Ducks fan :) Very loud.
(3)