Bistro Maison

Great food, uneven service on a forest fire smoked-out Wed 9/9/2020.

A beautiful, charming spot in the heart of McMinnville. The backyard patio was delightful, surrounded by beautiful plants, trees and flowers and strung lights across the patio. A romantic atmosphere with great service and huge portions of food. I had the Caesar salad and duck confit, both were delicious, although the duck was a little sweeter than I would have typically preferred. My husband had the watermelon salad (so fresh!) and peppered steak (very flavorful). The one thing that could have made our time there better was the music. When we first arrived, they were playing French bistro music, perfect for the setting and really created a special, romantic ambiance. However, after being there for about an hour, they changed the music to more house/dance music. It just felt really out of place for the location and turned down the romantic aspects of the experience. To each his own, I suppose. But personally, we preferred the French music.

Wow- We did not have food this good in Paris. My wife and I found ourselves in McMinnville last night and a friend recommended Bistro Maison. Needless to say it was an amazing experience. I understand that if you are in a hurry this might not be the best recommendation. But if you want to enjoy who you are with and while your taste buds are overwhelmed with delight... Yeah this little bistro is what you are looking for. Carise, our waitress set the stage with a wine sample that could not have been better. After that we put ourselves at her mercy. Letting her know that we share a meal so we can have drinks and dessert. Like I said Wow, She started us off with the Dungeness Crab Cocktail which was to die for. Next the main dish that was large enough for two full portions of Hazelnut Crusted Pork Chops with a Strawberry sauce to die for. Finishing up the evening with Home Made Strawberry Ice cream covered in a dark chocolate drizzle that just about put us into the uncomfortable stage. Amazing Atmosphere - Outstanding Service - Not looking at the Menu when the check came it was 1/2 what I was expecting to pay. Thank You Carise for making our evening fabulous.

I hate to be negative, but our dinner was very disappointing. I understand that things might take a little longer and don't run as smooth, due to COVID, but the food was very dry, took a long time, and service was pretty subpar. The young man working (maybe high school age) was very attentive and the most helpful - he deserves a raise! Great wine list! But for the price of dinner (over $200 with a nice bottle of wine, app and tip) we expected a bit more.

Beautiful space, I love sitting outside on the patio! Fantastic wine list and the food..... Truly outstanding! Everything on the menu is tasty and I love trying the specials but a staple of each visit is the truffle fondue and it will change your life.