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Jake's Famous Crawfish

Jake's Famous Crawfish, 401 SW 12th Ave, Portland

4.7
RESTAURANT RATING: 
WONDERFUL
4.7 out of 5 (226 Ratings)
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About Jake's Famous Crawfish
The Spotlight on Jake's Famous Crawfish

Historic Seafood Dining Just Steps from Portland’s Music Scene

Jake's Famous Crawfish is a classic Portland seafood restaurant located in the heart of downtown, just a short walk from some of the city’s most iconic music venues. Housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century building, Jake’s blends historic charm with upscale comfort, making it a go-to spot for locals and travelers alike. With a menu focused on fresh Pacific Northwest seafood, rotating daily specials, and a vintage bar that exudes old-school elegance, it’s a timeless choice for pre-concert dining.

Why Concert-goers love it

Its prime location in downtown Portland means you can enjoy a leisurely dinner and still make it to your show on time. Jake’s is known for its efficient service, even during busy hours, making it a smart pick for those with a tight schedule. The classic ambiance and low background noise levels also create a great environment for conversation before heading into a louder venue. If you're looking to start your night off right, their full-service bar and happy hour menu offer a relaxed, lively space to grab a drink before the music starts.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking for a quality meal before a night out
  • Solo travelers catching a show and wanting a welcoming, bar-side dinner
  • Couples making a romantic evening of it with white tablecloth dining
  • Fans seeking a lively but comfortable pre-show atmosphere
  • Budget-conscious music lovers taking advantage of the happy hour specials

What People Say

Reviews frequently praise the restaurant’s exceptional seafood quality, particularly the Dungeness crab and cedar plank salmon. Diners love the historic vibe and attentive, knowledgeable staff. Many mention it’s an ideal spot for a special occasion or night out, with a menu that balances classic dishes and seasonal offerings. The cocktail menu and wine selection also get high marks.

Areas for Improvement

Some guests note that it can get busy during peak dinner hours, so reservations are recommended—especially before a concert. Others have mentioned that while the menu is extensive, prices may be a bit high for those on a strict budget, though happy hour is a great workaround.

The Bottom Line

For concert-goers looking for a mix of Portland history, top-notch seafood, and a convenient downtown location, Jake's Famous Crawfish hits all the right notes.

Average Price
$30 and under
Cuisine
Seafood
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Opening Hours
Lunch
Daily 11:30 am-3:30 pm
Happy Hour
Daily 3:00 pm-6:00 pm
Dinner
Mon-Thu, Sun 3:30 pm-9:00 pm
Fri, Sat 3:30 pm-10:00 pm

Jake's Famous Crawfish Customer Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Exceptional (5 out of 5)

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5

Exceptional - 5 out of 5

David, Longview Thu, 20 September 2018

Liked: Service and food were excellent. Halibut Cheeks and chowder were first class.

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Jake's Famous Crawfish is #28 of 3965 things to do in Portland

5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: holiday_routine56
Mon 24 Mar, 2025
l Jake’s has a lively happy hour daily with discounted appetizers and wines. The calamari was superbly and lightly fried. The crab dip was also excellent. Unfortunately none of the beers are...

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5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: Debra R, Tysons Corner, Virginia
Wed 13 Nov, 2024
l Dinner at Jake's certainly fit our preferences well. The seafood was delicious as were the cocktails, wine, and desserts. The service was impeccable. We had reservations; however, they were not...

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4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: Tiffany H
Thu 7 Nov, 2024
l More for a special occasion type of night out, because of the prices. We celebrated our 10th anniversary; like we had the previous five, it's become a tradition. We had the oysters, crab cakes, and...

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Jake's Famous Crawfish 401 SW 12th Ave, Portland