Fife Restaurant

Finally made it to Fife after driving by it several times, thinking: we should go there some day. Located on lower Freemont this restaurant has great ambiance and is helping revive a pretty cool old neighborhood. Unfortunately all was not good on this night. The cocktails were uninspired. The Ruby Rose - fresh squeezed ruby grapefruit and vodka in a sugared martini glass, $8 - was watery and tasteless and the Loretto County Orange - Maker's Mark and Frangelico with fresh orange juice, $8 was overpowering. For an appetizer, I chickened out on the fried livers and went with the Split Pea soup, $7, while the hint of lime made it refreshing it was a little unwelcome twist on a classic. The Maryland style crab cakes, $9 were nice and loaded with crab. Then there was an hour wait for the entree. To her credit the hostess did come by to tell us the kitchen was going through some growing pains. The Monk fish with lentils, $18 was excellently prepared and well presented. I had asked that the Hanger Steak, $24, be cooked to medium, although the waitress recommended medium rare. She won out and brought it undercooked.

The wine list was pleasant with good descriptions and fairly reasonably priced, with a couple of good values in the mix. Unfortunately, the long wait and indifferent service will not afford Fife a return visit.

Hours of Operation:
Tuesday-Thursday - 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Friday-Saturday - 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

4440 NE Freemont St.
Portland, OR 97213
Phone: 971.222.3433
info@fiferestaurant.com