The Bite of Oregon

This was a fantastic event! I went alone but next time will bring a group and do the wine tasting first before tasting food: they have these great glasses that hang around your neck and I would love my friends to join me next time.

Aww, why so many one star reviews, Portland? I’m not sure how much the event cost if you didn’t participate in the Providence Bridge Pedal (free entrance for participants), but as a first-​timer, it wasn’t the worst thing ever. We went straight for the Chef’s Table which features several booths from some local restaurants that served up a sampling of their dishes for $ 5 each small plate. I think they were a good size considering it was meant to be a sample and not a whole meal (there’s other vendors for that). Plus, good quality ingredients cost a bit more– I think patrons forget that when they complain about the pricing. The location by the water is nice, but they could’ve provided more areas to sit in the shade, and the dirt was kind of annoying. Surprisingly, the port-​o-​potties were the cleanest port-​o-​potties I’ve ever used. We bought jam, mustards, and fun shirts as gifts from other vendors. I’ve experienced it once, but don’t think I’ll pay to get in in the future. Thanks to those who went through the trouble of putting it together and to those happy people who provided us food for our bellies.

It’s all changed, as things do.
The Bite used to be this chill little street thing with paper cups of food samples, street performers, not crowded and free admission.
My, how you’ve grown.
Although this is certainly not your father’s Bite (and I oughta know), I still think PDXrs should give it a whirl. Yeah, you’re gonna pay to get in, pay more for the food and yet more for the beer or wine. One thing; they have graduated from cups with food to small plates, raising prices accordingly.
Although all things #PAF is Anna’s turf, I would put it on the list if I could.
It’s been around a long time, it supports Special Olympics and it’s a good chance to try some things at a lesser price.

I’m so sad because I get so excited for the Bite. I’ve gone to the Seattle Bite for years and I was stoked that I was able to check out Portland. I was SO disappointed. There weren’t very many vendors and the «bites» were overpriced. I doubt I’ll make another attempt at the Bite next year.
The highlights? It was practically empty so no line at the beer garden, the music and people watching was entertaining and the chicken bacon waffle (can’t remember from what restaurant) was on point.
I’ll be heading back to the Seattle Bite until P town can get it together.

This event was a real disappointment. It was billed as small plates, tastes of the best Oregon has to offer. Instead, we paid regular to expensive restaurant prices plus admission fees for fake cheese, over-​done ribs, and poor wine. We will not be going back. The only good note is that it supports Special Olympics, though from the level of misrepresentation on their website, I’m not sure of that.

Huge disappointment expected small bites from some of Portland’s best restaurants. Instead it was state fair quality and not even that good. One star is because Unilocal won’t let you leave no stars. Huge ripoff.

We went to the Bite knowing it had become more commercialized in recent years, but wanting to support Special Olympics and enjoy some good food. With that mentality, we enjoyed ourselves. The price to get in is a a low price compared to many similar events. Inside, many cocktails, wines and beers go for $ 5-​$ 7, also reasonable for this type of event. The music, demonstrations/​competitions are free, though some are more entertaining than others. The downside really is that the food is too often full-​priced and not «bites» at all, which is disappointing that they continually receive that feedback yet vendors keep coming back with their full-​sized portions and prices. Koi with their $ 9 burger, but they did bring a $ 4 quesadilla. Some places did a better job with sliders, and smaller food options like Doug Fir. The Chefs table is the best part– several tasty options, with local ingredients, each at $ 5. The Tex-​mex corn was delicious at $ 4, and ice cream topped the meal off. It’s worth checking out, if you’re willing to hunt for your bites, bypass the fullpriced meals, and avoid people trying to advertise or sell you things.

decent food festival in downtown. had the duck with blueberry compote and cheese and bacon panini from the chefs table. was so-​so, much better food available in PDX restaurants in general. Ice cream from the Portand creamery was average as well.

Went today w/​my son & both service pups. At the gate I was questioned to their status, which I informed security they were service dogs. The security lady then says, «show me one of their services»…I was really taken aback. I then had to inform her that I’d have to have a seizure for her to see my dog perform. I also had their cards to verify their registrations. She then waved us on. Shortly after walking around, we were stopped by 2 more security staff members once again asking to the status of the dogs. The one security man becomes suspicious after I tell him we were already cleared to enter. He then also asks what do the dogs «perform» & then tells me that having a dog for seizures is a «comfort dog» and not a service dog. He continues to argue & verbally batter me, telling me he can show me on his computer I don’t know what I’m talking about. I ask him if he has a medical license to diagnose people with disabilities? I also offered to show him the dogs registration, which he refuses to look at. He indicates we should leave as we’re not authorized to be at the event. I went to main tent to find assistance & quickly the head of security came. She listened to our story & brought the man forward to apologize to us, which he did. I’m really disappointed that an event to raise money for Special Olympians, i.e. people with disabilities would verbally batter & harass an attendee. I won’t ever attend this event again. I do appauld the head of security for addressing this matter quickly & professionally. I do give a thumbs down to the security staff overall in their lack of sensitivity & should review the ADA, especially in light of an event that supports the disabled. Shame on you.

I have lived in Portland long enough to remember the very first Bite of Oregon — before Pioneer Courthouse Square even existed. It truly was a «bite» feast. All of the top restaurants at the time put out tables with little paper cups for a «bite» of their famous cuisines at a mere «0.25 — $ 0.50 per bite. The free event took place on closed-​off Broadway. There were street entertainers, not big musical groups. As bites became plates then platters, and prices went through the roof for what became mediocre food at best, I stopped attending this event. I suppose small plates are a token to the original Bite, but not enough to lure me back to this now over-​priced, over-​hyped and — IMHO — under-​performing event. Oh for the good old days.

Portion sizes were to be desired for the price these vendors charged, especially in addition to the $ 15 entrance fee. Wish they had gone with the token system beer fest uses.
Some vendors were good. Some… ehh. A hit or miss I suppose. The alligator jerky was interesting, and the Reisling wine in the wine garden was good. Yum!

It’s not the cheapest however the price is well justified to support the special Olympics.
I just wished there were more «bite» sized options. There were a few who did the $ 4 small plates, but other vendors sold regular portions which doesn’t allow us to get a bite elsewhere. With the name I’d think it was an opportunity to grab a bite of a few selections.
Those food trucks that come just to sell their normal food is kind of pointless. Like others have said why pay the entrance fee when you can order from the trucks on any other day… However IF those trucks offered a special bite sized menu then that would be totally understandable and appreciated!
Drinks were great! I was able to try samples here and there of different wines and ciders (I prefer wine and cider) at a reasonable amount at around $ 2 per tastings. They have good selections of beer too.

This is my third year going to the Bite.
Pro’s: Supports a great cause, as other reviewers have mentioned, special olympics. There is also a nice assortment of wines, food, and vendors. A chance to talk to wine vendors from places you might not otherwise visit. You can check out the food choices; everything from tacos to alligator and the chef’s special preparations. Some really neat vendors worth checking out, some really great local companies I would not have been introduced to, otherwise.
Con’s: definitely expensive and cash only. I think people forget that they’re supporting special olympics. That even the overpriced food vendors had to pay a spot to be there, which all goes back to Special Olympics.
Tip: Go the first day with 2 for 1 admissions, or check out groupon for tickets. But Ill definitely be going back next year.

This was my second year attending Bite. My first was 2012 just after I moved from San Diego. San Diego can be pricey, so I was used to living on the cheap. I think that’s why I didn’t enjoy the event as much two years ago. The thing about the bite is that you have to be willing to spend money to really enjoy it. But… all proceeds benefit the Special Olympics, which is why I was completely willing to hit up the ATM and eat this year. What I would have given 2 stars two years ago is now a 4.
I like that the Chef’s Table highlights local Oregon foods and that in general their dishes are pretty good. We purchased 5 tickets for tastings plates this year ($ 20) and split them. This was enough to fill us both up, with room for beverages. I purchased a wine class (proceeds also benefit the Special Olympics) and tried Crater Lake Cellars from Shady Cove and Nectar Creek Mead. The wine was decent. The mead was excellent. Purchased a glass from Southwest Wine Collective… was delicious. I also tried all the seasonal cider from Two Towns Ciderhouse… yum!
We watched part of a cooking competition and all of one of the bartending one. relatively entertaining. Foster Farms tried to have me take a picture with their chicken cutouts for a free hat… turned them down on that. Learned about the Polar Plunge and how you can fund raise and take part without actually having to jump in the freezing water in February. Hit up the first aid tent for a Bandaid when Ben cut his toe.
Overall it was a really fun night. I’ll be going back next year!

I was a bit disappointed with this hyped event. I’m new to Portland, and was looking forward to trying out many of the local eats. Unfortunately this is not an event where you’ll be able to do that. First off, it gets expensive. You pay $ 5 to get in (not too bad, or so it seems). You stop at the first booth and realize that everything is over $ 4. Seems cheap, but I did say OVER $ 4. Some places even have their cheapest item at $ 7. So if you want to taste even 3 places, you’re talking over $ 30 already with drinks.
In addition, you’re not able to actually have a bite of different places unless you have a bottomless pit for a stomach or are a millionaire or both. Most places give you huge portions, meaning you’ll be full after your first or second stop. If it’s called a bite of Oregon I would expect small bites to be able to taste a wide variety of things.
All that being said, the food overall was very good (at the couple of tents we stopped at). The live entertainment was decent and the few interactive tents were fun. It was an interesting experience, but I probably wouldn’t go back next year.

The food samples weren’t great ! It was a disappointment.
The wine and beer made up for it .
But definitely not worth it.

I am a little irritated to find out about the 2 for $ 5 deal that other Unilocalers were talking about, as both my boyfriend and I both paid ten dollars admissions. It was very crowded on the day we went and in terms of restaurants that came out to promote their businesses… we were not impressed. The music was also terrible, but I guess we didn’t come for the music. Ended up just grabbing a gyro and hummus from one of the vendors and sat down at a dirty table to eat. Remember to bring cash, as most of the vendors only accepted cash at this event. Was it worth the admissions price to get in? Hell no.

Very little to do only thing worth seeing is chef’s table. Still expensive for $ 5 to get in event to pay $ 4 for a tiny plate of food. There weren’t many free samples at all. There were tons of food trucks selling their food at normal prices, I don’t need to pay $ 5 to get in this event when I can see the trucks any other time.
Event has gone downhill. Better if I saved took my money to food cart festival, vegetarian fest or beer fest. Worth my money.

This event have gone downhill. A shitshow.
I hope the organizers will wake up soon. I can get better food at a Saturday sampling at Costco and feel full afterwards.
Don’t waste your time here.

I actually had a really good time at Bite this year. I stocked up on free samples, freeing up most of my cash for alcohol. I went with some friends, and we tried an amazing sangria, some wine slushy, and some really fruity red wine. I caved and also bought some yakisoba, which was so plentiful I couldn’t even finish my plate. To be honest, the yakisoba was meh. I should have tried one of the other booths, which were all very popular but had longer lines.
I got a deep tan, sampled everything from peanut butter to army-​made chili to veggie burgers to fudge. My tan at the end of the day was radiant and my tummy was full. Thank you sunshine + Bite!