Screen Door Pearl District: A Southern Culinary Gem in Portland

Their food is definitely not in question here. I got their chicken and waffles and i was blown away. At first, I was sad because this is one screen door location that wont substitute the sweet potato waffle for a regular waffle. I was hesitant because I had never had a sweet potato waffle before, but let me tell you..... it was the most delicious thing I had ever put in my mouth. And there's something truly incredible about the batter they use for their chicken. Their cinnamon rolls are about the size of your entire hand, so don't get more than one order. The one thing I didnt like was the service. The waitress was doing the best she could, im sure, but it took her 10 minutes just to greet us. I counted a total of two times that she came to the table and I almost had to hunt her down for the check. So, if you're on a time crunch or you're picky about service, dont bother coming here. But if you're able to put up with that, my God, go and get the chicken and waffles.

We recently visited the Screen Door in the Pearl District. We have been going to the original location for as long as memory serves, so walking into this newer space carried both curiosity and familiarity. From the moment we stepped inside, we were impressed. The decor is beautiful, blending Southern charm with subtle hints of French architecture, creating an atmosphere that feels refined yet welcoming. We ordered the mushroom Benedict, which was absolutely delicious. The bitterness of the chard paired perfectly with the rich, velvety hollandaise. In fact, we had to order an extra side of the sauce because it was just that good. Every bite felt thoughtfully balanced, indulgent without being overwhelming. For something sweet, we ordered the s’mores pancakes with chocolate. What stood out most was the restraint. The sweetness was subtle and well measured, allowing the flavors to complement rather than overpower. It was playful, nostalgic, and beautifully executed. As always, Screen Door never disappoints. Whether it is the ambiance, the attentive customer service, or the unforgettable flavors that keep you coming back, they remain consistent in delivering an experience that feels both comforting and elevated. Some places simply maintain their standard. Screen Door continues to rise above it. We look forward to many more visits, whether at the original or here in the Pearl.

Incredible food. Had some family in town for the holidays and we decided on screen door. Little did I know I was about to experience food nirvana. I got the Cajun omelette and my friends and family for other various items off the menu that we passed around for each of us to try. I'm not trying to exaggerate when I say that, every, single, item, was top tier. From the cinnamon bun to the chicken and waffles. There was a level of quality and a mastery of flavor that shined through every item. My family friends and I, left that place in food comas and we couldn't have been more content about the experience.

Yes, the wait was about an hour but we knew that meant it was going to be worth it. The employees were super friendly and welcoming, which made the wait even easier. And oh man, it did not disappoint... We had the fried okra with hot sauce aioli, fried chicken and biscuits, a bloody mary, and orange juice. The fried chicken was UNREAL. Juicy, crispy, everything you dream about. The okra had the perfect crunch and kick, and the bloody mary hit just the right spicy note. If you are in the Pearl District and craving some seriously good Southern comfort food, Screen Door is worth the hype and the wait.

The parking situation is tight. The lighting and ambiance takes you back to 80s and 90s - just magical. The service is quick and you will see staff just whizzing around the space. You can reserve the tables online. Our order included New Orleans red beans over rice with fried chicken thighs, fried catfish, mac n cheese and hush puppies. The hush puppies were airy and deliciously spiced with jalapeños. The beans were luxurious and heavy - the stewed pork really added a rich flavor to it. The fries chicken was outstanding - still juices coming out as I cut through it. Their hot sauce on the counter worked perfectly well with it. The fried catfish was like air - as my wife described it. The remoulade was mustard-y and strong. The breading on it was so good. Mac n cheese was really warm and gooey - the cheese was so creamy. I was craving for some good southern food, and came to the right place.

This was our second visit to Screen Door. I didn't review the first time because if likely to come back I will review the 2nd time; and being local I came back. It was just as awesome as the 1st time! This time we got: Starters: • Warm Cinnamon Rolls • Deep-Fried Okra Mains: • Crispy Chicken Sandwich • Rockfish Po'Boy • Cajun Scramble Drinks: • Sazerac • Marionberry Sour All of it was excellent, but since that won't do, I would highlight the: • Warm Cinnamon Rolls: I dont usually like them, but here they have the perfect fluffiness and warm frosting within. We will always be getting these! • Deep-Fried Okra: So good! • Marionberry Sour: Great flavor and not weak! • Crispy Chicken: These are HUGE pieces! The best! Whew! Way too long of a review, so you should go so you too will have so much to say about Screen Door!

Dining at the Screen Door Restaurant was a delightful experience from start to finish—the food was exceptional and the ambiance perfect. This restaurant exceeded all expectations with its outstanding service and flavorful dishes. The ingredients tasted incredibly fresh, and the chicken and waffles were seasoned to perfection. The staff provided impeccable service, ensuring every detail was handled with care and precision. I highly recommend Screen Door for anyone seeking a phenomenal dining destination.

Aloha, I'm a flight attendant w Delta Air Lines and I recently worked a trip with 3 very seasoned "Senior mamas" who live around the Portland area and they all recommended this place to me and my family... let me say it was def worth the drive! The service, the food and the atmosphere was fantastic, which is rare to find nowadays! Thank you for showing us a good time and for reminding us why Portland is such a vibe! Will def be back! Mahalo Nui Loa!!!