July 23- Absolutely amazing. Patrick and team provided an excellent experience and the food was divine. Had the pork and the rock fish with oyster appetizer and the berry mousse for dessert. Could not have asked for anything more - everything was exceptional. Thank you Patrick and team!!
Consistently amazing food, wine, and cocktails. I could eat here every day.
This is a treasure of a restaurant in McMinnville. My wife and I stayed 3 nights in McMinnville and we ate two nights in a row, if that says anything at all about the food.First, the cocktails that we had really hit the spot after 2 long days. We had their cocktail called Brooklyn #2. It was so good that I had 2 the first night and 2 of the same the 2nd night. Well, maybe I had 3 on the second evening, truth be told. They were excellent and quite boozy, which we both enjoyed. My wife, who loves rye, also shared in her enjoyment of the Brooklyn #2 both nights that we visited the fine establishment, as well.My mouth watered at the foie gras and it was justifiably so. The foie gras was so very satisfying. I thought of just ordering another and not ordering an entrée, but I thought that I should try other foods there, as well.My wife had the Pork Rillettes and graciously shared it with me. This is one of two dishes that we ordered 2 nights in a row. It was out-freaking-standing. I'm not a pork fan at all, but the Pork Rillettes had such incredibly deep flavor. The mustards and pickles complimented the Pork Rillettes in such a way, that I also thought of ordering another simply because the flavors almost left you instantly addicted. However, I succumbed to the logic that I should partake in moderation and left it at that.Additionally, we had the Rockfish entrée both evenings that we visited, which had a few different levels of flavors that taught me a valid and valuable lesson that fish dishes can taste every bit as good as any ol' solid beef dish, and even better. The Rockfish dish had pearl couscous that bursts with flavor in the mouth, and the combo of fennel and citrus left my mouth salivating for more. I was amazed and frankly, shocked, by the incredibe flavors from this Rockfish dish that I would not have been caught dead eating just a few years ago.Thistle taught me a few things during our two visits. #1 Don't be closed minded about pork because it might prove to be something that you really enjoy. #2 Little cocktails can be every bit as satisfying as the bigger cocktails. #3 Their fish dishes can make a lasting impression that compels one to come back as soon as possible. #4 -the most obvious and the most important- You can tell that the good folks at Thistle REALLY enjoy what they do because it is quite evident in the food that they prepare and share with their customers. I just want to thank them for taking so much joy in doing what they do and translating that joy into such wonderfully flavored and pleasing food(s). We will definitely be back.
We booked months in advanced … traveled to McMinnville from California. We arrived at the restaurant to find a small note stating closed tonight for dinner due to extreme heat ….. the restaurant never reached out to us with their plans to close …. We were extremely disappointed and had to scramble to find a place to eat at 8pm …. Warning !!! After reading reviews appears they have a habit of closing their door ….. with no warning …. Find another place to eat in McMinnville!!!!!!!
Had a delightful meal with great service. Enjoyed perfect gnocchi, rockfish, beet salad, and cocktails. Making it a fixture of every future visit.
Thistle is a restaurant that places all its bets on the cuisine it serves. Honestly, it is not quite a dump, it was comfortable. But it's the food that should be your focus here. Delicious, prepared with excellence and taste. Not overblown or pretentious. Presentation was perfect as was the service.
Call the restaurant. Make a reservation. Don't think twice. This was the best meal we had on a five day trip that included some very popular and well reviewed other restaurants in the area. The menu is focused and excellent. The wine program is a lovely approach. Patrick's cocktails are as good as any I've had. Anywhere. When we went it was packed, on a Wednesday night. There are few tables, so definitely call ahead. If the rabbit is on the menu, order it!!!
First, the restaurant was freezing. We had to have coats and scarves on throughout the meal. We ordered a potato tart for me and rockfish for my partner. Although both dishes were adequately prepared, the portions were appetizer sized with no accompaniments. I had a small slice of potato tart with a teaspoon of pesto. However, the prices were super sized!We're now back in our hotel enjoying a whiskey and warmth never to return to Thistle!A note about service: our server was attentive.As to ambiance, the clean up noise was appallinggushing of clea
Delicious & unique. Will have to return for the Summer menu! Patrick, and his crew, were delightful. We were so pleased that we picked that place for supper!
Hmmm...still trying to figure out this place. It seems to be the anti-restaurant restaurant. It was either purposely designed to look old and worn or it was just old and worn. I couldn't quite tell. I think the theme is farm to table in a non-pretentious atmosphere, but in trying so hard to look down-to-earth, i think they miss the point entirely. A restaurant should also be comfortable, one should be able to read the menu, sit in comfortable chairs, eat reasonable portions, understand the menu without asking, etc. Portions are not entrees, everything is appetizer sized, very few bites to each meal. Perhaps that is intentional, like a Spanish Tapas restaurant. Was the cuisine good? yes it was very good, but I left feeling uninspired and still trying to figure out why.