TripAdvisor Traveler Rating based on
274 reviews
A winner of The Oregonian’s Restaurant of the Year award, this chic American eatery with attached bar delivers outstanding service and delicious, locally sourced food in a vintage space.
TripAdvisor
Patrick , new owner, and his talented chef & staff, prepare exquisite entrees, we had a delightful evening in McMinnville, so glad we chose Thistle. We ate there during previous ownership, Perhaps a struggle through Covid but this restaurant is a top choice for discerning foodies.
We dined here in 2018 and liked it enough to go back in our trip July 2022. What a difference. It’s run down and dirty. In fact, I’ve seen cleaner bathrooms at roadside gas stations. I’m talking downright filthy. Extremely limited menu and wine options (choice of 3 very mediocre mains and 3 wines). As there are 2 of us we tried two mains and portions were small, overpriced and good but not great. Also charged for very ordinary bread. I think this place coasting on previous reputation. Needs a major revamp or throw in the towel There are many other superior restaurants in Willamette valley. Skip this one
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!!!!!!!
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!!!