Larks Kitchen & Cocktails

I did a few smaller seminars here this week and this restaurant is phenomenal. The atmosphere is beautifully decorated, the food was delicious, the staff were so helpful and accommodating. I can’t wait to come back!! They have a great private area for presentations I used behind the bar. It was quiet and very roomy.

Larks is a nice and clean place with a 60's/70's theme. The staff was very nice and we where seated right away for a party of 3. Once seated our waiter was very nice and explained to us about the night's specials. However once we ordered I noticed that we did wait a little longer that I felt was acceptable. What we had ordered was the southern fried chicken with bacon gravy and mashed potatoes with green beans, the Cioppino soup and the nightly special soul with asparagus and tomato risotto. The fried chicken was moist but lacking flavor along with the mashed potatoes was plain. The only thing the potatoes had going for it was the gravy mixed with the potatoes made it taste better. The green beans where overcooked which made it limp and only a hint of flavor. The Cioppino again was flavorless. I couldn't taste any seasoning and the seafood for the most part was tasteless, I guess that's why the put a huge portion of greens on top of my soup. Very disappointed because that is one of my favorite Italian dishes. And last the special of the night the soul was very greasy, so much that there was a pool of oil on the side of the plate. Again a mound of greens on the plate. I guess to hide the flavorless food?? Please don't get me wrong everyone there is super nice and very attentive to you. I also have been there many times for lunch and it always have been delicious so we thought we would try it for dinner and it turned out to be a let down.

In the mood for cocktails, smooth tones and flawless guitar tunes? Then drop by Inn at the Commons for happy hour from 4:30pm and try this thirst-quenching colourful creation by bartender/manager Jordan. I was enjoying Georgia on My Mind performed by Paul Turnipseed in the lounge at Larks Restaurant when I got my first taste of Jordan's own version of the humble G&T crafted with Oregon Aviation gin and Fevertree tonic, slices of citrus and a 'tastes-like-purple' flower. (Your flower may differ, but it will be edible.) A selection of local and highly regarded wines are offered by the glass, as well as signature cocktails for something to put Spring in your step. The bar snacks are tasty and the dinner menu is more than a cut above most if you fancy staying. Paul leaves at 6:30 to get to his next gig, so get in early. But don't take our seats, please! We love meeting friends here to soak up the music in the stunning 60's interior. Maybe that's what inspires Jordan to recreate classic cocktails with a uniquely Oregonian flair.

This is a weird place, I feel like it's a dirty, failed cocktail lounge out of the 70s. But the food was fantastic! I recommend it, as it was fun, easy and good food. The waitress mentioned it was a "Farm to Table" kitchen. I ordered a burger and it was cooked perfectly. My girlfriend ordered scallops and she said they were cooked great as well.