Xlb

I've been wanting to go to XLB since moving to Portland. I was pleasantly surprise! They have a pretty simple menu with pictures, which allows you to make your choices pretty fast. The chili shrimp wontons and 5 spice popcorn chicken were my favorite. The spicy level is minimal in the wontons, wished it was spicier. Maybe you can ask for a spicier level? Has great overall flavor though. I was very excited for the the soup dumplings. They had a great flavor, however, the dough felt thick and chewy. Also, three of the soup dumplings were stuck to the bottom and ripped. R.I.P soup! They have plenty of indoor seating and approximately 5 tables outside. The staff/service was superb. I went on a Thursday evening and sat outside, beating the dinner rush. It got busy right after I arrived. Highly recommended going during the week. I will definitely be back to try the rest if the menu!

As a new Portlander and former Seattleite, I wasn’t impressed with the soup dumplings at XLB, but everything else was super tasty. Great spot to share plates with your group, fun atmosphere and cute dining room. Nice cocktails too! I think I prefer duck house for the variety of the menu, but the vibe here is definitely more curated and enjoyable. XLB will be a regular thing for us as we live close, I’m excited for some cozy fall vibes with a cup of tea in the dining room. You have to get the green beans and some bao, I also really loved the beef ho fun. I’m excited to try the popcorn chicken and the eggplant next time but I’ll be skipping the xiao long bao.

If you want flavorful dumplings, and the crispiest five spice chicken this is the place to go. The xiao long bao, and chili shrimp wontons were a favorite for my whole group. I personally enjoyed the Five spice chicken but I know it’s not a favorite for everyone. The long beans and the spinach were alright. No matter how busy this place gets the staff are always kind and helpful. This place gets BUSY. Therefore I highly recommend going during the week and avoid lunch hours or the weekends if you’re not willing to wait. There is outdoor and indoor seating. My recommendations: Entrees: xiao long bao, chili shrimp wontons, Shanghai noodles, five spice chicken (if you like five spice) Side: pickled cucumbers Photos taken by me

I adored the service. Everyone was so kind and helpful and ready and willing to do work. We wanted a slushie but it wasn't fully iced yet and we were told if it was finished by the time we leave we could have one on the house! Super nice I think this is a 4.5 for me. Specifically because the food seemed toned down a little. For example the chili sauce wasnt too spicy at all, the dumplings were a tiny bit bland. But on the other hand the noodles were delicious and flavorful. Shrimp noodles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Xlb ⭐⭐⭐⭐