St. John's Kitchen

St. John's Kitchen, located at 9501 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203, is a local establishment offering Chinese and Asian Fusion cuisine. Operating with phone services available at (503) 289-6467 and mobile at +1 503-289-6467, this restaurant caters to the St. Johns neighborhood, primarily serving its patrons through takeout, although a dine-in option is also available.

The environment at St. John's Kitchen is described as a casual eatery, reflecting a practical and no-frills approach to dining. It has been noted for having a "real old school vibe" and a "cozy and quirky ambiance, complete with an abundance of plants," which can give it the feel of "someone's grandma's place." This suggests a comfortable, unpretentious setting rather than an upscale dining experience. While some reports from a single review mention "weird unsanitary looking conditions," this contrasts with the more common positive feedback about the overall cleanliness and inviting nature of the space, indicating a potential outlier experience. The restaurant is generally quite busy, especially with takeout orders, which suggests a focus on efficient service and a steady flow of customers. The atmosphere is geared towards a quick and satisfying meal, whether consumed on-site or taken to go. The limited space or a preference for efficiency may lead to an environment that is primarily focused on serving food promptly rather than extended, leisurely dining.

Service at St. John's Kitchen is generally characterized by its efficiency and speed, particularly for takeout orders. Customers frequently highlight the minimal "wait time if you get the chicken or pork," and the ability to be "in and out in three to four minutes" even when "almost 10 people waiting," indicating a highly dialed-in and rapid service model. The staff's primary focus appears to be on quick order fulfillment, which is a significant advantage for those seeking a fast meal. While some individual feedback has regrettably cited "rude service," this appears to be an isolated comment, as other reviews consistently praise the overall efficiency and the "good people and good service." The emphasis on "to-go service only" by some customers points to the restaurant's strong takeout orientation, suggesting that the in-person dining experience might be more streamlined. For a quick and convenient meal, the service at St. John's Kitchen appears to be a notable strength, ensuring that customers receive their orders promptly.

St. John's Kitchen's features revolve around its menu of Asian comfort foods with Chinese and Korean influences, emphasizing generous portions at reasonable prices. The restaurant is known for its teriyaki dishes, with both chicken teriyaki and orange chicken frequently mentioned. While the chicken teriyaki is often praised for its "perfect sticky rice," "tasty teriyaki sauce," and a "good" basic salad, some minor criticisms exist regarding the chicken's texture, being "a bit too crisp" on the outer edges and "hard to chew." The orange chicken has received mixed reviews; one account describes it as "very over cooked" and lacking "any real pieces of chicken," making it difficult to enjoy. This suggests inconsistency in preparation for certain dishes. However, other customers found the orange chicken to be "very good." Beyond these, popular items include yakisoba and gyoza, which are also often positively reviewed. The menu is diverse, offering various combos like Chicken & Pork Teriyaki, Chicken & Beef Teriyaki, and Chicken & Shrimp Teriyaki. Individual teriyaki options include Chicken, Beef, Pork, Rib, Tofu, and Shrimp Teriyaki. They also offer bowls with different protein choices and various fried rice options like Chicken, Shrimp, Beef, and Pork Fried Rice. Side orders such as egg rolls, mixed veggies, and steamed rice are also available. The generous portions are a consistent highlight for many customers, making it a budget-friendly option. The quality of the rice is often complimented as "so good," which is crucial for Asian cuisine. The availability of sauces for customization, such as spicy or additional teriyaki sauce, is also appreciated for takeout orders. The restaurant also claims to offer many vegetarian options, catering to a wider audience.

Regarding promotional information, St. John's Kitchen primarily promotes itself through its value proposition: generous portions and satisfying food at affordable prices. The "wallet-friendly prices" combined with large serving sizes act as a strong incentive for customers, encouraging repeat business. While specific discount programs or marketing campaigns are not detailed, the high volume of takeout orders and consistent local patronage indicate a successful reliance on word-of-mouth and customer satisfaction. The restaurant's consistent operating hours from 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday through Saturday (closed Sundays), provide a reliable window for ordering. Its strong focus on takeout service, as evident from the busy phone lines for to-go orders, is a key element of its business model. The restaurant also appears to have online ordering capabilities through platforms like FoodBoss and NetWaiter, which enhances convenience and accessibility for customers looking to place orders remotely. For those in the St. Johns neighborhood of Portland seeking a quick, casual, and filling meal with Asian flavors, St. John's Kitchen offers a diverse menu, particularly emphasizing its popular teriyaki dishes, and generally delivers a fast and efficient service experience, making it a convenient local choice.