Growing up, my family’s birthday tradition included going out to dinner at the restaurant of the birthday girl’s choice. My choices, however, were limited. My birthday, January 1, is on a day when many places are closed, especially when I was little. But a few great places still served dinner, one of which was Jake’s Famous Crawfish. Lucky me! This Rose City seafood mecca has been serving crawfish and other ocean delicacies since 1892. My birthday dinners included shrimp cocktails, warm sourdough bread, plates of salmon, and the iconic restaurant’s famous chocolate truffle cake for dessert.

So, this long-time Portland seafood joint has lots of happy birthday memories for me. I still go there with my family for special occasions. But what I love best is that my parents and I often stop in for the fabulous happy hour in the gorgeous bar. Not only is the atmosphere, food, and service amazing, but it’s also a great deal, with steep discounts on delicious items like popcorn shrimp, fish tacos, and burgers. Even better, it feels like my birthday each and every time we go!

Jake's Famous Crawfish is a Portland landmark, located on the corner of Southwest 12th Avenue and Southwest Harvey Milk Street.
Sarah Vanbuskirk
Every meal here is special, whether it's a birthday or not.
Sarah Vanbuskirk
The door to the bar is right on the corner. The main restaurant entrance is just up the block.
Sarah Vanbuskirk
Walking into Jake's Famous Crawfish's bar is like stepping back in time.
Sarah Vanbuskirk
The bartender makes a mean lemon drop—one of my favorite cocktails.
Sarah Vanbuskirk

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One of my family's favorite things to order is the delicious prawn cocktail. It's the best in town.
Sarah Vanbuskirk
The bar is a feast for the eyes, from the evocative paintings and rich woodwork to the stunning stained glass wine cabinet covered in a grape motif.
Sarah Vanbuskirk
One of our favorite happy hour items is the fish tacos. I also love the Oregon Bay shrimp louie salad.
Sarah Vanbuskirk
When we dine in the main restaurant, I usually get the steelhead ... but everything is fabulous.
Sarah Vanbuskirk
Jake's Famous Crawfish is one of my favorite family traditions!
Sarah Vanbuskirk
My biggest problem is usually saving room for dessert.

For more information about this hidden gem in Oregon, visit the Jake’s Famous Crawfish website. And if you are looking for even more things to do in Portland, check out Viator for a little inspiration.

Whether you eat in one of the main dining rooms (we always ask for a booth) or spot in at the bar, we’d love to know how you enjoyed your visit, so please leave a comment. Also, feel free to share your favorite celebratory spots in Oregon we should check out next.

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Jake's Famous Crawfish, 401 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205, USA