Thistle,

228 Northeast Evans Street, McMinnville, OR 97128

"This is the best restaurant in Willamette Wine country. They have a limited menu that they execute to perfection. Relaxed, intimate atmosphere. The owner, Patrick, is easy going and welcoming. One of our favorite places to dine!"

"Cozy restaurant in one of the historic buildings in downtown McMinnville. We were worried that we wouldn't get reservations but had no issues on a Wednesday evening. Our expectations were high based on the reviews but we were surprised how good it was. We started with some lovely oysters in a mignonette that really set them off well. Accompanied witth a fresh baked bread We each had the fish entree for our main course- it was perfectly cooked and paired with a unique cucumber sauce that really made a nice contrast to the fish. We had gone for a long bike ride that day so we decided to share a plate of gnocchi. I was so glad we did because it was the best I've had since a trip to Italy. Definitely recommend you make the call to eat at Thistle when you are in town."

"I have been around and had many great meals, Thistle can run with the best of them. I recommend ordering as much as you can eat. Patrick has been our server the two times we have dined here and he is 10/10. Worth every penny. Thank you"

"This is a treasure of a restaurant in McMinnville. My wife and I stayed 3 nights in McMinnville and we ate two nights in a row, if that says anything at all about the food. First, the cocktails that we had really hit the spot after 2 long days. We had their cocktail called Brooklyn #2. It was so good that I had 2 the first night and 2 of the same the 2nd night. Well, maybe I had 3 on the second evening, truth be told. They were excellent and quite boozy, which we both enjoyed. My wife, who loves rye, also shared in her enjoyment of the Brooklyn #2 both nights that we visited the fine establishment, as well. My mouth watered at the foie gras and it was justifiably so. The foie gras was so very satisfying. I thought of just ordering another and not ordering an entrée, but I thought that I should try other foods there, as well. My wife had the Pork Rillettes and graciously shared it with me. This is one of two dishes that we ordered 2 nights in a row. It was out-freaking-standing. I'm not a pork fan at all, but the Pork Rillettes had such incredibly deep flavor. The mustards and pickles complimented the Pork Rillettes in such a way, that I also thought of ordering another simply because the flavors almost left you instantly addicted. However, I succumbed to the logic that I should partake in moderation and left it at that. Additionally, we had the Rockfish entrée both evenings that we visited, which had a few different levels of flavors that taught me a valid and valuable lesson that fish dishes can taste every bit as good as any ol' solid beef dish, and even better. The Rockfish dish had pearl couscous that bursts with flavor in the mouth, and the combo of fennel and citrus left my mouth salivating for more. I was amazed and frankly, shocked, by the incredibe flavors from this Rockfish dish that I would not have been caught dead eating just a few years ago. Thistle taught me a few things during our two visits. #1 Don't be closed minded about pork because it might prove to be something that you really enjoy. #2 Little cocktails can be every bit as satisfying as the bigger cocktails. #3 Their fish dishes can make a lasting impression that compels one to come back as soon as possible. #4 -the most obvious and the most important- You can tell that the good folks at Thistle REALLY enjoy what they do because it is quite evident in the food that they prepare and share with their customers. I just want to thank them for taking so much joy in doing what they do and translating that joy into such wonderfully flavored and pleasing food(s). We will definitely be back."